The Angel Stone by Juliet Dark
Ballantine Books, 2013
Fantasy; 321 pgs
Just a warning: If you haven't read the first two books in the trilogy, and plan to, please do not read the summary from the publisher. It contains spoilers. I tried to keep spoilers out of my actual ramblings about the book.
From the Publisher:
For Callie McFay, a half-witch/half-fey professor of folklore and Gothic literature, the fight to save the enchanted town of Fairwick, New York, is far from over. After a hostile takeover by the Grove—a sinister group of witches and their cohorts—many of the local fey have been banished or killed, including Callie’s one true love. And in place of the spirit of tolerance and harmony, the new administration at Fairwick College has fostered an air of danger and distrust.
With her unique magical abilities, Callie is the only one who can rescue her friends from exile and restore order to the school—a task that requires her to find the Angel Stone, a legendary talisman of immense power. Propelled on an extraordinary quest back to seventeenth-century Scotland, Callie risks her life to obtain the stone. Yet when she encounters a sexy incarnation of her lost love, she finds the greater risk is to her heart. As the fate of Fairwick hangs in the balance, Callie must make a wrenching choice: reclaim a chance for eternal passion or save everything she holds dear.
I think I was actually purring when I read the final line of this book. I really didn't want it to end, but, at the same time, the ending was so very satisfying. I fell in love with the Fairwick Chronicles with the very first book, The Demon Lover. The second book in the series, The Water Witch was quite different from the first, but still very enjoyable. This third book is a combination of the first and the second, and was just as good.
I admit to being a bit leery for all the obvious reasons when I realized Callie would be going back in time to 1659 in The Angel Stone. But I was sufficiently impressed with the way the author handled it, and even came to enjoy my time in the past. Now I want to go back and start the trilogy over again as I imagine it will be a slightly different reading experience knowing now what I didn't know when I first read the books.
I am not sure what to say that I have not already said about these books. They are the ultimate comfort reads, full of magic, mythical creatures, action, mystery, and heart melting (at least for me) romance. Callie is such an interesting character, someone who learns more about herself with each novel and grows as a character. I would love to sit in one of her classes. The topics she teaches just fascinate me.
I really like the way the author weaves mythology into the setting of a small college town. The list of mythical creatures is quite long, admittedly. They do not always getting along well with the other "races"--and even among themselves.
The Fairwick Chronicles have everything I enjoy in a trilogy, and I hope this won't be the last we see of the town or its people, even if not these same characters.
Rating: 
(Very Good +)
(Very Good +)
To learn more about Carol Goodman/Juliet Dark and her books, please visit the author's website.
Source: I received an e-copy of this book for review from the publisher via NetGalley.
Source: I received an e-copy of this book for review from the publisher via NetGalley.
© 2013, Wendy Runyon of Musings of a Bookish Kitty. All Rights Reserved. If you're reading this on a site other than Musings of a Bookish Kitty or Wendy's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.
I need of a good comfort read, I'll be sure to keep a look out for these in the hope they'll also have me purring.
ReplyDeleteTracy - I really enjoyed these books--they are the perfect comfort reads. :-)
DeleteSounds like a good trilogy. I like the cover of this one.
ReplyDeleteSerena - I really enjoyed the books. I don't re-read books often, but I can see myself re-reading this trilogy.
DeleteI've read 3 books by Goodman. I liked The Lake of Dead Languages the best. Haven't read anything by her for a couple of years or more, but will look into this trilogy. Thanks for the heads up!
ReplyDeleteJenclair - I haven't read any of her books under her other name, but I have The Lake of Dead Languages on my TBR shelf to try. I've heard such good things about it.
DeleteI was interested in the second book for its cover, so the third book has confirmed that for me. Though I do like the plot too (probably just as well!) I'm actually really interested in what you've said about the last line, a really satisfactory ending is such a great thing.
ReplyDeleteCharlie - The covers for the books are beautifully done, I think. I thoroughly enjoyed these books and am quite satisfied with the ending. :-)
DeleteThe cover for this book is beautiful! I did want to request it, but I'm actually on a ban.
ReplyDeleteMelinda - I am on a ban right now too. Luckily, I requested this one before I started said ban. But I understand. I won't even visit the NetGalley sight these days, afraid of temptation.
DeleteIf it left you purring it must be good :)
ReplyDeleteStacy - I thought so. :-)
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