The Stone Heart

Starred review from February 15, 2017
Bloodshed sparks the flames of conflict as Hicks' adventurous fantasy trilogy takes a dark turn following the events of The Nameless City (2016). Inspired by the friendship between Kai, a Dao, and Rat, a Nameless City native, the General of All Blades moves forward with Kai's father's unprecedented plan for a council to give all that city's peoples, natives and conquerors alike, a say in its governance and future. But many Dao, particularly the general's son, Erzi, are unhappy with the idea of yielding control, and Erzi's fear of losing the rule he sees as his birthright turns swiftly to anger...and murder. With the Dao Empire suddenly thrown into chaos and with their lives in danger, Kai, Rat, and Kai's injured father seek refuge among the monks of the Stone Heart. But Erzi's desperate and dangerous ambition is being guided by the enigmatic Mura's quest for vengeance. They want a powerful weapon kept secret by the monks, and they will stop at nothing to take it. Flourishing from the strong worldbuilding and characterization of the first installment, this middle volume of Hicks' epic introduces a few new characters but mostly provides a vital and enthralling closer look at those readers have already met as well as unfurling more of the Chinese-inspired city's past, as colorist Bellaire brings all to stunning emotional life. For all readers fond of the edges of their seats--a penultimate triumph. (author's note) (Graphic fantasy. 12-adult)

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