Gargoyles were created centuries ago to protect mankind, but something went horribly wrong. Now only the sentinel—a mortal chosen to control the stone beasts—stands between them and their human prey.
When the latest sentinel is killed, Kate Mercer is destined to take his place. But Kate has enough going on in her life—like a skyrocketing film career, a delusional ex-boyfriend, and a crazed stalker who will stop at nothing to get to her. But the powers that be have decided, and Kate is transported to Shadow Wood, a mysterious castle that serves as a sanctuary for the supernatural. Although beautiful, Shadow Wood is no safe place for a mere mortal. Yet Kate is drawn not only to the gargoyles but also to Ian McGuire, a charming novelist who might be in the greatest danger of all.
As Kate decides whether to accept the most perilous role of her life, she discovers there are more secrets than answers within the castle’s walls. Her survival and Ian’s depend on her ability to master the gargoyles before time runs out. Is fate really cast in stone?
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Of Shadow and Stone
by Michelle Muto
Series:
N/A
Genre:
Paranormal Romance
Urban Fantasy
Publisher:
Skyscape
Publication Date:
February 24, 2015
Of Shadow and Stone brings mundane and supernatural together. The Gargoyles are awakening, and part of that is a growing awareness of the person they have chosen to be their next Sentinel. Someone who will balance their warped sense of justice with a human conscience. They have chosen Kate.
The story is told in a way that peeks into the psyche of multiple characters, one at a time, which is a style I’ve come to enjoy. Each chapter heading specifies who owns the featured perspective, but I found that the style and personality of each one is unique and well done. Even if the name wasn’t revealed up front, I am pretty sure I’d have had no trouble figuring out who was talking.
I also enjoyed the way Kate is pulled into the minds and bodies of the Gargoyles. It’s neat because she’s at first amazed and loves it, but then it gets scary fast. The whole experience really doesn’t make becoming the Sentinel an easy choice, or even a desirable one. I found it easy to imagine the scenes being described.
As for the ex and the stalker, well, the ex is a mess and the stalker is quite thoroughly crazy. Both are delusional and obviously dangerous to Kate in different ways. It kind of had me on edge, but most of the book, Kate’s not even in the same town with them. So, not only does Kate have to deal with the Gargoyles, but also these two jokers.
I liked Ian, but I thought the romance between Ian and Kate was a bit too predestined. I wondered how Declan had decided Ian would lure Kate to the castle. The relationship isn’t instalove, but it’s pretty quick. Though the whole span of the relationship is a few days, it feels longer. Also, Kate’s skittish due to bad experiences and tends to overreact, but she isn’t as bad as some romance heroines who refuse to see reason. I like that. The two talk through their issues.
The whole potential life after becoming Sentinel is also sort of glossed over throughout. If she chooses that life, or if Ian does instead, what happens? Not sure. Not until the very end. Then still, there are loose threads, leaving it up to the reader to guess how things might turn out, or keeping the way open for a potential sequel.
Overall, I liked this story. It’s an interesting mix of paranormal and normal, dangers, some obvious, some not so obvious keep it moving along, though a little slowly in places. There’s a touch of romance, clean for a change, which some folks might find refreshing. People who like magic and action, a touch of horror, and a bit of romance might find this a good read.
The review copy of this book was received from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Michelle has always loved storytelling. When she was a child, her favorite stories were of monsters and things that lurked in the dark. Telling stories often frightened her classmates and got her into a lot of trouble with her teachers. They had no sense of humor.
As an adult, Michelle traded her love of writing for the corporate life where she was an IT professional. Today, she’s doing what she loves best – writing and storytelling.
Michelle grew up in Chicago, but currently lives in NE Georgia with her husband and their two dogs. She loves scary books, funny movies, sports cars, chocolate, dogs, and changes of season.
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