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The Cornerstone #1
The Cornerstone
A great book will transport you to another world... literally, if you're not careful.
On a gloomy Thursday afternoon, Max Bloom enters his local library in a last ditch attempt to stave off an epic case of teenage boredom.
Among the hushed stacks he discovers The Cornerstone - an ancient book tucked away on a dusty, forgotten shelf. Opening the cover, Max is transported to an alternate dimension full of things intent on killing him – thus avoiding boredom with remarkable success.
He meets a beautiful girl called Merelie (brilliant), who tells him he's the only one that can save both their worlds from the Dwellers - hideous mind sucking creatures from beyond the universe (not so brilliant).
Merelie thinks Max is a Wordsmith, a sorcerer able to craft magic from the written word itself - one powerful enough to stop the Dwellers and their treacherous human allies.
This all sounds completely unbelievable. The kind of thing you'd read in a fantasy novel... but The Cornerstone doesn't lie - and the danger is very real.
In a world threatened by monsters, where books are worshipped and powerful magic exists, Max Bloom must make a choice: close The Cornerstone and run home - or trust Merelie, become a Wordsmith, and save two worlds from certain destruction...
On a gloomy Thursday afternoon, Max Bloom enters his local library in a last ditch attempt to stave off an epic case of teenage boredom.
Among the hushed stacks he discovers The Cornerstone - an ancient book tucked away on a dusty, forgotten shelf. Opening the cover, Max is transported to an alternate dimension full of things intent on killing him – thus avoiding boredom with remarkable success.
He meets a beautiful girl called Merelie (brilliant), who tells him he's the only one that can save both their worlds from the Dwellers - hideous mind sucking creatures from beyond the universe (not so brilliant).
Merelie thinks Max is a Wordsmith, a sorcerer able to craft magic from the written word itself - one powerful enough to stop the Dwellers and their treacherous human allies.
This all sounds completely unbelievable. The kind of thing you'd read in a fantasy novel... but The Cornerstone doesn't lie - and the danger is very real.
In a world threatened by monsters, where books are worshipped and powerful magic exists, Max Bloom must make a choice: close The Cornerstone and run home - or trust Merelie, become a Wordsmith, and save two worlds from certain destruction...
272 pages, ebook
First published January 1, 2011
139 people are currently reading
378 people want to read
About the author
Nick Spalding
36 books1,391 followersNick Spalding is an author who, try as he might, can't seem to write anything serious.
Before becoming a full-time author, he worked in the communications industry, mainly in media and marketing. As talking rubbish for a living can get tiresome (for anyone other than a politician), he thought he'd have a crack at writing comedy fiction - with a very agreeable level of success so far, it has to be said. Nick is now a multimillion seller. This flabbergasts him every single day.
Nick is now in his fifties - and is rather annoyed at the universe about it, because it gave him no choice in the matter. He's also addicted to Thai food and roast potatoes (not together), loves Batman and Warhammer, and has a dreadful singing voice.
***
Find out more about Nick and his books at www.nickspalding.com
Before becoming a full-time author, he worked in the communications industry, mainly in media and marketing. As talking rubbish for a living can get tiresome (for anyone other than a politician), he thought he'd have a crack at writing comedy fiction - with a very agreeable level of success so far, it has to be said. Nick is now a multimillion seller. This flabbergasts him every single day.
Nick is now in his fifties - and is rather annoyed at the universe about it, because it gave him no choice in the matter. He's also addicted to Thai food and roast potatoes (not together), loves Batman and Warhammer, and has a dreadful singing voice.
***
Find out more about Nick and his books at www.nickspalding.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
February 14, 2018
I found this a good read, with a good story and some funny moments. Plus I got this for free on the Kindle, so all in all 4 stars from me.
I have already bought the next book in the series :)
I have already bought the next book in the series :)
January 10, 2012
I downloaded this for free on my kindle and wasn't sure what to expect. I was pleasantly surprised. I found myself being pulled in to the plot and enjoyed the witty banter throughout. This is a young adult novel and the main character is a teenage lad. The writer has captured the essence of a british teen rather well. I loved the fact that this was a british story and could relate very well to it. The plot was a very good idea and i am looking forward to the prospect of a sequel. There was an authors note at the end explaining how he came up with the idea in the first place. I thought that this was a nice personal touch.
August 15, 2011
The Cornerstone is a contemporary fantasy set in suburban Britain. Max is an ordinary Xbox-playing 17-year-old boy, but when he finds a magical book, it transports him to an alternate world threatened by monsters. A beautiful girl is convinced that Max is the fated sorcerer that will save her world, but that’s not likely as her world’s magic comes from books… and Max doesn’t read any. The story follows Max as he discovers books, magic, and if he has what it takes to be a hero.
