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The Stone of Valhalla
13-year-old Aaron was chosen to save their world, but it might come at the cost of losing his own…
Breaking into an old lady’s basement was supposed to reward Aaron with new friends. Instead he finds an enchanted amulet that transports him to another world—one at war with magic. Before he knows it, he is accused of witchcraft and invited to a bonfire—where he’s the main attraction. If that’s not bad enough, a goblin army shows up and toasts the town...literally. The good news: Aaron escapes being charbroiled. The bad news: the goblins are after him. They want his amulet and will stop at nothing to get it. Battling to find his way home, Aaron teams up with a not-so-magical-wizard and learns it’s his fate to destroy the amulet and save this new world. But is he willing to sacrifice his own?
Breaking into an old lady’s basement was supposed to reward Aaron with new friends. Instead he finds an enchanted amulet that transports him to another world—one at war with magic. Before he knows it, he is accused of witchcraft and invited to a bonfire—where he’s the main attraction. If that’s not bad enough, a goblin army shows up and toasts the town...literally. The good news: Aaron escapes being charbroiled. The bad news: the goblins are after him. They want his amulet and will stop at nothing to get it. Battling to find his way home, Aaron teams up with a not-so-magical-wizard and learns it’s his fate to destroy the amulet and save this new world. But is he willing to sacrifice his own?
- GenresFantasyYoung AdultMagic
312 pages, ebook
First published March 18, 2014
5 people are currently reading
380 people want to read
About the author
Mikey Brooks
49 books48 followersMikey Brooks is a small child masquerading as adult. On occasion you’ll find him dancing the funky chicken, singing like a banshee, and pretending to have never grown up. He is the author/illustrator of several books including BEAN’S DRAGONS, the ABC ADVENTURES series, and author of the middle-grade fantasy-adventure novel, THE DREAM KEEPER. He spends most of his time playing with his daughters and working as a freelance illustrator. Mikey has a BS degree in Creative Writing from Utah State University. He is also one of the hosts of the Authors’ Think Tank Podcast.
Aside from writing and illustrating, Mikey also love to read middle-grade and young adult fiction, narrate picture books, sing, and even sew. That’s right he also sews! He’s made practically everything from, Elizabethan costumes for the Utah Shakespearean Festival, to modern style wedding dresses. Mikey’s greatest love is his family. He gets more than inspiration from them; he gets support, courage, and most of all happiness.
Aside from writing and illustrating, Mikey also love to read middle-grade and young adult fiction, narrate picture books, sing, and even sew. That’s right he also sews! He’s made practically everything from, Elizabethan costumes for the Utah Shakespearean Festival, to modern style wedding dresses. Mikey’s greatest love is his family. He gets more than inspiration from them; he gets support, courage, and most of all happiness.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
July 12, 2014
This was a great read. It combines that of friendship, loyalty and sacrifice all thrown together in a good mystery.
It starts out with Aaron, a boy that has no friends, and is wanting to belong to a group of kids that say they will be his friends but there's one catch. He has to steal something valuable to join.
So he goes into what he thinks is a house where the old lady is out. He heads into the basement and finds a valuable baseball card. He hears sounds and crawls into a space to hide. There he pulls out an amulet with a broken stone. He hears music and sees a beautiful women--and is thrust into another world.
When he shows up, the townspeople mistake him for a witch and try to burn him at the stake. He is saved by Samarlidi (a wizard) and a young boy called Branstock. They run from the town and hide from the Imps that destroy it. They are looking for something and Aaron has it--the broken stone. Sam, Bran and Aaron meet up with Rosella and Klara. Klara tells Aaron that he is part of the prophecy to destroy the stone of Valhalla. All travel to Malia to talk to a man called Kotkel that knows who Bran's and Rosella's parents are.
They arrive and in the night each child talks to Kotkel and he gives Bran and Rosella parts of the stone, and the he is killed. Everyone thinks it was Bran who did it. Sam, Aaron and the two women travel to Glayden after traveling through a maze in the mountain. It is in Glayden that Aaron finds out who is behind all the problems they had on their journey--it was Sam as well as Rosella's father, Demmad. It is he that wants the stone.
