The premise: yanked from BN.com: New trouble lies ahead for Darak and Griane, now the Memory-Keeper and Healer of their tribe. Keirith, the eldest of their three children, has been apprenticed to the Tree-Father but is dismissed when his master learns that he has been riding the spirits of other living creatures. Convinced that his parents will also view him as an abomination, Keirith flees, only to be captured by slavers. Carried to the heart of a distant civilization, Keirith must confront the truth about himself and his powers, even while Darak, following the kidnappers' trail, must struggle with his darkest fears if he is to have any hope of saving his son.

My Rating

Worth the Cash: yes, I had some personal issues with this book, but it's a solid read. There's characters you understand and really feel for, and the setting description is excellent. The plot may not be, on the surface, the most original story in the world. However, where Campbell goes with it does pack some surprises and punches at the end, which is what really snagged my interest and got me looking forward to book three in the trilogy. And on one hand, I'd say this book could stand alone, as it takes place MANY years after the events of Heartwood and is its own story (and incorporates background information very nicely without info-dumping), but on the other hand, to understand some of the characters and their actions, it might make sense to read Heartwood first, which I personally really enjoyed when I read it back in 2005. I also appreciate that this trilogy has a focus on tribal people instead of the more medieval setting we see in fantasy worlds, and that's part of what really keeps my interest in this trilogy. So if you're interested in character-centric fantasy and capricious gods (namely the Trickster), then give Heartwood a try, and then Bloodstone. :) Or, if you'd rather learn more about the author and her process first, then click here to read the interview I conducted with her for .

Review style: Stream of conscious. There will be spoilers in this review, so if that bothers you, there's no need to click the link below. However, if spoilers don't bother you, then click away! As always, comments and discussion are most welcome. :)

REVIEW: Barbara Campbell's BLOODSTONE

Happy Reading! ( )