A Cast of Stones by Patrick W. Carr

The following is a review of the book A Cast of Stones, sent to me by Bethany House in exchange for my honest opinion. A favorable opinion was not required.

I am discovering a growing taste for books that would fit in the speculative fiction genre. Although speculative fiction  is a very broad category, my preferences line up most closely with what you might find in Lord of the Rings or The Chronicles of Narnia. The most recent addition to this newfound genre is a book entitled A Cast of Stones, Patrick W. Carr’s debut novel and first in his The Staff & The Sword Trilogy.

Set in an ancient time and a mystical kingdom, young Errol Stone’s world is on the brink of collapse. Errol cares little for the affairs of the kingdom, however, as long as he can find a way to pay for his next drink of ale. When a church messenger speeds into Errol’s village with an important message for a local hermit priest, Errol agrees to deliver the message to his friend the priest in exchange for a hefty payment that will keep him in ale for some time. Little does he know that his agreement will send him on the run, pull him unwittingly into events beyond his control, reveal talents he never imagined possible, and open his eyes to needs far greater than his body’s continual thirst for drink.

A Cast of Stones launches immediately into action and mystery. Many tales begin to unravel the mystery even as new story elements are added, but this one does not. Halfway through the novel, the story continues to grow more and more intricate and mysterious with few questions answered. The reader feels as befuddled as Errol. And, just as Errol is compelled to continue to search for answers, so the reader is compelled to read another chapter. Persevering through the complexity of the first half of the book pays off in the second half as the mystery begins to unravel. The novel ends with the most urgent mysteries solved, but the broader scope of the tale remains uncertain. It is definitely a well-crafted ending for the first book in a trilogy.

Two things would have improved A Cast of Stones.

1. A map of the setting would definitely have helped a visual reader like myself, especially as most of the events occur in the process of travel.
2. A hierarchy chart showing how all of the church leaders and political figures interrelate would also have been very helpful. A general chart with positions only, not character names, would give away a few secrets early, but none of these premature revelations would hurt the mystery of the plot.

And now I am hooked. Book two releases in July, and I’m already looking at my reading schedule, determined to find an opening for The Hero’s Lot.

My wonderful husband also read and reviewed A Cast of Stones. To read his perspective, be sure to click the link below and read his review.

Learning, Teaching, and Laughing