The Damning Stone

Tales from Verania, Book 5

By: TJ Klune

Narrated by: Michael Lesley

A year has passed since the Dark Wizard Myrin attempted to take control of the Kingdom of Verania. Though the scars of the final battle remain, Veranians have come together in unity in order to rebuild. Good King Anthony sits on the throne once more, with Morgan of Shadows at his side.

However, a king is not immortal. One day, Anthony will step down, paving the way for his son, Grand Prince Justin, to assume the throne. And Justin wants anything but.

Unfortunately for him, he finds himself with bigger things to worry about than just becoming the ruler of a country. At the celebration of the might of Verania and its people, a delegation arrives, led by a man who calls himself a magician. This man represents the king of Yennbridge, who has come to claim what was promised to him years before: the hand of the firstborn son of the king and queen of Verania. With his ridiculous friends at his side—Sam, Ryan, Kevin, Gary, and Tiggy—Justin sets out to make the visiting king’s life a living hell. Which, of course, backfires spectacularly, and when the dust settles, Justin finds his friends changed in ways he can’t expect, leaving him standing alone.

Except he’s not as alone as he thinks, given the king of Yennbridge will do anything to prove he’s worthy of the frozen heart of the Ice Prince.

Prince Justin has finally met his match. Let the games begin.

©2022 Travis Klune (P)2022 Travis Klune

*Fabulous* Vocal Performance Compensates for Plot

Michael Lesley's vocal performance is once again absolutely fabulous in all the right ways. The plot is a bit weak in places, and I really wish that the ending crisis hadn't been shoehorned in--not to give spoilers, but there were at least two other crises available that would have meshed better with the story up to this point and given us an opportuntiy to see some real character growth from Sam, despite Justin being the focus of this book (and he does have a lot of legitimately excellent character growth). One of these seems likely to crop up in the next book, but the other is foreclosed on by the events that end this book.

Ah well. Again, Lesley's fabulous performance makes up for any faults in the plot structure, and I can't wait for the next one.

OUTSTANDING!

I love these books so much! This is maybe the best one yet. I find myself bursting out laughing constantly.

Shockingly Enjoyable!

I was worried about the POV... I should not have worried about the POV. Klune is STILL a master storyteller and Lesley a brilliant narrator. I cannot praise this book (and series) enough!

TJ KLUNE IS MY HERO

I literally cannot speak highly enough of tj klune or this series. Heck, all of his series! They are magic and show what true love is, in all forms. This book, and the entire verania series is medicine. What a gift 🌈❤️

perfect as always

I didn't know I needed this series to continue until I saw that it is, and I'm so excited for the next one! Michael Lesley is wonderful as always, and TJ Klune truly knows how to balance adventure, found family, and romance.