This novel kicked off to a great start. The lively prose pulled me in quickly, the flippant tone was refreshing, and the humour had personality. I expected to read a lighthearted fantasy adventure that was genre-savvy and would play with some of fantasy’s most common tropes. It turns out to be a story that’s promising in concept, but not quite there in execution.
“Show, don’t tell” is a classic adage for good reason. The Cornerstone lost my interest because it frequently read like a series of summaries rather than a story that was actively unfolding. The first half of the book slowly sets up the conflict, but after that, it decides to skim over the most important developments. As major events are told rather than shown, it removes the dramatic tension that should have taken place, and I did not feel emotionally involved in the rest of the book.
The concept of an alternate world where words have power, wordsmiths are magicians, and God is called the Writer is intriguing. I was eager to see what magic system would be developed, but it doesn’t have any rules beyond “draw power from books, shoot lighting beam”. Not all fantasy books need to get detailed about magic, but if it deals with a lot of magicians and the protagonist has to learn new powers, developing a magic system with rules and limitations is an integral part of world-building. Magic can’t be an unstoppable force or else magicians would be too powerful to care about; in this story, the sources of power (books) aren’t scarce enough to create that sense of vulnerability.
I liked the idea of an uncooperative teenage boy as a hero, and several characters brim with personality. I found Max, the grandpa, and the librarian particularly charming. The Cornerstone’s strengths are its characterization, wit, and entertaining commentary. Unfortunately, the humour didn’t work for me in the framework of a fantasy adventure.
The pacing is too brisk when there should’ve been more world-building, and it drags in uneventful scenes because much of the prose is dedicated to humourous aside commentary. It tries to go for an anachronistic style of humour similar to The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy. I’m a fan of humourous SF/F like Douglas Adam’s The Hitchiker’s Guide series and Terry Prachett’s Discworld, but this book often misses the punch line:
[Just how many Wordsmiths and Dwellers could be taken defeat before being overwhelmed and taken prisoner?
It turns out the answer was 42.]
The humour is supposed to come from The Hitchiker’s reference, but the original 42 joke is about the absurdity of the universe and the futility of grand questions. If 42 could meaningfully quantify something, it defeats the point of the joke.
Great satiric SF/F books play with genre tropes while adding new ideas to the mix. Max belittles the overused fantasy tropes that he encounters, yet The Cornerstone doesn’t act on its genre-awareness. It follows the “boy becomes a wizard to save the world” connect-the-dots with a plodding predictability. Perhaps the story’s inability to breathe new life into old tropes deserves the protagonist’s condescension, but neither endeared itself to this fantasy reader.
There’s nothing wrong with the classic “boy becomes the chosen one” plot if there are other engaging elements, like with the great world-building found in The Tales of Alvin Maker and the Harry Potter series. The relationship between the parallel worlds is original, but most of the fantasy elements feel like placeholders (insert monster here, insert secondary fantasy world here) rather than a world to get to know. Again, this problem is rooted in the book’s tendency to summarize rather than show.
I’ve been looking at other reviews and it seems like this review is the most critical. I think it’s because I was looking for a solid fantasy book first and a humourous read second. I felt disappointed with how it handled fantasy tropes and I don’t think it contributes much to the genre. The Cornerstone is a worthwhile read if the humour hits you in all the right places. But if you’re looking for a satisfying fantasy read, I suggest you look elsewhere.
Note: Cross-posted from Frida Fantastic. A free review copy was provided by the author.
This novel kicked off to a great start. The lively prose pulled me in quickly, the flippant tone was refreshing, and the humour had personality. I expected to read a lighthearted fantasy adventure that was genre-savvy and would play with some of fantasy’s most common tropes. It turns out to be a story that’s promising in concept, but not quite there in execution.
“Show, don’t tell” is a classic adage for good reason. The Cornerstone lost my interest because it frequently read like a series of summaries rather than a story that was actively unfolding. The first half of the book slowly sets up the conflict, but after that, it decides to skim over the most important developments. As major events are told rather than shown, it removes the dramatic tension that should have taken place, and I did not feel emotionally involved in the rest of the book.
The concept of an alternate world where words have power, wordsmiths are magicians, and God is called the Writer is intriguing. I was eager to see what magic system would be developed, but it doesn’t have any rules beyond “draw power from books, shoot lighting beam”. Not all fantasy books need to get detailed about magic, but if it deals with a lot of magicians and the protagonist has to learn new powers, developing a magic system with rules and limitations is an integral part of world-building. Magic can’t be an unstoppable force or else magicians would be too powerful to care about; in this story, the sources of power (books) aren’t scarce enough to create that sense of vulnerability.
I liked the idea of an uncooperative teenage boy as a hero, and several characters brim with personality. I found Max, the grandpa, and the librarian particularly charming. The Cornerstone’s strengths are its characterization, wit, and entertaining commentary. Unfortunately, the humour didn’t work for me in the framework of a fantasy adventure.
