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Never Lose Hope
Stone & Sky follows an unlikely hero in a realm where darkness and chaos loom, who is determined to save his town and the world from an immediate orc threat. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
To be honest, I had been seeing a lot of darker fantasy books in recent years, and I missed the classic style fantasy where heroes have to work together to overcome unlikely odds. I missed the fun and adventure. I wanted to write something that readers of all ages could enjoy together. I also wanted to tell a story that reminded readers to never lose hope.
Can you share insights into the development of Orin’s character and what aspects of his personality you believe resonate most with readers?
You know, it’s funny. Orin is in a hard spot when the book starts. Having been in the military and knowing what it feels like to be out of the fight while your brothers and sisters are still serving–it’s a tough feeling. The love for his brothers and sisters drives him to get home, but in the midst of that, he comes to find that there are other people who will love him and fight alongside him, even if he faces life without his griffin. It’s been really fun to develop that in books 2 and 3 (both coming soon).
Your book is noted for its rich world-building and character depth. What challenges did you face in creating such a detailed and immersive fantasy world?
Some of the interesting challenges came with the aerial combat and the abilities of the flying mounts that the different people groups ride. For example, I had to set very specific rules about abilities for wyverns and griffins. We also have pegasi that the elves ride, and I made up these really cool panther creatures with bat-like wings (called garvawks) that the dwarves ride. Each group of people had to have ways of interacting with the different flying beasts. How do they husband them? How do they train with them? How would each mount’s aerial abilities be different? It was a fascinating exercise in imagination.
This is book one in the Stone & Sky series. What can readers expect in book two?
So glad you asked. Book two in the Stone & Sky series is called Stone & Tide and is planned for release on 6 FEB 2023. The epilogue of Stone & Sky leaves readers with a bit of a tense cliffhanger, but we absolutely get some resolution on that in Stone & Tide. Book one kept us in the land of Tarrine (one of the lands in the world of Finlestia), but in the second we’re sailing across the sea to the mysterious land of Kelvur (the place from which our villain hailed). Definitely expect more friendship development and epic battles, but Kelvur holds many secrets that our protagonists must uncover.
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Orin is a sworn protector. As a stalwart member of the Griffin Guard, he’s proud to protect the kingdom against a dreaded nation of orcs. But when the fires of war burn bright from the north, his entire squadron falls to deadly wyvern riders, leaving the devastated Orin bloody and alone.
With his squad dead, Orin has his mind set on saving others from the same fate.
Teaming up with a local huntsman’s family, Orin and his new friends must push themselves past their limits to face mysterious dangers and ancient magics. Shocked to discover the orcs’ secret weapon, the lone guardian’s last chance to save his home could require the ultimate sacrifice.
Come fly away on griffin-back!
Fly off to the world of Finlestia in this epic fantasy story for readers looking for adventure, magic, and just plain fun; a tale where friendships must overcome insurmountable odds and remind readers to never lose hope.
Buy Stone & Sky to join the battle today!
Stone & Sky
In Stone & Sky, the inaugural book of the The Stone & Sky Series by Z.S Diamanti, readers are invited into a world where darkness looms, and chaos threatens the realm. The novel transcends typical fantasy tropes by transforming orcs from distant threats into immediate realities, compelling readers to contemplate the potential for salvation in such a world. Orin, the protagonist, emerges as a beacon of hope, striving to save not only the town of Whitestone but the world itself.
Diamanti’s skill in worldbuilding is a standout feature of this series. The vividly crafted settings, memorable characters, and intricately woven tales within the narrative are testament to this. The world of Stone & Sky is portrayed with a vibrancy that lingers with the reader, imbuing a sense of realism rarely achieved in the fantasy genre. Orin is portrayed with a charismatic depth that leaves a lasting impression. His journey, marked by the burdens of his past and the uncertainty of his future, resonates deeply. The supporting characters, with their rich complexities, contribute to a narrative tapestry that is as engaging as it is intricate. The interplay of secrets and mysteries within the story propels the narrative forward, making the book difficult to put down.
Stone & Sky is especially enchanting for fantasy genre enthusiasts, though its unique appeal may captivate a broad spectrum of readers. The fluidity of Diamanti’s writing effortlessly carries the reader through the chapters, with a narrative that is constantly engaging and far from monotonous. This book is a commendable choice for those seeking an immersive escape into a well-crafted fantasy world.
Pages: 446 | ASIN: B0C5S7MSCH
LITERARY TITAN 