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Standing Stone #1
The Sharded Boy
A young wielder struggles to recover from the Wielder Wain plague that killed nearly all the magic wielders in Chussen Faire sixteen years ago and crippled him since the day of his birth. His family’s poverty provides him with no means to purchase a standing stone and so become the Master Wielder he is certain he can be. Jahl Pratter must master more than the magic essence found in a standing stone but also the pain and limitations caused by his disfigurement. His great uncle’s room of Twai’wa Lor could hold the key to achieving his dreams and surviving a second attack by the Wielder Wain, but it will take more than reclaiming his forgotten training and may start the Wain all over again. Note: this novel can be read by individuals age 16 and older.
254 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 29, 2017
213 people are currently reading
440 people want to read
About the author
L. Darby Gibbs
55 books27 followersL. Darby Gibbs, aka Elldee: I have lived all over the country, so I don't feel I come from anywhere specific, but I started in Maryland and consider California my current home base. I am a teacher of creative writing.
At thirteen, I read science fiction almost exclusively, reading Asimov first and moving alphabetically down the library shelf, then turned to fantasy for a while taking in everything up through Tolkien. I spend my free time reading many of the classics, science fiction, fantasy, mystery, and contemporary fiction.
I have four fantasy series and a nonfiction book on narrative frameworks available in eBook form on Amazon, Smashwords, Kobe and other fine eBook retailers.
At thirteen, I read science fiction almost exclusively, reading Asimov first and moving alphabetically down the library shelf, then turned to fantasy for a while taking in everything up through Tolkien. I spend my free time reading many of the classics, science fiction, fantasy, mystery, and contemporary fiction.
I have four fantasy series and a nonfiction book on narrative frameworks available in eBook form on Amazon, Smashwords, Kobe and other fine eBook retailers.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
February 17, 2022
This book was very unique for a coming-of-age fantasy book and I haven't been this interested in a long time. This was a spur-of-the-moment purchase during a sale and I don't regret it at all. The concept of channeling magic through standing stones was very well written and I didn't feel like I was reading an essay when learning about the different levels of power and quality.
I really like the relationship between Jahl and the adults because I can see how parents would do anything to protect their children, even if the children end up hurt, from something worse.
The only things I didn't like were Jahl forgiving certain characters for their treatment of him a little too quickly (even though as teenagers it's pretty realistic lol) and that there wasn't really an explanation of the antagonist came up with/invented the Wane in the first place.
I really like the relationship between Jahl and the adults because I can see how parents would do anything to protect their children, even if the children end up hurt, from something worse.
The only things I didn't like were Jahl forgiving certain characters for their treatment of him a little too quickly (even though as teenagers it's pretty realistic lol) and that there wasn't really an explanation of the antagonist came up with/invented the Wane in the first place.
February 21, 2022
A Trader is Found
A struggle to keep going everyday comes through on every page. Keep reading and you will be glad that you did. Well written and enjoyable story.
A struggle to keep going everyday comes through on every page. Keep reading and you will be glad that you did. Well written and enjoyable story.
Want to read
November 8, 2019🎁 FREE on Amazon today (11/8/2019)! 🎁
July 4, 2021
Robuster.
Very good book. The hook was excellent. About half of the story was outstandingly crafted. Well told , precise . Good dialogue between the characters. Believable situations and creative world building.
The problem is at times during the action scenes,
1 - it gets clumsy.
Bad sentence structure along with to much skipping about.
2- the protagonist is in need of more fleshing out. His younger age is told in snippets of information as if every little morsel was the earth shattering detail that was needed to tie together the loose ends. The story would have flowed better if protagonist had been a complete character from the beginning.
3 - , as always , the these stories are only as good as the villain in them are despised by the reader. Unfortunately we never really got to see the horrendous nature of this villain till the end of the book and only for a short while at that.
4 - repetitive information over and over again.
Get the story out , get the information told . There is no need to repeat the same information in 10 or so chapters. In half of the chapters it seemed as if I was reading the protagonists history over and over and over as one little detail was added.
That being said , it was a good read that with some better editing , could have been great.
I highly recommend. Some real talent flashes itself throughout the writing..
Very good book. The hook was excellent. About half of the story was outstandingly crafted. Well told , precise . Good dialogue between the characters. Believable situations and creative world building.
