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Keeper of the Black Stones (Stone Ends #1)

by P.T. McHugh (Goodreads Author)

4.56 of 5 stars 4.56 · rating details · 36 ratings · 25 reviews

Awkward in his own skin, shy around girls and worried about anything and everything, Jason Evans is just like a million other teenage boys in high school, with one very large exception: he has been given a gift that allows him to jump through time. A set of stones has fallen into his lap that gives him access to any place - and any time - that he chooses. But along with th...more

Paperback, First, 369 pages

Published February 26th 2013 by Glass House Press

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May 21, 2013 Carrie White rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: ya, historical-fantasy-fantastical, mg

Went back and forth on whether I should review this book -- being the editor and publisher, after all -- and finally decided to do so. This is one of the most exciting books I've ever worked on, with -- hands down -- one of my all-time favorite casts of characters. The action is quick, the bad guy is truly terrible, and you're cheering for the main character right from the get go. The book starts quick, throws you right in there, and puts the entire world in danger before you know it. Then we're...more

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Mar 05, 2013 Literati_Lit rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: fantasy, teen, young adults

Title: Keeper of the Black Stones (Stone Ends)
Author: PT McHugh
Rating: 4.5/5 Stars
Genre: Fantasy
Publisher: Glass House Press
ISBN: 0981676804

Magical instruments that allow time travel. The fate of the world, and time itself. A madman seeking to use it all for his own evil purposes.

And one fourteen-year-old boy, who must gather his friends, jump to Medieval England, and set things right, if he’s to save the world. Will Jason Evans learn what he needs to know in time? Will he be able to stop his ne...more

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Mar 05, 2013 Reeka (BoundbyWords) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: to-read-2013, hell-yeah-time-travel, ya-fiction

As seen on my blog:

Time Travel seems to have been the theme of February for me, but without a doubt, Keeper of the Black Stones was the storyline I was most anticipating. I held off reading it for as long as I could-I wanted my thoughts to be fresh for this review. Now my thoughts are scrambling in my brain, each of them fighting to make their way onto this post first. Keepers encompassed ALL of the great things about time travel that I grew up loving, and I couldn't have been more engrossed in both the wild adventure, and educational aspect, it offered. ALSO, there was a reference made to Back to the Future..YEAH..I could have HUGGED this book.

Jason Evans is of the introverted/slightly nerdy kind, and spends the majority of his time with his best friend Paul, who shares his awkward nature. I have to admit, as much as I grew to love Jason's character, I was instantly drawn to Paul. He was witty, and snarky, and pretty much exuded the EXACT things I love in a side-kick type character-I laughed out loud during his FIRST dialogue with Jason, and that was only within the first 5-10 pages! PT McHugh created a duo with Jason and Paul that really helped the story line speak louder than it would, had they not been in it together. Right off the bat, I knew that whatever they ended up getting themselves into, I would be ALL for it.

As we were introduced to more characters, I found that not much space was left in my heart for them. Jason's Grandfather, aka "Doc", came off as slightly arrogant to me-as Jason's sole guardian, I just didn't completely feel the love he should have had for his grandson. The side characters were enjoyable though, and had some really great dialogue, but I just didn't feel like I got to know them enough to form a bond in my mind-so here's hoping that book #2 helps with that! However, overall, the "team" that ended up banding together for the majority of the book was a solid one-everyone had their unique strengths. I especially can't WAIT to read more about Tatiana, I LOVE me some strong female characters, and she is just that in ALL departments.

Can I just say, how much I appreciated the fact that this book did not outwardly throw a teen romance in my face? How glorious it was to be able to focus on things that were of actual importance, and urgency. Keepers of the Black Stones was, at it's core, an adventure story. The book was written to both entertain, as well as educate, and I was able to enjoy both of those aspects. The story line navigates from Present Day to the 1400's, first through Doc's "secret journal," and then with Jason and his friends as they travel back in time to save his grandfather from falling victim to both time, and a deranged man who insists on controlling it. I'll admit it, History was very low on my list of favourite subjects at school, but I completely believe that my interest could be piqued with the right delivery. PT McHugh was that voice that made me listen. I learned SO much while reading this book-I was ashamed to have ever been so ignorant of it all before.