The pacing is too brisk when there should’ve been more world-building, and it drags in uneventful scenes because much of the prose is dedicated to humourous aside commentary. It tries to go for an anachronistic style of humour similar to The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy. I’m a fan of humourous SF/F like Douglas Adam’s The Hitchiker’s Guide series and Terry Prachett’s Discworld, but this book often misses the punch line:
[Just how many Wordsmiths and Dwellers could be taken defeat before being overwhelmed and taken prisoner?
It turns out the answer was 42.]
The humour is supposed to come from The Hitchiker’s reference, but the original 42 joke is about the absurdity of the universe and the futility of grand questions. If 42 could meaningfully quantify something, it defeats the point of the joke.
Great satiric SF/F books play with genre tropes while adding new ideas to the mix. Max belittles the overused fantasy tropes that he encounters, yet The Cornerstone doesn’t act on its genre-awareness. It follows the “boy becomes a wizard to save the world” connect-the-dots with a plodding predictability. Perhaps the story’s inability to breathe new life into old tropes deserves the protagonist’s condescension, but neither endeared itself to this fantasy reader.
There’s nothing wrong with the classic “boy becomes the chosen one” plot if there are other engaging elements, like with the great world-building found in The Tales of Alvin Maker and the Harry Potter series. The relationship between the parallel worlds is original, but most of the fantasy elements feel like placeholders (insert monster here, insert secondary fantasy world here) rather than a world to get to know. Again, this problem is rooted in the book’s tendency to summarize rather than show.
I’ve been looking at other reviews and it seems like this review is the most critical. I think it’s because I was looking for a solid fantasy book first and a humourous read second. I felt disappointed with how it handled fantasy tropes and I don’t think it contributes much to the genre. The Cornerstone is a worthwhile read if the humour hits you in all the right places. But if you’re looking for a satisfying fantasy read, I suggest you look elsewhere.
Note: Cross-posted from Frida Fantastic. A free review copy was provided by the author.
October 2, 2015
Absolutely amazing story packed with adventure, humour and teen romance. So cute!
April 22, 2019
This is an update to a review that I did earlier. I thought about going into more detail.
This is actually the first book that I ever bought from kindle. I bought it as a bit of the test just to see if the sight was legit and that the program didn't crash my computer. I am really into goes to another world books and this one was at the top of the lists.
Plot:
Max Bloom is a teenager who goes to a library and learns that his world is linked to otherworlds and that the amount of books that a world has gives the people super powers. Enter bad guy who wants to take over the multiverse, a female sidekick and love interest, and an elderly mentor. Also psychic battles. It feels a lot like A Kid in King Arthur's court mixed in with some real effort.
Characters:
Max Bloom. The author at least attempts to make the MC act like a genuine teenager. He does ask questions, including the local power dynamics and that everyone should be able to read.
What I like: Hmmm. I guess that it does give a good lesson that knowledge is power and that there are always going to be people who suppress it for their own goals.
What I don't like: Using a quote from my previous review, Wordcrafting should not be telekinesis. it should be able to summon the creatures and objects you have read. Libromancer style. (Yes, I know that the book came out earlier.)
I also feel that calling it bestselling fantasy adventure in the title is tacky, including continuously reminding people that this sold a lot of units.
Overall I found this book extremely well written and recommend it to those who like travel to another reality and a smart mouth main character.
This is actually the first book that I ever bought from kindle. I bought it as a bit of the test just to see if the sight was legit and that the program didn't crash my computer. I am really into goes to another world books and this one was at the top of the lists.
Plot:
Max Bloom is a teenager who goes to a library and learns that his world is linked to otherworlds and that the amount of books that a world has gives the people super powers. Enter bad guy who wants to take over the multiverse, a female sidekick and love interest, and an elderly mentor. Also psychic battles. It feels a lot like A Kid in King Arthur's court mixed in with some real effort.
Characters:
Max Bloom. The author at least attempts to make the MC act like a genuine teenager. He does ask questions, including the local power dynamics and that everyone should be able to read.
What I like: Hmmm. I guess that it does give a good lesson that knowledge is power and that there are always going to be people who suppress it for their own goals.
What I don't like: Using a quote from my previous review, Wordcrafting should not be telekinesis. it should be able to summon the creatures and objects you have read. Libromancer style. (Yes, I know that the book came out earlier.)
I also feel that calling it bestselling fantasy adventure in the title is tacky, including continuously reminding people that this sold a lot of units.
Overall I found this book extremely well written and recommend it to those who like travel to another reality and a smart mouth main character.
November 17, 2019
a different book to the ones he usually writes. clever writer
A great book will transport you to another world... literally, if you're not careful.
