Blog Tour Review: Kingdom of Sea and Stone by Mara Rutherford

Hey all, Dani here.

Just one more day left of work and then it’s the weekend…and then a vacation for a week. I am so very much hoping to get a whole lot of reading accomplished. Even better is the fact that instead of my usual 10 hour work shift, tomorrow is just an 8 hour shift, so it should pretty much fly by, which is awesome.

Actually, my current temporary job at work is related to my college degrees, so for the first time in a decade I really feel like I’m enjoying my work, and that I’m utilizing my education, which just feels so good.

All right, today I am happy to say that I am participating in the blog tour for Kingdom of Sea and Stone, which just came out this week, on October 6th. Really, looking at this tour banner, this is the third of these fall reads that I’ve reviewed as part of a blog tour, so this is pretty cool.

Anyway, before I jump into the actual review portion for today’s post, I just have to say a huge thank you to Inkyard Press for approving me to join the tour, and a thank you to NetGalley for granting me the access to a digital arc of this book. As always when it comes to this sort of post, being granted early access to this book or any book does not affect my rating or review in any way. My opinions remain my own.

Okay, now let’s jump into the review.

Book Details

Format: e-book

Pages: 368

Publisher: Inkyard Press

Publication Date: October 6, 2020

ISBN: 1335146512 (ISBN13: 9781335146519)

Summary

Ever since Nor was forced to go to a nearby kingdom in her sister’s place, she’s wanted nothing more than to return to the place and people she loves. But when her wish comes true, she soon finds herself cast out from both worlds, with a war on the horizon.

As an old enemy resurfaces more powerful than ever, Nor will have to keep the kingdom from falling apart with the help of Prince Talin and Nor’s twin sister, Zadie. There are forces within the world more mysterious than any of them ever guessed—and they’ll need to stay alive long enough to conquer them…

My Thoughts

Rating: 4 stars

You can find my review for the first book here. This book is the conclusion to the duology, and it picks up pretty much immediately after Crown of Coral and Pearl ends, which I can appreciate.

Things have not approved for the Varenians at all. In fact they may have gotten worse. What hasn’t changed is the friendship and love between Nor and Zadie. They are both so dedicated to each other, and will fight for one another. Then there’s Zadie’s relationship with Sami and Nor’s relationship with Talin.

Legitimately the relationships of these books is the biggest selling point and the strongest aspect of this duology. I have gotten so deeply invested in the character relationships and dynamics, and because I care about the characters, I was willing to pick up this book in any free moment where I could pick up my phone and open my reading app.

This was an intense ride from pretty much the beginning. With the ending of the first book, and some of the plans that were set in motion, it just makes everything feel so much more dangerous, and there are so many hazards in place.

Obviously it is a little difficult to review this because I’m really trying not to spoil either book, so I don’t want to get into specifics or anything. But I loved all the sea-faring and diving aspects of this duology, and the lifestyle differences between the land peoples and the Varenians who live on the water.

Overall this was an interestingly built world, with fascinating characters, that all wove together into a story that I’m glad I read. That’s all I really need to say for this.

Where to Get a Copy

You can pick up your own copy of this book from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books-a-million, Book Depository, or from your local indie bookstore through IndieBound.