Beau Bailey is suffering from a post-break-up meltdown when she happens across a knife in her local park and takes it home. Less than a week later, the new boy in school has her trapped in an alley; he’s sprouted horns and is going to kill Beau unless she hands over the knife.
Until Eighteenth-century gargoyle, Jack, shows up to save her.
Jack has woken from a century-long slumber to tell Beau that she’s unwittingly been drafted into a power struggle between two immortal races: Demons and Gargoyles. The knife is the only one in existence capable of killing immortals and they’ll tear the world apart to get it back. To draw the warring immortals away from her home, Beau goes with Jack in search of the mind-bending realm known as the Underworld, a place where they’ll hopefully be able to destroy the knife and prevent all hell from breaking loose. That is, provided they can outrun the demons chasing them.
I’m a graduate of Garstang Community Academy, currently studying for a BA (Hons) in English language and literature with special emphasis on creative writing. YA aficionado. Brit bird. Film nerd. Identical twin. Junk food enthusiast. Rumoured pink Power Ranger. Zombie apocalypse 2012 survivor. Avid collector of book boyfriends.
********ARC received in exchange for an honest review********
In Stone is a debut Young Adult Paranormal novel by Louise Gornall and I loved it! Straight away I was drawn in by the story and Louise's fantastic writing style, and I really struggled to put it down. I had a really busy few days so only had chance to read in the evenings and I found myself in a battle over wanting to stay up all night to find out what happens, and wanting to make it last.
Although New Adult tends to be my favourite genre due to my unabashed love of smut, I honestly didn't feel like I was missing out on it in this book. In fact, I don't think I even thought about it once because there was so much going on to keep my mind focused on what I was reading rather than what I wasn't. It was all so well written that I could easily picture the stone falling away from Jack like sand, as he turned from a "see no evil" Gargoyle into a beautiful, muscled guy with shining blue eyes. I could imagine the fights that occurred, the back of the train being ripped away, and wounds healing as if they were all happening right in front of my eyes.
The female main character had such a way with words that I found myself uncontrollably cackling like a witch on many occasions throughout the book and the rest of the characters were so well thought out that I felt connected to them, even if they were only in it briefly. It's so hard to say something about this book without giving spoilers because it's so full of twists and turns and there are no "fillers" or overly long descriptions, absolutely everything that happens is linked to the story.
Where as in some books, one thing is mentioned repeatedly throughout the book and even though it's not revealed until the end, you know the whole way through that it's linked to the story in some way, In Stone wasn't like that at all. Nothing was overused and things that we find out in the end, were only ever mentioned once or twice so you are constantly guessing, and some things came as such a surprise it was like it just came up and slapped me in the face!
One of the ways I Judge the greatness of a book is if it can make me cry. If a story can have me so invested that it brings out those kind of emotions in me - whether happy or sad - then I know I've found another to add to my favourites, and In Stone was one of those books. At one point I was gripping on to my kindle with both hands, tears pooling in my eyes while internally chanting "No, no, no, no, no!" Then the end was amazing! There was no cliffhanger but I am left desperate for more. I'm pretty certain if it wasn't for the fact that I have a kindle full of other ARCs to get through, then I would start re-reading as soon as I've put this review up. In Stone is a book I would highly recommend and Louise Gornall is an author that I will definitely be reading more from in the future.
Beau Bailey just broke up with her boyfriend, and sneaks off to the park in the middle of the night to cry her guts out. Then something happens and a guy ends up almost dead on the ground next to her. Shocked to her core she tries to help, instead he forces her to take a knife and run for her life. She witness unexplained events that leaves her confused and frightened.
The next day she decides to get rid of this knife and hand it over to the authorities. But she soon discovers that this was a big mistake. The new boy in school follows her home and attacks her seeking the knife. That’s when Jack steps in and saves her life. As a gargoyle it’s his duty to protect the world from demons.
But this knife is turning everything that touches it evil, he asks Beau to do the impossible and save not only him, but everyone in the world. Her days of sulking over her breakup are over in a flash, as they race to find the only source capable of destroying the knife. But everyone wants the knife and won’t stop until they get it.
