“Stone Seekers”by David Higginson takes readers on a mind-bending journey to a world teetering on the edge of reality, where gods are both baffling and blundering, and the impossible is merely everyday life. Chaos reigns supreme, magic saturates the air, and creatures beyond imagination roam freely through enchanted forests and bustling medieval streets.
Amidst this whimsical madness, GrayHammer - a grumpy, sharp-witted dwarf with a temper as short as his beard - navigates a realm where sarcasm is as potent as any spell, and kicking trolls is just a hobby. Joined by Baylor, his dejected yet loyal companion, they find themselves embroiled in misadventures that blend danger, humour and a healthy dose of the absurd. Whether it's striking dubious deals at the tavern, chasing goblins through shadowy corridors or encountering mysterious forces that threaten their world, nothing is ever simple.
David Higginson has a bold and expansive vision for a series of Shadowfall stories - and in this first instalment, takes us to a different world entirely – immersive, entertaining and fantastical. Full of humour and vivid characters, fans of fantasy will love this beautifully-realised saga – and can look forward to many more:
In the unpredictable, magic-saturated world of Shadowfall—a realm where gods are as foolish as they are powerful and chaos is woven into daily life—adventure is never faraway. At the centre of this world are two unlikely heroes: GrayHammer, a sharp-tongued, battle-hardened dwarf with a temper to match his reputation, and Baylor, his physically imposing yet impulsive companion whose loyalty is as strong as his swingwith an axe. Together, they survive through a mixture of grit, luck, and questionabledecision-making.
Their journey begins with something as mundane as getting lost on the road toOakwood, setting the tone for their often-chaotic partnership. Upon reaching the city, they encounter corrupt guards, rowdy taverns, and the everyday absurdities ofShadowfall. While Baylor indulges in gambling—and promptly loses what little coin hehas—GrayHammer focuses on deciphering a mysterious map he believes could lead togreat fortune.
However, events take a dramatic turn when news reaches the city’s leadership: theStone of GlimmerForge, a sacred and immensely significant dwarven artifact, has beenstolen. This gemstone is not merely a symbol of dwarven heritage—it is a cornerstone of political stability. Its disappearance threatens to ignite conflict not only among dwarves but across all races in Shadowfall.
Mayor Percival Grimwell Thorn, desperate to avoid panic, orders the recruitment of asmall, discreet team to recover the stone before rumours spiral into war. Through a mixture of chance, bribery, and persistence, GrayHammer is approached by city guardand offered the opportunity. Recognising the promise of substantial reward, heconvinces a reluctant Baylor to join him. Despite Baylor’s distrust of authority, the lureof gold proves irresistible.
The two dwarves are briefed on the mission: travel to the Iron Hills, investigate the theft, and return the stone—quietly. The stakes are made clear. Failure could lead towiidespread conflict, possibly even civil war among the dwarves. Success, however, offers wealth beyond their usual expectations.
As GrayHammer and Baylor set out on their journey, their dynamic remains as volatileas ever. They bicker, joke, and clash in equal measure, but their bond is undeniable.Along the road, they encounter unsettling rumours, suspicious individuals, and hints that the theft is far more complex than it first appeared. Whispers suggest goblin involvement, while physical evidence points to something smaller and more elusive than a typical thief. The mystery deepens, raising questions about who—or what—could have orchestrated such a precise and daring crime.
Meanwhile, in the dwarven stronghold of GlimmerForge, Overseer Thorn Ironbellystruggles to maintain order. Faced with growing unrest among his people, he conceals the truth, claiming the stone has merely been removed for restoration. Behind closed doors, however, tensions rise within the ruling council. Some demand transparency, while others recognise that revealing the truth could trigger catastrophic consequences.
Ironbelly must balance political unity with the urgent need to recover the stone before the fragile peace collapses.Back on the road, GrayHammer and Baylor continue their journey through increasingly dangerous territory. Their investigation leads them through remote settlements and questionable taverns, where information is scarce and trust is even scarcer. Each clubrings them closer to the truth, but also deeper into danger. What initially seemed like astraightforward retrieval mission begins to unravel into a conspiracy involvingunknown forces with motives that could destabilise the entire realm.
Despite the growing peril, the dwarves press on, driven by a mixture of greed, pride, andan emerging sense of responsibility. Though neither would readily admit it, the mission begins to mean more than just gold. The fate of their people—and possibly all oShadowfall—now rests on their shoulders.
“Stone Seekers” blends humour, action, and fantasy into a fast-paced adventure that explores loyalty, greed, and the fine line between heroism and recklessness. Through sharp dialogue and richly comedic worldbuilding, it presents a story where danger is ever-present, plans rarely go as intended, and salvation may come from the most unlikely of heroes.
As the mystery of the stolen stone deepens, one truth becomes clear: recovering it will not only test GrayHammer and Baylor’s strength, but also their trust in each other—and determine whether Shadowfall descends into chaos or survives the storm.
“Stone Seekers” is available now in Paperback: to purchase, click here:https://tinyurl.com/bdfaa6hu
About the Author:
David has loved fantasy all his life and always wanted to do his own book where he could have his own character. Something he thought he’d never be able to do with being so dyslexic that words feel like they’re jumping up and down on his head trying to get them self-seen. But with the help of a spell checker and more coffee than you would find in an entire coffee plantation, he managed to get through the first installment of the “World of ShadowFall”. Book 2 in the series is due any day, and David is working on Book 3 – with many more to come.
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