Customer Reviews

Stone Queen (Realm Immortal)

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

What happens after the happy ever after comes? And do the Unblessed truly ever have a `happy ever after'? King Merrick of the Unblessed found something he never expected nor thought he deserved when he fell in love with the Lady Juliana, a mortal woman. That she returned his love, and agreed to be his Queen in the Unblessed kingdom was more than he ever dreamed possible. Then the impossible happened - something that should never be in the Unblessed Kingdom - Queen Juliana became pregnant. Merrick was ecstatic.

And then the worst happened. Juliana and her unborn child turned to stone - literally. Through a spell of her own making, Juliana has imprisoned herself, and it is up to Merrick to break the spell. With his kingdom at war with another, and treachery afoot, Merrick's task seems impossible, even to the King of the Unblessed.

In Michelle M. Pillow's new novel, Realm Immortal, Book 3: Stone Queen, we return to the story of King Merrick of the Unblessed and his Queen Juliana, which began in the first Realm Immortal story, King of the Unblessed (Realm Immortal). When many authors would have been satisfied with a pat little happy ending for a couple, Pillow revisits them with a realistic approach to love and relationships, proving by example to her readers that `Happy Ever Afters' do not just happen, they must be worked for and maintained. Relationships wither away without the proper care, and even the most powerful love can be tainted if not tended to.

And yet the author again brings us to a happy ending for our couple in distress, leaving their marriage stronger for the trials they have suffered along the way. As Merrick and Juliana find their way back to each other's arms, they learn to communicate more effectively, to love deeper, and to listen to their hearts and each other above all others. Through it all, more than just their own relationship is repaired, and new bonds are forged in a time of great need. But the cost of these acts is still to be discovered, paving the way for the next installment in this continuously fascinating series. I am waiting with bated breath...

Series Order:
King of the Unblessed (Realm Immortal)
Faery Queen: Realm Immortal Book Two (Realm Immortal)
Stone Queen (Realm Immortal)

One of the things that Pillow did so effectively in previous books actually weakens her story here in Stone Queen (Realm Immortal). The two main threads with Merrick and Lucien which are exceptionally strong are diluted somewhat by trying to pull from the past and set up for the future. It takes a bit too long to get into the meat of the story of Merrick's suffering as he struggles with Juliana's apparent abandonment as a result of her locking herself in stone and his desperate attempts to somehow regain the happiness denied to him as Unblessed King.

Instead we start out back again with Juliana's brothers, Thomas loosing his sparkle and zest as he bends under the burden of assuming Bellemare from Hugh, and Hugh suffering from guilt, feeling that he is responsible for Juliana's retreat from the world but also witnessing the perks of his new role as Faery King. Even though it was nice to see Tania again and while I realize that the whole point was fitting in a bit more sex into the story -- because the leads weren't in the position to do much in that department -- that scene was a side trip and felt pasted in, unlike the previous books where the love scenes really fit into plot and moved the story forward.

Still I liked the Stone Queen. The parts with Merrick were emotionally powerful and the portions with Lucien and Mia are interesting as always, as we continue to get glimpses of the gray that Lucien keeps hidden beneath his black exterior. The intriguing transformation for Mia to Ari has my curiosity peaked and will have me buying the next book just to see where Pillow takes Ari in the future. I also want to see more of Ean, and Kalen and all the others that have sacrificed for Merrick and Juliana's happiness - because happiness in the Realm Immortal only comes at a high cost.

5 star read, because the author managed to create a series in which each book has a very well written and gripping story that holds your interest to the very end. I really liked it that the bad guy is not a one dimensional totally evil disgusting guy but an interesting character that you like.

If You Loved The First Two Installments To The Realm Immortal Series King Of The Unblessed And Faery Queen Then You Will No Doubt Love Stone Queen. This Book Is The Continuing Saga Of Unblessed King Merrick And Lady Juliana. Only This Time King Lucien Of The Damned Plays A Very Active Roll In This Book. King Lucien Is Sprinkled Throughout All The Books But His Malevolence Is Out Of Control In This Final Chapter. All Three Books Are Awesome On Their Own But Read Them In Order As They Were Intended And You Will Go On A Fantastic Joyride. In My opinion You Will Not Be Sorry.

I liked this book and so I bought book two, which I enjoyed too. When I review I just let you know if it was good enough to recommend because so many other's give very nice long reviews and I don't think I should repeat. So, I recommend this book, you will enjoy it.

Queen Juliana of the Unblessed married for love. She will do anything to save her family; she does not want to bring her child into her unsettled world, so she entraps herself in stone to end the war. Merrick, the King of Necessary Evil, loves Juliana, but can never tell her for fear of upsetting the balance of both mortal and immortal realms. Now with her body trapped in stone, he has no idea how to free her.

Stone Queen is a unique story with a cast of imaginary characters. Michelle M. Pillow's creative writings give goblins, nymphs and demons a sexy appeal. Fantasy fans will enjoy this well written addition.

Rosemary
Reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed

this was not as good as all the other books for Realm Immortal but still an alright read a bit slow paced but it picked up at the end all in all a 5 out of 10