On a gloomy Thursday afternoon, Max Bloom enters his local library in a last ditch attempt to stave off an epic case of teenage boredom.
Among the hushed stacks he discovers The Cornerstone - an ancient book tucked away on a dusty, forgotten shelf. Opening the cover, Max is transported to an alternate dimension full of things intent on killing him – thus avoiding boredom with remarkable success.
He meets a beautiful girl called Merelie (brilliant), who tells him he's the only one that can save both their worlds from the Dwellers - hideous mind sucking creatures from beyond the universe (not so brilliant).
A great book will transport you to another world... literally, if you're not careful.
On a gloomy Thursday afternoon, Max Bloom enters his local library in a last ditch attempt to stave off an epic case of teenage boredom.
Among the hushed stacks he discovers The Cornerstone - an ancient book tucked away on a dusty, forgotten shelf. Opening the cover, Max is transported to an alternate dimension full of things intent on killing him – thus avoiding boredom with remarkable success.
He meets a beautiful girl called Merelie (brilliant), who tells him he's the only one that can save both their worlds from the Dwellers - hideous mind sucking creatures from beyond the universe (not so brilliant).
May 12, 2018
What I enjoyed most about this book, apart from Nick Spaldings' style of writing, is the fresh and highly imaginative idea he's portrayed in the book - the power of words.
He does a delightful job of describing the angst of a teenage boy with all it's horrible aspects whilst striking at the chore of the cause, making the hero a recognisable and oddly enough, likeable person.
A good storyline, brilliant imagination and engaging writing style!
He does a delightful job of describing the angst of a teenage boy with all it's horrible aspects whilst striking at the chore of the cause, making the hero a recognisable and oddly enough, likeable person.
A good storyline, brilliant imagination and engaging writing style!
January 18, 2019
Contemporary Fantasy:
I suspect this is aimed at young adults, but I nevertheless enjoyed it. Hey, it's about books! I seem to be reading a lot of Nick Spalding recently - Amazon seem to be pushing him with cheap deals- However, the good thing is I am generally enjoying him. His writing is, although not great literature, amusing and easy to read and he looks at events with a different eye. This one certainly gets the imagination going.
I suspect this is aimed at young adults, but I nevertheless enjoyed it. Hey, it's about books! I seem to be reading a lot of Nick Spalding recently - Amazon seem to be pushing him with cheap deals- However, the good thing is I am generally enjoying him. His writing is, although not great literature, amusing and easy to read and he looks at events with a different eye. This one certainly gets the imagination going.
July 2, 2017
So far, I loved all the books written by Nick Spalding I've read. But this time, it was different. In my opinion, this book was neither funny nor very interesting at all. It was really difficult to actually pick it up and continue reading it, and right now I'm just happy I managed to finish it so I can start a new book!
July 22, 2017
I like the idea that the power of all the words in all the books that exist can be used to make magic. However the lead character is an obnoxious little git who needs a slap, yes he is supposed to be. this makes me wonder whether to read the next one to see if he grows up or not read it incase he doesn't.
September 17, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️ 1/2, rounded down. Still loving this author, but this one was harder to follow… maybe because I listened to it and some of the names sounded similar? I’m not sure, but I still enjoyed myself. Loved the moments of levity via pithy comments by the MC… a few of them caught me off guard and were funnier for it
September 12, 2017
Very good
I give this four stars instead of five only because I do not like swearing, ( I know it is a part of everyday life, but I avoid it when I can ) the story is excellent, and I intend to read the follow up.
I give this four stars instead of five only because I do not like swearing, ( I know it is a part of everyday life, but I avoid it when I can ) the story is excellent, and I intend to read the follow up.
January 23, 2019
Oh dear
I do love Nick Spalding's other (comedy) books but I could not get into this at all. Read 25% and gave up (which is very unusual for me to not see a book through to the end). Maybe the fantasy aspect didn't appeal to me. Shame as he is one of my favorite authors.
I do love Nick Spalding's other (comedy) books but I could not get into this at all. Read 25% and gave up (which is very unusual for me to not see a book through to the end). Maybe the fantasy aspect didn't appeal to me. Shame as he is one of my favorite authors.
July 29, 2020
Really worth a read if you like Nick Spalding
Having read a number of his books, this was completely different. But enjoyable.
It took me a while to get gripped as it isn't as funny as his others - although there are plenty of light hearted moments and it really was good.
Having read a number of his books, this was completely different. But enjoyable.
It took me a while to get gripped as it isn't as funny as his others - although there are plenty of light hearted moments and it really was good.
December 30, 2021
Something different from Nick Splading
This was something different from Nick Splading but just as readable and fun. I'm not a big fantasy, wizards, other worlds fab, but I did enjoy this a lot!
This was something different from Nick Splading but just as readable and fun. I'm not a big fantasy, wizards, other worlds fab, but I did enjoy this a lot!
April 20, 2018
Not your typical Spalding .
I bought this out of curiosity , and to be honest the start made me query my choice , I guess it's aimed at teens really, but ended up ok.
I bought this out of curiosity , and to be honest the start made me query my choice , I guess it's aimed at teens really, but ended up ok.
August 29, 2018
More serious than his usual style but still funny and very strange!
April 21, 2020
This was entertaining but I was looking for something a little more fast-paced. Great world building and lots of cheeky humor - great for the target audience.
July 14, 2021
Light hearted, a bit bizarre and all in all an easy, lighthearted and enjoyable read.
September 10, 2021
I generally love books about books but could not get into this one.
September 16, 2018
I usually really enjoy Nick Spalding’s work and I liked the first third of this book, too, but I lost interest at that point. Maybe it was just me, but this book didn’t hit the spot.
July 11, 2020
I loved this book, we meet max who is your typical teenager - bored, bored and bored. But what he isn't aware of is he's about to be pulled into an adventure that will cure his boredom forever. Slight problem it might also wipe out the entire planet. This was an enjoyable read, light-hearted and engaging.
July 27, 2011
For a bored, x-box loving teenage boy the local library doesn't seem like an obvious choice of venue for an afternoon's entertainment. Yet that is where Max Bloom, a boy with "less purpose than an ambivalent sloth" finds himself one drizzly afternoon. Browsing a book he discovers a curious note which leads him to the Cornerstone - no ordinary book. It certainly makes his afternoon more interesting when it transports him to another universe, one which needs help saving itself (and Earth) from the Dwellers. Summoned by beautiful 16 year old Merelie Max is torn - delighted to have reason to talk to a gorgeous girl, but baffled by her insistence he must be able to harness the power of all the books on Earth to wordcraft. Yes, she's lovely but these Dwellers are pretty nasty and he's not convinced he can do magic.
This book is a comic fantasy novel. There's some cracking observational humour that really rings true, and plenty of laughs throughout. With the main protagonist being a seventeen year old the humour isn't too adult but a lot of the humour comes from observations about seventeen year old boys that older people would probably find funnier than teens themselves.
I do like fantasy novels like this one that don't take themselves too seriously, but that doesn't detract from the fact that the author has created a great alternative world and society with means of travel to other places and a form of magic I thought was brilliant. As a keen reader I loved the concept of harnessing the power of words and instead of having a God having a Writer. The action was well-paced and there was plenty going on to keep me interested, although the plot is pretty straightforward.
Max is so stereotypical, perpetually bored (until he meets the Cornerstone), mouthy, embarrassed by his mum, but I couldn't help but be on his side. The other characters aren't as strongly drawn but I reacted to them in the way I suspect the author wanted the reader to. I'd love to know more about Merelie and I thought Max's grandad was great.
Nick Spalding has two other books available, comic autobiographies but this is his first novel. I have Life With No Breaks on my kindle, yet to read it. If the humour is in the same vein and as polished, well formatted and proofed as this I'll definitely enjoy it. I was pleased to see Nick's teaser about potential future installments of the series, and liked his insight into how the book was conceived.
This book is a comic fantasy novel. There's some cracking observational humour that really rings true, and plenty of laughs throughout. With the main protagonist being a seventeen year old the humour isn't too adult but a lot of the humour comes from observations about seventeen year old boys that older people would probably find funnier than teens themselves.
I do like fantasy novels like this one that don't take themselves too seriously, but that doesn't detract from the fact that the author has created a great alternative world and society with means of travel to other places and a form of magic I thought was brilliant. As a keen reader I loved the concept of harnessing the power of words and instead of having a God having a Writer. The action was well-paced and there was plenty going on to keep me interested, although the plot is pretty straightforward.
Max is so stereotypical, perpetually bored (until he meets the Cornerstone), mouthy, embarrassed by his mum, but I couldn't help but be on his side. The other characters aren't as strongly drawn but I reacted to them in the way I suspect the author wanted the reader to. I'd love to know more about Merelie and I thought Max's grandad was great.
Nick Spalding has two other books available, comic autobiographies but this is his first novel. I have Life With No Breaks on my kindle, yet to read it. If the humour is in the same vein and as polished, well formatted and proofed as this I'll definitely enjoy it. I was pleased to see Nick's teaser about potential future installments of the series, and liked his insight into how the book was conceived.
August 30, 2013
If I put the label `Young Adult' on this book I'm sure it'll deter one or two readers from picking it up and giving it a worthwhile read, which would be a massive shame. So instead of saying that I'll say this is a thrilling comedy adventure of universal appeal!
