The Ilia Stone: Book One by R.J. Loom

 Nia Williams could never have imagined the way her ordinary life would be turned upside down after the death of her grandfather. A chance find unwittingly has her discovering the truth of an ancient Greek myth, plunging her into a world where the legends she only read about in her history books become her reality.

Plagued with a strange link to others’ past, she follows the path of an ancient artifact around the world and throughout time as it reveals its story to guide her to contain powers once thought lost to the rise of modern religion.

Two men affected by the artifact vie for her allegiance; Gabriel, a man haunted by his own past, and smooth talking Viktor who wants Nia to embrace a life she never imagined.

A love sacrificed… An impossible decision…

As lines blur between right and wrong, how much will Nia be willing to sacrifice?

BONUS- A sneak peek at the second book in the Trilogy AND the first three chapters of Dead Bound Publisher author Jas T. Ward's long awaited book - Soul Bound: Warrior, included.

Nia is a normal college student struggling to balance her time between classes, work and maintaining some type of social life with her best friend Brynn but after her grandfather passes that normal life becomes far more complicated. She finds a strange stone in her grandfather’s attic, a stone that happens to harbor powers once wielded by the Gods of Greek Myths. After touching the stone Nia finds herself caught in a war between two powerful handsome men who are vying for her attention. Nia isn’t sure whom to trust. She’s pulled between the two male forces. Viktor appeals to the anger, pain and darkness inside of her. Under his tutelage she learns how to wield and enjoy the new power of immortality she’s been given. Gabriel appeals to her sense of hope and loyalty. He’s helping her muddle her way through her new life but he’s hiding something and his reluctance to open up to her has her questioning his intentions.

With the past haunting her, a new power overwhelming her emotionally and danger lurking around every corner, Nia is put into situations that back her into some impossible corners. Will she be able to control her powers? Can she keep her best friend safe? Who can she trust in this war between powerful immortals? What exactly is the right or wrong choice when you have the power of the Gods at your fingertips?

Loom takes readers on a captivating journey full of emotional twists and turns. Nia’s progression from college student to dark immortal is an exciting and emotional ride. I felt for Nia while she struggled and endured heartbreak after heartbreak. The two male characters were both appealing and hot! Gabriel made me swoon. He’s one of those leading men with a heart of gold, witty sarcastic comebacks that make you laugh and a physical presence that makes you feel dizzy. Viktor, oh Viktor, he’s attractive, sophisticated and intelligent. He’s the type who makes you question whether you just might want to sign your soul over to the dark side. He does have a smooth sales pitch. What could go wrong?

The parts of the storyline I really found the most interesting were the flashbacks Nia experienced into Gabriel’s past. The flashes into Nazi Germany added a whole other level of depth to the storyline and became the anchor/guide that helped Nia find her way out of the dark fog. In the end Nia has to rely on herself and it’s her strength of character and mind that makes her an appealing main character. I can’t wait to read more about Nia and her life as an immortal. I’m hoping that journey eventually brings her back into contact again with a certain male immortal. Those two belong together.

Amazon US || Barnes & Noble