Readers will fall instantly into Recalled, the third book in The Adventures of Rhone & Stone Series by Strider S.R. Klusman, as its rich world of steampunk fantasy blends with spy intrigue and some truly breathtaking character moments.
Rhone, a young agent for the Office of Public Recrimination (OPR), has just completed his first mission when he’s suddenly summoned back to the capital city. But he’s ambushed in the thick, untamed forests on the way. He nearly loses his telepathic crystal companion, Stone, and ends up forming an uneasy alliance with the bandit Lev—a former OPR agent with grave warnings for him.
A shadowy group called The Brotherhood—five power-hungry brothers—pulls the strings of government power behind the scenes. Each holds a shard of their late father’s shattered magical amulet and view for power within their own ranks.
Rhone and his boss, Aundrea, realize that something is seriously wrong in the capital. They start digging into who’s watching them and why—drawing ever more dangerous attention.
Recalled stands out for its character development.
Rhone is still a bit young and naive—awkward, not exactly a master swordsman—but his resilience and authentic heart push him forward in confronting conflict from well before his own time. Stone, his crystal companion, is the perfect foil: grumpy, brilliant, and full of dry humor. Their banter is fun and engaging, and their bond deepens the emotional core of the story.
Lev is guarded, clearly haunted by her past, but as she starts opening herself to Rhone, her caring nature will draw readers well into her corner. And the villains? Those five brothers add just the right amount of creepy, selfish, and mysterious to the story. You know they’re up to no good, but not quite how, and that tension hums under every scene.
Klusman’s writing style is straightforward and familiar like someone telling you a story around a campfire. It’s not overly polished, but that rawness actually adds to the personal charm.
He uses the steampunk setting to introduce intriguing details. Tiny mechanical creatures (think bug-sized automatons) shape the intrigue and give the world even more texture. This setting feels alive, always transforming with new technology.
Themes of trust, redemption, what it means to be part of a family, and the corrupting nature of power resonate throughout Recalled.
This is one of those stories that’ll keep you reading late into the night. It has action, heart, mystery, and enough emotional weight to make it stick with you long after the last page. Readers of the past two books in the series may miss Bella and the airship from the previous entry, but as Rhone’s world grows more connected and complex he learns the importance of calling on old friends.
Recalled by Strider S.R. Klusman doesn’t leaves behind shadows, open questions, and the sense that The Adventures of Rhone and Stone are only beginning. Readers who love fantasy, secret plots, and characters who struggle and grow will find themselves enthralled—and maybe even left a little restless, wondering what comes next.
