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Lodestone #1-3 omnibus
The Lodestone Trilogy
On a distant planet ruled by a brutal tyrant, an alien girl comes to the aid of a stranger and is plunged into the midst of a titanic struggle that will decide the fate of her world.
For the first time in a single volume, this limited edition version includes all three books of the first Lodestone story arc, including a revised and updated version of Book One, a unique cover featuring a scene from the second book, and a special chapter navigation system. The combined 360,000 word epic is available for a limited period only.
Lose yourself in the astounding world of Kelanni!
For the first time in a single volume, this limited edition version includes all three books of the first Lodestone story arc, including a revised and updated version of Book One, a unique cover featuring a scene from the second book, and a special chapter navigation system. The combined 360,000 word epic is available for a limited period only.
Lose yourself in the astounding world of Kelanni!
1015 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 20, 2011
65 people are currently reading
121 people want to read
About the author
Mark Whiteway
29 books50 followersMark Whiteway (1959- ) lives in rural West Sussex, England, near the former home of H G Wells. The Lodestone series of novels is built around the concept of negative matter-an extension of Einstein's Theory of General Relativity.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
August 11, 2014
At the beginning, I wasn't sure about my choice, mainly because it was a trilogy and it was long. Sometimes I like to take a brief moment between one book and the other so I thought it was going to be boring but it wasn't whatsoever!
The first 2 chapters were hard to read, I admit it, there were so many new names and artifacts that several times I had to ask , 'what did this mean?' and found myself going back to the previous pages often, but after that little inconvenient, I found it fascinating.
The world Mark Whiteway created is unique and mesmerizing. The books have tons of action, no time to get bored. It's a fast paced story but not for lack of details, on the contrary, everything is perfectly explained. The plot is rich and the characters are fantastically developed.
"The key to defeating a tyrant-any tyrant- is to understand the source of their power. Once you do that, you can manipulate it; even use their own power against them"
All the story goes around schemes and lies comitted and said at the behest of the Unan- Chinneroth, or simply "The Prophet", which slaves people called "tributes" to keep the Lodestone supply.
What is lodestone? A desired material with many impressive properties.
Why do "The prophet" needs it? Read the books and find out! lol
The trilogy is totally based on physical principles but certainly it requieres imagination. And it's great to see the use of physics as a door to a magical world. (believe me, I hate physics, but reading this made it sound appealing)
As Nathaniel Hawthorne said: "Easy reading is damn hard writing" .
BOOK 1
Spins around five main characters: Lyall, Shann, Alondo, Keris and Boxx. All of them with opposite and varied personalities and different background.
Shann is a determined and brave girl whose parents were taken as tributes and desperately wants to see them again.(no spoiler here, that information is released early in the book)
Lyall is also brave and the leader of the group but he is always haunted by his past.
Alondo is at the same time, the heart and the brain of the group. Extremely clever and so caring and carefree.
Keris is a smart and sharp woman whose beliefs were totally changed after some specific event I can't reveal without writing a spoiler so...
Boxx is a Chandara. It's both cute and wise and the bonding between it and Keris is amazing.
This peculiar group begin a journey to achieve the Kellani's well being. The first book consists in their adventures to cross the Barrier of Storms in the Aronak Sea.
BOOK 2:
when I thought the story couldn't get better, I started the second book and I was inmediately hooked. Again marvelled by an advanced and wonderful world the author created.
New adventures awaiting. The second book is about what lays beyond the barrier.
I don't know how to review this without giving away much of the first book but...
Here appear other important characters such as Rael and McCann. We learn a lot of the Chandara's history. It's a quest to find the four components that Annata told them, to build a device that will destroy The Prophet's weapon. Personally that was my favourite part of the books and didn't wanna drop it.
The end of book two... what a cliffhanger! No way to stop the reading at this point.
BOOK 3:
It begins a little slow for my taste. After an impressive final for book 2, I was expecting more. But then it gets truly better.
Likewise there are new alliances made and some broken, we discover long expected truths, about who The Prophet is, what are his motives and also about the "mysterious" destruction of the Chandara Forest.
We get to know McCann from a different perspective. And find out that not everything is black and white as it was pictured in the previous books. There is a huge turn of events, there is a lot of betrayal and at some point you really wonder where the characters loyalty lays. A lot of suspense!
To sum up: many details and a clever plot combined with excellent writing skills. The end is up to a very good trilogy. Though I heard there is a fourth book coming up! Looking forward to reading it!
I would totally recommend these books!
April 18, 2013
I received a copy of this book from BookRooster for the purposes of review.
Premise: The Kelanni are ruled by a Prophet who might not have their best interests at heart, might not even be part of their species! Rebels Lyall and Alondo, kitchen-maid Shall and former soldier Keris must team up to save their people.
This is a first for me. I didn’t finish this book. Well, technically I finished the first book, but it’s a trilogy in one volume, so I didn’t finish the whole thing. Generally, if I don’t finish a book, I don’t review it, but in this case I did get a galley, and if I don’t write something about it now, I’ll feel like I have to read the rest, and life is just too short for that.
Is it terrible? No. It’s passable sci-fi on an intriguing world. But the characters are unlikable cardboard and the details are maddeningly inconsistent.
I think I dislike all of the main characters. I dislike how most of them are introduced, with a bare touch of stock back-story that doesn’t actually add any gravitas. I don’t think any of them have a believable reason for going on the quest, and they consistently act like idiots. I figure that the idea is that Shann will grow into a good, strong person, but at this point (a few chapters into Book Two) I kind of want her to fail, because she’s such a stubborn blockhead. The male characters can’t seem to be serious for two minutes in a row and Keris’ bitterness feels fake and tired to me. All of these characterizations could work, I’ve known characters like them that are compelling and believable, but these just don’t work for me.
