4.5 Stars Out Of 5
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Meets Expectations:
4.7 out Of 5
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  1. JohnDeereGirl
    Plainfield, Indiana
    Age: Under 18
    Gender: female
    5 Stars Out Of 5
    Amazing Masterpiece!
    February 19, 2014
    JohnDeereGirl
    Plainfield, Indiana
    Age: Under 18
    Gender: female
    Quality: 5
    Value: 5
    Meets Expectations: 5
    Title: A Cast of Stones (The Staff and the Sword book 1)

    Author: Patrick W. Carr

    My Rating: 5/5

    I honestly had no idea what to expect when I picked up this book to read it. What I found was a delightful surprise. With an entirely unique spin to the typical story of kings, adventure, sword fights, and quests, this book grabbed my attention and had me hooked to the very end.

    Errol Stone has no idea of the amazing talent and potential that he possesses. He sees himself as almost anyone else does. As a drunk. However, when someone offers to pay him for delivering a message, he quickly accepts, thinking that the money would help him to purchase more ale. What follows this seemingly simple task is an unforgettable, and unpredictable adventure that will change his heart, and his destiny.

    I absolutely loved the setting of this book. Carr did an excellent job at painting a vivid picture of Errol's surroundings that helped me to become much more engaged in the plot. The time and culture in which this story occurs drew me in quickly and easily. Another aspect of the book that I enjoyed was the way in which Errol's character matures, changes and learns throughout the book. This made him seem so much more real and believable. I soon became very attached to his character, and found myself rejoicing in his victories and grieving over his trials.

    My only negative remark in regards to this otherwise wonderful masterpiece would be that at times I felt that particular characters entered and left the story far too quickly, leaving little time for them to truly become developed or contribute much to the plot. I found myself waiting for them to somehow be worked back into the story, thinking that they had left far too abruptly, but they never did. However, this is only the first book in the series, so perhaps Carr plans to reunite the characters in a later book.

    Over all, I would say that this creative, engaging and wonderfully written book is one that I would most definitely recommend, and greatly enjoyed!

    Note: I received this book free from the publisher in exchange for my honest review. However, my opinions are my own.
  2. booklover
    Harrisville, NY
    Age: 45-54
    Gender: female
    5 Stars Out Of 5
    really good book
    November 1, 2013
    booklover
    Harrisville, NY
    Age: 45-54
    Gender: female
    Quality: 5
    Value: 5
    Meets Expectations: 5
    I didn't know what I was really getting when I purchased this book but I'm glad I did. I really liked it. I didn't know that there was another one to go with this one but was looking up the author and found the second one and that there is a third one coming out soon. I've since purchased the second one - Hero's Lot - and can't wait for the third one to come out. The author is really creative in these stories and I found it hard to put them down. Really good story. Love it.
  3. JenniferB
    Canada
    Age: 35-44
    Gender: Female
    5 Stars Out Of 5
    CLASSIC Fantasy!
    September 15, 2013
    JenniferB
    Canada
    Age: 35-44
    Gender: Female
    Quality: 5
    Value: 5
    Meets Expectations: 5
    Errol Stone is something of a misfit in the village of Callowford. His fondness for drink the driving force of his life, the only kindness he's shown comes from a reclusive (and somwhat irregular) priest. When a church messenger offers him a rich sum to deliver a message to the afore-mentioned priest, he gladly accepts, only to find himself fleeing for his life and swept into a web of political intrigues as the tme to choose a new King draws near.

    I'll admit that I wasn't certain about A Cast of Stones (I often reserve judgement on new series) - I had my discernment antennae up about the reader's art where stones are carved and drawn to determine the truth. However, never fear fellow readers who avoid occultic practices by the good guys! These stones are akin to lots in the Bible, because the king has no successor, the next king must be chosen by casting stones that can only be created and read by those with the ability to do so. The importance of the lack of an heir becomes more pronounced as the book progresses. Not only is this king a political figure, he's also the descendant in a sacrificial line, and vitally important to spiritual shields that stand around the kingdom, providing it with protection from evil forces.

