Dr. Camra Penthor should've had it all. Endless family finances. Insufferable oversight. Wondrous opportunities. Choking micro-management. Destined to serve as a secretary for her father's commercial empire, a spirit of adventure and insatiable curiosity drove her literally into the wilderness - to a career in archaeology.

Harassed by every opportunity her Penthor clout opens, Camra finds herself joining the dust-diggers with the Global Union of Planetary Protection. Shamed but not severed from her family bonds, she's determined to craft a name for herself - even if it means sifting through ruins and skeletons hidden far from cameras, gossips, skin-deep sellouts, and even the ages.

When called upon to decide jurisdictional boundaries at the Early Heritage site, Dr. Penthor wonders if she's finally struck pay-dirt. Little could she have ever imagined...

Bury your treasure, bury it deep,
Hide it where shrouded secrets sleep...

Welcome to the A Carved in Stone SciFi Mystery series!

Discover your next reading adventures as you explore these shrines...

and please remember that every image and text on sdnightshade.com is intellectual property, and so is copyrighted. If you'd like to borrow or share anything that inspires you on this website, just hit that Contact button and ask permission first. Thanks, and enjoy!

Deadfall - Book 1

Join tenderfoot Dr. Camra Penthor, in her quest against time, competing authorities, and mass hysteria that's sweeping the ranks at the Early Heritage ruins.

Can she interpret the dreams, collect the sacrifices, unravel the ancient mysteries, and preserve peace across the dig site - before she winds up buried in the dust and ashes herself?







.

The Powers That Be - Book 2

Dr. Penthor knew she was dabbling in strange unknowns from the first night of visions. But time and discoveries had only led to greater mysteries, not answers.

Nothing could've prepared her for her own funeral pyre - let alone the angelic being waiting to collect her soul. With more riddles than answers to untangle, Dr. Penthor discovers all too quickly that she's way out of her league. And the clock is ticking.

Toying with the powers of ancient, godlike beings spanning worlds, time, and dimensions, can Dr. Penthor unlock the mysteries of Queen Caimbriss, create an entire world of a kingdom, save half a thousand people, and broker peace between Sesol and La'Priece - before she loses her mind, her reign, her friends, and her growing prestige?

The Hunted - Book 3

So much to do, and so many places to search out solutions! But while the illustrious Queen Caimbriss busies herself with friends and window shopping across worlds and dimensions, La'Priece finds itself in a sudden pit of bloody quicksand.

By the time she finally attunes herself to answer their pleas and prayers, she finds her paradise roiling in panic.

While she finds herself completely out of her element to help them, the people she's been collecting find they've shown up right on time - but who will survive to tell the tale?

The Cast

Meet the captivating crew that brought this series to life!

(Or at least the images that inspired the Carved characters...)

soldier army national guard officer lieutenant Lt. fearless brave courageous protect save defend fun
soldier army national guard officer lieutenant Lt. fearless brave courageous protect save defend fun
Dr. Camra Penthor

Natural-Born Explorer Extraordinaire
.

HR logistics business PR public relations diversity best friend minister court lord tiger safety fun
HR logistics business PR public relations diversity best friend minister court lord tiger safety fun
Dr. Jensa Danthal

Humanitarian Guru (and Non-Stop Best Friend)
.

best friend magic mystery humanitarian aid minister court fairy faerie DnD D&D beautiful party style
best friend magic mystery humanitarian aid minister court fairy faerie DnD D&D beautiful party style
Dr. Branson Ilorans

Human Relations Magician
.

archaeology mystery detective suspense intrigue adventure fun explore heaven afterlife god garden
archaeology mystery detective suspense intrigue adventure fun explore heaven afterlife god garden
Lt. Sothren Estrelfan

City Designer Legend
.

Images graciously provided by [Untitled] by EnsedaKimri, "Baroque Princess by JohnnyRed777, "Hadah Pidel" by fabxp80, "Brazilian Pearl" by JohnnyRed777, [Untitled] by EnsedaKimri.

secret agent CIA FBI intrigue secrets suspense mystery romance tough strong creative surprise action
secret agent CIA FBI intrigue secrets suspense mystery romance tough strong creative surprise action
Special Agent Burrows

Rogue Quick-Blade
.

mean cruel jerk asshole boss master tyrant supervisor crime criminal betray backstab traitor evil
mean cruel jerk asshole boss master tyrant supervisor crime criminal betray backstab traitor evil
Comm. Feshik Magine

CIC Bloodhound (and Fire-Ant Feast)
.


MORE NOTEWORTHIES

Unforgettable characters we'll never forget!