The details of the plot and setting keep jarring me out of the story. One example: on one page a minor character’s relationship with main character A is played up and important and emotional, and five pages later the same minor character’s heretofore unmentioned relationship with man character B is supposed to be really important and heart-wrenching? Huh? Motivations are harped on or ignored by turns. It’s unclear for way too long whether there is night on this planet. There’s a lot of foreshadowing that makes scenes which are written like reveals just read as expected information.
The lodestone technology is really interesting, and the prologue chapter is really cool, and that’s what caused me to pick the galley in the first place. But I’m going to stop reading now, because I just don’t care what happens.
DNF, 2 Stars - An Okay Book
Premise: The Kelanni are ruled by a Prophet who might not have their best interests at heart, might not even be part of their species! Rebels Lyall and Alondo, kitchen-maid Shall and former soldier Keris must team up to save their people.
This is a first for me. I didn’t finish this book. Well, technically I finished the first book, but it’s a trilogy in one volume, so I didn’t finish the whole thing. Generally, if I don’t finish a book, I don’t review it, but in this case I did get a galley, and if I don’t write something about it now, I’ll feel like I have to read the rest, and life is just too short for that.
Is it terrible? No. It’s passable sci-fi on an intriguing world. But the characters are unlikable cardboard and the details are maddeningly inconsistent.
I think I dislike all of the main characters. I dislike how most of them are introduced, with a bare touch of stock back-story that doesn’t actually add any gravitas. I don’t think any of them have a believable reason for going on the quest, and they consistently act like idiots. I figure that the idea is that Shann will grow into a good, strong person, but at this point (a few chapters into Book Two) I kind of want her to fail, because she’s such a stubborn blockhead. The male characters can’t seem to be serious for two minutes in a row and Keris’ bitterness feels fake and tired to me. All of these characterizations could work, I’ve known characters like them that are compelling and believable, but these just don’t work for me.
The details of the plot and setting keep jarring me out of the story. One example: on one page a minor character’s relationship with main character A is played up and important and emotional, and five pages later the same minor character’s heretofore unmentioned relationship with man character B is supposed to be really important and heart-wrenching? Huh? Motivations are harped on or ignored by turns. It’s unclear for way too long whether there is night on this planet. There’s a lot of foreshadowing that makes scenes which are written like reveals just read as expected information.
The lodestone technology is really interesting, and the prologue chapter is really cool, and that’s what caused me to pick the galley in the first place. But I’m going to stop reading now, because I just don’t care what happens.
DNF, 2 Stars - An Okay Book
November 16, 2012
This edition of the Lodestone trilogy is a great buy. I originally read Volume one sometime back when I saw it for free, but hadn't broken down and bought the next volumes yet. With all three together, It was a savings off of buying Volume 2 and #, so I went ahead and bought.
In this book, the Kelanni people are ruled by a tyrant Prophet, on a world and with people like enough to Earth that they are familiar, but different enough that it is interesting. The Prophet rules by forcing the people to mine Lodestones, then using their special properties himself to dominate them.
In Volume 1, a group of rebels comes together, including a disenchanted Keltar, an enforcer of the Prophet, named Keris, to try to find a way to overthrow the Prophet. The first volume is the story of them coming together, and then trying to find their way across the storm barrier, a barrier that keeps them from the rest of their world, looking for the answers they need to defeat the prophet.
In Volume 2, the group has been split up after getting through the storm barrier. They find themselves in a new world, where they adapt to the new environment. This is a world of high technology, something they know nothing about. Each group, thinking at first that the others are lost, continues with their mission to try and find the means to defeat the Prophet and overcome his lodestone advantage, and to find the means they need to go back and save their people.
Continuing their mission in Volume 3, they have found the components of the weapon they need to defeat the Prophet, and to save their people. For it turns out that the Prophet is one of a group of humans that are using the Kelanni people, and want to just kill them all off in the end. They just want the lodestones. On their way home, the group again experiences trouble, and is again split up.
Mark Whiteway, the author, states that he started writing late in life, but has done a remarkable job keeping the multiple plot lines straight. This book is well written, and I enjoyed reading the first volume over again before tackling the rest of the trilogy. These stories could be enjoyed by the younger reader, as some of the characters are younger, and easy to identify with, while older readers will enjoy the story also. If you are into science fiction and/or fantasy, this trilogy is worth checking out.
In this book, the Kelanni people are ruled by a tyrant Prophet, on a world and with people like enough to Earth that they are familiar, but different enough that it is interesting. The Prophet rules by forcing the people to mine Lodestones, then using their special properties himself to dominate them.
In Volume 1, a group of rebels comes together, including a disenchanted Keltar, an enforcer of the Prophet, named Keris, to try to find a way to overthrow the Prophet. The first volume is the story of them coming together, and then trying to find their way across the storm barrier, a barrier that keeps them from the rest of their world, looking for the answers they need to defeat the prophet.
In Volume 2, the group has been split up after getting through the storm barrier. They find themselves in a new world, where they adapt to the new environment. This is a world of high technology, something they know nothing about. Each group, thinking at first that the others are lost, continues with their mission to try and find the means to defeat the Prophet and overcome his lodestone advantage, and to find the means they need to go back and save their people.
Continuing their mission in Volume 3, they have found the components of the weapon they need to defeat the Prophet, and to save their people. For it turns out that the Prophet is one of a group of humans that are using the Kelanni people, and want to just kill them all off in the end. They just want the lodestones. On their way home, the group again experiences trouble, and is again split up.
Mark Whiteway, the author, states that he started writing late in life, but has done a remarkable job keeping the multiple plot lines straight. This book is well written, and I enjoyed reading the first volume over again before tackling the rest of the trilogy. These stories could be enjoyed by the younger reader, as some of the characters are younger, and easy to identify with, while older readers will enjoy the story also. If you are into science fiction and/or fantasy, this trilogy is worth checking out.