`Max Bloom in... the Cornerstone: A fast Paced Fantasy Adventure' is a well told tale about teenage boy, skilled in the art of backchat and gaming, who's accidentally mistaken for a magical wordsmith by a pretty young girl from an alternate reality, who's world is under threat of mental annihilation. And I promise you, once this story gets going there's never a dull page!
I discovered Nick Spalding when I downloaded and read his biographical book `Life With No Breaks , which I found hysterical and duly devoured it at break-neck speed. So when Amazon recommended a further book by Spalding, I didn't hesitate to download it. However, `Max Bloom in ... The Cornerstone' was a little different, in that it's a work of fiction. I started reading it with absolutely no expectations other than a desire to be entertained. After all, experience has shown Nick Spalding is a very funny guy!
The book starts off on a rainy day, in the nothing-special town of Farefield, UK. Admittedly it took me a while to get into the plot because I had no idea where it was going, and until the main event started unfolding I was looking around the corner of every paragraph wondering `is this it?' But I didn't have to wait long, as around the 10% mark (I read the Kindle version) it all kicked off, and along with Max, I was unwitting dragged across the dimensions and into the Chapter Lands, where everything started to become clear.
Not wanting to retell the tale or spoil your fun I won't recite what happens, other than say it was action-packed, enormous fun and completely engaging.
Max Bloom is one of those great characters who have more than just one story to tell and that makes you want to see him again in another adventure. So it's a good thing really that fans of this book can enjoy the sequel: Wordsmith... The Cornerstone Book 2: A Fast Paced Fantasy Sequel
Don't forget to put it on your `Wish List'!
`Max Bloom in... the Cornerstone: A fast Paced Fantasy Adventure' is a well told tale about teenage boy, skilled in the art of backchat and gaming, who's accidentally mistaken for a magical wordsmith by a pretty young girl from an alternate reality, who's world is under threat of mental annihilation. And I promise you, once this story gets going there's never a dull page!
I discovered Nick Spalding when I downloaded and read his biographical book `Life With No Breaks , which I found hysterical and duly devoured it at break-neck speed. So when Amazon recommended a further book by Spalding, I didn't hesitate to download it. However, `Max Bloom in ... The Cornerstone' was a little different, in that it's a work of fiction. I started reading it with absolutely no expectations other than a desire to be entertained. After all, experience has shown Nick Spalding is a very funny guy!
The book starts off on a rainy day, in the nothing-special town of Farefield, UK. Admittedly it took me a while to get into the plot because I had no idea where it was going, and until the main event started unfolding I was looking around the corner of every paragraph wondering `is this it?' But I didn't have to wait long, as around the 10% mark (I read the Kindle version) it all kicked off, and along with Max, I was unwitting dragged across the dimensions and into the Chapter Lands, where everything started to become clear.
Not wanting to retell the tale or spoil your fun I won't recite what happens, other than say it was action-packed, enormous fun and completely engaging.
Max Bloom is one of those great characters who have more than just one story to tell and that makes you want to see him again in another adventure. So it's a good thing really that fans of this book can enjoy the sequel: Wordsmith... The Cornerstone Book 2: A Fast Paced Fantasy Sequel
Don't forget to put it on your `Wish List'!
February 28, 2012
Another book bought on for next to nothing on my Kindle due to little more than sounding interesting, The Cornerstone tells the story of Max Bloom, a somewhat typical 17 year old who through boredom finds himself in the library one afternoon. Once there he comes across a book containing a strange message requesting help. He is then suddenly transported to quite literally a different world, where books are held in incredibly high regard and magic is cast using the power of words within those books.
The Cornerstone is very much a comedy fantasy, with constant one liners and comic references accompanying the fast moving fantasy plot. It's not at the level of say, the Discworld series in terms of the weight of the comedy, but certainly plays an active role. The Skulduggery Pleasant series would be a better example as to the impact of the comedy.
The plot itself is original, interesting and moves along at a pace that keeps the pages turning. It is by no means the most complex story in the world, but I did find that it held my attention very well. The Cornerstone is very much an example of an easy going Young Adult fantasy book, and it is one that I have to admit I thoroughly enjoyed. It was never in danger of becoming emotionally involving or developing tension in the same way that the Hunger Games does (to give one example), but what it does do is provide a fantasy story that is interesting, entertaining and enjoyable without ever demanding too much from the reader. So for those who are looking for an easy fantasy read, it is one to recommend.
The Cornerstone is very much a comedy fantasy, with constant one liners and comic references accompanying the fast moving fantasy plot. It's not at the level of say, the Discworld series in terms of the weight of the comedy, but certainly plays an active role. The Skulduggery Pleasant series would be a better example as to the impact of the comedy.
