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The Touchstone #1
The Touchstone
It’s no surprise teens Sam and Harry are inseparable. Harry’s ability to fly manifested at age ten—when he saved Sam’s life. Since then, Sam’s made it his mission to shield Harry from danger. They’re being watched by people with an unknown agenda, and their only chance is to run.
An encounter with Jonah Clayton and the group of gifted teens he’s training means a place for Harry and insight into his powers. But is there a place for an ordinary kid like Sam, or has he reached the end of his quest to help his best friend? Jonah’s group isn’t as benign as it seems, however, and the danger is far from over. Harry still needs Sam—who is far more than anyone can imagine.
An encounter with Jonah Clayton and the group of gifted teens he’s training means a place for Harry and insight into his powers. But is there a place for an ordinary kid like Sam, or has he reached the end of his quest to help his best friend? Jonah’s group isn’t as benign as it seems, however, and the danger is far from over. Harry still needs Sam—who is far more than anyone can imagine.
243 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 2, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
March 3, 2019
Single POV urban superhero fantasy with action, plenty of intrigue, a couple of surprises, and a happy for now ending with an obvious setup as a series.
We meet Sam when he's 16 and Harry is 17, and they are staying in a tiny apartment over a diner where Sam works part time.
Sam and Harry are 100% devoted to one another. When they are targeted, they will have to rely on others with powers and who may or may not have their best interests at heart.
Sam and Harry are just two kids dealing with the curve ball life threw at them and trying to make it all work. Their behavior is appropriately stupid at just the times you'd think it would be, while being far more mature at times than I'd give two kids on the run from those intent on using Harry for their own gain.
I liked Sam and Harry, but only liked two of Jonah's "team" (Alejandro and Gabriel) and having only Sam's POV made it difficult for me to connect to the other characters.
The plot is serviceable, with the threats against Harry creating the most tension and driving the story, and Sam, forward.
Note, there is sex mentioned, as Sam and Harry love each other and express that physically, but no worries for its intended YA audience - sex is all off page and not described in detail.
All in all, for me The Touchstone was okay and nothing remarkable, but then I'm certainly decades older than the target audience. I think a younger crowd will enjoy the twists and turns and seeing how things turn out (for now) for Sam and Harry.
Recommended for the 13-20 crowd.
Advanced Review Galley copy of The Touchstone provided by Harmony Ink Press in exchange of an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
We meet Sam when he's 16 and Harry is 17, and they are staying in a tiny apartment over a diner where Sam works part time.
Sam and Harry are 100% devoted to one another. When they are targeted, they will have to rely on others with powers and who may or may not have their best interests at heart.
Sam and Harry are just two kids dealing with the curve ball life threw at them and trying to make it all work. Their behavior is appropriately stupid at just the times you'd think it would be, while being far more mature at times than I'd give two kids on the run from those intent on using Harry for their own gain.
I liked Sam and Harry, but only liked two of Jonah's "team" (Alejandro and Gabriel) and having only Sam's POV made it difficult for me to connect to the other characters.
The plot is serviceable, with the threats against Harry creating the most tension and driving the story, and Sam, forward.
Note, there is sex mentioned, as Sam and Harry love each other and express that physically, but no worries for its intended YA audience - sex is all off page and not described in detail.
All in all, for me The Touchstone was okay and nothing remarkable, but then I'm certainly decades older than the target audience. I think a younger crowd will enjoy the twists and turns and seeing how things turn out (for now) for Sam and Harry.
Recommended for the 13-20 crowd.
Advanced Review Galley copy of The Touchstone provided by Harmony Ink Press in exchange of an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
April 3, 2019
Full review at :
OptimuMM - Home of MM Book Reviews
Well … I LOVED IT!!!!
When I first read the blurb, it spoke to me! Hehehe, ok I’m kidding, I’m not gifted. Not like our MC’s from The Touchstone.
The book has a slow start, easing us into the story. We go through the entire book from Sam’s POV.
Sam has known Harry for as long as he can remember. They were best friends when they were kids, and that friendship developed to something more. However, when a life-shattering accident triggers Harry’s power saving Sam’s life, their lives change.
Sam noticed someone was surveilling them, so at the ages of 15 (Sam) and 16 (Harry) they ran.