September 21, 2012
If there’s one book that really affected me, it is The Lodestone Trilogy. It took me to another dimension, a distant world seemingly unimaginable, but somehow realistic and logical. The characters (and creatures) in the story added so much flavor that exceed the readers’ enthusiasm. Being an impatient reader, I first thought that I will not be able to read such a long tale; but to my surprise, I was glued to the book on my free time and could not resist reading further. The story was very engaging and anyone reading it will surely be compelled to go on and on.
The author did a remarkable job in putting words together to create a thrilling story. The language used was easy to understand and was written prolifically. The writing style was so effective that I was able to travel through the scenes… and see and feel for myself what was actually happening in the story. I enjoyed jumping from one adventure to another, and felt like an invisible character accompanying the heroes in their endless journey. Just when I thought I knew what will happen next, I was blown away. The story is so unpredictable that I can only catch my breath and let the book bring me to the next chapter.
I most especially admire the character of Keris. I think we are somehow similar in so many ways. Albeit she demonstrated her weaknesses, she clearly defined the distinction between obeying the law and serving the people. While all the characters are exciting to follow, Keris was my favorite. I also saw several resemblances of these fictional characters in real life, like the pretentious prophet and blinded keltars who hide in their flying cloaks (power) and rule the world through lodestones (money). The writer clearly presented leadership, power, trust, loyalty, and friendship in a very creative way.
I was captivated by the story and, thus, I will read the book again! I can’t wait to watch it in wide screen…
The author did a remarkable job in putting words together to create a thrilling story. The language used was easy to understand and was written prolifically. The writing style was so effective that I was able to travel through the scenes… and see and feel for myself what was actually happening in the story. I enjoyed jumping from one adventure to another, and felt like an invisible character accompanying the heroes in their endless journey. Just when I thought I knew what will happen next, I was blown away. The story is so unpredictable that I can only catch my breath and let the book bring me to the next chapter.
I most especially admire the character of Keris. I think we are somehow similar in so many ways. Albeit she demonstrated her weaknesses, she clearly defined the distinction between obeying the law and serving the people. While all the characters are exciting to follow, Keris was my favorite. I also saw several resemblances of these fictional characters in real life, like the pretentious prophet and blinded keltars who hide in their flying cloaks (power) and rule the world through lodestones (money). The writer clearly presented leadership, power, trust, loyalty, and friendship in a very creative way.
I was captivated by the story and, thus, I will read the book again! I can’t wait to watch it in wide screen…
January 8, 2013
I bless my stars for making me come across this book which was indeed an amazing piece of writing and a breathless read. Although based on a common theme, which is victory against evil, the author excels in creating a unique and outstanding work of fiction.
Instead of bombarding the reader with innumerable words, definitions and characters, the author has chosen a slow and steady way to introduce us to a whole new world and entice us along in a journey which is both exciting and entertaining. An enthralling plot, a narration well detailed in a lucid writing style infused with rich vocabulary and sentences well structured that makes the reader get absorbed into the story and live in the flesh and of the characters. The incidents and characters are well connected; the flow of the story is w ell managed. Words were put together skilfully to generate horror, sympathy, love, kindness and every other emotion at the right places. You won’t get a chance to even think of putting down this book until the very end.
After finishing the read, my mind still soars in the world of Kelanni, under its three suns, unable to detach myself from the bewitching spell the story has cast on me.
All in all, The Lodestone trilogy is a masterpiece of science fiction. A poignant story well crafted by the author. I give it five stars and highly recommend it, especially to those who love to indulge their imagination!
Instead of bombarding the reader with innumerable words, definitions and characters, the author has chosen a slow and steady way to introduce us to a whole new world and entice us along in a journey which is both exciting and entertaining. An enthralling plot, a narration well detailed in a lucid writing style infused with rich vocabulary and sentences well structured that makes the reader get absorbed into the story and live in the flesh and of the characters. The incidents and characters are well connected; the flow of the story is w ell managed. Words were put together skilfully to generate horror, sympathy, love, kindness and every other emotion at the right places. You won’t get a chance to even think of putting down this book until the very end.
After finishing the read, my mind still soars in the world of Kelanni, under its three suns, unable to detach myself from the bewitching spell the story has cast on me.
All in all, The Lodestone trilogy is a masterpiece of science fiction. A poignant story well crafted by the author. I give it five stars and highly recommend it, especially to those who love to indulge their imagination!
February 19, 2013
I have rather a love/hate opinion of this series.
On the one hand, I had trouble putting it down. For some reason the prose engaged me and I had to know what was going to happen. The author has a real knack for throwing in plot turns that, at least for me, are unexpected.
I especially enjoyed the fact that there are strong female characters. The character development and the growth of the characters was excellent.
On the other hand, his writing is repetitive in some respects. I really do not need to hear an extensive description of which of the controls of the flying cape are used to ascend and descend in each of the battles. Repeated maybe, but not a dozen times.
There were several times that I was pushed beyond my threshold of suspending disbelief. For example, it is simply inconceivable that a culture that lived on the sea would not venture out onto the sea, or even have a word in their vocabulary for "boat".
I was intrigued by the author's idea for pricing on the trilogy. You can "buy" the first volume for free. The theory presumably is the same as getting a sample of the book, but the author is betting that you will be hooked enough by the first book to buy the other two. It worked for me. But if you're in doubt, try the hook of the first volume and make your own decision.
On the one hand, I had trouble putting it down. For some reason the prose engaged me and I had to know what was going to happen. The author has a real knack for throwing in plot turns that, at least for me, are unexpected.
I especially enjoyed the fact that there are strong female characters. The character development and the growth of the characters was excellent.
On the other hand, his writing is repetitive in some respects. I really do not need to hear an extensive description of which of the controls of the flying cape are used to ascend and descend in each of the battles. Repeated maybe, but not a dozen times.
