Words of Power by Shami Stovall – A Fierce Fantasy with Heart + Giveaway

“Power is not given—it’s taken.”

Welcome to today’s spotlight on Words of Power, the latest fantasy adventure from Dragon Award-winning author Shami Stovall. If you enjoy magic systems steeped in hierarchy, complex world-building, and underdog heroes rising to the occasion, this one deserves a spot on your TBR.

Quick Summary

Rimon was born at the bottom of the social ladder—the son of a courtesan, with no magic, no title, and no power. In the Tze Empire, Ring Warlocks reign supreme, wielding magic drawn from Titans and ruling territories like gods.

But everything changes when Rimon unexpectedly claims one of the ancient rings. Instead of following the path dictated to him, he outsmarts the test and finds himself elevated to a Warlock’s rank. With a prefecture to govern and enemies circling, Rimon must outgrow the system meant to crush him.

🔻 Scroll down to enter the giveaway! 🔻

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📝 Book Details

Words of Power
By Shami Stovall
Published by Aethon Books on June 24, 2025
Genres: Epic Fantasy
Formats: Audiobook, eBook, Paperback
Pages: 446

A magic-fueled progression fantasy adventure from Dragon Award winning author Shami Stovall.

Power is not given. It’s taken.
In the Tze Empire, spirits and demons rule the wilds, but Ring Warlocks control civilization. For Rimon, the son of a courtesan and lowest in society, Ring Warlocks seem like gods.

Each has their own magic drawn from Titans, and they can do whatever they please, regardless of how it affects the prefectures they rule.

But when a chance encounter places one of the ancient and powerful rings in Rimon’s hands, everything changes. For there is a trick to the rings, and Rimon sees through the test given to him.

Suddenly, he is no longer a player at the fringes of power; he is a Ring Warlock and granted his own territory.

Determined to make sure his prefecture thrives, Rimon must contend with jealous rivals, demons seeking his ring for themselves, and forces he cannot yet name, all while mastering his new abilities. He will prove even the lowest can rise to challenge gods.

Rimon will have to grow twice as strong as his rival warlocks just to survive in this new Progression Fantasy Adventure by Shami Stovall, the Dragon-Award winning author of Knightmare Arcanist!

Source: Goddess Fish Promotions

 

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Excerpt from Words of Power

This scene captures a glimpse of Rimon’s humanity and the harsh reality of his world—setting the tone for a journey that’s as emotional as it is magical.

The water was there just in case she got thirsty—or needed to clean up any messes. Clove oil was slick, and easily worked as lubricant. They were both in little silver canisters, not much of either, but hopefully enough for a single evening.

“Thank you, Rimon-lin,” Fietta said, her voice barely audible.

The honorific lin, when added to the end of a name, was something special.

It was meant for loved ones, trusted friends, and the closest of family. Fietta and I weren’t related by blood, but I would have said she was my kin. I had been born in the Scarlet Lantern, brought into this world by a courtesan who had refused to give up her child. If I had been born a woman, I, too, would’ve been made a courtesan.

Instead, since I was male, and owned by the Scarlet Lantern, I was made to do all the hard labor. And I was also the one who made sure no patron abused the courtesans outside of what they paid for.

The women here had raised me, and since I cared for them, we were all very close.

Thumps echoed in the hallway. It was almost time for Fietta to perform.

“I’ll be nearby if you need anything,” I said.

“Please don’t go far.” There was a hint of fear in her voice. “Wait just outside the door?”

I nodded. “Of course.”

Excerpt provided by the author/publisher for use in this post.

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📚 Where to Find Words of Power

Available on Amazon

[amazon box ="B0DQVFNDHD"]

KINDLE  |  PAPERBACK   |  AUDIOBOOK

If the above links don’t direct you to your country’s Amazon page, please feel free to contact me—I’m happy to provide the correct link.

Using my Amazon affiliate links doesn’t change the price you pay. Amazon shares a small commission with me, which helps keep this blog running—thank you!

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Do you prefer to shop locally?
🛍️ You can also purchase Shami Stovall's novels from your favorite indie bookstore online.

(Type Shami Stovall into this search box)

Bookshop.org is an excellent option that supports indie authors—and book bloggers like me—while avoiding the big-box route.

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📌 Click the Pinterest Save button to pin it to your fantasy reads board!

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✨ My Thoughts on Words of Power, a Progression Fantasy Novel ✨

This is progression fantasy done right. It's fast-paced yet thoughtful, layered with political intrigue, and rich in character growth. Stovall’s prose is sharp and immersive, unafraid to confront uncomfortable power dynamics right from the very first scene.

Rimon is an instantly compelling protagonist: loyal, clever, and quietly determined. The world he inhabits is brutal, but the story still offers glimmers of hope, strength, and clever subversion that keep you rooting for him at every turn.

If you're a fan of:

• Magic systems with rules (and loopholes!)

• Underdog heroes who rise through wit and grit

• Morally gray, richly built fantasy worlds

…then Words of Power will feel right at home on your shelf.

🌟 Final Thoughts

Words of Power is the kind of fantasy that sticks with you, not just for its clever magic system or fast-paced plotting, but for the heart at its core. Rimon’s rise from the margins to something greater is a story of grit, loyalty, and carving out power on your own terms.

If you’re a fan of underdog heroes, layered world-building, and character arcs that actually go somewhere, this is one to add to your shelf.

I received a copy of the book as part of this tour. This review reflects my honest, unbiased opinion.

Read more of my reviews of Shami Stovall's books! ➡️Find them here!

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🎁 Giveaway!

Enter below for your chance to win a $25 Amazon/BN gift card—courtesy of the author and Goddess Fish Promotions.

Pro tip: Each stop on the tour offers a new entry opportunity!