What do you think?
Rate this book
The Message in the Painted Rock
"The story is engaging, the suspense is authentic, and his characters are industrious, accessible, and great role models for the target audience." –Authors Reading
“Arthur, is that what I think it is?” she gasped.
Summer vacation for Arthur and Marya takes a very strange turn when a weird old man with a long white beard draws the two friends into an ancient mystery that they must solve in order to recover a magical artifact from the distant past. They soon learn that they are not the only ones who seek this relic; closing in on them are powerful evil forces that will stop at nothing to get their hands on it. With help from some very unlikely sources, Arthur and Marya unravel clues that lead them to their goal, only to discover that it is protected by creatures they never imagined. When they find themselves deep underground, with time running out and with nothing to rely on but their own courage and trust in each other, the teenagers must vanquish inhuman forces if they want to get out alive.
155 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 3, 2019
86 people are currently reading
335 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
October 25, 2019
How I read this: Free ebook copy received through NetGalley
This is a very traditional kind of middle grade story with an old-world sort of feel which is quite nice to read, although the story is a little bit anticlimactic.
I did like the feel very much. The story nails it just right - it feels so much like the books I read when I was a kid. There's just something indescribable in that, and I'm sure you know what I mean. And even though it's set in the present day, even phones are mentioned, everything has the old days' quaintness to it. Maybe it's the small town and life is still like that in smaller places. Or maybe the author just wanted to give it that vibe. But I loved it. It's a great world to escape to.
But there were a few things that fell just a little flat for me. One is that Arthur, the main character, is an incredibly upstanding boy - maybe even too much so. I feel like real life boys might have trouble relating to him. Not many preteen boys keep their room tidy 'as a pin', read books with a dictionary to challenge themselves and ask everyone how they can be helpful and how their day went. In fact, not many adults are this great at any of those things. I'm not sure I know anyone like that. More than that, this boy rationalizes his decisions (very well) and isn't afraid of truly scary things that in all honesty he should be afraid of very much, as a kid (or even just a human being.) He's just so perfect, too perfect. Felt like a very flat character to me. Kids have tantrums. Kids never care about others more than they care about themselves. Most people never see further than their own nose until they are in their late teens. Some never learn. This boy was basically a saint.
The other thing was that I was very disappointed with the bad guy. There was barely any of him in the story. More than that, I kept thinking
But the story is still pleasant to read and would engage middle grade readers, so I definitely don't regret reading it. It was sweet.
I thank the publisher for giving me a free copy of the ebook in exchange to my honest review. This has not affected my opinion.
Book Blog | Bookstagram | Bookish Twitter
This is a very traditional kind of middle grade story with an old-world sort of feel which is quite nice to read, although the story is a little bit anticlimactic.
I did like the feel very much. The story nails it just right - it feels so much like the books I read when I was a kid. There's just something indescribable in that, and I'm sure you know what I mean. And even though it's set in the present day, even phones are mentioned, everything has the old days' quaintness to it. Maybe it's the small town and life is still like that in smaller places. Or maybe the author just wanted to give it that vibe. But I loved it. It's a great world to escape to.
But there were a few things that fell just a little flat for me. One is that Arthur, the main character, is an incredibly upstanding boy - maybe even too much so. I feel like real life boys might have trouble relating to him. Not many preteen boys keep their room tidy 'as a pin', read books with a dictionary to challenge themselves and ask everyone how they can be helpful and how their day went. In fact, not many adults are this great at any of those things. I'm not sure I know anyone like that. More than that, this boy rationalizes his decisions (very well) and isn't afraid of truly scary things that in all honesty he should be afraid of very much, as a kid (or even just a human being.) He's just so perfect, too perfect. Felt like a very flat character to me. Kids have tantrums. Kids never care about others more than they care about themselves. Most people never see further than their own nose until they are in their late teens. Some never learn. This boy was basically a saint.
The other thing was that I was very disappointed with the bad guy. There was barely any of him in the story. More than that, I kept thinking
But the story is still pleasant to read and would engage middle grade readers, so I definitely don't regret reading it. It was sweet.
