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Dragon Bone #1
Sticks, Stones, and Dragon Bones
A door that leads nowhere…
a key to open it.
A map of a land that doesn’t exist,
and a monster that does.
Four sisters; a hypochondriac scientist, a mordant writer, and two feisty twins aspiring to be pirates, set off to retrieve their eldest sister who has been kidnapped into an unknown world. The sisters must work together to outwit the monster Brakkus, face their fears, and unravel the clues of an ominous prophecy…
“Follow the river of blood and you will find a coffin of leaves... You will find her in the clutches of two great forces seeking power. They both prowl behind curtains of violence, but one can deliver only evil and the other, possible freedom. The one you seek is in the jaws of the deliverers, but you must hurry, for like meat thrown to dogs she will be ripped apart.”
a key to open it.
A map of a land that doesn’t exist,
and a monster that does.
Four sisters; a hypochondriac scientist, a mordant writer, and two feisty twins aspiring to be pirates, set off to retrieve their eldest sister who has been kidnapped into an unknown world. The sisters must work together to outwit the monster Brakkus, face their fears, and unravel the clues of an ominous prophecy…
“Follow the river of blood and you will find a coffin of leaves... You will find her in the clutches of two great forces seeking power. They both prowl behind curtains of violence, but one can deliver only evil and the other, possible freedom. The one you seek is in the jaws of the deliverers, but you must hurry, for like meat thrown to dogs she will be ripped apart.”
- GenresFantasy
ebook
First published October 22, 2012
11 people are currently reading
657 people want to read
About the author
Evelyn Ink
5 books29 followersEvelyn Ink was formally trained to be a parachutist, but found it did not fit her longstanding desire to avoid heights and thus decided to study the much less vertically horrifying subject of English Literature.
Due to the web of conspiracy which surrounds Evelyn Ink, she rarely appears in public, but when she does it’s best to avoid her on account of her enduring history of social disrepute. There has been more than one regrettable event regarding bent cameras and shattered umbrellas.
It’s hard to say how old she is, but I would guess she was born well before you were. Her childhood home, deep in some unknown, but undoubtably pleasant countryside, was turned into a plastic bubblepuck factory forcing her family to move far into the Stonegrave Mountains. These Mountains were unfortunately chosen to be used as an experimental avalanche catastrophe (EAC) site and once again the Ink Family was forced to move. It seems ill-fortune struck again and again as they were repeatedly obligated to change locations: once due to a plague of urban badgers, a fracking sinkhole, and then again when a tuna factory’s waste disposal sight was established just outside their home.
As an adult she has continued on in this nomadic lifestyle, crossing oceans and continents when necessary. Necessary being: under the scrutiny of the press, unwarranted investigations, and an ill-timed anarchist fan base. Evelyn was quoted saying,
Mrs. Ink also prefers the term “vacation” to “exile.”
That said, Mrs. Ink continues on writing and publishing while in exile . . . sorry, on vacation, with her husband, who (name unknown) is thought by many to be both an anarchist and mad philosopher.
You may choose to follow Evelyn Ink on her blog, although due to her absolute terror of electronics and a crippling phobia of the social media (technical term: Socmephobia), her blog posts tend to be infrequent and erratic. Also, due to several post exile investigations and her current relocation program, she is generally prevented from giving specific information regarding her whereabouts (Though, by the hollowly echo and vintage-like hum of a rotary phone, I would suspect from our last conversation, she is somewhere deep underground).
This report was conducted by:
Mr. Edwin Riddle
Of Public Relations, Personal Investigates, and Subterfuge.
Due to the web of conspiracy which surrounds Evelyn Ink, she rarely appears in public, but when she does it’s best to avoid her on account of her enduring history of social disrepute. There has been more than one regrettable event regarding bent cameras and shattered umbrellas.
