REVIEW: Stone of Asylum by Hilarey Johnson

About the Book

While war divides a young nation, Argonauts flood burgeoning territories in the west. Some seek wealth; others seek a magic garnet hidden deep in Idaho caves. Those who to guard the stone’s abilities of eternal life and shapeshifting are called Watchers. There are only two left, and they’ve been separated.

An epileptic seizure wrenches fourteen-year-old Eldora from her father and dooms her to an underground insane asylum. When she comes into contact with the star garnet something awakens inside, but she does not yet know how it can free her.

With the stone’s power unprotected, counterfeit shifters exploit it to enslave the country. To reunite the Watchers, Eldora must discover her buried power, and learn to trust it in a world of betrayal and obligation.

My Review

Stone of Asylum is part 1 of Hilarey Johnson's, author of Soveriegn Ground, new Fantasy series, Dance of the Crane. It's the story of fourteen year old Endora (This name totally gives me Bewitched vibes) whom after experiencing an epilepctic seizure is pulled from her father and sent to an underground insane asylum. She soon enough discovers the powerful garnet stone. And Endora must discover her own power to help bring together the Watchers to protect the garnet stone from the wrong hands.

Stone of Asylum, part 1 of the Dance of the Crane Fantasy series, is an exciting, adventurous, and fast paced story. It is filled with complex characters, excellent story building, and hidden power. I also loved how Hilarey weaved Idaho history into a Fantasy setting. I'm also happy to know that this will be a trilogy which makes me feel better with how this story ended with no conclusion. This will be a story perfect for all Fantasy lovers.