I thank the publisher for giving me a free copy of the ebook in exchange to my honest review. This has not affected my opinion.
Book Blog | Bookstagram | Bookish Twitter
November 9, 2019
This was a fun book to read. I loved the magic and how legends were linked into this story. The characters had a great dynamic with each other, and it was enjoyable getting to know them. I did feel that the main character, Arthur, felt flat. He was a perfect character and we never got to see any flaws from him. The dialogue also felt a bit unnatural to me. The setting was great however and gave the entire story a fantastic backdrop. I loved seeing the two main characters work together to solve the mystery and it appears that they will have many fun and exciting adventures in the future.
I received a copy from a Goodreads giveaway.
I received a copy from a Goodreads giveaway.
November 22, 2019
Arthur is thirteen years old and bored. School has closed and all his friends have gone on vacation with their parents. So he knows it will be a dull summer. He goes over to a neighbor who he does errands for. She has asked his mother to have him come over. David is surprise to meet his neighbor’s granddaughter Marya. He has been asked to show Marya the sights of the town. They end up at painted rock’s small cave due to rain. Arthur shows her the pictographs on the wall of it. When the rain stops, they go home. On the next day, Arthur and Marya go back to the painted rock to see if they can figure out what it means. They are surprised by a very old man who tells them that there are powerful, evil people who want an ancient relic. They must find the ancient relic first and protect it. Will they be able to?
It is a captivating story. It depicts small town living. The novel is a mystery filled with adventure. The main characters are terrific.. they learn how important communication is especially when things seem to be going wrong. It is a combination of the King Arthur’s legend, and Spanish conquistadors. They must learn to overcome their fears. I thinks that they also learned to appreciate the wonder around them. I was completely involved with them while they were trying to solve the mystery and on their adventures. It is not just a book for children but a book for all ages!
Disclaimer: I received an arc of this book from the author/publisher from Netgalley. I wasn’t obligated to write a favorable review or any review at all. The opinions expressed are strictly my own.
It is a captivating story. It depicts small town living. The novel is a mystery filled with adventure. The main characters are terrific.. they learn how important communication is especially when things seem to be going wrong. It is a combination of the King Arthur’s legend, and Spanish conquistadors. They must learn to overcome their fears. I thinks that they also learned to appreciate the wonder around them. I was completely involved with them while they were trying to solve the mystery and on their adventures. It is not just a book for children but a book for all ages!
Disclaimer: I received an arc of this book from the author/publisher from Netgalley. I wasn’t obligated to write a favorable review or any review at all. The opinions expressed are strictly my own.
November 11, 2019
This enchanted tale brings out the kid in me. I remember magic, dragons, knights and legendary adventures written in many wonderful books. Arthur is a young teen living in Coronado Springs. On a quest with his buddies he experiences something that no one else did. Was it his imagination? School has ended and his buddies leave him for family vacations. Arthur doesn’t know what to do with himself until and unexpected visitor comes to town. Mrs. Flores granddaughter Marya has come from California to spend some time with her. Mrs. Flores introduces Arthur to Marya, telling her that Arthur is known for his adventures. This peaks Marya’s interest. Soon Arthur and Marya join forces for an adventure filled with mystery, ghosts, and legends. To help Arthur and Marya on their adventure are Dr. Chomsky, Elliot and a big black crow named Alexander. Skeleton Rock is where Arthur and Marya’s adventure begins with a special key which opens up a delightful world of magic, mystery, danger, and intrigue. Arthur will have quite a story to tell his friends when they return. I recommend this book to any and all young of heart.
October 4, 2019
Thank you so much NetGalley, Black Rose Writing and Tom Blanton for this arc in exchange for an honest review! All thoughts expressed in this review are solely my own.
Yes, yes, yes! I will not go into detail while giving my review of this book because I am afraid that I will literally spoil everything, but this book is great (when looking at the intended audience, of course, even though I am 22 and enjoyed it a lot as well). The story, the writing, the characters... There is nothing that I thought should be different. I encourage everybody to give this book a go, perhaps even read it to some younger children that want to expand their interests, because this book should get a lot more attention.