On the night of alignment, Demmad lures the children to the tower where the stone is to be destroyed. Aaron finds out that he and Rosella, and also Bran have been played by Sam and Demmad. Demmad makes the kids fuse the stone and then takes it. There is a battle and Sam is killed by Demmad and the boys kill Demmad. The three children then bind together and destroy the stone.
At the end, the portal is opened and Aaron gets to go back home. He is reluctant to leave since he now has two friends that he cares about. When he arrives back in his world, he finds out he is not in the basement and his so-called friends asked if he is going in to steal something. Aaron pulls out his inhaler and they make fun of him. They want to know if he still wants to join them and Aaron tells them, he'd rather be a loner than a loser. He walks off. But in the end, he meets a red-haired girl called Alyssa who does become his friend.
I won this book in a goodreads contest.
It starts out with Aaron, a boy that has no friends, and is wanting to belong to a group of kids that say they will be his friends but there's one catch. He has to steal something valuable to join.
So he goes into what he thinks is a house where the old lady is out. He heads into the basement and finds a valuable baseball card. He hears sounds and crawls into a space to hide. There he pulls out an amulet with a broken stone. He hears music and sees a beautiful women--and is thrust into another world.
When he shows up, the townspeople mistake him for a witch and try to burn him at the stake. He is saved by Samarlidi (a wizard) and a young boy called Branstock. They run from the town and hide from the Imps that destroy it. They are looking for something and Aaron has it--the broken stone. Sam, Bran and Aaron meet up with Rosella and Klara. Klara tells Aaron that he is part of the prophecy to destroy the stone of Valhalla. All travel to Malia to talk to a man called Kotkel that knows who Bran's and Rosella's parents are.
They arrive and in the night each child talks to Kotkel and he gives Bran and Rosella parts of the stone, and the he is killed. Everyone thinks it was Bran who did it. Sam, Aaron and the two women travel to Glayden after traveling through a maze in the mountain. It is in Glayden that Aaron finds out who is behind all the problems they had on their journey--it was Sam as well as Rosella's father, Demmad. It is he that wants the stone.
On the night of alignment, Demmad lures the children to the tower where the stone is to be destroyed. Aaron finds out that he and Rosella, and also Bran have been played by Sam and Demmad. Demmad makes the kids fuse the stone and then takes it. There is a battle and Sam is killed by Demmad and the boys kill Demmad. The three children then bind together and destroy the stone.
At the end, the portal is opened and Aaron gets to go back home. He is reluctant to leave since he now has two friends that he cares about. When he arrives back in his world, he finds out he is not in the basement and his so-called friends asked if he is going in to steal something. Aaron pulls out his inhaler and they make fun of him. They want to know if he still wants to join them and Aaron tells them, he'd rather be a loner than a loser. He walks off. But in the end, he meets a red-haired girl called Alyssa who does become his friend.
I won this book in a goodreads contest.
May 13, 2020
I could picture a dad or grandpa telling this story to his son or grandson who just wants to fit in — like all middle school-age kids. Take a little magic, some kids, and Norse mythology, and you have the makings of a wonderful tale of love and betrayal.
Mikey Brooks is a great storyteller, and I would recommend any of his books as being appropriate for young and old.
Mikey Brooks is a great storyteller, and I would recommend any of his books as being appropriate for young and old.
September 2, 2014
“The Stone of Valhalla” was published in 2014 and was written by Mikey Brooks (http://www.insidemikeysworld.com/). This is Mr. Brooks third Young Adult Fantasy novel.
I obtained a galley of this novel for review through through https://www.netgalley.com. I would categorize this novel as ‘PG’ as there is a little Violence. The novel is written in the first person from the stand point of the major character, Aaron.
Aaron is 12 and on a dare breaks into an old woman’s house in his neighborhood. Trying to avoid being caught when someone comes down into the basement, Aaron hides in a closet where he finds an amulet. Before he knows what has happened, Aaron finds himself transported to another world that is full of magic.
He soon joins up with four others, including Bran and Rosella who are about his own age. Together they encounter many threats. Aaron becomes close friends with Bran and Rosella, and they each learn some unexpected details of their past.
I finished the novel in 5.5 hours of light reading. The plot is not complex, but would be fine for the target Middle School audience. I give this novel a 3.5 (I will round it up to 4) out of 5.
Further book reviews I have written can be accessed at http://johnpurvis.wordpress.com/blog/.
I obtained a galley of this novel for review through through https://www.netgalley.com. I would categorize this novel as ‘PG’ as there is a little Violence. The novel is written in the first person from the stand point of the major character, Aaron.
Aaron is 12 and on a dare breaks into an old woman’s house in his neighborhood. Trying to avoid being caught when someone comes down into the basement, Aaron hides in a closet where he finds an amulet. Before he knows what has happened, Aaron finds himself transported to another world that is full of magic.
He soon joins up with four others, including Bran and Rosella who are about his own age. Together they encounter many threats. Aaron becomes close friends with Bran and Rosella, and they each learn some unexpected details of their past.
I finished the novel in 5.5 hours of light reading. The plot is not complex, but would be fine for the target Middle School audience. I give this novel a 3.5 (I will round it up to 4) out of 5.
Further book reviews I have written can be accessed at http://johnpurvis.wordpress.com/blog/.
April 3, 2014
This was a fun book. Solid Middle Grade characters and kids will probably love this book. The story started out with Aaron sneaking into a house to steal something as an initiation into a gang. That bothered me, given the fact Aaron seemed to be an intelligent kid. He should have listened to his inner voice and not gone in. But if he hadn’t, then we wouldn’t get to go see the fun world of magic in Valhalla.
Mikey did a great job with plot twists and doing some unexpected things. I was able to catch on to some of the plot twists, and expected what would happen, but I’m happy to say I was pleasantly surprised on some of the other twists.
Aaron is the chosen one from Earth who was prophesied to come to a different dimension of Earth where there is magic and the setting is medieval to help stop an evil power from getting ahold of the Stone of Valhalla. There was lots of action and adventure, even some mild violence and SPOILER alert, a death or two, but very manageable for young readers.
It didn’t have me as completely engaged as some books but I still really enjoyed it. Solid 4 stars for adults and more like 5 stars for kids.
Mikey did a great job with plot twists and doing some unexpected things. I was able to catch on to some of the plot twists, and expected what would happen, but I’m happy to say I was pleasantly surprised on some of the other twists.
Aaron is the chosen one from Earth who was prophesied to come to a different dimension of Earth where there is magic and the setting is medieval to help stop an evil power from getting ahold of the Stone of Valhalla. There was lots of action and adventure, even some mild violence and SPOILER alert, a death or two, but very manageable for young readers.
It didn’t have me as completely engaged as some books but I still really enjoyed it. Solid 4 stars for adults and more like 5 stars for kids.
August 2, 2014
I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review - so here it is!
Anyone who loved the tales of Narnia will be totally enchanted by this magical tale. Thirteen year old Aaron is desperate to be allowed to join in with a gang of teenagers from his school and accepts a dare to enter the home of an elderly lady. This is the start of an adventure as, reminiscent of 'The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe', he tries to escape detection by hiding and is transported to an alternative world but there the story diverges as this isn't a land of magical talking beasts but is one where magic, imps, gnomes and deceitfully friendly folk live. The tale of how Aaron copes with this alternative world, meets up and relates to other characters, how they journey together and the adventures they have along the way is told in a manner which draws the reader in - and would make a great film! I believe this book will appeal to upper KS2 pupils upwards (including adults) and highly recommend it and also hope the author makes this book the first of a series of adventures - a great tale that could easily become a classic!
Anyone who loved the tales of Narnia will be totally enchanted by this magical tale. Thirteen year old Aaron is desperate to be allowed to join in with a gang of teenagers from his school and accepts a dare to enter the home of an elderly lady. This is the start of an adventure as, reminiscent of 'The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe', he tries to escape detection by hiding and is transported to an alternative world but there the story diverges as this isn't a land of magical talking beasts but is one where magic, imps, gnomes and deceitfully friendly folk live. The tale of how Aaron copes with this alternative world, meets up and relates to other characters, how they journey together and the adventures they have along the way is told in a manner which draws the reader in - and would make a great film! I believe this book will appeal to upper KS2 pupils upwards (including adults) and highly recommend it and also hope the author makes this book the first of a series of adventures - a great tale that could easily become a classic!
