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The Lodestone
Original ebook cover edition
When twelve year old Jack Paris feels the small jaws of a creature that shouldn't exist clamp down on his leg, life as he knows it in small-town northeast Texas comes to a sudden end. Miss Edna, his foster mom, is forced to take him and his friend Sally to a world she secretly forsook two hundred years before to save his life. There Jack discovers that an evil wizard needs him for unknown purposes and will stop at nothing to capture him. The wizard pursues Jack and Sally through forests and under mountains on the other world, and even across Kansas back on Earth.
With all their hope placed in Miss Edna, she suddenly disappears, leaving Jack and Sally to carry on without her. It soon becomes clear, however, that the events of the present are tied to Miss Edna's past, and the children begin a desperate effort to find her before all hope is lost.
When Jack finally realizes why the wizard needs him, he learns that to live and love, you sometimes have to be willing to die.
When twelve year old Jack Paris feels the small jaws of a creature that shouldn't exist clamp down on his leg, life as he knows it in small-town northeast Texas comes to a sudden end. Miss Edna, his foster mom, is forced to take him and his friend Sally to a world she secretly forsook two hundred years before to save his life. There Jack discovers that an evil wizard needs him for unknown purposes and will stop at nothing to capture him. The wizard pursues Jack and Sally through forests and under mountains on the other world, and even across Kansas back on Earth.
With all their hope placed in Miss Edna, she suddenly disappears, leaving Jack and Sally to carry on without her. It soon becomes clear, however, that the events of the present are tied to Miss Edna's past, and the children begin a desperate effort to find her before all hope is lost.
When Jack finally realizes why the wizard needs him, he learns that to live and love, you sometimes have to be willing to die.
- GenresFantasyYoung AdultEbooks
151 pages, ebook
First published September 4, 2011
About the author
J. Philip Horne
8 books64 followersJ. Philip Horne probably shouldn't be alive. Born in Florida, he grew up overseas for the most part, spending much of his childhood in Liberia and Micronesia. During those years, he experienced numerous attempts on his life. The wannabe killers included malaria, spinal meningitis, blood poisoning, a staph infection in his heel bone, a close encounter with a green mamba, and other cold-hearted foes.
From his earliest years, his parents read to him fantastical stories from wonderful worlds. Narnia and Middle Earth featured prominently, and had his youth been a generation later, he would have certainly encountered Hogwarts at a young age. Through his teen years he read stories by many other authors and experienced a host of new worlds.
After dabbling in writing for many years, he finally got serious and wrote his first novel in 2011. He has continued to write ever since. For news of upcoming works, please join Mr. Horne’s email list at jphiliphorne.com.
As a reader, Mr. Horne typically reviews books he enjoyed.
From his earliest years, his parents read to him fantastical stories from wonderful worlds. Narnia and Middle Earth featured prominently, and had his youth been a generation later, he would have certainly encountered Hogwarts at a young age. Through his teen years he read stories by many other authors and experienced a host of new worlds.
After dabbling in writing for many years, he finally got serious and wrote his first novel in 2011. He has continued to write ever since. For news of upcoming works, please join Mr. Horne’s email list at jphiliphorne.com.
As a reader, Mr. Horne typically reviews books he enjoyed.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
June 7, 2012
I finished reading this book a couple days ago and had to really ponder my review. Now I am an adult as you well know however I do enjoy reading young adult. This book is aimed towards a crowd that is younger then the books I usually enjoy reading. That being said I did enjoy it though it had its issues.
Let me go thru the strengths first though. I really enjoyed the character of Edalwin 'Edna' who has been Jack's foster mother for the past four years. She is a very strong woman and her character shines through. She also has an interesting history that adds spice to the plotline.
Jack is also a well written character though there was some instances where his thought really gave me pause such as when he figures out that Sally is a friend even though they have been hanging out for a while. I also would have liked to have seen more growth out of his character however.
The alternate world created by Mr. Horne is interesting. He has done a great job of world building and peopling it with characters, both good and evil, that really stand out. I could only wish that the ranger's magic worked in our world as she really needs the assistance.
And now my kibitzes. Even after reading the book I am not sure why the Sally was in the book at all. She shows some strength in the beginning but then turns into an insipid character. Also at the beginning of the book rather then showing the reader what was happening we were told the story. This leads to a weaker storyline all the way around.
I felt that THE LODESTONE is a good book but with a few changes it has the potential to grow into so much more. I would recommend it to readers in middle school which is really its target audience.
I rate this book a 3.1.
***I received this book at no charge from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Let me go thru the strengths first though. I really enjoyed the character of Edalwin 'Edna' who has been Jack's foster mother for the past four years. She is a very strong woman and her character shines through. She also has an interesting history that adds spice to the plotline.
Jack is also a well written character though there was some instances where his thought really gave me pause such as when he figures out that Sally is a friend even though they have been hanging out for a while. I also would have liked to have seen more growth out of his character however.
The alternate world created by Mr. Horne is interesting. He has done a great job of world building and peopling it with characters, both good and evil, that really stand out. I could only wish that the ranger's magic worked in our world as she really needs the assistance.
And now my kibitzes. Even after reading the book I am not sure why the Sally was in the book at all. She shows some strength in the beginning but then turns into an insipid character. Also at the beginning of the book rather then showing the reader what was happening we were told the story. This leads to a weaker storyline all the way around.
