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The Sea of Storms (Lodestone #1)

by Mark Whiteway (Goodreads Author)

3.81 of 5 stars 3.81 · rating details · 120 ratings · 47 reviews

Ail-Kar, a white-hole portal from another universe, rains meteoroids onto the surface of the planet Kelanni. But the so-called "lodestones" behave according to different physical laws, transforming Kelanni's society. With the aid of the fearsome Keltar in their flying cloaks, the Kelanni are being put to forced labor to mine the lodestones. Shann, an orphan with a fiery di...more Ail-Kar, a white-hole portal from another universe, rains meteoroids onto the surface of the planet Kelanni. But the so-called "lodestones" behave according to different physical laws, transforming Kelanni's society. With the aid of the fearsome Keltar in their flying cloaks, the Kelanni are being put to forced labor to mine the lodestones. Shann, an orphan with a fiery disposition, witnesses a battle between a Keltar and a stranger bearing a similar flying cloak. She tracks down the stranger, and learns of the technology behind the Keltars' power, joining him on a mission to free the slaves and cut off their supply of lodestones. Meanwhile Keris, a Keltar, is sent on a mission to track down the rebels. She is attacked by a flying creature and saved by the enigmatic Chandara. At their Great Tree, she learns that a mysterious "Prophet" is out to destroy the Kelanni people. Their only hope is a powerful instrument hidden in the distant past. Pursued by Keltar, the party will encounter bizarre creatures, ancient technologies and terrifying dangers. Finally, they must seek to cross a massive storm barrier in order to reach the other side of their world, where a world-shaking revelation awaits.

First Place Award Winner - 2010 Premier Book Awards.
First Place Award Winner (New Author) - 2011 Royal Dragonfly Book Awards.
First Place Award Winner (Science Fiction) - 2011 Royal Dragonfly Book Awards.
First Place Award Winner (Young Adult) - 2011 Royal Dragonfly Book Awards.
First Place Award Winner (Science Fiction) - 2011 Purple Dragonfly Book Awards.
First Place Award Winner (Young Adult) - 2011 Purple Dragonfly Book Awards.
Global European Award Winner - 2010 Reader Views Awards.
Second Place Award Winner (Young Adult) - 2010 Reader Views Awards.
Bronze Award Winner - 2010 Readers Favorite Book Awards.
Second Place Award Winner - 2010 Written Art Awards.
Finalist - 2010 Foreword Book of the Year Award.

(Excerpt) Madness? Obsession? Keris knew little of such things. It was impossible to believe that this was the same man; the man who had taken her in and nurtured her; who had impressed on her the conviction that the Kelanni needed to be protected and cared for. Yet somehow he had turned into a monster.
His hands slipped to one end of his staff and he swung it towards her in a wide arc. She jumped back instinctively, the diamond blade passing inches from her midriff. "I'm gratified to see that your reflexes are as keen as ever, Keris." He spun around and then leapt into the air a short distance, aiming the staff at her head. She side stepped neatly, and the blade flashed past her harmlessly. "Good, very good," he approved. "Now are you going to obey my wishes or are you going to defend yourself?"

He was advancing on her again. Keris felt as if she were in a waking dream. One hand moved involuntarily to her own staff, gripping the smooth darkwood. It felt solid, reassuring. Her other hand moved to her neck control and she adjusted the bronze layer of her cloak, seeking the pressure of natural lodestone. As she registered the strengths and directions of the familiar push of the ore, it was bizarrely the words of Mordal himself that came back to her, spoken in a different place and at a different time.

"Battling another Keltar is unlike any other battle you will ever fight. When encountering anyone else, the lodestone will furnish you with a decisive advantage in height and momentum. However, when you are facing another Keltar, those advantages are cancelled out. Instead, the field of battle and the configuration of lodestone deposits become all important. A clash between Keltar is primarily a battle of tactics. Even superior strength and agility can be overcome by superior positioning and spatial orientation. You must immediately determine the location and strength of any deposits and then 'own' them, denying your opponent any advantage." (Continued)(less)

Paperback, 290 pages

Published April 12th 2010 by Virtualbookworm.com Publishing

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May 09, 2013 Lisa Hapney rated it 4 of 5 stars

Having just come off reading a favorite series I was a little hesitant to start this book. I had just had a fabulous reading experience and didn't want that to affect my review of the next book I read by an as yet unknown to me author, but I'd been curious about this one and it had been hanging around on my Kindle for a while so off I went to a new world.

I must say that I was more than pleasantly surprised. I really enjoyed it. It was little dark in places, but I still consider it a fun read. T...more Having just come off reading a favorite series I was a little hesitant to start this book. I had just had a fabulous reading experience and didn't want that to affect my review of the next book I read by an as yet unknown to me author, but I'd been curious about this one and it had been hanging around on my Kindle for a while so off I went to a new world.

I must say that I was more than pleasantly surprised. I really enjoyed it. It was little dark in places, but I still consider it a fun read. There was action and there were tender moments, but mostly there was a good ensemble cast of characters that carried it off. There were some rough patches so it gets a 4, but that just means that I really liked it instead of loving it because there were moments where things seemed a little too familiar, but heroes do need adventure and obstacles to overcome and there are only so many. I'll happily read the next book in the series and who knows by the second or third book I may love it. The characters were interesting as was the overall story and all in all it was a good adventure.

The Kelanni are not human which is very obvious from the start of the book, but before long you're involved in the book, its characters and the flow of the story, easily forgetting this mundane detail until one of them swishes their tail or something. The Keltar are a menacing lot, but every adventure needs a bad guy to overcome. And then there's Boxx. I'm curious about Boxx who is a strange little character indeed, but it's obvious that finding out more about this character will come later in the series. I liked the varied uses for the lodestones throughout the story and how the story hinged around them in its own way, without that detail being the only focus. On the whole it's a tale of friendship, hardship, adventure and the personal journeys we make where we may come out the other end as better people. The world building for the Kelanni civilization was pretty well done and I readily admit that I enjoyed my journey with these characters as they set out to save the people of their world. I'm hoping the next book in the series is as good if not better.

This review originally posted at http://tjsbookblog.blogspot.com/(less)

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Apr 24, 2013 Whtever rated it 2 of 5 stars

In all honesty, the book isn't so bad. I am just not feeling very generous with my stars for the followin reasons.

