Melting Stones

I’ll admit, I went into *Melting Stones* expecting a lighter fantasy romp—maybe some cool rock magic, a volcanic backdrop, done. Instead, Pierce handed me a story that’s equal parts ecological thriller and character study, and I’m still thinking about it weeks later. The heart of this book is the friction between Evvy and Rosethorn, two stubborn women who *need* each other but drive each other up the wall. Their arguments about magic vs. science (and whose approach is ‘right’) feel painfully real, especially when the island’s dying flora forces them to confront their own limitations. I loved how Pierce doesn’t let Evvy off the hook—her magic has consequences, and her impulsiveness isn’t just ‘plucky’; it’s dangerous. Grace Kelly’s narration is *exceptional*, but I’ll nitpick: her male voices occasionally veer into caricature (the island’s governor sounds like a mustache-twirling villain at times). That said, her Evvy is perfect—sarcastic but vulnerable, with a New York accent that grounds the fantasy in grit. The production is clean, though I wished for more atmospheric sound design (missed opportunity with those volcanic rumbles!). Pacing drags slightly in the middle during botanical explanations, but the payoff—when the magic and science collide—is worth it. This isn’t a book about saving the world; it’s about saving a *place*, and the people stupid enough to love it. If you want fluffy escapism, look elsewhere. If you want a fantasy with teeth? Dig in.