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Magestone: Gemfall Book One
Once, magic was everywhere.Then, the magestones were all destroyed. All, except one...Grayson Fletcher has spent his entire life working as a blacksmith's apprentice in his family's forge. He knows his way around an anvil, but he suspects there's more to life than hot iron and sweaty aprons. So when he's given the chance to join the prestigious royal academy and train to become a fabled realm knight, he jumps at the opportunity.
But between the looming threat of raiders attacking his home village and finding an ancient relic with a mind of its own, there was always something to distract him from his studies. To make matters worse, a school assignment inadvertently pits Grayson and his friends up against the evil raiders, and he'll quickly learn that no amount of training could've prepared him for what lies ahead.
But between the looming threat of raiders attacking his home village and finding an ancient relic with a mind of its own, there was always something to distract him from his studies. To make matters worse, a school assignment inadvertently pits Grayson and his friends up against the evil raiders, and he'll quickly learn that no amount of training could've prepared him for what lies ahead.
274 pages, Paperback
Published May 3, 2023
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15 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
April 6, 2023
I really liked the first few chapters, it gave a sense of what Grayson's life was like and hooked the reader to learn more, I finished Magestone rather quickly, mainly because it was engaging. The story was thrilling and the fantasy element was nicely weaved into the story, the reader will find himself/herself rooting for Grayson, his friends, and the town of Tamhaven. Magestone is a book about adventure and friendship, one that will capture the reader's heart. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 5, 2023
“...if this new adventure of yours didn’t scare you a little bit, would it even be worth doing? Besides, we both know that you’re meant for something greater than our small town.”
What a delightful read! "Magestone" is a fantasy adventure story that follows fourteen-year-old Grayson Fletcher on his journey to become a Realm Knight. The plot was engaging and held a few fun twists along the way. Story pacing was also good, especially the travelling scenes. Sometimes authors tend to drag out travelling scenes a bit too long. With "Magestone", this was not the case. Each scene had a purpose of providing the reader with more information about the characters or the world while also moving the plot forward.
I loved that there was some diverse abilities representation! It's something I unfortunately don't come across very often when reading young adult or middle grade fantasy. It was wonderful to see this representation in one of the characters of "Magestone".
The cast of characters was great and included a variety of personalities. Some characters were only present for a scene or two before vanishing for the rest of the story, leaving little time for readers to get to know them. There were more than a few characters who piqued my interest and I was curious to know their stories. I would have loved to hear more about the innkeeper of the Skinny Hog and his son, Keth, and Paschal. Hopefully we'll hear more about these characters in Book Two.
There were a few hiccups in terms of writing. Grammatical and editing errors were scattered throughout, including dropped quotations, misspellings, and repetitious terms and phrases. I also noticed several instances of incorrect word usage throughout the narration (e.g., "wretched" instead of "retched"). My personal favorite, "It crashed into a chicken coup…" (p. 13) was actually describing a rock crashing into a henhouse, not a flock of angry fowls planning to overthrow the monarchy. It did give me a chuckle, but joking aside, it's still nonetheless incorrect. Solid story, it just needs a good look-over by an editor.
This was minor, but there also seemed to be a slight issue with formatting. Perhaps it was just the copy I received as a PDF, but the font color kept switching between black and gray. Some sections would be in black font, then it would suddenly change to gray, making it a bit jarring to read. Again, very minor issue.
On the whole, "Magestone" is a well-developed story with a great cast of characters, perfect for those looking for a light-hearted, fantasy adventure read.
4.5 stars
I received a free advance copy of this book and am leaving this review voluntarily. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
What a delightful read! "Magestone" is a fantasy adventure story that follows fourteen-year-old Grayson Fletcher on his journey to become a Realm Knight. The plot was engaging and held a few fun twists along the way. Story pacing was also good, especially the travelling scenes. Sometimes authors tend to drag out travelling scenes a bit too long. With "Magestone", this was not the case. Each scene had a purpose of providing the reader with more information about the characters or the world while also moving the plot forward.
I loved that there was some diverse abilities representation! It's something I unfortunately don't come across very often when reading young adult or middle grade fantasy. It was wonderful to see this representation in one of the characters of "Magestone".
The cast of characters was great and included a variety of personalities. Some characters were only present for a scene or two before vanishing for the rest of the story, leaving little time for readers to get to know them. There were more than a few characters who piqued my interest and I was curious to know their stories. I would have loved to hear more about the innkeeper of the Skinny Hog and his son, Keth, and Paschal. Hopefully we'll hear more about these characters in Book Two.
