Customer Reviews

Within the Shadow of Stone

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Reviewed by Sherryl King-Wilds for FNR

A mystifying ceremony takes place. Flesh, blood and soul meld into stone monuments. It appears twelve men are being sacrificed to the stone, one of them angrily claiming he is the One, the chosen, in the face of the evil priest Pallard.

Hundreds of years after the ceremony, Bree, a child named Shroud to the Spirit Stones, is to name her chosen, her One. She can find none who suit her liking, but Alric wants the title and the power that comes with it for himself. His assault on Bree leads to warriors stepping forth from their stone imprisonment. One in particular (Nathan) calls Alric out and cares for Bree. Nathan, however, must re-enter the stone until called forth again.

Meanwhile, a plague strikes the stone worshipers, killing many of them. In the midst of this plague, a reformation takes root, a reformation which outlaws the worship of stone, a reformation which blames the failing seasons on the worship of stone. Thus, the Reformers begin the destruction of the Spirit Stones and anyone caught worshipping them.

Each time Shroud Bree needs him, Nathan appears by her side--a ghost of sorts--but growing weaker by the day.

Bree must--with the help of her mischievous grandfather Shanis, Shanis' friends, some surprise guests, and an assortment of magical Fae creatures--reset the balance of energies before the seasons fail altogether, leaving people to perpetual winter and starvation. But Bree must discover how to achieve this goal while eluding the Reformers. And, how to free Nathan? These are goals Alric, Pallard, and Dayan Thane (the leader of the Reformation) have no intention of letting Bree reach.

All is more than it seems, however--the plague, the true cause of the failing seasons, the true menace behind the reformation, and the true origins of stone worship.

Intense characters and emotionally charged scenes advance Within the Shadow of Stone's intricate plot. Tasty morsels of information are rationed per chapter--enough to whet one's appetite and draw the reader deeper and deeper into the book, until the purposes behind the mystifying ceremony become perfectly clear. A bonus--the romantic interplay between Nathan and Bree, though very innocent, sizzles.

Grade: A+

This author's style of writing reminds me very much of Andre Norton; her story is full of magic and wonder and draws the reader in from page one. If you like mythology then you will definitely enjoy this romantic tale of mystical standing stones and enduring love. Well worth your time and money. I look forward eagerly to many more stories from this very talented author.

A brave young woman named Bree--a chosen one--embarks on a perilous quest with the hopes of restoring the life-giving power of the ancient Stones. But some on evil bent would see her dead than see the Stones return to life. The warrior sworn to protect her is trapped within the realm of Stone, and only Bree can free him--if she only knew how to use her newfound powers. Bree must endure tests of faith and extreme danger if she's to save her dying land.

Within the Shadow of Stone is a beautifully written fantasy full of mystery and suspense, magic and lore. It drew me in with its vivid descriptions and passionate characters, and it carries with it larger, thought-provoking themes. This is a compelling read and comes with my highest recommendation.

Wow, this was a great ride into fastasy. Filled with wonderment, myth and magic. Bree is an incredible character and her journey through the pages in this book captured me completely. Good going!

Twelve years old Bree of the Skye people worships the nearby stones. While the pre-teen visits the stones, Alric intends to force Bree into declaring she is his.He wants her "gift" as a "Shroud born" and ultimately the lands she will inherit. Desperate, Bree prays to the stones that legend says will provide warriors in a time of need; her pleading is answered freeing Bree from the assault.

Years later, the Reformers consolidate power around a new religion. They outlaw worship of the stones, destroying most of them. One circle remains so Bree goes to the stones that saved her from Alric as the world seems in trouble. She learns that Chief Reformer Lord Blight is coming; only renewal in the belief of the stones by Skye clans can stop the destruction. Bree is the last hope but Blight already knows that. The mystical Hertha keeps her safe if her belief does not linger, but only Bree can save the Skye people if she can get them to believe in the Pact their ancestors made when they believed.

This is a terrific allegorical fantasy that provides cautionary warnings on several paths besides the obvious religious overtones and the eco-environmental plea. The key cast members including Alric and Hertha seem genuine so that the audience understands motives of the good, the bad and the greedy. Bree is a female Moses filled with doubts about her self-worth to lead the flock back to the Promised Land yet her faith makes her the obvious one. WITHIN THE SHADOW OF STONE is an excellent cautionary fantasy.

Harriet Klausner

Bree, a young female, is chosen by the goddess of her people to save her people and the land upon which they live. Aided by the wonderfully detailed creatures in this tale, Bree battles the forces of evil, and also with her own doubts of youth, faith, and love. Can she save the One, Nathan, who resides within the stone? He who is her protector, whom she loves and yet may have to forsake to save the land?

This book rekindles the belief in magic; the magic of fantasy and of what caring for others can do. Within The Shadow Of Stone, is shown, the strength, and folly of youth, the need of elders to make up for the folly which once was theirs, and that, enduring trust in those we love and care for can make the world a better place. What we believe in is only as good, as how we conduct our selves in that belief.

These lessons are told within a wonderfully crafted world of fantasy that stirs the imagination.
Love, hatred, betrayal, and belief, between the various creatures of this tale drive a reader to turn the page. From page to page you want to see if what happens next is what you expected. As often as not, it does and that is what keeps the fantasy alive throughout the tale.

It's a 5 star to me - *****

Mark H. Bryan