A Cast of Stones, by Patrick W. CarrReason for Reading: Review copy was provided by publisher through Net Galley for an honest review.
Review
Errol Stone has grown to manhood as the town-drunk in an out-of-the way village. When a messenger from the capital city comes for a reclusive monk, Errol offers to help deliver the message in exchange for enough money to keep him in drink for a week. But he is attacked while trying to deliver the message, and is consequently swept up into an intrigue that he'd rather ignore. He and the monk must travel to the capital city, for it appears that the childless King might soon be on his deathbed, and corrupt politicians are vying for the throne. This story also throws hints about an evil force more powerful than man which might overthrow the land if the King dies without an heir.
I really enjoyed this story. I was sucked in from the beginning, and I could easily empathize to poor Errol's feelings that events were circling outside of his control. He was a very real character to me, which is rare in YA fantasy. The world-building was also impressive in this book. The world was built upon foundations expected for Christian Fiction, but it had the right ratio of realistic to fantastical elements to make it a fun and easy read. My one complaint is that the book ended in a cliff-hanger. The basic quest that was begun in this book was completed, thankfully, but it left many threads dangling for the next book. Luckily, that book will be published later this year. This story is suitable for young teens and up.
One of those covers that would have me picking the book up.
ReplyDeleteGreat review, thanks for the recommendation.
Yeah, that's why I really wanted the book - the cover is pretty interesting.
DeleteSounds Good! I like the idea that the main character sounds a little more flawed then usual for this genre.
ReplyDeleteYeah, Errol certainly had to fight against a lot of problems. That made him a more interesting character. :)
DeleteThis sounds good.. great cover! who's the artist??
ReplyDeleteI looked, but my copy of the book doesn't say. It is a pretty awesome cover though. :) That's what first attracted me to it.
DeleteI like the sound of this and I think that cover would definitely persuade me to pick it up.
ReplyDeleteYou've got a very impressive list of challenges/events going on there too - I'm not sure I could keep track of everything going on!
Lynn:D
Haha, I keep track passively when I choose books to read (I read a variety of books anyway, so I'm hoping I'll get the challenges completed mostly by not trying.) But then I AM trying to keep track in my master posts of my progress.
DeleteWhat a wonderful cover! Sounds like there's a good story behind the cover too. :)
ReplyDeleteYes, it was quite enjoyable. Plus, it managed to be Christian Fiction without the preachiness, which I always appreciate. I think messages should be SHOWN rather than TOLD in fiction. That is not only more enjoyable and more clever, but it is more powerful - since people's minds (including mine) often turn off when the preaching starts. :)
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