The Stone Prince

by Fiona Patton

Reviewed by Coral

This is the first book published in the Branion Realm series, but the fourth book chronologically.

As Demnor, Crown Prince to the Branion royal line, undertakes a progression to mark his unwanted betrothal, old conflicts rise up again, threatening his family and his country.

It’s been awhile since I first read this book but having finally found the other books in the series, I thought it was time to give it a reread.

Although I sometimes found the plot to be a little thin and slow moving, I enjoyed the book this time around as well.

The first time around, what drew me to the book was the relationship between Demnor and his lover Kelahnus. This was one of the first books I read where gay characters weren’t tired stereotypes and where the gay couple is the main romantic relationship in the book.

On this second reading, I found myself having a little trouble sympathizing with the Branion point of view, because they are a nation that has conquered other nations. I found myself wanting them to be defeated and for the other nations to be able to claim independence from them. I have the same problem when reading books about Rome.

I liked the glimpses into Demnor’s past, how he and Kelahnus fell in love, his conflict with his mother, but I think the flashbacks went on a little long. At some point, they kind of started feeling superfluous to the story.

Grade: B