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The Stone Guardians

Illustrated Fantasy Novel Series By Kindrie Grove

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Kindrie Grove

Nov 24, 20252 min read

The Stone Guardians Sketchbook

World Building: The Fall of the Twin Empires

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The Companion Sketchbooks

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The Book Illustrations

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I stepped away from the studio and its demands for a few days over the holidays, well… sort of. There are always shipments of artwork to monitor this time of year, with delays and such.

In January: The next Kickstarter will soon be on the horizon for Book Two, Keeper’s Burden, and of course I will be waiting with excitement for the first Kickstarter Hardcovers for Book One to arrive at the studio so I can begin the fulfillment. I am looking forward to getting the books out to everyone soon🤗
#thestoneguardians #kindriegrovestudios #fantasybookseries #fantasyart #indiebooks

Farewell 2025! What a year it has been! I have such gratitude for the many milestones and memories that made up this last year… So many lessons and gifts along the way. I hope everyone has a safe and beautiful holiday with loved ones and friends, and may 2026 bring the highest and best for everyone and our incredible planet.

#kindriegrovestudios #fantasybookseries #castbronzesculpture #holidaygreetings #goodbye2025

Work will soon begin in earnest on the-revisions and illustrations for Keeper’s Burden, Book Two of The Stone Guardians. I am quite excited to sink into that work in January. It will be balanced by the fulfillment of the Kickstarter rewards for Book One’s hardcover release.

We plan to get the pre-launch page live for Book Two’s Campaign soon to provide continuity for folks who backed Book One.

#kindriegrovestudios #thestoneguardians #fantasybookseries #fantasyillustration #kickstarter

I took some photos today of my final proof of the hardcover edition of Book One. Here is the spine and book covers under the dust jacket to share with the Kickstarter backers and all.

I just love how the spine fonts turned out and the colour combination between the lettering, matching ribbon, and blue covers is beautiful. Simple… but rich, blue and gold are so nice together.

#kindriegrovestudios #hardcoverbooks #kickstarter #fantasybookseries #illustratedbooks

I am a discovery writer... What does that mean? Well, I guess you could say that I serve as a conduit for the story and characters to come through into our world. I write as I receive it. Scenes arrive through dreams, or visions, and artwork that I create, with the characters fully formed and just needing me to describe them.

“There must be more to it than that,” you say.

And you are right, there is, especially in the proofing and revision rounds as I ask myself critically, does this scene make sense?

Essentially though, much of the time, I am pretty much reading the story as I write it.

The characters of Rowan and Torrin were like real people I have met. They arrived fully formed with backstories, pasts, some of it tragic, and their own hang-ups and issues to overcome.

Much of my process to created these two main characters also came through the process of drawing of their portraits. The two illustrations featured here in this post are perhaps my very favorite of them. The descriptions of their armour and features in the first book came into intensely sharp focus as I began to draw them.

Not only that, but the style for all of the illustrations for the books completely solidified with the creation of these two drawings.

If you love diving into characters, you can find the longer descriptions of them in the blog post on my website. (link in bio) BTW so love this music… feels like Rowan’s theme.

#thestoneguardians #kindriegrovestudios #authornotes #fantasywriter characterart

My favorite books have all been ones where the book and pages, the lines of text disappear as the world and it’s characters come to life in my mind, unfolding like a beautiful dream.

The greatest books stay with you long after you put them down, characters and their struggles, archetypes, and triumphs, linger as the poignant moments and pivotal action refuses to fade.

#kindriegrovestudios #thestoneguardians #fantasybooklover #fantasybookstagram #illustratedbooks

A charged first meeting between the two main characters… a dark, tangled wilderness, a lonely campfire and a shattered assumption.

Seeing the drawings full-bleed on the pages is so thrilling! It is my sincere hope that their storied style will lend gravitas and beauty to the novel for readers. My hardcovers have been printed and are shipping out next week and I am very excited to get them into the hands of new readers and Backers for the Kickstarter campaign!

#thestoneguardians #kindriegrovestudios #fantasybookseries #illustratedbook #fantasyart

What inspires you?

#thestoneguardians #kindriegrovestudios #fantasyart #fantasybooklover #illustratedbooks

My passion project…. I await in suspense for my first hardcovers to arrive!