August 4, 2014
http://koeur.wordpress.com/2014/08/04...
Publisher: All Night Reads
Publishing Date: July 2014
ISBN: 9781939993281
Genre: Fantasy
Rating: 3.8/5
Publisher Description: Breaking into an old lady’s basement was supposed to reward Aaron with new friends. Instead he finds an enchanted amulet that transports him to another world—one at war with magic. Before he knows it, he is accused of witchcraft and invited to a bonfire—where he’s the main attraction. If that’s not bad enough, a goblin army shows up and toasts the town…literally.
Review: Cover art is weak.
This was a novel built for children but adults will find the story-line, characters and movement to their liking.
Aaron goes from stealing a baseball card, finding a magical necklace and being transported to an alternate universe with Goblins, trolls and magic. He makes new friends, loses a friend, gains a friend back and has difficulty understanding adult motivations.
The story-line was fairly cliche’ (insecure shy boy saves universe from evil and gains in self-esteem) yet the author makes it work with solid and original character development. A fun read.
Publisher: All Night Reads
Publishing Date: July 2014
ISBN: 9781939993281
Genre: Fantasy
Rating: 3.8/5
Publisher Description: Breaking into an old lady’s basement was supposed to reward Aaron with new friends. Instead he finds an enchanted amulet that transports him to another world—one at war with magic. Before he knows it, he is accused of witchcraft and invited to a bonfire—where he’s the main attraction. If that’s not bad enough, a goblin army shows up and toasts the town…literally.
Review: Cover art is weak.
This was a novel built for children but adults will find the story-line, characters and movement to their liking.
Aaron goes from stealing a baseball card, finding a magical necklace and being transported to an alternate universe with Goblins, trolls and magic. He makes new friends, loses a friend, gains a friend back and has difficulty understanding adult motivations.
The story-line was fairly cliche’ (insecure shy boy saves universe from evil and gains in self-esteem) yet the author makes it work with solid and original character development. A fun read.
June 23, 2014
Absolutely love Mikey Brooks' books. I schedule time to read them and he never disappoints. He has the rare storytelling gift and an ability to focus in on exactly what his intended readers would be thinking as they read the book. There's only one way for that to happen. Mikey has never fully grown-up. Of that I'm certain.
Aaron is a kid trying to fit in. He's almost old enough for high school and wants desperately to be in a gang. In order to meet the expectations of the leader he has to steal something from a neighbor's house. But while inside the house's basement he hears noises upstairs and is nearly discovered. He ducks behind a door into a crawl space intending to wait until the coast is clear. But an unexpected turn of events leads him on an adventure in another world where he is immediately accused of witchcraft - having appears suddenly out of thin air will do that.
I won't ruin the story for anyone. It's an enchanting tale for all ages, but primarily ten and up and those of us who like Mikey have the ability to connect with our inner child from time to time..
Aaron is a kid trying to fit in. He's almost old enough for high school and wants desperately to be in a gang. In order to meet the expectations of the leader he has to steal something from a neighbor's house. But while inside the house's basement he hears noises upstairs and is nearly discovered. He ducks behind a door into a crawl space intending to wait until the coast is clear. But an unexpected turn of events leads him on an adventure in another world where he is immediately accused of witchcraft - having appears suddenly out of thin air will do that.
I won't ruin the story for anyone. It's an enchanting tale for all ages, but primarily ten and up and those of us who like Mikey have the ability to connect with our inner child from time to time..
April 22, 2014
Stone of Valhalla is a classic children's fantasy about a boy transported into a different world, but Mikey Brooks manages to breathe fresh life into the idea. His characters are fun, the story has a few twist and turns, but one of my favorite parts were the different interesting locales Brooks details. The city of Rivera, especially, with its volcano and super-heated river was a fascinating spot. Usually the towns in such fantasy stories are one variation of a consistent town -market, inn, etc- but Brooks offers a unique twist to many of these places.
Neither does Brooks fall on other fantasy tropes. There are no elves or dwarves. There are imps, but they are new and unfamiliar creatures, and everything has a faint aura of Norse legend.
The main character, Aaron, deals with a lot of normal challenges for a boy -he has a hard time making friends and he isn't comfortable being himself- and some not so normal challenges, like being Chosen to save a distant land.