The story is not that bad, but not great either, it is just sooooo slow paced.... And the writing is not bad, except for some things that are repeated just to add some more words to the book... I mean, we got that their blood is whit the first time, but it is still repeated n times for no reason. The characters have no depth, everything is very shallow and contrived. Also, a new race...more

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Mar 11, 2013 Addreamy rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: ebook, read-in-2013

Lodestone Book One: The Sea of Storms is a science-fiction book set on a world surrounded by continuous daylight from two suns and buffeted by frequent meteorite showers – at least, on the continent we first encounter. The society consists of two clear groups: the Keltar, who serve as the acolytes and law enforcement of the Prophet and who have skills and powers through their manipulation of the meteorite stones (lodestones) that others do not posses, and the general population of Kelanni. Life...more Lodestone Book One: The Sea of Storms is a science-fiction book set on a world surrounded by continuous daylight from two suns and buffeted by frequent meteorite showers – at least, on the continent we first encounter. The society consists of two clear groups: the Keltar, who serve as the acolytes and law enforcement of the Prophet and who have skills and powers through their manipulation of the meteorite stones (lodestones) that others do not posses, and the general population of Kelanni. Life is fairly primitive and harsh there, with the Keltar exacting tribute in both goods and people. That is, until two events occur. First, a man with Keltar-abilities attacks a Keltar just as a slave-tribute is being exacted. While the Keltar wins the fight, the “imposter” gets away with the help of a young girl. Second, a Keltar who was being groomed for leadership and who was sent to investigate the incident is herself attacked, this time by a large bird. Her rescuers are another native species, the Chandara, who provide her with a prophecy that turns her life upside-down: The Prophet is actually not of the native Kelanni race, and is setting society up to destroy itself. Instead of hunting the imposter to bring him to justice, Keris, the Keltar, along with her Chandara companion, Boxx, must join with Lyall, the imposter, Shann, the young girl, and their third companion, Alondo, a man with an unusual musical instrument born of his mechanical genius, to try and save their people.

I loved this book! I could hardly put it down and found myself reading far into the night. I thought about it during the times I couldn’t read, and now that I have finished, I will be downloading the sequels directly. The action, while fast-paced, is clear and easy to follow. The storylines are complex but not confusing, and the characters are extremely well-written. The story itself is told primarily from two points of view: Shann’s and Keris’. While the two essentially dislike each other (more from Shann’s point of view, I think), both characters are believable and likeable, and you find yourself sympathizing with each in turn, as the backstory of each of the main characters is gradually revealed. Having the primary race be non-human is surprisingly compelling as well, and their society is rich and intriguing. I loved the way little hints were given throughout the book as to what had happened in the past and how things came to the current state without having to wade through lots of exposition. I cannot recommend this story highly enough! It reminds me quite strongly of works by the established masters in Science Fiction: Andre Norton, Anne McCaffrey, Isaac Asimov, and Mercedes Lackey. If you enjoy their writing, you are in for a real treat!
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Mar 10, 2013 Dini rated it 5 of 5 stars

An amazing read!

The book is a natural page turnover. You won’t feel like putting down the book until the very end. The thing I loved the most about the book is the narration and the writing style. The author excels in taking the maximum benefit of a rich vocabulary, using the right words at the right place. The story is developed and described so perfectly. The language is picturesque and the flow of the story is so smooth and well organized. Each new character or fact is introduced in an ever s...more

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Mar 08, 2013 Jean Hall rated it 5 of 5 stars

Hidden Power

--I am not really a science-fiction or fantasy buff but I really enjoyed this book. Once I realized that I was being drawn into a world I had never experienced, I let the characters and the scenes play out. I like the sense of history and sacredness that the prologue gives the story. The time frame and the character focus changes, but after the first few shifts I was ready to see things from a different perspective. Shann is the unlikely heroine and her shy braveness is something tha...more

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Sep 22, 2012 Belle Domingo rated it 5 of 5 stars

I am neither a sci-fi aficionado nor an adventure freak, and rather prefer reading books that teach social values and personal development. But The Sea of Storms is an exemption. Beneath the book's breathtaking, heart-pounding stunts and endless struggles lie deeper lessons in life that the author effectively conveyed. Please allow me to share how this book unexpectedly touched my life...

Lesson 1: It is amazing how the main characters- Lyall, Shann, Keris, and Alondo - found each other and beca...more I am neither a sci-fi aficionado nor an adventure freak, and rather prefer reading books that teach social values and personal development. But The Sea of Storms is an exemption. Beneath the book's breathtaking, heart-pounding stunts and endless struggles lie deeper lessons in life that the author effectively conveyed. Please allow me to share how this book unexpectedly touched my life...

Lesson 1: It is amazing how the main characters- Lyall, Shann, Keris, and Alondo - found each other and became an indomitable team that would determine the fate of everyone's existence. It was not easy to trust a stranger and, much more, to keep everyone intact despite having diverse personalities. But because they share a common goal, they put aside their differences and stay united. Lyall's leadership style is inspiring and worth emulating. Their teamwork made their combined strengths exponentially powerful than any number of keltars and enemies.

Lesson 2: The book also tackled how to manage one's strengths and weaknesses, and to accept those of others. While a weak Shann discovered her new strengths, the strong Keris learned that she has weaknesses. Both characters struggled to maintain equilibrium. Overcoming weaknesses and managing new-found strengths are hidden treasures that the readers can dig within the book's pages.

Lesson 3: The most important lesson that I've learned from the book, among many more, is the value of selflessness. The characters shared their unique ways of offering their lives for the sake of others- family, friends, and fellow Kelanni. They have risked their lives and faced whatever challenges that lie ahead because someone depends on them. It was said that "the greatest love is laying down one's life for another", and the characters have, without a doubt, generously demonstrated it throughout the story.

I had so much fun reading the book as I explored every corner of Kelanni in my imagination. With the author's clear and effective descriptions, I felt comfortable putting myself in the characters' shoes. I allowed my creativity to work for me and felt free in building the images in my mind. And while I took pleasure in reading the book, I appreciate the lessons it instilled in my heart. (less)

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Sep 07, 2012 Cathrina Xavier rated it 5 of 5 stars

Sea of Storm is the first book if the Lodestone Series which I was able to
download for Kindle via Amazon. Considering that this is author Mark
Whiteway’s first major creation – it is a brilliant way to forge a bright
career in the Sci-Fi Fantasy genre. Without spoiling the plot too much; the
story evolves around a planet called Kelanni and its people; set in a
distant planet where it is ruled by 3 suns and has an abundance of supply
of lodestones. These powerful lodestones are used as a tool of power...more

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May 30, 2012 Douglas rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: science-fiction, series

I like the book, and am reading the trilogy, of which it is Book 1.
Whiteway (or his editor) has the ability to write stylistically intriguing prose with just the right amount of interesting detail. His work is NOT littered with typos and annoying and distracting accidental homynyms (as so many e-books are).

The central "science" of the books is the lodestone effect, which is used intelligently and to good effect. The universe of the action is detailed, interesting and consistent.

Shann's relentles...more

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May 10, 2012 Charline Ratcliff rated it 5 of 5 stars

A few weeks ago I was looking for some books to read/review when I came across "Lodestone, Book One: The Sea of Storms." I definitely found the title to be unique so I popped over to Amazon in order to learn more about it.

Ail-Kar, a white-hole portal from another universe, consistently rains meteors down on a planet called Kelanni. These meteors, also called "lodestones" behave according to different physical laws due to the fact that they are from another planet. These "lodestones" and their un...more A few weeks ago I was looking for some books to read/review when I came across "Lodestone, Book One: The Sea of Storms." I definitely found the title to be unique so I popped over to Amazon in order to learn more about it.

Ail-Kar, a white-hole portal from another universe, consistently rains meteors down on a planet called Kelanni. These meteors, also called "lodestones" behave according to different physical laws due to the fact that they are from another planet. These "lodestones" and their unusual properties transform Kelanni's society. Unfortunately there always some who look for ways to capitalize on other people's ignorance, naiveté and / or superstitions. Such is the case with the Keltars who have helped to enslave the Kelanni people; forcing them to mine this meteoric ore all in the name of the one known as "The Prophet."

Shann is an orphan with an incredibly fiery disposition. One night she witnesses a fierce battle between one of the feared Keltars and a stranger who uses the same Keltar technology. After saving his life she joins this man in his quest to free the enslaved Kelanni people.

Keris is a Keltar who has been sent to hunt down and destroy this small band of rebels. Along the way she is attacked by a huge winged predator only to be saved by an almost forgotten race known as the Chandara. The Chandara's home is known as the "Great Tree" and while she is there she learns the true nature of "The Prophet." She is made to understand that the prophet's ultimate goal is the complete eradication of the Kelanni people. Somehow this small group must now put their differences and hatreds aside and work together in an attempt to save their people.

As I read "Lodestone, Book One: The Sea of Storms" by author Mark Whiteway I have to say I was impressed with his writing ability. There were multiple storylines throughout this book and yet Whiteway managed to seamlessly bring them together into a cohesive and interesting tale. The world he has dreamed up comes across as larger than life and I dare say anyone who reads this book will follow its tale with bated breath. There's definitely a cliffhanger of an ending which of course is a great lead-in for "Lodestone, Book Two: The World of Ice and Stars." Luckily for me I just happen to have a copy of this one already in my possession...(less)

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Nov 01, 2011 Heidi Roth rated it 4 of 5 stars

The first book in the Lodestone series comes to you with awards while offering many rewards to the reader. For those who read both science fiction and fantasy, “Book One: The Sea of Storms” is a recommended read. Mr. Whiteway does an excellent job of honoring the forms of those he admires, such as Jules Verne, while creating a new world and journey of his own making.

The book contrasts a society with cues both reptilian and humanoid. This first part of the larger story introduces classic conflic...more The first book in the Lodestone series comes to you with awards while offering many rewards to the reader. For those who read both science fiction and fantasy, “Book One: The Sea of Storms” is a recommended read. Mr. Whiteway does an excellent job of honoring the forms of those he admires, such as Jules Verne, while creating a new world and journey of his own making.

The book contrasts a society with cues both reptilian and humanoid. This first part of the larger story introduces classic conflicts of science and religion well-reflected in cultural values of the elite versus other groups. Based on an ensemble cast, each reader will find at least one character easy to identify with, propelling the story forward. Thanks to inclusion of a young woman, a musician, a holy warrior, a mysterious revolutionary, and an inscrutable insectiod, the action leads strongly through the book.

The dominant culture presented on this planet appears to not have much advanced technology. As things progress, the main characters must confront contrary evidence about religious believes, the political ramifications, and personal choices as a result of such changes. Perhaps the current state of their society is not a real representation of their history and heritage.

Challenges abound, ensuring characters have the opportunity to grow, change, and discover more about themselves. This is an important aspect to successful, modern speculative fiction that effortlessly presents in this book. Additionally, the story arc is reasonably accessible to mature-thinkers of younger age. This book does need to be limited to only an adult audience. It makes a good foil for younger readers who follow world news or events and would enjoy exploring some of the same topics in a different world through the eyes of a different species.

The Chandara, a race living on the plant in Lodestone who are aliens to the other inhabitants, are particularly well realized. I’m sure as this entire story unfolds, many readers will enjoy this book and those that follow courtesy of Mr. Whiteway.

As you know, one of the best comments anyone can make about a book is “I couldn’t go to sleep until I’d finished the final chapter”. Stopping before the end wasn’t an option. Perhaps you’ll find, as I do, skimming the prologue and then diving into the rest of the book is a great way to start a new series. I know I’m looking forward to the next book. If the characters or story sound like something you might enjoy, I encourage you to give this accomplished, new author a try.
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Jun 25, 2011 Alice Yeh rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: hide-and-read-reviews

In this stunning work of fantasy fiction, we are introduced to a theocratic society and a unique use of the concept of negative matter. In an act of brilliant irony, the Prophet has been using the Kelanni people and money to fund the development of a weapon to annihilate them. One of his top Keltar, an elite soldier, stumbles upon his plan and begins an unwilling journey with four others to save the people she has sworn to protect. With former allies breathing down their necks, they race against...more In this stunning work of fantasy fiction, we are introduced to a theocratic society and a unique use of the concept of negative matter. In an act of brilliant irony, the Prophet has been using the Kelanni people and money to fund the development of a weapon to annihilate them. One of his top Keltar, an elite soldier, stumbles upon his plan and begins an unwilling journey with four others to save the people she has sworn to protect. With former allies breathing down their necks, they race against the clock to save their people and defeat a false god.

The world of the Kelanni is richly created, from the landscapes and intricate societal rules to the lodestones that power the Prophet's men. Whiteway seamlessly works the necessary explanations into his lyrical prose, allowing one to savor the words and the imagery as well as the plot development. There is an overarching sense of wonder that governs this entirety of this story, no mean feat considering that all is not sunshine and daisies. Perhaps it is related to the balance of intricate description and deliberate vagueness. The latter tactic lends readers the latitude to visualize the Kelanni and various oddly-named organisms as they see fit.

The character development in this novel is sound. Particularly well-executed are the internal conflicts within Shann and Keris; some of the changes fly under the radar unless one is paying particular attention. Their quest is more than a physical journey; it is a period of forced emotional maturation for all involved. And this is just the start.

Unfortunately, there were some mishaps within this novel that I had difficulty overlooking. The first is a paragraph in chapter fourteen dedicated to Shann's first time riding a graylesh. It's a lovely passage, but it directly conflicts with the first page of chapter three, in which she rode a graylesh to Lind. The second, and possibly more subjective complaint is that the Prophet has crossed the supposedly insurmountable barrier facing our heroes more than once, yet they never consider how he may have accomplished this feat. In fact, they openly discuss how no one but Captain Arval has ever successfully crossed the Great Barrier of Storms. Adding this to some wonky use of semicolons and italics, I found myself pausing many times in spite of the riveting storyline.

Book One of this new series was a wonderful fantasy read, and I look forward to continuing with Lyall and company in Book Two.

Hide and Read
(Review copy provided by the author)(less)

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Jan 19, 2011 Murphy's Library rated it 3 of 5 stars

(from Murphy's Library - http://www.murphyslibrary.com/ - rated 3 and a half there)

Kelanni is a planet ruled by a dictator, The Prophet. He has what we could call an army, a loyal one, the Keltar, who are responsible to make sure no one rebels against their leader. The Prophet is a master in the explorations of the lodestone that arrives with meteor showers in Kelanni. All is functioning as The Prophet expects, but there are people out there that are getting tired of his domain.

This book, the fi...more (from Murphy's Library - http://www.murphyslibrary.com/ - rated 3 and a half there)

Kelanni is a planet ruled by a dictator, The Prophet. He has what we could call an army, a loyal one, the Keltar, who are responsible to make sure no one rebels against their leader. The Prophet is a master in the explorations of the lodestone that arrives with meteor showers in Kelanni. All is functioning as The Prophet expects, but there are people out there that are getting tired of his domain.

This book, the first in the Lodestone series that Whiteway wrote, is really an introducing book. You take some time to get used to the universe he created, but once you get to know the details about the planet, the lodestone and the wants of The Prophet, you can't put the story down. I've been reading lots of books with different creatures, fantasies and paranormal subjects, but a pure and truly good fantasy and just fantasy book hasn't got into my hands in a long long time. Lodestone is a good fantasy book.

Lyall, Alonso, Shann and Keris are really good characters and I thought their personalities are well put in this book. Lyall is very well built and I really like him, and Shann is a great character, who I often wanted to hear more from. Alonso made me laugh, even his seriousness can be great. It took me some time to warm up to Keris, but soon I was okay reading her lines too.

The narrative is good, but sometimes I got a little confused by some of the longer paragraphs—maybe it happened because I was getting to know everything about this universe, and it can be a little overwhelming. The constant reminds of the facts during the narrative, however, are always helping me. In this case, it is good that this book repeats some things.

It was as good book, and I look forward to continue reading this series, especially with that ending. The book, in the last pages, made me breathless. Mark Whiteway had my congratulations for this book. He was truly carefull creating his story and putting all pieces of this puzzle together, in a way they just fit. Very good work.(less)

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Sep 23, 2010 Marty Shaw rated it 4 of 5 stars

I think Mr. Whiteway did himself a great disservice by putting references to the laws of physics and white-hole portals on the back cover of his book. At best, you might think it's a sci-fi book that's heavy on the sci-fi; at worst, you'll avoid it from fear of being bored to death. Neither of these things is true.

Sea of Storms struck me as more fantasy than sci-fi. Yes, it takes place on another planet populated by the alien Kelanni, but their actions and motivations are distinctly human. Yes,...more I think Mr. Whiteway did himself a great disservice by putting references to the laws of physics and white-hole portals on the back cover of his book. At best, you might think it's a sci-fi book that's heavy on the sci-fi; at worst, you'll avoid it from fear of being bored to death. Neither of these things is true.

Sea of Storms struck me as more fantasy than sci-fi. Yes, it takes place on another planet populated by the alien Kelanni, but their actions and motivations are distinctly human. Yes, important elements are the lodestones and the magnetic forces they control, but the science behind these tools is kept simple and doesn't burden you with the requirement of having a PhD to understand and enjoy the book.

At the heart of the story, we have the orphan, Shann. She's feisty and rebellious, so it's really not a surprise when she defies the rules and teams up with the rebel, Lyall, who is impressed by her bravery and instinctive skills. Lyall is a man with a past; a rebel who uses the tools of the enemy to stand against them. Standing with Lyall is his best friend, Alondo. At first, I thought Alondo was going to be the comic relief of the book, but he provides a lot more than laughs with his intellect and unique, home-made weapon. Joining this band of rebels is Keris, a once diligent and hard-core Keltar who is forced to realize that she might be fighting for the wrong side. The oddest member of them all is Boxx, a creature known as a Chandarra. Boxx is no simple little forest dweller. He's the catalyst that draws them together and is also the holder of the 'key' that could determine victory or defeat over the Prophet and his people - people who call themselves Hu-Man.

The book starts a little slow as the diverse set of characters are introduced and drawn together, but the pace picks up considerably once alliances are formed. I was pleasantly surprised to discover that, unlike most 'team' stories, I was unable to single out a favorite. I enjoyed each one for what they have to offer.

If you're looking for a good fantasy with interesting characters, then ignore all the cover talk about physics and dive into the world of the Kelanni.(less)

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Aug 14, 2010 Ashley Ziemer rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: read-in-2010

The rebels are forming and plotting by their leader known only as "The Prophet." The Kelanni are being forced to harvest the lodestones. When Keris, a Keltar questioning her work for "The Prohpet," learns that the Kelanni people are in more trouble than is realized, she sets out to find a way to save them. The journey takes a group of five, including Keris, Shann-a village girl, and Boxx-a creature with powers, on an adventure that will reveal astonishing truths and dangerous encounters.

Author M...more

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Dec 22, 2010 Kristina rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: science-fiction, fantasy

Read the full review @ Frazzled Book Nommer.

Initially, it was very difficult for me to get into this book. I felt like I was being bombarded with new customs and everyday life, and it was very slow (despite its action-packed pacing). In fact, despite all the action that was in the beginning, the book didn’t really pick up for me until about ¼ of the way in. The beginning was pretty much getting introductions to the characters done, and weaving a plot to get them together. However, when all of th...more Read the full review @ Frazzled Book Nommer.

Initially, it was very difficult for me to get into this book. I felt like I was being bombarded with new customs and everyday life, and it was very slow (despite its action-packed pacing). In fact, despite all the action that was in the beginning, the book didn’t really pick up for me until about ¼ of the way in. The beginning was pretty much getting introductions to the characters done, and weaving a plot to get them together. However, when all of the members of the “team” joined forces with one another, the book picked up the pace considerably. Once this happened, I was done – I was totally hooked.

I never anticipated how absorbed I would become into the novel due to the initial slowness of the book. But the world of the Kelanni was so intriguing. There’s unknown terrain and a lot of land to explore, as well as new creatures (like the Chandara and graylesh). There were so many customs and society norms to get accustomed too. The Kelanni themselves were an enigma we had to figure out – they are the “alien” race of the planet Kelanni, with animal-like tails and ears. (I kept picturing them as a scaled down version of Viera from Final Fantasy). They worship the 3 suns (yes, three suns!), Ail-Mazzorth, Ail-Gan, and Ail-Kar, and never see nighttime (or at least, the nighttime that we know of).

All of these customs are a bit overwhelming, actually, which happens to be one of the downfalls I found with this book. With any fantasy or science fiction novel, the authors need to ease their audience into the new world – explain things, hold their hand, etc. With this book, only a few things were explained (like the suns and their “religion”). I suppose that gave me a lot of leeway with my imagination, but I would have liked to have more things explained to me.

The characters were mostly enjoyable. I wasn’t able to connect with any of them, with the exception of Keris, but they were very fun to read about. Alondo was the “comedian” of the group, and I absolutely loved every time he spoke. Keris was a Keltar (one who is sworn an oath to the Prophet), but renounced her ways after an incident (vagueness is vague!). She had never been one to form close bonds to others, ever since she was a kid, and preferred to working alone than in a team. Lyall is haunted by his past and strives to actively change Kelanni for the greater good.