I felt that THE LODESTONE is a good book but with a few changes it has the potential to grow into so much more. I would recommend it to readers in middle school which is really its target audience.
I rate this book a 3.1.
***I received this book at no charge from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.
August 27, 2024
DNF @ 28%
The Lodestone takes readers on a thrilling journey between worlds, blending elements of fantasy and adventure in a way that will particularly resonate with younger audiences. The story kicks off with a gripping incident where twelve-year-old Jack Paris is attacked by a creature from another world, thrusting him and his friend Sally into a high-stakes adventure that spans both Earth and a mysterious parallel world.
Horne's writing style is one of the book's strongest attributes. It's clean, engaging, and accessible, making it an easy read for younger readers without feeling overly simplified. His ability to create vivid images with straightforward language ensures that the story is both immersive and understandable. The fantasy world, with its forests, mountains, and malevolent wizards, comes alive through his descriptions, giving readers a clear sense of place without overwhelming them with unnecessary details.
However, the pacing of the story is where it stumbles. The narrative begins almost too quickly, throwing readers into the action without enough time to fully grasp the characters or their situation. Jack and Sally’s relationship, for instance, is left largely undefined at the outset, making it difficult to immediately connect with them or care deeply about their plight. The lack of initial exposition means that readers are asked to empathize with the characters before truly understanding who they are or what their normal world looks like. Additionally, the incident where Jack is poisoned by a creature under the wizard's control is a pivotal moment, yet the logic behind it feels shaky. The wizard’s mistake in accidentally poisoning Jack—a boy he desperately needs—seems out of place given his supposed power and intelligence. This moment detracts from the wizard's credibility as a villain and adds a layer of frustration to the narrative.
Once the story transitions into the fantasy realm, however, the worldbuilding takes center stage, and it's clear that Horne has put considerable thought into the setting. The fantasy elements are introduced seamlessly, with enough mystery to keep readers intrigued. The dynamics between Miss Edna and the evil wizard are compelling, hinting at a rich backstory that adds depth to the plot. Even though some details are left unexplained, they serve to hook the reader, prompting a desire to explore more of this intricately crafted world.
On the other hand, characterization is an area where the book could have benefitted from more development. While the world itself is vividly drawn, the characters who inhabit it feel somewhat one-dimensional. Jack, Sally, and even Miss Edna lack distinctive personality traits, making it hard to feel a strong connection to them. Readers may struggle to remember more about the characters than their names, which is a missed opportunity in a story that otherwise has so much potential.
Despite these shortcomings, The Lodestone has a lot to offer, particularly for younger readers who enjoy fast-paced fantasy adventures. The world that Horne has created is intriguing and full of potential, and his clear, accessible writing style makes this a good entry point for readers new to the genre. However, those looking for deeply developed characters or a more evenly paced narrative might find themselves wanting more.
The Lodestone takes readers on a thrilling journey between worlds, blending elements of fantasy and adventure in a way that will particularly resonate with younger audiences. The story kicks off with a gripping incident where twelve-year-old Jack Paris is attacked by a creature from another world, thrusting him and his friend Sally into a high-stakes adventure that spans both Earth and a mysterious parallel world.
Horne's writing style is one of the book's strongest attributes. It's clean, engaging, and accessible, making it an easy read for younger readers without feeling overly simplified. His ability to create vivid images with straightforward language ensures that the story is both immersive and understandable. The fantasy world, with its forests, mountains, and malevolent wizards, comes alive through his descriptions, giving readers a clear sense of place without overwhelming them with unnecessary details.
However, the pacing of the story is where it stumbles. The narrative begins almost too quickly, throwing readers into the action without enough time to fully grasp the characters or their situation. Jack and Sally’s relationship, for instance, is left largely undefined at the outset, making it difficult to immediately connect with them or care deeply about their plight. The lack of initial exposition means that readers are asked to empathize with the characters before truly understanding who they are or what their normal world looks like. Additionally, the incident where Jack is poisoned by a creature under the wizard's control is a pivotal moment, yet the logic behind it feels shaky. The wizard’s mistake in accidentally poisoning Jack—a boy he desperately needs—seems out of place given his supposed power and intelligence. This moment detracts from the wizard's credibility as a villain and adds a layer of frustration to the narrative.
Once the story transitions into the fantasy realm, however, the worldbuilding takes center stage, and it's clear that Horne has put considerable thought into the setting. The fantasy elements are introduced seamlessly, with enough mystery to keep readers intrigued. The dynamics between Miss Edna and the evil wizard are compelling, hinting at a rich backstory that adds depth to the plot. Even though some details are left unexplained, they serve to hook the reader, prompting a desire to explore more of this intricately crafted world.
On the other hand, characterization is an area where the book could have benefitted from more development. While the world itself is vividly drawn, the characters who inhabit it feel somewhat one-dimensional. Jack, Sally, and even Miss Edna lack distinctive personality traits, making it hard to feel a strong connection to them. Readers may struggle to remember more about the characters than their names, which is a missed opportunity in a story that otherwise has so much potential.