#kindriegrovestudios #thestoneguardians #fantasybookseries #fantasyart #illustratedbooks

I love world building! I have spent so many hours imagining and creating the layers and ancient histories that provide context to my characters and landscapes. Here is some of the ancient and forgotten history of Eryos.

Mostly lost to history now in Eryos–the twin empires of Kathornin and Trilium were once mighty and prosperous realms. They spanned the width and breadth of Eryos, boasting grand cities and networks of roads for commerce and trade.

Only remnants of knowledge survive now, in scattered texts, disintegrating scrolls, and ancient tomes, their pages faded, bindings moldering in forgotten archives or library basements. Their pages, if they can be still be read–for few can now speak the dead languages–tell of grand buildings, advanced governments, and an integration of the varied races unheard of in Eryos now.

The collapse came slowly at first, as the wealth from the ancient mines in the Timor Mountains declined, and the storied ‘red-gold’ deposits were exhausted. The merchant class was eroded as the elite aristocracy held tightly to their riches.

Rebellion stirred as the poorer classes struggled to survive.

When revolution came, it came with thunder, spreading like wildfire through tinder-dry forests. In the aftermath it seemed that a new civilization would arise, one with equality and wealth for all. And perhaps there was for a time. No accounts now exist to explain what happened to destroy those fragile republics.

What is known from a handful of surviving texts, is that the races turned on one another, and the unity and diversity of the empires–their true wealth–was lost, as men, Rithkind, and Tynithians, stopped trusting one another, and scattered to their respective strongholds.

Darkness descended as the peoples of Eryos lived in small insular clans and tribes. Peace became a myth, a half remembered daydream from a distant time and place. Of the empires, their wealth and knowledge survived only in sheltered pockets.

The rest was destroyed, lost to the ravages of war and desperation.

#worldbuilding #thestoneguardians #fantasybookseries #illustratedbooks #kindriegrovestudios

Original drawing illustration next to the page it appears in the book…. Printing for The Messenger From Myris Dar is happening now!!

#indieauthor #kindriegrovestudios #thestoneguardians #fantasybookseries #kickstarter #illustratedbooks #hardcover

I am still working on the background and final details of this large painting. It is slated to be featured on the cover for Book Two: Keeper’s Burden

#kindriegrovestudios #thestoneguardians #fantasybookseries #fantasyart #booksofinstagram

Corners of the studio….
#studiovibes #creativeinspiration #kindriegrovestudios #sculpture #studio

Getting closer… today I confirmed my Ribbon colour for the books and the spine text colour to match—old gold. I confess I am really getting excited to see the books when they arrive!!!
#hardcover #thestoneguardians #kindriegrovestudios #fantasybookseries #fantasyart #bookillustration

If you were tasked with carrying a message that could save a kingdom…. Would you answer the call?

Time draws near!!! The books are in queue for printing. Late pledges are still available on the #kickstarter in case you missed out.

#fantasyart #kindriegrovestudios #thestoneguardians #fantasybookseries #hardcover #projectwelove

Vibes for The Stone Guardians….

#kindriegrovestudios #fantasybookseries #thestoneguardians #fantasyart #illustratedbooks #hardcover #bookstagram

The maps or Eryos and Myris Dar…
What do you like about fantasy maps? I love the world-building. As the characters journey across a landscape, it is so satisfying to imagine the places and where they are in the realm and how the different environments affect one another.
#kindriegrovestudios #thestoneguardians #fantasybookseries #fantasyart #illustratedbooks #bookstagram #fantasymap

A few process images of early stages and the final illustrations. The one with Torrin and his Warhorse will be in Book Two: Keeper’s Burden which I will be releasing in the matching second edition hardcover form of The Messenger From Myris Dar soon - hopefully in the spring of 2026. Looking forward to diving into the new illustrations for this one. The book is already written, just some revisions and thorough copy edits to get it ready for its new release.
#thestoneguardians #fantasybooks #illustratedbook #fantasyart #illustration #kindriegrovestudios

We are queued for printing!!! I have signed off on all the print ready files and the Universal Hardcover special print run for my #Kickstarter with sewn binding and a ribbon is in line to become a reality!

Thanks to the Kickstarter campaign we were able to fund the print run with a ribbon bookmark!!

