"The Way of Stones" Proves Sequels Don't Have to Disappoint

March 4
12 mins

Episode Description

When you finish Book 1 of a brand-new fantasy series, there’s always that moment of hesitation…


You loved the characters.

You enjoyed the world.

The story hooked you.


But then comes Book 2 — and that’s where a series either levels up… or lets you down.


In today’s episode of Fantasy for the Ages, Jim reviews The Way of Stones by Ryan Lanz, the second installment in the Red Kingdom series, following the enjoyable first book The Silver Crystal. Does Lanz build on what worked in the first novel? Do the characters continue to shine? And does the story deepen the mysteries of this growing fantasy world?


In this spoiler-lite review, Jim discusses:


• What makes The Way of Stones an engaging sequel

• Why the characters continue to be a highlight of the series

• How the pacing and short chapters keep the story moving

• The expanding magic system and plot mysteries

• A few elements that may not work for every reader

• Whether the series is worth continuing into Books 3–5


If you enjoy accessible epic fantasy, strong character-driven storytelling, and intriguing series mysteries, this might be a series worth adding to your TBR.


Have you read The Way of Stones or the Red Kingdom series yet? Share your thoughts in the comments!


If you enjoy fantasy book reviews, be sure to like the video, subscribe to the channel, and check out our Patreon to help support Fantasy for the Ages: patreon.com/FantasyForTheAges


#FantasyBooks #BookReview #EpicFantasy #RyanLanz #TheWayOfStones #RedKingdom #FantasyForTheAges #FantasySeries #BookTube #SpeculativeFiction


Want to purchase books/media mentioned in this episode?

The Silver Crystal: https://t.ly/16YPL

The Way of Stones: https://t.ly/aZF52


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0:00 - Opening

2:10 - Book Details

3:02 - Why Jim Read This

3:39 - Spoiler-Lite Summary

4:57 - Seven Reasons You May Enjoy This Book

8:14 - Three Reasons It Might Not Work for Some Readers

9:59 - Jim’s Final Thoughts

11:33 - Closing & Wrap-Up


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