Shann is a young rebellious spirit that annoyed the crap out of me. I can appreciate her braveness and her spirit, but she had this unfounded vendetta against Keris that I saw was stemmed from jealousy and pettiness. Shann hated being treated like a child, but her actions and mistrust of Keris was the very epitome of childish. I can appreciate the doubt she had with Keris (since the group wasn’t sure of where Keris’s allegiance lay), but she doubted Keris too much. So much that it was unbelievable. And annoying. Time and time again, the “evidence” on Keris would be cleared, yet Shann remained doubtful. Ugh! Lastly, Boxx, the Chandara, is the last of the group, and my personal favorite. Chandara don’t have names or genders, but Boxx was called Boxx (“The Key”), and I always associated it as a him. He (in my mind, at least) was a cross between a centipede and a pillbug (roly poly) and had a different way of speaking that was adorable.

Despite my few misgivings with characters, inconsistencies, and lack of detail, this book was so entertaining after the beginning. The book is pitched as science fiction, and while it does retain a lot of sci-fi elements, I felt it had a more fantasy vibe to it.

Overall, this was a very well-done science-fiction and fantasy novel! The beginning is slow, but the pace began to pick up after all of the characters joined forces. There is tons of adventure and action packed into this book, as well as new creatures and lands. Kelanni was an interesting place to read about, and I found myself constantly wanting more! I was almost outraged at where Mark decided to cut the book off – I can’t wait to see what happens in book two!(less)

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Feb 16, 2013 Thimble rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Many have commented on the author's writing skill, and I agree with this in the sense that I was captured by the prose and the plot. I'll leave the gushing to others and mention a few other aspects.

The reminders that this is set on a different world are superficial and contrived. We're regularly reminded that there are three suns in the sky, that the characters' blood is white, and that they have tails, but these aspects are not really incorporated into the story line. There is vanishingly littl...more

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Nov 29, 2012 Charles Franklin rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: science-fiction

As a fan of Mark Whiteway’s book, I would be remiss if I didn’t include a review to the first book in one of my all-time sci-fi collections. Similar to other science fiction books that I have read, the Lodestone Book One: The Sea of Storms is the story of a group of citizen revolutionaries (Lyall, Keris, Shann, Alondo, and Boxx) who go on a quest to stop an evil dictator (in this case, the Prophet) in order to save the world. For me, the difference with this book (and the series) is the way this...more As a fan of Mark Whiteway’s book, I would be remiss if I didn’t include a review to the first book in one of my all-time sci-fi collections. Similar to other science fiction books that I have read, the Lodestone Book One: The Sea of Storms is the story of a group of citizen revolutionaries (Lyall, Keris, Shann, Alondo, and Boxx) who go on a quest to stop an evil dictator (in this case, the Prophet) in order to save the world. For me, the difference with this book (and the series) is the way this book that you can be drawn into the world of Kelanni. From the beginning to the end of the novel, you are presented with a well-developed plot, characters, and setting.

The plot is one of the first things that I came to appreciate in this because it has many twists and turns that make it a page-turner. In one chapter you are reading about a hand to hand battle with two Keltar guards and within the next you are on a ship. This doesn’t happen haphazardly; instead the author introduces one or two small changes within the chapter that lead to more dramatic changes in the plot or characters later on. The characters, while still retaining their typical “band of rebels” found in other sci-fi books, display real depth and development in tune with the plot.

I can also say that, having read the other books in the collection, that this development continues in various and intriguing ways. Lastly, the setting is “all-encompassing”. By that, I mean the setting is so well set up that readers should find it easy to interact with the story even though it’s full of words like Chandara, Keltara, Kelanni, and more. This does take a little getting used to when you first encounter the book; however, one you will do you will have no problem enjoying the adventure of the book.

The only thing that I had was the convenient “change of heart” from two of the main characters, Lyall and Keris. While you get a little insight into Keris’ defection to the band of revolutionaries, it was a little too sudden for me. Luckily, the author balances this almost complete acceptance of the group book with the suspicion of Shann, which to me seems a more real and appropriate response to adding a new member of a group.

In summary if you are looking for a book with the epic journey and setting of Star Wars, then is probably the next series you want to look into. This will also be a good read for fans of the book series from Piers Anthony (Journey of Xanth) or J.R.R. Tolkien (Middle Earth Series). It reminds me a lot of like some of his books in which you watch the characters go through a wild and incredibly insightful journey. I am on the fourth book and look forward to reading the rest of the books in the series as well.
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Mar 13, 2013 Kailyn rated it 4 of 5 stars

This book reminded me of “Lord of the Rings” for several reasons. First, it is incredibly well-written. Whiteway creates his own language and is fluent in it. Ali-Mazzoth reminded me of Sauron in how she “never moved in the sky” and was always watching "her children." Whiteway has a knack for describing every location as a luscious landscape which calls to mind the locations from the video-game “Journey” as you read. Plus, like LOTR, there is traveling and lots of it, as a band of unlikely comra...more This book reminded me of “Lord of the Rings” for several reasons. First, it is incredibly well-written. Whiteway creates his own language and is fluent in it. Ali-Mazzoth reminded me of Sauron in how she “never moved in the sky” and was always watching "her children." Whiteway has a knack for describing every location as a luscious landscape which calls to mind the locations from the video-game “Journey” as you read. Plus, like LOTR, there is traveling and lots of it, as a band of unlikely comrades joins together in an effort to confront evil and stop it from mining the powerful lodestone with ill intent. Though, similar once again to LOTR, the focus here is not so much about the destination as it is about the journey.

The fact that some of these characters had tails was a little off-putting and at first I felt like I was reading a subtle fan-fiction, but the remainder of the book felt absolutely nothing like fan-fiction and could rival stories previously told in the Final Fantasy video-game series. “The Sea of Storms” is a quick read and sci-fi buffs should definitely check it out, especially since Whiteway is currently offering it as a Kindle download for free. Whiteway has a flair for detail (I love the less disgusting and heightened mysticism of the white blood aspect), and he explains down to the finest minutia the processes involved in how things function that don’t even exist in the real world. Whiteway is confident in his material, and “The Sea of Storms” has bubbled up from the deepest cauldron of merit. For me, the story was so complicated that it tended to get murky at times, but it was able to drag me back in quickly enough to where it wasn't a deal-breaker. I wasn’t always able to follow along as well as I would have hoped, but the pace, suspense and interest level significantly picked up in the third act. And there’s something about a sword with diamond blades that can re-define the term “business end of a weapon” as we know it.(less)

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Feb 01, 2011 Matt rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy, science-fiction, self-pub-small-press

(Cross-posted to my sci-fi blog, Android Dreamer.)

There have been a handful of cases in which I read the first chapter or two of a novel, decided it wasn't for me, and abandoned the book. In the case of reading material for the sake of review, this is a practice I have abolished; when I start reading a book, I finish it. It is lucky for me that I have taken to this practice, as Mark Whiteway's Lodestone Book One: The Sea of Storms is the perfect example of a novel that rewards perseverance.

Altho...more (Cross-posted to my sci-fi blog, Android Dreamer.)

There have been a handful of cases in which I read the first chapter or two of a novel, decided it wasn't for me, and abandoned the book. In the case of reading material for the sake of review, this is a practice I have abolished; when I start reading a book, I finish it. It is lucky for me that I have taken to this practice, as Mark Whiteway's Lodestone Book One: The Sea of Storms is the perfect example of a novel that rewards perseverance.

Although the blurb on the back led me to believe that it was more of a science fiction romp than a fantasy adventure, and there is real science in the created technology of lodestones (which I would do no justice by trying to explain to you here), it is definitely a fantasy story at heart. The basic plot has been done many times before: a group of adventurers from various backgrounds band together and go on a really long hike across the world to stop something big and evil from happening that would probably destroy the world. Along the way there is in-fighting, big beasties, monsters, unfamiliar species, lava pits, and the titular stormy seas. It starts a bit slow, but once you get into the meat of the book (right around the 50 page mark), it takes off and becomes a lot of fun. Whiteway's prose is strong, and his dialogue is believable, which are two qualities that ought to be more common but are unfortunately at something of a premium in the fantasy genre.

The books biggest strength is its characters. Essentially, there are five main characters for the book, and each of them is unique, distinct, and likable in at least some way. They, in many ways, fit common fantasy tropes, but Whiteway writes them in such a way that it is easy to become invested in them and want them to succeed. They are all flawed characters, but that is really what makes them real. Perfect heroes are not interesting, because they are infallible. Pure villains are the same; there should always be gray area in whether a character is really "good" or "bad." I really have no use for characters who get everything right.

Aside from a somewhat slow start, the only other point I would criticize the novel on is that it is sometimes a bit lacking in description of the books creations. It is an old and often cited adage in fantasy and science fiction that a book's lack of quality is essentially magnified by each made up word. I don't think this really true, but I would like to know more about the original parts of the book. For example, there is a species called a "graylesh" referenced in the book several times that a handful of characters use as mounts, but I couldn't really tell you if they are horses, or wolves, or ostriches. I feel like I would have been more comfortable with the world as a whole early on if more description would be given about the created bits.

All things considered, however, I really enjoyed this. I didn't really expect to like it after I realized that it was more fantasy than sci-fi, as I can quite literally count on one hand the number of fantasy novels I have read that I enjoy. It is just not something that often strikes me, but Lodestone has really proven to be an exception to that rule. Fantasy fans will be pleased, and likewise will be people who just like reading about characters who feel real. The sequel is already out, and you better believe I'm going to read it sooner rather than later.(less)

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Apr 02, 2012 Michael Araujo rated it 5 of 5 stars

When something is strange to you, your instinct makes you take caution. When entering a strange land, you automatically go into defense mode. A strange world can make you scared, excited and anxious to learn all of its secrets. But sometimes that strange world disappoints you. Perhaps it is too strange. Perhaps the secrets it holds aren’t that exciting. Perhaps the strange world is intolerable. Perhaps this strange world just makes you want to shout out loud about how stupid it is.

This strange...more When something is strange to you, your instinct makes you take caution. When entering a strange land, you automatically go into defense mode. A strange world can make you scared, excited and anxious to learn all of its secrets. But sometimes that strange world disappoints you. Perhaps it is too strange. Perhaps the secrets it holds aren’t that exciting. Perhaps the strange world is intolerable. Perhaps this strange world just makes you want to shout out loud about how stupid it is.

This strange world of Kelanni is the exact opposite. It makes you want to explore the whole land. Learn the secrets that it holds. Devour every piece of information that is available and makes you want to beg for more.

I dove into the book with extreme caution. From the synopsis only, I knew that it would be an interesting book but I didn’t know how the writing, characters and the world would be. When I began, my interest grew, but I must admit that I was a bit wary of reading it. I mean, I wasn’t going to stop reading it. I promised myself that I would finish it regardless of how bad it was. But, it wasn’t bad! As the pages went on, I began to understand more of this different land. I began to get these feelings for the characters that showed how much I cared for them. And when the villains were introduced, I began to hate them just like our heroes did.

The Sea of Storms holds many stories in one. It’s a book where five main lives get together. Shann is a simple village girl working day in and day out with her “adoptive” parents. Keris is a Keltar working for the Prophet and is beginning to question what is right and what is wrong. Lyall is a man who is trying to fix what is in his past by changing the future. Alondo is a humble, yet dangerous man, who is a friend of Lyall and an ally in the future quest. And a Chandara named Boxx, the only creature, who has powers to save them all.

What exactly makes this odd group come together? The answer is the past. A strange technology allows a lady from the past to come into contact with the group, letting them know that the one who everyone thinks is right, is not what it seems. And so with this message, the five set off on a quest across dangerous lands, against vicious creatures and meeting questioning people. With a future that seems dubious, they must try to make everything better, hoping that the world they know can be saved and peaceful.

Only telling a little bit of the story is possible. Giving any more information might make one’s head explode with anxiousness to buy the book. What I can tell you more is that every character, from major to minor, is so cleverly written and wisely interwoven, that you begin to think that if someone who was only mentioned once in the background may have a future story at all.

Mark Whiteway’s writing is almost indescribable. It’s simple for children and teens, yet complex so that an adult may love it. The way he writes his characters make you grow emotions for them. His lands makes you want to explore them. He never gives anything up too easy, leaving some of the things up to your imagination. Which is one of the best parts.

He doesn’t say, “this is this and only this!”. He says “this is this but can be this unless you add this… then what happens?” One example is Lodestones. Lodestones are these, rocks I guess it’s safe to say, that there are different kinds and they all do different things. And if you pair two up of different qualities, you get amazing results. But he doesn’t tell you all of the results. He will tell you what each rock does, and sometimes he’ll make you guess what the results would be if pairing two up. Sometimes when you guess it, it is when a character is about to experiment and it proves if you were right or wrong.

But aside from Lodestones, which play an important part in the story, “Lodestone Book One: The Sea of Storms” is a rich and amazing story all in all. The love and passion for writing, all of his emotions, shows in every word of every sentence of every paragraph. I couldn’t help but fall in love with it in the end. It became an instant favorite with an ending that will make you want to buy the next installment, there’s only one thing I can say.

You’re missing out if you haven’t read this book. And for a debut author, that’s pretty epic!(less)

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Aug 01, 2010 Leslie rated it 5 of 5 stars

This is a fast paced and drag you along for the ride fantasy. I was breathless at points cheering the action and frustrated at times when the characters showed their flaws. A wonderful cast of characters annoying at times and alternately heroic at others. The mix of characters play well off each other, they make you want to cheer or in some cases box their ears. The story is easy to get into and the book hard to put down. I am looking forward to the next installment. I believe that Mark Whiteway...more

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Mar 02, 2011 melydia rated it 4 of 5 stars

As an indie book reviewer, I come across a lot of, um, less than stellar fiction. Then, once in a while, I come across a self-published book like The Sea of Storms and I am reminded of why I do this in the first place. Planet Kelanni has three suns: a white and yellow that move across the sky much like our own Sun, and a large, dim, red sun that never moves, in much the same way as the Earth doesn't when viewed from the Moon. The inhabitants of this planet, though never described in detail, are...more As an indie book reviewer, I come across a lot of, um, less than stellar fiction. Then, once in a while, I come across a self-published book like The Sea of Storms and I am reminded of why I do this in the first place. Planet Kelanni has three suns: a white and yellow that move across the sky much like our own Sun, and a large, dim, red sun that never moves, in much the same way as the Earth doesn't when viewed from the Moon. The inhabitants of this planet, though never described in detail, are (presumably) humanoid creatures ruled by a mysterious Prophet and his Keltar emissaries who routinely collect citizens as "tributes," never to be seen again. A young girl named Shann joins two men - Lyall and Alondo - in their quest to overthrow the Prophet and free the tributes. Meanwhile, forbidding Keltar Keris receives shocking information from the strange, somewhat beetle-like creatures known as Chandara, information that turns her world completely upside-down. Woven throughout the drama is a mysterious and precious mineral known as lodestone.

Though the book's title is somewhat misleading - the Sea of Storms is not actually reached until the last few pages - the story itself is quite good. The action is well-paced and the world is solidly constructed. I especially liked that while there were creatures clearly meant to stand in for familiar animals such as dogs and horses, nothing was described in comparison with Earth since, obviously, the Kelanni know nothing of Earth. Shann, Keris, Lyall, and Alondo are engaging characters, easily distinguishable without relying on stereotypes. Oliah came out of left-field, making her relationship with the leads rather unbelievable, but her appearance is so brief I can almost ignore it. The rest of the book is a marvelous trek through a fantastic new world.

I'm glad I was warned in the title that this is not a standalone novel, or I would have been irritated at the cliffhanger ending. As it stands, I'll have to see about getting my hands on the next installment in this promising new fantasy series.(less)

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Mar 19, 2013 Anne Kahil rated it 5 of 5 stars

Outstanding work of fiction, destined to become a timeless classic of contemporary literature.

Kelanni - a green-skinned, white-blooded race - inhabit the world of The Lodestone Trilogy. Although their exterior is decidedly non-human, their spirits embody the best and worst of human traits.

Grinding poverty enslaves soul and body of the Kelanni to feed the insatiable greed of a mysterious Prophet, seen by few yet blindly obeyed by all. His tyrannical hold is absolute...almost.

Driven by desperatio...more Outstanding work of fiction, destined to become a timeless classic of contemporary literature.

Kelanni - a green-skinned, white-blooded race - inhabit the world of The Lodestone Trilogy. Although their exterior is decidedly non-human, their spirits embody the best and worst of human traits.

Grinding poverty enslaves soul and body of the Kelanni to feed the insatiable greed of a mysterious Prophet, seen by few yet blindly obeyed by all. His tyrannical hold is absolute...almost.

Driven by desperation and personal tragedy, five unlikely heroes emerge to shine hope on their dark world. One boy on the brink of adulthood, brimming with youthful idealism and mischief. A second boy with a jolly persona, who possesses dubious military skills - and a secret weapon. A servant girl fleeing for her life. The planet's most gifted general - the aloof and solitary protegé of the Prophet's closest adviser - consumed by guilt and oathbound to an enigmatic creature. A seemingly useless creature who speaks in riddles yet is somehow the key to freeing the Kelanni from the shackles of slavery.

A startling message from beyond compounds the mystery that begins to unfold about the past and future of the Kelanni race.

Readers will find themselves riveted as the traitors are ruthlessly hunted down by the Prophet's minions. Forced to leave the comfort of their homes, the incongruous band of freedom fighters flees to the desert and braves the deadly traps of the Fire Pits and the terror of the Kharthrun Serpent enroute to the perilous Aronak Sea and the Great Barrier of Storms. Beyond the treacherous, stormy barrier lies the answer to securing the freedom of the slaves. Along the way, they discover that they have an even greater mission - to save the entire Kelanni race from extinction.

Rivalries and suspicions surface as the stakes become higher. Each of them must discover for himself - or herself - which of their companions is friend or foe.

And there is no turning back.

Whiteway's opus brims with lyrical prose, witty and often humorous dialogue, pulse-racing adventure, and a wealth of compelling characters whose psyche and emotions he fearlessly explores.

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Jan 17, 2012 Sandra Heptinstall rated it 5 of 5 stars

I have often wondered where ideas for books come from when an author begins to pen their book. Does it start from just one word? Or is it an idea that has been floating around in their mind for a long time, or just a few days.

As each chapter ends I can’t help but think, is this author a scientist? On the back of the book you will read the author built his story around the concept of negative matter-an extension of Einstein’s Theory of General Relativity. Of course we all know what that is?

Honest...more

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Sep 03, 2011 S.J. rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: reviews

Concept/World
This is a complex world both physically and culturally. Physically it has three suns, mysterious lodestones and a variety of alien creatures. Culturally it is almost medieval in feel, dominated by a tyrannical religion. The concept of the book is almost more fantasy than science fiction. I would have been perfectly happy to accept the lodestones as magical and wasn’t entirely convinced by the scientific explanation of the lodestones or by the science underlying the “storm barrier”....more Concept/World
This is a complex world both physically and culturally. Physically it has three suns, mysterious lodestones and a variety of alien creatures. Culturally it is almost medieval in feel, dominated by a tyrannical religion. The concept of the book is almost more fantasy than science fiction. I would have been perfectly happy to accept the lodestones as magical and wasn’t entirely convinced by the scientific explanation of the lodestones or by the science underlying the “storm barrier”. It is a mark of the quality of the writing, however, that I didn’t start to question the scientific feasibility of the storm barrier until I was reading it for the second time, analytically, for review.

Story
The plot moves along at a good pace. There are surprises and mysteries that kept me reading late into the night to find out what was going to happen. There was one inconsistency that poked me in the eye – Shann is described as riding a graylesh early in the story and then later has to learn to ride one because it says she’s never ridden one before. That did stop me reading as I had to go back then and check that I’d read it right the first time.

Characters
The characters are a great strength of this book. The Kelanni are not human but think and behave like humans. I really liked Shann to begin with though she became a rather whiny adolescent in her rivalry with Keris, a tormented soul with fierce combat skills. Lyall reminded me of Don Quixote, a would-be hero who just doesn’t quite have the skills to pull it off. I liked Alonso and his dry humour. My favourite, however, was Boxx, truly alien in the way that he/it thinks. I loved his/its cryptic pronouncements, baffling the heck out of everyone else. Mark Whiteway also pulls off the feat of creating a really terrifying villain. I thought he (no spoilers) was just a fanatic until the showdown between him and Keris. That scene actually made me shiver as his insanity became apparent.