There were several times that I was pushed beyond my threshold of suspending disbelief. For example, it is simply inconceivable that a culture that lived on the sea would not venture out onto the sea, or even have a word in their vocabulary for "boat".
I was intrigued by the author's idea for pricing on the trilogy. You can "buy" the first volume for free. The theory presumably is the same as getting a sample of the book, but the author is betting that you will be hooked enough by the first book to buy the other two. It worked for me. But if you're in doubt, try the hook of the first volume and make your own decision.
September 24, 2012
I’m not a die hard science fiction fan; however, after reading the Lodestone Trilogy, I just may be changing my genre! A planet with three suns, a race of people – the Kelanni- humanlike in emotion, wants and needs, but yet still different. Right from Chapter 1, you are thrust into the action. The characters; you are actually there with them, feeling what they feel, seeing what they see, wanting to partake in their battles. We all have a little Kelanni in each of us.
Mark Whiteway has an uncanny knack of building the mood. I mean this in the most positive way. As a writer myself, I can undoubtedly say his method of holding the reader’s interest and building climax in the story is almost…delicious. You will be salivating after the first book to know more! No need to go hungry, continue on to the next 2 books.
Never before has a story captivated and moved me, made me feel like I was part of the story, since my love affair with the Harry Potter series. There is something reminiscent about the Lodestone Trilogy, something that makes you want to fight the good fight and see the good guys win. Bravo, Mr. Whiteway. Bravo.
Mark Whiteway has an uncanny knack of building the mood. I mean this in the most positive way. As a writer myself, I can undoubtedly say his method of holding the reader’s interest and building climax in the story is almost…delicious. You will be salivating after the first book to know more! No need to go hungry, continue on to the next 2 books.
Never before has a story captivated and moved me, made me feel like I was part of the story, since my love affair with the Harry Potter series. There is something reminiscent about the Lodestone Trilogy, something that makes you want to fight the good fight and see the good guys win. Bravo, Mr. Whiteway. Bravo.
July 28, 2012
This is a great read. Part Fantasy, Part Adventure, Part Space Opera this one explores religion's role in society, the laws of physics, technology, in a phenomenal and plausible setting. It is a good paced book merging themes of 'save the world', 'explore the mysteries', man vs nature and coming of age, and Interstellar politics.
March 12, 2013
A very hard book to put down. The characters were realistic in a way that i got pissed at them, worried about them, cried with them, and loved them. The relationship between Keris and Shann kept me on edge throughout. I hated them then I loved them. Yes this book was a great experience and I look forward to reading the next book.
March 14, 2013
I had a very hard time putting this trilogy down. Even though it is the classic good vs. evil story, it is well written and very engaging, The characters come to life in such a way that you can't help caring for them. I can't wait to read the 4th book which I just downloaded to my Kindle!
February 11, 2013
read the whole series. very good. kept my interest.
October 14, 2012
Wonderful story and engaging characters.
April 26, 2021
Well, that was different. Good different. Just finished Book #6 which ties up most loose ends... except for some rather large ones.... I promise not to give any spoilers. The writing improves from Book 1 so by the time you get to book 6, it is kinda hard to put down... These are full length novels, not novelettes which seem to have become popular nowadays... to create a steady money stream, one suspects. This series has some intriguing philosophical underpinnings, related in an interesting way with the quantum world of entanglement, uncertainty etc...One of the chief protagonists has difficulty growing beyond her... upbringing... and that makes the character a little bit annoying at crucial moments, but she pulls through... eventually. Maybe that's to build a bit of tension by the author, dunno. The first couple of books take a bit of enduring, unfortunately, as at first it's not clear where it's heading, but they lay the necessary groundwork for the succeeding books, so, only by looking back, it's worth getting through the first couple of books. After that, each book just seems to get better.... there are enough leftover threads to have at least a Book #7... and possibly #8... but nothing appears to be on the horizon, as far as I know, which is... nothing... Worth reading? Absolutely.
April 17, 2018
Wonderfully imaginative adventures
I read most of this trilogy while exercising, and it inspired me to great effort. I love the characters and the fact that women play prominent roles, I can imagine myself in the Kelanni world, and I love the race of the Chandaras and their main character, Boxx. I am going to get the next book now.
I read most of this trilogy while exercising, and it inspired me to great effort. I love the characters and the fact that women play prominent roles, I can imagine myself in the Kelanni world, and I love the race of the Chandaras and their main character, Boxx. I am going to get the next book now.
June 26, 2024
Well worth the read
This trilogy is one of the best efforts I have seen over the last several years. The plot is well thought out and the characters have distinct value and most have areal sense of growth to their story are. I have acquired the a second trilogy and hope it is as good as this one was..
This trilogy is one of the best efforts I have seen over the last several years. The plot is well thought out and the characters have distinct value and most have areal sense of growth to their story are. I have acquired the a second trilogy and hope it is as good as this one was..
September 14, 2017
Lodestone Trilogy Review
Fight scenes take up far too much time and space. Tended to skip through them when they occurred which became too often.
Fight scenes take up far too much time and space. Tended to skip through them when they occurred which became too often.
September 24, 2012
This combination fantasy/science fiction trilogy is about an enslaved planet, and a small group who intend to do something about it.
The Kelanni live in a medieval type of society, and are ruled by an unseen being called The Prophet. The Keltar are the Prophet's judge, jury and executioner. They go from village to village, kidnapping in broad daylight, and taking the unlucky ones on a one-way trip to "serve The Prophet." Their actual destination is much more brutal, and more down-to-earth.