We are hopefully only a few weeks away from having the actual books in hand.
#kindriegrovestudios #thestoneguardians #fantasybookseries #fantasyart #illustratedbooks #hardcover #projectwelove

✨Live, love, create✨
Settle in… this is a long one, but also a celebration of a creative life. I am so fortunate to live in such a beautiful place in the Okanagan Valley of BC, and it plays a huge part of fueling and recharging my creative inspiration. … and yes, that is Oreo, our sweet rescue and my ever-present studio manager🤎
#kindriegrovestudios #thestoneguardians #fantasyart #illustratedbooks #hardcover #creativeinspiration #creativehappylife #writer #artist #illustrator

Well, the Kickstarter campaign is a wrap and my first print run of the new Hardcovers has been ordered complete with sewn binding and a ribbon! There is still a lot to do over the next month and a half to get the books sent out to backers along with all the extras.

For now though, I am going to take some time to rest and recharge. I must honestly say that I am quite exhausted from the Kickstarter rollercoaster of launch, promotion and managing it all.

🤎to everyone who helped me promote and encouraged me along the way. I am super grateful for your support!

#kickstarter #projectwelove #thestoneguardians #kindriegrove #fantasybookseries #illustratedbook #hardcoverlaunch

A three part split of the cover image of Book One The Messenger From Myris Dar.

Enter the world of The Stone Guardians with the new Hardcover edition of Book One: The Messenger From Myris Dar. Launched and funded first on Kickstarter. Strong FMC, character-driven immersive fantasy with all the things, including 28 full-page illustrations!

Visit @kindriegrovefantasybooksart to learn more, follow, like and share.
#kindriegrovestudios #thestoneguardians #fantasybookseries #illustratedbooks #hardcover

Final hours of the #kickstarter! Find the campaign link in my bio.

We are winding down and I want to say ✨THANK YOU ✨What a journey this has been!

My next book event will be at @colespentiction this December for a book signing.

I am very excited to get the books printed and into the hands of all the awesome backers!!!

#kindriegrovestudios #thestoneguardians #fantasybookseries #kickstarter #fantasyart #illustratedbooks #kindriegrove #hardcover #bookstagram #projectwelove

The #kickstarter is in the final hours….

What a journey this has been!!! As of now there are 45 hours left in the campaign to get the Signed Universal Hardcover Edition of Book One of The Stone Guardians: The Messenger From Myris Dar.

Meet Rowan, Torrin and the rest of the company as they begin to unravel the enigmatic message she carries. With 28 stunning full page illustrations this story encompasses prophecy, mystery, page turning action, magic and adventure, with a character driven story in an immersive fantasy universe I built from the ground up.

I hope you will join us in bringing this beautiful hardcover to life. Link in my bio.

#kindriegrovestudios #thestoneguardians #kickstarter #fantasybookseries #fantasyart #illustratedbooks #kindriegrove #hardcover #bookstagram #projectwelove

The original oil painting that became my cover for Book One…. This piece was almost entirely repainted in a more detailed style with the backdrop of Pellaris under siege.

Swipe through to see some of the process videos and photos of the painting as it takes shape. There is only one of the final finished work. Can you guess which one?

I wanted to convey Rowan’s strength and skill but more than that, her courage… she is alone amidst the chaos yet with an expression of determination and clarity.

The Kickstarter for the new hardcover edition of Book One is still available through this weekend. Check it out through the link in my bio.

#kindriegrovestudios #thestoneguardians #fantasyart #fantasybooklover #bookcover #bookillustrations #kickstarter #projectwelove #strongfmc

✨ Part Three: The Journey ✨
With common destination, they set out to travel northward. Yet the mystery has deepened, and the dangers grow.

We are in the homestretch now for the Kickstarter campaign for the hardcover edition of Book One…

➡️ this wraps the Three Part Two series I created to share a glimpse into my fantasy universe of The Stone Guardians and Book One: The Messenger From Myris Dar.✨

If you’re curious, you can step into the world of The Stone Guardians through our Kickstarter for the Universal Hardcover Edition of Book One which is live now!(link in bio).
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/kindriegrove/the-stone-guardians-book-one-hardcover-edition-release/description

Or follow me @kindriegrovefantasybooksart

#kindriegrovestudios #fantasybookseries #thestoneguardians #kickstarter #illustratedbooks #fantasyart #hardcover #bookstagram #projectwelove

✨ Part Two: The Companions ✨
A small company of mercenaries. An unexpected woman warrior, wounded and hunted. Strangers who become found family.

