Unbinding the Stone

The Flame in the Bowl #1

by Marc Vun Kannon

All Tarkas wanted was to live the life he'd made for himself, get married, have children, as generations of his fathers had done before him since the beginning of time. The Gods had other plans, and Tarkas couldn't say no, even had they bothered to ask him. Between one footstep and the next they alter his life irrevocably, and he finds himself plunged headlong into a new world and life, full of magic, mayhem, monsters, and mystery. For a new prophecy has pitted the forces of Nature against themselves, and the Gods are helpless. But when even the Gods' gifts have thorns, their need exacts a price that only a Hero would ever dare to pay. Only a Hero can act, and Tarkas has been chosen to do the things that must be done, with the fate of two Realms in the balance.

Genres: Fantasy

Nook

First published August 1, 2002

About the author

I was attacked by my first story in my early 30's, and it hasn't let me go yet. The more I write the bigger it gets. I am occasionally let out to write other stories, however. For anything like detail I'd suggest checking out my Bio on my website. I didn't write it, though.

Reviews

[Jim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting & well written, it isn't my normal reading. Very unique world view & it has a good dose of wry humor. Definitely worth reading.

He doesn't wander on, but writes tightly. No skimming this book! I liked the universe & all the ideas. I guess my biggest problem was trying to identify with the characters - they were a bit too alien for me - which gave them more latitude - so I never could just get into it & get comfortable.

That's what I'm looking for when I read my fiction books - a comfortable escape. I had to work too hard with this book & never could settle in. It's a taste thing - probably a failing on my end. My wife says I have a low sense of humor & worse taste. I picked her 26 years ago so I can't be all bad!

[Karen Syed · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was very surprised that I loved this book. Tok me forever to read it and I'm glad I did. Vun Kannon is excellent at character development and you can tell how much he enjoys writing his stories. Marc Vun Kannon can shine bright as an author if readers give him the chance.

[Toby · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed it, but the writing (style?) was confusing me more than keeping me in the story. Maybe the book improves on the second read, since I fell that I should like it more. I don't know if it's me who was not perceiving presented information that led to confusing and not understandable turns, actions and discussions, or if the book withheld that information on purpose, creating a 3/4 book, where the other quarter were randomly deleted words.
I'm still going to get the next book by Marc Vun Kannon, as I'm sure his writing will improve.