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Friend becomes foe and trust is a thing of the past when the Misfits’ most relentless enemy turns Elspeth’s world upside down. Through coercion and mind control, Ariel stands on the cusp of his ultimate revenge—and it falls to Elspeth to rescue a former ally whose mind and body have been manipulated to unleash a plague that will destroy all it touches.From the Paperback edition.
496 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 9, 2008
15 people are currently reading
475 people want to read
About the author
Isobelle Carmody
104 books1,738 followersIsobelle Carmody began the first novel of her highly acclaimed Obernewtyn Chronicles while she was still in high school. The series has established her at the forefront of fantasy writing in Australia.
In addition to her young-adult novels, such as the Obernewtyn Chronicles and Alyzon Whitestarr, Isobelle's published works include several middle-grade fantasies. Her still-unfinished Gateway Trilogy has been favorably compared to The Wizard of Oz and the Chronicles of Narnia. The Little Fur quartet is an eco-fantasy starring a half-elf, half-troll heroine and is fully illustrated by the author herself.
Isobelle's most recent picture book, Magic Night, is a collaboration with illustrator Declan Lee. Originally published in Australia as The Wrong Thing, the book features an ordinary housecat who stumbles upon something otherworldly. Across all her writing, Isobelle shows a talent for balancing the mundane and the fantastic.
Isobelle was the guest of honor at the 2007 Australian National Science Fiction Convention. She has received numerous honors for her writing, including multiple Aurealis Awards and Children's Book Council of Australia Awards.
She currently divides her time between her home on the Great Ocean Road in Australia and her travels abroad with her partner and daughter.
Librarian's note: Penguin Australia is publishing the Obernewtyn Chronicles in six books, and The Stone Key is book five. In the United States and Canada this series is published by Random House in eight books; this Penguin Australia book is split into two parts and published as Wavesong (Book Five) and The Stone Key (Book Six).
In addition to her young-adult novels, such as the Obernewtyn Chronicles and Alyzon Whitestarr, Isobelle's published works include several middle-grade fantasies. Her still-unfinished Gateway Trilogy has been favorably compared to The Wizard of Oz and the Chronicles of Narnia. The Little Fur quartet is an eco-fantasy starring a half-elf, half-troll heroine and is fully illustrated by the author herself.
Isobelle's most recent picture book, Magic Night, is a collaboration with illustrator Declan Lee. Originally published in Australia as The Wrong Thing, the book features an ordinary housecat who stumbles upon something otherworldly. Across all her writing, Isobelle shows a talent for balancing the mundane and the fantastic.
Isobelle was the guest of honor at the 2007 Australian National Science Fiction Convention. She has received numerous honors for her writing, including multiple Aurealis Awards and Children's Book Council of Australia Awards.
She currently divides her time between her home on the Great Ocean Road in Australia and her travels abroad with her partner and daughter.
Librarian's note: Penguin Australia is publishing the Obernewtyn Chronicles in six books, and The Stone Key is book five. In the United States and Canada this series is published by Random House in eight books; this Penguin Australia book is split into two parts and published as Wavesong (Book Five) and The Stone Key (Book Six).
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
January 4, 2011
I sometimes wonder at Elspeth's conceit. She works so hard to fix all the problems and I have to wonder if she has the right. In particular I speak of Rushton and his recovery. She does everything in her power to save him from what Ariel has done to him, but doesn't once ask him if he wants her to. In fact, she, and others, keep saying they can't let him know because it might be the catalytist. I say that it's his choice, but what do I know...
This book has a neat enough ending that I'm content to wait until the other books become available. Based on my searching on Amazon, it seems the books haven't been released here yet. Other information I've found suggests that the last two books are actually one book that's been split, so I fully intend to wait until I can get both so that I'm not left on a cliff hanger for too long.
This book has a neat enough ending that I'm content to wait until the other books become available. Based on my searching on Amazon, it seems the books haven't been released here yet. Other information I've found suggests that the last two books are actually one book that's been split, so I fully intend to wait until I can get both so that I'm not left on a cliff hanger for too long.