The problem is at times during the action scenes,
1 - it gets clumsy.
Bad sentence structure along with to much skipping about.
2- the protagonist is in need of more fleshing out. His younger age is told in snippets of information as if every little morsel was the earth shattering detail that was needed to tie together the loose ends. The story would have flowed better if protagonist had been a complete character from the beginning.
3 - , as always , the these stories are only as good as the villain in them are despised by the reader. Unfortunately we never really got to see the horrendous nature of this villain till the end of the book and only for a short while at that.
4 - repetitive information over and over again.
Get the story out , get the information told . There is no need to repeat the same information in 10 or so chapters. In half of the chapters it seemed as if I was reading the protagonists history over and over and over as one little detail was added.
That being said , it was a good read that with some better editing , could have been great.
I highly recommend. Some real talent flashes itself throughout the writing..
March 14, 2022
I finished reading this book about 3 months ago but forgot to review it. Although it deals with the paranormal world, it is an exceptional story of a disabled boy and how "magic" is available to him when standing on a certain kind of stone. In this world of fantasy, magic-wielders and the owners of these stones are regulated by types of guilds. And, there is an unfortunate consequence of magic that has caused it to fall out of favour. The story is a sort of detective story as the boy tries to grow in his ability as a magician (at first in the sense that he can fix broken things) and make a living for himself. Gibbs is to be commended for writing a story of such finesse that does touch on a common issue, that of weakness and how to overcome it by exercising what gifts we actually do have.
May 14, 2020
Thoroughly Enjoyed!
Well written and wonderfully imaginative! Different in a great way! I know I have not read anything like it! Which is awesome as majority of paranormal seems to be similar to most others. Ha! I bet a spell has been cast! Nice! Definitely worth the time to read! You Won't be disappointed! Thanks to the Author for sharing this wonderful story! I look forward to the next in series!
Well written and wonderfully imaginative! Different in a great way! I know I have not read anything like it! Which is awesome as majority of paranormal seems to be similar to most others. Ha! I bet a spell has been cast! Nice! Definitely worth the time to read! You Won't be disappointed! Thanks to the Author for sharing this wonderful story! I look forward to the next in series!
September 10, 2020
3.5 star
World was interesting and I liked the MC. I shared his hatred for his pain although I sorta wish he weren't fixed so easily and that isn't usually an option for the disabled. I stumbled over a number of wrong word errors and the ending had a bit of a hook feel to it, so those drew down in the rating, but I would read more.
World was interesting and I liked the MC. I shared his hatred for his pain although I sorta wish he weren't fixed so easily and that isn't usually an option for the disabled. I stumbled over a number of wrong word errors and the ending had a bit of a hook feel to it, so those drew down in the rating, but I would read more.
March 5, 2021
Although I found the magic all very complicated I really enjoyed this read. It's a twisted tale of jealousy, betrayal and hate, but also one of deep love, solidarity and friendship. Recommended reading.
October 1, 2021
Interesting book well worth the read.
The book was enjoyable and interesting. It was pretty easy to pick out the villain. The characters where well developed and the story and writing kept my interest.
The book was enjoyable and interesting. It was pretty easy to pick out the villain. The characters where well developed and the story and writing kept my interest.
October 1, 2020
Excellent
I thought the book was excellent and I thoroughly enjoyed it, but the ending was a bit underwhelming to me
I thought the book was excellent and I thoroughly enjoyed it, but the ending was a bit underwhelming to me
March 19, 2021
Great book
Well written and a great cast of characters and story line. Absolutely loved this book couldn't put it down superb will read more from this author
Well written and a great cast of characters and story line. Absolutely loved this book couldn't put it down superb will read more from this author
September 19, 2021
I really enjoyed this book. Darby Gibbs books have really interesting original ideas. They always have
unexpected twists and turns.
unexpected twists and turns.
November 18, 2025
4 stars, very enjoyable
Clean my Kindle challenge - this one survived!
Writing: Nothing fancy, but solid.
Characters: Pretty well-developed, actually. There were some moments when the MC acted like the 16 year old boy that he was, and I wanted to shake some sense into him. Irritating, but very appropriate. Also, a pretty nice variety of supporting characters, although I did wish for a few more. The named characters all showed up a bunch of times in the story, so it felt like the character list was pretty small for the story. Also, I was suspicious of a certain character early on, it would have been nice to have more red herrings.