Now, one year later, struggling to survive on their own, Harry joins a team with gifted children lead by Jonah.
I need to talk about this team because you will love them!
Jonah – well he is an asshole, harsh, and rude know-it-all.
Maia – the teen version of Jonah who doesn’t hold back when she “gift’s” her audience with her opinions.
Gabriel – he’s a sweet teenager who’s very protective of Alejandro, his younger brother.
Miranda — she’s very laid back, supportive and dedicated to the cause.
Alejandro — my favorite, the youngest of all. I adore him!!!
Sam has his doubts, mostly because Jonah and Maia don’t want him in the Bunker, the house where all the gifted kids are living.
Harry doesn’t want to leave Sam alone to join the team, but after their past and possible future finds them, for the sake of Harry’s and the team safety, Sam decides that it’s time to let Harry go.
Little does he know that Harry needs Sam to keep himself safe.
Since they’re teens, there are no detailed sex scenes, but there is sex. I liked it. In this age, although it’s illegal, teenagers have sex. What I would have liked is if the author would mention how important protection is when practicing safe sex…
I hope this is becoming a series! I loved every word of it! I recommend it with everything I have, guys you need to read this!
***The ARC was provided by Ink Harmony . My review is an honest opinion of the book ***
OptimuMM - Home of MM Book Reviews
Well … I LOVED IT!!!!
When I first read the blurb, it spoke to me! Hehehe, ok I’m kidding, I’m not gifted. Not like our MC’s from The Touchstone.
The book has a slow start, easing us into the story. We go through the entire book from Sam’s POV.
Sam has known Harry for as long as he can remember. They were best friends when they were kids, and that friendship developed to something more. However, when a life-shattering accident triggers Harry’s power saving Sam’s life, their lives change.
Sam noticed someone was surveilling them, so at the ages of 15 (Sam) and 16 (Harry) they ran.
Now, one year later, struggling to survive on their own, Harry joins a team with gifted children lead by Jonah.
I need to talk about this team because you will love them!
Jonah – well he is an asshole, harsh, and rude know-it-all.
Maia – the teen version of Jonah who doesn’t hold back when she “gift’s” her audience with her opinions.
Gabriel – he’s a sweet teenager who’s very protective of Alejandro, his younger brother.
Miranda — she’s very laid back, supportive and dedicated to the cause.
Alejandro — my favorite, the youngest of all. I adore him!!!
Sam has his doubts, mostly because Jonah and Maia don’t want him in the Bunker, the house where all the gifted kids are living.
Harry doesn’t want to leave Sam alone to join the team, but after their past and possible future finds them, for the sake of Harry’s and the team safety, Sam decides that it’s time to let Harry go.
Little does he know that Harry needs Sam to keep himself safe.
Since they’re teens, there are no detailed sex scenes, but there is sex. I liked it. In this age, although it’s illegal, teenagers have sex. What I would have liked is if the author would mention how important protection is when practicing safe sex…
I hope this is becoming a series! I loved every word of it! I recommend it with everything I have, guys you need to read this!
***The ARC was provided by Ink Harmony . My review is an honest opinion of the book ***
December 18, 2020
3.5 stars
Sam Riley and Harry, his boyfriend, have been on the run for a while when they get drawn into a group of people who share their special gifts of flight, invisibility, elemental control, etc. Though unsure at first, Sam becomes an integral part of the group, and walks just this side of the line of being a Marty-Stu. Sam misses this by the virtue of being an inexperienced 16 year old kid. However, the possibility still exists since Sam could turn out to be the most powerful of all the kids because he's a "touchstone", some who can both power others with his ability and use their abilities for himself.
The author manages to balance the two things quite well.
Sam Riley and Harry, his boyfriend, have been on the run for a while when they get drawn into a group of people who share their special gifts of flight, invisibility, elemental control, etc. Though unsure at first, Sam becomes an integral part of the group, and walks just this side of the line of being a Marty-Stu. Sam misses this by the virtue of being an inexperienced 16 year old kid. However, the possibility still exists since Sam could turn out to be the most powerful of all the kids because he's a "touchstone", some who can both power others with his ability and use their abilities for himself.
The author manages to balance the two things quite well.