Yes, yes, yes! I will not go into detail while giving my review of this book because I am afraid that I will literally spoil everything, but this book is great (when looking at the intended audience, of course, even though I am 22 and enjoyed it a lot as well). The story, the writing, the characters... There is nothing that I thought should be different. I encourage everybody to give this book a go, perhaps even read it to some younger children that want to expand their interests, because this book should get a lot more attention.
April 2, 2020
BOOK REVIEW
Overall Rating = 4.13
Storyline & Concept = 5
Writing & Delivery = 4
Cover Marketability = 4
Editorial = 3.5
When Arthur Kincaid meets Marya Zamora, a neighbor’s visiting granddaughter, his first reaction is that at least summer vacation won’t be boring even though all his friends are out of town. He never imagines the adventure that will arise from their close observation of an ancient pictograph on the walls of a rock shelter.
The plot and characters are nicely crafted, and Alexander the crow provides just the right touch of humor and snarkiness. Blanton leaves us in little doubt that there are more adventures and mysteries to solve for Arthur and Marya, so let’s hope that the next installment comes sooner rather than later.
Sublime Line: “A fun commingling of Arthurian legend, Spanish conquistadors, and small-town Texas that encourages young readers to overcome their fears and to see the wonder that’s all around them.”
Overall Rating = 4.13
Storyline & Concept = 5
Writing & Delivery = 4
Cover Marketability = 4
Editorial = 3.5
When Arthur Kincaid meets Marya Zamora, a neighbor’s visiting granddaughter, his first reaction is that at least summer vacation won’t be boring even though all his friends are out of town. He never imagines the adventure that will arise from their close observation of an ancient pictograph on the walls of a rock shelter.
The plot and characters are nicely crafted, and Alexander the crow provides just the right touch of humor and snarkiness. Blanton leaves us in little doubt that there are more adventures and mysteries to solve for Arthur and Marya, so let’s hope that the next installment comes sooner rather than later.
Sublime Line: “A fun commingling of Arthurian legend, Spanish conquistadors, and small-town Texas that encourages young readers to overcome their fears and to see the wonder that’s all around them.”
November 23, 2022
I didn’t love this. I enjoyed the plot; I think it’s a fun story for kiddos. The writing was truly just not it for me. It felt like it was written in a way I would’ve written a book in middle school: trying to use random advanced vocab words, unnatural syntax, and weird formal contractions like “mustn’t” on a consistent basis.
I tried to read from the pov of one of my students, and I think some of them may enjoy this, but I think it may be a bit of an immature writing style for even them. I don’t think I’m going to read the next one because it’s really just not worth it to me.
I tried to read from the pov of one of my students, and I think some of them may enjoy this, but I think it may be a bit of an immature writing style for even them. I don’t think I’m going to read the next one because it’s really just not worth it to me.
July 22, 2024
Summer adventure
Two thirteen year olds have a magical summer adventure: exploring a mural painted on a rock wall, finding a diary dated 1598, meeting a friendly dragon, learning about King Arthur, and fighting an evil wizard.
The story is fun. The kids are just a bit too perfect (as all good role models are) but believable. A fun fast read for a lazy afternoon. Yes it was written for young adults but, this old woman enjoyed every bit of it.
Two thirteen year olds have a magical summer adventure: exploring a mural painted on a rock wall, finding a diary dated 1598, meeting a friendly dragon, learning about King Arthur, and fighting an evil wizard.
The story is fun. The kids are just a bit too perfect (as all good role models are) but believable. A fun fast read for a lazy afternoon. Yes it was written for young adults but, this old woman enjoyed every bit of it.
October 15, 2025
Tom Blanton blends mystery, mythology, and courage in this YA adventure romp! When friends Arthur and Marya stumble into an ancient quest during their summer vacation, they’re thrust into a struggle against dark forces to recover a long-hidden relic. Blanton paces at a brisk clip and runs the tension high as the kids follow cryptic clues, make strange allies, and face down wacky creatures. A great read for all ages, as long as they love a touch of magic in their adventure tales.
