Stoneslayer: Book One Scandal by Candace Lynn Talmadge (Book Review #1960)

In *Stoneslayer Book One: Scandal*, Candace Lynn Talmadge introduces readers to Lt. Helen Andros, a mixed-race outcast in the realm of Azgard. After her true parentage is revealed, Helen narrowly escapes death, only to confront the outrage of the overclass and the lethal hostility of the Temple of Kronos. This powerful twist thrusts her into a world of political intrigue and personal turmoil, where she grapples with her mysterious father, a powerful figure she neither knows nor trusts.

As Helen navigates her new reality, she faces the threat of the demonic Stoneslayer, which looms over her journey and intensifies the danger she must confront. Talmadge effectively weaves themes of identity, societal prejudice, and the struggles of self-acceptance into Helen’s quest, creating a multi-dimensional character who must find her place in a world that seeks to define her.

The novel also delves into the complexities of political necessity, as Helen is faced with the possibility of an arranged marriage to a man she does not love. Talmadge’s rich world-building and engaging writing style keep readers invested in Helen’s challenges and triumphs. *Stoneslayer Book One: Scandal* is a captivating blend of fantasy and emotional depth, setting the stage for a compelling saga of courage and resilience in the face of adversity.

Written by Jeyran Main

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