There were a few hiccups in terms of writing. Grammatical and editing errors were scattered throughout, including dropped quotations, misspellings, and repetitious terms and phrases. I also noticed several instances of incorrect word usage throughout the narration (e.g., "wretched" instead of "retched"). My personal favorite, "It crashed into a chicken coup…" (p. 13) was actually describing a rock crashing into a henhouse, not a flock of angry fowls planning to overthrow the monarchy. It did give me a chuckle, but joking aside, it's still nonetheless incorrect. Solid story, it just needs a good look-over by an editor.
This was minor, but there also seemed to be a slight issue with formatting. Perhaps it was just the copy I received as a PDF, but the font color kept switching between black and gray. Some sections would be in black font, then it would suddenly change to gray, making it a bit jarring to read. Again, very minor issue.
On the whole, "Magestone" is a well-developed story with a great cast of characters, perfect for those looking for a light-hearted, fantasy adventure read.
4.5 stars
I received a free advance copy of this book and am leaving this review voluntarily. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
April 29, 2023
I don’t read much, but if I do, a book has to grab my eyes, my emotions, my sense of adventure, Magestone does just that. Every character is brought to life in my mind, the way the Author: David Burleyson does that is amazing, feels like he’s been writing adventures his whole life, then I remember this is his first book. Can’t wait for the other installment of this series. Absolutely loved this book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 7, 2023
This was a great book that captures your attention right from the beginning. It includes many situations that cover topics of friendship, feelings, disability, loss and bullying that I feel would greatly benefit the young reader but also covers staying kind, not holding grudges and the importance of bravery, trust and friendship. The book is rife with intrigue and mystery, magic and beasts. The book builds up continuously from page one taking you through the main characters journey and connecting you with him on an emotional level all the way to his brave triumphs and quests at the end! On another note, I’m obsessed with the Magestone who is sort of the second to main character and I really want one. It’s a book you will struggle to put down once you’ve begun reading it. It’s a worthwhile read and I’m really looking forward to reading the next one in the series and to see how this story unfolds.
I was very lucky to receive an advance review copy for free and I am voluntarily and happily leaving this review!
I was very lucky to receive an advance review copy for free and I am voluntarily and happily leaving this review!
April 6, 2023
This was a fun middle-grade fantasy, very reminiscent of the Harry Potter books in several ways. I think the writing is what held me back from a full 5 stars. There was a lot of telling, not showing, and yet there were a few times where things just sort of happened without explanation, leaving me a little confused as a reader. I'm intrigued to learn more about the magestones and their history, though!
I received an e-ARC from BookSirens for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an e-ARC from BookSirens for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 10, 2023
Even though this book is aimed towards middle school age, I really enjoyed it. I did struggle with the time it was meant to be set in at times as it has a medieval feel to it for the majority but then has some modern phrases and words which throw you a little. The characters are very likeable and once Grayson reaches the academy it has a harry potter feel to it which I did enjoy although the friendship dynamic was a bit too similar in that it was 3 friends, one a little nerdy and then the bad guy. The story of Grayson is definitely only just beginning and I cannot wait for the second book in this series.
I received an advance proof copy of this book for free and have written this review voluntarily.
I received an advance proof copy of this book for free and have written this review voluntarily.
September 16, 2024
This is a very well written pre-teen level YA, and that’s its problem.
The entire book is about 260 pages long, but it is as though the writer is was attempting to complete a 400 page novel with such limited space. Every plot beat is finished as quickly as possible, leaving very little time for world-building. Especially the last 50 or so pages which crammed in a climax that need a few more chapters. Overall though, it is incredibly well written.
The entire book is about 260 pages long, but it is as though the writer is was attempting to complete a 400 page novel with such limited space. Every plot beat is finished as quickly as possible, leaving very little time for world-building. Especially the last 50 or so pages which crammed in a climax that need a few more chapters. Overall though, it is incredibly well written.
April 13, 2023
What worked:
The immediate, most interesting, aspect of the story arises when Grayson discovers a purple rock in the Oak Wood Forest. This dark, spooky forest is avoided by the people of Tamhaven so Grayson and his friends explore it without their parents’ knowledge. The piece of amethyst is able to mentally communicate with Grayson although Sep and Malina can’t hear it or see is its purple glow. Grayson eventually calls it Pete, but Pete has no memory of its past nor any understanding of the human world. The amethyst is able to see through Grayson’s eyes and it senses what Grayson experiences. This creates a bit of humor when it pleads for Grayson to order “crispy tates” to go with his meat pie. In addition, Grayson’s horse named Oats can’t talk but the author is able to clearly communicate its personality.
