Cast in Stone (Quinguard Immortals) [Paperback]

Kerry A. Jones (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 1, 2007 | Series: Quinguard Immortals

He waited seven hundred years to find her. For what seemed an eternity, Julen endured a nightly punishment that never should have been his. Descended from a line of ancient warriors, he vowed not to become the creature his persecutors claimed he was - the creature they did their best to make him into. Now that he has found the healer who can end his nightly torment, the stirring she creates in his Agathyrsi blood threatens to bring more danger than redemption. She was sworn to destroy him. Sofia Evan, owner of Fortune's Cup coffeehouse, had been raised on family lore and responsibility passed down through generations on a rare parchment. She never believed the darkness and pain in its tales to be more than myth, never questioned the reasons for the gifts that set her apart from all the rest. Until one winter morning changes everything. Now the breathtaking man who haunts her waking hours is the very being whose curse she must put an end to - one way or another. "If the following books [in the Quinguard Immortals Series] are as good as the first, it will be an excellent series and a must-have for those who believe in soulmates. I for one will never look at gargoyles in quite the same way again." Janet Davies Once Upon a Romance "An extraordinary tale with memorable characters, a fresh premise and solid writing. Ms. Jones crafted a winner." Janalee Ruschhaupt Paranormal Romance Reviews "A riveting tale of love, lust, hate and magic... a must-buy!" Rosemarie Brungard Romance at Heart Magazine

Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Black Lyon Publishing (July 1, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0979325226
• ISBN-13: 978-0979325229
• Product Dimensions: 5 x 8 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #880,409 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Kerry believes some themes have magic: true love conquering the most impossible odds, good winning out over evil, and things that are "meant to be" coming true at last. When not working at her day job, the author can be found on the family cattle ranch in Oregon. She is member of Romance Writers of America and a Board member of the Writers Guild of Eastern Oregon. She's most likely working on the next book in her Quinguard Immortals series - there are five installments planned.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Surreal Sensual Romance, September 18, 2007

By 

Digigirl (Sugar Land, TX) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Cast in Stone (Quinguard Immortals) (Paperback)

In a genre filled to capacity with vampire stories and authors pumping out kick-ass action romances, Cast in Stone sets itself apart, enveloping the reader right from the beginning in a sensual atmosphere filled with romance and magic.

Cast in Stone has a very unique and creative premise, quite different from the many urban fantasies currently flooding the market. The hero, a medieval warrior, has suffered under a curse for centuries. Each night he turns to stone, enduring untold agonies as he does so. Each day he searches for the rest of his band of warriors - his Quinguard - who have also been cursed.

Although the side benefit of this curse is immortality - if he dies while in human form, he nonetheless awakens the next morning in his usual place - he cannot enjoy it. He is alone, and tortured by the knowledge that his men suffer the same fate, scattered around the world.

At last he finds the heroine, a healer who can break his curse, if she agrees to perform the ritual of mingling with him. But first he must convince her that he has done no harm, that he does not deserve this punishment, for her family has always told her to watch for someone like him - she has been expecting him and believes him to be evil.

It is a breath of fresh air to find a book so replete with everything one could ask for in a paranormal romance - evil curses, ageless villains and compelling heroes - without falling back on the cliches that so many others rely upon.

The disadvantage, however, is that the surreal feeling evoked by the writing style does leave one feeling a bit remote from real life, which may prevent some readers from fully engaging in the story. A willingness to immerse oneself in the atmosphere and allow a disconnect from reality is in order to truly enjoy this book.

Overall, this is an excellent and unusual paranormal story with well-developed characters, plot and settings. The author also does an excellent job of creating quite sensual scenes without the use of overly explicit language, which fits perfectly with the surreal feeling.

Set aside some quiet time alone for this one - a perfect book to enjoy in a hot bath, or snuggled up on a chilly night.

7 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Sensual and gothic. Wow., July 26, 2007

By 

Dagny Ellis (United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Cast in Stone (Quinguard Immortals) (Paperback)

This is the BEST paranormal romance I think I've ever read. Finally, a fresh premise in the subgenre! Julen is descended from an ancient line of Dacian wolf warriors, cursed seven hundred years before to turn to stone by sunset. Only one woman can heal him---but Sofia is obligated to destroy him instead. The attraction and tension are palpable. The language is magical. The plot is executed perfectly. These characters are AMAZING. Julen is the most devastatingly fascinating hero I've read in ages, and Sofia is just the perfect match for all his dark mystery.

I found this book via a general fiction novel by the same author, but I primarily read romances. If "Cast in Stone" doesn't get a P.E.A.R.L. award next year, I don't know what would.

4 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I loved this book!, September 4, 2007

By 

Kimberly Adkins "Author" (Nashville, TN) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Cast in Stone (Quinguard Immortals) (Paperback)

The first thing you will notice is how original and unique the premise is for the storyline. The characters were very sexy, and I was completely pulled in by their charisma and actions. The writing itself is quite clever, full of intelligence and wit. I found myself laughing out loud a few times as Sophia said something that just floored me, it was so great.

The day after I started the book, I called off work just so I could finish it that day :)

I really hope everyone picks this book up and gives it a read.