March 4, 2019
Review done for Will Reads.
https://willreads.com/wordpress/the-t...
I know a lot of people think of YA books as something they wouldn’t normally read. Me? I enjoy the hell out of them. This one? Blew me the heck away!
As I was gathering the information for the post, I noticed that MC Lee has several books with Harmony Ink (a division of Dreamspinner Press). Seriously, I need to check out their other stuff, because The Touchstone rocked my socks.
We have Sam and Harry, the main characters, who are more than friends. More than lovers, even. They’re integral to each other’s lives. When they were kids, Sam fell from a tree and, for the first time, Harry flew. He caught Sam and saved his life. Since then, they’ve been inseparable.
You know the old adage, with great power comes great responsibility? It also comes with a lot of problems. Like the fact that Sam and Harry are on the run. They don’t even know from who, but there’s someone out there that’s been watching Harry, and Sam’s not having it. So they flee to a crappy town, thinking they’re going to be able to lie low. Only…
They’re approached by someone who claims he wants to help Harry train. Sam, being ordinary, would be in the way of that. Harry (love him) refuses, and tells Jonah that they’re a package deal. Only Jonah does an end run, and convinces Sam that it’s in Harry’s best interest for him to take the training. Reluctantly, Harry agrees, and the problems that had been there, escalate out of control.
The world that MC Lee has created is thriving and vibrant. The people that Harry trains with are sort of like the X-men, with Jonah being Professor X, except a bit more of a dick. He’s done things in his past that are going to bite them all in the present, and (especially since MC Lee just signed a contract for book two!), their future.
We have two brothers–one who can see the future, the other who can slip inside a person and basically control them, we have a young woman who can be invisible, another who can manipulate energy, and Harry, who can fly. What does Sam bring to the team, other than a set of eyes when things go wrong?
Apparently a lot more than anyone realizes. I’m not going to spoil this for you. It’s not a huge secret, but it will rock everyone on the team, and what was a target on Harry, has now become a spotlight on them all. When all is said and done, will the team be able to stand together to ferret out the truth? Is Jonah on the level with his desires? Is the group who is after them being honest when they say Jonah isn’t all he appears? And is the vision that Alex has of the future a certainty? Because if it is, well… Harry and Sam better hope it isn’t.
(For those worried about sexual content, it is gently referenced, but not shown on page.)
https://willreads.com/wordpress/the-t...
I know a lot of people think of YA books as something they wouldn’t normally read. Me? I enjoy the hell out of them. This one? Blew me the heck away!
As I was gathering the information for the post, I noticed that MC Lee has several books with Harmony Ink (a division of Dreamspinner Press). Seriously, I need to check out their other stuff, because The Touchstone rocked my socks.
We have Sam and Harry, the main characters, who are more than friends. More than lovers, even. They’re integral to each other’s lives. When they were kids, Sam fell from a tree and, for the first time, Harry flew. He caught Sam and saved his life. Since then, they’ve been inseparable.
You know the old adage, with great power comes great responsibility? It also comes with a lot of problems. Like the fact that Sam and Harry are on the run. They don’t even know from who, but there’s someone out there that’s been watching Harry, and Sam’s not having it. So they flee to a crappy town, thinking they’re going to be able to lie low. Only…
They’re approached by someone who claims he wants to help Harry train. Sam, being ordinary, would be in the way of that. Harry (love him) refuses, and tells Jonah that they’re a package deal. Only Jonah does an end run, and convinces Sam that it’s in Harry’s best interest for him to take the training. Reluctantly, Harry agrees, and the problems that had been there, escalate out of control.
The world that MC Lee has created is thriving and vibrant. The people that Harry trains with are sort of like the X-men, with Jonah being Professor X, except a bit more of a dick. He’s done things in his past that are going to bite them all in the present, and (especially since MC Lee just signed a contract for book two!), their future.
We have two brothers–one who can see the future, the other who can slip inside a person and basically control them, we have a young woman who can be invisible, another who can manipulate energy, and Harry, who can fly. What does Sam bring to the team, other than a set of eyes when things go wrong?