It’s hard to say how old she is, but I would guess she was born well before you were. Her childhood home, deep in some unknown, but undoubtably pleasant countryside, was turned into a plastic bubblepuck factory forcing her family to move far into the Stonegrave Mountains. These Mountains were unfortunately chosen to be used as an experimental avalanche catastrophe (EAC) site and once again the Ink Family was forced to move. It seems ill-fortune struck again and again as they were repeatedly obligated to change locations: once due to a plague of urban badgers, a fracking sinkhole, and then again when a tuna factory’s waste disposal sight was established just outside their home.
As an adult she has continued on in this nomadic lifestyle, crossing oceans and continents when necessary. Necessary being: under the scrutiny of the press, unwarranted investigations, and an ill-timed anarchist fan base. Evelyn was quoted saying,
Mrs. Ink also prefers the term “vacation” to “exile.”
That said, Mrs. Ink continues on writing and publishing while in exile . . . sorry, on vacation, with her husband, who (name unknown) is thought by many to be both an anarchist and mad philosopher.
You may choose to follow Evelyn Ink on her blog, although due to her absolute terror of electronics and a crippling phobia of the social media (technical term: Socmephobia), her blog posts tend to be infrequent and erratic. Also, due to several post exile investigations and her current relocation program, she is generally prevented from giving specific information regarding her whereabouts (Though, by the hollowly echo and vintage-like hum of a rotary phone, I would suspect from our last conversation, she is somewhere deep underground).
This report was conducted by:
Mr. Edwin Riddle
Of Public Relations, Personal Investigates, and Subterfuge.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
February 24, 2014
4 stars if the grammatical mistakes are corrected. This book pleasantly surprised me. I thought the characters were darling and loved the individual characteristics of each one. I love that it is different! It reminds me a little of the "Narnia" books, but just in that they travel through a door to a different world. I like that they are strong, determined female characters. The adventure these girls end up going on to find their sister is one filled with history, crazy stalker creatures, Oracles, close calls, and the help of a very nice couple. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time. It is clean, which is fantastic! I recommend it for third grade and up. You may read my full review on my book blog: www.the-readathon.blogspot.com.
August 27, 2014
Review: STICKS, STONES, AND DRAGON BONES by Evelyn Ink
(THE DRAGON BONES SERIES BOOK ONE)
Without in.any way being derivative, this lovely middle-grade fantasy reminds me of the exciting fantasy adventures of the 1950's and 1960's, with dedicated authors such as John Bellaire and Lloyd Alexander. Today that tradition is amply continued by Dan Poblocki, and now, Evelyn Ink.
The Darlingtons are a very special family, in a very special household, in a delightfully SPECIAL home. Oh, if I could only.have lived a childhood like this, abundant to overflowing with imagination, joy, fantastical adventures (literally), research and study and experimentation--and virulent sibling.rivalry.
(THE DRAGON BONES SERIES BOOK ONE)
Without in.any way being derivative, this lovely middle-grade fantasy reminds me of the exciting fantasy adventures of the 1950's and 1960's, with dedicated authors such as John Bellaire and Lloyd Alexander. Today that tradition is amply continued by Dan Poblocki, and now, Evelyn Ink.
The Darlingtons are a very special family, in a very special household, in a delightfully SPECIAL home. Oh, if I could only.have lived a childhood like this, abundant to overflowing with imagination, joy, fantastical adventures (literally), research and study and experimentation--and virulent sibling.rivalry.
November 5, 2017
Wasn't what I thought it was, not my usual kind of read. It was enjoyable it was about a family with 3 sisters and twin brothers. When two of the sisters go searching in the attic they find a chest and a strange key. The key they find opens a strange door in one of their closets. After they find the door their oldest sister gets taken. The rest of the kids decide to go looking for her which leads them into a strange world. I was disappointed when I reached the end of the book to find out it ends leaving you hanging. The only way to finish the journey is to read the next book,
April 21, 2014
Sticks, Stones and Dragon Bones by Evelyn Ink revolves around the five Darlington sisters and their adventures in Enil. After finding a chest in their attic, Paige and Bean discover a map, books, coins, a sword engraved with their mother's name, an old iron doorknob and a key. The girls work out that the doorknob could belong to one of the many doors in their old house that go to nowhere. However, with the doorknob and the key in place on an old basement door, a portal opens from our world to Enil. Where or what is Enil? The sisters soon get swept into this strange world before they can question their mother.
