Sea of Storms-Review

Title: Lodestone Book One: Sea of Storms
Author: Mark Whiteway
Genre: Fantasy
Publisher: Virtualbookworm.com Publishing, 2010
Pages: 290
ISBN: 1602645469


From Amazon:

Alli-Kar, a white-hole portal from another universe, rains meteoroids onto the surface of the planet Kelanni. But the so-called "lodestones" behave according to different physical laws, transforming Kelanni's society. With the aid of the fearsome Keltar in their flying cloaks, the Kelanni are being put to forced labor to mine the lodestones. Shann, an orphan with a fiery disposition, witnesses a battle between a Keltar and a stranger bearing a similar flying cloak. She tracks down the stranger, and learns of the technology behind the Keltars' power, joining him on a mission to free the slaves and cut off their supply of lodestones. Meanwhile Keris, a Keltar, is sent on a mission to track down the rebels. She is attacked by a flying creature and saved by the enigmatic Chandara. At their Great Tree, she learns that a mysterious "Prophet" is out to destroy the Kelanni people. Their only hope is a powerful instrument hidden in the distant past. Pursued by Keltar, the party will encounter bizarre creatures, ancient technologies and terrifying dangers. Finally, they must seek to cross a massive storm barrier in order to reach the other side of their world, where a world-shaking revelation awaits.



The rebels are forming and plotting by their leader known only as "The Prophet." The Kelanni are being forced to harvest the lodestones. When Keris, a Keltar questioning her work for "The Prohpet," learns that the Kelanni people are in more trouble than is realized, she sets out to find a way to save them. The journey takes a group of five, including Keris, Shann-a village girl, and Boxx-a creature with powers, on an adventure that will reveal astonishing truths and dangerous encounters.

Author Mark Whiteway makes his novel debut with the first book in his Lodestone series. He creates a fantastical world that is easy to get sucked into. The plot is unique and easily keeps the attention of the reader. Whiteway's writing is smooth and consistent. It has the simplicity to hold the attention of kids and teens while weaving in ideas to appeal to adults as well. The characters more than simple creations. Whiteway creates characters that the reader will love and root for. This is the first book in a series that will surely be loved by children, teens, and adults!


My rating: 4 lattes due to page-turning intrigue, excellent writing, and thrilling adventure! What a fun read!



*This book was given to me for review courtesy of author Mark Whiteway. Thanks Mark!