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The Crown of Stones: Magic-Price Kindle Edition
The brutality of war was all Ian Troy had ever known. Peace was all he ever wanted. Fate had other plans when it placed the Crown of Stones, an ancient artifact of untold power, into his battle-weary hands. He defied his lover, the queen, and with one reckless wish, ended a conflict that had been tearing the realms apart since before he was born. But the cost was unthinkable.
A decade later, Ian is still haunted by that tragic day. Running from the blood in his veins and on his hands, he struggles to forget—what he's done and what he is. But when a fateful encounter with a pretty assassin brings his past crashing into the present, denial is no longer an option.
Hunted by enemies, old and new, with the realms burning and kings dying, Ian becomes embroiled in a violent race for control of the Crown of Stones. As the death toll mounts, and the deceptions unfold, his path becomes clear. To save the realms, Ian must embrace the one thing he fears most: his own power.
Magic-Price is the first installment in The Crown of Stones Trilogy, an epic saga of magic and war. Immerse yourself in this dark tale full of twists and turns, action and intrigue, epic battles, found family, worldbuilding, sacrifice, and love, as an exiled anti-hero struggles to tame his inner demons and outrun the merciless will of Fate.
*Winner of the Bronze Medal for Epic Fantasy in the 2017 Readers' Favorite Book Awards
- LanguageEnglish
- Publication dateJanuary 4, 2014
- File size1.4 MB
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From the Publisher



Editorial Reviews
Review
"This book is one of the most original fantasy novels that I have ever read. Schneider is a wizard with her words." - Peachy Keen Reviews
"The characters are beautifully flawed and realized. The story is a fine addition to any collection...a very bright star that is well worth your notice." - Red Star Reviews
"Magic-Price is a fantastic read... If you like dark fantasy with a twist and you want to support a truly talented independent author, then do yourself a favor and pick up Magic-Price." - Stephen Rhodes, Fantasy Faction
From the Author
Visit my website for character insights, deleted scenes, and excerpts from all three installments in The Crown of Stones Trilogy.
About the Author
Product details
- ASIN : B00HEW3SZQ
- Publisher : ; 1st edition (January 4, 2014)
- Publication date : January 4, 2014
- Language : English
- File size : 1.4 MB
- Simultaneous device usage : Unlimited
- Text-to-Speech : Enabled
- Screen Reader : Supported
- Enhanced typesetting : Enabled
- X-Ray : Enabled
- Word Wise : Enabled
- Print length : 482 pages
- Page numbers source ISBN : B09MCVCJ4F
- Best Sellers Rank: #586,955 in Kindle Store (See Top 100 in Kindle Store)
- #5,664 in Action & Adventure Fantasy (Kindle Store)
- #8,436 in Epic Fantasy (Kindle Store)
- #8,720 in Sword & Sorcery Fantasy (Books)
- Customer Reviews:
About the author

Born in a small Kansas town on the Missouri river, C.L. Schneider grew up in a house of avid readers and overflowing bookshelves. Her first full-length novel took shape while she was still in high school, on a typewriter in her parent's living room. Though Schneider has been writing all of her life, Magic-Price (the award-winning first installment in The Crown of Stones Trilogy) was her first published novel.
While her main focus is epic and urban fantasy for adults, she dabbles in all areas of speculative fiction. Her stories tend to be dark, conflict-laden tales full of magic and mystery, action and intrigue, antiheroes and villains, monsters and myths, friendship, love, loss and sacrifice—with enough twists to give you whiplash.
Learn more about C.L. Schneider, and the magical worlds she creates, at clschneiderauthor.com, where you can read reviews, excerpts, sneak peeks and teasers, subscribe to her newsletter, and join her Street Team. An active part of the online indie author community, you can connect with her on social media, or visit the News and Events page on her website for a full list of C.L. Schneider's in-person appearances in the NY, NJ, and CT area.
Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers find the plot compelling and exciting with twists and turns. They describe the book as an enjoyable, epic read that keeps them hooked until the end. The characters are well-developed and relatable, with a diverse cast. The concepts and world are well-developed and interesting. Readers praise the writing style as well-done and talented. The magic system is unique and appreciated.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers enjoy the compelling storyline with relatable characters. They appreciate the exciting action and suspenseful plot twists that keep them hooked until the end. The vivid action scenes and captivating concept make for an excellent novel that readers can't wait to read in the series.
"...Manipulative, Enchanting, Magical. Few words. Just a few words to describe the unlimited boundaries of The Crown of Stones: Magic-Price...." Read more
"...I wasn’t disappointed. This book had a good amount of action and character development that kept me hooked throughout...." Read more
"...The concept is fascinating, and Schneider’s action scenes are so vivid that I don’t have any problem picturing them in my head...." Read more
"I liked the book when I started reading it. The fantasy realm had been pretty well developed, a good mix of characters filled out the story, and..." Read more
Customers enjoy the book's readability. They find it engaging with nice twists and turns that keep them reading. The book has substance and creative storytelling that keeps readers interested. Readers appreciate the author's ability to create entertaining and believable relationships between characters.
"...It was epic! One of the greatest read I’ve ever read this year. Perhaps, even more on what I read in the past...." Read more
"...The other characters were a wide range and had flaws as well as admirable traits. It was a diverse cast and one I immensely enjoyed...." Read more
"...Sentences flow one to another in a way that keeps me reading…and reading…and reading...." Read more
"...end of every chapter was a cliffhanger, so that by its self kept me turning the pages. What I disliked most, was Ian’s love interests...." Read more
Customers find the characters well-developed and interesting. They appreciate the relatable hero and multi-dimensional villains. The cast is diverse, with an antihero who delivers strongly.
"...It was a diverse cast and one I immensely enjoyed. Malaq had a fun, suave personality to him. I liked his humor and all around demeanor...." Read more
"...I love the way her mind works, the characters she creates, her fluid and vivid writing style, and her world-building techniques...." Read more
"...The fantasy realm had been pretty well developed, a good mix of characters filled out the story, and the plot was intriguing...." Read more
"...Everything within the book was expertly done. The characters were all well-crafted, and flawless depicted, I thought - their flaws and all!..." Read more
Customers enjoy the well-developed fantasy world and characters. They find the concepts interesting and unique, with a good feel of fullness and history. The writing style is vivid and imaginative, providing detailed insight into the main character's thoughts.
"...And it blew my mind when I finished it. Fascinating, Interesting, and a major Cliffhanger. Manipulative, Enchanting, Magical. Few words...." Read more
"...It was different, developed, yet not fully unearthed by the characters. It grew along with the story, which was quite nice...." Read more
"...The concept is fascinating, and Schneider’s action scenes are so vivid that I don’t have any problem picturing them in my head...." Read more
"...I will give the author credit for the originality and clever use of magic in the story line...." Read more
Customers appreciate the writing style. They find the author talented and the stories engaging. The first-person narrative is bold and gripping, with polished editing.
"...The writing itself was very enjoyable. So, fast-paced read, good writing, and nice world. How about those characters?..." Read more
"...way her mind works, the characters she creates, her fluid and vivid writing style, and her world-building techniques...." Read more
"...The writing itself is excellent. Smart, clever, funny, heartbreaking, suspenseful – it’s all there, as far as I’m concerned...." Read more
"...however, I was truly impressed with the writing style and the polished editing. She has created a plot and characters that left me wanting more...." Read more
Customers enjoy the book's magic content. They find it full of adventure, suspense, and action with a different take on magic. The creative use of magic is also appreciated.
"...Manipulative, Enchanting, Magical. Few words. Just a few words to describe the unlimited boundaries of The Crown of Stones: Magic-Price...." Read more
"...First, I loved how the magic was handled in this book. It was different, developed, yet not fully unearthed by the characters...." Read more
"...you are a lifelong fan or are new to the fantasy genre and love incredible magic elements, then I highly recommend The Crown of Stones: Magic Price!..." Read more
"Crowns of Stones is full of magic, adventure, suspense, and action. It is a very complex story with strong world building features...." Read more
Customers enjoy the emotional content of the book. They find the characters and plot engaging, with an intense narrative from the protagonist's perspective. The story develops nicely and has a good feel of depth and history. Readers are captivated by the love story and heroic deeds.