I liked the story right away. It at first brought to mind Peter Pan. It doesn't have much of the absurdity of Peter Pan, but has all of the adventure. The Darlington sisters are uniquely crafted characters. Paige and Bean are consistent throughout and have an enjoyable bantering sense of humor similar to what I share with my sisters. The twins Hayde and Dorrit are especially cute as 6-year-old would-be cutthroat pirates.
I'm just beginning to get a feel for the setting. As this is a "quest" story, we only get glimpses of the places the Darlingtons travel through. But they are described enough to be interesting. The telling of the background story seemed odd in places because I had a mindset about Enil that didn't include "tabloids." But once I accepted it, I was able to continue. Some parts of the background did seem a bit familiar. I have read too often about heroes not knowing their full "significance-to-the-world" background and suddenly coming face-to-face with it. But I won't reveal too much. I have just seen that aspect already in other works. I suppose that detail is in the formula for many of the adventure stories out there.
The story details, however, are original in many other ways. The tension and excitement is well done. I've read Ill-fated as well, and Evelyn Ink knows how to write suspense and adventure. I look forward to the next book in the Sticks, Stones and Dragon Bones series. However, I didn't realize it was a series until page 189 of the 199 page book. I was ready for more adventure.
I was a bit concerned about pregnancy aspects in the story. My oldest is 7 so I'm not sure I would be discussing those subjects with her if she asked specific details. Yet, as far as this being for target age 8-11, I think it's appropriate. A little bit to scare, a little to exhilarate and a little to keep you guessing.
I was provided with a copy for an honest review.
Read more reviews by Cherese Vines at www.cheresevinescharmingwords.wordpre...
I liked the story right away. It at first brought to mind Peter Pan. It doesn't have much of the absurdity of Peter Pan, but has all of the adventure. The Darlington sisters are uniquely crafted characters. Paige and Bean are consistent throughout and have an enjoyable bantering sense of humor similar to what I share with my sisters. The twins Hayde and Dorrit are especially cute as 6-year-old would-be cutthroat pirates.
I'm just beginning to get a feel for the setting. As this is a "quest" story, we only get glimpses of the places the Darlingtons travel through. But they are described enough to be interesting. The telling of the background story seemed odd in places because I had a mindset about Enil that didn't include "tabloids." But once I accepted it, I was able to continue. Some parts of the background did seem a bit familiar. I have read too often about heroes not knowing their full "significance-to-the-world" background and suddenly coming face-to-face with it. But I won't reveal too much. I have just seen that aspect already in other works. I suppose that detail is in the formula for many of the adventure stories out there.
The story details, however, are original in many other ways. The tension and excitement is well done. I've read Ill-fated as well, and Evelyn Ink knows how to write suspense and adventure. I look forward to the next book in the Sticks, Stones and Dragon Bones series. However, I didn't realize it was a series until page 189 of the 199 page book. I was ready for more adventure.
I was a bit concerned about pregnancy aspects in the story. My oldest is 7 so I'm not sure I would be discussing those subjects with her if she asked specific details. Yet, as far as this being for target age 8-11, I think it's appropriate. A little bit to scare, a little to exhilarate and a little to keep you guessing.
I was provided with a copy for an honest review.
Read more reviews by Cherese Vines at www.cheresevinescharmingwords.wordpre...
