The Heart of Stone

Merciless. Murderer. Monster. He has been called many names in his time.

Built for war and nothing else, he has witnessed every shade of violence humans know, and he has wrought his own masterpieces with their colours. He cared once, perhaps, but far too long ago. He is bound to his task, dead to the chaos he wreaks for his masters.

Now, he has a new master to serve and a new war to endure. In the far reaches of the Realm, Hartlund tears itself in two over coin and crown. This time he will fight for a boy king and a general bent on victory.

Beneath it all he longs for change. For something to surprise him. For an end to this cycle of warfare.

Every fighter has a last fight. Even one made of stone.

What Others Are Saying

“Grimdark with heart and soul.”
– Anna Smith Spark, author of The Court of Broken Knives

“Dark, brutal and violent, and packed with heart and emotional depth, The Heart of Stone is an intriguing novel. Great characters and a well-developed world surround a complex monster protagonist in a powerfully grim standalone fantasy.”
– Alan Baxter, author of the Alex Caine Series

“This is Ben’s best book yet. Plain and simple.”
– Michael R. Miller, author of The Dragon’s Blade Trilogy

“A brutal delight with thrilling action and heart, rowdy and wise, bloody and tender at the same time.”
– Dyrk Ashton, author of Paternus

“From the fascinating world-building to the intriguing, colorful and memorable characters, The Heart of Stone is a pleasure to read.”
– BookNest

“The Heart of Stone is a very, very good read.”
– Fantasy Faction