    Carr draws a fine line with Errol, he truly is almost completely unlikeable for a good third of this first title in the series. His character development is then truly authentic, slow-paced, and believable. His fellow companions in his hero's journey are portrayed vibrantly as well, making for interesting travelling partners. When their paths diverge and the point of view passes back and forth, both of the plot streams are equally enjoyable.

    Now, I have to admit (and this is to your advantage) - I've already read the second in the series, The Hero's Lot, and I can confidently say that Carr is quickly becoming a favorite author of mine! This excellent epic fantasy series from Bethany House (God bless them for continuing to publish Christian fantasy novels) includes a classic hero's plot arc, political intrigues, exotic locales, and of course, a certain amount of romantic tension as well. We are also treated to hints of a burgeoning reformation in a spiritual system that closely mirrors the bureaucracy and power-mongering of the Middle Ages Catholic church and force of darkness at work to manipulate politics for their own ends.

    Essentially - I cannot wait for the third book to come out! Draw of Kings, I long for you! (Slated for release in January 2014!)
  4. Wanda Costinak
    Ontario
    Age: 35-44
    Gender: female
    5 Stars Out Of 5
    Medieval Adventure and Intrigue
    April 29, 2013
    Wanda Costinak
    Ontario
    Age: 35-44
    Gender: female
    Quality: 5
    Value: 5
    Meets Expectations: 5
    I'm not sure this book is one I would have picked up in a bookstore. On a whim I requested it for review and am thankful I did.

    The Staff and the Sword: A Cast of Stones by Patrick W. Carr is a medieval fantasy that had me hooked from the first pages. The main character is so very human, his struggles are so much like our own — of his (and our) own making, and his depth of character is surprising. There are many twists and turns in the story and I struggled along with the main character about who to trust.

    While not a big fantasy fan, this one was perfect! There was not too much "fantasy" and a whole lot of medieval — a great balance. The church has too much power, the kingdom hangs in the balance and the battle for power takes a toll on the people. The stones and a stone reader's abilities were a fascinating portion of the story and I can't wait for book two to find out how the story continues. Thankfully, the wait won't be long. The Hero's Lot will be released July 2013.

    I give this book 5 stars out of 5.

    Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Baker Books, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
  5. debwilson
    Summerfield, FL
    Age: 18-24
    Gender: female
    5 Stars Out Of 5
    April 14, 2013
    debwilson
    Summerfield, FL
    Age: 18-24
    Gender: female
    Quality: 5
    Value: 5
    Meets Expectations: 5
    Errol Stone is good at one thing: drinking himself into oblivion. Having the reputation of the town drunk of Callowford, his one goal in life is making another coin to pay for another night of loose living in the local tavern. Doing any and every odd job for the advancement of his vice, his ears perk up immediately upon the arrival of a nuntius who wishes to deliver letters to a hermit priest who lives in the forest. Despite everyone's doubts, Errol is determined to deliver his messages, collect his other half crown, and spend a week in the tavern nursing his habit.

    But along his journey, he meets an assassin that will stop at nothing to take Errol's life. Bewildered and confused, Errol runs as fast and as far as he possibly can. Barely escaping with his life, he stumbles into the home of the hermit priest, Martin and his servant, Luis. Once he recounts his story and tells them the messages were ruined along the way, Martin and Luis begin packing to leave. Stunned at the turn of events and having no other choice but to go along with them, Errol is sucked into the mysterious quest that leaves him with more questions than answers. Compelled into service for the church, Errol has no choice but to go along for the ride. Will he prove himself to be a reader of stones and worthy to cast lots to save the kingdom? Or is he really just the useless drunkard that everyone believes him to be?

    I was quite impressed by this novel, simply because whether you like fantasy fiction or not, you're going to love this tale of redemption, forgiveness, and second chances. I've always avoided this genre simply because of the magic, sorcery, superstition, and nonsense that seems to accompany this kind of story. But Carr made this a humorous, believable tale that kept my interest up till the last page. I am anticipating the next installment in the series, and would recommend Carr's first novel to teenagers and adults alike.

    This book was provided by the publisher for free in exchange for an honest review.
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