Holy smokes! What an absolute treat this was from start to finish. Louise created an amazing cast of characters. We have the very creative Beau whose sense of humor had me crying from laughter. She is thrust into a world filled with demons trying to kill her. But Beau steps up to the plate and transforms from just another girl to an amazing heroine. Then we have the amazing and hunky Jack who joins her and between the two you are holding your sides at some points. We also have Leah, Beau’s best friend, who has a wonderful way with words and ensures for more laughter. But in the world of evil there are also moments of heartbreak and despair. Again, both characters pull at your heart and you find yourself holding your breath at what they have to go through.
The plot was perfectly executed and delivers a thrilling ride filled with adventure, trails and an unexpected end. Louise writing style was fresh, well-structured and easy to follow. In my opinion this can go to the top selling list and be done with. In Stone have all the amazing elements of all other paranormal novels, and even more. Louise creative writing is unique and a joy to read. Well done to the author, and a phenomenal well deserved 5 stars. I will be keeping my eyes on this talented author. I believe we will be seeing future reads from her filled with excellence and amazement.
To read the full blog post with an excerpt, giveaway and an interview with the author herselfCLICK HERE
All it took was Beau witnessing one guy turn to dust, then taking the knife that killed him to turn her life upside down. Now she must try and destroy the knife with the help of newcomer Jack- who just happens to be a gargoyle. If they don’t destroy the knife, demons will try to retrieve the knife and take over the world. Beau just wants to get rid of it and for everything to return to normal, but Jack needs her help because anyone that touches the knife changes..... into power hungry monsters. But Beau is the only one it doesn't change…..or does it?
They are in a race against time to destroy the knife amidst the threat of Demons that will stop at nothing to retrieve it.
How do I even begin to start this review? Let’s just say that this book was fan flipping tastic! Never heard of this book?….well now you have and you seriously need to look it up. It has Demons, it has half-demons, and it has Gargoyles…..I mean what more could you want? This is my first book that I've read about gargoyles, and now I can’t wait to read more. If there are other gargoyle books out there like this one, sign me up quick! This book was an epic adventure!!!!!! The book started off with a bang and ended with a bang and leaves you wanting the next book... like yesterday. Beau is just a mortal with a semi ordinary life, but within a matter of days all the changes. How would you react? Well she gets depressed and then she gets angry, Why her? She keeps asking herself that question during the whole book….well she doesn’t say it exactly but it is implied. It does finally say why it had to be her and let me tell you, I never saw that coming. I mean OMG!!!!!! Anyways, I laughed and cried most of the book, but mostly laughed. Beau is crazy and I love it. The book wouldn’t have been the same without her. Oh, there are some things that go on in the book that should get you interested. How about Hell? Purgatory? Learning about the gargoyles and the knife? That was some pretty serious stuff. I was just mesmerized by all of it. I didn't want this book to end and I only stopped to go the bathroom and get a little snack. This book will have you in its clutching from the first word. This book has already earned a spot in my top reads of the year. ^_^
Overall: YOU NEED THIS BOOK IN YOUR LIFE!!!! What are you waiting for, go get it. :D
Beau: She is slightly perverted and I love it. She had me laughing on several occasions and had me crying for her during others. We see two different sides of her in this book and both of them are fascinating. One minute she is sweet, and the next you better watch your back.
Jack: At first he is a little mysterious, but then he opens up to Beau and I was shocked he did. We find out how he became a gargoyle and why. Like I said, shocking stuff. He is very protective of Beau….but is it out of friendship or more? ;) We also get to see different side of him. It’s like I’ve slowly fallen for him, but I’m still cautious because he is so unpredictable. I just need the next book to find out what’s going to happen.
Here are two quotes if I still haven’t convinced you to read In Stone
His back is to me. My eyes zero in on his butt. I’m looking for a tail, not checking him out. Granted, he has a great ass. And sturdy shoulder blades that sit like rocks under his shirt. But I’m not checking him out. There is no sign of the snaky appendage.
Choirs sing. Fireworks explode. Babies are born. The knife.
While sitting in a park and suffering from her breakup with her boyfriend, Beau Bailey’s life is turned upside down in a matter of minutes. In an effort to restore order, she decides to get rid of the one thing still remaining of the incident.
With the balance restored, Beau goes back to school and normal life. Well that’s until the new boy in school tries to kill her, and oh yeah, have horns bursting out of his head. She is saved by Jack, a gargoyle that protects humans against demons. But Jack needs her help, and she agrees to help him save the world.
Soon she is breaking into federal buildings, running across the world with Jack while fighting off demons. All of this just to destroy the one thing she really didn’t want in the first place, a knife capable of killing gargoyles and demons.
But there is something going on inside Beau, something dangerous is rising up inside her wanting out.
WARNING: You do not read this book with a full bladder. You do not read this book in public where everyone bears witness to your outburst.
Beau was an absolute treat from start to finish. Her humor will leave you cracking up. In the face of danger this is the girl you need to be with. She was spunky, funny, hilarious, brave, insane, courageous and the list goes on. She was the perfect heroine for such a great adventure. Jack was right there to make it even more epic. His strong, courageous, fun, witty, brawn and yes everything needed to finish off another perfect hero.
Ladies and gentleman, this is my top read for 2013! The opening lines to this novel grabs hold of you and starts an amazing journey that you can get enough of. Yes, I burst out laughing in front of other people, and for once I wished it was a paperback I was holding to show off this amazing find. Louise D Gornall’s writing was superb and perfectly written. I was devouring this novel with all the hilarious stuff Beau says, especially in the face of danger.
The plot was exhilarating, fun, intense and just plain perfect. You’re dragged into their world and all you can do is hold on and go with it. There is a lot of spunky humor from both Beau and Jack, but you also have intense heartbreaking moments where you grip the book yelling NO. I read this novel in one day, unable to put it down. What a fantastic find and I hope, and hold thumps, that this is not the last I read about these two. A huge well done to the author and her team. Perfect editing greeted me on every page, and the cover is perfect for such a fantastic novel.
You must get a copy and read this novel, absolutely a must. Five stars don’t even cover the experience I had reading this novel. GO GET IT NOW!
Who knew gargoyles could be HOT? They are! Really!!! In Stone is a great example of how to turn a grotesque creature into the latest paranormal hottie. This is a must read for a lot of reasons: entertaining story, interesting characters, flawless writing. This is definitely a different kind of paranormal romance. Louise Gornall is definitely an author to watch.
In Stone has a wonderful premise, a strong start, but then it falls flat toward the end.
In Stone is about Beau, a girl who finds a special knife that is the ultimate weapon against gargoyles and demons. The gargoyles and demons each want the knife for themselves as a tool to defeat the other, and also to provide the protection for themselves. The knife is the only thing that will kill them.
Beau finds a dying man who turns out to be a gargoyle, who asks her to take the knife and run. She does so, and turns it into the police. At school a new guy shows up, and then later turns out to be a demon and attacks her. She is saved by Jack, a gargoyle. Jack later shows up at her house and she's swept into this war.
I didn't like how Beau went with Jack practically right away. She said no at first, but felt guilty and went after him. And then she ends up going around the world with this guy she's known for a day.
It continued to be an okay book. Not one I was drawn into, but all in all an interesting story.
Toward the end, action picked up when Jack was left in Hell. (I love how he announced his presence when he returned though) After his return is when the novel fell flat. I feel as if the author was just anxious to get it done with. Beau finds out she's not human, her mom has been keeping secrets, and so on. Jack is now her enemy more or less and tries to leave her but she begs him to say. And that's how it ends! Just that. So I'm a tad disappointed in the ending. And there's no mention at all of a sequel.
I adored the idea of Jack and his tail. I'll admit, I couldn't stop thinking about it.
All in all, cute little read. It was okay. I'm glad I gave the book a shot and read it, but it won't be one I reread.
