Thoughts on The Damning Stone
One week from today, the fifth (or sixth? something like that) book in the Tales from Verania series, The Damning Stone, will be released.
And it’s nothing like the rest of the series.
Oh, yes, there is still Justin and Sam and Ryan and Kevin and Gary and Tiggy. The king is here, as is Morgan of Shadows. Sam’s parents, Rosemary and Joshua. Lady Tina (boo!). Characters you’ve come to know over the years are here in varying levels of plot participation.
But it’s not the same.
The previous four books crossed the country of Verania, from the snowy mountains to the north and the deserts in the west. The first book, in essence, was a road trip novel, following this merry band of adventurers as they attempted to rescue the prince from a most ferocious dragon. If they stayed in the City of Lockes, it was only for a short time, a base of operations before going off into the great unknown.
The Damning Stone isn’t a road trip novel. In fact, for the first time, the entirety of a book in this series takes place within the City of Lockes. In addition, this is the first time the story will be told from anyone other than Sam.
Prince Justin—while not exactly an enigma—still felt like he had an air of mystery around him. We know who he was in relation to Sam—first an enemy, then a begrudging ally, followed quickly by Best Friends 5ever (even if Justin did not agree)—and we’ve seen hints at his relationship with his father. But who is Justin really? Is he a dick that masquerades a heart of gold? (lmao—nah.) Is he selfish person capable of cruelty?
I think he might have been. At least, he used to be. What I find fascinating about a character like Justin is how he is perceived by others, at least at first. Cold, distant, and more than a little uncaring. How can such a person hope to be a fair and just king?
To that end, in the Damning Stone, the main theme is fear. Fear of the approaching future, fear of the mistakes of the past. Fear of making a single decision where the ramifications could be endless. After all, when one is king, one must weight the consequences of each and every action, knowing they will be scrutinized to death. Is Justin ready for that? What if the King were to step down tomorrow? Would Justin be prepared?
I think a lot about Justin in the first book compared to where he is when the book opens. A year has passed since the defeat of Myrin, the Dark Wizard bent on revenge who wanted to remake Verania as he saw fit. While Verania—and the City of Lockes—are in the midst of recovery and reconstruction. Justin finds himself stuck in a rut, losing the fire that’d burned within when he stood in the port city in front of his people, promising they would retake their home. That was the voice of a king. But when we return to Justin in this novel, that fire has burned itself out, replaced by worry and what his role could possibly be. After all, who could compare to King Anthony, his father? If the new poll numbers are any indication, Justin absolutely cannot.
And just when he thinks things can’t get any worse, well.
It’s Verania. Of course it gets worse.
And by worse, I obviously mean amazing, because a king has come to Verania, a king with one goal in mind: to win the heart of the Ice Prince, and marry him as hard as he can. And when an ancient ritual goes wrong, Justin finds himself surrounded by friends changed in ways he can’t expect, leaving him to deal with the visiting king, Verania itself and a different version of the people he’s come to tolerate, and maybe like.
Fear is powerful. It changes us, makes us do things we might not otherwise. Deep-seeded fear about how hard it is to do the right thing and make a difference. Fear that makes us distrust, lash out in ways we regret. Fear is powerful, but you know what’s even more powerful?
Friendship.
Yes, I vomited in my mouth a little too, and Justin will undoubtedly do the same. But it’s the truth, and by the time the novel ends, Justin will be absolutely covered in so much friendship, he’ll choke on it. And he will like it.
I know this book has been long in coming, and I appreciate your patience while I figured out just what kind of story Prince Justin was going to tell. Going back to Verania to tell another story isn’t something I expected to do when I finished A Wish Upon the Stars. I knew there could be more, but I was burned out after writing the last three books back-to-back-to-back. Thankfully, Prince Justin was extraordinarily insistent that I tell his story his way. I’ve done that. And even I was surprised at the ferocious beating heart of The Grand Prince Justin. He is a force to be reckoned with, and woe anyone who gets in his way.
In one week, I’ll invite you back to Verania.
I hope you’re as excited as I am!
tj
Comments from old website:
Chrissy
I always felt that Justin was just disenchanted. Like he didn’t know how to find his place or who to be surrounded by such unique and admired people. I mean, he knew what his role would be, but it’s so different when you are told “this who you will be” than to feel it. I am so excited to see the world from his perspective.
Alma Hurtado Gonzalez
Wow, finally we know Justin's point of view. Fear, a big feeling to talk about. Thanks for this book, I'm sure it will be awesome.
Kristy
All things Verania keep us waiting patiently..mostly!! I fell in love with you, as the author, and your characters from the first chapter! I reread all the books, often...too much, according to the hubby, but even he knows who Gary is!! Keep writing, and we will keep reading! Love all the faces in these hilarious books!!
Amy
I have always had a special place in my heart for eldest children, and let's face, Sam is Justin's annoying little brother. Justin's monologue on top of Kevin's keep in TLSH endeared him to me forever. #TeamJustin
