This is an epic YA fantasy story with adventure, magic, action, and magical creatures. The book follows Selaina and Rykan on their separate journeys through the “wicked world” and how they cross and come together to create this story of a quest for the wishing stone. Great world-building and character development.

Review posted on Goodreads

This is not my normal read but I found this so endearing. I thought Selaina was likeable and watching the assembly of a rac tag group was very entertaining. It is definitely a book to read to escape reality.

I really enjoyed this one! The world building was great & I enjoyed the characters. I liked the switch off between the two POVs & seeing how these two characters would end up meeting & how their paths would cross. The twist at the end was interesting as well! Overall a good read!

3.5/5 rounding up to 4

I enjoyed this book although at times I felt it was a bit too wordy and sometimes the writing very much sounded like a teen book. Dual pov books tend to be ones I enjoy and the magic was interesting. I do think I might check out this authors other works since this was an easy 300 page book

I went into this story with high expectations based on other early reviews, and perhaps that was my fault. The beginning was promising and it dove into setting up an interesting world and identifying key players. The writing was inventive and descriptive; I could easily picture the world. Additionally, the pacing was balanced and effective. However, the book as a whole left me unfulfilled.

The premise of the story was intriguing, leading me to pick up the book in the first place, but the execution faltered. The world and characters began to feel rote and recycled, as if it was a re-skin of a hundred other fantasy novels. The characters' actions seemed uninspired and mechanical, like they were checking off a to-do list of genre tropes while we navigated their arcs. This pulled me out of the story and left me struggling to continue.

The narrative was by no means bad, but I found myself regularly struggling to find the motivation to finish something I felt like I've read before. Despite the strong premise, it ultimately left me with a sense of missed opportunity.

A key strength of this narrative is the author's ability to create a detailed and immersive world. The realm of Galanor is meticulously crafted, with a rich atmosphere that effectively draws the reader in. The characters of Rykan and Selaina are well-developed and complex, and their growth and relationship development are really well done. With its vivid world-building, complex characters, and well-balanced pacing, this novel is a must-read for anyone who loves to get lost in a great story.

Thank you to #NetGalley and the publisher for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review!

This book was great! The story was super interesting and intricate. The world building was really cool and well done, and I loved the characters. The way the point of view switched was cool, especially in the lead up to the characters meeting. The ending was a bit surprising. I can’t wait to be able to learn more about the characters and see where the story goes next. Overall this was an awesome read!

I would give this a 4.5 stars but I’ll round up to a five star. This was a great fantasy read, the world building was something that I could easily follow along with and that’s something I enjoy in my books. It had plenty of action to keep my attention and I like how the author wrote in both the perspectives of the two main characters. If you’re on the fence about this book definitely pick it up it’s definitely a fun time.

Kevin Cox's The Weight of the Wishing Stone is an enthralling epic fantasy that masterfully weaves together magic, adventure, and richly developed characters. Set in the fractured world of Galanor, the narrative alternates between two protagonists: Rykan and Selaina. Their separate journeys, filled with peril and discovery, eventually converge over the Wishing Stone—an ancient artifact rumored to possess the power to reshape history. As they navigate a landscape teeming with mythical creatures and hidden dangers, they are pursued by a relentless force intent on seizing the stone's power for sinister purposes.

Cox's world-building is both intricate and immersive, painting a vivid picture of a realm where forgotten magic lurks in hidden forests and danger awaits at every turn. The characters are well-crafted, with Rykan and Selaina standing out as compelling figures whose personal growth and evolving relationship add depth to the narrative. The author's ability to intertwine their paths in a meaningful way keeps readers engaged and invested in their fate.

The novel's pacing is well-balanced, seamlessly blending action-packed sequences with moments of introspection. The prose is both descriptive and evocative, bringing to life the enchanting yet perilous world of Galanor. Readers have praised the book for its captivating storytelling and the author's skill in crafting a tale that holds attention from start to finish.
NETGALLEY.COM

Overall, The Weight of the Wishing Stone is a remarkable addition to the fantasy genre, offering a compelling story that will resonate with fans of epic adventures and richly imagined worlds. Its blend of magic, action, and character-driven storytelling makes it a must-read for enthusiasts seeking a fresh and engaging tale.

4/5⭐️ I really liked this one! At the beginning, the story switches between 2 characters, Rykan and Selaina, whose paths have not yet crossed; this kept the storyline interesting and had me wondering how their paths would cross or come together. I loved the way the author wrote these characters. The Weight of the Wishing Stone was a great novel filled with magic, action, mythical creatures, and an epic journey that has your attention captured from start to finish. Highly recommend checking this book out on March 27, 2025! Thank you to Kevin Cox and NetGalley for allowing me to read this book early!

High fantasy, beautifully written, great world building and well-developed characters! This was a great story and less than 300 pages long! There's magic and magical creatures, battles, adventure, and mysteries to be found out!