Review: Steel & Stone Companion Collection (Steel & Stone #6) by Annette Marie

Title: Steel & Stone Companion Collection

Series: Steel & Stone #6
Author: Annette Marie
Publisher: Dark Owl Fantasy Inc.
Published: August 22, 2017
Pages: 290
Genres: Fantasy, Urban Fantasy, Dystopian, Short Stories, Romance, Paranormal
Source: Ebook

Steel & Stone Companion Collection — 12 stories from the Steel & Stone series, narrated by Ash and Lyre

From her first fateful glimpse of the Sahar Stone to the explosive final battle in Asphodel, Piper fought with Ash and Lyre beside her. A draconian and an incubus—an unlikely friendship of two skilled warriors, deadly in very different ways, both hiding dark secrets and dangerous pasts.

Now, return to the Steel & Stone world—this time through their eyes. In this collection of short stories set on the same timeline as the original series, Ash and Lyre reveal a whole new side to the trials they faced—both familiar scenes and never-before-seen adventures. Discover Ash's first impression of Piper, their fight in the Styx ring, Lyre's secret role in the escape from Asphodel, and more.

This captivating encore to the Steel & Stone series includes 12 all-new stories that complement and expand on the most pivotal moments of the series.

Goodreads | Amazon

MY REVIEW

This review MAY contain SPOILERS. Read at your own risk.

This collection was everything that I needed right now. After reading the Spell Weaver prequel series and rereading the Steel & Stone series back to back I yearned for more. I think that I will always ache for more of these characters in my heart. There are many book series that I have been passionate about, but this is one of the only series that I have read that has absolutely obliterated me emotionally for so long after finishing. I remember weeping for an hour or more directly after finishing the series that first time and the second time was no different. I had purchased this companion collection of stories when it was first released and I waited to read it until I could devote the time to reread the series. I should have reread it sooner. There have been few books or book series that I have read and immediately wanted to re-immerse myself in afterward. This series is so special. 

Reading things from Ash and Lyre's point of views was everything I could have hoped for and expected. It made me feel everything in the series with much more intensity. It almost makes me wonder what the entire series would have been like if it had been narrated from different points of view. I liked that there is an extended scene from the last book in the series that gives a little more closure. I also liked how these stories pull from the books in the series, but they are not retellings of what happened. There are scenes that show what some of the other characters were going through that I couldn't have anticipated. They shed so much more insight into the minds of these characters and they really strengthen them. 

If you are a fan of the Steel & Stone series and you haven't read this then you definitely should. I personally am not a fan of short stories usually, but I knew that I would be reading this. I will read anything that Annette Marie writes. I would urge you to try this companion collection even if short stories aren't your thing because otherwise, you will undoubtedly be missing out. Reading this has only amplified and deepened my love for this incredible world. I simply cannot wait for the release of the sequel series, Blackfire! 

THIS BOOK CONTRIBUTED TO THESE 2018 READING CHALLENGES

- Beat the Backlist Challenge
- Try Something New Challenge
- Let's Read Indie Challenge
- Finishing the Series Challenge
- Reading Bingo

Check out my 2018 Challenge Page to see my progress!

I enjoyed this compilation of scenes from this series from different perspectives. The series it told from the female protagonist's point of view, but I always wondered what they other two male characters were thinking and doing. This was truly a gem to add to this series. Do you enjoy when an author adds new scenes or perspectives to a book or series that you love?