➡️ Follow along for Part Three of the story. …And if you’re curious, you can step into the world of The Stone Guardians through our Kickstarter (link in bio).

This is Part Two of a three-part story I’ve created to share a glimpse into my fantasy world, The Stone Guardians. ✨

It all begins with a message from the Seers of Danum… and one woman’s dangerous journey through a land in turmoil. The small mercenary company she meets who become unexpected allies.

I’ll be sharing more in the final post — my Kickstarter for the Universal Hardcover Edition of Book One is live now!

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/kindriegrove/the-stone-guardians-book-one-hardcover-edition-release/rewards

Music by Monument Studios

#kindriegrovestudios #thestoneguardians #fantasybookseries #fantasyart #kindriegrove #kickstarter #illustratedbooks #projectwelove #hardcover #bookstagram

Imagine opening a copy of your book to discover a beautiful hand-drawn illustration on the front end page and fly leaf - an expansive drawing of a landscape of Eryos, a scene from the book or a special item like a sword or shield.

Visit the #Kickstarter to learn more about the three different Collector’s Remarques available only through the campaign. (Link is in my bio)

#fantasybookseries #thestoneguardians #kindriegrovestudios #illustratedbooks #projectwelove #hardcover #bookstagram

It begins with a feeling…
The world building process is a rich and varied tapestry of creative output. From sculptures (some of which become bronze), to quick sketches and the more detailed illustrations (some of which get discarded completely because they do not evoke the feeling I want to convey). And then comes the oil paintings, in which I have been striving to capture the essence and depth of the characters.

Many of the scenes arrive during long walks or drives, or the time just before sleep arrives. They come fully formed with many of the nuances already present. And maybe that is because I am an artist as well as an author, but needless to say the writing feels more like a recording what flows into my experience.

The process of revision and editing can feel like being immersed in the story with the characters and action, and my job is to make it as clear as I possibly can.

As the layers and landscapes become more and more clear and the characters drive the story within those places, I can’t help but feel wonder as the books and story take on a life of their own.

Please visit our #kickstarter for the first Hardcover Edition of Book One of The Stone Guardians (link in my bio) to support this project and order your copy of the book, or learn more. The campaign runs until October 20th

#fantasybooklover #fantasyart #hardcoverbooks #kindriegrovestudios #projectwelove #thestoneguardians #worldbuilding #fantasyauthor #writingprocess

✨ Part One: The Message ✨
A single task. A dangerous journey. A woman who refuses to turn back.

This is just the beginning…

➡️ Follow along for Part Two of the story. …And if you’re curious, you can step into the world of The Stone Guardians through our Kickstarter (link in bio).

This is Part One of a three-part story I’ve created to share a glimpse into my fantasy world, The Stone Guardians. ✨

It all begins with a message from the Seers of Danum… and one woman’s dangerous journey through a land in turmoil.

I’ll be sharing more in the next posts — my Kickstarter for the Universal Hardcover Edition of Book One is live now!

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/kindriegrove/the-stone-guardians-book-one-hardcover-edition-release/rewards
Music by Monument Studios

#kindriegrovestudios #thestoneguardians #fantasybookseries #fantasyart #kindriegrove #kickstarter #illustratedbooks #projectwelove #hardcover #bookstagram

Now on #kickstarter Book One’s Hardcover release has earned the #projectwelove badge! So exciting to see this book become a reality. The campaign funded in the for day and we are working towards the first stretch goal. There are some awesome book features within the stretch goals which we hope to achieve. Many, many thanks to all who have supported the campaign so far!

Find the link to the campaign in my bio on Insta or click the link on FB
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/kindriegrove/the-stone-guardians-book-one-hardcover-edition-release/rewards

Music for this post from @monument_studios

#kindriegrovestudios #thestoneguardians #fantasybookseries #fantasyart #kindriegrove #illustratedbooks #hardcover #bookrelease #kickstartercampaign

Very excited to learn today that our project earned the Project’s We Love badge! The #kickstarter launched on September 20th and runs till October 20th. You can find the link in my bio. @kindriegrovefantasybooksart Come check out the campaign page to order a signed copy of the new hardcover, and see all the other fantasy art goodness available through the campaign. 📖🤎
#kindriegrovestudios #kickstartercampaign #projectwelove #kickstarterprojectwelove #fantasybookseries #hardcover #illustratedbook #fantasybooklover

A few of the not so perfectly framed shots from a recent flatlay photo shoot of the proof copy of the book and several of the illustrations. But even though these are not showing the cover really well or the drawings, they have so much of the mood and atmosphere I just love. 💕
#thestoneguardians #kickstarter #hardcoverbooks #fantasybookseries #kindriegrovestudios #booklover #illustrations

A strong woman... and the man who loves her. The themes of The Messenger From Myris Dar, Book One of The Stone Guardians include:
- Honour.
- Courage.
- Overcoming adversity.
- Healing from loss.
- Finding love and companionship with found family.
- Standing up for right relationship and equality.
- Facing ourselves and our fears.
- Battle of good vs evil

Visit the #Kickstarter now through to Oct 20th to learn more about this illustrated fantasy book series and the new hardcover edition for Book One. Link is in my bio.

#KindrieGrove #fantasybooks #thestoneguardians #hardcoverbook #booklaunch #fantasyillustration #bookthemes #kickstartercampaign

An actual oil painting in the studio is my cover for Book One… many hours of work went into painting this scene of Rowan in Pellaris.

Kickstarter is running till October 20th and we are thrilled to do the off set print run of this first book!
#kindriegrovestudios #thestoneguardians #fantasybookseries #fantasyart #kindriegrove #illustratedbooks #kickstarter #illustratedfantasybook #bookstagram #hardcover

On Saturday, the Kickstarter Campaign reached its initial funding goal! Our next milestone is reaching the first of several Stretch Goals, many of which will enhance the book by adding beautiful features like a ribbon, sprayed edges and colour endpapers.

If you know of anyone who loves beautiful fantasy books, please pass along our campaign page, or come and check it out yourself.

I am very excited to see this new Hardcover Edition of Book One become a reality! Huge thanks to everyone who has backed the project so far to help us in funding the project early.

Link to the Kickstarter is also in my bio.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/kindriegrove/the-stone-guardians-book-one-hardcover-edition-release/description

#kickstarterprojects #thestoneguardians #kindriegrovestudios #hardcoverbooks #booklaunch #fantasybooklover #illustratedbooks

What is it in the fulfillment of a creative process and the outcome of our dreams that holds such power for us? As creatives, we cannot be satisfied by money alone, the urge to create, iterate, envision and feel our hands and minds engaged in that process is in our blood. It is ignored at the peril of our well-being, and our health. The satisfaction of seeing a project become reality, of being immersed in that velvety, infinite moment of creating is our reason why.

I love writing and creating books and artwork, I will do it until I die🦋
#fantasybooklover #fantasyartwork #author #creativeinspiration #followtheinspiration #kickstarterprojects #studiolife #kindriegrovestudios #thestoneguardians

One of the things I love about being an author is these characters: their courage, their perseverance, and their willingness to face themselves. They inspire me greatly. I invite you to join me and fall in love with them too.

We are almost through the first weekend of the #kickstarter campaign for the new Hardcover Edition of Book One: The Messenger From Myris Dar, and I am super excited to share that we reached our initial funding goal on the first day! We are fast approaching our first stretch goal now, so if you are interested in checking out the campaign and ordering a book, please visit the Kickstarter page, you can find the link in my bio.

I would like to take a moment to give my heartfelt thanks to all of the core backers who helped us reach our funding goal early. Your support means so much and I am really excited to get the books printed and into your hands!

#kindriegrovestudios #thestoneguardians #fantasybookseries #fantasyart #illustratedbooks #kindriegrove #hardcover #booklaunchevent

Woohooo! We have reached our initial funding goal! Many thanks to the core funders who helped us reach this first milestone. There is still time to receive the initial 24 hour discount on signed copies of the book.
📖
#kickstarter #kindriegrovestudios #thestoneguardians #fantasybookseries #fantasybooklover #illustratedbooks #bookstagrammer #booklaunchevent

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@kindriegrovefantasybooksart

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Kindrie Grove Studios

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All images and content on this site are protected by copyright law and are the sole property of ©Kindrie Grove Studios inc.

The images on this site may not be copied, reproduced or otherwise collected without written permission from Kindrie Grove.

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