Despite these shortcomings, The Lodestone has a lot to offer, particularly for younger readers who enjoy fast-paced fantasy adventures. The world that Horne has created is intriguing and full of potential, and his clear, accessible writing style makes this a good entry point for readers new to the genre. However, those looking for deeply developed characters or a more evenly paced narrative might find themselves wanting more.
January 6, 2021
Favorite quote: “Her conception of evil had been far too mundane, too tame. With that came the thought that her hatred of evil had been far too tame as well.”
The Lodestone is a fun, short middle-grade read. I liked the motley crew that formed over the course of the book, and also the fact that it partially took place in the Midwest (which is pretty rare for fantasy.)
Content Level: Mild. One or two mentions of at least one character swearing, but no actual words are mentioned. This is a middle-grade novel; the MC is 12, but some younger readers might be disturbed by the violence, which includes one character basically becoming enslaved to an evil guy and then later considering if they should end their life for the greater good. So...yeah. The violence isn’t detailed or anything, but please be aware of those elements for sensitive readers.
4 stars.
The Lodestone is a fun, short middle-grade read. I liked the motley crew that formed over the course of the book, and also the fact that it partially took place in the Midwest (which is pretty rare for fantasy.)
Content Level: Mild. One or two mentions of at least one character swearing, but no actual words are mentioned. This is a middle-grade novel; the MC is 12, but some younger readers might be disturbed by the violence, which includes one character basically becoming enslaved to an evil guy and then later considering if they should end their life for the greater good. So...yeah. The violence isn’t detailed or anything, but please be aware of those elements for sensitive readers.
4 stars.
March 8, 2012
Miss Edna is a foster parent to Jack and taken him in as her own. Jack is headed to school and the air isn’t right. When he gets home, he decides to take off into the woods and sees Sally his friend from school. After rumbling and smoke appear they head to Jacks to Ms. Edna to find that she holds powers of a Wizard and someone is seeking out to take Jack. Miss Edna takes them away to another world for protection.
Derek is the one that is put on this case for missing children. Derek is learning things that he never thought would be possible. He’s found the kids traveling with 2 other adults and all chaos has broken out. He’s brought to a world that he couldn’t image possible but is going to help the kids and their new friends to save Jack. Can they also save Miss Edna and find out that Jack has powers he never knew he had? Will he find out more of his past that was unknown to him? Why was he being hunted?
This story takes you on adventure to different worlds and was very exciting. I really enjoyed reading this and look forward to more adventures for Jack.
Derek is the one that is put on this case for missing children. Derek is learning things that he never thought would be possible. He’s found the kids traveling with 2 other adults and all chaos has broken out. He’s brought to a world that he couldn’t image possible but is going to help the kids and their new friends to save Jack. Can they also save Miss Edna and find out that Jack has powers he never knew he had? Will he find out more of his past that was unknown to him? Why was he being hunted?
This story takes you on adventure to different worlds and was very exciting. I really enjoyed reading this and look forward to more adventures for Jack.
March 8, 2018
Jack Paris has the feeling something is watching him---but he has no idea how much his life is about to change. When an ordinary school day is interrupted by a strange wizard, old-fashioned warriors, and giant monsters, he discovers a centuries old plot to restore a powerful evil. And Jack has more at stake than he ever imagined . . .
This was excellent. Solid writing, great characters, and several surprises. Like Derek, the FBI agent who gets involved with the strangest kidnapping case he's ever worked, and proves he's in this for the right reasons. And of course the mysterious Miss Edel, whose dark past has given way to a much brighter present (now there's a story I wish we'd dug into a little more, and hopefully if there's ever a sequel it would touch on this a bit).
Jack was also a lot of fun. He has some unusual abilities, but they aren't much in the grand scheme of things. Still, he does what he can to gather allies and stand up against the darkness.
The various mechanics around having two worlds, and magic in one of them, was a lot of fun. Especially the off-worlders reacting to Earth just like the Earth-dwellers react to their world.
I especially liked the final confrontation. Behold the one power greater than magic---physics.
Overall this was a great read, and if it ever gets a sequel I will track it down. The story wraps up most things, though, so it works as a stand alone. I rate this book Recommended.
See my reviews and more at https://offtheshelfreviews.wordpress....
This was excellent. Solid writing, great characters, and several surprises. Like Derek, the FBI agent who gets involved with the strangest kidnapping case he's ever worked, and proves he's in this for the right reasons. And of course the mysterious Miss Edel, whose dark past has given way to a much brighter present (now there's a story I wish we'd dug into a little more, and hopefully if there's ever a sequel it would touch on this a bit).
Jack was also a lot of fun. He has some unusual abilities, but they aren't much in the grand scheme of things. Still, he does what he can to gather allies and stand up against the darkness.
The various mechanics around having two worlds, and magic in one of them, was a lot of fun. Especially the off-worlders reacting to Earth just like the Earth-dwellers react to their world.
I especially liked the final confrontation. Behold the one power greater than magic---physics.
Overall this was a great read, and if it ever gets a sequel I will track it down. The story wraps up most things, though, so it works as a stand alone. I rate this book Recommended.
See my reviews and more at https://offtheshelfreviews.wordpress....
April 7, 2018
Decent Story, Tough Though
The story had a good plot and characters, but the writing was scattered and thoughts jumped around a lot. Felt like I was reading in fast forward, skipping parts in between. If the book was more developed and detailed, it would have been a really good story.
The story had a good plot and characters, but the writing was scattered and thoughts jumped around a lot. Felt like I was reading in fast forward, skipping parts in between. If the book was more developed and detailed, it would have been a really good story.
July 9, 2017
Great fiction for young and old alike!
March 17, 2018
Bland characters, cliched and overdramatic scenes.
July 5, 2023
Fun ride the entire book.
April 17, 2012
Kindle Version (free from author through Library Thing for review)
This book takes place, first, in a small town on Earth named Hillacre. In this small town lives a woman named Miss Edna, who is a nurse who has been a great asset to the hospital she works at and who loves to help children, so is a foster Mom too. Her latest foster child’s name is Jack Paris. Jack was a very troubled young boy when Miss Edna first took him in at the age of eight. He was always in trouble at school and never kept very long by any foster home. Miss Edna just knew that Jack was supposed to be with her for her to guide and keep safe, so she took him in. Jack has been a changed boy since then and has since started doing ok in school and has gained a friend named Sally, who he sits by every day on the bus ride to and from school. Seems half way ordinary right? Well, on the outside yes, but Miss Edna has a deep secret she has kept from Jack. Miss Edna is really a Wizard from another far away world named Artaeris. Miss Edna used to be a very evil Wizard, but since has “turned over a new leaf” so to speak and is now wanting to fight for what is right, and has done so by keeping Jack safe. You see Jack is not a “normal” boy, but a boy who has a special gift in the wizarding world, the world he knows nothing about. Jack was born in the wizard world of Artaeris, but then was sent to Earth to live. Why? Because the dark Wizard Drakin sent him there to later use him for his evil plan. One day after school Jack and Sally get the surprise of their lives…they find out Miss Edna is not who they think she is and learn about Artaeris from her…but only as they are being attacked by the evil wizards coming to take Jack away from Earth back to Artaeris. Once there, Miss Edna is captured while trying to find out what is going on, Jack and Sally are forced to try and make sense of a whole world they never would have thought existed, Jack learns the truth about who he really is, Jack and Sally meet two more Wizards (Gerlock and Fortuna), a FBI agent, from Earth, named Derek gets mixed up in things and is now banded together with them in Artaeris, and a dwarf named Verdag decides to help the unusual group. While trying to rescue Miss Edna, however, Jack is taken by the evil wizard Drakin and also is now in need of rescuing. Can the mismatched group save Miss Edna and Jack before it is too late? Will Jack figure out why he is so important to Drakin? What evil plot is Drakin up to and can they stop it before it’s too late?
This book was a good read. It had adventure, action, suspense, comedy, magic, and great characters. This book kind of was a twist of Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings in my eyes. Being that I loved both of those series, this book piqued my interest from the time I started reading it. I liked the way the book went from Earth to Artaeris several times, but in ways that made perfect sense and added to the suspense of the story. The book would not have been the same without the characters picked to be in it. Derek, the FBI Agent, added a certain flare to the story and that he became part of the group that traveled to the wizard world and then helped there too was just hilarious to me. He added the comedy to the book just by being in it. I quickly came to love the group of seven (Miss Edna, Gerlock, Fortuna, Derek, Jack, Sally, and Verdag). The best part of this book for me was that is was always pretty clear what was going on, it never had a lull moment, and it was just fun to read. If you are looking for a book that mixes the “normal” world with the fantasy/wizarding world this is THE book for you! I would highly recommend this book to any aged crowd. The characters themselves are interesting enough to read the book and find out more about them, and when a great plot is added you get an amazing read that everyone should experience.
4/5 Stars!
This book takes place, first, in a small town on Earth named Hillacre. In this small town lives a woman named Miss Edna, who is a nurse who has been a great asset to the hospital she works at and who loves to help children, so is a foster Mom too. Her latest foster child’s name is Jack Paris. Jack was a very troubled young boy when Miss Edna first took him in at the age of eight. He was always in trouble at school and never kept very long by any foster home. Miss Edna just knew that Jack was supposed to be with her for her to guide and keep safe, so she took him in. Jack has been a changed boy since then and has since started doing ok in school and has gained a friend named Sally, who he sits by every day on the bus ride to and from school. Seems half way ordinary right? Well, on the outside yes, but Miss Edna has a deep secret she has kept from Jack. Miss Edna is really a Wizard from another far away world named Artaeris. Miss Edna used to be a very evil Wizard, but since has “turned over a new leaf” so to speak and is now wanting to fight for what is right, and has done so by keeping Jack safe. You see Jack is not a “normal” boy, but a boy who has a special gift in the wizarding world, the world he knows nothing about. Jack was born in the wizard world of Artaeris, but then was sent to Earth to live. Why? Because the dark Wizard Drakin sent him there to later use him for his evil plan. One day after school Jack and Sally get the surprise of their lives…they find out Miss Edna is not who they think she is and learn about Artaeris from her…but only as they are being attacked by the evil wizards coming to take Jack away from Earth back to Artaeris. Once there, Miss Edna is captured while trying to find out what is going on, Jack and Sally are forced to try and make sense of a whole world they never would have thought existed, Jack learns the truth about who he really is, Jack and Sally meet two more Wizards (Gerlock and Fortuna), a FBI agent, from Earth, named Derek gets mixed up in things and is now banded together with them in Artaeris, and a dwarf named Verdag decides to help the unusual group. While trying to rescue Miss Edna, however, Jack is taken by the evil wizard Drakin and also is now in need of rescuing. Can the mismatched group save Miss Edna and Jack before it is too late? Will Jack figure out why he is so important to Drakin? What evil plot is Drakin up to and can they stop it before it’s too late?