The plot itself is original, interesting and moves along at a pace that keeps the pages turning. It is by no means the most complex story in the world, but I did find that it held my attention very well. The Cornerstone is very much an example of an easy going Young Adult fantasy book, and it is one that I have to admit I thoroughly enjoyed. It was never in danger of becoming emotionally involving or developing tension in the same way that the Hunger Games does (to give one example), but what it does do is provide a fantasy story that is interesting, entertaining and enjoyable without ever demanding too much from the reader. So for those who are looking for an easy fantasy read, it is one to recommend.
December 30, 2012
This has to be one of the most fun reads I've had in a long time. A novel about a world in which books are revered and words have immense power is definitely a winner in my book(excuse the terrible pun)!
This is relentlessly entertaining comic fantasy at its best. The Cornerstone introduces us to a world in which words are the equivalent to magic, and books are consequently a rarity. When evil purple smoke monsters between the universes threaten to put this world to an end, Max Bloom is reluctantly dragged from a library our world into the Chapter Lands, where he's expected to take up the role of hero and become a Wordsmith. The problem is, he's read three books in his life (not counting a car manual), and only ended up at the library in a fit of teenage boredom. Now, thanks to a book with rather too much personality, he's expected to master word-crafting and somehow save the Chapter Lands.
I love the writing style - the witty observations and hilarious one-liners constantly made me laugh out loud, and it's very reminiscent of authors such as Terry Pratchett and Diana Wynne Jones in the way it mocks fantasy conventions. If I have one criticism to make, it's that the protagonist is absent from some of the action due to the switching of perspectives, and the sense of peril is never sky-high. But these are minor quibbles. This is a well-written, entertaining read and one I'd thoroughly recommend!
This is relentlessly entertaining comic fantasy at its best. The Cornerstone introduces us to a world in which words are the equivalent to magic, and books are consequently a rarity. When evil purple smoke monsters between the universes threaten to put this world to an end, Max Bloom is reluctantly dragged from a library our world into the Chapter Lands, where he's expected to take up the role of hero and become a Wordsmith. The problem is, he's read three books in his life (not counting a car manual), and only ended up at the library in a fit of teenage boredom. Now, thanks to a book with rather too much personality, he's expected to master word-crafting and somehow save the Chapter Lands.
I love the writing style - the witty observations and hilarious one-liners constantly made me laugh out loud, and it's very reminiscent of authors such as Terry Pratchett and Diana Wynne Jones in the way it mocks fantasy conventions. If I have one criticism to make, it's that the protagonist is absent from some of the action due to the switching of perspectives, and the sense of peril is never sky-high. But these are minor quibbles. This is a well-written, entertaining read and one I'd thoroughly recommend!
June 2, 2013
Perhaps not the most scintillating, complex fantasy story to be sure, but very entertaining nevertheless. I loved the humour and witty banter, the battles with the bad guys, the interesting characters, and the idea that books and words hold incredible power and are worshipped for their magic (but, we all knew that already, didn't we?).
Max Bloom was a well-written character and so believable as a bored, rebellious, snarky teenager who scoffed at the idea of being a hero and was unwilling to participate in a conflict with demonic, purple beings from in-between his world and Merelie's. So often, in fantasies, a young lad would instantly jump at the chance to practice magic and save the world. But, not so Max, who had to almost be dragged kicking and screaming into the fray to help the people of the Chapter Lands. His hilarious, sarcastic attitude lent a great deal of enjoyment to the novel.
The Dwellers were appropriately horrific creatures with the ability to suck the minds out of people and Lucas Morodai was quite the evil villain. Max's grandpa, Charlie, and the librarian, Imelda, were also very likeable characters. And, of course, I loved Nugget, even with his flatulent affliction! :)
All in all, this was a fun story, and I would be more than willing to read more of Mr. Spalding's work in the future.
Max Bloom was a well-written character and so believable as a bored, rebellious, snarky teenager who scoffed at the idea of being a hero and was unwilling to participate in a conflict with demonic, purple beings from in-between his world and Merelie's. So often, in fantasies, a young lad would instantly jump at the chance to practice magic and save the world. But, not so Max, who had to almost be dragged kicking and screaming into the fray to help the people of the Chapter Lands. His hilarious, sarcastic attitude lent a great deal of enjoyment to the novel.
The Dwellers were appropriately horrific creatures with the ability to suck the minds out of people and Lucas Morodai was quite the evil villain. Max's grandpa, Charlie, and the librarian, Imelda, were also very likeable characters. And, of course, I loved Nugget, even with his flatulent affliction! :)
All in all, this was a fun story, and I would be more than willing to read more of Mr. Spalding's work in the future.
July 10, 2021
I read this ebook a few years ago and neglected to review it, so I’m giving my memory a refresh. It’s an okay read, a three star rather than a four despite the re-read for this purpose.
The story is a portal fantasy narrated in a jocular tone reminiscent of The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, and yeah the narrator’s voice is chucklesome but there’s a problem. THGG was a comedy through and through, with preposterous events narrated preposterously. This story is actually an attempt at a serious fantasy quest, a rather earnest quest in fact, even a bit po-faced, with a bland message about the power of books. So the jocular tone rankles somewhat with the content.