Even though there wasn't a need to do too much world building, as a lot of the book was based on true locations and events, I thought McHugh did an amazing job of creating a believable and engaging fictional world outside of the historical one. His writing flowed well, and his character's dialogues were just the right length. The ending of this book definitely warranted a "WHOA," out loud, from me. Now that I KIND OF know what's in store for the next book, I can't WAIT to read how PT McHugh will allow his characters to act, and react, to their next adventure!

I HIGHLY recommend this book to history buffs, time travel enthusiasts, and lovers of a good ol' adventure!

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*DISCLAIMER* I received this book as a print copy from the publisher, in order to participate in the blog tour*(less)

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Jan 16, 2013 Shauna rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2013-release, ya-fiction, arcs, books-read-in-2013, favorites

I've always loved time travel, and when I read the premise for Keeper of the Black Stones – a boy who stumbles onto the fact that his Grandfather has access to stones that allow people to travel back in time – you can imagine how excited I was when I got an advanced reading copy! You know what's even more exciting?! When something you high expectations for, actually lives up to them!

P.T. McHugh has spun an exhilarating tale about a young man named Jason who discovers his destiny is greater than...more

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Mar 08, 2013 Jessica rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: tr-2013, young-adult

Meet Jason Evans. A sweet, slightly awkward and wonderfully quirky main character. He's certain that something odd is going on with his grandfather, but he can't quite put his finger on what. Until, that is, some really insane things start happening and he finds out that time travel is actually possible. Sound like a recipe for an amazing read? You would be right my friends, you would be right.

I can't deny that it was Jason's personality that really sold me on this book. The beginning drew me in...more

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Mar 06, 2013 Ula rated it 5 of 5 stars

I was quite looking forward to this book, the synopsis for it is very interesting and it's been a while since I read anything about time travel or Middle Ages. It was a refreshing read that I quite enjoyed.
To sum it up, the book was a great read, funny and engaging, interesting and full of great twists and suspense. It's a great historical story with a lot of action and time travel to spice it up. I look forward to read more about the troubles Jason will get into.

Read the rest of the review here ...more

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Feb 20, 2013 Laura rated it 5 of 5 stars

I love historical fiction and time travel, so the combination of both in this book made the perfect combination for pleasure reading. McHugh's debut novel in his Stone Ends YA series was an exciting and fun book to read! Although the book cover may lead one to believe that this may be a dark story, it's far from that.

Almost fifteen-year old Jason is a shy high school kid who now lives with his grandfather after losing both parents to a car accident three years earlier. He misses them terribly an...more I love historical fiction and time travel, so the combination of both in this book made the perfect combination for pleasure reading. McHugh's debut novel in his Stone Ends YA series was an exciting and fun book to read! Although the book cover may lead one to believe that this may be a dark story, it's far from that.

Almost fifteen-year old Jason is a shy high school kid who now lives with his grandfather after losing both parents to a car accident three years earlier. He misses them terribly and feels guilty for their death because he had asked them to return earlier from out of town. Living with his grandfather, Dr. Richard Evans, a physics professor, is okay, but apart from Paul, his nerdy best friend, Jason feels his life is boring and mundane. Until he discovers his grandfather's secret—that he can jump through time through a magical set of stones. When Jason also feels a connection to the stones and further uncovers the plot of a madman bent on reshaping history and messing around with time itself, he takes action and races through time to save the world and his grandfather.

McHugh succeeds in creating great characters and deftly transporting the reader to Medieval England in the 15th century when King Henry is fighting against Richard III. McHugh brings history alive through the pages of this book. I could smell the damp walls of the underground tunnels under the cold castle stones, hear the battle cries and the thundering of horses' hooves as history-making events took place, and clearly pictured those towering and hulking Vikings who had villagers scampering away with the baring of their rotten teeth.

