Nora and the Sacred Stones

This book was a lovely surprise! I was drawn in by the cover and the synopsis but didn’t really know what to expect when I started reading. The book reminds me of Minor Mage or a Wizards Guide to Defensive Baking by T. Kingfisher who is one of my favourite authors, so that’s a big compliment. It’s the style of the storytelling with rich worldbuilding and a high stakes (and at times a bit dark) plot that gives it a similar vibe even though the story is completely unique. I’m especially impressed with how much the world building was fleshed out considering that it’s not a very long book.

I don’t want to say too much about the plot because the book is quite short and it would be a shame to spoil anything. But the story is about peasant girl Nora who breaks into the palace in a desperate attempt to get hold of medicine to heal her sister. She’s caught by the prince but escapes, and he’s tasked with tracking her down. The book is told in dual POV, so the chapters alternate between following Nora and Kyn. Nora and Kyn’s dynamic is wonderful to read and there is a definite attraction between them that complicates the situation further. Magic, villains, treachery and romantic tension - this book has it all!

I loved the cover for this book but I was also happy to see that each chapter begins with an illustration. These were beautiful and really helped bring the story to life, it was a great touch! Although the book wraps up all immediate concerns there is so much more of this story to be told so I’m definitely hoping for a sequel. I would recommend the book to anyone who enjoys a good fantasy book or fairytale.

Charming and beautiful story for middle graders. Loved characters and magic of the book. First chapter was a little bit confusing but then you just fall in love with characters.