The fantasy plot is a straightforward “chosen one” quest. It’s a bit meta with the book that writes itself, and there are hints of steampunk, but otherwise we’re in standard territory with little or no world building around the running this way and that narrative. Scooby-doo is one of the pop culture references, and that is totally apposite to the tone and quality of the whole. Our hapless protagonist turns out to be overpowered in the end and solves all the problems with the inexplicable assistance of the titular book. Very simple stuff, decently done, but no more than adequate.
I understand there is a sequel to this book, but I won’t bother with it.
The story is a portal fantasy narrated in a jocular tone reminiscent of The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, and yeah the narrator’s voice is chucklesome but there’s a problem. THGG was a comedy through and through, with preposterous events narrated preposterously. This story is actually an attempt at a serious fantasy quest, a rather earnest quest in fact, even a bit po-faced, with a bland message about the power of books. So the jocular tone rankles somewhat with the content.
The fantasy plot is a straightforward “chosen one” quest. It’s a bit meta with the book that writes itself, and there are hints of steampunk, but otherwise we’re in standard territory with little or no world building around the running this way and that narrative. Scooby-doo is one of the pop culture references, and that is totally apposite to the tone and quality of the whole. Our hapless protagonist turns out to be overpowered in the end and solves all the problems with the inexplicable assistance of the titular book. Very simple stuff, decently done, but no more than adequate.
I understand there is a sequel to this book, but I won’t bother with it.
May 3, 2012
I always said to people that when reading a book, it feels like I am being transported to another world and follow in the footsteps of the characters. Howver, one if one book actually did transport you to another world. Would you enjoy yourself still? I can't answer that because it depends on the book. Max'd whole world is about to change where his world may be in danger.
The one thing that I really loved was that books were simply cherished continously throughout this book. A writer was considered a God and magic existed. What could make this world go bad. Oh yeah, something that could possibly destroy two worlds. That could possibly do it. Just stating that point.
Max I thought was an interesting character. I think my favorite moment was when he blushed after being kissed. Awwwww! He got a little embrarassed. Just kidding. The characters throughtout this book were the most well-centered characters that I have followed throughout the entire book. That doesn't happen really often.
Overall this book, I have to say was interesting and I would pick it up again for a fast read. (Since I did finish it in one sitting). So readers if you are interested in reading an interesting book, come check this book out and give it a chance.
I give this book 4 souls!
The one thing that I really loved was that books were simply cherished continously throughout this book. A writer was considered a God and magic existed. What could make this world go bad. Oh yeah, something that could possibly destroy two worlds. That could possibly do it. Just stating that point.
Max I thought was an interesting character. I think my favorite moment was when he blushed after being kissed. Awwwww! He got a little embrarassed. Just kidding. The characters throughtout this book were the most well-centered characters that I have followed throughout the entire book. That doesn't happen really often.
Overall this book, I have to say was interesting and I would pick it up again for a fast read. (Since I did finish it in one sitting). So readers if you are interested in reading an interesting book, come check this book out and give it a chance.
I give this book 4 souls!
November 4, 2012
The basic premise of this book - a magical. book with the power to transport it's reader to fantastical alternate worlds - is probably the thing of dreams for most readers of fantasy. Spalding's Chapter Lands are a fantastically well realised alternate world which meshes very well with our own. Wordcrafting, the use of the written word as a basis for 'magic', whilst not really explained in detail, is also very appealing.
This book could easily have rated as more than three stars but for one, rather significant, stumbling block. That being the fact that I found the central character, Max, to be irritating in the extreme. No doubt this was, to a certain extent, deliberate as he is clearly intended to be an unlikely hero. However I found so much of his speech to be so grating that it became off-putting. In fairness to the author I could well imagine a 15 year old talking like that so perhaps the problem is less with the writing and more with the fact that I am rather older than the target audience.
In an afterword Spalding hints that ther might be more books about Max Bloom and the Chapter Lands. If so I might well be tempted to read them but I do hope that young Max has developed a more rounded manner of speech by then.
This book could easily have rated as more than three stars but for one, rather significant, stumbling block. That being the fact that I found the central character, Max, to be irritating in the extreme. No doubt this was, to a certain extent, deliberate as he is clearly intended to be an unlikely hero. However I found so much of his speech to be so grating that it became off-putting. In fairness to the author I could well imagine a 15 year old talking like that so perhaps the problem is less with the writing and more with the fact that I am rather older than the target audience.
In an afterword Spalding hints that ther might be more books about Max Bloom and the Chapter Lands. If so I might well be tempted to read them but I do hope that young Max has developed a more rounded manner of speech by then.
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