Magic-Scars

The Crown of Stones, Book 2

By: C. L. Schneider

Narrated by: Jonathan Ricardo

Length: 18 hrs and 48 mins

Publisher's summary

They took it all: his will, his freedom, his magic. How far will he go to get it back?

The saga of Ian Troy continues in Magic-Scars, the second installment in C. L. Schneider’s riveting epic fantasy trilogy, The Crown of Stones.

Struggling to reconcile the man he once was with the man prison made him, Ian Troy emerges from captivity to an unfamiliar world gripped with fear. In the wake of his fall, those he cares for suffered their own grim fates, leaving friends endangered and scattered. His old enemy, Draken of Langor, seized control of Mirra’kelan and named himself High King. Draken’s brutal reign sparked a desperate rebellion that Ian now finds himself a part of. His one task: recover and repair the Crown of Stones, in hopes it will tip the balance in their brewing revolution.

As Ian strives to regain what was lost, the magic-scars streaking his body multiply faster. Searching for a cause and the truth behind his link to the Crown of Stones leads him to uncover shocking secrets buried for generations beneath the sand. To become the weapon the resistance needs, Ian must claim his magical inheritance. But can he curb the destructive appetite that comes with it?

©2014 C.L. Schneider (P)2023 C.L. Schneider

The Crown of Stones, Book 2

Magic, despair, tragedy and war are just some of the intricacies of this story.

The narrator brings you head first into the story and grabs your attention with both hands. I didn’t read the first book but will be doing so now to see how the story progresses from the beginning.

My heart went out to Ian at the beginning of this story as he was freed from a prison where he was drugged and robbed of the magic and his memories. He couldn’t trust anyone. He was ready for battle at each step.

As he slowly began to gain his memories back and his magic not all decisions were correct. He needs to find The Crown of Stones and the Oracle spell. Will he be able to find it without destroying everything in his path? Will he survive or be captured again?

Worth listening to Ian continue his journey

I’ve read Magic-Scars and the entire Crown of Stones Trilogy before but wanted to enjoy the book again; this time in audiobook format.

The narrator, Jonathan Ricardo, brings the voice of Ian Troy to life. The intensity of the book increases from listening versus reading it ten fold. I loved the pacing and cadence of his voice, he portrays Ian perfectly.
Magic-Scars starts two and a half year after Magic-Price (the first book) ends. Ian Troy gets rescued from the mines and has no memory due to Draken drugging him. He has been tortured and forced to do heinous acts. As he slowly gets his terrible memories back bit by bit, he must forgive himself again for the death and loss of those around him. He doesn’t know who to trust or how he acted before and is going solely by instinct. Join Ian on his journey to rediscover his past and to right the present.

This audiobook is only meant for adults due to the graphic scenes, including sex. I loved this book even more than the first book due to feeling a great connection to Troy from the loss of his memories. He keeps trying to do what he believes is right and protect those around him while trying to break the mold he was shoved in. I was shocked towards the end of the book when I believed all hope was lost, I was crushed and cried only to be saved a little towards the end.

C.L. Schneider is by far one of my favorite authors! Any book she writes I want to read and/or listen to. I can’t wait to enjoy the rest of The Crown of Stones series in audiobook format.

Good Listen

This author really surprised me on the story. I really didn't expect to like this book. The action and adventure blew me away. The detailing was great. The world building and characters you could tell was well thought of. I listened to this book in 2 day. I recommend that you listen to the first book first so you can follow along better.

Powerful Dark Fantasy

I was very entertained by the second book of "The Crown of Stones" series. After escaping prison, Ian Troy faced the greatest trials in his life yet. The worldbuilding was convoluted. The magic system was complicated. The protagonist was both flawed and admirable. I liked the fantastical creatures. I enjoyed the twists and turns. The tale was fast paced. There were some dark themes presented and some steam, so this story was for a more mature audience. Jonathan Ricardo's narration was excellent, and his performance added to my enjoyment of the story. I was given a free copy of the audiobook, and I have voluntarily posted this review.

Really good fantasy story

This book is one heck of an adventure. I found that the adventure just grabs you from the beginning. Troy is still my favorite character. He’s trying to adjust from being out of prison and finds himself fighting a war. Non-stop action, great dialogue, intriguing characters all make for a winner. The narrator does a fantastic job of making you feel like you are right there listening to the story, right in the middle of the action. This is one of my favorite authors. She writes in such a way that you feel like you've been on an adventure also.

Fantasy at its best.

First I highly recommend you start this series at the beginning with Book 1. This story has so much more than I expected. I enjoy reading the series from this author. This is a fantasy that will take you places in your mind. Ian Troy was trapped in a prison set by the King. Everything he knows has been taken from him. He endured beating, drugs and even his memories were taken. They also took his magic. So sad and yet so worth reading, and listening to. After getting rescued he now has to find himself. What will he remember? Can he take his life back? This story is well written and a page turner for sure. Hop onto this rollercoaster of emotions and enjoy the ride. I refuse to give you spoilers. This is one story you will have read to believe. I am excited to dive into book 3.

Fantastic!!!

5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This story was fantastic!! Magic, mayhem, drama and darkness… this fast paced story has it all. I very highly recommend listening to Book 1 as this is Book 2 in the series and picks up a couple of years later where Ian Troy wakes after being imprisoned for 2 years….

Drugged and beaten… Ian is tortured and comes around unbeknownst to him…a prisoner after
2 years….not remembering what happened. Of course King Draken is at his full rule and cruel and dark as ever. Ian Troy is rescued and trying to put the pieces back together especially trying to find the truth still in the Crown of Stones….

If you love a gripping fantasy story I very highly recommend this audiobook. I cannot wait until I listen to book 3 in the series.