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C. L. Schneider
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The Crown of Stones: Magic-Price Kindle Edition

by C. L. Schneider (Author), Alan Dingman (Illustrator) Format: Kindle Edition
4.2 out of 5 stars 489 ratings

What if you were born with an addiction to magic? What if your pleasure meant their pain?

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 gripping first installment in The Crown of Stones Trilogy, a dark epic saga of magic and war told through the eyes of a man fighting to control his inborn addiction to magic. The pages are packed with worldbuilding, action and intrigue, an original magic system, wizardry and epic battles, found family and tragic love, sacrifice and loss. Immersive yourself in the twists and turns as an exiled anti-hero struggles to rise above and find the peace that has always eluded him.

*Winner of the Bronze Medal for Epic Fantasy in the 2017 Readers' Favorite Book Awards

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  1. Book 1 of 3
    The Crown of Stones
  2. Print length
    482 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publication date
    January 4, 2014
  5. File size
    1.4 MB
  6. Page Flip
    Enabled
  7. Word Wise
    Enabled
  8. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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From the Publisher

For ten years he's been running
from the blood in his veins and on his hands.
But the past is catching up.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"For a rollicking, unpretentious good adventure, The Crown of Stones: Magic-Price by C.L. Schneider has few rivals...the perfect blend of fantasy and adventure, a tale of magic, bravery, and war." - Reader's Favorite

"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

Immerse yourself in a time-spanning epic tale of a flawed hero, a fallen race, and a land at war. Journey through a world torn apart by prejudice and fear, where peace hinges on the strength of one man to defy fate--and his own dark nature.

Visit my website for character insights, deleted scenes, and excerpts from all three installments in The Crown of Stones Trilogy.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B00HEW3SZQ
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ January 4, 2014
  • Edition ‏ : ‎ 1st
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 1.4 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 482 pages
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Book 1 of 3 ‏ : ‎ The Crown of Stones
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.2 out of 5 stars 489 ratings

About the author

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C. L. Schneider

C. L. Schneider

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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

4.2 out of 5 stars
489 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers praise this fantasy novel for its compelling plot with twists and turns, well-developed characters, and amazing world creation. The writing style receives positive feedback, with one customer noting the author's great care and passion, while another highlights the dark creative use of magic. Customers find the book emotionally satisfying, with one review describing it as a gripping first-person narrative. The pacing receives mixed reactions, with some finding it well-paced while others report poor pacing.

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56 customers mention "Plot"46 positive10 negative

Customers enjoy the plot of the book, describing it as an epic fantasy story full of twists and turns with exciting action.

"...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

48 customers mention "Readability"42 positive6 negative

Customers find the book to be an amazing and enjoyable read, particularly noting it as a good first 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...." 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

29 customers mention "Character development"25 positive4 negative

Customers appreciate the well-developed characters in the book, particularly noting the relatable hero and multi-dimensional villains, with one customer highlighting the diverse cast.

"...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

26 customers mention "Concept development"26 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's concept development, particularly its amazing world creation and detailed world-building techniques.

"...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

23 customers mention "Writing style"17 positive6 negative

Customers appreciate the writing style of the book, praising the author's talent, with one customer noting the 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

17 customers mention "Magic content"17 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's magical elements, with one noting its dark and creative approach.

"...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

7 customers mention "Emotional content"7 positive0 negative

Customers find the book emotionally satisfying, with one review highlighting its gripping first-person narrative and intense moments, while another mentions its good sense of history and fullness.

"...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

12 customers mention "Pacing"7 positive5 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the pacing of the book, with some finding it well-paced and a fast read, while others report poor pacing.

"...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

This is rather long but will keep you entranced. Twists and turns galore
5 out of 5 stars
This is rather long but will keep you entranced. Twists and turns galore
This is rather long but will keep you entranced. Twists and turns galore as Ian Troy attempts to find out who he really is and how to control the magic he inherited as a Shinree--a full blooded Shinree. He is a slave to the Queen who wants to be at war without him using magic. He finally tires of it all--finds a crown of jewels--and uses it--everyone on both sides dies. He swears off magic after this for 10 years, which is incredibly difficult for a Shinree. Along his journey he meets several very interesting characters! I can't say too much more or give everything away. There is some romance-some thrills and chills and a lot of traveling. At the very end I found myself hitting that arrow that takes you to the next page------nothing there--guess I'll have to read the next in the series to see what occurs next in this fantasy novel.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Rafael Ray
    5.0 out of 5 stars This book exceeded my expectations when I was just halfway through. And it blew my mind when I finished it.
    Reviewed in the United States on November 2, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    Enchanting, 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!
    One person found this helpful
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  • L. K. Evans
    4.0 out of 5 stars Great take on magic...
    Reviewed in the United States on April 10, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    I 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.
    12 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Miff
    5.0 out of 5 stars An electrifying fantasy epic.
    Reviewed in Australia on February 2, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    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
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  • Dylan James Morgan
    5.0 out of 5 stars a fast-paced adventure through a fantastical world
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 21, 2015
    Verified Purchase
    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.
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  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars A modern twist on classic fantasy
    Reviewed in Canada on December 13, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    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.
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  • Veronica Strachan
    4.0 out of 5 stars A unique magic
    Reviewed in Australia on January 30, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    Schneider has created a unique magic system and thrown in a cast of great characters, lead by an outcast and reprobate Ian Troy. World building is solid and the plot cracks on a pace.
    Great tale. Ready for book 2.
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  • TL Clark
    4.0 out of 5 stars Epic!
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 9, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    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.
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