Stone Heart

Every once in awhile a character comes along that is remarkable for the depth and charisma he or she possesses. The sheer presence of the character is enough to compel readers to continue reading the story regardless of where the plot is taking them. Stone Heart possesses two such characters as well as an absorbing plot that makes this a must read.

Druid, Angus MacGregor is a man that is angry at the world. He is brutal in his treatment of others, so brutal that this reader wanted to hate him after the first page. However, with a simple act of kindness, he offered hope that he was not completely heartless. The Sorceress of the Ancients does not know of this act and punishes him for his past sins and those he plans to perpetuate by trapping him in stone as hard and as cold as his heart. For three hundred years he will remain locked away, alive, but unable to live and interact with others. If the curse is not lifted in three hundred years, then he will remain trapped forever.

Karen Matthews does not believe in the task her aunt bequeathed to her. However, Karen made a promise, so she will use what little time she has left to complete her aunt’s request. Besides, this may be her last chance for a grand adventure. Karen finds herself in Ireland, standing in front of a gruesome statue and reciting an ancient text. She is expecting nothing and instead she finds herself face-to-face with a real, live, breathing man.

Fate, or perhaps destiny, brings these two people together. Necessity and then friendship keeps them together. Angus has had years to dwell on his humanity and knows that his treatment of others in the past was horrendous. He vows to make amends with the second chance Karen unknowingly gives him. Angus and Karen’s closeness is touching. The author has portrayed a friendship that is envious in its honesty and depth. As they set forth to return Angus to the Order, neither will ever be the same.

Stone Heart is the third in the Tale of the Order series. This story focuses on a very elemental aspect of life: friendship. Candace Sams has a gift for creating characters that readers can’t help but love. Karen’s strength is touching. She is a woman that lives with the knowledge that she will die soon and there is nothing she can do to stop it. Instead of being bitter, she embraces the world and all those she comes in contact with. With Angus she finds something that has been missing all her life. Angus will grow on readers. His delight with life when he is finally free is refreshing and fun. These two characters have a wonderful friendship that when it blossoms into something deeper, readers can’t help but hope they will have a chance at love. Karen and Angus may be the focus of the story, but Candace Sams has provided a story rich with other characters you will want to get to know. Fans will have an opportunity to revisit with characters from Gryphon’s Quest and Gazing Globe, plus they will be introduced to new characters that are definitely worth reading about. The plot moves quickly with a few surprises in store that will touch your emotions. The ending could not have been done better. This is a truly rewarding read. If you have yet to try a Candace Sams’ book, this is definitely one worth buying.

Reviewed by: Amanda