Overall
This is a powerful story with some chilling, disturbing scenes, without ever resorting to gore. It is deeply absorbing and has moments that I know I will remember for a long time, certainly any time I see a wisp of smoke rising on the horizon. The final paragraphs were breathtaking and managed to give a satisfying sense of ending to that book whilst at the same time making me want to buy the next one immediately. Highly recommended.
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Feb 16, 2012 Michelle Stone rated it 4 of 5 stars

I purchased this book for the quality of writing of the preview. I normally go for science fiction but sometimes, fantasy is fun stuff. There's just enough of a technical grab in this wonderfully crafted story to capture my interest.

The world is obviously alien. The author took me to that world and made me feel a part of it. The conflict is multi-layered and interesting. Knowing this was a series, I was not jarred at the ending. I've already started to read the second book.

Highly recommended for...more

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Mar 22, 2013 Suralxiong rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: current-001

Lodestone Book One: Sea of Storms by Mark Whiteway

This is a really good book with some outstanding characters and world building. There are some interesting though sometimes confusing elements about the Lodestones, which I'm no way going to try to be expert about. The important thing to this type of fiction is that the author try to maintain the rules he's built into his system-or at least have good reasons for any deviations. I think,without going into real in-depth analysis of the working of t...more

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Jan 04, 2011 Literary rated it 4 of 5 stars

It took a chapter or two for me to become interested in this book. This does not speak ill of the author. It is simply how it happens with me in these types of books. Once I was past the first couple of chapters, though, I didn't want to stop reading. I loved the world that Mark created in this story.

The book did not consist of humans, that I could tell. Instead, Kelanni were the dominant creatures ... human like, but with tails. The Kelanni had social classes and military, like humans. They wer...more

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May 14, 2011 Emi rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: high-fantasy

For the full review, please visit my blog: http://oktopusink.blogspot.com/2011/0...

One of my favorite things about books is that they have the power to transport the reader anywhere in the world, even if that means transporting them to a different world. Whiteway capitalizes on this power, and uses it to his advantage to bring the reader a creative story filled with crazy animals, gliding cloaks, and star-crossed destiny. At first, the the book appears to be strictly science fiction. The story t...more For the full review, please visit my blog: http://oktopusink.blogspot.com/2011/0...

One of my favorite things about books is that they have the power to transport the reader anywhere in the world, even if that means transporting them to a different world. Whiteway capitalizes on this power, and uses it to his advantage to bring the reader a creative story filled with crazy animals, gliding cloaks, and star-crossed destiny. At first, the the book appears to be strictly science fiction. The story takes place in the world of Kelanni--a planet devoid of human life, yet incredibly human at the same time. Its inhabitants are being oppressed by the Keltar, guardians of the Prophet who have abused their power in the name of their savior. But when one of the characters receives an important message from the past, an epic journey begins and the characters embark on a quest to travel beyond the Sea of Storms. In the tradition of J.R.R’s Lord of the Rings, after the quest is received, the plot becomes fast paced and action filed. There is little down time to become bored, especially in between events like escaping a slave camp or rescuing a comrade from a giant lava snake’s den. The world was rich with its own customs, natural laws, crazy creatures and landscapes that, when combined, had me wishing that my jacket was filled with lodestones.

However, despite the exciting pacing of the plot and the amazing amount of easy-to-understand detail that Whiteway puts into the more alien aspects of his novel, reading the first 100 pages or so was difficult for me. Not because I didn’t like was I was reading, but because I couldn’t connect to the characters. There wasn’t enough background information given about most of the main characters to make me identify what drove them to embark on the dangerous quest, other than the reason that the world depended on it. I needed that emotional connection, the one that makes me go, “Aww…she has no other choice,” or “Oh snap, he’s going for revenge!” and really believe it. Regardless, Shann, Alando, Lyall, and Keris provided an even balance of skills to the group, and their personalities played well off of each other--especially towards the end. It was hard to choose a favorite, but if I had to, it would probably be Alando. His light-hearted comments relieved some of the tension of the story, and I enjoyed listening to his well placed words of wisdom.

Overall, the novel was very well done, and the end had me sitting on the edge of my seat. Even though the beginning was a little slow, once the edges of the plot were outlined it became a roller coaster of action and adventure. If you're into books that blend science fiction and fantasy (and blend it extremely well), then I highly recommend you pick up the first book in the Lodestone series. A fair warning, though: The end is a cliffhanger, and a seriously painful one! I know I’ll have to get my hands on the sequel as soon as I get the chance.(less)

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Feb 08, 2011 Melissa Hayden rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy, ya-fantasy, ya

Hastily aiding a strange man who flew into town and seemed to want to help the people taken as 'tributes' to work in the Prophet's deadly desert, Shann finds she is now in the middle of the dispute between the strange man pretending to be a Keltar and the Keltar taking the people. Shann goes on the run to escape the mean Keltar and his soldiers. Shann finds new friends along the path of a wondrous journey of the past asking for help from the future. With the help of her new friends and lodestone...more Hastily aiding a strange man who flew into town and seemed to want to help the people taken as 'tributes' to work in the Prophet's deadly desert, Shann finds she is now in the middle of the dispute between the strange man pretending to be a Keltar and the Keltar taking the people. Shann goes on the run to escape the mean Keltar and his soldiers. Shann finds new friends along the path of a wondrous journey of the past asking for help from the future. With the help of her new friends and lodestones Shann learns a budding strength she didn't realize she had, and how to fly like the Keltar. If all work together; Shann, Lyall, Alondo, and Keltar Keris and her new friend Boxx, the fate of all Kelanni just might be safe in their hands.

In this book Mark, the author, creates a world with three suns, bright colors, and people with tails. With the help of Lodestones and the science behind them there are a select few who are granted permission to us this ability to fly through the air. The world created here is all together new. There are times in the world I wanted a little more description to give a better visual in my mind, but I did enjoy the details given to the lodestone science used by the Keltar.

The story starts right in with the characters meeting, which is a nice start. At times in the beginning I found it to be a little rough but the story quickly picks up and runs. I liked the characters and the way they matched up. You do have your one odd man out, but this is a nice touch to have a character you like, but not completely trust.

The story takes you on a journey with these characters through this new world. The story isn't completely new to the fantasy world but the characters and new world make it a fun and interesting journey. There were a few little surprises I really enjoyed too. Like, you might want to watch Alondo. The ending of the story is a cliffhanger ending. I wanted to keep going and see what happens to the world and characters along with the new world they where going to. But, that will have to be the next book (which is currently out).

This is definitely a book I would recommend to your sprouting fantasy readers. I think they would enjoy the journey and the neat things they do. This is a fun read. The end result of the lodestone science is similar to the results of Brandon Sanderson's metal usage in the Mistborn series. Completely different sciences and rules but close to the same results, in flying that is.

I will definitely be looking for the second book in this series to follow up with the characters.

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About Mark Whiteway

Mark Whiteway (1959- ) lives in rural West Sussex, England, near the former home of H G Wells. The Lodestone series of novels is built around the concept of negative matter-an extension of Einstein's Theory of General Relativity.

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The World of Ice and Stars (Lodestone, #2)

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The Sea of Storms (Lodestone #1)

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