title: The Story of Stone
author:  N. M. Browne 
description: Grade 7 Up&ndash;Two related stories weave into one in this fully realized fantasy. Jerat struggles to come of age in the dangerous world of the Chief's Brood Trove. Though an able fighter, he is set apart from his more violent brethren by his sensitivity. Interspersed chapters relate how Nela, a Findsman's daughter from many generations in the future, learns of Jerat's world. Using a magic stone, she unconsciously sees the earlier age through the experiences of a female Chief Singer, whose people fear the violent Bear-men of the Brood. When this Singer and Jerat meet, their actions bring about a powerful change for both of their cultures. Browne brings readers right into these fascinating societies, revealing them through the minds of the lead characters. It is initially challenging to keep track of the various classes and roles, especially in Jerat's uniquely structured environment, but compelling writing and vivid characters make immersion in these carefully constructed worlds quite enjoyable. The shifts between Nela's point of view and that of Jerat work very well. While the girl starts out as a curious historian, she eventually takes a powerful role in completing the story that Jerat had set in motion so long ago. Elements of mythology, family dynamics, and caste systems fill scenes with richness and depth without detracting from the compelling plot lines. This multilayered novel may be daunting for readers new to fantasy, but fans of the genre will relish the complex, but thoroughly satisfying tale.<I>&ndash;Steven Engelfried, Beaverton City Library, OR</I> <BR>Copyright &copy; Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
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  Born of Stone
  
  
  
  
  
  A Valdir Chronicles Novella
  
  
  
  
  
  By RA Lewis
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  #  Born of Stone
  
  
  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either
  the product of the author’s imagination or used fictitiously, and any
  resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events
  or locales is entirely coincidental.
  
  
  All rights reserved.
  
  
  Copyright 2019 © RA Lewis
  
  
  Cover by Jennifer Stevens for Down Write Nuts
  
  
  ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. This book contains material protected under International
  and Federal Copyright Laws and Treaties. Any unauthorized reprint or use of
  this material is prohibited. No part of this book may be reproduced or
  transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including
  photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system
  without express written permission from the author/publisher.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  #  Also by R.A. Lewis
  
  
  
  
  
  Novel, Fantasy
  
  
  [S