The first half of the story focuses on developing the cast of characters and introducing Dr. Richard Evans' time travel concept through the stones, but once Jason travels through time, it's non-stop action filled with adventure, danger and excitement. Jason has found his mission in life, and the reader can see how he grows as a character. I really liked him and his new friends, and I think young readers will be able to relate to him. McHugh also includes historical people who made a difference in this world. It's a great way for kids to get a history lesson. I love books that immerse young readers into history.

As with any time travel novel, the reader has to suspend belief at times—I marvelled at how easily Jason could gallop at top speed on a horse—but I was so engrossed in the story that I didn't care since it is fantasy after all. The book ends with a cliffhanger (oh no!), so I can't wait to read the second book titled Washington's Stone. If you like time travel and action adventure this is a great series to start. Highly recommended.
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Feb 18, 2013 Victor Gentile rated it 5 of 5 stars

P T McHugh in his new book, “Keeper of the Black Stones” Book One in the Stone Ends series published by Glass House Press takes us into the life of Jason Evans.

From the back cover: Keeper of the Black Stones

Jason Evans, a shy, introverted high school freshman, thought that his mundane life was all there was – girls, golf, physics, and the occasional bully. Until he found out about the secrets his grandfather had been keeping from him … a set of stones that allowed them to jump through time … a m...more P T McHugh in his new book, “Keeper of the Black Stones” Book One in the Stone Ends series published by Glass House Press takes us into the life of Jason Evans.

From the back cover: Keeper of the Black Stones

Jason Evans, a shy, introverted high school freshman, thought that his mundane life was all there was – girls, golf, physics, and the occasional bully. Until he found out about the secrets his grandfather had been keeping from him … a set of stones that allowed them to jump through time … a maniacal madman who used the stones to shape history to his liking … and Jason’s role as one of the few people in the world who could stop that man.

Against impossible odds, a fourteen-year-old boy must take up his legacy, learn everything he needs to know within one short day, and travel helter skelter into the Middle Ages, to join Henry VII’s fight against Richard III, end the Dark Ages, and stop the man who now holds his grandfather captive. In this romp through history, Jason and his friends must race against time to accomplish not one, but two missions.

Save his grandfather.

And save the world.

First of all there is history, which I like a lot. When we travel back in time we travel to England in 1485 and we meet Richard III and Henry Tudor, the future Henry VII. Then there is the science fiction element. I just enjoy so much a good time travel adventure and I have to say that “Keeper of the Black Stones” is one of the best. Lord Dresden is really from our time gone back in history to change history so that he can take over. Dr. Richard Evans, Jason’s grandfather, has gone back in time to stop Lord Dresden but is captured. So now it is up to Jason and his friends, to go back in time, stop Lord Dresden and save his grandfather before Dresden kills him. Which leads us to the quest. All real adventures have a quest and all real good heroes have friends that accompany him and Jason is no exception. Mr. McHugh has given us a very exciting adventure thriller in “Keeper of the Black Stones”. I am glad I found this talented author and am already looking forward to the next book in this series.

If you would like to listen to interviews with other authors and professionals please go to www.kingdomhighlights.org where they are available On Demand.

To listen to 24 hours non-stop, commercial free Christian music please visit our internet radio station www.kingdomairwaves.org

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Pump Up Your Book. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”(less)

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Mar 04, 2013 Paula Mitchell added it

Shelves: arcs, for-review, pump-up-your-book-promotions, read-in-2013

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Mar 06, 2013 Beccie rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: reviewed

I was sent “Keeper of the Black Stones” for review. I like history so chances are I’ll enjoy most time travel stories. This book was no exception. I love time travel stories because every place has a history. As long as no two authors send me to the same place and time, I’m bound to enjoy the story. This book sent me to 15th century England, which I haven’t visited before. It’s well written and adventurous. The author’s version of time travel was very imaginative. All the characters were great b...more

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Mar 05, 2013 Bj Gaskill rated it 5 of 5 stars

WOW!
This was a very interesting book. I love Nerds and Twists, and this book gave me both!
The build up starts right at the prologue and the story itself was NO let down!
Jason is a nerd, and a SMART one at that. Then you add his best pal Paul...awesome! The two of them hold a bond like brothers, each with their own personalities which adds to the over all story.
Then you have Nicholas....talk about evil villain!!! The man will do anything to achieve his goals.
The twists come at you early on.....tr...more

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May 11, 2013 Keri rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: first-reads, free, physical

I'm not even sure what to say about this book but I did not want to put it done once the plot began to move. I can not wait for the next installment in the series.

This book has the action, the attraction of both young male and female readers with Jason, Paul, Katherine,and Tatianna, and the ability have the older audience enjoy the book with the overall presentation. This is defiantly one book I will share with my nephew when he is older.

McHugh took the time to set everything up but also leavi...more

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Mar 09, 2013 Christina (Ensconced in YA) rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: librarything-wins

I received this book from Librarything in exchange for an honest review.

Keeper of the Black Stones by P.T. McHugh stars Jason, a teenager boy, who finds a journal of his grandfather's by accident, which details an amazing story about stones that allow you to travel in time. Little does he know that his grandfather is an Earl in the 1400's, set on saving the world against a modern day madman who has been stuck in that time period. Jason and his friends set off to rescue his grandfather, and the w...more

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Feb 25, 2013 Traci (The Reading Geek) rated it 5 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed Keeper of the Black Stones. The summary of this one really caught my attention because I love history and time travel. Keeper of the Black Stones was great and certainly kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time.

Jason is a typical teenage boy but he has special set of stones that allows him to jump through time. He now must go save his grandfather from a man who can possibly destroy the world. Jason made an excellent protagonist. He was a believable character that I was im...more

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Dec 04, 2012 Mary Fan rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: science-fiction, young-adult

Keeper of the Black Stones opens in 15th century England, where the Earl of Oxford leads his army. The Earl is actually Dr. Richard Evans, a time-traveling professor on a mission to stop Lord Dresden, another time traveler, from changing history. Jason Evans, the Doc’s fourteen-year-old grandson, stumbles upon his grandfather’s journal. Although incredulous at first, he is soon pulled into the quest. The titular black stones, devices that allow one to jump through time, call to him, sending him...more Keeper of the Black Stones opens in 15th century England, where the Earl of Oxford leads his army. The Earl is actually Dr. Richard Evans, a time-traveling professor on a mission to stop Lord Dresden, another time traveler, from changing history. Jason Evans, the Doc’s fourteen-year-old grandson, stumbles upon his grandfather’s journal. Although incredulous at first, he is soon pulled into the quest. The titular black stones, devices that allow one to jump through time, call to him, sending him visions of disaster to come. The power-hungry Dresden plans to alter the outcome of the War of the Roses for his own purposes and kill Doc. It comes down to Jason to stop him.

At first glance, Jason is anything but the man for the job. At his high school, he’s the introverted dork the other kids either pick on or ignore. However, he possesses an internal strength that surprises even himself at times, a foolish determination to do whatever it takes to save the day. McHugh’s decision to write Jason’s scenes in first person makes the reader privy to Jason’s thoughts, making it easy to sympathize with him. As he finds himself in situation after situation, Jason pushes past his fears with dogged resolve.

Keeper boasts a colorful cast of characters. Jason is accompanied on this adventure by his best friend Paul, who has the tendency to crack bad jokes at inappropriate times, including an homage to Back to the Future. Protecting them both is a no-nonsense body guard called Reis, hired by Doc to keep Jason safe from 20th century forces pursuing the black stones. And then there’s the arrogant and tough Tatiana, a girl Jason’s age who blackmails her way onto the trip to the 15th century. She is Dresden’s estranged daughter, and she bears a hell of a grudge.

Dresden, meanwhile, is a classic psychopathic villain, one who admits outright that his goal is one of oldest in existence: he simply wants to rule the world. With the time traveling power of the black stones, he plots to change history to his own advantage, never mind that it could endanger the existence of the universe.Truly despicable and sharply conniving, he makes a great antagonist, one you can’t wait to see squashed and yet love to watch in action.

