Stone Soup

by E.B. Mann

On a dark and dismal morning, Green Eyes awakens to find herself scratching at her mother’s door. She’s had the dream again—the one in which she’s a cat trying to climb a mountain to save a girl in distress. The confusing dream haunts her as she treks to the nearby village to sell the mysterious wooden figurines her mother carves. Will today be the day she earns enough money to please her? Or will she return home to face yet another beating? Until the moment she steps through the cottage door, she never knows what to expect. Her only hope is that her mother won’t damage the wooden prosthetic she wears after losing her hand as a baby.

As she's making her way home, she meets Arduon and Paduon, a pair of wise-cracking crows who tell her she’s not who she thinks she is. They urge her to go in search of her true self, but Green Eyes resists, afraid of her mother's rage and of the dangers awaiting her out in the world. It's only when she learns that her mother is in fact a witch who put a spell on her that Green Eyes finds the courage to escape. Armed with the crow’s wisdom—and a magical sword gifted to her by her friends in the village—she sets off on a journey to discover her true identity.

Genres: Fantasy

175 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 22, 2023

About the author

Hi! I'm a writer who thinks the world would be a fascinating--and possibly much better--place if tweenage girls were in charge. I'm interested in anything that can help explain why we're all here on this planet or bring a tear to my eye.

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Reviews

[Steph Warren · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is an unusual mash-up of multiple fairy- and folk-tales – Baba Yaga, Rapunzel, Stone Soup and more – with hints of shifter fantasy too.

It is a quick read and, after a rocky start with her (very dramatic) constant suffering, I quickly became very invested in Green Eye’s hero’s quest journey and enjoyed following her trials and challenges.

The ending left me with quite a lot of questions though, and some quite important plot ones. I was so confused about the princess/sister storyline, why suddenly no one remembers her and a lot more. I’m not sure if this was just a ‘me’ issue or whether the story just got a little more rushed and disjointed towards the climax and then the rather abrupt epilogue?

However, despite my confusion at the finale (and, perhaps, the need for a final editing sweep), there were some really good ideas here about surviving abuse, inner strength, and breaking free of self-doubt, which I think teen or young adult readers would resonate with.

[A Look Inside: Reviews and Interviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Stone Soup" by E.B. Mann is a mesmerizing tale that seamlessly blends the enchanting world of witchcraft and folklore with the coming-of-age journey of a young girl. With its spellbinding narrative and richly woven fantasy elements, this book is a must-read for both teen and young adult audiences.

At the heart of this enthralling story is Green Eyes, a young girl living in a world of mystery and oppression. Mann masterfully paints a vivid portrait of her life, filled with dreams that hold deeper meaning and a daily struggle for acceptance and survival. Green Eyes' journey is one of resilience and self-discovery, making her a relatable and endearing protagonist for readers of all ages.

The presence of the wooden figurines and Green Eyes' mother's mysterious craft adds an aura of mystique to the narrative, keeping readers intrigued and engaged. Mann skillfully explores the complexities of Green Eyes' relationship with her mother, a witch with her own secrets and powers, weaving an intricate tapestry of love, fear, and longing.

The introduction of Arduon and Paduon, the wisecracking crows, injects a delightful element of humor and wisdom into the story. These avian companions serve as both mentors and catalysts for Green Eyes' transformation, urging her to confront her true identity and embark on a heroic quest. The camaraderie between Green Eyes and the crows is a highlight of the book, offering readers moments of levity amidst the overarching sense of adventure.

Mann's world-building is nothing short of enchanting. From the quaint village to the magical sword, each element of the story is meticulously crafted and contributes to the immersive experience. The magical sword, in particular, becomes a symbol of empowerment for Green Eyes, mirroring her growth and determination.

"Stone Soup" is not only a thrilling fantasy adventure but also a story of empowerment and self-acceptance. Green Eyes' journey serves as a compelling allegory for the universal struggle to discover one's true self and find the courage to break free from the constraints of fear and oppression.

In conclusion, E.B. Mann's "Stone Soup" is a captivating blend of magic, folklore, and self-discovery that will captivate the hearts and imaginations of teen and young adult readers. Mann's lyrical prose and intricate storytelling create a world that is both enchanting and relatable, making this book a timeless addition to the realm of teen and YA literature. It is a tale that resonates with the enduring message that, even in the face of darkness and uncertainty, one can unearth their inner strength and illuminate their path towards self-realization.

[Margaret Adelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Admittedly, the actual age range of the book seemed pretty difficult to nail down. The vibe of the book came across as mid-grade at times, but the language (especially from the crows) was advanced. For awhile I even forgot the book was meant to be YA, as it's length is much closer to a mid-grade. But I do believe the story itself would be intriguing for a wide array of ages.

While the story was nice, there was (to use a video game term) a bit of moon logic to it. In one case, Green Eyes realizes what she's supposed to do with a magical item from a seemingly unrelated vague riddle. In other cases, things happen just at the right time for the protagonist to progress in the journey. Part of it could be chalked up to the fairy-tale style, but it still felt like a lot was being just handed to Green Eyes because That's What's Supposed to Happen Next and not for any reason of verisimilitude. Also, I'm confused why the title was Stone Soup, when the actual stone soup didn't really mean much, either in plot or theme.

The best part of the book is definitely the actual journey Green Eyes takes and her coming to grips with the abuse. The actual metaphor for overcoming the trauma was very bluntly stated in a way that, again, made me think of a younger reading audience. But there was some great tension as Green Eyes was traveling through fairly perilous terrain and that kind of trauma-informed ARC is always going to be a necessity in stories.

As for the ending, I wanted more. Granted, there was a big magic battle and I love me a big magic battle. But there was potential for a tear-jerking reunion scene that was brushed over. And I love a tear-jerking reunion even more than a big battle. The jump forward in the epilogue was also a bit too abrupt, but I liked the final scene.

All in all, a solid pick for anyone looking for a fairytale-inspired story. I give it 3 stars.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Green Eyes has known little more than abuse and neglect in her fifteen years of life. With only one hand due to an untimely accident in her childhood, Green Eyes must make do with a lackluster prosthetic as she manages the majority of the quotidian tasks in her household. Over time, Green Eyes' mother has become more and more abusive both physically and emotionally, and Green Eyes bears the brunt of her ire. Instead of resigning herself to her inevitable fate, however, Green Eyes turns her attention to two crows who encourage her to flee and search for the truth of who she really is. This intriguing novel is very much focused on Green Eyes and her immediate situation. Though some information is provided about the setting and the world in which she lives, the narrative primarily offers a detailed look into the trauma enveloping Green Eyes through a lens as narrow as the one Green Eyes herself uses. However, as more and more truths come to light beginning with the appearance of the talking crows, Green Eyes' perspective begins to broaden, allowing her to take in more of her surroundings and view her reality more clearly. The writing in this book is well crafted, vividly describing the terrible conditions in which Green Eyes finds herself. Though the narrative centers primarily on feelings and interactions rather than action, readers nonetheless build empathy for Green Eyes and desire a better life for her. Overall, there is something of a slow start to the novel, but the story picks up around the midway point and resolves with a satisfying conclusion. This is an intriguing tale that is a good fit for young adult readers with an interest in stories in which good triumphs over evil.

[Lily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. This book ran the gamut from dark, heart-breaking moments to empowering and uplifting ones, and I loved every minute of it. Mann brings the world to life around you, dropping you into Green Eye’s sad and painful existence from the start, before setting off on an epic journey of self-discovery. My heart went out to Green Eyes from the start, and her mother is easy to despise from the outset. I loved watching as Green Eyes found her courage, and with some help from friends and guides, discovered herself and found not only who she is but her power. The story is compelling, and pulls you along easily, making it difficult to put this down once you start. Highly recommend if you enjoy transformative journeys and magical adventures.

[Kathy Stone · Rating 2 out of 5]

Weird story

This us a strange tale of witchcraft, abuse, and a quest to find one's own power. This story starts with a girl who has a wooden hand that becomes real at the end. The gurl finds her home and power over this evil witch who stole her and injured her. She returns to find an old drone in her place.