I really enjoyed this book! I feel kind of bad that this book sat on my virtual shelves for years before I finally got around to picking it up. I am so glad that I finally bumped it up to the top of my tbr pile. I found the concept to be really interesting and the story was rather exciting. This book is a stand-alone but I really feel like it would be been a great series starter.

I liked the whole idea of the castle of Shadow Wood which is a sanctuary for those from the Netherworld. Declan is Lord of the Netherworld and created the gargoyles and is now looking for a new sentinel to take control of them. He has two candidates in mind. Kate is an actress at the top of her career but when she goes to sleep she is transported to Shadow Wood. Ian is a popular author who is about to learn that all of the stories Declan has told him are more real than he ever imagined.

I did have fun reading this book and was always eager to pick it back up after a day at work but I do think that the story tried to do too much and lacked focus. Not only is there a whole castle full of supernatural beings and the gargoyles to learn about, but Kate also has a crazy ex-boyfriend and a stalker that must be dealt with. On top of all that, there is a bit of a budding romance to keep things extra interesting. I really liked the characters and wanted to see things work out for them. Even though the story was very exciting there were times that I just wanted to get back to the things going on with the gargoyles and the castle.

I do think that a lot of other readers will enjoy this one. There was quite a bit of action that kept the story moving and a few surprises along the way. I would definitely read more of this author’s work in the future.

I received a digital review copy of this book from Skyscape via NetGalley. ( )

Of Shadow and Stone by Michelle Muto is a book about vamps, weres, a warlock, gargoyles, and the hunt for a human to be the next leader for the gargoyles. The gargoyles need to pick this leader, they have a psychic bond with them. Two humans have come to the castle picked by the warlock and others, one will be chosen from the two. What happens is so exciting, well, who wouldn't be excited to be hitching a ride in a gargoyles mind as they track down bad guys? Although the girl does get a bit squeamish with the gore, not me! Oh dear, what does that say about me? LOL. Been a nurse too long? ( )

Kate Mercer is a rising actress. Working hard to make her way into the spotlight, she has finally achieved recognition and landed a role in a film trilogy that put her in the public eye at all times. While she enjoys the fame, she hates the other things that go along with it like paparazzi following her everywhere, crazed fans stalking her, and annoying ex-boyfriends. So when she starts dreaming of herself at a castle, she welcomes the change of scenery. Is she really dreaming or is she actually transporting to this mysterious castle so she can take her role as the next sentinel?

I am conflicted with this book. While I love that the book is written about gargoyles, I wish the story line would have featured them more. By the synopsis, I was led to believe that Kate was a mortal that was chosen to be the next sentinel so that she can control the awakening gargoyles. However, the story didn’t really focus on that aspect of the book until the end and even then, it was very short. The majority of the book was detailing her life as an actress, a crazy stalker who is following her because he loves her, and a boyfriend who is only with her because her fame helps his career. There was also more focus on the secondary character, Ian, who is a novelist who is currently staying at the castle so that he can overcome his writer’s block. It is never really explained other than a few lines here and there, how she can actually transport to the castle, what the job description of being the next sentinel is (other than to control the gargoyles until she can put them back to sleep), why the gargoyles are changing, and so forth. I wish there had been more back story on the paranormal aspect rather than the minor details of Kate’s love life, or lack thereof.

Overall, this was an okay read. I’m torn between rating this story a two or a three. The story had a great concept, it just lacked in the way it was executed. However, I loved that it had gargoyles in it, even if briefly, and there aren’t many novels, at least that I’ve read, that include them. Because of that, I’ll push the rating up to a three.

I was provided a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. ( )

Of Shadow and Stone by Michelle Muto is a fabulous paranormal romance book. It is unique, fast paced, and keeps you riveted!

Declan is the Lord of the Netherworld. He lives as Shadow Wood in Scotland. Shadow Wood is a sanctuary for all supernatural beings. The caretaker is Emmerich Von Hiller. He prefers to be called Von Hiller and he is a warlock (do not call him a wizard). Declan is looking for the newest sentinel. The sentinel is responsible for the gargoyles. Gargoyles will do as they want unless someone oversees or supervises them.

A sentinel is human but has a certain gene that allows them to communicate with the gargoyles. The gene was only given to very carefully chosen families and it is passed down. The gargoyles chose who will be their sentinel. Declan thought it was would Ian McGuire, but the gargoyles have picked Kate Mercer.

Kate Mercer is an actress. She is a confident woman, very self-reliant, and she loves adventure (challenges). Lately, Kate has been dreaming of a castle. She thinks she is having lucid dreams (dreams that are very life like). However, Kate is actually traveling to the castle. Shadow Wood is calling to her and so are the gargoyles. Kate can actually get inside a gargoyles head and see what they see, hear, and feel. The gargoyles are waking up without a sentinel and they are taking justice into their owns hands.

Ian McGuire is a writer. He writes thrillers with a touch of paranormal horror. Ian and Declan have become friends and Declan has provided him with a lot of information for his books. Ian thought Declan had a vivid imagination until Ian visits Shadow Wood. Ian finds out that vampires, werewolves, warlocks, gargoyles, and much more are real and living at Shadow Wood.

Kate meets Ian at Shadow Wood during one of her initial “dream” visits. They seem to have an instant connection. Kate learns about sentinels and gargoyles. Kate has to make a choice: to become the new sentinel or allow Ian to become it. While dealing with gargoyles, Kate also has issues with an ex-boyfriend who will not give up and a stalker.

I give Of Shadow and Stone 4.75 out of 5 stars. I enjoyed this book very much, but sometimes the gory descriptions were a little too much. If you like reading about gargoyles, werewolves, and warlocks, you will enjoy reading Of Shadow and Stone. To find out if Kate embraces her destiny, please read Of Shadow and Stone which comes out February 24, 2015!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. ( )

Full review to come! ( )