The story is set in a medieval culture with Grayson’s crippled father being the town’s blacksmith. Money is tight for everyone so bartering for services and goods is a common practice. The trip to the capital is Grayson’s first time leaving his village and he observes slaves in cages along the way. He’s surprised and upset because slavery is supposed to be against the law. Grayson’s dream is to become a valiant knight in the Royal Guard, protecting villagers across the kingdom from all evils. Students attending the Royal Academy are enrolled in specific guilds and Grayson discovers most of them come from entitled families. Peasants like him are looked down on by many classmates, including Grayson’s roommate, although Grayson manages to develop a couple of friendships including boy and girl twins. His experiences at the Royal Academy aren’t what he expected but he can’t explain what happens to Pete once they arrive in the city.
Grayson is a virtuous, admirable character. He appreciates the sacrifices his father has made in order to afford his son’s tuition at the academy. Even though Grayson’s roommate behaves like a jerk, Grayson is reluctant to return the negative attitude. He never retaliates when he’s the target of embarrassment or mistreatment from schoolmates and he treats everyone with respect. Perhaps it’s due to his humble upbringing, but he appreciates the efforts of the academy’s support staff. Grayson also finds time in his busy knight training schedule to spend time with Oats. He’s just a nice kid trying to live his life with honor.
What didn’t work as well:
The early part of the book confuses me a little as readers become acquainted with Grayson and his two best friends, Sep and Malina. These minor characters aren’t seen again after the first couple of chapters so why is it important to spend time describing Grayson’s budding feelings for Malina?
The Final Verdict:
This book presents an intriguing start to a new series as the author includes unexplained events and characters that will make readers want more. It’s easy to root for Grayson as he tries to uncover the mystery surrounding the magestones. I recommend you give this book a shot as I’m anxious to read the sequel.
The immediate, most interesting, aspect of the story arises when Grayson discovers a purple rock in the Oak Wood Forest. This dark, spooky forest is avoided by the people of Tamhaven so Grayson and his friends explore it without their parents’ knowledge. The piece of amethyst is able to mentally communicate with Grayson although Sep and Malina can’t hear it or see is its purple glow. Grayson eventually calls it Pete, but Pete has no memory of its past nor any understanding of the human world. The amethyst is able to see through Grayson’s eyes and it senses what Grayson experiences. This creates a bit of humor when it pleads for Grayson to order “crispy tates” to go with his meat pie. In addition, Grayson’s horse named Oats can’t talk but the author is able to clearly communicate its personality.
The story is set in a medieval culture with Grayson’s crippled father being the town’s blacksmith. Money is tight for everyone so bartering for services and goods is a common practice. The trip to the capital is Grayson’s first time leaving his village and he observes slaves in cages along the way. He’s surprised and upset because slavery is supposed to be against the law. Grayson’s dream is to become a valiant knight in the Royal Guard, protecting villagers across the kingdom from all evils. Students attending the Royal Academy are enrolled in specific guilds and Grayson discovers most of them come from entitled families. Peasants like him are looked down on by many classmates, including Grayson’s roommate, although Grayson manages to develop a couple of friendships including boy and girl twins. His experiences at the Royal Academy aren’t what he expected but he can’t explain what happens to Pete once they arrive in the city.
Grayson is a virtuous, admirable character. He appreciates the sacrifices his father has made in order to afford his son’s tuition at the academy. Even though Grayson’s roommate behaves like a jerk, Grayson is reluctant to return the negative attitude. He never retaliates when he’s the target of embarrassment or mistreatment from schoolmates and he treats everyone with respect. Perhaps it’s due to his humble upbringing, but he appreciates the efforts of the academy’s support staff. Grayson also finds time in his busy knight training schedule to spend time with Oats. He’s just a nice kid trying to live his life with honor.
What didn’t work as well:
The early part of the book confuses me a little as readers become acquainted with Grayson and his two best friends, Sep and Malina. These minor characters aren’t seen again after the first couple of chapters so why is it important to spend time describing Grayson’s budding feelings for Malina?
The Final Verdict:
This book presents an intriguing start to a new series as the author includes unexplained events and characters that will make readers want more. It’s easy to root for Grayson as he tries to uncover the mystery surrounding the magestones. I recommend you give this book a shot as I’m anxious to read the sequel.
April 7, 2023
I was given an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review, so here are my thoughts. First impressions, I’d say the book seems like it could do with a bit of editing to flow better, eg. choice of words, not repeating the same thing in subsequent sentences, a few spelling mistakes, incorrect use of apostrophes etc.
The story seems to be set in a past time, with blacksmiths, arrows, knights etc. but the dialogue was a bit too modern American for me, eg. “aww, man!”, “gee, thanks”, “just dandy”, “going to barf”. I understand the use of more modern language to appeal to a middle-grade audience but I think the choice to use modern slang was a bit anachronistic and took away from the story.
The book almost lost me when a rock started talking. Sorry, not actually talking; “projecting raw communication directly into your mind.” I’m willing to suspend disbelief, especially in fantasy, but I didn’t love this part, especially the overly-familiar dialogue that was used and the fact that the author pointed out issues, like the stone being able to understand vocabulary it had never come across and remember things, but didn’t bother to try and explain them.
The characterisation of the protagonists was a little superficial for my liking, for instance the twins Grayson makes friends with at his new school seem to have been copied and pasted from Hermione and Ron, except for the fact that they’re twins. The relationship between Grayson and Ferran began with an interesting premise but did a pretty abrupt about-turn with very little explanation and thereafter they were suddenly friends. This seemed a little unbelievable. I also took issue with using the term “headmaster” for a woman. Surely “headteacher” would make more sense?
I struggle with books that are sold as “Book One in a series” because I find they often don’t really conclude and this is was certainly the case here. It’s not so much ‘Book One’ as ‘part one of a story as-yet unfinished’. Granted, some readers like this, but I’m not a fan.
Overall, I think this book could do with a good editor. Several times I found myself wondering how something had happened so quickly, with very little explanation. I also felt, as a reader, I wasn’t left to imagine much - lots of telling goes on rather than showing and engaging the reader’s imagination. The idea is sound and the story relatively engaging but the style of writing is not for me.
The story seems to be set in a past time, with blacksmiths, arrows, knights etc. but the dialogue was a bit too modern American for me, eg. “aww, man!”, “gee, thanks”, “just dandy”, “going to barf”. I understand the use of more modern language to appeal to a middle-grade audience but I think the choice to use modern slang was a bit anachronistic and took away from the story.
The book almost lost me when a rock started talking. Sorry, not actually talking; “projecting raw communication directly into your mind.” I’m willing to suspend disbelief, especially in fantasy, but I didn’t love this part, especially the overly-familiar dialogue that was used and the fact that the author pointed out issues, like the stone being able to understand vocabulary it had never come across and remember things, but didn’t bother to try and explain them.
The characterisation of the protagonists was a little superficial for my liking, for instance the twins Grayson makes friends with at his new school seem to have been copied and pasted from Hermione and Ron, except for the fact that they’re twins. The relationship between Grayson and Ferran began with an interesting premise but did a pretty abrupt about-turn with very little explanation and thereafter they were suddenly friends. This seemed a little unbelievable. I also took issue with using the term “headmaster” for a woman. Surely “headteacher” would make more sense?
I struggle with books that are sold as “Book One in a series” because I find they often don’t really conclude and this is was certainly the case here. It’s not so much ‘Book One’ as ‘part one of a story as-yet unfinished’. Granted, some readers like this, but I’m not a fan.
Overall, I think this book could do with a good editor. Several times I found myself wondering how something had happened so quickly, with very little explanation. I also felt, as a reader, I wasn’t left to imagine much - lots of telling goes on rather than showing and engaging the reader’s imagination. The idea is sound and the story relatively engaging but the style of writing is not for me.
April 18, 2023
The second I picked up the book, no one could make me put it down. Several times I found myself saying "just one more chapter..." only to continue to read 5+ chapters until I was forced to close it. I am not a reader of middle grade, but this book was enticing and addicting. When someone asked about it, it was hard to shut up! Grayson Fletcher and his father were so fun to get to know, and when he left to the Royal Academy, I knew I would be missing their relationship. I loved the journey we went through, and the length of it. The layout and timeline of the story flowed in a way that satisfied me greatly. While it was not something I would usually pick off the shelves, reading this book took up time it deserved, and got me out of a slump I found myself in months before. The way that information was introduced allowed time and imagination for the reader, that I am sure many readers in the intended age group will love. The characters in this book- might I mention the gemstone- had me aching to discover more. It was a light-hearted book in the beginning, that had me scared to close the book by the end, at the chance that I would miss what would happen to the characters I had grown to love. There is little to critique about this desirable read that is easy to understand, yet still entertaining to a range of people. Though I do have to state that some characters fit well within some stereotypes, and I would love to see how they evolve in the future books to have more individual personalities. I see room for growth in Grayson's friends, but himself and the older characters were well-developed.
I wish I could read this for the first time again. I'm excited to see other books that the brilliant brain of yours will create.
I wish I could read this for the first time again. I'm excited to see other books that the brilliant brain of yours will create.
April 14, 2025
I will start by saying I'm not a fan of fantasy, but I really enjoyed this book. This is the only fantasy novel that I've finished in a few days. Burleyson uses modern language in this piece, which some may not enjoy, but I found it easier to understand, and it made it more enjoyable. Be aware that it ends on a cliffhanger, and I just wanted to read more. Fingers crossed that book #2 is on its way.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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