Overall, the story has a familiar essence, but its a new treasure, and kids will love it.
Neither does Brooks fall on other fantasy tropes. There are no elves or dwarves. There are imps, but they are new and unfamiliar creatures, and everything has a faint aura of Norse legend.
The main character, Aaron, deals with a lot of normal challenges for a boy -he has a hard time making friends and he isn't comfortable being himself- and some not so normal challenges, like being Chosen to save a distant land.
Overall, the story has a familiar essence, but its a new treasure, and kids will love it.
July 29, 2014
This book was one of those books that you begin reading and immediately become absorbed in the characters and the story taking place. It's hard to put down from start to finish as it takes you on a journey from our world to one of great mystery.
Although the Stone of Valhalla is a solidly written middle grade fantasy book, it can easily be enjoyed by any age. The author writes his characters so that they are not dumbed down in any way making the book a smartly written, sharp witted, adventure. You and the characters get a taste of friendship, love, betrayal, loyalty, mystery, fantasy, reality, and so much more. As soon as you open the cover of the book, you begin a brilliant look into a newly created and well developed world.
The Stone of Valhalla was extremely enjoyable and I'm glad I read it. The author did a tremendous job keeping the characters likeable and the story flowing perfectly. This book was just plain fun!
Although the Stone of Valhalla is a solidly written middle grade fantasy book, it can easily be enjoyed by any age. The author writes his characters so that they are not dumbed down in any way making the book a smartly written, sharp witted, adventure. You and the characters get a taste of friendship, love, betrayal, loyalty, mystery, fantasy, reality, and so much more. As soon as you open the cover of the book, you begin a brilliant look into a newly created and well developed world.
The Stone of Valhalla was extremely enjoyable and I'm glad I read it. The author did a tremendous job keeping the characters likeable and the story flowing perfectly. This book was just plain fun!
October 18, 2014
Received from: All Night Reads
Received Via: NetGalley.com
THE REVIEW
Why this book?
The synopsis intrigued me
What I thought
Why I love reading middle grade fantasy novels is because they always take me on journey full of adventure and magical creatures. The Stone of Valhalla was no different. I can't say it was one of the best books I read but I did enjoy it. The book did have some interesting twists and I was pleasantly surprised by some of them. Aaron, Bran and Rosella were great characters and I connected with them easily. The places they visited were also interesting the author knew how to bring each setting to life, I could picture everything like I was there.
Overall it was an good read that I recommend to fans of fantasy
Received Via: NetGalley.com
THE REVIEW
Why this book?
The synopsis intrigued me
What I thought
Why I love reading middle grade fantasy novels is because they always take me on journey full of adventure and magical creatures. The Stone of Valhalla was no different. I can't say it was one of the best books I read but I did enjoy it. The book did have some interesting twists and I was pleasantly surprised by some of them. Aaron, Bran and Rosella were great characters and I connected with them easily. The places they visited were also interesting the author knew how to bring each setting to life, I could picture everything like I was there.
Overall it was an good read that I recommend to fans of fantasy
April 6, 2014
The Stone of Valhalla is a fun read and I really enjoyed going on the adventures with Aaron, Bran and Rosella. Finding good friends can be a difficult thing at Aaron's age. When he decides to break into Mrs. Timble's house and steal something just so that he can be in Jesse's gang, he gets much more than he bargained for. To avoid being caught he tries to hide and instead is transported to another world where magic, danger, imps and friendship await. He faces his fears, has his heart broken, is betrayed by those he trusted and with his new-found best friends, Bran and Rosella must find a way to defeat the evil goblin king.
July 29, 2014
I was given this book in exchange for an honest review.
What a great story! This seems to be suited for boys age 10 and up, but I think anyone can fall in love with this story. The author has such a descriptive quality that you can picture every scene vividly and feel like you are there. The rafters each add a little more to the story and the turns the story takes gives you a magical ride. Definitely could see this playing in a movie theater!
What a great story! This seems to be suited for boys age 10 and up, but I think anyone can fall in love with this story. The author has such a descriptive quality that you can picture every scene vividly and feel like you are there. The rafters each add a little more to the story and the turns the story takes gives you a magical ride. Definitely could see this playing in a movie theater!
