Do you still wonder? Do you remember that feeling of surprise and admiration at something wholly beautiful and unexpected? How amazing is the gift of wondering.
When I first wrote Stone & Sky, I was excited to hop on griffin-back and fly off to a new world. To my surprise, I found myself in a world full of magic, friendship, adventure, and fun. I could not expect where the journey would take me, and even more exciting, how I could share it with others.
Stone & Sky: Preludes Collection is a collection of stories about characters that you meet in Stone & Sky. The characters within these pages made their first appearance while I was writing Stone & Sky. But when I had finished the first book, I realized that I enjoyed them far too much. I wanted more time with them. Thus, the preludes were born.
These preludes can be read straight through, as so many readers have enjoyed them before. Or you can enjoy them in chronological order as a companion to Stone & Sky. At the beginning of each prelude you'll see a note from me. In that note, I give you my recommended reading order so you can see what these characters were up to right before you meet them in Stone & Sky.
I am beyond excited to introduce these characters to you. If you're anything like me, perhaps when you're finished reading their stories, they'll seem like old friends to you as well.
As you flip through these pages, open your heart to magic and joy. I hope you can escape for just a little while and walk with me in wonder.
Welcome to Finlestia.
Z.S. Diamanti
July 2023