August 20, 2012
Published as The Sending in Australia/ 2006
Well, a good deal better than Wavesong, which dragged on and on. At least we moved forward a little in this volume. Stopped the plague. Reconciled Rushton and Elspeth, though that whole scenario seemed contrived and Elspeth has set out on her quest, sort of. We also got a lot more background on Hannah and Cassandra! Now we just have to wait for two more books. We think. It might actually be five more books and twenty years. Let us really hope it is a lot sooner and just two more volumes.
Well, a good deal better than Wavesong, which dragged on and on. At least we moved forward a little in this volume. Stopped the plague. Reconciled Rushton and Elspeth, though that whole scenario seemed contrived and Elspeth has set out on her quest, sort of. We also got a lot more background on Hannah and Cassandra! Now we just have to wait for two more books. We think. It might actually be five more books and twenty years. Let us really hope it is a lot sooner and just two more volumes.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 10, 2015
Be aware that this is the US edition of The Stone Key, which means it is actually the second half of that book, while the first half was US published as Wavesong. About the only good thing about it as far as I can see, is that it offered the opportunity for another pretty cover. Since I live in New Zealand and got the AUS/UK edition from the library which was all 1000 pages in one binding, it all proved to be very confusing. I've chosen to consider the books to be 5A (Wavesong) and 5B (The Stone Key), and I see the story as a whole one in two main phases rather than two separate stories.
I thoroughly enjoyed the entire book (A and B combined) and I'm loving the way Carmody continues to weave together so beautifully the three main threads of Elspeth's life. There's learning about the Beforetime and its immediate aftermath and figuring out the lives of Cassy and Hannah and their friends. There's her place in the here and now as a significant part of Obernewtyn and a young woman in love. Finally, there's her role as the Seeker and the quest and the challenge of its ultimate conclusion, which seem to be speedily growing closer.
A book that focussed on just one of these, or even two out of the three, wouldn't pull me in, tie me down and push all my buttons the way this series does. I love all the aspects of the story and I'm looking forward to travelling right to the end with Elspeth.
On to The Sending...
I thoroughly enjoyed the entire book (A and B combined) and I'm loving the way Carmody continues to weave together so beautifully the three main threads of Elspeth's life. There's learning about the Beforetime and its immediate aftermath and figuring out the lives of Cassy and Hannah and their friends. There's her place in the here and now as a significant part of Obernewtyn and a young woman in love. Finally, there's her role as the Seeker and the quest and the challenge of its ultimate conclusion, which seem to be speedily growing closer.
A book that focussed on just one of these, or even two out of the three, wouldn't pull me in, tie me down and push all my buttons the way this series does. I love all the aspects of the story and I'm looking forward to travelling right to the end with Elspeth.
On to The Sending...
October 19, 2010
Okay, seeing some definite improvement here--this one very almost earned four stars, but I still ended up skimming a bit, so I didn't feel I could quite go that far with my rating. Still, Carmody actually managed to make me care about the relationship between Elspeth and Rushton again, and it was really nice to get more of an explanation of what exactly was going on with that man. Some of the scenes between them are so painful in this book, and some are so beautiful, and I really like where things end up with those two. I also loved Elspeth's awkward conversations with Gilbert. And Domick, oh, man, Domick. So while there were still a lot of dull bits in this installment, there were also some really lovely, important parts that...maybe don't make all the tedium of the last two books worth it, but at least take some of the sting out of them. I actually am excited about reading the next book, which is annoyingly not coming out for ages and ages and ages--grrr, I just can't win with this series! I only hope that the next one contains way more Dameon--he has not been around nearly enough in the last couple of books and I am missing him terribly! Heh.
November 14, 2017
Did anyone else think this one was rushed into production before it was really ready? I know that's a little ridiculous of me to say, seeing as this book was ten years in the making, but seriously! At one stage Brydda is in two places at once, and some of the place names have been misspelled, and there are sentences with one too many the's and and's and a's. Either the publishers rushed it out, or Isobelle Carmody didn't have the most eagle-eyed of editors. Either way, it's not a good look.
Other than that, though, I'm both frustrated that we hardly got anywhere with regards to Elspeth's quest, and I really want to read the next book.
Other than that, though, I'm both frustrated that we hardly got anywhere with regards to Elspeth's quest, and I really want to read the next book.