August 12, 2014
Stone of Valhalla is a fun adventure book. I enjoyed the story so much that my kids wanted to read it. My seven-year-old just finished and loved it. You know a book is good when the reader gets upset about a scene so much they are asking you how it ends and if the scene really is what it seems. A fun read for all ages.
May 31, 2014
This is a fun and sometimes intense middle grade fantasy with great descriptions that make the author's interesting world come alive. The well-drawn main character pulls the reader into his adventure from the first scene and makes the reader care very much what happens to him.
May 15, 2015
Wow! I LOVED this book!
I wasn't 100% sure at first, but as soon as the story entered the other world, I was hooked.
Fantastic writing and storytelling!
A very satisfying read and ending. Highly recommended for readers aged 8-14.
I wasn't 100% sure at first, but as soon as the story entered the other world, I was hooked.
Fantastic writing and storytelling!
A very satisfying read and ending. Highly recommended for readers aged 8-14.
August 4, 2014
Stone of Valhalla is a fantasy book meant for middle graders. Full of adventure, magic, and scary creatures. 317pages of great reading, will not put it down till done!
September 11, 2017
Whoa, just finished reading The Stone of Valhalla and you can color me impressed. This is a great read for middle grade readers, especially those who love fantasy, adventure, and otherworldly creatures.
First off, the author has such a great voice. The writing style is really engaging. There is the perfect amount of description to aid your imagination as you picture Aaron navigating this other world. I also appreciated the clever pop culture references scattered throughout the book.
All the characters felt really developed and unique. I particularly loved the progression of Aaron, who starts off insecure and desperate for connection with friends, no matter the cost. His journey is really sweet as he grows in confidence and starts building healthy friendships.
I also really liked that the story moves quickly. One minute you are encountering trolls, and then the next you meet harpies, imps, and more. It gives you that page-turner syndrome.
Overall, this is a magical tale loaded with lots of obstacles for Aaron to overcome, new creatures at every twist and turn, and a few life lessons that we all need to learn. I recommend this book for your kiddos. They will devour it and ask for the next.
First off, the author has such a great voice. The writing style is really engaging. There is the perfect amount of description to aid your imagination as you picture Aaron navigating this other world. I also appreciated the clever pop culture references scattered throughout the book.
All the characters felt really developed and unique. I particularly loved the progression of Aaron, who starts off insecure and desperate for connection with friends, no matter the cost. His journey is really sweet as he grows in confidence and starts building healthy friendships.
I also really liked that the story moves quickly. One minute you are encountering trolls, and then the next you meet harpies, imps, and more. It gives you that page-turner syndrome.
Overall, this is a magical tale loaded with lots of obstacles for Aaron to overcome, new creatures at every twist and turn, and a few life lessons that we all need to learn. I recommend this book for your kiddos. They will devour it and ask for the next.
May 18, 2020
It was cute and I liked the MC's growth. I kind of felt like maybe I was a little too old for this book but I would recommend it for my kids.
May 9, 2014
Solid middle-grade fantasy. Betrayals everywhere! A boy learns to make friends in the midst of it all. Cool world-building and refusal to dumb things down for audience make this a winner. I'll be giving it to my kids when they're old enough.
June 28, 2018
Aaron wants to become friends with someone, anyone really, so when he is good that he can join a group of he steals something, he decided to try. He breaks into a house and goes to the basement, but upon hearing a noise, he hides in a closet. He finds an amulet and is transported to another world. What follows is a book filled with magic, friendship and fun.
Plot wise, this was a relatively fast paced read. There are a few twists and turns but for the most part it's a easy and fun read. Perfect for a light read for kids. Character wise, I liked Aaron. Initially I didn't like what he was willing to do just to be accepted but he grew on me. I was delighted when he met the other characters in the new world. He came into himself.
In all this was a nice, easy read. I'm excited to see what else this author can dream up.
Plot wise, this was a relatively fast paced read. There are a few twists and turns but for the most part it's a easy and fun read. Perfect for a light read for kids. Character wise, I liked Aaron. Initially I didn't like what he was willing to do just to be accepted but he grew on me. I was delighted when he met the other characters in the new world. He came into himself.
In all this was a nice, easy read. I'm excited to see what else this author can dream up.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews