Quillan Creek and The Little War

Time Stones #1

by Ian Hunter

Life has dealt Jessie a handful of trouble. Orphaned and friendless, her aunt Helen has furnished companionship and care for as long as Jessie can remember. But when her aunt inexplicably disappears, events at the New York State care home land an injured Jessie in mortal peril. Her escape is not to freedom. Instead, she is summoned into a foreign world of conflict and upheaval, 250 years in her past. With three strange, prickly new friends and the Onondaga shaman, Nishkamich, Jessie reluctantly accepts a new life in the lakeside village. Nishkamich begins their education, knowing the power that they each possess, and the perils they will face in completing the task he demands of them. In the depths of winter, the four friends embark on a journey, exposed to all the dangers which nature and man can throw at them.

370 pages, Paperback

First published August 3, 2018

About the author

Books have been an important part of my life as long as I can remember, so at 54 years old, that's a lot of books. I am currently trying to remember and include everything I have read. My interest is varied, as you can see from those books I have read, but you will also see a predominance of history, both Fiction and Non. My fascination in all things historical led me to an Open University degree in my early-thirties, which in turn, inspired me to begin writing the Time Stones series. There is so much of our human past which is overlooked, and I decided I wanted to write about it; to shine a small light on those, sometimes pivotal stories, which are less often portrayed.
I'm British, living in southern Germany since 1995, and love to travel. Destinations usually include places of historic and archaeological interest, mixed with a large helping of sun, sea and sand for my wife's peace of mind.
We have two children, one cat and, when she visits, one chocolate labrador.
Anything that interests you, just ask away.

Reviews

[Judy Ferrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lost in time.

Imagine being in a place where everything is so different and trying to find a way to blend. Ian Hunter gives us a mystery of great proportions. Follow these young people as they try to figure out what to do.

[Mary Yarde · Rating 5 out of 5]

“…they are guardians too, their hearts and minds are just as strong as yours.”

It was a gift, a source of great power. But with such power came great responsibly and unfortunately no handbook.

One minute, Tiponi was trying to find a way not to spend the day weaving baskets with her mother and the next she was fleeing for her life, alone.

Jessie Mason was alone. She did not have a family. She did not have any friends. All she had was the courage to battle on and a strange yet beautifully coloured stone. But then the earth rumbled, and she fell through a crevice, and everything changed.

It was not every day that you found yourself in the company of Custer, Lieutenant-Colonel, of the Seventh Cavalry. After that, the day took a decidable downwards turn for Abe, and the only thing he had left of his former life were the clothes that he was in and a stone.

The unworthy were returned to the earth, but Kesejowaase was beginning to suspect that the Great Spirit did not have a hand in this magic. Who were these strangers that the ground spat out? And how did they know the tongue of the Haudenosaunee? There was only one person who could unravel this mystery, and that was Nishkamich, the tribe's shaman.

Nishkamich knew of the stones, he knew of their power, for he had one of his own. But his time in this world was nearing an end, and he had to teach those who would come after him everything he knew.

However, it soon becomes clear to Nishkamich that the stones are being hunted by a man who wanted them for his own malicious intention. He must never be allowed to take them…

From a harrowing slaughter to the realisation of a terrible truth, Quillan Creek and the Little War (Time Stones Book I) by Ian Hunter is in all ways a time-travel fantasy triumph!

Hunter weaves the elements of frontier adventure, fantasy, warfare and the racial conflicts of the era into a story that is next to impossible to put down. The dark foreshadowing at the beginning of this book and the utter confusion of the protagonists as they search for answers makes this the kind of novel where the reader really feels that they too are on this incredible journey of discovery. This is a book that captured my attention from the opening sentence, and it continued to hold it until that emotionally powerful final full stop. This is the kind of book that one would forgo sleep to finish.

The forbidding landscape of the Haudenosaunee tribe is a stark contrast to modern-day America. The air is cleaner, the life is more in tune with nature, and there is a wonderful balance that is missing in the fast-paced high-tech life we all know. However, this is the beginning of the end for the Haudenosaunee tribe as they contend not only with their enemies but foreign invaders who bring war, disease, and death. And this is where our brave protagonists, who all come from very different times, find themselves. It is here, in this frontier setting, that the heroes of this story come together and change the very definition of family — they quickly realise that family is not defined by blood. It is defined in loyal friendship and unbreakable bonds.