Background/worldbuilding: Mixed bag here. I really liked how the magic system was developed, and I liked the history of the world, with the plague that killed off most of the magic users. Except... it seemed to only kill off magic users here?? Or something? Because there were magic users from other cities mentioned, it seemed like there were plenty in other places. And I was confused if the named places were cities or countries or territories or.... I don't know??? It didn't matter a lot, but it made it difficult to gauge the size of the problem.
Plot: I loved the slow building of the plot. It started out simple, a few things happen, and then we learn the real conflict of the story. Excellent way to drop the reader straight into action without overwhelming them. The ending was really well-done also. Only downside was it was a bit predictable.
I enjoyed reading this book, and would consider reading future books in the series.
Content: Pretty clean. Some mild violence, and a few detailed descriptions of healing magic, but nothing graphic or gory.
Clean my Kindle challenge - this one survived!
Writing: Nothing fancy, but solid.
Characters: Pretty well-developed, actually. There were some moments when the MC acted like the 16 year old boy that he was, and I wanted to shake some sense into him. Irritating, but very appropriate. Also, a pretty nice variety of supporting characters, although I did wish for a few more. The named characters all showed up a bunch of times in the story, so it felt like the character list was pretty small for the story. Also, I was suspicious of a certain character early on, it would have been nice to have more red herrings.
Background/worldbuilding: Mixed bag here. I really liked how the magic system was developed, and I liked the history of the world, with the plague that killed off most of the magic users. Except... it seemed to only kill off magic users here?? Or something? Because there were magic users from other cities mentioned, it seemed like there were plenty in other places. And I was confused if the named places were cities or countries or territories or.... I don't know??? It didn't matter a lot, but it made it difficult to gauge the size of the problem.
Plot: I loved the slow building of the plot. It started out simple, a few things happen, and then we learn the real conflict of the story. Excellent way to drop the reader straight into action without overwhelming them. The ending was really well-done also. Only downside was it was a bit predictable.
I enjoyed reading this book, and would consider reading future books in the series.
Content: Pretty clean. Some mild violence, and a few detailed descriptions of healing magic, but nothing graphic or gory.
April 20, 2022
I felt so bad for Jahl carrying around those standing stones. I know it showed us how able he was even though he was crippled. I kept thinking, 'Is there no one to give him a ride? .. but, he kept going. Jail always keeps going. I was even relieved when Cam made him the wagon.
A interesting and different story about using magic. I loved the house with its 'created ' personality.
Jahl really progresses a lot from the beginning to the end of this book.
His mother too. I'm glad she became more involved as the story went along. It was also a relief when she opened up, though it drove me nuts that it always took so long. What the heck? Was that to build suspense? It didn't, it just made me skim by all the drawn out stuff and skip to the information. I did that quite a few times actually. I really cannot deal with repeated information and drawn out conversations. I skim past looking for the good stuff again.
A very good read though. I was frustrated everytime the magic started to wear out. I think I would make body armour out of shards...lol... a necklace, a ring, a headband, earrings, bracelets, something...lol.. be the best options in my opinion. Jahl would not have needed his cane if he had more shards on himself.
I got this book free from Bookbub or The fussy Librarian. The next book is not free so I won't be getting it. This one ends well enough though. I don't feel like I've been left hanging.
A interesting and different story about using magic. I loved the house with its 'created ' personality.
Jahl really progresses a lot from the beginning to the end of this book.
His mother too. I'm glad she became more involved as the story went along. It was also a relief when she opened up, though it drove me nuts that it always took so long. What the heck? Was that to build suspense? It didn't, it just made me skim by all the drawn out stuff and skip to the information. I did that quite a few times actually. I really cannot deal with repeated information and drawn out conversations. I skim past looking for the good stuff again.
A very good read though. I was frustrated everytime the magic started to wear out. I think I would make body armour out of shards...lol... a necklace, a ring, a headband, earrings, bracelets, something...lol.. be the best options in my opinion. Jahl would not have needed his cane if he had more shards on himself.
I got this book free from Bookbub or The fussy Librarian. The next book is not free so I won't be getting it. This one ends well enough though. I don't feel like I've been left hanging.
November 13, 2022
I liked it, BUT...