This book was a good read. It had adventure, action, suspense, comedy, magic, and great characters. This book kind of was a twist of Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings in my eyes. Being that I loved both of those series, this book piqued my interest from the time I started reading it. I liked the way the book went from Earth to Artaeris several times, but in ways that made perfect sense and added to the suspense of the story. The book would not have been the same without the characters picked to be in it. Derek, the FBI Agent, added a certain flare to the story and that he became part of the group that traveled to the wizard world and then helped there too was just hilarious to me. He added the comedy to the book just by being in it. I quickly came to love the group of seven (Miss Edna, Gerlock, Fortuna, Derek, Jack, Sally, and Verdag). The best part of this book for me was that is was always pretty clear what was going on, it never had a lull moment, and it was just fun to read. If you are looking for a book that mixes the “normal” world with the fantasy/wizarding world this is THE book for you! I would highly recommend this book to any aged crowd. The characters themselves are interesting enough to read the book and find out more about them, and when a great plot is added you get an amazing read that everyone should experience.
4/5 Stars!
March 25, 2012
I won this book from member giveaways on librarything in exchange for an honest review.
The Lodestone is about two young children, Jack and Sally, who get involved against their will in a magical battle for power. Their protector, Miss Edna, has been captured and they journey to get her back. They meet many interesting characters along the way.
There are definite strengths about this book. The main one is Edalwin, who is the most interesting character in the bunch, especially considering her history and how far she's come since then. I would have been interested to hear even more about her past. I also liked how Jack figured out an interesting way to end things. And what can I say, I liked the cats.
However, there were issues with this book. Especially in the beginning, there is a lot of telling instead of showing. The sentence structure is simple, likely to be in accord with the audience, which I assume is Jack and Sally's age. However, it makes the book less than what it could be. I have read many books geared towards this audience and while simple, can still be moving and meaningful. The prose did improve throughout the book. My other big issue was that Jack as the protagonist didn't seem to go through his own journey. Things happened to him and he was ready to sacrifice everything at the end, but I didn't get a sense of his growing and changing through the novel. That's something I always look for. However, he was a nice kid stuck in a bad situation in the beginning and was a nice kid stuck in a bad situation in the end. I felt like he was about the same throughout his journey. Also, Sally seemed superfluous. She lacked a personality (although we get the sense in the beginning she's a spitfire), and she could have been completely removed from the novel without much change.
That said, I think the book was overall enjoyable, but with changes could be a lot deeper and stronger of a novel.
The Lodestone is about two young children, Jack and Sally, who get involved against their will in a magical battle for power. Their protector, Miss Edna, has been captured and they journey to get her back. They meet many interesting characters along the way.
There are definite strengths about this book. The main one is Edalwin, who is the most interesting character in the bunch, especially considering her history and how far she's come since then. I would have been interested to hear even more about her past. I also liked how Jack figured out an interesting way to end things. And what can I say, I liked the cats.
However, there were issues with this book. Especially in the beginning, there is a lot of telling instead of showing. The sentence structure is simple, likely to be in accord with the audience, which I assume is Jack and Sally's age. However, it makes the book less than what it could be. I have read many books geared towards this audience and while simple, can still be moving and meaningful. The prose did improve throughout the book. My other big issue was that Jack as the protagonist didn't seem to go through his own journey. Things happened to him and he was ready to sacrifice everything at the end, but I didn't get a sense of his growing and changing through the novel. That's something I always look for. However, he was a nice kid stuck in a bad situation in the beginning and was a nice kid stuck in a bad situation in the end. I felt like he was about the same throughout his journey. Also, Sally seemed superfluous. She lacked a personality (although we get the sense in the beginning she's a spitfire), and she could have been completely removed from the novel without much change.
That said, I think the book was overall enjoyable, but with changes could be a lot deeper and stronger of a novel.
March 25, 2012
4 STARS
I enjoyed reading Loadstone or should say listening to it on my Kindle. I did get lost a few times because did not realize it jumped to different character or place.
Its a YA fantasy book that takes place on two worlds going back and forth with Loadstones that are doorways for wizards.
Some weird creatures are after Jack and one actually poisons him during a battle between creatures a evil wizard Drakin and Jack's foster mother Miss edna.
Miss Edna with a shotgun killed a bunch of creatures not of this world and the wizard left saying he would be back for Edalwin to save Jack life for him.
Miss Edna takes the two seventh graders with her back to her world because their her magic is stronger and she can heal the poison in Jack. She is afraid to leave Sally back on Earth because she doesn't know if evil wizard had marked her.
Edalwin has not been back to her world in over two hundred years. Their have been lots of changes. She used to be evil but has changed and has been doing good with what magic she could do on Earth. In the past she worked with Drakin on evil side now she wants to fight him. She does not know why he wants Jack.
Back on Earth the FBI is trying to figure out what the dead creatures are and where Sally & Jack are. Were they kidnapped. Derek is trying to understand the impossible facts.
