Rating: 
Summary: Good enough to go back to
Review: The country of Branion is a medieval-England style place, which has been at war with a Scotland-like country to the north for decades. The Aristok of Branion is ruler, warlord, and head of the national faith all rolled into one, which makes for a fairly intimidating figure. The current Aristok, Melisandra, is no exception, and she intimidates everyone around her, including her son the crown prince.The main plot has to do with the traditional conflict between the two countries and their respective faiths. To get an idea of this, think of the historical England vs. Scotland conflicts, and the clash between Catholic and Anglican faiths. Even though it's more or less ripped off of history, it makes for an interesting story, and it lends even the opponent characters an engaging warmth. But to prove that it isn't just Britain, the religions get a special touch: in this world, magic comes from the leader of the faith, who actually has the power to manifest as the god's avatar. In the case of Branion's ruling family, it's hereditary, and each of the family possesses a small amount of that ability. In the one who ascends the throne, it reaches its full potential. Melisandra, like her predecessors, is known as The Living Flame, and is worshipped by her people as their god on earth. Now, between this and the frequent wearing of plaid, I felt a charming familiarity with the world these people live in, and it was made more fun by the novel take on magic. But the real meat of the story lay with the characters. The author really seems to have taken her time constructing each character. Even though most of them have their standard issues and hang-ups, not a single one of them comes across as a stock character or a stereotype. A major driving force of this story is the rotten family life of the royal family. Sure, they're powerful, they're sacred, they're adored by all, but Melisandra is a rotten mother who cares more about battle and ruling than about her own kids. This scores points with the populace, but not with the princes and princesses. The crown prince is a twenty-something with self-confidence issues and hang-ups about expressing himself, and his little sister is a spoiled brat because she's the only child her mother ever paid attention to. Even though this sounds like a stereotypical layout, these characters are all done well enough that you feel like they're a family with problems, instead of a story device. In the meantime, the other major batch of characters comes from a guild of bodyguards/bedmates called Companions. These guys and gals are trained to protect and entertain the lords of the land, but never to give their loyalty to anyone except their Guild. However, this rule is broken in more than one instance, in a subplot that turns out to be the main story. Again, every character who comes from this group has his or her own special personality and views on the world, which is fairly impressive considering how much alike they're trained to be. What I liked best about this book was that the author made no distinction between men and women when it came to character development and plot. Everyone takes their turn, and they all get special attention. In fact, I think it's the best job I've ever seen of an author writing men and women well. Yeah, they see the world differently, but not as differently as you think. I've checked out some of this author's other books in this series, and I can't say that I like them as well as this one. She seems to have taken the most time with this story and these characters, and it really shows. Also, if you're looking for loads of magic getting tossed around, then you'll have to wait patiently. There's a spectacular fight at the end of this fairly long book, but most of the time magic is more of an accepted presence in the background than anything visible. Anyway, it's worth the wait.
Rating: 
Summary: simply awesome
Review: The first thing I was struck with..Awe. I thought it was so awesome to have a world in which gender is not what matters. Where woman are out on the hunts with the men, where women rule just like a man and a title doesn't change to become feminine. I also loved the Companions. That in this world love between those of the same gender is accepted. I found it easy to read, but did get lost in the titles, but then again that is somehting that gave the book more than it's words. The battles were well written, the ceremony's were beutifull, and the love seens left just enouph to the imagination to leave you feeling a little warm hearted. Fallow Demnor through his journy of self exploration with his love with an Earl(his inteded wife) and his companion(a male). See him fight for the respect of his mother, and see the little boy that hides with in the "stone prince". Fallow the Heathland rebellion, and.,..hmm thought i'd give something away huh? well just read it! If you like Fantasy books, if you like the time of knights and honor, than read this book. I loved it, and it and Mrs/Ms. Patton is now within the ranks of my favorite authors. WONDERFULL! Michael
Rating:
Summary: a good read
Review: The first time I picked up this book to read it, I didn't like it. Why? I'm not completely sure -- maybe I was too young. However, picking it up a couple years later I read straight through it in a few days. I'm fascinated by fantasy novels that take place in universes with obvious parallels to our own, and this book is definitely that. I found the beginning a bit difficult becaues some of the background information of the universe is left for the reader to figure out for his/herself (some things I'm still left wondering about). Another thing that was hard to get used to (but I liked it anyway) was the use of masculine titles (i.e. "lord", "prince") to refer to both male and female characters. For readers interested in universes with political/religious parallels to our own, I would also recommend Kushiel's Dart by Jaqueline Carey.
Rating:
Summary: A Grand Beginning
Review: The Stone Prince is the first book of a series by newcomer Fiona Patton. She doesn't break new ground, but does explore concepts like gender equality, religious intolerance and homosexuality in a way that isn't preachy. The world of The Stone Prince resembles Renaissance Europe, and the country of Branion is a thinly-disguised England. Prince Demnor of Branion isn't the typical too-perfect hero, which makes him a fascinating character. He's quite flawed, and in some ways, behaves like a spoiled brat. Then again, when one is descended from a family gifted with a flame-like power that if not mastered, would either drive one insane or burn them from the inside out. Demnor's lover, Kelahanus, is a Companion--a rather intriguing blend of lover, spy and assassin. His job, outside of keeping the prince happy, is also to insure that Demnor did his duty as heir, and in doing so, avoid civil war with the second most powerful family in Branion. The characters were deftly drawn, and it was eye-opening, to say the least, that the female characters could be just as bloodthirsty and ruthless as the men. Melisendra, the Aristok of Branion (and Demnor's mother), could show Xena how to fight and win battles. As a mother, however, she will not win any awards, since she equates love with weakness. The Stone Prince is an enjoyable read, and a great beginning from a new talent.
Rating:
Summary: A Grand Beginning
Review: The Stone Prince is the first book of a series by newcomer Fiona Patton. She doesn't break new ground, but does explore concepts like gender equality, religious intolerance and homosexuality in a way that isn't preachy. The world of The Stone Prince resembles Renaissance Europe, and the country of Branion is a thinly-disguised England. Prince Demnor of Branion isn't the typical too-perfect hero, which makes him a fascinating character. He's quite flawed, and in some ways, behaves like a spoiled brat. Then again, when one is descended from a family gifted with a flame-like power that if not mastered, would either drive one insane or burn them from the inside out. Demnor's lover, Kelahanus, is a Companion--a rather intriguing blend of lover, spy and assassin. His job, outside of keeping the prince happy, is also to insure that Demnor did his duty as heir, and in doing so, avoid civil war with the second most powerful family in Branion. The characters were deftly drawn, and it was eye-opening, to say the least, that the female characters could be just as bloodthirsty and ruthless as the men. Melisendra, the Aristok of Branion (and Demnor's mother), could show Xena how to fight and win battles. As a mother, however, she will not win any awards, since she equates love with weakness. The Stone Prince is an enjoyable read, and a great beginning from a new talent.
Rating:
Summary: Fascinating Characters, Intriguing World, But a Little Slow
Review: The Stone Prince is the story of Prince Demnor and his Companion, Kelahnus. Demnor has been taught by his mother that only flawed vessels show emotion and have feelings for others. And flawed vessels crack under pressure. When he was sixteen, Demnor fell in love with Kelahnus, but they were separated by his mother's command. Demnor eventually wins Kelahnus back, but then he is forced into marriage with the Duke Isolde. Despite Demnor's affection for his male companion, he starts to have feelings for the beautiful Isolde. When Demnor's mother is suddenly murdered, he becomes the Vessel of the Flame. As the Vessel of the Flame, Demnor is the political and religious head of the country (think Louis XIV) and is almost worshipped as a Deity. Just when Demnor begins to gain control of his kingdom, one of their conquered territories rebels (think Scotland v. England) and Demnor is drawn into war. There he has the opportunity to prove himself and to make peace with his mother. The characters in this novel were intriguing, especially since there really was no gender role separation. Males and females are both referred to as Prince, Duke, etc. It was a refreshing change and interesting to see Patton's concept of gender equality. Demnor is a classic flawed hero in that he has weaknesses and makes mistakes, but he has loyal companions, such as Kelahnus and later Isolde, whom Demnor eventually learns to trust and feel for. The School of the Companions was also an interesting concept. There the most beautiful and talented youths in the kingdom are trained in politics, court manners, sex and assasinations. Every noble has their own Companion, or several Companions. The nobles never sleep alone. The Companions are not supposed to fall in love and their ultimate loyalty belongs to the School of the Companions. One of the subplots of the book is Kelahnus' inner struggle as he tries to keep himself from falling in love with Demnor and to stay loyal to his teachers and his school. The reason why I gave this book 4 stars instead of 5 is that it is a little slow at times and can be confusing as the author jumps back and forth between past and present and different characters. Also, it was a disappointment that Kelahnus was potrayed as a typical gay male - jumping from bed partner to bed partner, always concerned with his looks, etc. Still, it was a very enjoyable read and recommended.
Rating:
Summary: Wellwritten and interesting
Review: The Stone Prince is wellwritten - but not outstanding - fantasy, based on the British Isles cirka 1600 (?) The main characters are engaging - the plot centers more on relationships than action. All-in-all, a mainstream fantasy book of the kind you don't read more than once, but enjoy while you're reading it. The one thing that makes it differ from most fantasy books, is that it manages to present the first believable gender equal society I've read about. Those looking for fantasy with strong women who aren't perfect should try this book. The main character is male, and so is his lover, but his mother, his sisters and his fiancee are all interesting, strong women. I intend to buy her next book, and I'm keeping this one since I found her society fascinating. Not a high four stars, but clearly more than three.
Rating:
Summary: A tale of love and adventure set in a gender blind society
Review: The Stone Prince takes us to a remarkable society where gender does not determine one's role in life, or one's behavior. We find strong women, and men who see nothing wrong with female strength and freedom. We see a society where sex and romantic love is not restricted by the gender of the participants. Patton uses the same titles and labels for males and females. As readers we are forced to see the person as an individual and to judge worthiness based on actions -- not pre-conceived notions of gender and limitation. At the heart of the story is a tale of love between the Crown Prince Demnor, and his male companion Kelhnaus. They struggle to maintain a relationship while living lives filled with duty to outside agencies. Demnor must fulfill his role as Royal Heir and military hero, while battling with, what he sees as a cold, contemptuous mother who seems only too eager to displace him in favor of his sister. Kelhnaus on the other hand must play the political winds like a master harper to protect his blunt and unsubtle lover, all while keeping his own feelings of love secret from the guild who raised and trained him for deceit. In the end the story is about learning to love, and accept the love of those who are not always able to present it in the way we want it; about letting go of the ideas and expectations that demand perfection, and guarantee defeat. About the lovers, swirls a medieval society filled with magic, the occasional dragon, war, politics, intrigue, and familial traps. The story features interesting characters, some magic, a minor amount of religion and mysticism, and a good number of battles. Two complaints kept me from giving it 5 stars: It suffers from Terminal Celtic Disease -- where everything not nailed down is given a quaint Celtic-sounding name. The result is you often feel trapped in an overgrown greenhouse of exotic flowers; Patton also spends too much time with long titles, and just is often too wordy about nothing. The book could probably be cut about a hundred pages without anything going missing.
Rating: 
Summary: Ambiguous
Review: This book was a very strange book. Yes, Fiona went too far describing the romance between the prince, and his servant. This book was good in the fact when it came to action scenes, she does a remarkable job describing the battle.
Rating: 
Summary: Not very good at all.
Review: This has gotta be one of the worst, grueling things I've read. It's one thing when you use descriptions to describe and enrich. It's a completely different other when you use them to take up space in a book. It feels as if the author wrote too many unnecessary details. Whereas Jordan's details add taste and texture to thicken the plot, Patton's details are just there; blocking the conveying of adventure or excitement or whatever it is that she had intended this to convey. Something's wrong with it, but I'm not sure if it's the excessive details, or if it's the way her details aren't woven but stick out like sore thumbs, or what...but for some reason, it doesn't quite fit very well. You may want to read this before buying it...read at least part of the book, the first two chapters or any random chapter in the middle, and you'll see what I'm talking about. Or if you don't, and you still like it, yeah, go ahead and buy it. But just a caution...read before buy.
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