April 6, 2021
always five stars.
August 3, 2015
One of my favorite all time chronicles. addicting, but the wait for each new addition is increasingly tedious.
March 27, 2021
as this is part 2 of Book 5 (why they split this I don't know. Potter books are about as long.. But while harder to read because of the emotion or lack there of... Alot of it had meanings to me that I've been thru. Bit of harsh reality when it comes to love. Not just with main characters but the two in the desert.. As always I love this series. My next two are the Australian ones the real book 6 and 7. As usual I pace myself with this series especially with 2 to go. And long ones at that. Well made paperbacks but still gotta go for it. Still enjoying this series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 2, 2018
This is where I was up to years ago; it's all new from hereon out! (And so far, the following book is killing me.)
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February 8, 2016As most of my reviews of this series, only give a glimpse on the beginnings of the story. I have to share my delight in story, the complexity of the characters. Their developments in relation to each other are intriguing. The whole tale coming together of Elspeth Gordie's quest, as 'The Seeker', her travels on the 'dream-trails' with Maruman, the ancient cat, called 'Moonwatcher'. And Galatha, a black horse and her guardian in the daylight hours, called 'Daywatcher'.
This book is one thousand pages of twists and turns that I loved. So I will give you some insight into the story and why the next books in the series are on my ‘to read’ list.
The Rebels had won and the Misfits have a safe place in the world, still Elspeth is uneasy. Dardelan had led an almost bloodless coup. Malik, the Rebel leader, with a sadistic and mean bent, was to be tried, for his betrayal. They had laid a memorial marker where misfits and beasts all met their fate as a result. The journey they made this time was to see Malik punished. Could he still pose a threat?
Elspeth discovered her fears were well founded. Malik took his revenge on her with savage delight. Rushton came to her aid after the Future-teller Guildmistress, Maryon sent him. Although battered and bruised due Malik’s beating. Elspeth still felt the sting of Rushton’s estrangement from her.
She loved him but he had told her that he had no love left in him for her. When they had found him in the cloister dungeons he had been insane. His recovery did not include his feelings for her.
Malik smirked as they led him away. Elspeth decided to investigate the strange diggings that at the cloister. Her horrifying discovery of an imminent Herder attack of the Land was one she couldn’t share. She had got her herself stranded at sea, only her cry for Maruman saved her. She met the ship fish. It had answered a call from an ancient prophesy that had once again intervened in her life.
Herder Isle was imposing. It was impossible to take over. Elspeth had made friends of the Norseman sailing captain in the hope of avoiding discovery. The Norseman they were captives in this land, just as she now was. Would she escape certain doom? How would the ship fish help her get to the land where Ariel had taken his poison bearing mule.
Again this is just a glimpse of the beginnings of the journey Elspeth takes. She continues to learn more of the Before-timers machines. She discovers Rushton is still affected by the control Ariel exuded over him. Knowing this could she save him?
This book is one thousand pages of twists and turns that I loved. So I will give you some insight into the story and why the next books in the series are on my ‘to read’ list.
The Rebels had won and the Misfits have a safe place in the world, still Elspeth is uneasy. Dardelan had led an almost bloodless coup. Malik, the Rebel leader, with a sadistic and mean bent, was to be tried, for his betrayal. They had laid a memorial marker where misfits and beasts all met their fate as a result. The journey they made this time was to see Malik punished. Could he still pose a threat?
Elspeth discovered her fears were well founded. Malik took his revenge on her with savage delight. Rushton came to her aid after the Future-teller Guildmistress, Maryon sent him. Although battered and bruised due Malik’s beating. Elspeth still felt the sting of Rushton’s estrangement from her.
She loved him but he had told her that he had no love left in him for her. When they had found him in the cloister dungeons he had been insane. His recovery did not include his feelings for her.
Malik smirked as they led him away. Elspeth decided to investigate the strange diggings that at the cloister. Her horrifying discovery of an imminent Herder attack of the Land was one she couldn’t share. She had got her herself stranded at sea, only her cry for Maruman saved her. She met the ship fish. It had answered a call from an ancient prophesy that had once again intervened in her life.
Herder Isle was imposing. It was impossible to take over. Elspeth had made friends of the Norseman sailing captain in the hope of avoiding discovery. The Norseman they were captives in this land, just as she now was. Would she escape certain doom? How would the ship fish help her get to the land where Ariel had taken his poison bearing mule.
Again this is just a glimpse of the beginnings of the journey Elspeth takes. She continues to learn more of the Before-timers machines. She discovers Rushton is still affected by the control Ariel exuded over him. Knowing this could she save him?
April 27, 2017
For some reason, I remembered Elsepth having gotten to the computermachines and destroying them already. I was wondering what the last two books could possibly be about, only to find that I forgot most of this book and aside from two key events, remembered absolutely nothing. Much more of Elspeth's quest is revealed in this book, but I have noticed the tendency to focus on certain issues in the beginning and to cram a bunch of Seeker prophecy elements in the last 50-100 pages. And, in the NA editions, there are only 2 books left. And yet her actual main quest is just getting started. It reminded me a fair bit of Harry Potter how the whole horcrux thing was mainly instituted in the last 2 books instead of being more spread out through all 7. I have yet to read the last 2 books, so I'm hoping the fresh stories will be more enjoyable.
I will say, however, that I have come to like Elspeth as a character much more by this book compared to the first one. She is more involved with people and what happens around her, and she takes more direct control in her choices. However, I still notice another heavy tendency of her describing things in the past tense when it comes to Elspeth needing to know how to do something. Two paragraphs are spent telling who instructed her and how and when, but it is never mentioned in any other book or earlier in the current one, so it's a really cheap save compared to introducing little bits here and there throughout the series.
I will say, however, that I have come to like Elspeth as a character much more by this book compared to the first one. She is more involved with people and what happens around her, and she takes more direct control in her choices. However, I still notice another heavy tendency of her describing things in the past tense when it comes to Elspeth needing to know how to do something. Two paragraphs are spent telling who instructed her and how and when, but it is never mentioned in any other book or earlier in the current one, so it's a really cheap save compared to introducing little bits here and there throughout the series.
November 6, 2011
The pace begun in "Wavesong" keeps up in this book. After reading this book, I'm excited to read the conclusion of the series when it comes out. It seems like everything needed for the conclusion has finally been set up, and I'm so glad there has been some resolution to the Elspeth/Rushton situation because I son't think I could handle that dragging on much longer.
These last two books have also left me with a few questions that I hope are answered over the course of the last two books. How much has Ariel really seen? At times while reading this book and the last one I felt a bit hopeless that Elspeth has been playing into Ariel's hands the whole time, no matter what people say about there being gaps in what Ariel sees. What is the connection between Ariel and Salamander? I used to think they were the same person, but I'm not so sure anymore.
One of the minor annoyances of this book is that there is yet again something that seems so obvious to the reader that the book characters haen't figured out yet regarding the location of Sentinel. Maybe I'm wrong in my guess, but if I'm not, I feel like Elspeth should have made the connection already.
Overall, a good read that has me excited to find out what happens next.
These last two books have also left me with a few questions that I hope are answered over the course of the last two books. How much has Ariel really seen? At times while reading this book and the last one I felt a bit hopeless that Elspeth has been playing into Ariel's hands the whole time, no matter what people say about there being gaps in what Ariel sees. What is the connection between Ariel and Salamander? I used to think they were the same person, but I'm not so sure anymore.
One of the minor annoyances of this book is that there is yet again something that seems so obvious to the reader that the book characters haen't figured out yet regarding the location of Sentinel. Maybe I'm wrong in my guess, but if I'm not, I feel like Elspeth should have made the connection already.
Overall, a good read that has me excited to find out what happens next.
July 9, 2014
Another great installment. I thought that this book moved a little slower than Wavesong but it still wasn't boring. Who was the null was predictable but I was really hoping they were going to be able to save him.
I liked the Ines Program. It shows a good side of computermachines to Elspeth which conflicts with her thoughts that all are machines that can only be used for evil.
My favorite part of this whole book was the conflict between Elspeth and Rushton. It's a good thing that after they get together, it's not all happy easy relationship without problems. Rushton's torture, suppressed memories, and attitude towards Elspeth poses a big problem for her as it hurts her emotionally and we see that Elspeth isn't as invulnerable as all she appears to be.
The first half of the book was about stopping the plague and taking over the west coast and the second half was more about Elspeth facing her quest drawing near, healing old relationships, and discovering just how fearsome and conniving Ariel is.
All in all it was very enjoyable and a good ease in to the last two books.
I liked the Ines Program. It shows a good side of computermachines to Elspeth which conflicts with her thoughts that all are machines that can only be used for evil.
My favorite part of this whole book was the conflict between Elspeth and Rushton. It's a good thing that after they get together, it's not all happy easy relationship without problems. Rushton's torture, suppressed memories, and attitude towards Elspeth poses a big problem for her as it hurts her emotionally and we see that Elspeth isn't as invulnerable as all she appears to be.
The first half of the book was about stopping the plague and taking over the west coast and the second half was more about Elspeth facing her quest drawing near, healing old relationships, and discovering just how fearsome and conniving Ariel is.
All in all it was very enjoyable and a good ease in to the last two books.
August 3, 2011
It is a real marvel how convincing Carmody's world is after The Great White. This tale involves hundreds of characters across thousands of kilometres and more of the tale unfolds in this book. Elspeth finds herself in despair as Dragon does not remember her and fears her and Rushton escapes her presence as soon as she enters the same room as him. Elspeth travels far and unknowingly brings down more enemies of the rebels and fights to free the land whilst simultaneously finding more information to aid her in her quest. This is a very long contribution to the series and at times I have no idea who the character speaking is but this book series is truly magical and I cannot wait for the next one to be released!
April 19, 2017
Elspeth and Rushton!!! Oh, be still my heart! I was really happy to read that they were able to sort through what happened to Rushton. I found that this was better written or a better storyline than The Keeping Place, which made me glad. I'm looking forward to finishing the series properly and not having to wait for the last book for 5 years.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 20, 2016
This was possibly the best book of the series so far. Once again, a slow and laborious start, but eventually launched into adventure after adventure. I particularly liked the exploration of the underground shelter, the examination of ethics and philosophical questions, and the underground 'missile centre'. Very creative, and definitely an enjoyable read. Very impressed after the previous few slow burners with stuffier writing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 6, 2011
It was good, but I spent most of the book trying to remember all the characters names and where they fit in to the story (and how they fit in to the past books). It was such a whopping read, too, but i couldn't put it down by the end. If you're into the series then obviously you had to do it... and for some reason i'm now loving the name Rushton!
February 21, 2016
I've really got back into this series in the last few books and despite it's fantastical and often unrealistic story line, it's a world I love to visit and get carried away with. Yay for Elspeth and Rushton finally getting it on and Elspeth making progress as the Seeker and finding the secret messages left for her.
May 20, 2012
I Liked this one better than some of the previous. It feels like we are moving forward with the plot and exploring their world more. There's a lot to remember but the character list and map in the front help,
January 28, 2013
This book was just wow I've been waiting so long for the sending so I've read the entire series again and just everything is building up and the love is building and its just so much great stuff all in one great book.
January 14, 2014
Finally, I got round to reading this!
Certainly can feel the plot moving on, introduction of more 'Beforetime' technology and resolution of some earlier plot threads.
Not as much tension except for certain parts as in previous books in the series, but interesting to read.
Certainly can feel the plot moving on, introduction of more 'Beforetime' technology and resolution of some earlier plot threads.
Not as much tension except for certain parts as in previous books in the series, but interesting to read.
May 9, 2016
love this series
great book best that I got the whole series free from overdrive i really love the books this one seemed a bit drawn out compared to the other but I still really liked and I'm starting the next NOW
great book best that I got the whole series free from overdrive i really love the books this one seemed a bit drawn out compared to the other but I still really liked and I'm starting the next NOW
June 9, 2010
This book was great. Too bad they dont have the last two books in my school library. Oh well.
August 4, 2013
beautiful.
August 8, 2012
read this out of order by mistake, oops. Didn't miss the info from the pervious volume (In fact, it was only when I went to Goodreads to update this that I'd noticed I skipped one).
July 12, 2013
so worth the wait. otho i wish it was a little bit longer.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews