The Stone Prince (Branion series, Book 1) [Paperback]

Fiona Patton (Author)

Book Description

Series: Pelican Governors Series | Publication Date: April 1, 1997

Crown Prince Demnor must struggle to master the power of the Flame, a magic weapon with a mind of its own, in order to do battle with the rebellious Heathlands and win his independence from his dominating mother. Original.

Product Details

• Paperback: 544 pages
• Publisher: DAW (April 1, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0886777356
• ISBN-13: 978-0886777357
• Product Dimensions: 6.8 x 4.3 x 1.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (36 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #309,910 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

29 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating Characters, Intriguing World, But a Little Slow, June 26, 2002

By 

Silmarwen (Huntington Beach, CA United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: The Stone Prince (Branion series, Book 1) (Paperback)

The Stone Prince is the story of Prince Demnor and his Companion, Kelahnus. Demnor has been taught by his mother that only flawed vessels show emotion and have feelings for others. And flawed vessels crack under pressure. When he was sixteen, Demnor fell in love with Kelahnus, but they were separated by his mother's command. Demnor eventually wins Kelahnus back, but then he is forced into marriage with the Duke Isolde. Despite Demnor's affection for his male companion, he starts to have feelings for the beautiful Isolde. When Demnor's mother is suddenly murdered, he becomes the Vessel of the Flame. As the Vessel of the Flame, Demnor is the political and religious head of the country (think Louis XIV) and is almost worshipped as a Deity. Just when Demnor begins to gain control of his kingdom, one of their conquered territories rebels (think Scotland v. England) and Demnor is drawn into war. There he has the opportunity to prove himself and to make peace with his mother.

The characters in this novel were intriguing, especially since there really was no gender role separation. Males and females are both referred to as Prince, Duke, etc. It was a refreshing change and interesting to see Patton's concept of gender equality. Demnor is a classic flawed hero in that he has weaknesses and makes mistakes, but he has loyal companions, such as Kelahnus and later Isolde, whom Demnor eventually learns to trust and feel for.

The School of the Companions was also an interesting concept. There the most beautiful and talented youths in the kingdom are trained in politics, court manners, sex and assasinations. Every noble has their own Companion, or several Companions. The nobles never sleep alone. The Companions are not supposed to fall in love and their ultimate loyalty belongs to the School of the Companions. One of the subplots of the book is Kelahnus' inner struggle as he tries to keep himself from falling in love with Demnor and to stay loyal to his teachers and his school.

The reason why I gave this book 4 stars instead of 5 is that it is a little slow at times and can be confusing as the author jumps back and forth between past and present and different characters. Also, it was a disappointment that Kelahnus was potrayed as a typical gay male - jumping from bed partner to bed partner, always concerned with his looks, etc. Still, it was a very enjoyable read and recommended.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Wellwritten and interesting, March 11, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Stone Prince (Branion series, Book 1) (Paperback)

The Stone Prince is wellwritten - but not outstanding - fantasy, based on the British Isles cirka 1600 (?) The main characters are engaging - the plot centers more on relationships than action. All-in-all, a mainstream fantasy book of the kind you don't read more than once, but enjoy while you're reading it.

The one thing that makes it differ from most fantasy books, is that it manages to present the first believable gender equal society I've read about. Those looking for fantasy with strong women who aren't perfect should try this book. The main character is male, and so is his lover, but his mother, his sisters and his fiancee are all interesting, strong women.

I intend to buy her next book, and I'm keeping this one since I found her society fascinating.

Not a high four stars, but clearly more than three.

19 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars simply awesome, December 9, 1999

By 

[e-mail] (Missouri, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Stone Prince (Branion series, Book 1) (Paperback)

The first thing I was struck with..Awe. I thought it was so awesome to have a world in which gender is not what matters. Where woman are out on the hunts with the men, where women rule just like a man and a title doesn't change to become feminine.

I also loved the Companions. That in this world love between those of the same gender is accepted. I found it easy to read, but did get lost in the titles, but then again that is somehting that gave the book more than it's words. The battles were well written, the ceremony's were beutifull, and the love seens left just enouph to the imagination to leave you feeling a little warm hearted.

Fallow Demnor through his journy of self exploration with his love with an Earl(his inteded wife) and his companion(a male). See him fight for the respect of his mother, and see the little boy that hides with in the "stone prince".

Fallow the Heathland rebellion, and.,..hmm thought i'd give something away huh? well just read it! If you like Fantasy books, if you like the time of knights and honor, than read this book. I loved it, and it and Mrs/Ms. Patton is now within the ranks of my favorite authors.

WONDERFULL!

Michael