The plot twists and turns in so many directions that it’s virtually impossible to predict what will happen next. The build-up to the time jump contains all the elements of an action movie—mysterious motives, shadowy figures, and an explosive gunfight. Although stopping Dresden is the primary plot of this novel, one gets the idea that there are more forces at work. Jason’s journey into the 15th century is filled with danger from every angle, from medieval thugs to capture by Dresden’s men. McHugh does an excellent job of setting the scene, including historical details that create an immersive experience. Encounters with Richard III and Henry Tudor, the future Henry VII, add an exciting element of “what if?”

In Keeper, McHugh has given us a thrilling combination of fantasy and historical fiction. It’s a time travel adventure that had me restlessly flipping through the pages. Jason's spirited voice—snarky at times and thoughtful at others—breathes life into the story and escalates it to something truly absorbing. Clever, courageous, and wonderfully nerdy, this is the kind of tenacious underdog we all like to root for.(less)

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Mar 06, 2013 Susan rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: finished

P.T. McHugh pens "Keeper of the Black Stones" in a nice, easy, smoothly paced plot filled with time travel and a touch of humor. I found his characters to be well developed and relate-able to the point where you actually cared what was happening to them. I totally enjoyed this book and look forward to more! Highly recommended for all time travel adventure fans.

This review is based on a complimentary copy from the author which was provided for an honest review.

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Mar 26, 2013 Mindy rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: dream-reader-dreamer2229-blo

I loved, loved, loved this book. My favorite part is that my son will love it also. Finding books my kids will like that I also like are huge for me. This book was clever, well written, funny, scary, interesting, and educational all in one entertaining story. Fabulous.

I give this book 5 out of 5 clouds and highly recommend it for you and your kids (a great gift idea).

This product or book may have been distributed for review; this in no way affects my opinions or reviews.

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May 14, 2013 Crystal Anders rated it 4 of 5 stars

I loved this book! The story drew me in right from the beginning. It was a fast paced adventure and I highly recommend reading it!

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Dec 10, 2012 Linda Foster rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites

I absolutely loved The Keeper of the Stones. The amazing details truly engulfed every one of my senses and threw me into Mid-evil Europe. The cast of characters had me laughing with them and I felt my heart racing with throughout their perilous exploits. I was gripping my e-reader so hard popped. That is how on the edge of my seat I was with this book. This is a high fantasy book that encompasses everything I could want in an amazing adventure and it leaves me begging for more.

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Mar 15, 2013 Sarah White rated it 5 of 5 stars

Great story that leaves you hoping for a quick release of book #2!

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Apr 05, 2013 Paul Richer rated it 5 of 5 stars

Keeper of the Black Stones is one of the most enjoyable books I've read in many years. PT McHugh took me on an adventure with amazing story-telling around every corner. The characters, history, and suspense weaved together flawlessly. I enjoyed watching Jason mature from chapter to chapter. Doc, Paul, Katherine, Reis, and Tatiana all compliment Jason in a different and unique way. Now I can't wait for more in book #2.

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Jan 16, 2013 Lindsay Graham rated it 5 of 5 stars

I fell in love with this book! I fell in love with the adventure and it even made me fall in love with history. I felt like I was the one taking the adventure and time traveling! P.T. McHugh has done a fabulous job integrating adventure and history that will keep you turning the page until you reach the end. Once you reach the end you yearn for more.

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Mar 14, 2013 Chan Luo Qi rated it 1 of 5 stars

Couldn't go through with the whole book. Maybe I'll give it another try some other time.

Full review to come soon.

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Mar 14, 2013 Lisa Getz rated it 5 of 5 stars

This was a fabulous book!!! The weaving of history and fiction together created a book I couldn't put down. I am looking forward to the next book in the Keeper series - I hope it is released soon!!

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Feb 15, 2013 Kara added it

DNF for now. Not rating because I have not finished. May return to it at a later date, but right now this is not working for me.

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Mar 10, 2013 Susan rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: read-2013

4.5 stars.....cannot wait for book 2!

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May 24, 2013 Jamie Young-Lewis marked it as to-read

May 23, 2013 Deana is currently reading it

May 23, 2013 Michelle's Paranormal Vault of Books marked it as to-read

Shelves: august-tours, book-tour

May 23, 2013 Erica marked it as to-read

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