The Burning Stone
KING'S DRAGON and PRINCE OF DOGS began Kate Elliott’s enthralling tale of the war-torn kingdoms of Wendar and Varre and the story of Alain’s and Liath’s quests for truth. Now THE BURNING STONE continues the epic saga.
An uncertain and uneasy peace has fallen on the kingdom of Wendar. It seems that the king's favour has fallen upon Prince Sanglant, his bastard son, and that he is to be the chosen heir. But Sanglant is too troubled by the recent past to seek that crown. He needs Liath, the woman who saved him from his terrible captivity, even though such a liaison must incur the wrath of his father. For her part, Liath knows that her future lies with Sanglant. But she has also learned that her mother, presumed to be dead, is in fact still alive and searching for her, to school Liath in the powerful sorcerous arts. And Alain, their friend and ally, is in mortal danger from the curse of Bloodheart, who is reaching out from the grave...
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Kate Elliott
Few fantasy authors conjure worlds as vast, as lived-in, or as emotionally resonant as Kate Elliott. Her stories don't just transport readers—they immerse them, body and soul, into realms shaped by history, culture, and the complexities of power. With a career spanning decades and genres, Elliott has carved a unique space in speculative fiction by weaving epic narratives that are as intellectually rich as they are emotionally gripping.
What sets her apart is not only her sweeping world-building, but the way she grounds it in human experience. Whether she’s charting dynastic struggles in the Crown of Stars series, redefining epic fantasy with the Spiritwalker Trilogy, or exploring the intersections of gender, colonialism, and resistance in Unconquerable Sun, Elliott brings a rare depth to every page. Her characters—especially her fiercely determined women—push against the boundaries of their worlds with strength, vulnerability, and defiance.
Crown of Stars
Set in an alternate Europe, a world where bloody conflicts rage and sorcery holds sway, both human and other-than-human forces vie for supremacy. In this land, Alain, a young man seeking the destiny promised him by the Lady of Battles, and Liath, a young woman gifted with a power that can alter the course of history, are about to be swept up in a world-shaking conflict for the survival of humanity.
Crown of Stars consists of seven books. The current recommended reading order for the series is provided below.