Jessie Mason is a character who one can instantly relate to because she is from modern times. When she finds herself in a vastly different world the first thing she notices is that the lake, which she knows well, is full of life — whereas in her time there is no life, the lake is polluted. Jessie is also one of the most pragmatic characters, and she approaches this adventure with an open mind, and she embraces the opportunity of what has been given to her even if she does not understand it. Jessie was wonderfully portrayed, and she is a fabulous role model for young adults, for she triumphs despite her adversaries, whether that be in modern times or the past and she is a genuinely lovely person. There is no pretence about her at all. I thought her depiction was brilliant.

Of all the characters in this story, it is Kesejowaase that is the most conflicted for he had envisaged a vastly different life for himself than the one he finds himself living, and yet he does not shrink from his responsibilities, nor does he fight against it. His loyalty to his friends and his family are absolute, and he will do everything possible to make sure everyone is safe. His selfless acts of courage and his bravery makes for a very appealing protagonist.

The wilds of the frontier is the perfect backdrop for a story that is rife with action, adventure and magic. The enthralling narrative, and the equally compelling prose, paints a historical setting that is rich in authenticity. The attention to the historical detail has to be commended. Hunter has brought the frontier back to life in both its glorious and darker detail, although he is forever mindful of his book’s intended audience — the language used in this novel reflects that. There are moments of trepidation, fear, and battles, but there is nothing unsuitable for a young adult audience.

I thought Hunter really captured this era and what it must have been like to live through it. The relationship between the various tribes and the influence that the white traders were beginning to have on the native people was realistically portrayed. A beaver’s fur could buy things that the Haudenosaunee now needed because they were in the middle of what we would call an arms war — they needed the modern white-mans' weapons if their people were to have any chance of survival. The greed of man and the wilful destruction of the wildlife and the natives is also touched upon, which I thought validated the legitimacy of the setting that Hunter has so masterfully created.

Quillan Creek and the Little War (Time Stones Book I) by Ian Hunter is an enthralling adventure that begs to be read again and again. I cannot wait to get my hands on Book #2 of what promises to be an absolutely brilliant series.


I Highly Recommend

Review by Mary Anne Yarde
The Coffee Pot Book Club

[Lost in a book · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

From the moment Jessie Mason tumbles out of her own time and into a world she only knows from books, Quillan Creek and the Little War (Time Stones Book I) becomes the kind of story that quietly takes hold and doesn’t let go. There is an immediate sense that this is not just an adventure, but a journey about identity, belonging, and learning where you truly fit in the world.

What struck me first was how carefully the magic is handled. The Time Stones are powerful, but they are also dangerous, confusing, and heavy with responsibility. There are no simple rules and no easy victories, which makes every decision feel meaningful. I liked that the story never rushes to explain everything — instead, the characters discover the limits of their powers slowly, often through mistakes and difficult consequences.

Jessie is a very relatable heroine. She begins the story isolated and unsure of herself, and it was moving to watch her gradually find confidence, purpose, and connection. She is thoughtful, observant, and quietly resilient, and her reactions to the past feel honest rather than heroic. The contrast between her modern life and the world she finds herself in is one of the most fascinating parts of the book, especially as she begins to see both worlds more clearly.

The other heroes are just as engaging and bring real heart to the story. Tiponi, Abe, and Kesejowaase all come from very different worlds and backgrounds, yet their journeys fit together beautifully. Their early confusion, mistrust, and cultural differences gradually give way to friendship, loyalty, and a strong sense of found family that feels completely natural. I especially enjoyed how their bonds grow through shared danger, responsibility, and small moments of understanding. Nishkamich, the shaman, is a quiet but powerful presence in this novel, and his guidance adds both warmth and depth to the story’s spiritual side.

By the time I reached the final chapters, I felt deeply invested in every character and genuinely curious about what lies ahead. This is a thoughtful and immersive first book, rich in character and quiet emotional depth. With its blend of history, magic, friendship, and coming of age, Quillan Creek and the Little War offers far more than a simple time-travel tale. I would happily recommend it to anyone who enjoys character-driven fantasy and stories where adventure and heart walk hand in hand.

[Oh Look,AnotherBook · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh brilliant, a quiet read before bed, I thought. Next thing I know people are falling through time, soldiers are charging about, and I’m emotionally attached to four teenagers clutching suspiciously powerful stones while history itself starts wobbling. This book does not ease you in gently; it grabs you by the collar and drops you straight into the wilderness with a firm “good luck”.

Jessie barely has time to process where she is before everything goes wrong again. One minute modern life, the next she’s staring at a world that looks familiar but feels completely wild and alive. And just as you start to catch your breath, in tumble the others from entirely different times, equally confused and absolutely not prepared for any of this. I spent a good portion of the opening chapters mentally yelling, “Just stay together and don’t touch anything else magical!”

The group dynamic is gloriously messy at first. Nobody fully trusts anyone, everyone’s frightened, and cultural misunderstandings pop up left and right. But slowly, through danger and necessity, they begin to click. Not in a grand heroic speech sort of way, but in the small moments: shared watches in the dark, hesitant questions, split-second decisions to protect one another. Before you know it, you’re fiercely protective of all of them.

Hovering over it all is the weary, wise shaman who clearly knows far more than he has time to explain. Every time he appears you get that sinking feeling of “this is important, pay attention”, because the threat hunting those stones is not messing about. There’s a constant sense that something nasty is drawing closer, and that these kids are very much underqualified for the job fate has handed them.

It’s tense, heartfelt, occasionally brutal, and surprisingly funny in places thanks to the sheer absurdity of their situation. You get sweeping forests, sudden violence, ancient magic, and teenagers trying very hard not to make everything worse. I laughed, I worried, and I absolutely muttered “oh no, don’t do that” more than once.

In short, this is time travel with teeth, adventure with heart, and a band of unlikely allies you can’t help rooting for. If you enjoy stories where history collides with magic and ordinary people are forced to become brave very quickly, you’ll be grinning, gasping, and turning pages far too late into the night.

*I received a copy of this book from Yarde Book Promotions for review consideration.

[Helen Blackthorne · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the start, I was pulled into the story with its blend of danger, mystery and discovery.

Jessie is an easy character to root for. Thrown out of her own time and into an unfamiliar past, she reacts with believable shock but also quiet determination. Watching her try to make sense of a harsher, wilder world while still holding on to her compassion makes her journey especially engaging.

The frontier setting, rooted in the lands of the Haudenosaunee tribe, is one of the real highlights. Vast forests, clear lakes and scattered settlements create an atmosphere that feels both beautiful and threatening. There’s a constant sense that history is in motion and that every step the characters take could change more than just their own fate.

This book is utterly beautiful not only in its story but also in the language used; it is evocative and mesmerising. Moments of quiet reflection are just as powerful as the scenes of danger, perfectly captured when Nishkamich gently tells Jessie:

“Your home is here, but it is not to be seen.” Nishkamich’s voice was gentle, and made her look up.
“The lake, these hills, this place is well known to you. But it is not as you know it. Look around you, search the land, the water, the sky, there is nothing of your world here. Your senses are true, trust them. Do they not tell you this is a different place?”

Looming over everything is a relentless antagonist driven by greed and a hunger for power, hunting the Time Stones across centuries. That pursuit adds a constant undercurrent of tension, reminding you that this journey isn’t just wondrous, it’s dangerous, and failure would have devastating consequences.

The other travellers through time add real strength to the story. They begin wary and uncertain, but slowly a deep trust forms between them. Their growing bond brings warmth to an otherwise perilous journey, and Nishkamich’s guidance adds a thoughtful, spiritual weight to everything that happens.

When I reached the final page, I genuinely wanted more. If you enjoy time-travel adventures with strong characters, rich atmosphere and a touch of ancient magic, this is well worth picking up.

I received a copy of this book from Yarde Book Promotions. I was under no obligations to write a review.

[Every Chapter Counts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Review

✰✰✰✰✰

At first glance this feels like a straight time-travel adventure, but it doesn’t stay in that lane for long. Instead of grand speeches or easy heroics, you’re dropped into the story alongside four young people who are confused, out of place, and trying to work out the rules as they go. That slightly off-balance feeling never quite goes away, and it makes every discovery feel personal rather than spectacular.

What surprised me most is how much the story is about belonging. Each of them starts off alone in some way, cut off from their own time, people, or sense of purpose. Trust doesn’t come quickly, and that slow, awkward process of learning to rely on one another is where the book really finds its heart. It’s messy in a believable way, full of doubt, mistakes, and second thoughts, which makes the growing connection between them feel earned.

The contrast between worlds is handled quietly and thoughtfully. Modern life is familiar but distant, while the past is harsher yet deeply rooted in land and community. Neither is painted as perfect. Instead, the story lets you feel what might be lost and what might be gained by stepping into a different age. That tension gives the adventure a reflective edge without slowing it down.

The Time Stones themselves are fascinating not because of flashy power, but because of the responsibility they demand. Using them is never simple or safe, and the presence of the ageing shaman adds a sense of tradition and moral weight to every choice. Power here is unsettling rather than glamorous, and that makes the moments of courage stand out all the more.

Although there is danger and conflict, it is handled in a way that makes the book very suitable for a young adult audience, and it will especially appeal to teenagers. The characters are close enough to that age to feel relatable, and their struggles with identity, loyalty and purpose ring true without becoming overwhelming.

By the end, what stays with you isn’t just the adventure but the feeling of having watched something fragile and important take shape between these unlikely companions. It’s a thoughtful, emotionally grounded story about courage, heritage and finding where you belong, even when history itself is shifting under your feet.

[The Book Bandit · Rating 5 out of 5]

📚📚📚📚📚
I went into Quillan Creek and the Little War (Time Stones Book I) expecting an interesting historical fantasy aimed at a younger adult audience, but wow — did this book deliver. The story opens with an evil force hunting the Time Stones, ruthless in their quest and willing to travel to whatever century they need to in order to find them. And then, quite suddenly, in walk — or rather fall — the heroes of this tale.

Jessie, Tiponi, Abe, and Kesejowaase are thrown together — quite literally through time — and what follows is as much about learning to survive one another as it is about surviving the world they find themselves in. All four feel equally important, and it was refreshing to follow such different people as they each struggled with their own fears, responsibilities, and difficult choices. I especially enjoyed seeing how their personalities sometimes clashed and sometimes complemented one another, and how their doubts and mistakes made them feel genuinely real rather than idealised heroes.

One of the strongest aspects of the story is the sense of responsibility that hangs over every decision. Power, knowledge, and choice are never treated lightly, and there is a constant awareness that actions have consequences that cannot easily be undone. Nishkamich, the shaman, quickly became one of my favourite characters — his quiet wisdom and urgency add depth to the story and help guide the others through a world filled with uncertainty and danger.

By the final pages, I felt as though I had genuinely travelled alongside these characters and shared in their uncertainty, courage, and hard decisions.

*I received a copy of this book from Yarde Book Promotions for review consideration.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️A Fierce and Fascinating Clash of Times

This is an exciting and thoughtful adventure that I could easily see younger teens devouring, while still being completely engaging for adults. The dangers are real and the stakes are high, yet the story never tips into anything overwhelming. Instead, it keeps that perfect balance of tension and wonder that makes you want to read just one more chapter.

Set against the rich backdrop of the Haudenosaunee lands, the blend of history and fantasy is handled with real care. The mysterious stones offer hope but come with risk, and watching the characters learn to use them responsibly adds depth to the adventure. There’s action and threat throughout, including a shadowy enemy hunting them, but the focus always returns to bravery, trust and doing the right thing even when it’s hard.

What stayed with me most was how strongly the characters support one another despite fear and uncertainty. They don’t always have the answers, but they stand together and grow together. It’s a story that shows belonging isn’t only about where you come from, but who you choose to stand beside.

For me, this earns five stars because it’s more than just a thrilling journey through time. It sparks curiosity about history and culture, encourages empathy and discussion, and still delivers a genuinely gripping, page-turning adventure that I’d happily recommend to readers of almost any age.

[Maisie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I came to this book expecting a straightforward time-travel adventure, but it quickly proved to be richer and more thoughtful than that. The frontier setting feels vivid and authentic, with a constant sense that history is shifting beneath the characters’ feet. The mystery of the Time Stones unfolds gradually, and their power is treated with caution and consequence rather than easy spectacle.

Jessie provides an accessible anchor for the reader, reacting to the past with believable uncertainty and growing resolve. Alongside her, Tiponi, Abe, and Kesejowaase form a convincing bond built on shared danger and hard-won trust. Their differences never disappear, but that is exactly what makes their growing sense of unity feel genuine.

A quiet spiritual thread and an undercurrent of looming conflict give the story weight without overwhelming its sense of wonder. By the end, it delivers a satisfying adventure while clearly opening the door to more. Engaging, grounded, and character-driven, it’s a strong and memorable start to the series.

[Books & Tea · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Five Star Read

I thoroughly enjoyed this opening instalment of the Time Stones adventure — it’s a gripping blend of time travel, history and magic that held my attention from beginning to end. Jessie’s sudden fall into the past sets the story in motion, bringing her into the lands of the Haudenosaunee where danger, wonder and ancient power wait in equal measure. The journey balances moments of awe and reflection with an ever-present threat from those who would seize the stones for themselves, creating a tale that feels both exciting and meaningful.

*A compelling mix of time travel, frontier history and mysticism

*Strong, believable characters who grow through shared danger

*A vivid Haudenosaunee setting rich in atmosphere and detail

*A tense pursuit by a ruthless antagonist that raises the stakes throughout