Alondo is a genius who has had some Keltar training. Lyall is a musician who plays a very special type of instrument. Shann is an orphan child whose parents are "serving" the Prophet. They learn that the Prophet's skin is actually white, and his blood is red (the Kelanni have green skin and tails). They are joined by Keris, an ex-Keltar who brings along a strange being named Boxx, who has custody of an even stranger machine. It allows the group to speak to a woman from several thousand years in the past, who tells them of a weapon that will stop The Prophet, once and for all. Getting to the weapon is the hard part.
After many days travel, they reach the Barrier of Storms, which certainly lives up to its name. Their first attempt to cross is unsuccessful, because forces loyal to The Prophet are hot on their trail. They eventually cross in a modified sailing ship. Shann and Boxx are separated from the others, and find themselves in a much more technologically advanced society (the two societies know nothing about each other). Along the way, Shann and Boxx learn some really interesting things about themselves and their respective societies. Are they successful in stopping The Prophet, and un-slaving their world?
Here is an excellent piece of writing. The author does a fine job at making the Kelanni seem human, even though they are not human. It is very much worth the reader's time.
The Kelanni live in a medieval type of society, and are ruled by an unseen being called The Prophet. The Keltar are the Prophet's judge, jury and executioner. They go from village to village, kidnapping in broad daylight, and taking the unlucky ones on a one-way trip to "serve The Prophet." Their actual destination is much more brutal, and more down-to-earth.
Alondo is a genius who has had some Keltar training. Lyall is a musician who plays a very special type of instrument. Shann is an orphan child whose parents are "serving" the Prophet. They learn that the Prophet's skin is actually white, and his blood is red (the Kelanni have green skin and tails). They are joined by Keris, an ex-Keltar who brings along a strange being named Boxx, who has custody of an even stranger machine. It allows the group to speak to a woman from several thousand years in the past, who tells them of a weapon that will stop The Prophet, once and for all. Getting to the weapon is the hard part.
After many days travel, they reach the Barrier of Storms, which certainly lives up to its name. Their first attempt to cross is unsuccessful, because forces loyal to The Prophet are hot on their trail. They eventually cross in a modified sailing ship. Shann and Boxx are separated from the others, and find themselves in a much more technologically advanced society (the two societies know nothing about each other). Along the way, Shann and Boxx learn some really interesting things about themselves and their respective societies. Are they successful in stopping The Prophet, and un-slaving their world?
Here is an excellent piece of writing. The author does a fine job at making the Kelanni seem human, even though they are not human. It is very much worth the reader's time.
May 30, 2014
After reading lot of Fantasy and sci-fi books like Harry Potter and Lord of the rings the sequel was different. Reading this short and crisp story it brought the interest to read other two books with further more interest. Mark Whiteway has done an excellent job of creating a new adventure.
In the first book The Sea of Storms it starts with Shann who lives a life full of difficulties and Lyall is trying to free everyone from the slaves; both become fugitives to Keltar. All the other five friends run for shelter to save them and for Lyall to recover. They run to the other end of the world where there is a transporter waiting; to save themselves from the sea of storms. Nail biting part of how they save themselves from Keltar.
In book two The World of Ice and Stars, where the group now is split and are totally in a new environment understanding the world around them. The continuation from the first book is so well connected where Shann discovers the ancient secrets and the power of the lodestone which predicts the danger waiting ahead for them. The clash is when the prophet is revealed who tests their weakness intensely; leaving the suspense for book three.
In book three The Crucible of Dawn, sci-fi is so advanced as compared to the current world that we live in. Whiteway has chosen a different outlook to save the world. The Lodestone is now cached and the Kelanni wants to kill people with it. Successfully Shann saves all lives and the world after experiencing lot of trouble which breaks the suspense overall and completes the series.
Excellent forms of writing as the books are not too long or draggy. They are intriguing to read and finish. Some find it difficult to understand the pain and separation of friends which are lost which are to be valued always. Every aspect as been covered in this book which makes it stands out unique.
In the first book The Sea of Storms it starts with Shann who lives a life full of difficulties and Lyall is trying to free everyone from the slaves; both become fugitives to Keltar. All the other five friends run for shelter to save them and for Lyall to recover. They run to the other end of the world where there is a transporter waiting; to save themselves from the sea of storms. Nail biting part of how they save themselves from Keltar.
In book two The World of Ice and Stars, where the group now is split and are totally in a new environment understanding the world around them. The continuation from the first book is so well connected where Shann discovers the ancient secrets and the power of the lodestone which predicts the danger waiting ahead for them. The clash is when the prophet is revealed who tests their weakness intensely; leaving the suspense for book three.
In book three The Crucible of Dawn, sci-fi is so advanced as compared to the current world that we live in. Whiteway has chosen a different outlook to save the world. The Lodestone is now cached and the Kelanni wants to kill people with it. Successfully Shann saves all lives and the world after experiencing lot of trouble which breaks the suspense overall and completes the series.
Excellent forms of writing as the books are not too long or draggy. They are intriguing to read and finish. Some find it difficult to understand the pain and separation of friends which are lost which are to be valued always. Every aspect as been covered in this book which makes it stands out unique.
September 7, 2012
I am usually not a big fan of Sci-Fi material – more of a romantic comedy,
and romance type of person. The only knowledge of Sci-Fi I have is through
movies and TV shows and only recently have I started to gain interest in
the universe, the different stars and galaxies around us imagining what it
would be like to be of different planet. I was given this book by chance
and I must admit that I didn’t expect thoroughly enjoy it from start to
finish. I was not able to put the book down. The story was well written
with lots of detail and explanation to things and even though at times I
did find myself wondering what some things meant or what some things were I
realized that this was fantasy and I was able to then absorb this and let
the story flow with my imagination. Each character was well written and
character development was very in depth – I felt and cared for their
struggles, their pain and their pursuit and connected most to Keris, a
former Keltar and her struggle against what she what she knew and what she
had to oppose. What drew me in the most was how everything was described
vividly and I could imagine every sight and sound and when I closed my eyes
I could immerse myself in Kelanni. I enjoyed it so much that I even started
reading it out lout to my husband and got him into the story too. I would
recommend this to anyone – those interested in the negative matter in
Einstein’s Theory of General Relativity which the author said it is built
around and those interested to lose themselves in an amazing fantasy world.