"...he tries to hide and his courage, it was outstanding, outrageous and passionate...." Read more
"...The world was developed nicely and had a good feel of fullness and history. The writing itself was very enjoyable...." Read more
"...Throughout the entire novel, there was one intense moment after another. I fell in love with the main character and his two male companions...." Read more
"...The bold and gripping first-person narrative, from the protagonist's view, will drag your emotions into the book, and will not let go!..." Read more
Customers have mixed opinions about the pacing of the book. Some find it well-paced with nonstop action, while others feel it drags on and is frustrating to keep up with all the characters.
"...The writing itself was very enjoyable. So, fast-paced read, good writing, and nice world. How about those characters?..." Read more
"...The story line was good but I found it frustrating to try and keep up with all the characters...." Read more
"...Schneider's writes a fast-paced plot, zooming from one catastrophe to the other as Troy has to react to the machinations of his enemy while trying..." Read more
"This book started out a little slow but it still held my interest and it was not long before I was hooked...." Read more
Reviews with images
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This is rather long but will keep you entranced. Twists and turns galore
Top reviews from the United States
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- Reviewed in the United States on November 2, 2016Enchanting, Magnificent, Unbelievable, Brilliant and a Masterpiece. I couldn’t imagine how C.L. Schneider crafted the world building because I was awestruck with how she built it and introduce it to her readers slowly and amazingly on the novel. I was lost in the world of Troy. I could imagine that I can feel his pain real time. The struggles he fought, the guilt that he tries to hide and his courage, it was outstanding, outrageous and passionate.
Aside from the world building, the another thing to look forward to this book is the magic system. My God. This. Is. The. First. That I completely fall in love with the magic system. I could imagine what is happening when I was reading the book. I could see the fighting scenes and how the incantations of spells work with every details page after page. It feels like diving and drowning and trying to survive all it once while embarking on the lonely and painful journey of Troy.
“..you can only outrun a debt for so long before it bit you in the ass.”
1It left me breathless, suffocated with every fighting scenes, panicking on every near death experiences and shocked on every revelation. Let me tell you this, this book is full of revelations that will give you a moment of silence to absorb of what was happening. There are some unfortunate events because of misplacement of loyalty, there are some because of different beliefs and what hurts the most? There are some because you are the reason someone is dead and that someone is the one person you loved the most. Give me a moment to feel my emotion and cry this one out.
This book tore me apart, into little ashes, to pieces of hollow. Gods, Troy is so selfless. He would do everything for what he thinks is right. It is fair enough, indeed. Fair enough to make himself vulnerable, transparent and crazy. But do you know what? I find it too painful, knowing what Troy just had, what just people trade for what he just fight for. They easily barter that moment for every effort and power of Ian just sacrifice for. This book is a manifestation of the endless cycle of pain.
I couldn’t imagine how or what was running through C.L. Schneider’s mind when she was writing this book. It was epic! One of the greatest read I’ve ever read this year. Perhaps, even more on what I read in the past. I love the concept that she puts and I believe, she was one of those talented authors who really did give justice to her characters. And she’s damn amazing writer!
From loving to sacrificing, to fighting and believing, to trusting and being accepted, and to finding who he really is are just a few of the hints on the book. For fantasy readers out there, you will love this book unconditionally and no questions asked. This book exceeded my expectations when I was just halfway through. And it blew my mind when I finished it. Fascinating, Interesting, and a major Cliffhanger.
Manipulative, Enchanting, Magical. Few words. Just a few words to describe the unlimited boundaries of The Crown of Stones: Magic-Price. I was succumbed by the beauty of this novel. It feels real. It is real. And I don’t know how to describe my experience with this book. Simply, stunning and extraordinary!
- Reviewed in the United States on April 10, 2014I caught sight of this book on an advertisement and the cover drew me right in. I wasn’t disappointed. This book had a good amount of action and character development that kept me hooked throughout.
First, I loved how the magic was handled in this book. It was different, developed, yet not fully unearthed by the characters. It grew along with the story, which was quite nice.
I found the interaction of the races very interesting. I won’t spoil it, but there’s some great meanings in there if you pay attention. The world was developed nicely and had a good feel of fullness and history. The writing itself was very enjoyable.
So, fast-paced read, good writing, and nice world. How about those characters?
I will say that Ian and Malaq were my favorites. The other characters were a wide range and had flaws as well as admirable traits. It was a diverse cast and one I immensely enjoyed. Malaq had a fun, suave personality to him. I liked his humor and all around demeanor. I think I was drawn to Ian because 1) he was a magic user and I tend to like mages 2) he had a tortured side to him which is always alluring to me 3) he could be a badass! He was also a vulnerable character, one who was caught up in something bigger than himself and kept messing up because of it. I liked that he didn’t have all the answers, that he made mistakes. I will say, he had a huge weakness for women. Not a bad thing, it just started feeling... I don’t know, too predictable maybe? It wasn’t like it was the same girl that kept duping him, it was several. So it lost something there for me. Not sure how else to explain it. It wasn’t horrible by any means, it was just something I grew to expect. Oh, there’s a girl? You’re in trouble, Ian.
There were a few surprises at the end. I loved that I learned of the world as Ian did. I never rolled my eyes through a boring history lesson. It was worked in nicely to the conversations, musings, and interactions of the characters. For me, this is a huge bonus.
Overall, great read for anyone who likes epic adult fantasy. I’ll definitely be picking up the second book and following any future works by Schneider.
Top reviews from other countries
- Amazon CustomerReviewed in Canada on December 13, 2016
5.0 out of 5 stars A modern twist on classic fantasy
I'm more of a science fiction reader than fantasy, but this book caught my attention immediately down to the wonderful cover artwork.
Fantasy books tend to be one of two things to my mind--epic or forgettable and I'm pleased to say that Crown Of Stones falls firmly into the former of these two. The author has taken the old ideas of a magical world and given them a healthy modern twist that stands far beyond the average.
Character-wise the author draws out the (literally) painful desire and reluctance of the main protagonist and his obsessive yet fearful need to use his magic skills. Yet even in his sometimes dark lust for magic, he is always cognizant of the need to protect others around him from its often deadly powers.
I did find the use of modern strong language a little odd and would probably have felt more comfortable if the author has used old world style (or invented) profanity, but this is just a minor quibble and entirely personal taste.
A sequel is more than well-deserved.
- Dylan James MorganReviewed in the United Kingdom on May 21, 2015
5.0 out of 5 stars a fast-paced adventure through a fantastical world
Ten years after using the Crown of Stones to end a bloody conflict, Ian Troy has thrown himself into self-imposed exile in an attempt to forget his mistakes and the incredible loss of life he caused. But old enemies never forget, and they’re stirring in the realms of darkness to bring Troy’s harrowing past back to haunt him. Now, he has to forge new alliances and place his trust back in his magic if he is to defeat his greatest adversary yet.
The Crown of Stones: Magic-Price, by C. L. Schneider, is a fast-paced adventure through a fantastical world that is made all the more believable by the author’s solid writing. The story takes us through many lands and cities, all of which are easy to see on the page, as Schneider does a good job of bringing this world to life. The main characters are engaging and likeable figures, easily keeping the reader interested, and Ian Troy’s obvious dark past and problems made him intriguing, even if he did sometimes make bad decisions. Listen to Malaq, dude, it’ll save you a lot of pain!
I have to be honest and say I haven’t read a lot of fantasy books so I have very little to compare Magic-Price to, to know how well it stacks up against other books in its genre, but this was an enjoyable foray into a world of swords and sorcery and mystical beasts. I often assume that fantasy books deliver a wide world that takes many hundreds of pages to describe and build, which has often put me off attempting to read in this genre, but thankfully this wasn’t the case with the Crown of Stones. The read is fast-paced, pulling you quickly from realm to realm and conflict to conflict. There’s a fair degree of bad language and mild erotica in the book, so I’m not sure how die-hard fantasy readers will take this, but I read all genres so things like that don’t bother me.
A couple of negative issues jumped out at me, but thankfully they didn’t detract from the read at all. For example, our protagonist Ian Troy seemed too keen to distance himself from his followers and friends and do battle alone, instead of relying on the aid and assistance of those protecting his back. But hey, he’s our hero I guess and a hero does what he has to do in order to defeat the odds.
Overall The Crown of Stones: Magic-Price is a great read and has gone a long way to dispel my belief that fantasy novels are drawn-out journeys through worlds more complex than our own. Before I’d gotten half way through this book I found myself buying Magic-Scars, the second instalment in this trilogy, as I liked Schneider’s world and characters so much I knew I’d want to read more of it. Oh yeah, and I love the cover art too, very eye catching.
- MiffReviewed in Australia on February 2, 2016
5.0 out of 5 stars An electrifying fantasy epic.
I had heard nothing but raves regarding this book so I knew I'd enjoy it. I didn't just like it , I adored it. The author has created such a rich tapestry of characters and realms it's almost impossible not to be swept away by them. The hero, Ian Troy is not perfect and as a member of a race physically addicted to casting magic and the consequences of casting we can share in his addiction. No one realm is either all good or bad, Schnieder has carefully ensured that they all have dubious morals and questionable tactics. Even when there is no huge battle or confrontation the pace doesn't slacken. The author carefully reveals secrets and history that left me gasping. This book is simply brilliant. A joy to read and a story that has in printed itself on me
- TL ClarkReviewed in the United Kingdom on August 9, 2022
4.0 out of 5 stars Epic!
What an epic tale! This book got lost in my TBR for a few years, and I really wish it hadn't.
It is a trilogy - just getting that out now. I didn't realise that when I started reading - oops! And enslavement is portrayed. I appreciate the in-depth view the first person perspective in this book provides.
I don't really like the 'magic comes with a price' - something must die every time a spell is cast concept. But that's because it doesn't sit right with my IRL Reiki Master self. However, I can accept this is the way it is in the fantasy world of The Crown of Stones. And, I like the correspondences of the crystals/stones used.
Ian Troy f'd up! And has been in exile for ten years, not coming to terms with the awful event but letting it eat away at him more and more. He is understandably a surly loner, weened of magic like a crack addict.
I love Jarryd - the dependable, quiet type. There is a bit of a bromance here. And Malaq - the mysterious, not-quite-sure-who's-side-he's-on one. Even Liel makes the occasional, interesting appearance. And there are some strong females represented as well.
The pacing is appropriate; we feel the long, hard slog of lessons learned, balance with fast-paced action. The fighting is pretty cool. I wish the steam scenes were a little more detailed - the outside influence does draw a question mark over consent tbh.
Troy is flawed and I love him for it. He is a soldied Shinree - he sees danger and heads straight for it, whether or not he should.
This story has layers.
We learn some hard truths along with Troy.
The writing is sublime - descriptive whilst holding interest, great world-building with complex characters. Almost Tolkien-like in places.
Everyone has an agenda - who is friend and who is foe in this vicious world?
Magic, adventure, inner turmoil, battles, brawls, mistakes, love interests, politics, enlightenment - everything you could want in an epic tale.
- Amazon CustomerReviewed in Canada on January 26, 2017
4.0 out of 5 stars if you are an adult like myself and tend to enjoy fast-paced fantasy adventure stories
*Quick Note: This book (and series) is written for adults. Thought I should mention that here as I didn’t really see any specific info about that when I ordered it on Amazon. There is definitely some language and some scenes that are NOT appropriate for kids. That being said, if you are an adult like myself and tend to enjoy fast-paced fantasy adventure stories, read on!
Magic-Price caught my attention the first time I saw it being advertised on Twitter due to its cover design. As I am currently in the process of having a cover designed for my own book I know how important it is for first impressions to leave the reader wanting to know more, and the cover of this book definitely did that for me.
From the first page of the book readers are pulled into the middle of a battle that Ian Troy (Main Character) is helping to fight against his enemies, the Langorians. From there, the story unravels in a series of twists and turns that keep things exciting.
While I do enjoy reading stories with a predictable plot on occasion, it was refreshing to read a story in which I had no idea what was happening next at any given point in time. I was intrigued by the author’s twist on magic. In many fantasy-type stories we find a hero or heroine who has magic powers, receives training on how to use those powers and then ultimately uses it for good. In Magic-Price, there is an entire race of people who possess magical abilities but have been suppressed and cannot remember how to use said powers. The few members of this race, called the Shinree (such as Ian Troy) who do know how to use their powers know that it comes at a cost: loss of life (plant, animal and human) and often quite miserable physical repercussions. At many points in the story it is difficult to determine who is a “good” character and who is an “evil” one, as many display good intentions while also harboring negative emotions and strong desires for power.
If I can picture the events of a story as if they were happening in front of me like a well-directed movie, it usually means that a story has been written well. I can say this of Magic-Price, and am interested to see what other unique stories C.L. Schneider will bring us in the future.