April 3, 2013
I received this book free for review by author. After spending the last month and a half on GRRM's Ice and Fire series (each book being over 1k long) I was looking for something light. I expected lighter than this what with the title. But Sticks, Stones and Dragon Bones was hefty in content, though, for a much younger audience. Pre-teen girls would love this book. I know I would have as an 8-15 year old. I loved that it was fem heavy after the male yuckies in GRRM's world. Four sisters set out on an adventure to rescue their older sister. Turns out they are on another world. I would have loved this as a kid! Girls in the books I grew up with, found knots in their knitting to be the extent of their adventuring. That's why I ended up reading guy sci-fi/fantasy.
My favorite aspect of this book was the vocabulary. What fun! Thanks for not dressing down for the audience! The world building and character development were beautifully done. All quite exciting!
But this was too short. I, so, wanted more, right now! I barely got to know the people and place when I was left high and dry, or was I still damp from the drop in the river? I fear it will be quite a while before I can read the next installment, I am very disappointed. That was the only reason for four stars instead of five. Great start, though!
My favorite aspect of this book was the vocabulary. What fun! Thanks for not dressing down for the audience! The world building and character development were beautifully done. All quite exciting!
But this was too short. I, so, wanted more, right now! I barely got to know the people and place when I was left high and dry, or was I still damp from the drop in the river? I fear it will be quite a while before I can read the next installment, I am very disappointed. That was the only reason for four stars instead of five. Great start, though!
November 26, 2014
This is one of the best children's fiction's books I've read. It's also filled with typos, but I didn't care. It was that enthralling!
"A door that leads nowhere...
a key to open it.
A map of a land that doesn't exist,
and a monster that does.
Four sisters; a hypochondriac scientist, a mordant writer, and two feisty twins aspiring to be pirates, set off to retrieve their eldest sister who has been kidnapped into an unknown world."
These siblings experience every adventure you ever imagined you wanted to embark upon. The twin pirate-wannabes are hysterical! The prophecy and the crazy prophet are fun, fun and incredibly creepy.
I want to read more books because I sincerely wish I could go on these adventures; still, I'm begging the author to get an editor because she could be a best-seller. I was provided a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Author Felicia Mires
"A door that leads nowhere...
a key to open it.
A map of a land that doesn't exist,
and a monster that does.
Four sisters; a hypochondriac scientist, a mordant writer, and two feisty twins aspiring to be pirates, set off to retrieve their eldest sister who has been kidnapped into an unknown world."
These siblings experience every adventure you ever imagined you wanted to embark upon. The twin pirate-wannabes are hysterical! The prophecy and the crazy prophet are fun, fun and incredibly creepy.
I want to read more books because I sincerely wish I could go on these adventures; still, I'm begging the author to get an editor because she could be a best-seller. I was provided a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Author Felicia Mires
June 15, 2013
Sticks, Stones, and Dragon Bones by Evelyn Ink is a quick paced, imaginative book that is hard to put down.
The story begins with the introduction of the quirky Darlington sisters and their strange house that has three inoperable doors. Their parents go on a vacation leaving the girls at home with their oldest sister, Audra, in charge. Two of the sisters Bean and Paige discover the doorknob and key to open one of the doors that lead to another world. An intruder from the other world breaks into the house in the middle of the night and kidnaps Audra. Now it is up to the sisters to go on an adventure to rescue their sister.
This is a wonderful book for all ages. I cannot wait for the second book to see where the girl’s adventures lead to next!
The story begins with the introduction of the quirky Darlington sisters and their strange house that has three inoperable doors. Their parents go on a vacation leaving the girls at home with their oldest sister, Audra, in charge. Two of the sisters Bean and Paige discover the doorknob and key to open one of the doors that lead to another world. An intruder from the other world breaks into the house in the middle of the night and kidnaps Audra. Now it is up to the sisters to go on an adventure to rescue their sister.
This is a wonderful book for all ages. I cannot wait for the second book to see where the girl’s adventures lead to next!
March 4, 2017
This is a really cute book about the Darlington sisters finding a hidden legacy and following an unknown prophecy in the search for their kidnapped eldest sister. I love the youngest sisters. They are little pirate wannabe's who are crazy in the best way possible.
