What do you think?
Rate this book
The Healing Stone
Medieval Spain, 1212. Orphaned and alone, 16-year-old Francisco is forced to survive on the brutal streets of Toledo. In his possession is a stone with the power to heal any wound, a secret he guards fiercely. His father’s dying words echo in his “Do no harm lest you break the charm.”
Living under the shadow of ruthless gangs, Francisco uses the stone to secretly heal the outcasts of society, always staying one step ahead of danger. But his life changes forever when mysterious figures reveal the stone’s origins—a technology from over a thousand years in the future, linked to a temporal war that threatens to consume history itself.
Francisco faces an impossible join the enigmatic Sittiri in their battle to protect the timeline or lose the stone and the hope it brings to those who need it most. As he grapples with his destiny, Francisco must navigate treacherous alliances, ancient secrets, and his own conflicted heart.
The Healing Stone is the first thrilling installment in the Shadows of Time series, where history and future collide, and the fate of both lies in the hands of an unlikely hero.
Living under the shadow of ruthless gangs, Francisco uses the stone to secretly heal the outcasts of society, always staying one step ahead of danger. But his life changes forever when mysterious figures reveal the stone’s origins—a technology from over a thousand years in the future, linked to a temporal war that threatens to consume history itself.
Francisco faces an impossible join the enigmatic Sittiri in their battle to protect the timeline or lose the stone and the hope it brings to those who need it most. As he grapples with his destiny, Francisco must navigate treacherous alliances, ancient secrets, and his own conflicted heart.
The Healing Stone is the first thrilling installment in the Shadows of Time series, where history and future collide, and the fate of both lies in the hands of an unlikely hero.
423 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 30, 2025
2 people are currently reading
11 people want to read
About the author
John Newton
205 booksLibrarian Note: This profile contains more than one author. Those listed below have multiple books listed on GoodReads.
John Newton (2 spaces): Australian, multiple genres: travel, cookbooks, history
John Newton (3 spaces): 1725-1807, English reverend, wrote Amazing Grace
John Newton (4 spaces): GRs author, novels
John Newton (5 spaces): New Zealander poet
John Newton (6 spaces): American Episcopal priest
John Newton (7 spaces): American sci-fi author, Avar-Tek short stories
John Newton (8 spaces): writes non-fiction about Kenyan police forces
John Newton (9 spaces): photographer
John Newton (10 spaces): 1622-1678, English mathematician and astronomer
John Newton (11 spaces): Print on demand that are not 3 or 10 spaces
John Newton (2 spaces): Australian, multiple genres: travel, cookbooks, history
John Newton (3 spaces): 1725-1807, English reverend, wrote Amazing Grace
John Newton (4 spaces): GRs author, novels
John Newton (5 spaces): New Zealander poet
John Newton (6 spaces): American Episcopal priest
John Newton (7 spaces): American sci-fi author, Avar-Tek short stories
John Newton (8 spaces): writes non-fiction about Kenyan police forces
John Newton (9 spaces): photographer
John Newton (10 spaces): 1622-1678, English mathematician and astronomer
John Newton (11 spaces): Print on demand that are not 3 or 10 spaces
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
January 30, 2025
The Healing Stone by John Newton, the first book in The Shadows of Time series is a Sci-Fi novel mixed with historical fiction.
Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
“Where history and future collide, and the fate of both lies in the hands of an unlikely hero.”
This novel was my introduction to author John Newton and what a great introduction!
This takes places in Medieval Spain, 1212. 16 year old Francisco is our MMC. He inherits the family heirloom, a healing stone and sets out on a journey to heal people in need (mostly the outcasts of society.) However, Francisco (and his family,) are clueless to the history of this stone and aren’t entirely sure how or why it works. He also must keep this stone secret and hidden. Quoting his father “Do no harm lest you break the charm,” Francisco has to find a balance with healing people while never doing any harm to anyone. This proves to be difficult during a chaotic time in history with the persecution of the Jewish and when gangs, potential wars and strife run rampant. Francisco has to battle his conscience while simultaneously trying to stay alive and figure out how his healing stone operates.
Francisco is such a good MMC. He is kind and compassionate but also a sarcastic smart-mouth. He oftentimes has inner dialogue with a lot of self-reflection. These dialogues are sometimes also hilarious. There are many side characters in this story and each of them plays a vital role. Sancho is the perfect sidekick and voice of reason for Francisco. Angelo is philosophical and turns out to be a great mentor. I love Miyuki’s take no bullsh*t approach to everything. Bernat and Eden are written so well as villains that you truly do despise them. (There are also characters that will surprise you but I don’t want to give anything away.)
