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Stone Ends #1
Keeper of the Black Stones
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 that gift comes the responsibility of stopping the man who is using those very stones to travel through time and change history for his own purposes. A man who is now holding Jason's grandfather hostage, and threatening the world's very existence. Jumping through time with his best friend and body guard, Jason must enter the world of Medieval England, learn its customs, navigate unimaginable danger, and help Henry VII win the Battle of Bosworth, in the name of finding his grandfather, rescuing a beautiful girl from the clutches of a corrupt church, and destroying the one man who pledges to turn history inside out.
But along with that gift comes the responsibility of stopping the man who is using those very stones to travel through time and change history for his own purposes. A man who is now holding Jason's grandfather hostage, and threatening the world's very existence. Jumping through time with his best friend and body guard, Jason must enter the world of Medieval England, learn its customs, navigate unimaginable danger, and help Henry VII win the Battle of Bosworth, in the name of finding his grandfather, rescuing a beautiful girl from the clutches of a corrupt church, and destroying the one man who pledges to turn history inside out.
369 pages, Paperback
First published October 23, 2012
10 people are currently reading
977 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
October 27, 2014
SECOND REVIEW: Still one of my absolute favorite reads of all time. Love the characters, love the action, love the creep factor of the stones. Can't wait to get into the second book.
***
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 counting on this kid, who doesn't even really believe in himself, to get back in time, find the bad guy, save the world...
Okay, now I'm just giving away the plot.
So one last note, and I know no one else will know what I'm talking about yet, but I CAN'T WAIT to see more of Tatiana. And I'm really excited to see what happens in the second book!
***
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 counting on this kid, who doesn't even really believe in himself, to get back in time, find the bad guy, save the world...
Okay, now I'm just giving away the plot.
So one last note, and I know no one else will know what I'm talking about yet, but I CAN'T WAIT to see more of Tatiana. And I'm really excited to see what happens in the second book!
July 21, 2013
*Also posted at Oops! I Read A Book Again*
Thank you to Carrie of Glass House Press for the review copy! This in no way affected my views of the novel!
So let's get this out of the way. Though it might not be obvious since I'm way behind my reading, I'm a time travel junkie. In films and especially in novels. I just love that premise so much. Whether it's heavy on the science or more grounded into contemporary, give me anything with a time traveler and I'll devour it like coffee jelly. FYI, I love coffee jelly. And Keeper of the Black Stones is now another book on my list of awesome time travel books.
Keeper of the Black Stones is an ADVENTURE. Jason Evans, turning fifteen soon, discovers his grandfather's journal chronicling his travels back in time. At first, he thinks his grandfather's insane but when he hears him talk about it to an old friend who's in with the knowledge. He then follows him back in time along with his best friend Paul, his recently hired bodyguard Reis and the daughter of the man who threatens his grandpa's life Tatiana. They travel back to Old England, to Richard III and Henry Tudor's time. Tatiana's dad, Nicholas Fleming in the present and Lord Dresden in the past, plans to alter history to gain power. It is now in Jason and his gang's hands to stop him and save the world.
WHAT AN AWESOME PREMISE, RIGHT? Surely, it's standard time travel fare but Patrick's writing really drove this a notch higher. It was fast-paced, gripping and thrilling. I was flipping pages as fast as my eyes can read and as excited as a kid opening his Christmas gifts. It actually seems a little bit of a middle grade novel for me because of how much action and adventure the author has squeezed in it. Yet it didn't feel forced or anything. It was just so damn good. There wasn't much of a romance in YET but I do believe that will be tackled in the next book THAT I CANNOT WAIT FOR.
The characters were such a delight to read! Jason's socially awkward but really smart. Really smart and logical and JUST PLAIN AMAZEBOMB. His best friend, Paul, is even more socially inept than him. But he's smart too. And Paul was funny! I compare him to Chuckie of Rugrats as he's the scaredy cat and he's the one with all the remarks but he's also brings in the laughs. Then Doc, Jason's grandpa, was cool and righteous and just great. Reis, oh Reis. Reis is Jason's bodyguard and HE'S BADASS. He's ex-Special Forces and his keen observations and intense survival instincts are so amazing to read. And the way he shuts up the kids when they get whiny or sluggish and yet he's not full of pride to follow Jason's lead. Lastly, Tatiana, Tae Kwon Do extraordinaire and a girl you won't mess up with. She and Paul sometimes butt heads which then cracks me up. I love how passionate she is and how she doesn't take no for an answer and fights for what she thinks is right. Especially when she's right. There are more characters in here who were all a delight to read. Seriously. Not only did I highly enjoy the action in this one, I had such a fun time reading the characters' interactions and dialogues.
Moreover, multiple perspectives! The novel was mostly told in Jason's POV but Doc also tells the story and sometimes, the perspective shifts to random people in the story. While I do love novels told in several views, I kinda found this one a bit confusing at first. It just takes some time to get used to the jumps in perspectives but once you know all the characters and all the settings, it's a breezy read.
To add to the middle grade novel feel, except Jason's POV, most of them are told in the third person point of view. So there's that shift which might confuse others. But for me, it worked really well. Because not only did the change in storyteller or perspective livened up the novel, it also paved the way for the readers to see what's going on in real time. We see Jason's journey to the past, meanwhile, Doc is suffering under the hands of Dresden. We see how Jason sees everyone and we see how Reis sees him or how Katherine sees him. Though sometimes, it makes the storytelling a bit passive. But when Patrick pours on the action, it's goes all octane on us. IT'S GREAT.
