Kathi is having a contest in conjunction with her blog tour, so read to the bottom to learn how to enter–the grand prize is a Kindle–I know, I wish I could enter!
Sixteen-year-old Tag can’t believe he’s in this much trouble. He’s not actually a member of the gang known as the Primes-all he did was spray paint some graffiti that caught their attention. In all honesty, ever since his dad and brother left, Tag just wants to be alone. And it’s certainly not his fault that the Primes nearly beat up his goofy cousin, Ethan. But his mom is furious about these gang-related activities and insists that Tag spend the whole summer at his grandpa’s lakeside cabin, which is not Tag’s idea of a good time. So he does what any self-respecting teenager would do: run away. But he doesn’t get far before he encounters three strange men carrying an even stranger object-a stone that glows with radiant light as bright as a thousand sparklers.
Tag doesn’t steal the stone-not exactly. He feels like he is supposed to take it. But he doesn’t expect the stone to transport him through space and time to a place he’s never seen before-a place that looks an awful lot like the ancient lands described in the Book of Mormon. And he definitely doesn’t expect to join Sabirah, the entrancing daughter of Samuel the Lamanite, on a quest to rescue her father and brother from the evil King Jacob. And he absolutely doesn’t expect to be captured by Jacob’s minions and prepared as a sacrifice to the evil idol of the city. But just as Tag faces his death, a terrible storm begins to break, and the ground cracks into jagged pieces. And he’s not sure which event will impact his life more: his captor’s knife coming at his body, the violent tempest sweeping the land . . . Or the men who later appear, glowing even more brightly than the traveler’s stone.
I read Kathi’s previous Book of Mormon time-traveler story, so I knew I was going to enjoy this one, and I wasn’t at all disappointed. Tag wears makeup and black clothes because he wants a little rebellion, but not enough to actually get into trouble (if you don’t count his, um, efforts at giving beautiful artwork to the community, aka vandalism). He’s a good kid making decisions that could easily take him somewhere he doesn’t want to be. Then he re-appropriates the strange glowing stone and finds himself in another place and time.
Tag is adaptable, courageous, and a little confused, but very likable. The plot moves quickly, provides plenty of action and provides just enough historical context to keep the reader immersed in the story without feeling like the plot was contrived to show off how much research the writer did (a major irritation of mine when it comes to historical books). Instead it felt genuine and intrigued me.
Here’s the book trailer:
And here’s the info for the contest:
The Stone Traveler – Blog Tour Contest When: Weekdays in September. Important Rule: Leave a comment on “every” site on the tour. Monday through Friday commenter names will be collected from the blog tour. On Saturday a name will be drawn to win a prize that includes a very cuddly toy jaguar; a stone necklace; and chocolates with the flavor of South America—real cacao and chili. The winner will be announced on the following Monday.
The GRAND prize for The Stone Traveler blog tour will be a (drumroll, please) Kindle. The cutoff to be eligible is midnight on September 30. The winner will be announced October 4th. If you find the tour midway through and want to participate, you can still go back and comment on every blog simply by going to www.kathiswritingnook.com. Starting in September the sidebar will list each stop on the tour as they are posted, making it very easy to click to any of the sites and leave a comment. AND even if you’ve already won one of the weekly drawings, your name will still go in the jar for the Kindle.
You can learn more about the author and where else to stop on the blog tour at her blog.
Sounds intriguing. I may have to look this one up.
Hey, does his name have anything to do with his artistic hobby?
I've read other great reviews about the character Tag, and it makes me more excited to read it! Characters are the best part of novels (I think) and I'm glad he's so likeable.
Ben, strangely enough, Tag is the name on his birth certificate–though the book states that people think it's just a nickname (a fact that Tag finds amusing).
Thanks to everyone for popping by my blog!
Sometimes I enjoy time travel book, sometimes I don't, but this one at least has me intrigued.
Great review Heather! I'm so excited to read the book! I'm just about ready to dive in. =D
It has been a great book so far I am not done though!! I have a hard time putting it down!
I can't wait to get this book. When I'm done with it, I'm going to give it to my grandson who is 14 to read. He'll love it.
I am so excited about the release of the Stone Traveler! It was fantastic – several of my friends have been convinced by me into reading it!
It sounds so good!
Besides the good reviews of Kathi's book, I like to meet other writerly bloggers. Thanks for the review, and good to 'meet' you. Have a great day!
Great review. The book sounds like a good read.
Love the review and this journey Kathi created that provides me with new blogger friends! Thanks for the review!
I think the book sounds amazing!
Hot dang! Cool book, and I want a Kindle, bad!
I'm a little late joining the contest, but count me in! LOL Hey Heather, you should put your follower list up higher so it's easier to find! LOL I'm a follower now. You should come by mine some time!
I just finished this over the weekend and reviewed it today! 😉 Great review! I'm glad you enjoyed it!
That was a wonderful review Heather. You gave a perfect picture of Tag.
I really enjoyed The Stone Traveler. Thanks for posting your thoughts about it as well. Thanks, Heather!
Great contest. I'm excited to pick up this book.
Thanks for the review!
Sounds like a fun and visual read.
Is it bad that I want a bid sparkly stone too! I keep reading about it. I'm thinking this book sounds like a pretty cool adventure.
I'd love to read it just because you recommend it:)
I didn't realize there was a book trailer. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for your review. I'm definitely going to check it out. :o)
Wow, I made it. Google played me up and I could not leave a comment before now. OK. Catch my breath. Kathi has had us up hills and down vales, across a desert and well, you know everywhere.
I have enjoyed the rest here on your blog, and love your review, thanks.
I loved this book. Thanks for the review!
Added this book to my list. And I can't wait to meet Tag.
Still super excited to read this book!
Tag's a great character!
And awesome contest, Kathi!