The Dragon's Stone

The Dark Heart Chronicles, Book 1

By: Daniel Kuhnley

Narrated by: Randy Streu

Magic. Murder. Resurrection has a high price....

Nardus has himself to blame for the brutal end of his wife and children. When he learns of a powerful stone that could bring them back from the dead, he ignores the cost. To get his old life back, Nardus must slay otherworldly creatures and outwit a dragon in a magical trial that no man has ever survived....

Imbued with a unique bond, twins Alderan and Aria have never left each other’s side. But when a ruthless attack severs their connection, the warrior Aria must endure a cruel prison while her timid brother must cross a kingdom to save her. Struggling to survive, the twins’ magic blooms within them...as a sinister gnoll hunts down their incredible powers.

As their paths all converge, Nardus’s determination and the twins’ abilities may not be enough to avert a catastrophe.

The Dragon's Stone is the first book in The Dark Heart Chronicles epic dark fantasy series. If you like vivid new worlds, action-packed adventures, and courageous characters, then you’ll love Daniel Kuhnley’s ominously imaginative novel.

Buy The Dragon's Stone to embark on an epic quest today!

Previously released as Dark Lament.

©2018 Daniel Kuhnley (P)2018 Daniel Kuhnley

Pretty good start to a Dark Fantasy Series

The Dragon's Stone was a pretty solid fantasy story. It took me a couple chapters to really get into and sort of understand what was going on and get used to the narration but once I did I quite enjoyed it. This novel has 2 or 3 stories that they switch between. One involving Nardus and the other 1 or 2 following brother and sister Alderan and Aria. At the very beginning of the book Nardus's family is murdered in front of him and he couldn't do enough to stop it, he then spirals down into a drunken depression before a Mage approaches him and gives him an offer he can't refuse, travel to the underworld basically and retrieve a magical stone for him and he will bring Nardus' family back from the dead. Nardus has no option but to accept and once there he must prevail 7 trials to prevail, each trial is different but all are very dangerous. Nardus is able to 'travel' to an ancient library who's keeper gives him help and advice on how to overcome these trials. This keeper is one of the best characters in the novel and I find him very enjoyable.

The other story involves Alderan and Aria brother and sister. Alderan is off on his own in the forest at the beginning of the novel when he is chased hunted by some monsters who he barely escapes with the help of a magical drite who is able to wisk him away in the nick of time. Unfortunately back in his village it is attacked by these same monsters who kill his father an take his sister. Alderan goes on a journey to try to find and rescue his sister with the help of the Drite with which he develops a friendship/relationship that is kind of annoying to be honest because of how both of them are oblivious of the others feelings. Aria on the other hand suffers untold pain and indignities by her captors and it actually quite harsh and hard to stomach especially considering how young she is, barely 16.

There is a lot going on that the characters aren't aware of and they are much more important then they think as the world hinges on their actions. The paths of all the characters seem to be converging towards the end and am sure in future installments more will be made clear.

The narration by Randy Streu is pretty good and fits the characters fairly well, he does pronounce some words a bit weird such as brooch. Some of the characters and their actions I found to be a bit annoying or unbelievable, Alderan can be a bit of a pain.

Overall I would recommend the book as it has quite a bit of action and an intriguing story.

"Please note I was given this free review copy audio book at my request and have voluntarily left this review."

Entertaining

Well written dark fantasy story. It’s creepy, it’s got mayhem and many fantasy essentials. From the opening scene I was hooked! The author’s writing style reminds me a lot of Joe Ambercrombie, which is awesome! The narrator did a fantastic job! I received a free copy of this audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

A great listen

I thoroughly enjoyed listening to the Dark Lament. The story was great, and the narrator did a fantastic job representing the characters in the story. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.

Dark and Romantic Action Packed Epic Fantasy

After losing his wife and children, Nardus goes to another world to battle magical trials to try bring them back. He teams up with Alderan, a powerful mage on a mission to save his twin sister Aria. Together with their companions, Alderan and Nardus go on an adventure, each to fulfil their own missions.

Daniel has an absolutely incredible imagination. The worlds and characters he has created are unique and magnificent. I traveled to a new place while listening and could bot have had a more interesting journey.

The story has unique and brilliant characters that develop well throughout. The plot moves along at a good pace keeping the listener intrigued. The story is filled with magic, adventure, action and even a romance. I loved it!

Randy is a narrator worthy of an amazing story with vast characters. He has excellent intonation and energy in his performance. His passion shows making the story enjoyable and memorable.

I highly recommend this brilliant fantasy that is complex, deep and absolutely worth it. Cant wait to hear part 2 Reborn.

Note: This book was given to me for free at my request and I provided this objective review voluntarily.

Great way to leave one hanging!

The end came upon me suddenly and in a good way too! As many books as I read that is sooo hard to do so BRAVO! Even with the narrators mispronunciation of magic repeatedly the book was capturing! All the mysterious you could hope for, the creepy wizard, the genuine guy who turns out to be special and the girl who is just awesome! And I really want to know what is happening!! So book 2 is a must read! I was given book 1 for free in exchange for my opinion and I will happily use a credit for the next book!

Captivating Story

I was a little skeptical about starting a dark fantasy novel, but after just the first chapter I was hooked. The author has a way of drawing the reader into the story and allowing them to take the journey along side the many wonderful characters. A great book a fascinating story and a terrific journey!

Very well written story

I have to admit to really being surprised by this book. It starts out pretty dark and depressing, however, the story morphs into a really compelling saga from multiple perspectives. Author really ties together an interesting story, about 1/3 of the way through I was completely hooked. Narration is perfect.

“I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator, or publisher.”

Cat wait to hear the rest

What a great dark fantasy. "I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review."

I can’t wait for the next book!

I truly loved this book. The descriptions were very well done. I typically don’t read this genre, but i can’t wait for this story to continue!

Excellent Dark Fantasy

What a crazy and fun story! Highly recommended if you're a fan of dark fantasy. Grab it today.