Edalwin is missing and jack & sally and Gerlock, Fortuna escape back to Earth and are picked up put in jail to hold till FBI get their but than other things happen when Derek is finding out what happens and lets them out when A dragon appears and kills lots of police and FBI and Derek ends going with them back to other world to escape.
thier is a lot of creatures and lands they travel trying to stop Drakin and get all their parties together again. They finally find Miss Edna and Jack is lost.
good clean fun. Look forward to next book.
I was given this ebook in exchange of honest review from librarything member.
CreateSpace (2011), Paperback, 252 pages
I enjoyed reading Loadstone or should say listening to it on my Kindle. I did get lost a few times because did not realize it jumped to different character or place.
Its a YA fantasy book that takes place on two worlds going back and forth with Loadstones that are doorways for wizards.
Some weird creatures are after Jack and one actually poisons him during a battle between creatures a evil wizard Drakin and Jack's foster mother Miss edna.
Miss Edna with a shotgun killed a bunch of creatures not of this world and the wizard left saying he would be back for Edalwin to save Jack life for him.
Miss Edna takes the two seventh graders with her back to her world because their her magic is stronger and she can heal the poison in Jack. She is afraid to leave Sally back on Earth because she doesn't know if evil wizard had marked her.
Edalwin has not been back to her world in over two hundred years. Their have been lots of changes. She used to be evil but has changed and has been doing good with what magic she could do on Earth. In the past she worked with Drakin on evil side now she wants to fight him. She does not know why he wants Jack.
Back on Earth the FBI is trying to figure out what the dead creatures are and where Sally & Jack are. Were they kidnapped. Derek is trying to understand the impossible facts.
Edalwin is missing and jack & sally and Gerlock, Fortuna escape back to Earth and are picked up put in jail to hold till FBI get their but than other things happen when Derek is finding out what happens and lets them out when A dragon appears and kills lots of police and FBI and Derek ends going with them back to other world to escape.
thier is a lot of creatures and lands they travel trying to stop Drakin and get all their parties together again. They finally find Miss Edna and Jack is lost.
good clean fun. Look forward to next book.
I was given this ebook in exchange of honest review from librarything member.
CreateSpace (2011), Paperback, 252 pages
March 27, 2012
The Lodestone is a fascinating read grabbing you right from the beginning and not letting go to the very end, in fact you don't want it to end. Well written and full of suspense that will keep you turning pages long into the night. Exceptional development of different characters spanning two worlds; as well as interesting creatures.
A Wizard from another world materializes on earth attempting to take Jack, a teenager, back with him. But in spite of his magic and monsters, Jack's foster mother has some magic of her own and the battle rages. Jack is bitten by a "Seeker" releasing deadly poison and the only way he can be saved is to take him to this other world which his foster mother seems to be a part of. Sally, a neighbor, and Jack's only friend is caught up in this and journeys into the next world with them; a world of dragons, wizards and people with strange abilities. A strange mixture of individuals from both worlds evolves and work together to try to save Jack and his Foster mother.
It is an incredibly fast action story and you hardly have time to take a breath. Why is this Jack the only one the dark wizard wants? What secrets are hidden in Jack he is not even aware of? And how can they fight such powerful magic?
Although the title says "Volume 1" the book gives you a "complete" ending even though it leaves it open for the next adventure, but I was glad to see a full resolution to the story. And what a great ending it is. This is a book you will want to put on the shelf "to read again."
A Wizard from another world materializes on earth attempting to take Jack, a teenager, back with him. But in spite of his magic and monsters, Jack's foster mother has some magic of her own and the battle rages. Jack is bitten by a "Seeker" releasing deadly poison and the only way he can be saved is to take him to this other world which his foster mother seems to be a part of. Sally, a neighbor, and Jack's only friend is caught up in this and journeys into the next world with them; a world of dragons, wizards and people with strange abilities. A strange mixture of individuals from both worlds evolves and work together to try to save Jack and his Foster mother.
It is an incredibly fast action story and you hardly have time to take a breath. Why is this Jack the only one the dark wizard wants? What secrets are hidden in Jack he is not even aware of? And how can they fight such powerful magic?
Although the title says "Volume 1" the book gives you a "complete" ending even though it leaves it open for the next adventure, but I was glad to see a full resolution to the story. And what a great ending it is. This is a book you will want to put on the shelf "to read again."
March 11, 2012
When Miss Edna took Jack in in Paris, TX she had many plans. First, to get the boy settled and fed and cleaned up and then to move him somewhere calm and quiet where she could protect him. She gave him the last name of the place she found him. Paris. Miss Edna and Jack Paris are destined for great things – but Jack is totally unaware of it. He is quite happy with Edna, her 9 cats and his best friend, Sally.
One day 12 tyear old Jack comes home to an eerie feeling. One of the cats is missing, Miss Edna isn’t home and there a huge BOOM somewhere close. Looking over the hill he sees a funny looking guy in a red robe accompanied by strange looking creatures and another man. Odd for a small-town, don’t you think? Jack and Sally head back to Edna’s and that when everything goes to Hell. (and back!) Bitten on the leg by one of the creatures is the least of Jack’s worries: they’re after HIM!
