Magic Under Stone by Jaclyn Dolamore

For star-crossed lovers Nimira and Erris, there can be no happily ever after until Erris is freed from the clockwork form in which his soul is trapped. And so they go in search of the sorcerer Ordorio Valdana, hoping he will know how to grant Erris real life again. When they learn that Valdana has mysteriously vanished, it's not long before Nimira decides to take matters into her own hands—and begins to study the sorcerer's spell books in secret. Yet even as she begins to understand the power and limitations of sorcery, it becomes clear that freeing Erris will bring danger—if not out-and-out war—as factions within the faerie world are prepared to stop at nothing to prevent him from regaining the throne.

Goodreads Summary

    This long awaited novel is the perfect sequel to Magic Under Glass. The story begins exactly where it left off, but introduces new characters that further the story. Erris, the true prince of Telmirra, was released from his original prison, only to be trapped in another. His body is made of clockwork, only his face and hands seem real. Nimira believed she was saving Erris when she freed him from his original automaton body, but now feels that she has trapped him in a body that creates the illusion of life. The love Nim felt for Erris is still strong, but he is withdrawn and worries about the future Nimira could have with him as a clockwork man. The pair travel to the castle of the most powerful necromancer known to the world, Ordorio Valdana. Upon arriving, Nim and Erris learn that Erris has a niece named Violet. Valdana and Erris’s sister Melia were married and had Violet before Melia’s death. Although she is spoiled and childish, Violet has determination, willpower, and desires love. Meanwhile, Prince Belin of Telmirra has brought his father, King Luka, a jinn to do his bidding. King Luka immediately orders the jinn, Ifra, to find and capture Erris. Believed to be the last of the Tanharrows, Erris is seen as a threat to King Luka’s throne. As much as Ifra desires to escape and be free, Ifra must obey any order from his master and begins his journey to find Erris.  

    Every character of Magic Under Stone possesses a story and history. Even supporting characters have motivations and reasons behind their words and actions. Nimira is an admirable heroine. Brave, smart, and passionate, Nim is willing to stand by and believe in Erris despite his own hesitations. She carries the heavy burden of keeping the key that winds Erris’s clockwork body and allows him to move and speak. After spending decades trapped in an automaton, Erris suddenly has the appearance of vitality, but despite Nimira’s noble efforts, he is still entombed in a body that is devoid of true life. Erris is humorous, kindhearted, and wise. He faces many challenges, but always tries to smile and continue moving forward. Ifra wishes for freedom. Having no will to resist causes Ifra to live in fear of being forced to carry out a horrible act. Violet understands Ifra’s wish for freedom, she was forced to spend almost her entire life within her father’s castle for her safety. Dolamore created strong characters and an intriguing plot. This book is meant for an audience of girls aged 12 and up; it is easy to read and has a fast-moving plot. A great story, Magic Under Stone merits five out of five stars.       

5 Stars

*Reviewed by Kristin*

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