Anyway, I have nothing but applause and praises for this novel so it's pretty obvious that I highly recommend it to lovers of the time travel genre and of the middle grade category with its adventures. With an action-packed adventure back to fifteenth century England and with an ensemble of characters you will love and crave for more, Keeper of the Black Stones is certainly a keeper in the YA time travel landscape. I absolutely cannot freaking wait for A Rebel's Stone!
Thank you to Carrie of Glass House Press for the review copy! This in no way affected my views of the novel!
So let's get this out of the way. Though it might not be obvious since I'm way behind my reading, I'm a time travel junkie. In films and especially in novels. I just love that premise so much. Whether it's heavy on the science or more grounded into contemporary, give me anything with a time traveler and I'll devour it like coffee jelly. FYI, I love coffee jelly. And Keeper of the Black Stones is now another book on my list of awesome time travel books.
Keeper of the Black Stones is an ADVENTURE. Jason Evans, turning fifteen soon, discovers his grandfather's journal chronicling his travels back in time. At first, he thinks his grandfather's insane but when he hears him talk about it to an old friend who's in with the knowledge. He then follows him back in time along with his best friend Paul, his recently hired bodyguard Reis and the daughter of the man who threatens his grandpa's life Tatiana. They travel back to Old England, to Richard III and Henry Tudor's time. Tatiana's dad, Nicholas Fleming in the present and Lord Dresden in the past, plans to alter history to gain power. It is now in Jason and his gang's hands to stop him and save the world.
WHAT AN AWESOME PREMISE, RIGHT? Surely, it's standard time travel fare but Patrick's writing really drove this a notch higher. It was fast-paced, gripping and thrilling. I was flipping pages as fast as my eyes can read and as excited as a kid opening his Christmas gifts. It actually seems a little bit of a middle grade novel for me because of how much action and adventure the author has squeezed in it. Yet it didn't feel forced or anything. It was just so damn good. There wasn't much of a romance in YET but I do believe that will be tackled in the next book THAT I CANNOT WAIT FOR.
The characters were such a delight to read! Jason's socially awkward but really smart. Really smart and logical and JUST PLAIN AMAZEBOMB. His best friend, Paul, is even more socially inept than him. But he's smart too. And Paul was funny! I compare him to Chuckie of Rugrats as he's the scaredy cat and he's the one with all the remarks but he's also brings in the laughs. Then Doc, Jason's grandpa, was cool and righteous and just great. Reis, oh Reis. Reis is Jason's bodyguard and HE'S BADASS. He's ex-Special Forces and his keen observations and intense survival instincts are so amazing to read. And the way he shuts up the kids when they get whiny or sluggish and yet he's not full of pride to follow Jason's lead. Lastly, Tatiana, Tae Kwon Do extraordinaire and a girl you won't mess up with. She and Paul sometimes butt heads which then cracks me up. I love how passionate she is and how she doesn't take no for an answer and fights for what she thinks is right. Especially when she's right. There are more characters in here who were all a delight to read. Seriously. Not only did I highly enjoy the action in this one, I had such a fun time reading the characters' interactions and dialogues.
Moreover, multiple perspectives! The novel was mostly told in Jason's POV but Doc also tells the story and sometimes, the perspective shifts to random people in the story. While I do love novels told in several views, I kinda found this one a bit confusing at first. It just takes some time to get used to the jumps in perspectives but once you know all the characters and all the settings, it's a breezy read.
To add to the middle grade novel feel, except Jason's POV, most of them are told in the third person point of view. So there's that shift which might confuse others. But for me, it worked really well. Because not only did the change in storyteller or perspective livened up the novel, it also paved the way for the readers to see what's going on in real time. We see Jason's journey to the past, meanwhile, Doc is suffering under the hands of Dresden. We see how Jason sees everyone and we see how Reis sees him or how Katherine sees him. Though sometimes, it makes the storytelling a bit passive. But when Patrick pours on the action, it's goes all octane on us. IT'S GREAT.
Anyway, I have nothing but applause and praises for this novel so it's pretty obvious that I highly recommend it to lovers of the time travel genre and of the middle grade category with its adventures. With an action-packed adventure back to fifteenth century England and with an ensemble of characters you will love and crave for more, Keeper of the Black Stones is certainly a keeper in the YA time travel landscape. I absolutely cannot freaking wait for A Rebel's Stone!
December 4, 2012
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.
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.
July 25, 2013
Keeper of the Black Stones 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 with its mystery, but it was Jason himself that kept me reading. The more I read, the more I fell in love with the way the author builds a normal boy who just so happens to be a time traveler. Even better, McHugh pairs our hero with quite the set of companions! Ranging from witty, to sassy, to downright kick-ass, this is an entourage that I would absolutely want to travel with.
Better still was the writing style of the book. I'm not generally a huge fan of meshing history and science fiction. Most authors have the habit of just spouting facts at the reader. After reading Keeper of the Black Stones though, my opinion has changed. P.T. McHugh balances the historical side of Jason's story with the perfect amount of action and intrigue. I knew I was watching history unfold, and I couldn't tear my eyes away from the words on the page. I was so immersed, so involved with the characters, that before I knew it I was turning the last page.
This book is so much fun to read. That's really the long and short of this whole review. No matter what else I say, it boils down to the fact that I utterly enjoyed each and every page. The characters are fresh, the writing is wonderful, and there isn't a dull moment. Keeper of the Black Stones is pure fun and I can't wait for more.
I can't deny that it was Jason's personality that really sold me on this book. The beginning drew me in with its mystery, but it was Jason himself that kept me reading. The more I read, the more I fell in love with the way the author builds a normal boy who just so happens to be a time traveler. Even better, McHugh pairs our hero with quite the set of companions! Ranging from witty, to sassy, to downright kick-ass, this is an entourage that I would absolutely want to travel with.
Better still was the writing style of the book. I'm not generally a huge fan of meshing history and science fiction. Most authors have the habit of just spouting facts at the reader. After reading Keeper of the Black Stones though, my opinion has changed. P.T. McHugh balances the historical side of Jason's story with the perfect amount of action and intrigue. I knew I was watching history unfold, and I couldn't tear my eyes away from the words on the page. I was so immersed, so involved with the characters, that before I knew it I was turning the last page.
This book is so much fun to read. That's really the long and short of this whole review. No matter what else I say, it boils down to the fact that I utterly enjoyed each and every page. The characters are fresh, the writing is wonderful, and there isn't a dull moment. Keeper of the Black Stones is pure fun and I can't wait for more.
January 17, 2013
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.
March 15, 2013
Great story that leaves you hoping for a quick release of book #2!
February 28, 2016
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 he ever could have imagined. I was pulled into his story from the beginning. At the start, Jason is just your typical, shy high-school student. He’s not bored of his life exactly, but it’s nothing exciting either. It just is. By the end of the book, Jason is forever changed and not just because he stumbles onto some higher purpose. It always annoys me in stories where the main character is special in some way but it is constantly said and not shown throughout the story. However, Jason proves himself again and again throughout the story showing the utmost level of bravery and loyalty.
Keeper of the Black Stones is an action packed adventure set (mostly) in 15th century England full of battles, chase scenes, an epic villain named Lord Dresden, as well as other shady figures. History buffs, especially those with a soft spot for this time period, will absolutely revel in all the sights and sounds this story will evoke in you. Throughout the story, the sense of urgency is often, and there is a great need to keep flipping the pages. Placing modern day characters so far into the past cannot be an easy task but McHugh does it with ease. The plot is perfectly paced. Things happen when they need to happen, and not a moment sooner or later. Keeper of the Black Stones is mostly told from Jason’s point of view, though we do get some insight from other characters, which make the overall journey even more compelling in my opinion.
When it comes to time-travel, it takes precision to use it effectively in a story. More than anything it can’t be too complicated and there has to be a level of plausibility to it, or readers may not be able to buy it. At the same time, it has to keep readers engaged, and keep them interested. In Keeper of the Black Stones, the mechanics of time travel are cleverly done. What I loved about what McHugh did in this story is that time travel is simple yet incredibly fascinating. I don’t want to give much away, but it's like the stones are separate characters unto themselves, and you just want to peel back the layers and uncover the mystery behind them, and how exactly Jason and his grandfather are so connected to them. Actually, one of my ultimate favorite aspects of this book is the unique connection between Jason and the stones, but that connection, and the way the stones allow him to travel, is something every reader should discover on their own.
The females in this book Tatiana, and Katherine - are well-written and strong, albeit in different ways - as one is from present day and the other is from the 15th century - but each are more than capable, and I can't wait to see what's in store for them in future books. I enjoyed the growing friendship between Jason and Tatiana, as well as the unique connection between Jason and Katherine. What impressed me was that each relationship Jason had with both girls was subtle, quiet, as well as undefined, leaving plenty of time for exploration in the next book, and leaving the focus on the group dynamic, and their greater mission as a whole.
I don't know about anyone else, but in order for something to gel with me completely there has to be humor. There has to be light to balance out the dark. McHugh is a master of making the reader tense one minute wondering if our characters are about to get caught, and then burst out laughing the next. Paul, Jason’s best friend has some of the best lines, and helps keep the mood up the story up even when things look grim.
I think what grabbed me about Keeper of the Black Stones the most, is that it’s not just a time travel story. I love time travel, but what spoke to my heart is that this is very much a story about the bonds between friends and family. It’s about a boy loving his grandfather so much he would jump back in time to save him. It’s about how one friend would follow his friend back through time, without hesitation. It’s about how a man, who took his vow as bodyguard so seriously, he followed two kids he barely knew through time. This is also the story of two girls who have nothing left to lose, and found friendship and comfort from people they least expected. Sometimes the bond between family and friends can be pure and full of love but other times they can be much more complex or even ugly, and Keeper of the Black Stones explores this flawlessly. In the end though, this is what Keeper of the Black Stones is: a story about a group of people trying to survive, and survive together.
Obviously, I won't be giving away the ending, but THE ENDING. Book two, where are you?!
Ultimately, McHugh has crafted a clever and exciting tale that effortlessly blends history, fantasy, action-adventure, and humor. He is definitely an author you should be keeping your eye on! If you love time travel and history, this is for you. Even if those aren't really your thing, fret not, because it's so much more than that. I think everyone should give this a chance! I am so thrilled I discovered this series, and I cannot wait to see what happens to Jason in the gang in the next instalment.
For more reviews, head on over to The Sisters' Tale
P.T. McHugh has spun an exhilarating tale about a young man named Jason who discovers his destiny is greater than he ever could have imagined. I was pulled into his story from the beginning. At the start, Jason is just your typical, shy high-school student. He’s not bored of his life exactly, but it’s nothing exciting either. It just is. By the end of the book, Jason is forever changed and not just because he stumbles onto some higher purpose. It always annoys me in stories where the main character is special in some way but it is constantly said and not shown throughout the story. However, Jason proves himself again and again throughout the story showing the utmost level of bravery and loyalty.
Keeper of the Black Stones is an action packed adventure set (mostly) in 15th century England full of battles, chase scenes, an epic villain named Lord Dresden, as well as other shady figures. History buffs, especially those with a soft spot for this time period, will absolutely revel in all the sights and sounds this story will evoke in you. Throughout the story, the sense of urgency is often, and there is a great need to keep flipping the pages. Placing modern day characters so far into the past cannot be an easy task but McHugh does it with ease. The plot is perfectly paced. Things happen when they need to happen, and not a moment sooner or later. Keeper of the Black Stones is mostly told from Jason’s point of view, though we do get some insight from other characters, which make the overall journey even more compelling in my opinion.
When it comes to time-travel, it takes precision to use it effectively in a story. More than anything it can’t be too complicated and there has to be a level of plausibility to it, or readers may not be able to buy it. At the same time, it has to keep readers engaged, and keep them interested. In Keeper of the Black Stones, the mechanics of time travel are cleverly done. What I loved about what McHugh did in this story is that time travel is simple yet incredibly fascinating. I don’t want to give much away, but it's like the stones are separate characters unto themselves, and you just want to peel back the layers and uncover the mystery behind them, and how exactly Jason and his grandfather are so connected to them. Actually, one of my ultimate favorite aspects of this book is the unique connection between Jason and the stones, but that connection, and the way the stones allow him to travel, is something every reader should discover on their own.
The females in this book Tatiana, and Katherine - are well-written and strong, albeit in different ways - as one is from present day and the other is from the 15th century - but each are more than capable, and I can't wait to see what's in store for them in future books. I enjoyed the growing friendship between Jason and Tatiana, as well as the unique connection between Jason and Katherine. What impressed me was that each relationship Jason had with both girls was subtle, quiet, as well as undefined, leaving plenty of time for exploration in the next book, and leaving the focus on the group dynamic, and their greater mission as a whole.
I don't know about anyone else, but in order for something to gel with me completely there has to be humor. There has to be light to balance out the dark. McHugh is a master of making the reader tense one minute wondering if our characters are about to get caught, and then burst out laughing the next. Paul, Jason’s best friend has some of the best lines, and helps keep the mood up the story up even when things look grim.
I think what grabbed me about Keeper of the Black Stones the most, is that it’s not just a time travel story. I love time travel, but what spoke to my heart is that this is very much a story about the bonds between friends and family. It’s about a boy loving his grandfather so much he would jump back in time to save him. It’s about how one friend would follow his friend back through time, without hesitation. It’s about how a man, who took his vow as bodyguard so seriously, he followed two kids he barely knew through time. This is also the story of two girls who have nothing left to lose, and found friendship and comfort from people they least expected. Sometimes the bond between family and friends can be pure and full of love but other times they can be much more complex or even ugly, and Keeper of the Black Stones explores this flawlessly. In the end though, this is what Keeper of the Black Stones is: a story about a group of people trying to survive, and survive together.
Obviously, I won't be giving away the ending, but THE ENDING. Book two, where are you?!
Ultimately, McHugh has crafted a clever and exciting tale that effortlessly blends history, fantasy, action-adventure, and humor. He is definitely an author you should be keeping your eye on! If you love time travel and history, this is for you. Even if those aren't really your thing, fret not, because it's so much more than that. I think everyone should give this a chance! I am so thrilled I discovered this series, and I cannot wait to see what happens to Jason in the gang in the next instalment.
For more reviews, head on over to The Sisters' Tale
March 5, 2013
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 nemesis, and save the world?
Or will he fail, and take the world – and all its residents – with him?
Description:
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 that gift comes the responsibility of stopping the man who is using those very stones to travel through time and change history for his own purposes. A man who is now holding Jasons grandfather hostage, and threatening the worlds very existence. Jumping through time with his best friend and body guard, Jason must enter the world of Medieval England, learn its customs, navigate unimaginable danger, and help Henry VII win the Battle of Bosworth, in the name of finding his grandfather, rescuing a beautiful girl from the clutches of a corrupt church, and destroying the one man who pledges to turn history inside out.
Review:
P.T. McHugh has joined the ranks of authors Kerr, Colfer, Delaney, and Stroud in writing an enthralling fantasy tale in the Keeper of the Black Stones. McHugh spins an adventurous tale of time travel, fantasy, science, magic, and history, which is bound to become a classic fantasy adventure read.
Within the first sentences of the prologue, McHugh starts to weave an engaging adventure tale that travels through the annals of history. The historical tale centers on The War of The Roses and the accession of Henry Tudor to the English throne. Could the outcome of this pivotal historic event, if altered, change the course of history as it is already written?
McHugh uses elements of time travel and fantasy, intermingled with history, to tell a tale of family and relationships. The time travel aspect of the story is laid out within the first page of the book and is a straight forward premise which doesn’t require a physics degree to understand.
The characters McHugh writes are well crafted, and I as a reader came to care deeply about them. As I stated before, this is a book about relationships, and they are solidly built ones and not perfect by far.
The main character is Jason Evans, and the story is mainly told from his point of view (a third person narrative does take place in some chapters). Jason lives with his grandfather “Doc,” as his parents were killed in a tragic traffic accident three years prior. Jason is tall, smart, and pure ordinary vanilla, or so he thinks.
Doc, Jason’s grandfather, is an elegant, savvy physics professor by the name of Dr. Richard Evans, who makes frequent trips out of town to various scientific conferences where cell coverage and Internet access is non-existent. His suspicious nature is not lost on his grandson. Jason is a good kid but not perfect; so when his grandfather’s journal falls into his lap, what is any fourteen almost fifteen-year-old guy going to do? Read the journal, of course.
Paul is Jason’s life-long best friend. Their relationship is a solid one, considering they are both fourteen-year-old boys and more like brothers as Paul is a fixture in Doc and Jason’s home. These two friends have an easy-going camaraderie but not without the normal growing pains puberty throws in. Add a new “substitute teacher” at the boys’ school, one who would make a Navy Seal look like a wimp, plus a beautiful girl in the character of the quick-witted and feisty Tatiana, and you have one fun team that needs to save the past.
There would be no need for time travel to save history if there wasn’t a nefarious character involved. In the Keeper of the Black Stones that role is filled by the character of Nicholas Fleming, a man with an agenda. One that if not stopped could change the course of history. McHugh writes this character as a confident villain, willing to do anything to attain his goals in reshaping our collective past. If time is fluid as described in the premise of the book, then this man has no qualms about potentially destroying billions of lives, past and present, for his own self-serving goals.
What makes this book such an enjoyable read is that the adventure and danger doesn’t take place in one time or place. The modern day scenes are blended seamlessly with the story that is taking place in the past. The historical figures are written as real people, not the cardboard cut outs that we have come to think of as history. McHugh brings history alive in his tales of adventure.
P.S. Anyone who uses Race Banon of Johnny Quest fame in a sentence is on author to watch. COOLEST MALE LEAD EVER.
P.P.S. Time Paradox. But we won’t delve too deep into that. *Wink*
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 nemesis, and save the world?
Or will he fail, and take the world – and all its residents – with him?
Description:
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 that gift comes the responsibility of stopping the man who is using those very stones to travel through time and change history for his own purposes. A man who is now holding Jasons grandfather hostage, and threatening the worlds very existence. Jumping through time with his best friend and body guard, Jason must enter the world of Medieval England, learn its customs, navigate unimaginable danger, and help Henry VII win the Battle of Bosworth, in the name of finding his grandfather, rescuing a beautiful girl from the clutches of a corrupt church, and destroying the one man who pledges to turn history inside out.
Review:
P.T. McHugh has joined the ranks of authors Kerr, Colfer, Delaney, and Stroud in writing an enthralling fantasy tale in the Keeper of the Black Stones. McHugh spins an adventurous tale of time travel, fantasy, science, magic, and history, which is bound to become a classic fantasy adventure read.
Within the first sentences of the prologue, McHugh starts to weave an engaging adventure tale that travels through the annals of history. The historical tale centers on The War of The Roses and the accession of Henry Tudor to the English throne. Could the outcome of this pivotal historic event, if altered, change the course of history as it is already written?
McHugh uses elements of time travel and fantasy, intermingled with history, to tell a tale of family and relationships. The time travel aspect of the story is laid out within the first page of the book and is a straight forward premise which doesn’t require a physics degree to understand.
The characters McHugh writes are well crafted, and I as a reader came to care deeply about them. As I stated before, this is a book about relationships, and they are solidly built ones and not perfect by far.
The main character is Jason Evans, and the story is mainly told from his point of view (a third person narrative does take place in some chapters). Jason lives with his grandfather “Doc,” as his parents were killed in a tragic traffic accident three years prior. Jason is tall, smart, and pure ordinary vanilla, or so he thinks.
Doc, Jason’s grandfather, is an elegant, savvy physics professor by the name of Dr. Richard Evans, who makes frequent trips out of town to various scientific conferences where cell coverage and Internet access is non-existent. His suspicious nature is not lost on his grandson. Jason is a good kid but not perfect; so when his grandfather’s journal falls into his lap, what is any fourteen almost fifteen-year-old guy going to do? Read the journal, of course.
Paul is Jason’s life-long best friend. Their relationship is a solid one, considering they are both fourteen-year-old boys and more like brothers as Paul is a fixture in Doc and Jason’s home. These two friends have an easy-going camaraderie but not without the normal growing pains puberty throws in. Add a new “substitute teacher” at the boys’ school, one who would make a Navy Seal look like a wimp, plus a beautiful girl in the character of the quick-witted and feisty Tatiana, and you have one fun team that needs to save the past.
There would be no need for time travel to save history if there wasn’t a nefarious character involved. In the Keeper of the Black Stones that role is filled by the character of Nicholas Fleming, a man with an agenda. One that if not stopped could change the course of history. McHugh writes this character as a confident villain, willing to do anything to attain his goals in reshaping our collective past. If time is fluid as described in the premise of the book, then this man has no qualms about potentially destroying billions of lives, past and present, for his own self-serving goals.
What makes this book such an enjoyable read is that the adventure and danger doesn’t take place in one time or place. The modern day scenes are blended seamlessly with the story that is taking place in the past. The historical figures are written as real people, not the cardboard cut outs that we have come to think of as history. McHugh brings history alive in his tales of adventure.
P.S. Anyone who uses Race Banon of Johnny Quest fame in a sentence is on author to watch. COOLEST MALE LEAD EVER.
P.P.S. Time Paradox. But we won’t delve too deep into that. *Wink*
March 5, 2013
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!
----------
*DISCLAIMER* I received this book as a print copy from the publisher, in order to participate in the blog tour*
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!
----------
*DISCLAIMER* I received this book as a print copy from the publisher, in order to participate in the blog tour*
February 20, 2013
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.
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.
August 15, 2013
See the book tour and read an excerpt, just click the tour banner below.
This book was written very well, and had a great time-travel concept that I enjoyed. I did have a few times that the history was on the boring side, but I am not into history, so that is more it being me, than boring for others, lol. I didn't connect with the main character very well personally, mainly because he is a 14 year old boy, so I can see now this book is written for very young teens, or older children, like 10 or so.
That being said, it’s a very interesting story that I think will capture the attention of the younger generation for sure. So my review is going to go more for how I see the story for kids, and not for myself personally.
So for any parents out there looking for a great story for their older children or young teens then this is a book you should pick up for them. I would if my child was of that age for sure.
So for the age group its meant for, and the great writing, and awesome story, I give this 5 stars out of 5 for that. Not my personal favorite, but great for the younger crowd for sure. I do highly recommend it for sure.
I was provided this book for my honest review from the author.
This book was written very well, and had a great time-travel concept that I enjoyed. I did have a few times that the history was on the boring side, but I am not into history, so that is more it being me, than boring for others, lol. I didn't connect with the main character very well personally, mainly because he is a 14 year old boy, so I can see now this book is written for very young teens, or older children, like 10 or so.
That being said, it’s a very interesting story that I think will capture the attention of the younger generation for sure. So my review is going to go more for how I see the story for kids, and not for myself personally.
So for any parents out there looking for a great story for their older children or young teens then this is a book you should pick up for them. I would if my child was of that age for sure.
So for the age group its meant for, and the great writing, and awesome story, I give this 5 stars out of 5 for that. Not my personal favorite, but great for the younger crowd for sure. I do highly recommend it for sure.
I was provided this book for my honest review from the author.
June 7, 2013
I suppose I've been attracted to "geeky kid saves the world (and his parent)" narratives since I first read A WRINKLE IN TIME mumblymumbly years ago. KEEPER OF THE BLACK STONES is a remarkable addition to that genre of adventure fantasy, but for an older readership than WRINKLE.
Jason is a talented and smart high school student. He works hard at fitting in, both because of his natural intelligence and the loss of both of his parents three years prior to the beginning of the tale. Jason's grandfather, "Doc," a scientist, is the only parent he has. Doc's been absent both physically, and when he returns, mentally as well. Jason's best friend, Paul, who is not quite as smart, but equally bereft of family, is always there, though. There are nefarious bad guys lurking about, requiring a bodyguard named Reis. Then there's a young woman--smart and also from a shattered family, who shows up just in time to jump into the adventure.
And then there are the black stones! I think these are the most interesting constructs I've come upon in a book in a long time. Are they alive? Where are they from? Why do they connect moments in time--and how? My fascination almost overshadowed the rest of the story, as Jason chases his grandfather into the 15th century to help defeat Lord Dresden (who is yet another 21st Century person) from reversing history by having Richard III win the British "War of the Roses."
If you like adventure, time travel, history and a bit of mystery, you'll love KEEPER OF THE BLACK STONES. The only downside is waiting for the next adventure in the series!
Jason is a talented and smart high school student. He works hard at fitting in, both because of his natural intelligence and the loss of both of his parents three years prior to the beginning of the tale. Jason's grandfather, "Doc," a scientist, is the only parent he has. Doc's been absent both physically, and when he returns, mentally as well. Jason's best friend, Paul, who is not quite as smart, but equally bereft of family, is always there, though. There are nefarious bad guys lurking about, requiring a bodyguard named Reis. Then there's a young woman--smart and also from a shattered family, who shows up just in time to jump into the adventure.
And then there are the black stones! I think these are the most interesting constructs I've come upon in a book in a long time. Are they alive? Where are they from? Why do they connect moments in time--and how? My fascination almost overshadowed the rest of the story, as Jason chases his grandfather into the 15th century to help defeat Lord Dresden (who is yet another 21st Century person) from reversing history by having Richard III win the British "War of the Roses."
If you like adventure, time travel, history and a bit of mystery, you'll love KEEPER OF THE BLACK STONES. The only downside is waiting for the next adventure in the series!
August 11, 2013
I'm not sure who the target audience for this novel might be. Clearly, I'm not it, though I don't mind a time travel book and am certainly not adverse to either historical aspects or magic in fictions. However, as a novel for young people, teens or perhaps a younger age, I can't see many of the ones I have worked with getting further than I did.
I had trouble with the adult diction and syntax coming from a high school freshman. I was also a bit flummoxed about whether the author was going for science fiction--a renowned physicist whose theory about time travel turned out to be valid, or fantasy--magic stones with ancient markings enable special people to use them with good or nefarious intent. I could tell that McHugh was approaching his tale with a clear and sincere love of history, but that didn't translate to a compelling book for me.
I'm trying to learn not to finish just for the sake of finishing if I don't care what happens next to the characters. Sorry to say that facing a finite number of books to read in a lifetime, I chose not to make this one of them. If one of my primary goals of reading, beyond my own entertainment, is to find books I can personally recommend to young adults and the readers still in touch with that aspect of themselves, I know whst I need to know about this one. Does it help if I feel bad about it?
I had trouble with the adult diction and syntax coming from a high school freshman. I was also a bit flummoxed about whether the author was going for science fiction--a renowned physicist whose theory about time travel turned out to be valid, or fantasy--magic stones with ancient markings enable special people to use them with good or nefarious intent. I could tell that McHugh was approaching his tale with a clear and sincere love of history, but that didn't translate to a compelling book for me.
I'm trying to learn not to finish just for the sake of finishing if I don't care what happens next to the characters. Sorry to say that facing a finite number of books to read in a lifetime, I chose not to make this one of them. If one of my primary goals of reading, beyond my own entertainment, is to find books I can personally recommend to young adults and the readers still in touch with that aspect of themselves, I know whst I need to know about this one. Does it help if I feel bad about it?
December 11, 2014
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 leaving a few plot holes here and there to continue the story-line for the next book. There was the right amount of humor to balance out the challenges that were face by Jason and his friends. Plus the amount of cultural reference that the author threw in put a smile on my face every time I came across one. The best would be the Back to the Future reference which seem to be introduced at the beginning with Jason's nick name for his grandfather. I also appreciate that McHugh took the necessary time to explain the historical aspects of his story without turning it into history lecture. This allows anyone reading the book to learn a little about the historical setting without causing the person to become bored.
free through Goodreads First Reads
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 leaving a few plot holes here and there to continue the story-line for the next book. There was the right amount of humor to balance out the challenges that were face by Jason and his friends. Plus the amount of cultural reference that the author threw in put a smile on my face every time I came across one. The best would be the Back to the Future reference which seem to be introduced at the beginning with Jason's nick name for his grandfather. I also appreciate that McHugh took the necessary time to explain the historical aspects of his story without turning it into history lecture. This allows anyone reading the book to learn a little about the historical setting without causing the person to become bored.
free through Goodreads First Reads
July 31, 2013
KEEPER OF THE BLACK STONES by P.T. McHugh is an exciting YA Fantasy/Time Travel story. #1 in “Stone Ends”,what a beginning. Follow fourteen year-old Jason Evans on a journey of discovery, as he learns about his legacy, tries to save the world,save his grandfather and find his place. Young Jason jumps through time from modern day, Lebanon, New Hampshire to 1485 A.D. England,this is done by the use of some Black Stones. Follow, Jason and his friends on a grand adventure filled with danger,secrets, Henry VII,Richard III, the Dark Ages,an evil man who wishes to shape the world according to his plans and save the world. What a powerful and intriguing story! “Keeper of the Black Stones” is a fun read, written cleverly,with historical facts and events, including the Plantagenets and the Tudors,and a grand adventure. Oh did I mention educational as well as a fun read! Well written with vivid descriptions and engaging characters as well as an intriguing plot. Any avid reader, rather YA fan or not will enjoy this fast paced, adventure filled story of Jason Evans and his friends. A must read! Received for an honest review from the author and Pump Up Your Book.
RATING: 4
HEAT RATING: SWEET
REVIEWED BY: AprilR, Review courtesy of My Book Addiction and More
RATING: 4
HEAT RATING: SWEET
REVIEWED BY: AprilR, Review courtesy of My Book Addiction and More
March 27, 2014
Ok, I'm going to start by pointing out the obvious- I'm not this book's target demographic. I'm not sure of the 'official age range' intended for this one, but I was under the impression that it was in the area of pre/early teens. Generally, when I read a YA book geared for an age range of less than 16 years old, I read it to my daughter as a bedtime story, one chapter at a time, and then base any ratings or reviews on both of our opinions, just to be fair and balanced. And that was how this book started for me, as well... until roughly the third chapter. That night, as I turned off the light and left my little one to think about and possibly even dream about what we had just read, I very sneakily took the book from her nightstand...
I finished the entire book that night (er, morning... I don't remember sleeping). The plot is original and engaging, the characters are interesting and well written, and the sense of real history that's woven into the fiction makes it almost believable. I had no regrets about reading ahead, though my daughter was a bit upset that I had finished it without her. For me, it only meant that I had to read it twice, and it was just as good the second time.
I finished the entire book that night (er, morning... I don't remember sleeping). The plot is original and engaging, the characters are interesting and well written, and the sense of real history that's woven into the fiction makes it almost believable. I had no regrets about reading ahead, though my daughter was a bit upset that I had finished it without her. For me, it only meant that I had to read it twice, and it was just as good the second time.
March 5, 2013
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.....travelling through time there's know telling what's next.
History is at your fingertips.....don't fret if you end up learning something cool about the past.
Mr. McHugh definitely made his mark on this reader. With such well developed characters and a story that is beyond AWESOME, I look forward to seeing what else comes from his mind!
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.....travelling through time there's know telling what's next.
History is at your fingertips.....don't fret if you end up learning something cool about the past.
Mr. McHugh definitely made his mark on this reader. With such well developed characters and a story that is beyond AWESOME, I look forward to seeing what else comes from his mind!
April 5, 2013
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.
March 7, 2013
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.
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the author which was provided for an honest review.
March 27, 2013
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.
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.
November 29, 2016
Jason lives with his grandfather, Doc, a retired physics professor. One day, while Doc is away at one of his mysterious conferences, Jason comes upon Doc's journal. What he reads there is unbelievable, and either Doc is going insane or time travel is real! Join Jason and his friends as they travel back to Medieval England to save Doc and ultimately, the world! Great book. Well researched and fun to read!
April 4, 2014
This is an outstanding first YA novel by P.T. McHugh. Smart and intriguing, it takes an old literary standard (time travel) and gives it a fascinating face lift. The weaving of the historical references is as seamless as it is apparent. Imminently accessible, this book is a jewel. It's a great illustration of life in medieval England. A must read for kids and adults alike. I'm ready to devour the second in the series. Hopefully, my hunger will be sated soon :)
March 15, 2013
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!!
March 10, 2013
4.5 stars.....cannot wait for book 2!
June 6, 2013
Amazing, exciting, adventure, time travel and a threat to history and present day life as we know it! I'm hooked and eager for the next book.
September 23, 2013
A creative way to bring young adults to read historical fiction! Way to go Mr. McHugh. I look forward to reading where Jason and friends go next!
May 14, 2013
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!
January 5, 2014
can't wait for the second installment
August 27, 2013
If you hold the fate of the world in your hands, and you don’t want those secrets found – never write them in your journal!
A man as brilliant as Doctor Richard Evans – a retired physics professor known affectionately as “Doc” by his grandson, high school student Jason Evans – should know that!
But lately, Doc is acting strangely. He’s distracted. He’s taking frequent trips and leaving no means of contacting him. He can never be reached by cell phone while he’s away.
Jason is concerned and determined to find out the cause for Doc’s odd behavior.
So, when Jason discovers he has accidentally grabbed the wrong bag on his way to school and now holds his Doc’s journal in his hand, he cannot resist taking a peek. He’s sure he will only find boring formulas and mathematical equations inside.
Instead, he finds a series of mind-boggling journal entries that confirm his worst suspicions:
His grandfather is losing his mind!
After all, the contents of the journal contain entries that are the stuff that sci-fi is made of. Time travel. Conspiracy theories. Dual identities. Secret lives.
But – when someone vandalizes their home in search of something valuable – and, when the people within the pages of the journal start showing up at Jason’s home – an even scarier possibility crosses Jason’s mind.
What if everything his grandfather wrote about is true?
Keeper Of The Black Stones – Stone Ends, Book 1 by PT McHugh is a riveting Young Adult novel that delivers everything you want in a time travel novel – and then some!
The action alternates between present-day New Hampshire and Medieval England, where Jason must travel back through time to save his grandfather – and the world – from a madman! The details are accurate, the theories are plausible, and the suspense is palpable throughout. Both urban fantasy and historical fiction lovers will delight in this book!
PT McHugh is a masterful storyteller who has hit a home run with Keeper Of The Black Stones! Stay tuned – Book 2 is on the way, and I can’t wait to see where that story leads!
This review is an excerpt of the review that was written by and originally published at Create With Joy.
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the publisher for review purposes. I was not compensated or required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
A man as brilliant as Doctor Richard Evans – a retired physics professor known affectionately as “Doc” by his grandson, high school student Jason Evans – should know that!
But lately, Doc is acting strangely. He’s distracted. He’s taking frequent trips and leaving no means of contacting him. He can never be reached by cell phone while he’s away.
Jason is concerned and determined to find out the cause for Doc’s odd behavior.
So, when Jason discovers he has accidentally grabbed the wrong bag on his way to school and now holds his Doc’s journal in his hand, he cannot resist taking a peek. He’s sure he will only find boring formulas and mathematical equations inside.
Instead, he finds a series of mind-boggling journal entries that confirm his worst suspicions:
His grandfather is losing his mind!
After all, the contents of the journal contain entries that are the stuff that sci-fi is made of. Time travel. Conspiracy theories. Dual identities. Secret lives.
But – when someone vandalizes their home in search of something valuable – and, when the people within the pages of the journal start showing up at Jason’s home – an even scarier possibility crosses Jason’s mind.
What if everything his grandfather wrote about is true?
Keeper Of The Black Stones – Stone Ends, Book 1 by PT McHugh is a riveting Young Adult novel that delivers everything you want in a time travel novel – and then some!
The action alternates between present-day New Hampshire and Medieval England, where Jason must travel back through time to save his grandfather – and the world – from a madman! The details are accurate, the theories are plausible, and the suspense is palpable throughout. Both urban fantasy and historical fiction lovers will delight in this book!
PT McHugh is a masterful storyteller who has hit a home run with Keeper Of The Black Stones! Stay tuned – Book 2 is on the way, and I can’t wait to see where that story leads!
This review is an excerpt of the review that was written by and originally published at Create With Joy.
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the publisher for review purposes. I was not compensated or required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
October 18, 2013
*extremely small spoilers- but doesn't tell the ending of the book*
This was an amazing book!
The start was a bit slow, but it picked up really fast.
The storyline was really interesting, and for once, a family member -Doc in this case- was directly involved before Jason himself.
I also like the fact that Jason didn't plunge into the whole jumping into the stone all by himself and went with the aid of a fully grown adult and two others his own age.
The fact that an adult was there to guide them was really realistic. No 15 year old could go into the past and survive without a general guiding hand. The fact that they packed bags sensibly before jumping time made it even more real- it'd be stupid to jump into any situation without being prepared.
The way the writer described Jason and his team in 15th century England was really good too. How they stuck-out, and how the difference in culture could be so mind-boggling.
I loved the fact that a bit of modern world technology was included when they went back in time; especially Tatiana's iPhone and solar-powered charger.
Overall, I totally loved this book; hence the 5 star rating, and Im looking forward to reading book 2!
This was an amazing book!
The start was a bit slow, but it picked up really fast.
The storyline was really interesting, and for once, a family member -Doc in this case- was directly involved before Jason himself.
I also like the fact that Jason didn't plunge into the whole jumping into the stone all by himself and went with the aid of a fully grown adult and two others his own age.
The fact that an adult was there to guide them was really realistic. No 15 year old could go into the past and survive without a general guiding hand. The fact that they packed bags sensibly before jumping time made it even more real- it'd be stupid to jump into any situation without being prepared.
The way the writer described Jason and his team in 15th century England was really good too. How they stuck-out, and how the difference in culture could be so mind-boggling.
I loved the fact that a bit of modern world technology was included when they went back in time; especially Tatiana's iPhone and solar-powered charger.
Overall, I totally loved this book; hence the 5 star rating, and Im looking forward to reading book 2!
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