It’s a good story and I like the concept (I will read the author’s other books), but there are a few things I can’t gloss over. There are some continuity issues, and it gets confusing and frustrating; it’s like the author was indecisive (or plumb forgot). For example, the main character is one of a handful of wizards in the village, then is the only one, then there are more. He practices openly and offers his services to all, then abruptly he needs to hide his abilities, and then and then and then, and it goes back and forth. Which is it?????
It gets a leetle bit bogged down in spots with unnecessary dialogue and/or details, but that’s not TOO too bad.
Last thing I’ll mention, one of my pet peeves is using any form of “OK” and other Earth terms in fantasy (in this case, the word “china” was used to refer to porcelain dishes *ripping my hair*🤬). It’s incongruous and throws one out of the make-believe world, so please please please, authors, don’t do it.
I’d give this 3.5 stars if Amazon, erm, allowed it, bc despite the oddities, I really do like the story/plot (and the characters are pretty okay, lol), and I want to know how it goes.
That’s my story and I’m sticking to it🙆🏻♀️🖖🏽
It’s a good story and I like the concept (I will read the author’s other books), but there are a few things I can’t gloss over. There are some continuity issues, and it gets confusing and frustrating; it’s like the author was indecisive (or plumb forgot). For example, the main character is one of a handful of wizards in the village, then is the only one, then there are more. He practices openly and offers his services to all, then abruptly he needs to hide his abilities, and then and then and then, and it goes back and forth. Which is it?????
It gets a leetle bit bogged down in spots with unnecessary dialogue and/or details, but that’s not TOO too bad.
Last thing I’ll mention, one of my pet peeves is using any form of “OK” and other Earth terms in fantasy (in this case, the word “china” was used to refer to porcelain dishes *ripping my hair*🤬). It’s incongruous and throws one out of the make-believe world, so please please please, authors, don’t do it.
I’d give this 3.5 stars if Amazon, erm, allowed it, bc despite the oddities, I really do like the story/plot (and the characters are pretty okay, lol), and I want to know how it goes.
That’s my story and I’m sticking to it🙆🏻♀️🖖🏽
September 14, 2023
I think this was a free book on amazon and I got it, it was interesting and unique, but it was also very drawn out and a little boring (?) so I actually dropped it for a while and then went back because quitters are lame.
I don't really know what to think of this book. On the one hand it's very unique and it actually ends like a normal book; Gibbs isn't giving us an unfinished story here, and that's great.
But I want to say I felt disappointed; there was plenty of suspense, but I can't put my finger on what it's missing. Perhaps it just dragged on for a long time.
Oh. One thing might have been no countdown effect.
In any case I'm less than impressed with this one, but I did finish it, and that's more than I can say about LOTR.
IDK if this review is going to help anyone. Have a nice day.
I don't really know what to think of this book. On the one hand it's very unique and it actually ends like a normal book; Gibbs isn't giving us an unfinished story here, and that's great.
But I want to say I felt disappointed; there was plenty of suspense, but I can't put my finger on what it's missing. Perhaps it just dragged on for a long time.
Oh. One thing might have been no countdown effect.
In any case I'm less than impressed with this one, but I did finish it, and that's more than I can say about LOTR.
IDK if this review is going to help anyone. Have a nice day.
May 30, 2022
A twisted body, plenty of pain to go with it, life has been very difficult for Jahl. We find out that even before birth life was very difficult. Who knew jealousy and anger could run so deep? The author really pulls the magic strings. Never stated, but eventually clear is that magic is bedrock. This community was built with it and almost completely destroyed by out of control magic. The story is well crafted and really pulls the reader in. There is mystery as all of the characters are slowly revealed, and the role they have all played in the history of this town.
Definitely a good read.
Definitely a good read.
January 27, 2020
A good read
A good read with interesting characters and storyline. Kind of "Mommy Dearest" meets the "Mistborn" series. Well developed main characters get into epic situations and through friendship and family bonds are able to overcome them. Worthwhile, I will be reading the next installment.
A good read with interesting characters and storyline. Kind of "Mommy Dearest" meets the "Mistborn" series. Well developed main characters get into epic situations and through friendship and family bonds are able to overcome them. Worthwhile, I will be reading the next installment.
September 28, 2022
Unwieldy plot
Too much and too little at the same time. Not enough character development. At times the plot is slowed to boredom and at other times it is rushed with insufficient information or storytelling. The ending was definitely rushed. This could have been a really great story but it floundered.
Too much and too little at the same time. Not enough character development. At times the plot is slowed to boredom and at other times it is rushed with insufficient information or storytelling. The ending was definitely rushed. This could have been a really great story but it floundered.
October 17, 2023
I enjoyed reading The Sharded Boy
Once again, L. Darby Gibbs has written a book that I found easy to get invested in reading. Great world and character building. I like that it did not end in a cliffhanger, but there are stories to follow this one. There were some grammatical and text errors, which is why I give it four stars. It needs better editing and proofreading.
Once again, L. Darby Gibbs has written a book that I found easy to get invested in reading. Great world and character building. I like that it did not end in a cliffhanger, but there are stories to follow this one. There were some grammatical and text errors, which is why I give it four stars. It needs better editing and proofreading.
July 4, 2022
Stands Alone
I really loved this book and will continue the series,but I appreciated that it was complete in itself while leaving room for more tales. Watching Jaul and the others grow and become such special people was very satisfying.
I really loved this book and will continue the series,but I appreciated that it was complete in itself while leaving room for more tales. Watching Jaul and the others grow and become such special people was very satisfying.
July 4, 2023
Not what I expected
Love the story. Written really well. Looking forward to the next book. The second book starts a new beginning. Everything was explained in the first book which why I liked it
Love the story. Written really well. Looking forward to the next book. The second book starts a new beginning. Everything was explained in the first book which why I liked it
October 19, 2023
full of surprises
This author developed a story full of mysteries and surprises. The source of the stones is still a mystery to me. The shards are full of surprises. Great story.
This author developed a story full of mysteries and surprises. The source of the stones is still a mystery to me. The shards are full of surprises. Great story.
November 2, 2023
Purchased this edition on April 20, 2021, from Amazon for free. Magica stones, a boy comes into his powers, evil lives somewhere close. 2nd book is $5.99 which is a bit more than I am willing to pay.
July 4, 2022
Good read. Inventive but well written. Much like "Lord of the rings" I would recommend this book.
October 12, 2022
Jail is legally allowed to Wield magic at 16. Gibbs paces for a leisurely age niche. I guessed villain but his mom takes an unexpected stand. Gibbs whomp the end battle.
February 12, 2024
This was alright, 2,5 stars for me, rounded up to three.
I really enjoyed the start, and Jahl's disability was described very well. But the story starts sagging in the middle, and the ending is very weak. Is already figured out who the villain was before the halfway point, so that took much of the tension out of the reveal. The story could've done with a red herring to prevent this.
And sadly, there are a lot of spelling errors and other small mistakes, especially considering the writer is an English teacher. Names are misspelled (Roen instead of Rouen), quotation marks forgotten or added randomly, the wrong verb tense is used a few times, and there are plenty of other mistakes. I would advise to have an editor take a look at it, because it did get so bad it impacted my enjoyment of the story.
I really enjoyed the start, and Jahl's disability was described very well. But the story starts sagging in the middle, and the ending is very weak. Is already figured out who the villain was before the halfway point, so that took much of the tension out of the reveal. The story could've done with a red herring to prevent this.
And sadly, there are a lot of spelling errors and other small mistakes, especially considering the writer is an English teacher. Names are misspelled (Roen instead of Rouen), quotation marks forgotten or added randomly, the wrong verb tense is used a few times, and there are plenty of other mistakes. I would advise to have an editor take a look at it, because it did get so bad it impacted my enjoyment of the story.
February 7, 2022
I really enjoyed this book. The characters were well-developed and the world-building was spot on. I really liked the way magic, the essence, was accessed and used/wielded in this world.
I will say that I did have a suspect for the big bad after the attack on Jahl's home, though the motivations for it were somewhat surprising given the earlier characterizations established. Looking back, though, the motivations make sense, and many people have reacted similarly in that situation.
I was glad that Jahl was able to fight off the big bad, and I particularly liked how the Wake disease was resolved. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
I will say that I did have a suspect for the big bad after the attack on Jahl's home, though the motivations for it were somewhat surprising given the earlier characterizations established. Looking back, though, the motivations make sense, and many people have reacted similarly in that situation.
I was glad that Jahl was able to fight off the big bad, and I particularly liked how the Wake disease was resolved. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews