Lis’ Review of The Druid Stone by Heidi Belleau & Violetta Vane

Heidi Belleau & Violetta Vane

The Druid Stone (Layers of the Other World, #1)

Carina Press, August 6, 2012 | 351 pages

Heidi Belleau’s website | Violetta Vane’s website | Goodreads | Buy book here

Backblurb:
Sean never asked to be an O'Hara, and he didn't ask to be cursed by one either.
After inheriting a hexed druid stone from his great-grandfather, Sean starts reliving another man's torture and death...every single night. And only one person can help. Cormac Kelly runs a paranormal investigation business and doesn't have time to deal with misinformed tourists like Sean. But Sean has real magic in his pocket, and even though Cormac is a descendant of legendary druids, he soon finds himself out of his depth...and not because Sean's the first man he's felt anything for in a long time.
The pair develop an unexpected and intensely sexual bond, but are threatened at every turn when Sean's case attracts the unwelcome attention of the mad sidhe lords of ancient Ireland. When Sean and Cormac are thrust backward in time to Ireland's violent history--and their own dark pasts--they must work together to escape the curse and save their fragile relationship.

Genre & Keywords: M/M Romance, Urban Fantasy, Folklore, History, Sidhe, Magic

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Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Heat level: 2 out of 3 flames
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Reviewed by Lis/Larissa:

The Druid Stone is an intriguing and intense story that is steeped in magic and mystery, folklore and mythology and two exquisitely fascinating characters that will keep you on the edge of your seat and melt the screen of your reader at the same time.

As a student of folklore, I tend to be a skeptic when it comes to stories that twist and turn mythology and folklore to fit a story. While often very good, it can also turn bad (very bad). With The Druid Stone there were absolutely no worries. All the folklore and mythology ring true and the way the sidhe were portrayed was very close to old stories.

The Druid Stone is a story that has several plot angles and layers, but it’s in no way overwhelming or causes you to lose track of the story itself. There is a lot of information on Irish history and mythology, but it’s not an info dump and it doesn’t take away from the story. Rather it’s part of it. Once you start this story it’s hard not to become engrossed in Sean’s nightmares (which can be very detailed and graphic at times) and his sweetness or Cormac’s stubbornness and their adventures together.

The writing is graphic and engrossing, not one sided or static, something that’s not always easy to find. Sometimes with two authors writing together, it’s easy to see where one stops and the other stars, but there is none of that in The Druid Stone. Instead both authors create a vividly intense story.

Sean and Cormac are their own persons and have their own voices and make their own choices in the story. There is a definite romance between the two, but it’s not quite obvious. There are no candlelight dinners and roses, but two fiercely independent characters who are perfect for each other. They are also very stubborn, so it takes them a while to work out the kinks (and add a few).

The Druid Stone is a story I definitely recommend for readers who like a good blend of Urban Fantasy, action, adventure, mystery, mythology and two steamy hot manly characters who definitely know how to use their equipment.
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