(Or in some cases, never forgive...)

dwarf dwarven fantasy mythology fairytale mystery adventure action warrior barbarian archer smith
dwarf dwarven fantasy mythology fairytale mystery adventure action warrior barbarian archer smith
pirate sassy mischief fun funny sword hunter trouble forest woods mountains swamp outdoor leather
pirate sassy mischief fun funny sword hunter trouble forest woods mountains swamp outdoor leather
alien mean fear fierce ugly scary frightening fear intense blood bath nightmare haunt fire burn boss
alien mean fear fierce ugly scary frightening fear intense blood bath nightmare haunt fire burn boss
Dara Leeweld

Slithering Swamp Crawler
.

Solinok the Bailiff

& The Watchers of Runespire
.

Landkeep Bladeplow

Won't you come warm yourself by my fire?...
.

beauty beautiful gorgeous pretty magic mage spells DnD D&D jewelry cleric healing inspiration hottie
beauty beautiful gorgeous pretty magic mage spells DnD D&D jewelry cleric healing inspiration hottie
sneaky stealth rogue secret shadow sleuth hunter archer bow arrow armor DnD D&D hide hidden gorgeous
sneaky stealth rogue secret shadow sleuth hunter archer bow arrow armor DnD D&D hide hidden gorgeous
goddess mischief trouble sneaky conniving liar deceiver trouble setup trap mystery suspense amazing
goddess mischief trouble sneaky conniving liar deceiver trouble setup trap mystery suspense amazing
Lady in Waiting

Treehouse Apothecary with Rooms to Spare
.

Perish the Malivant

That was only a warning shot...
.

The Incomparable Matriss

Mistress of Riddles & Illusions
.

serve servant help assist aid bless work employer employee slave boss clean home design decorate
serve servant help assist aid bless work employer employee slave boss clean home design decorate
wild savage trapper hunter survivor mystery swamp field meadow marsh fur axe knife skin coat beard
wild savage trapper hunter survivor mystery swamp field meadow marsh fur axe knife skin coat beard
Skinner of the Wilds

Hunter, Trapper, Tanner, & Weaver
.

The Honorable Amli

Butler, Boss, & Royal Aide
.

god mythology mystery wonder good kind friend help magic surprise amazing wizard mythology power fun
god mythology mystery wonder good kind friend help magic surprise amazing wizard mythology power fun
The Revered Adolaistor

Valiant, Mentor, & Possibly Even Friend
.

Images graciously provided courtesy of Cynthia A. Morgan & EnsedaKimri.

Did we miss any of your favorites? Hit the Contact button and let us know!


WHERE IT ALL HAPPENS

What's a play without sets?

"Setting seeds context." - The Incomparable Matriss

forest magical faerie fairy enchant magic charm bard singer entertainer entertainment wild free joy
forest magical faerie fairy enchant magic charm bard singer entertainer entertainment wild free joy
wreath herb garden health healing medicine medical feel good better best help love bless beauty joy
wreath herb garden health healing medicine medical feel good better best help love bless beauty joy
mayor mansion fiancée marriage married marry starter home palace sunroom dance studio yard landscape
mayor mansion fiancée marriage married marry starter home palace sunroom dance studio yard landscape
The Wreath of Newlife
Avonelle - is that you, in The Vespen?.
Squenview, Overlooking Lendsy's Sunroom
style stylish metal chrome brass bronze silver gold velvet jewelry necklace bracelet ring queen love
style stylish metal chrome brass bronze silver gold velvet jewelry necklace bracelet ring queen love
forest woodland outdoors peaceful suspense anxiety fear surprise wild animal attack hurt injury hunt
forest woodland outdoors peaceful suspense anxiety fear surprise wild animal attack hurt injury hunt
interior design decoration stunning shocking surprising awesome great luxury velvet view scenery bed
interior design decoration stunning shocking surprising awesome great luxury velvet view scenery bed
BanDrougher Loft Building, Seamont
A Campfire With No Campers?....
The Crownsite Remodel
mystery fantasy wonderland breathtaking scenery scenic panorama photo dream come true travel horse
mystery fantasy wonderland breathtaking scenery scenic panorama photo dream come true travel horse
palace magical fantasy foreign relations diplomacy parliament congress city council leader senate
palace magical fantasy foreign relations diplomacy parliament congress city council leader senate
Homefound
The Champion's Reins Stables
weather cloud rain blood fire lightning magic storm earthquake natural disaster paranormal angel
weather cloud rain blood fire lightning magic storm earthquake natural disaster paranormal angel
Redstorm Terrace

Images graciously provided courtesy of Cynthia A. Morgan & EnsedaKimri.