August 24, 2020
I won this book in a goodreads drawing.
A kid named author, living in a small town in Texas, meets a girl named Maria.(Like the wind). They get invited to the house of a mysterious old man, who sends them on a quest. The quest is filled with puzzles, magic, dragons, and a talking crow.
Funny, exciting, and very entertaining.
A kid named author, living in a small town in Texas, meets a girl named Maria.(Like the wind). They get invited to the house of a mysterious old man, who sends them on a quest. The quest is filled with puzzles, magic, dragons, and a talking crow.
Funny, exciting, and very entertaining.
June 11, 2023
Magic in The Air
This story was fun to read and the action moved quickly. There wasn't a lot of character building, but enough to move the story along. The plot was set up for a series with promises of more mysteries. This story had an ending, so no cliffhangers. Lots of friendships and nice people.
This story was fun to read and the action moved quickly. There wasn't a lot of character building, but enough to move the story along. The plot was set up for a series with promises of more mysteries. This story had an ending, so no cliffhangers. Lots of friendships and nice people.
March 25, 2021
Now What's Next?
Like any good series starter, this makes me want to read the next one. Intended for young readers -- ten to twelve -- the story appeals to other readers as well.
How do I know? I'm 77 and I like it.
Like any good series starter, this makes me want to read the next one. Intended for young readers -- ten to twelve -- the story appeals to other readers as well.
How do I know? I'm 77 and I like it.
May 16, 2021
Let's say I am not a teenager. I am 60 but I loved the adventure these 2 kids had. Imagine being a kid again and meeting a talking crow, talking dragon and a wizard. Oh my! Authur and Marya do just that while on a quest for a mysterious Dr. Chomsky. This is a great read for all ages.
December 18, 2020
Holy Priest Hood Batman !
My only granddaughter loved this story and says she wants to be a lioness when she grows up. Kudos to Tom Blanton for making children want to be more.
My only granddaughter loved this story and says she wants to be a lioness when she grows up. Kudos to Tom Blanton for making children want to be more.
February 11, 2021
It was a nice and fast read. Great for middle grade. I can’t wait to read the next book.
February 19, 2021
Entertaining YA
Urban fantasy for the younger crowd, perhaps. Arthur and Marya have a series of adventures, all tied into the Arthurian legends.
Urban fantasy for the younger crowd, perhaps. Arthur and Marya have a series of adventures, all tied into the Arthurian legends.
March 7, 2021
fab story line I as an adult even enjoyed it ,Cant wait for my 9 year old Grandaughter to read it and see what enjoyment she gets from reading It ,I hope she enjoyes it as much as myself
March 22, 2021
A wonderful story beautifully written. I sure hope there will be a book 2 one day.
October 25, 2022
A good Tween-ager book.
June 21, 2023
Wonderful and engaging adventure, fantasy story. Great start to a series. Will recommend it to my granddaughters.
November 2, 2019
Magic is as real as we want it to be.
This book is An excellent read for both children and adults. It uses magic and the bravery of two children to convey the constant fight between good and evil.
Arthur and Marya discover a hidden cave and magical creatures and looked help them to achieve their goal.
This book is a must read for all who are interested in history and how it shaped our world today
This book is An excellent read for both children and adults. It uses magic and the bravery of two children to convey the constant fight between good and evil.
Arthur and Marya discover a hidden cave and magical creatures and looked help them to achieve their goal.
This book is a must read for all who are interested in history and how it shaped our world today
February 15, 2020
This is written for a younger age group but adults would like it too. This was a fun, page turner story. It is the first of a series so the characters will be more developed. It has magic, friends saving the world, and adventure! I won this ARC in exchange for my review.
Want to read
November 11, 2019Thank you for the opportunity to review this book as a giveaway recipient. I am excited to read it and will update my thoughts on this book soon!
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews