The Stone of Integrity by M.J. Evans transports the reader to the land of Crystonia. As the tale begins, the land of Crystonia has been without a true leader for well over a century. The absence of a ruler has caused the larger races, the Centaurs, the Cyclops and the Ogres, to battle for their rights to the throne. Following tradition, they all know the rightful heir to the throne possesses and wears the Silver Breastplate, complete with the four stones of light: The Stone of Mercy, the Stone of Courage, the Stone of Integrity and the Stone of Wisdom. Everyone across the land has heard rumors that Carling, a young Duende, is on a quest to retrieve the Stones. Together with her trusted friends, Carling sets out on her mission to retrieve the Stone of Integrity. Once all the stones are retrieved, Carling will take her rightful place as Queen of Crystonia. Carling is aware of the rival group of Centaurs led by Zarius, who will do everything in his power to prevent Carling from possessing the Silver Breastplate and the four Stones. Carling and Zarius have met in battle before, and Zarius is looking forward to meeting Carling on the battlefield again, removing any adversary that gets in his way.

M.J. Evans has told a truly intriguing tale of adventure in The Stone of Integrity. Through great use of storytelling and imagery, the reader is quickly swept away into the mythical land of Crystonia, where Carling, a young Duende, receives her quest from an old Wizard, a guardian of the ancient maps and throne. Carling, now in possession of the ancient map of the kingdom, is set to travel with her trusted friends - Tandum, Tibbals, Pik, and Higson - to the mythical island of Hy-Basilia to retrieve the Stone of Integrity. With the aid of Kelfy, a skilled young seaman, and a magical flute to put the deadly Adaro fish to sleep, the group sets sail across the Swirling Sea in search of the purple Stone of Integrity. Adventure, intrigue, betrayal and true faith surround this incredible story. The author draws the reader into this absorbing tale, and the reader finds themselves hanging onto every word, urging Carling and her friends on. Be prepared for twists, turns and betrayal, but don’t miss one word of this great adventure. It is a very enjoyable read.

Having already retrieved two of the four Stones of Light needed to complete the Silver Breastplate, a symbol known to show the rightful heir to Crystonia, Carling is gaining power and reputation. But so too are the forces who would oppose her and seek to claim power for themselves. Zarius has already suffered a devastating loss and shaming by her hand, but now he has found a new herd, one he can bend and manipulate to his will. He will not allow Carling to take the power he covets, but even those following him fear there is more to the breastplate than it being a mere artefact. Some amongst them had witnessed its power first-hand. While he planned his revolt, Carling had been entrusted with the only map of the kingdom she is one day destined to rule. After barely escaping the Heilodius, she is looking forward to a slight respite in her home town, but relaxation is short lived. Vidente appeared before her, telling her it was time to seek out the third stone, the Stone of Integrity. Of course, finding it on an island no one seems to know exists is but one of the many challenges to be overcome.

The Stone of Integrity is book 3 in M.J. Evans's The Centaur Chronicles, and the first book of this series I have had the pleasure of reading. The book itself is self-contained, covering any insight needed from the previous two with ease to give the reader a completely stand alone experience. Carling's character develops well throughout the plot, perhaps in alignment with the stones she has already retrieved. I can't say for certain, but it seems her character is certainly being moulded and aided into becoming a fine queen by possession of the clearly powerful stones bringing out what is already within her. Great friendships and dialogue, when combined with this charming plot, make for a brilliant fantasy read. There are a few twists, and definitely some bonds in need of repair. It certainly leaves me wondering what is in store for our queen to be when she seeks out the final stone.