Beyond the great artwork on the cover, Keith Baker weaves a nifty tale of fantasy espionage and intrigue. All of the standard Dungeons & Dragons conventions exist in the world Eberron, but they're all slightly changed to fit a world-view that accepts certain intelligent monstrous races (Medusas, Goblins, Orcs, Trolls, Ogres, etc.) as equal to the normal fantasy fare (Dwarves, Elves, Gnomes, and Halflings). No one knows Eberron and its many quirks better than Mr. Baker, as he created the world some years ago and saw it to publication through Wizards of the Coast.
Queen of Stone follows the adventures of Thorn of Breland, a female half-elf, and a member of the Dark Lanterns of the King's Citadel. She and those of her ilk act as covert operatives for Breland, one of six nations jockeying for power in the once war-torn lands of Eberron. Thorn must undertake a seemingly impossible mission to Droaam, a nation composed of the many intelligent monstrous races normally seen as cannon fodder by most D&D players. While posing as a diplomat she must seek the stony form of a once great warrior, and force the medusa who
petrified him to free him.Intrigue abounds in this ripping yarn, and Thorn is left wondering just whom she can really trust. Could her best chance for success rest in trusting to the baleful gaze of the Queen of Stone? Possibly. For folks who already dig Eberron, or those looking for a non-traditional take on D&D type fantasy, this one is a winner!
--Scott