Apparently a lot more than anyone realizes. I’m not going to spoil this for you. It’s not a huge secret, but it will rock everyone on the team, and what was a target on Harry, has now become a spotlight on them all. When all is said and done, will the team be able to stand together to ferret out the truth? Is Jonah on the level with his desires? Is the group who is after them being honest when they say Jonah isn’t all he appears? And is the vision that Alex has of the future a certainty? Because if it is, well… Harry and Sam better hope it isn’t.
(For those worried about sexual content, it is gently referenced, but not shown on page.)
April 30, 2019
A Joyfully Jay review.
4 stars
When Harry was 10, he learned to fly. It was the simple act of a child trying to save his friend, and it changed their world forever. Now Harry and Sam are on the run, keeping a low profile and trying to avoid the mysterious figures who keep popping up in their black suits, asking questions about Harry that they would rather not answer. For the moment, though, everything seems to be going fine.
Sam has a steady job washing dishes that pays the rent and gets them food, and Harry has found a group of similarly gifted people who want him to join them. There’s Jonah, the telepath and father figure; Maia, with her biting comments and control over the elements; Miranda, who can turn invisible; and the brothers, Gabriel, the shapeshifter, and Alejandro, the Precognitive. They want Harry to come live with them and train with him and Harry wants that, too. The only problem is they don’t want Sam.
Read Elizabeth’s review in its entirety here.
4 stars
When Harry was 10, he learned to fly. It was the simple act of a child trying to save his friend, and it changed their world forever. Now Harry and Sam are on the run, keeping a low profile and trying to avoid the mysterious figures who keep popping up in their black suits, asking questions about Harry that they would rather not answer. For the moment, though, everything seems to be going fine.
Sam has a steady job washing dishes that pays the rent and gets them food, and Harry has found a group of similarly gifted people who want him to join them. There’s Jonah, the telepath and father figure; Maia, with her biting comments and control over the elements; Miranda, who can turn invisible; and the brothers, Gabriel, the shapeshifter, and Alejandro, the Precognitive. They want Harry to come live with them and train with him and Harry wants that, too. The only problem is they don’t want Sam.
Read Elizabeth’s review in its entirety here.
April 8, 2019
M C Lee is must-read, automatic-buy for me. I need to get that out, upfront.
In some ways, perhaps because of the added element of magical powers, The Touchstone feels like a lighter version of THE CENTER series, which begins with You Don't Know Jack. And it might even serve as a good introduction to Lee's work, even though it was written after the series. My hunch, though, is that The Touchstone may be the first of a new series. To be honest, it is my hope!
Our two main characters, Sam and Harry, have been bonded ever since they were boys climbing this same old tree and Sam begins to fall. Suddenly Harry, who is much higher up in the tree, flies down to save Sam right in front of Sam's mom. Literally flies. The precious aspect of their bond is that it goes deeper than friendship, closer than brothers; Sam and Harry grow up to become each other's love. Of course, someone with the gift of flight will forever be the object of nefarious attention, and Sam's job becomes simply keeping Harry safe from all the exploiters and the experimenters, not the least of which is their own government.
What distinguishes M C Lee's work here and in THE CENTER series is that the main characters share an unquestioning, indelible, male romantic bond, despite their youth. It is a given within the plots, and serves as a touchstone of joy and anguish and connection with the reader.
Remember that hypothetical question people ask about which books you'd want to have taken with you if you were ever stranded on a desert island?
Answer: ANY NOVEL BY M C LEE.
In some ways, perhaps because of the added element of magical powers, The Touchstone feels like a lighter version of THE CENTER series, which begins with You Don't Know Jack. And it might even serve as a good introduction to Lee's work, even though it was written after the series. My hunch, though, is that The Touchstone may be the first of a new series. To be honest, it is my hope!
Our two main characters, Sam and Harry, have been bonded ever since they were boys climbing this same old tree and Sam begins to fall. Suddenly Harry, who is much higher up in the tree, flies down to save Sam right in front of Sam's mom. Literally flies. The precious aspect of their bond is that it goes deeper than friendship, closer than brothers; Sam and Harry grow up to become each other's love. Of course, someone with the gift of flight will forever be the object of nefarious attention, and Sam's job becomes simply keeping Harry safe from all the exploiters and the experimenters, not the least of which is their own government.