The book was a good read but I found the ending sort of jarring. I know its a book for younger kids so I expect them to be shorter, but this one felt like it just stopped. So we didn't want to invest in the next one if we would feel jarred again. I think we have to just find time to read the next two all at once so we can get the full story.
The book was a good read but I found the ending sort of jarring. I know its a book for younger kids so I expect them to be shorter, but this one felt like it just stopped. So we didn't want to invest in the next one if we would feel jarred again. I think we have to just find time to read the next two all at once so we can get the full story.
April 5, 2016
Love the characters! Good story so far, got to get the next book to see what happens.
I probably would have given it 5 stars if the next book was another adventure with these characters, but you are dropped off at a very unsatisfactory spot. Not a cliff hanger, because the adventure has not really started. I can't rate this book until I read the next, and probably the 3rd as well - to get the whole story.
This book starts off well, really good characters and kept my interest.
I probably would have given it 5 stars if the next book was another adventure with these characters, but you are dropped off at a very unsatisfactory spot. Not a cliff hanger, because the adventure has not really started. I can't rate this book until I read the next, and probably the 3rd as well - to get the whole story.
This book starts off well, really good characters and kept my interest.
November 1, 2013
I won & received this book free through Goodreads.
Very quick read, but it is a kids book lol. It took me all of 2 hours to read from start to finish. I think that my daughter is going to love it. It ends rather abruptly, and not where I was expecting it to, but is obviously part of a series, and leaves you wanting to know what is going to happen next with the 5 sisters. I will definitely read the rest (even though they are kids books ;) ) Well written and very interesting.
Very quick read, but it is a kids book lol. It took me all of 2 hours to read from start to finish. I think that my daughter is going to love it. It ends rather abruptly, and not where I was expecting it to, but is obviously part of a series, and leaves you wanting to know what is going to happen next with the 5 sisters. I will definitely read the rest (even though they are kids books ;) ) Well written and very interesting.
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July 30, 2014DNF at 13%
I bought this because it was an indie middle grade, and I've been wanting to read a lot more middle grade. Also supporting lesser known authors doesn't hurt. But I knew immediately that I wasn't gonna hack the full book. The language was choppy, the sentences didn't flow at all and I feel like MG books need to flow to suck you into the magic. The story might be fun and wondrous but I can't get past the writing. Which is a shame, because I was hoping for something special.
I bought this because it was an indie middle grade, and I've been wanting to read a lot more middle grade. Also supporting lesser known authors doesn't hurt. But I knew immediately that I wasn't gonna hack the full book. The language was choppy, the sentences didn't flow at all and I feel like MG books need to flow to suck you into the magic. The story might be fun and wondrous but I can't get past the writing. Which is a shame, because I was hoping for something special.
March 15, 2013
I received this book free from the author. I found it to be a cute story. I enjoyed the multi-cultural religious pantheon elements. I had a bit of trouble telling Paige and Bean apart, but all in all it kept me interested.
October 6, 2013
I received this book for free from the author. The tone of the story was light and fun, but I was somewhat disappointed with how rushed the story was and how undeveloped the characters seemed. I would recommend it to young preteens though; it makes for some nice light reading.
February 1, 2013
I loved this story! Great adventure for all ages, can't wait for part 2 and the new adventures.
March 15, 2013
Absolutely loved this book! Sticks, Stones ad Dragon Bones is such a Fun & Adventurous book for All Ages!!! I cannot wait for #2! Great job!!! I won this book and am so glad I did :)
didnotfinish
April 22, 2015This one was actually very cute but quite a bit over the top and I just wasn't in the mood for that sort of book. I might go back again sometime.
April 9, 2016
A good read
Good read. Loved the twins. And the sisterly love!!! The adventures are great. I love the issues the twins have too!!!
Good read. Loved the twins. And the sisterly love!!! The adventures are great. I love the issues the twins have too!!!
October 18, 2016
This really only took a day and some to read. I look forward to the next in the series.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews