Staerstone, a debut fantasy novel by Queensland author HK Stubbs, is an adrenaline-fuelled YA fantasy adventure melded with star-crossed young love and original lore. Readers who love fresh, immersive worldbuilding and characters with passion and drive are in for a treat.
Zericha yearns to reach the pinnacle of Staerstone Mountain: its spirit calls to her, and rock climbing is in her blood. When her people need a champion to claim the mountain’s mystical “sceptre”, Zericha knows she must be the one chosen. Andalu, meanwhile, is from the rival plainspeople, who also want the sceptre to claim dominion over the mountain. Thus follows a deadly rock climbing race that’s reminiscent of The Hunger Games blended with “capture the flag”.
Through atmospheric writing, Stubbs effectively renders mountain as character. No ordinary peak, Staerstone Mountain features twisty cave systems, springs and waterfalls, monstrous vegetation, shadowy forests, icy cliffs — not to mention fields of sparkling gemstones. The mountain is steeped in a unique mythology of god-like beings, a sentient asteroid threatening destruction, and murmuring, fallen spirits known as the Sodden.
Both Zericha and Andalu are “called” to Staerstone, chosen by the mountain and its spirits. They’re drawn to each other as well, despite being rivals to claim the sceptre. The book focuses closely on these two as they wrestle with obligations to their people, their growing feelings for each other, and their knowledge only one can win.
Another key character is Catiallé — Zericha’s younger sister and climbing companion; their close relationship (both on and off the rock) is one of my favourite things about this book. Then there’s Yornan, Zericha’s unlikeable climbing rival among her own people, who attempts to drive a wedge between the sisters by wooing Catiallé.
At heart, this book is an undisguised ode to rock climbing: there are many climbing scenes laced with terms like “thrutchy” (love that) and “choss”. These characters have a genetic imperative to climb, and climbing is a vital element of their lore:
“Some klimbers are born far from rock, but are chosen by the stone… To them, rock is more than rock. It is a part of their soul, and their soul connects to it, creating a foundation through which life and consciousness are elevated.”
I love this!
Overall, Staerstone is an exciting adventure perfect for adrenaline junkies and lovers of immersive fantasy worlds with original lore. It’s like nothing I’ve read before — so, if you’re in the mood for a fresh fantasy with underlying themes of forbidden love and extreme survival, I recommend you check it out!
I read an advance copy from the author. Staerstone releases May 15 2026.
Ellen Gregory 