What distinguishes M C Lee's work here and in THE CENTER series is that the main characters share an unquestioning, indelible, male romantic bond, despite their youth. It is a given within the plots, and serves as a touchstone of joy and anguish and connection with the reader.
Remember that hypothetical question people ask about which books you'd want to have taken with you if you were ever stranded on a desert island?
Answer: ANY NOVEL BY M C LEE.
April 13, 2019
Superpowers and the people who wield them, even though only in comics and fiction, have a special place in my heart. The struggle that previously average people go through when accepting their powers and figuring out what to do with them is psychologically interesting, plus there is usually some fun to be had or some “worthy fight” to be fought. But to see that same effect on children and young adults gives an extra edge to the idea – after all, young people are still defining who they are and that is tough enough without “special powers” getting in the way. “Touchstone” takes a look at the pitfalls and problems seventeen-year-olds Sam and Harry encounter when facing the fact that someone seems to be watching them despite all their efforts to evade them. The story is about their new situation as they deal with secrecy, a hidden agenda, and initially unspecified threats.
Please find my full review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Please find my full review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
April 11, 2019
I enjoyed this (though not quite as much as Lee's Jack series). I'd give it 4 stars (though low 4, if that makes sense).
What worked for me:
~ Sam -- I loved Sam! He's confident, vulnerable, strong, intelligent...I liked how he stood up for himself (and for Harry) and how he fought to remain a part of Harry's life.
~ the premise -- I like books where kids end up having 'super' powers, and I especially like when they have to work together to accomplish things
~ the sweet and loyal relationship between Sam and Harry -- they were so unapologetic about their feelings for one another, and I appreciated that they already had that ingrained loyalty, even as teens
What wasn't as solid (in my opinion, only, of course):
~ the way Sam was treated by Jonah and the others in the first 2/3 of the book -- The entire situation bothered me a LOT, and even when things seemed to be resolved, it still bothered me because of why it was resolved
~ Jonah -- his ability to push his way into people's minds and even re-write their own thoughts bugged me. I found it very creepy...and I didn't really like the amount of control he appeared to have over all the other teens.
~ the lack of world building (and even character building) -- we don't really learn how all these kids suddenly have abilities, we don't know how many of them there are, we don't know if they're accepted or considered a regular part of society -- basically, we don't know anything. Right along with that, I didn't like that next to nothing is revealed about Miranda and her life (she felt very one-dimensional to me); plus, even though we learn more about Gabe/Alex and Maia, it's mostly told rather than shown.
~ Maia -- I didn't like how her character was portrayed. It doesn't work for me to be told (through Sam's narrative) that she's had a hard time of it and therefore we should be sympathetic. She acted horrible throughout the entire book, and I just didn't care. Even when we learn more details about the hard time, I still didn't really care. Tons of people go through difficulties; that doesn't give them the right to crap all over everyone around them.
I was ambivalent about Harry. I liked him because Sam likes him, and we see him through Sam's eyes. But his actions and how little he stood up for Sam (in actions -- he always said the right thing, of course) annoyed me. In the end, I felt like he didn't deserve Sam, and I never like relationships that feel unequal like that. I'm kind of hoping the next book might have dual POV...? (Hint, hint) I think Harry would be a much stronger character if we could get into his head a bit.
So, all in all, kind of a mixed bag -- but 4 stars because I really do love Sam.
What worked for me:
~ Sam -- I loved Sam! He's confident, vulnerable, strong, intelligent...I liked how he stood up for himself (and for Harry) and how he fought to remain a part of Harry's life.
~ the premise -- I like books where kids end up having 'super' powers, and I especially like when they have to work together to accomplish things
~ the sweet and loyal relationship between Sam and Harry -- they were so unapologetic about their feelings for one another, and I appreciated that they already had that ingrained loyalty, even as teens
What wasn't as solid (in my opinion, only, of course):
~ the way Sam was treated by Jonah and the others in the first 2/3 of the book -- The entire situation bothered me a LOT, and even when things seemed to be resolved, it still bothered me because of why it was resolved
~ Jonah -- his ability to push his way into people's minds and even re-write their own thoughts bugged me. I found it very creepy...and I didn't really like the amount of control he appeared to have over all the other teens.