I've always liked gargoyles, so when I heard that there was a YA romance out there about a human(ish) gargoyle, I knew I had to read it. (In fact, I had the main characters from IN STONE meet Georgia and Michael from SNARK, which you can read here). And if you read that post, you'll know that Jack is a pretty sweet gargoyle boy. Blond, silver-eyed, charming - I'm pretty sure my daughter would see all kinds of Niall Horan in him. But what makes Jack more intriguing than Niall Horan, with all apologies to my daughter, is that he has a sad and mysterious past that I look forward to hearing about in sequels. (I'll just say here that it involves Purgatory. And a way out). Plus he's a GARGOYLE, which means he can fly and scale buildings like a gecko and he has a tail. Oh, and he's about to save the world from destruction, with the help of human(ish) Beau Bailey. Beau's a trickier character and Gornall does a nice job with her. She's snarky and not entirely likable, but there's a reason for that, which I won't even tell you because you have to find out for yourself. Let's just say that the last three chapters are almost too hectic in their emotional switches and revelations. You won't want to miss them. There's suspense throughout as they team up in small town America, and then Bulgaria, and then . . .Wait. I don't want to spoil it. But there's fighting an tension and narrow escapes enough for anyone who can't wait for the release of the third installment of the DIVERGENT series.
So check out IN STONE from Entranced at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Goodreads. It's a great summer read.
In Stone stole my heart and stole hours of my weekend. I could hardly bear to put it down! The author writes in a fresh, authentic voice and crafts a tale that moves quickly, yet builds the emotional pitch of a much longer, slower book.
The premise is fresh: Girl meets Gargoyle and goes on a mission to destroy nasty, all powerful knife. It's the subtle twists and turns and the associate characters that make you laugh, cry, hug yourself and keep reading. The scenes and action are plausible, the dialogue is too-die-for and the main characters?
Let me tell you:
Beau is remarkable - she's feisty, flirty, downright awesome in her kick-assedness, and yet her vulnerability shines through without diminishing or weakening any part of the story. And Jack - oh, my Jack! This boy is sooo delicious! He's strong but tender, smart but with a smidge of naivety. The author isn't overly descriptive, but you have such a strong impression of his heart and soul, there is nothing left to wish for.
Except a sequel, which I will TRY to wait for... I loved it. Really. Great book!
This book blew me away. It's a quick read. The pacing is fantastic, pulling you along but with enough moments for self-reflection that it doesn't feel rushed. And you may see one of the plot twists in the last few chapters coming (although I didn't), but probably not the others. There are several.
By far my favourite thing about "In Stone" is the voice. It's told in the first person from Beau's perspective and I LOVED HER from the first moment I met her. Even crying with a broken heart in the park over being dumped, her sass came through. I wanted to take her home and make her a hot chocolate or something.
In Stone by Louise Gornall made me laugh within the first three lines, and had set the hook when protagonist Beau Bailey has a mysterious encounter with a stranger in the park who ends up disintegrating into dust! I loved the fresh faced and inventive storyline involving Gargoyles and Demons. The action of the book is fast paced and keeps the reader voraciously chewing away! I was sad to have this literary meal end so soon! The banter between Beau and Jack is witty and clever, and the chemistry made me want to don a lab apron while I sat back and enjoyed the show! This was my first experience with a NA book, and In Stone did not disappoint.
It took me a chapter or two to get use to the 'voice', but after that I didn't want to put it down.
I love the idea of protective gargoyles and the entire battle against the dark world. The attacks and danger were tense without becoming over-powering or ridiculous. And I can only say the same for the romance. The attraction was always there but not so much as to over-run the rest of the story.
It was a fun, fast-paced read, and I can't wait to get my hands on number 2.
A unique book by a talented author. I don't always love YA, but this book made me forget that's what I was reading. Ms.Gornall's writing style is fresh, mature, and a little bit snarky... Which I LOVED! She balances intense action with lighter moments perfectly and she's actually quite funny. Will definitely read more from this author.
This book will have you rolling with laughter and wiping away a few tears. A fast-paced adventure story with unforgettable characters and quote-worthy dialogue. For fans of snarky heroines and paranormal hunks.
*I represent this book as publicist for Entranced Publishing
Could not put this book down, It was fast passed yet flowed beautifully, I fell in love with Jack and wished I was as cool as Beau. really enjoyed reading it and hopeing there will be a sequel ASAP.
Great read from a talented new author. Plenty of adventure, a fun voice, and lots of plot twists to keep you on your toes. A wonderful summer read you won't want to miss!