What is also impressive is that this trilogy is the author’s first series
of novels and I hope that he will continue to expand his story telling.
and romance type of person. The only knowledge of Sci-Fi I have is through
movies and TV shows and only recently have I started to gain interest in
the universe, the different stars and galaxies around us imagining what it
would be like to be of different planet. I was given this book by chance
and I must admit that I didn’t expect thoroughly enjoy it from start to
finish. I was not able to put the book down. The story was well written
with lots of detail and explanation to things and even though at times I
did find myself wondering what some things meant or what some things were I
realized that this was fantasy and I was able to then absorb this and let
the story flow with my imagination. Each character was well written and
character development was very in depth – I felt and cared for their
struggles, their pain and their pursuit and connected most to Keris, a
former Keltar and her struggle against what she what she knew and what she
had to oppose. What drew me in the most was how everything was described
vividly and I could imagine every sight and sound and when I closed my eyes
I could immerse myself in Kelanni. I enjoyed it so much that I even started
reading it out lout to my husband and got him into the story too. I would
recommend this to anyone – those interested in the negative matter in
Einstein’s Theory of General Relativity which the author said it is built
around and those interested to lose themselves in an amazing fantasy world.
What is also impressive is that this trilogy is the author’s first series
of novels and I hope that he will continue to expand his story telling.
June 24, 2014
I gave these books a 1 star rating for many reasons. For me, in the beginning I found it difficult to get into. It was not until the end of Chapter 2 that the reading began to flow smoother. I understand that this is a sci-fi world with new terms and things I have never heard of and I expected to be taken into a world of the author’s imagination, but I think some things were not explained well enough to portray to the reader what the author was trying to convey. I know sometimes an author can over explain and that can lead to boredom, so a happy medium is hard to find. But maybe a glossary of terms in the beginning would have been a nice touch so we would have known exactly how a graylesh differs from a horse or a morgren from a camel. Maybe that would have helped me to transition into the Kelanni world. I get that readers are to take some liberties and use their imaginations, but how can the author leave out so much? This is HIS story and I as a reader want to be taken into a world that has been created for me, not one I have to create myself. I found the lodestone technology interesting but difficult to grasp. I found even the band of hero’s lacking the likeable factor...and these are the main characters! However, I enjoyed Lyall’s and Alondo’s friendship and wit and I found Boxx to be the most endearing and likeable character of them all. I gave this 1 star because there were many flaws, but there is a story here I just think the story was lost in translation. I usually finish books that I start no matter how bad, but I had no interest in finishing this one. I only made it through the first one and gave up.
July 29, 2016
Wow! What a book. Actually it's three books in one. And strange how the numbers three and one play a role in the story. But enough spoilers!
It's a story about fairly ordinary people trying to free their world from oppression. If you like adventure, mystery, uncovering ancient secrets, breathtaking journeys and amazing battles then you must read this. The characters are drawn from some alien races which are not described up front, but we gradually catch glimpses. This can be awkward, but I take it as part of the mystery. Likewise with the various beasts.
The author has taken on a huge task, building more than one world, really, along with its many cultures, its history and its unique physics and meteorology. And you can see, when you step back at the end of it all, how he's woven the physical and the spiritual together. The elements of his universe – the suns in the sky – have become a central part of the faith of the people. Then there's the lodestone. In our universe, lodestone is simply a strongly magnetic ore used to make compasses and magnets. In this story world, though, it's something more. I think most readers will enjoy how it's used and not worry too much about the physics. This lodestone is not the same material as the one we know!
The main characters – Keris, Shann, Lyall and the others – are definitely not the same people after their epic adventures. That's the nub of a good story – how life changes us, hopefully for the better. Do ordinary people really become heroes when they see that their world is being destroyed? Well, I suppose that's up to you and me to decide, right?
It's a story about fairly ordinary people trying to free their world from oppression. If you like adventure, mystery, uncovering ancient secrets, breathtaking journeys and amazing battles then you must read this. The characters are drawn from some alien races which are not described up front, but we gradually catch glimpses. This can be awkward, but I take it as part of the mystery. Likewise with the various beasts.
The author has taken on a huge task, building more than one world, really, along with its many cultures, its history and its unique physics and meteorology. And you can see, when you step back at the end of it all, how he's woven the physical and the spiritual together. The elements of his universe – the suns in the sky – have become a central part of the faith of the people. Then there's the lodestone. In our universe, lodestone is simply a strongly magnetic ore used to make compasses and magnets. In this story world, though, it's something more. I think most readers will enjoy how it's used and not worry too much about the physics. This lodestone is not the same material as the one we know!
The main characters – Keris, Shann, Lyall and the others – are definitely not the same people after their epic adventures. That's the nub of a good story – how life changes us, hopefully for the better. Do ordinary people really become heroes when they see that their world is being destroyed? Well, I suppose that's up to you and me to decide, right?
May 14, 2014
This series is such a pleasure to read that it makes it difficult to choose a favorite aspect, character, or unexpected development. But if I had to choose the one thing I like the most, I would have to say I love the unique characteristics of the Kelanni people. Then again, I love that the series was a trilogy before I found it! I prefer reading series of books in any genre so the fact that the Lodestone Trilogy had all three parts available was a really great characteristic for my own preferences. I have been a huge fan of Star Trek, Star Wars, and Planet of the Apes since I was a child so I absolutely loved the slight similarity the series has with those examples of science fiction and life in the future. But I also hesitate to mention the similarity because it truly is something completely different at the same time. Obviously this is one highly-skilled author with an amazing imagination! I could not have kept the characters and plot twists in order had I been the one writing the story, but he was able to keep them all straight not only well enough to write about, but well enough to write about them in such a way that helped my brain keep up with the mesmerizing story. I am glad I had all the books to read in one, but that made it a bit challenging to have the discipline to take a break from reading to take care of real life stuff! This is one of those series that makes you wish you could just be a hermit and disappear into the wilderness with the books to enjoy non-stop until the very end.
June 22, 2014
Top-Notch Sci-Fi Trilogy with Solid World-Building Interwoven
I absolutely love stories that are about a group of individuals, each with their own special characteristics, which go on a journey to kill the evil plaguing their land (which, in this case, is the Prophet). Mr. Whiteway writes this story about a group of rebels seeking to stop the Prophet, who is ruling the Kelanni people through the use of Lodestones (which is what the Kelanni people are forced to mine). While the story outlines their journey to defeat the Prophet, everything in between is a complex yet believable story interwoven with relationships, friendships, and hardships. I think that all ages can read this series and relate to at least one character (which is one of the most important requirements for me to continue reading a book). I was also completely emotionally invested in the characters as they dealt with realistic problems that I can sympathize with. The world building was perfect and wasn’t overbearing or drawn out, which is a bad quality I see in a lot of books that don’t occur on Earth. As for the price, I couldn’t have asked for a better one. $2 a book?! The only authors that offer that price is those looking to sell ONE E-book before the release of the next one, not three. All that needs to happen next is for Mr. Whiteway to sell the rights to this series so we can see it on the big screen! I will definitely continue with the series and will be keeping an eye out for any other releases that this author may publish in the future.
I absolutely love stories that are about a group of individuals, each with their own special characteristics, which go on a journey to kill the evil plaguing their land (which, in this case, is the Prophet). Mr. Whiteway writes this story about a group of rebels seeking to stop the Prophet, who is ruling the Kelanni people through the use of Lodestones (which is what the Kelanni people are forced to mine). While the story outlines their journey to defeat the Prophet, everything in between is a complex yet believable story interwoven with relationships, friendships, and hardships. I think that all ages can read this series and relate to at least one character (which is one of the most important requirements for me to continue reading a book). I was also completely emotionally invested in the characters as they dealt with realistic problems that I can sympathize with. The world building was perfect and wasn’t overbearing or drawn out, which is a bad quality I see in a lot of books that don’t occur on Earth. As for the price, I couldn’t have asked for a better one. $2 a book?! The only authors that offer that price is those looking to sell ONE E-book before the release of the next one, not three. All that needs to happen next is for Mr. Whiteway to sell the rights to this series so we can see it on the big screen! I will definitely continue with the series and will be keeping an eye out for any other releases that this author may publish in the future.
January 9, 2013
Your haggard reviewer types in a daze, exhausted and shaking. This is probably because she has been reading Mark Whiteway’s Lodestone Trilogy for hours on end, and can not wait to find out what lies in store for sweet, feisty Shanna, enigmatic little Boxx, and all the rest.
Whiteway’s warm, piquant characters flutter the heartstrings and capture the soul- for aliens, they are very human-, his superb balance between the grand imagination of the plot and subtly compelling character development is a continual joy, and most of all, in a sea of gritty, self-conscious pomposity, the Lodestone Trilogy is wonderfully unpretentious and charmingly sincere.
I don’t mean to say that the trilogy is wholly without flaws; rather, this is one of those rare works whose flaws are offset by their strengths, and serve only to make the reader’s experience more cogently endearing. While the exposition can be a little clunky, it is this that allows the strength and simplicity of the author’s ideas to shine through, encompassing the diverse cast and wriggling dearth of plot threads. While the pace can be overwhelming, it is this undercurrent of urgency which sustains the reader’s tension and invests each unfolding development with meaning.
Overall, I can recommend The Lodestone Trilogy with all my heart to fans of fantasy, science fiction, and the brightness of the human spirit. You will not be disappointed!
Whiteway’s warm, piquant characters flutter the heartstrings and capture the soul- for aliens, they are very human-, his superb balance between the grand imagination of the plot and subtly compelling character development is a continual joy, and most of all, in a sea of gritty, self-conscious pomposity, the Lodestone Trilogy is wonderfully unpretentious and charmingly sincere.
I don’t mean to say that the trilogy is wholly without flaws; rather, this is one of those rare works whose flaws are offset by their strengths, and serve only to make the reader’s experience more cogently endearing. While the exposition can be a little clunky, it is this that allows the strength and simplicity of the author’s ideas to shine through, encompassing the diverse cast and wriggling dearth of plot threads. While the pace can be overwhelming, it is this undercurrent of urgency which sustains the reader’s tension and invests each unfolding development with meaning.
Overall, I can recommend The Lodestone Trilogy with all my heart to fans of fantasy, science fiction, and the brightness of the human spirit. You will not be disappointed!
June 18, 2014
In the far-away land of Kelanni there was a young girl named Shann without thinking she steps in to help a cloaked rebel named Lyall and so the adventure begins…
From page one I was captivated with a tale I couldn’t put down. This is so remarkably written that the storyline remained in my thoughts pulling me back to its pages. Sci-fi is only the beginning with so much more with fantasy, folklore and others combined in one unique storyline one cannot miss.
Whiteway is more than an exceptional storyteller with a vivid imagination and powerful characters this trilogy is a must read. I loved the heart of Keris as she fights the struggles within with her loyalty to Mordal and the Prophet and the power that brings, but also for the helplessness she feels for the people and why would the Prophet justify all that is taking place. I related to Lyall with his rebel desire to free the tributes and making his homeland peaceful. The sweet, gentle heart of Alondo who just seems to desire peace and solitude but seems always caught up in his boyhood friend Lyall’s adventures. I desired to find a few lodestones myself for the magical powers they possess as well as a flying cloak.
With so much to become lost in there is something here for young and old alike with richness of storyline but also within its pages are morals to ponder upon. Don’t miss this powerful adventure of the “The Lodestone Trilogy” a story you won’t soon forget…
From page one I was captivated with a tale I couldn’t put down. This is so remarkably written that the storyline remained in my thoughts pulling me back to its pages. Sci-fi is only the beginning with so much more with fantasy, folklore and others combined in one unique storyline one cannot miss.
Whiteway is more than an exceptional storyteller with a vivid imagination and powerful characters this trilogy is a must read. I loved the heart of Keris as she fights the struggles within with her loyalty to Mordal and the Prophet and the power that brings, but also for the helplessness she feels for the people and why would the Prophet justify all that is taking place. I related to Lyall with his rebel desire to free the tributes and making his homeland peaceful. The sweet, gentle heart of Alondo who just seems to desire peace and solitude but seems always caught up in his boyhood friend Lyall’s adventures. I desired to find a few lodestones myself for the magical powers they possess as well as a flying cloak.
With so much to become lost in there is something here for young and old alike with richness of storyline but also within its pages are morals to ponder upon. Don’t miss this powerful adventure of the “The Lodestone Trilogy” a story you won’t soon forget…
November 9, 2012
I have only read the first book so far, but the main issue with this story is the rushed feeling of the prose, which contributes to a lack of detail. For example, the protagonists are obviously alien (white blood, tails) but those descriptions are cursory and if it wasn’t pointed out then you would think that the author is writing about humans that just happen to have tails and white blood. I am pretty sure that if I had a tail such an appendage would factor in my movements to a great degree(all creatures that have tails use them for balance), yet there are long scenes of fighting where there is nothing to indicate that they have this fifth appendage; you don’t even know how long their tails are. In the beginning actually forgot they had tails until I was reminded of it a few chapters later.
There is also a noticeable absence of depth to the characters. One of the protagonists is obviously going through a coming of age journey, but when she finally reaches the point of holding her own, I consciously stopped and thought that that scene should have had more impact. You end of feeling kind of deflated when you realize this.
But it still is an interesting story and I will continue reading.
There is also a noticeable absence of depth to the characters. One of the protagonists is obviously going through a coming of age journey, but when she finally reaches the point of holding her own, I consciously stopped and thought that that scene should have had more impact. You end of feeling kind of deflated when you realize this.
But it still is an interesting story and I will continue reading.
July 26, 2016
I was so thoroughly entertained by Lodestone Trilogy that I want to be very, VERY careful not to spoil the fun for anyone with pertinent details before they read them. However, what I will say is the storyline of a domineering tyrant with traits of an obvious racist against the Kelanni people helps connect the science fiction story with present day realities. The Prophet’s domination and master plan of eradicating the Kelanni people when their slave no longer outweighed his hopes of destroying their race has a slightly familiar feel to both the present as well as the past. It takes a talented author to make a futuristic fantasy that connects to all of mankind’s history since the beginning of time, and I think he has done exactly that with the slavery aspect of the story. But while that aspect is similar to historical facts, it is by no means an “old” rendition of that kind of weakness in humanity. I think the facts of what the slaves are actually mining and why it is needed adds a fantastic twist to the plot and separates it from being a “run-of-the-mill” slavery story. I was really glad I got to read all three books in the series one after the other, but by the end of the third part, I was disappointed the ride was over! Ready for the next trilogy!
June 17, 2014
The description for this trilogy starts, “On a distant planet ruled by a brutal tyrant, an alien girl comes to the aid of a stranger and is plunged into the midst of a titanic struggle that will decide the fate of her world. “ Let me tell you it got me hooked right away and I was more than happy to dive into this trilogy. I love science fiction but I have found that a great deal of it tends to be repetitive these days, not the case at all with The Lodestone Trilogy by Mark Whiteway. The story is unique and brings you in with the amazing detail and engaging characters. There are so many levels to the story telling in this book there is never a moment where you’re bored. You get the information on a society that is not what you might think right away in a Science Fiction, you get fight scenes, Good Vs. Evil and shades of grey as well. If you are looking for an epic enjoyable Science Fiction to read I would highly recommend this trilogy. I could barely set them set down when I was reading!
July 30, 2012
The Lodestone Trilogy turned out to be an excellent series. This is a very long series and takes a bit to get through it, but it is definitely worth the patience. It was very hard to get into in the first chapters and was rather confusing, but eventually irons out to be a wrinkle free trilogy. It was full of excitement and even though Shann was an excellent character, you cannot help but be attached to Keris and feel for her. Mark Whiteway did a fantastic job of keeping creative characters and shaking it up throughout all three books. The Chandara have a very interesting history and book two really brings a lot of the history to light. I enjoyed reading this trilogy and even though the third book was not as exciting as the first two, you learn a lot about the Prophet and other things that have been discussed throughout the first two books. 4 out of 5 stars only because it was a very slow start, which can usually make or break books for some people.
May 14, 2014
As a member of the “older generation”, I truly believe that younger authors with less life experience have a hard time writing stories as richly developed as this one. It is not a book for “old people” by far, but clearly a storyline that is greatly enjoyed by readers both young and old. I just appreciate how full and flavorful the nitty-gritty details are to really make it a well-balanced and entrancing fantasy to follow. While not really a fan of the SciFi genre of novels, my daughter recommended this story because she enjoyed it and knows I will try different types of fiction if there are sequels available. Am I ever glad I listened to her this time! I am definitely ready for the next series from this author and sure hope he’s in the middle of writing one now! I don’t know what would be better – the story continuing to part four of the Lodestone series or a brand-new storyline. I think I would enjoy anything else from this author just as much as I did the Lodestone Trilogy.
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