Stone of Faith

Stones of Iona

Romance - Paranormal
246 Pages
Reviewed on 08/20/2025
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    Book Review

Reviewed by Carol Thompson for Readers' Favorite

Stone of Faith by Margaret Izard is a historical fantasy that intertwines romance, adventure, and the mystical allure of the Fae realm. The story follows Ewan MacDougall, a pirate with a noble heart, as he embarks on a quest to retrieve the Stone of Faith, a powerful Iona Stone, while navigating the complexities of love, duty, and sacrifice. The narrative is filled with vivid imagery, transporting readers to the turbulent seas of the eighteenth century and the enchanting underwater kingdom of the Telkhines. Izard skillfully crafts a tale that balances action-packed sequences with heartfelt moments. Ewan's journey is both physical and emotional, as he grapples with his responsibilities as a guardian of the stones and his deep love for Lorelei, a mermaid with a hauntingly beautiful voice and a tragic past. Their relationship is the heart of the story, offering a poignant exploration of love's transformative power and the lengths one will go to protect it.

The novel's pacing is well-executed, with moments of tension and suspense seamlessly interwoven with quieter, introspective scenes. The descriptions of the Telkhines kingdom are particularly striking, showcasing Margaret Izard's ability to create immersive settings that are magical and grounded. Themes of faith, love, and redemption are central to the story, and Izard handles them with sensitivity. The fable-like quality of the narrative adds timelessness, making the story ancient yet contemporary. Stone of Faith: Stones of Iona is a beautifully written novel that will appeal to fans of historical fantasy and romance. Izard's storytelling shines, making this book an excellent addition to the genre.

Pikasho Deka

Stone of Faith is yet another enthralling addition to Margaret Izard's Stones of Iona fantasy series. Captain Ewan MacDougall carries a heavy burden. With his loyal crew of the Faithful, Ewan travels through time to free enslaved souls across the seas. But what he really longs for is true love. Ewan comes across Lorelei, an alluring siren, who, in the captivity of the madman, is tasked with luring unsuspecting ships to his domain. Meanwhile, Ewan must find the Stone of Faith before the nefarious Manix gets his hands on it. As Ewan and Lorelei's love grows stronger, so does the resolve of their enemies, who are determined to pull the couple apart for their own ends. Can Ewan ensure Manix doesn't get his hands on the Stone of Faith? Will he and Lorelei be together?

Author Margaret Izard has created a vibrant and magical world that features a host of magical creatures, including ghostly pirates, dragons, fae, and more. This book, and the series as a whole, is an absolute treat for fantasy lovers. With a delightful combination of romance, mystery, and action, Izard delivers a narrative that is not only entertaining but also emotionally rewarding. The two main characters come from very different backgrounds, but their chemistry is palpable, and it's easy to root for Eawn and Lorelei. You want to see them end up together. I also enjoyed the background lore of the larger story. Whether you enjoy magical treasure quests or love action-adventure stories featuring pirates and time travel, Stone of Faith will sate all your appetites. I enjoyed it thoroughly, and so should you.

Essien Asian

Sailing the seas of the eighteenth-century Caribbean, rescuing enslaved people takes on a new meaning for Captain Ewan McDougall and his close friend Doug when Ewan is tasked to find a particular jewel. Ewan does not realize that there's more to his frequent confrontations with a certain sea captain until he's drawn to Lorelei, a mysterious woman he associates with his rival's vessel. Ewan's search for this precious jewel will put him in the crosshairs of an old foe who seeks revenge and a chance to reclaim what he believes is rightfully his. Only time will tell if Ewan succeeds in Margaret Izard's Stone of Faith.

Stone of Faith is the latest instalment in Margaret Izard's Stones of Iona series. The author combines elements of folklore and romance in a unique adventure. On the one hand, Ewan and Doug's swashbuckling escapades feature intense battles on the high seas and thrilling close-quarters magical combat that will have action and fantasy fans on the edge of their seats. On the other hand, Ewan and Lorelei's unusual courtship unfolds courtesy of Izard's deliberately drawn-out yet vividly detailed storytelling style that keeps romance enthusiasts eager for more. Izard subtly hints at the McDougall family's connection to the stones of Iona, referencing past adventures in earlier installments, especially Ewan's parents' exploits, which helps readers grasp the larger plot while appreciating this book as a standalone. The Gaelic-tinted dialogue increases the narrative's believability, especially when coupled with the accompanying fables. The author seamlessly weaves these elements together with a rising pace, building suspense and ensuring readers stay captivated from start to finish. I enjoyed this novel and look forward to more from Izard.