Miss Edna isn’t exactly a little old lady taking care of Jack as it turns out – she’s Edalwin, a bad wizard gone good, who is dong her durndest to protect jack and Sally from the Red wizard whose name is Drakin. And she does a pretty decent job, too, until she is captured herself.
With dwarves, forest mages, and an FBI agent who is way out of his dimension, Jack and Sally try to find Edalwin and stay ahead of Drakin at the same times. These 12-year olds strive to fulfill their future by staying alive. Will they?
Excellent book for YA and adult readers.
One day 12 tyear old Jack comes home to an eerie feeling. One of the cats is missing, Miss Edna isn’t home and there a huge BOOM somewhere close. Looking over the hill he sees a funny looking guy in a red robe accompanied by strange looking creatures and another man. Odd for a small-town, don’t you think? Jack and Sally head back to Edna’s and that when everything goes to Hell. (and back!) Bitten on the leg by one of the creatures is the least of Jack’s worries: they’re after HIM!
Miss Edna isn’t exactly a little old lady taking care of Jack as it turns out – she’s Edalwin, a bad wizard gone good, who is dong her durndest to protect jack and Sally from the Red wizard whose name is Drakin. And she does a pretty decent job, too, until she is captured herself.
With dwarves, forest mages, and an FBI agent who is way out of his dimension, Jack and Sally try to find Edalwin and stay ahead of Drakin at the same times. These 12-year olds strive to fulfill their future by staying alive. Will they?
Excellent book for YA and adult readers.
April 1, 2012
Jack Paris is an average teenager in the seventh grade that is feeling like something is wrong but can't explain why. His friend, Sally is an avid reader that believes in what she reads. Jack's foster mom Edna Littlefield is a nurse at local hospital in Hillacre. Jack continues to feel like there is something wrong and tells his foster mom about it. Everything changes when Drakin an evil wizard from another world appears on Edna Littlefield's doorstep. She battles it out with Drakin and takes both Jack and Sally to Salina, Kansas to the lodestone located there. Edna's name is not Edna but Edalwin Stormbringer, a wizard that went missing 200 years ago and is, now wearing green robes. Edalwin or Edna goes missing from the Fortress of Arameth. Sally, Jack, and their allies Fortuna, Gerlock, Verdrag, and Derek all must come together to find Edalwin. Once Edalwin is found but Jack goes missing. Jack is now in the hands of Drakin for some unknown purpose. It's a race to find Jack and Drakin. Can they be found? What does Drakin want? What does Drakin want with Jack? Your answers await you in The Lodestone.
April 17, 2012
I received a Kindle version of this book for free as an author-giveaway.
J. Philip Horne spins a fantastic tale of magic living beneath our noses here on Earth. Young Jack, abandoned and alone for 8 years before his current foster mother Miss Edna took him under her wing, feels he has a 6th sense. His friend Sally dismisses this as paranoia. They have an uneasy, unspoken truce about the situation until the day the wizards arrive. It's a day that will change their lives and their friendship forever.
Busy as he was filling his story full of action sequences, Horne wasn't left with a whole lot of time for character development. We know enough, however, to care for the ragtag band that surrounds our young hero and the plot moves steadily along from start to finish. Sally maintains the closest relationship with the reader because she reacts the most appropriately (for a human) to all the strange and horrifying events that take place.
In all I found this story grabbed my attention and held it to the end. It was well-written and the author was most thorough when dealing in the realms of magic. I'm interested to see where J. Philip Horne takes us in whatever he writes next.
J. Philip Horne spins a fantastic tale of magic living beneath our noses here on Earth. Young Jack, abandoned and alone for 8 years before his current foster mother Miss Edna took him under her wing, feels he has a 6th sense. His friend Sally dismisses this as paranoia. They have an uneasy, unspoken truce about the situation until the day the wizards arrive. It's a day that will change their lives and their friendship forever.
Busy as he was filling his story full of action sequences, Horne wasn't left with a whole lot of time for character development. We know enough, however, to care for the ragtag band that surrounds our young hero and the plot moves steadily along from start to finish. Sally maintains the closest relationship with the reader because she reacts the most appropriately (for a human) to all the strange and horrifying events that take place.
In all I found this story grabbed my attention and held it to the end. It was well-written and the author was most thorough when dealing in the realms of magic. I'm interested to see where J. Philip Horne takes us in whatever he writes next.
May 20, 2012
Jack has spent his life bouncing from foster home to foster home - never really settling down and making friends. He has been with Miss Edna for a few years now and just becoming comfortable with where his life is heading when everything changes. He comes home to an eerie calm, sees men appear from nowhere, and soon sees monsters! Just as the small boy who lived under the stairs Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, this small foster boy is called on to save the world.
Perhaps I am more aware of it, but as is typical, I found a few more editing errors (grammar issues) than I would like to see in a completed book. Fortunately, they weren't pervasive enough to ruin the flow of the reading. Students who love the fantasy of Harry Potter and The Lord of the RingsThe Lord of the Rings but aren't quite at those reading levels will enjoy this more accessible book.
This book was received as giveaway from the author.
Perhaps I am more aware of it, but as is typical, I found a few more editing errors (grammar issues) than I would like to see in a completed book. Fortunately, they weren't pervasive enough to ruin the flow of the reading. Students who love the fantasy of Harry Potter and The Lord of the RingsThe Lord of the Rings but aren't quite at those reading levels will enjoy this more accessible book.
This book was received as giveaway from the author.
August 5, 2017
Nice relationships between characters.
I enjoyed the story, particularly how the characters bonded as they banded together to fight the evil. The story does finish although there is definitely opportunity for more stories to be told if the author wishes.
For those wondering about the following:
Sex: The book is very clean. One of the male characters is attracted to a female character (from the other world) but there isn't even a hint of sexual innuendo.
Violence: Quite a bit of violence - characters (both good guys and bad) are killed in various ways. The main character Jack, a seventh grader, experiences significant pain from being poisoned early in the book and then is beaten badly again later in the story.
Language: No cursing or vulgar language.
Religion: Religion is not a part of the story.
I enjoyed the story, particularly how the characters bonded as they banded together to fight the evil. The story does finish although there is definitely opportunity for more stories to be told if the author wishes.
For those wondering about the following:
Sex: The book is very clean. One of the male characters is attracted to a female character (from the other world) but there isn't even a hint of sexual innuendo.
Violence: Quite a bit of violence - characters (both good guys and bad) are killed in various ways. The main character Jack, a seventh grader, experiences significant pain from being poisoned early in the book and then is beaten badly again later in the story.
Language: No cursing or vulgar language.
Religion: Religion is not a part of the story.
March 12, 2012
I received [The Lodestone] for free in exchange for a review. Overall I enjoyed the story. I did think, however, that The Lodestone was not written at the level of young adult literature, but more at the 9-12 age group. It was very simple, very short, and did not deal with a lot of the themes that tend to characterize YA literature. I felt like it could have included more detail and more depth. The book ends up feeling more like an outline of a fantasy novel instead of a finished product. The reader doesn't really connect with the characters because for the most part they aren't complex or well-developed. I will probably end up giving it to my 11-year old to read, who I expect will enjoy it, and then find it immediately forgettable.
November 21, 2016
It's not exactly a 3-star "I liked it". More like a 3- star "it's average, yet better than a lot I've read this month."
Too much of the story is telling, without the reader experiencing. Parts seem to drop out of nowhere (how he thinks he knew how his foster mom activated the lodestone even though he had a deadly poison in his body while he was drifting in snd out of consciousness). It almost enhances the lack of connecting the reader with the characters - or amongst themselves (truly, which relationships or leaderships were proven?)
And, yeah, who was the girl who rode on the bus yet became faceless and minute for the ride?
Seeing is believing; if you can't paint me picture, I can't see the thousand words.
Too much of the story is telling, without the reader experiencing. Parts seem to drop out of nowhere (how he thinks he knew how his foster mom activated the lodestone even though he had a deadly poison in his body while he was drifting in snd out of consciousness). It almost enhances the lack of connecting the reader with the characters - or amongst themselves (truly, which relationships or leaderships were proven?)
And, yeah, who was the girl who rode on the bus yet became faceless and minute for the ride?
Seeing is believing; if you can't paint me picture, I can't see the thousand words.
April 2, 2012
In J. Philip Horne's book,"The Lodestone," Miss Edna and her foster son, twelve year old Jack Paris and his friend Sally are attacked by an evil wizard. Miss Edna takes the children to her world Artaris, were two hundred years ago, she was a great wizard known as Edalwin.When Edalwin fails to return from a trip to a nearby village jack and Sally must use the Lodestones to jump between Artaeris and Earth to escape the evil wizard. "The Lodestone" is a book of friendship,forces of evil, and sacrifice. It is a middle grade reader that can be enjoyed by all ages.
I was given this book free in exchange for my opinion in a review.
I was given this book free in exchange for my opinion in a review.
May 9, 2012
I am so glad I had the opportunity to read this story. It was fast pace, which fits into my wheel house perfectly. The characters are developed quickly and actually had a good deal of depth. This was achieved by the ability of the reader to relate to the character. The situation or setting of the story is one that every child with an imagination would be proned to think of or wished they could think of.
I would definitely recommend this to anyone who has ever dared to dream of something more than what reality has to offer. Great story...I hope to read more from Mr. Horne soon.
I would definitely recommend this to anyone who has ever dared to dream of something more than what reality has to offer. Great story...I hope to read more from Mr. Horne soon.
April 3, 2012
I work in an elementary school library and am always on the lookout for books to recommend to our students. This would be a book I would gladly recommend to our many readers of fantasy books. The characters are likable, the story well-done. I would have liked more detail in the final battle, as I was a little confused about what actually happened. Overall, I enjoyed this story very much and it is a perfect fit for middle grade and YA
April 22, 2012
Fast read, semi-original storyline, liked the characters, lacks some world development - but this, among other aspects of the story, may be revealed in the second book, could have been more fully developed, but overall, 3 out of 5 stars.
July 17, 2016
Fast-paced, imaginative book perfect for young teens. Nice mixture of fantasy, comedy, and serious topics. I finished the book over a weekend and found that I wanted to read more about Jack Paris and his adventures.
June 2, 2016
Thanks
Thanks for a fun read! Cool concept and world. Curious to read your new book. Wonder if there are going to be more books in the series.
Thanks for a fun read! Cool concept and world. Curious to read your new book. Wonder if there are going to be more books in the series.
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