~ the lack of world building (and even character building) -- we don't really learn how all these kids suddenly have abilities, we don't know how many of them there are, we don't know if they're accepted or considered a regular part of society -- basically, we don't know anything. Right along with that, I didn't like that next to nothing is revealed about Miranda and her life (she felt very one-dimensional to me); plus, even though we learn more about Gabe/Alex and Maia, it's mostly told rather than shown.
~ Maia -- I didn't like how her character was portrayed. It doesn't work for me to be told (through Sam's narrative) that she's had a hard time of it and therefore we should be sympathetic. She acted horrible throughout the entire book, and I just didn't care. Even when we learn more details about the hard time, I still didn't really care. Tons of people go through difficulties; that doesn't give them the right to crap all over everyone around them.
I was ambivalent about Harry. I liked him because Sam likes him, and we see him through Sam's eyes. But his actions and how little he stood up for Sam (in actions -- he always said the right thing, of course) annoyed me. In the end, I felt like he didn't deserve Sam, and I never like relationships that feel unequal like that. I'm kind of hoping the next book might have dual POV...? (Hint, hint) I think Harry would be a much stronger character if we could get into his head a bit.
So, all in all, kind of a mixed bag -- but 4 stars because I really do love Sam.
April 13, 2019
Pretty good. YA superhero!! One of my very favorite genres :D
Not my favorite MC Lee, though... I'd give it maybe a 3.75 rounded up. What keeps it from being higher rated are two things: I thought some of the dialogue/narrative with Sam was uneven. Like...he'd say some thing but his feelings didn't quite line up (not in a unreliable narrator sort of way—just in a sloppy sort of way), and there were two characters who were soooooooooo soooo unlikable, and they're never really redeemed. Just...sort of abruptly they're not awful (I mean, there are reasons, it's not out of nowhere), but neither should be forgiven as easily despite their stories/reasoning. I spent so much mental energy disliking them and was never given any sort of rewarding/satisfying resolution with either. I'd say that knocks it down a whole half star. Blargh. YMMV.
But the story is fun and interesting, and I like the characters (most ;), and I will definitely read the next book!! Please give me all the queer YA superhero books. Such an amazing thing for teenagers to have to read these days.
Not my favorite MC Lee, though... I'd give it maybe a 3.75 rounded up. What keeps it from being higher rated are two things: I thought some of the dialogue/narrative with Sam was uneven. Like...he'd say some thing but his feelings didn't quite line up (not in a unreliable narrator sort of way—just in a sloppy sort of way), and there were two characters who were soooooooooo soooo unlikable, and they're never really redeemed. Just...sort of abruptly they're not awful (I mean, there are reasons, it's not out of nowhere), but neither should be forgiven as easily despite their stories/reasoning. I spent so much mental energy disliking them and was never given any sort of rewarding/satisfying resolution with either. I'd say that knocks it down a whole half star. Blargh. YMMV.
But the story is fun and interesting, and I like the characters (most ;), and I will definitely read the next book!! Please give me all the queer YA superhero books. Such an amazing thing for teenagers to have to read these days.
April 3, 2019
What a fantastic book! 💜
It was difficult to put it down, so no wonder I finished it in two sittings. Man, those kids! I’m so happy right now.
Thank you, thank you, thank you Maggie! Keep writing! Those characters of yours are THE BEST 💜 love them all. So much.
It was difficult to put it down, so no wonder I finished it in two sittings. Man, those kids! I’m so happy right now.
Thank you, thank you, thank you Maggie! Keep writing! Those characters of yours are THE BEST 💜 love them all. So much.
April 8, 2019
Solid, enjoyable YA superhero-ish novel. Like that the main characters are an established gay couple, like most of the characters, but very much feels like book 1 of a series; the plot arc doesn't feel complete in and of itself. Good enough that I do want to read the continuation, though.
February 8, 2020
3.75*
August 15, 2022
This book was fine.
The over all synopsis is interesting enough - a group of teens with powers and mysterious people after them. The execution was average, ok writing, nothing overly interesting or exciting but not bad
The over all synopsis is interesting enough - a group of teens with powers and mysterious people after them. The execution was average, ok writing, nothing overly interesting or exciting but not bad
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews