reviews
Mar 25, 2011
Mike (the Paladin)
rated it: 
Pretty good "little" book. This is a short one I got through in one sitting last night.
This is (if you've read both) obviously the "proto-The Lost Gate" (The Lost Gate). There are some differences, here people are simply refereed to as mages and we get an intro level look at the "magic system". The mythological deities used in The Lost Gate aren't mentioned here. On the other hand we get an introduction to some of the terms we'll find in that book. Acco More...
This is (if you've read both) obviously the "proto-The Lost Gate" (The Lost Gate). There are some differences, here people are simply refereed to as mages and we get an intro level look at the "magic system". The mythological deities used in The Lost Gate aren't mentioned here. On the other hand we get an introduction to some of the terms we'll find in that book. Acco More...
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Mar 01, 2009
Denise
rated it:
This is a very short book, really a novella, that introduces a new series that OSC is working on. The world of this series is ruled by those with power over water and stone. As in most Card books, the characterization is excellent. There is a young hero, learning of his surprising power, and of the larger world around him. And there are conflicts between those with the power who rule and those who want to set things right. The ending is very abrupt, but the story was enough to get me intere
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Apr 04, 2011
Sarah
rated it:
Having already read The Lost Gate, which I loved, I was excited to find this novella that set up some of the magic system used in the new Mithermage series. It wasn't as in depth as a full-length Card novel is, but true to form, the novella did a very good job at exploring some aspects of magery that were not touched on in The Lost Gate. Some parts of the story were a bit raw, trying to set up plot in too few pages, but these were minor hiccups in an overall very good short story. I love how
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Jan 20, 2009
Alan
rated it: 
This is apparently from the start of a new series. It is a very short book (only 112 pages), but I found it to be easily enjoyable. It was a quick and fast read. when I ordered it from B&N, I expected it to be a much larger book (I paid over $30 for it), but was pleasantly surprised to find that what I received was an autographed copy.
Now, more about the book itself: It somewhat reminded me of Donaldson's Covenant series where some people are experts in working rock and others ar More...
Now, more about the book itself: It somewhat reminded me of Donaldson's Covenant series where some people are experts in working rock and others ar More...
Nov 11, 2011
Rachelle
rated it: 
This book really should not have been published in my opinion. The characters are flat and stay that way. The plot had a very amateur feel to it. It could have been good but they didn't fill in the story the way it needed to be to really give it life and capture it's audiences attention. Honestly the only reason I read it was because a teacher wanted my opinion on it to make sure she wasn't the only one that thought it wasn't a good book. I would say not to even bother with giving this one a loo
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Sep 07, 2010
Shelley
rated it:
This book is set in the world of Card's soon-to-be released new series.
I loved this book, although it is light on characterization. There were a few slightly boring lectures by characters to explain some of the world's mythos, but that was probably intentional as a set-up for the series. I would have preferred it to be handled differently - much of the world was explained through the action - but the length of the story required shortcuts, I imagine.
I like the world, and I lo More...
I loved this book, although it is light on characterization. There were a few slightly boring lectures by characters to explain some of the world's mythos, but that was probably intentional as a set-up for the series. I would have preferred it to be handled differently - much of the world was explained through the action - but the length of the story required shortcuts, I imagine.
I like the world, and I lo More...
Jan 20, 2009
Jody
rated it: 
This very short book (about 100 pages)is apparently the beginning of a new fantasy series from Orson Scott Card. The main character Runnel leaves his mountain village and ends up in the city of water mages. He finds work in the home of a stone mage but the work of the stone mages is feared by the water mages and so only the one is allowed in town and he is spied on. Of course Runnel discovers his own hidden magical talent in manipulating stones is greater than his master's, he is the Stonefat
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Jul 09, 2011
Timothy
rated it:
By the famous Orson Scott Card, Stonefather is claimed to be the prelude to a brand new fantasy series, called the Mithermages.
All in all, the novella has a charming quality due to its simplicity. Characters are basically what they are with no deep complexity, and the story is as basic and simple as they have come before (Star Wars, Sword in the Stone, Wheel of Time, The Belgariad).
However by the end, it may seem the story is a bit too simplistic as the ending comes straig More...
All in all, the novella has a charming quality due to its simplicity. Characters are basically what they are with no deep complexity, and the story is as basic and simple as they have come before (Star Wars, Sword in the Stone, Wheel of Time, The Belgariad).
However by the end, it may seem the story is a bit too simplistic as the ending comes straig More...
Nov 11, 2011
"In this novella-length precursor to Card's forthcoming fantasy saga Mithermages, a young man leaves his home town for the big, mage-ridden city and learns that he has powers....Judging from Stonefather, it seems we're about to receive another American fantasy classic from Card." - Booklist
Listen to Stonefather on your smartphone.
Listen to Stonefather on your smartphone.
Feb 12, 2009
Kathleen
rated it:
Card does most of his characterization through dialog, and he's a master at it. This is a great story about how a young man, innocent of the ways of the world, goes about doing his honest best and making important changes. It's not very long, but it tells an exciting story, and is, apparently, a lead-in for a new series.
Feb 16, 2011
Suz
rated it:
This is a very short book/novella that, evidently, sets up Card's next series. In some areas, the book is a little slow, as the characters are explaining some of the information we would need about this particular universe.
Here, there are mages which control different elements (water, stone, animals, etc.) and they're known as mithermages. This book deals with some political issues surrounding a city that once belonged to Stone mages but was taken over by water mages. Into their More...
Here, there are mages which control different elements (water, stone, animals, etc.) and they're known as mithermages. This book deals with some political issues surrounding a city that once belonged to Stone mages but was taken over by water mages. Into their More...
Mar 21, 2011
Mollie
rated it:
Oh Orson, how I lovest thou...
What an exceptionally great short story. It left me salivating for more of the Mither Mages. And lo, the book I picked up from the library today is the first full length in the series!
A rich wonderful fantasy, fresh, compelling, with-true to Orson-fabulous characters and dialogue. Unique abilities and gifts for these people-ah, just loved it!
Clean.
What an exceptionally great short story. It left me salivating for more of the Mither Mages. And lo, the book I picked up from the library today is the first full length in the series!
A rich wonderful fantasy, fresh, compelling, with-true to Orson-fabulous characters and dialogue. Unique abilities and gifts for these people-ah, just loved it!
Clean.
Aug 26, 2011
Ruth
rated it:
another short story i listened to. story about people who worship and are mages in different things. a stonefather is a master of stone and can make it like living stone. the story is about the conflict between stone and water in a city. nice little story.
Jan 13, 2011
Kathy
rated it:
I really enjoy reading Orson Scott Card.
This is a short novella as a prequel to a new series.
This is a fantasy and appropriate for young adults, but not necessarily so.
I've started the Mithermages that follow this.
Looks very promising.
This is a short novella as a prequel to a new series.
This is a fantasy and appropriate for young adults, but not necessarily so.
I've started the Mithermages that follow this.
Looks very promising.
Oct 01, 2010
Amy
rated it:
I just want to say that I LOVE Orson Scott Card who in my book is a genius of creativity and imagination. I have read many of his books and none of them are anything similar to the other, and they are all so incredibly creative and outstanding.
May 14, 2011
Mindy
rated it:
I really enjoyed this book but it only gets a 3 instead of a 4 because it's too dang short. It takes me longer to fall in love with a book or its characters. This one was over before I really got the chance.
Mar 03, 2010
Nathan
rated it:
Listened to the audiobook on a car trip with my bride and we both really enjoyed it. The magical system OSC sets up here is unique and intriguing. Looking forward to reading more from this Mithermages world.
Jan 05, 2010
A very short novella - about a hundred pages - which I only read about 14 pages of. Hubby liked it, just not my kind of fantasy I guess, or I was too distracted. I just couldn't get into it. If you're a fan of Card or fantasy, you may want to give it a shot though.
Jul 20, 2011
Nadine
rated it:
We listened to this on our trip and it was engaging enough ton pass away the hours. Even Anna enjoyed listening. The plot was somewhat predictable but the story was well told.
Jan 19, 2010
Kaya
rated it:
Orson Scott Card has a gift of story telling and a vision to match.
Although this was a novella, the whole world of his novel is completely thought out. A good story.
Although this was a novella, the whole world of his novel is completely thought out. A good story.
Jul 30, 2009
Charles
rated it:
A very short fantasy that does justice to the "rags to powers" formula. Don't expect anything innovative here, just a well-told story that can be read in one or two sittings.
Jun 26, 2009
Richard
rated it:
This started out slow. The whole premise was odd and the story seemed weak at best, non-existant at worst. Just some description and pointeless action. And then it was all worth it, just like most of Card's stories. It took a while, but he made it worth the read, everything falls into place, it was great! Highly recomended.
Sep 30, 2011
Liz
rated it:
I found this MitherMages novella much more interesting than The Lost Gate. I think I just liked the principle character more. He was less Card-ish.
Feb 12, 2010
Vaughn
rated it:
An impressive novella--concise, well written, and, in audiobook form, very well acted/read. I really enjoyed some of the ideas that OSC begins to explore with this clever introduction to the upcoming series he is planning. I'm already looking forward to it.
Mar 07, 2009
Shivering William
rated it:
Alright. Not bad.
I'm impressed with how few descriptive adjectives Card uses, yet still manages to paint this living world.
I'm impressed with how few descriptive adjectives Card uses, yet still manages to paint this living world.
Jul 08, 2011
Julianne
rated it:
Listened to on audio book. A short fantasy story about a young boy with unknowing power over stone. Enjoyable and attention-keeping!
Mar 22, 2010
Kelly
rated it:
Novella. Too short. I'd like to read more about this world. The cover says it's the same world as the "upcoming" Mithermages series.
Nov 24, 2011
Josh
rated it: 
started off with potential but ended up like a neil gaiman book, contrite and cliche. im disappointed orson scott card.
Sep 22, 2011
Vicki
rated it:
Quick read, pretty good book. The ending seemed rushed. I think I have read it before but I'm still not sure.
May 27, 2010
Eric
rated it:
A nice short read. Great story and an intriguing world! Looking forward to the series based on it to come out.