Francisco’s journey is truly epic. There is a lot of backstory and history provided, great character development and by the end you begin to understand the origin and scope of the stone. The pacing was written well and the last 25% of the novel blew me away! The plot twist has me eagerly awaiting the next installment of the series. I’d like to note also that there are several short stories in this world and realm of Avar-Tek that I will definitely be reading.
If you’re looking for a Sci-Fi adventure immersed in history this is the novel for you!!
Thank you to Happily Booked PR and author John Newton for the advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review.
Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
“Where history and future collide, and the fate of both lies in the hands of an unlikely hero.”
This novel was my introduction to author John Newton and what a great introduction!
This takes places in Medieval Spain, 1212. 16 year old Francisco is our MMC. He inherits the family heirloom, a healing stone and sets out on a journey to heal people in need (mostly the outcasts of society.) However, Francisco (and his family,) are clueless to the history of this stone and aren’t entirely sure how or why it works. He also must keep this stone secret and hidden. Quoting his father “Do no harm lest you break the charm,” Francisco has to find a balance with healing people while never doing any harm to anyone. This proves to be difficult during a chaotic time in history with the persecution of the Jewish and when gangs, potential wars and strife run rampant. Francisco has to battle his conscience while simultaneously trying to stay alive and figure out how his healing stone operates.
Francisco is such a good MMC. He is kind and compassionate but also a sarcastic smart-mouth. He oftentimes has inner dialogue with a lot of self-reflection. These dialogues are sometimes also hilarious. There are many side characters in this story and each of them plays a vital role. Sancho is the perfect sidekick and voice of reason for Francisco. Angelo is philosophical and turns out to be a great mentor. I love Miyuki’s take no bullsh*t approach to everything. Bernat and Eden are written so well as villains that you truly do despise them. (There are also characters that will surprise you but I don’t want to give anything away.)
Francisco’s journey is truly epic. There is a lot of backstory and history provided, great character development and by the end you begin to understand the origin and scope of the stone. The pacing was written well and the last 25% of the novel blew me away! The plot twist has me eagerly awaiting the next installment of the series. I’d like to note also that there are several short stories in this world and realm of Avar-Tek that I will definitely be reading.
If you’re looking for a Sci-Fi adventure immersed in history this is the novel for you!!
Thank you to Happily Booked PR and author John Newton for the advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review.
January 29, 2025
I loved this!!! Genuinely could not put this down. I loved the Sci-Fi and historical elements in the book. Two of my 'must read more of genres in 2025'.
The story was addictive and very bingeable. It was well written and the detail with the world building was tremendous. It was extremely well written and flowed really well. There were definitely no plot holes or unanswered questions.
I loved all the characters and they worked well in the story. They all had a charm and just something about them that helped make the story special. The book is in third person with multiple POVs. Sharron in the present day, Miyuki starts in 12th century Japan. Francisco, Angelo, Ceolwulf have their POVs in 13th century Spain. Miyuki also ends up there. Sharron is being told this story by Mr Hoo Nun in the nursing home.
I really recommend this. Especially if you're loving Sci-Fi and historical!
The story was addictive and very bingeable. It was well written and the detail with the world building was tremendous. It was extremely well written and flowed really well. There were definitely no plot holes or unanswered questions.
I loved all the characters and they worked well in the story. They all had a charm and just something about them that helped make the story special. The book is in third person with multiple POVs. Sharron in the present day, Miyuki starts in 12th century Japan. Francisco, Angelo, Ceolwulf have their POVs in 13th century Spain. Miyuki also ends up there. Sharron is being told this story by Mr Hoo Nun in the nursing home.
I really recommend this. Especially if you're loving Sci-Fi and historical!
February 24, 2025
First thank you to Happily Booked PR and author John Newton for an advanced copy of his ebook. This review is voluntary.
I was very into this book. There’s time travel, sci-fi, magic and historical elements in this novel. It focuses on Spain in 1212. The author does a great job creating that world with Muslims, Spaniards (Christians) and Jews all trying to stake out a life there. The idea of a healing stone from the future being used my a family,. Most of the time we are focused on Francisco.
I lived in Spain in my 20s and I lived in areas that the novel was in at times like Burgos and Galicia. That was a lot of fun.
If you like time travel and science fiction try this book and get a feel for medical Spain. The story moves along well and it’s unique.
I was very into this book. There’s time travel, sci-fi, magic and historical elements in this novel. It focuses on Spain in 1212. The author does a great job creating that world with Muslims, Spaniards (Christians) and Jews all trying to stake out a life there. The idea of a healing stone from the future being used my a family,. Most of the time we are focused on Francisco.
I lived in Spain in my 20s and I lived in areas that the novel was in at times like Burgos and Galicia. That was a lot of fun.
If you like time travel and science fiction try this book and get a feel for medical Spain. The story moves along well and it’s unique.
February 24, 2025
"The Healing Stone is the first thrilling installment in the Shadows of Time series, where history and future collide, and the fate of both lies in the hands of an unlikely hero."
The Healing Stone is a wonderful combination of historical fiction and sci-fi, with mystical stones, time travel, predictions of the future, advanced technology that must be kept secret lest it create a rift in time.
I was completely captivated by Francisco, a young man forced to live on the streets and protect the secret of his Healing Stone, focusing on covertly healing people when he could. He is targeted as a potential recruit for the Sittiri, who wish to protect the timeline, which also makes him a target of the Key’ari who would have him killed.
There are multiple POVs from differing times and each character has their own motivations, but they all flow together well. It was remarkable to me how the historical and futuristic elements melded together so effortlessly, I'm definitely a fan of this mix of genres. So much happens in the story that I don't want to give anything away, suffice it to say I was hooked from the beginning and I'm really looking forward to reading more in this series and from this author.
Thank you to John Newton and Happily Booked PR for the advanced reader copy. My opinions are my own.
The Healing Stone is a wonderful combination of historical fiction and sci-fi, with mystical stones, time travel, predictions of the future, advanced technology that must be kept secret lest it create a rift in time.
I was completely captivated by Francisco, a young man forced to live on the streets and protect the secret of his Healing Stone, focusing on covertly healing people when he could. He is targeted as a potential recruit for the Sittiri, who wish to protect the timeline, which also makes him a target of the Key’ari who would have him killed.
There are multiple POVs from differing times and each character has their own motivations, but they all flow together well. It was remarkable to me how the historical and futuristic elements melded together so effortlessly, I'm definitely a fan of this mix of genres. So much happens in the story that I don't want to give anything away, suffice it to say I was hooked from the beginning and I'm really looking forward to reading more in this series and from this author.
Thank you to John Newton and Happily Booked PR for the advanced reader copy. My opinions are my own.
January 31, 2025
I was unsure what to expect from this book, but I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it. The historical elements were well incorporated into the story and added a better understanding of the plot. Our unlikely hero, Francisco, possessed a stone with healing properties and had been in his family for ages. After he is forced to run away, he comes across many different characters, and some of their intentions are unclear. Sometimes, he met a new character, and I wasn't sure whether to trust them. Overall, the story takes you on multiple adventures as our main character must face extreme situations in which his actions can have severe consequences.
Thanks to Happily Booked PR for the e-arc!
Thanks to Happily Booked PR for the e-arc!
January 30, 2025
The Healing Stone by John Newton.
The shadows of time series book 1.
First of all, I love the cover. That's the reason I jumped to read this book. I got into it straight away. I loved the story, plot, and world building. Everything really. Even the characters. Sharron, in the present day, Miyuki starts in 12th century Japan. Francisco, Angelo, Ceolwulf in 13th century Spain. Miyuki also ends up there. Sharron is being told this story by Mr Hoo Nun in the nursing home. I couldn't put it down until the last page. I would definitely recommend this book. I can't wait for the next book.
The shadows of time series book 1.
First of all, I love the cover. That's the reason I jumped to read this book. I got into it straight away. I loved the story, plot, and world building. Everything really. Even the characters. Sharron, in the present day, Miyuki starts in 12th century Japan. Francisco, Angelo, Ceolwulf in 13th century Spain. Miyuki also ends up there. Sharron is being told this story by Mr Hoo Nun in the nursing home. I couldn't put it down until the last page. I would definitely recommend this book. I can't wait for the next book.
January 30, 2025
Absolute page-turner. I couldn't put this down! Newton's book is one I recommend to everyone!
Pulse-pounding and deliciously unpredictable, Newton's novel ratchets up the tension with jaw-dropping reveals that will leave readers questioning what's real and who they can trust as it moves through space and time.
This is a story unlike any other. Its fresh idea, unique approach, and expertly drafted characters make it a sure-fire bestseller.
Pulse-pounding and deliciously unpredictable, Newton's novel ratchets up the tension with jaw-dropping reveals that will leave readers questioning what's real and who they can trust as it moves through space and time.
This is a story unlike any other. Its fresh idea, unique approach, and expertly drafted characters make it a sure-fire bestseller.
January 31, 2025
It was a good storyline, and had lots that kept my attention. I really enjoyed the historical parts of the story as well. The beginning was a little slow, but it did pick up as the story went along.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 26, 2025
I was absolutely BLOWN away at how incredibly rich and unique this story is!
Plot: 5📌
Suspense 3🧨
Overall 3.5⭐
So many good things going on in this story, but it felt overly dense. This story incredibly blends historical fiction with Sci-fi and a touch of fantasy and it does work well! But the level of explanation of details for some of the "day to day" scenes and then the sporadic and glossed over explanations of the fantastical pieces, made some of the story hard to follow.
There's so so so much potential here! But I think it could really benefit from the (& I'm sure expensive for an Indie author!) help of a great editor who can help to re-realize, maybe some reorganization of some parts, etc.
For example, the story for the most part takes place in the past, but a few teaser sprinkled-in scenes set in "Present Day." LOVED the present day bits! However, it's clearly implied there's other time travel, other technologies, and as the title of the books hints, maybe even timelines. Those bits I don't think got enough explanation while some of the other "in the past" pieces were too heavily detailed.
Of course, I'm laughing at myself, because I'm probably over-wording my review. 🙃
Either way, this is definitely a story for fans of Historical fiction, Sci-fi, "what's real or is it delusion?" type stories. I'm very curious to see what comes next.
Please note: this story does end on a cliffhanger!
A massive thank you to Mr. John Newton & the Happily Booked PR team for the opportunity to read and review this book!
All opinions are my own.
Plot: 5📌
Suspense 3🧨
Overall 3.5⭐
So many good things going on in this story, but it felt overly dense. This story incredibly blends historical fiction with Sci-fi and a touch of fantasy and it does work well! But the level of explanation of details for some of the "day to day" scenes and then the sporadic and glossed over explanations of the fantastical pieces, made some of the story hard to follow.
There's so so so much potential here! But I think it could really benefit from the (& I'm sure expensive for an Indie author!) help of a great editor who can help to re-realize, maybe some reorganization of some parts, etc.
For example, the story for the most part takes place in the past, but a few teaser sprinkled-in scenes set in "Present Day." LOVED the present day bits! However, it's clearly implied there's other time travel, other technologies, and as the title of the books hints, maybe even timelines. Those bits I don't think got enough explanation while some of the other "in the past" pieces were too heavily detailed.
Of course, I'm laughing at myself, because I'm probably over-wording my review. 🙃
Either way, this is definitely a story for fans of Historical fiction, Sci-fi, "what's real or is it delusion?" type stories. I'm very curious to see what comes next.
Please note: this story does end on a cliffhanger!
A massive thank you to Mr. John Newton & the Happily Booked PR team for the opportunity to read and review this book!
All opinions are my own.
January 6, 2025
Step into the medieval city of Toledo in 1212, where a young orphan named Francisco inherits a miraculous healing stone that changes his life forever.
"The Healing Stone" by John Newton is a captivating blend of historical drama and science fiction that defies traditional genre boundaries. Set in the medieval city of Toledo, the novel follows Francisco, a 16-year-old orphan burdened with an extraordinary gift: a stone capable of healing any wound. Guided by his father's cryptic final warning, Francisco navigates a treacherous world, using the stone to aid society's most vulnerable while simultaneously evading dangerous gang threats.
As the story unfolds, Francisco discovers the stone's origins are intertwined with a complex temporal war from the future, forcing him to confront a profound moral dilemma. Should he join the mysterious Sittiri to preserve the timeline, or risk losing the stone's healing power? Newton crafts a narrative that is simultaneously a coming-of-age story, a philosophical exploration of faith, and a mind-bending science fiction adventure.
One of the book's standout features is its seamless integration of medieval historical context with futuristic science fiction elements. Newton's intricate plot twists challenge readers' perceptions of time, faith, and human potential, creating an intellectually stimulating narrative.
QOTD: "If you had the power to heal others, how would you use it?"
Hashtags: #TheHealingStone #BookReview #JohnNewton #TheShadowsOfTime #MedievalAdventure #ScienceFiction #MustRead #BookLovers.
"The Healing Stone" by John Newton is a captivating blend of historical drama and science fiction that defies traditional genre boundaries. Set in the medieval city of Toledo, the novel follows Francisco, a 16-year-old orphan burdened with an extraordinary gift: a stone capable of healing any wound. Guided by his father's cryptic final warning, Francisco navigates a treacherous world, using the stone to aid society's most vulnerable while simultaneously evading dangerous gang threats.
As the story unfolds, Francisco discovers the stone's origins are intertwined with a complex temporal war from the future, forcing him to confront a profound moral dilemma. Should he join the mysterious Sittiri to preserve the timeline, or risk losing the stone's healing power? Newton crafts a narrative that is simultaneously a coming-of-age story, a philosophical exploration of faith, and a mind-bending science fiction adventure.
One of the book's standout features is its seamless integration of medieval historical context with futuristic science fiction elements. Newton's intricate plot twists challenge readers' perceptions of time, faith, and human potential, creating an intellectually stimulating narrative.
QOTD: "If you had the power to heal others, how would you use it?"
Hashtags: #TheHealingStone #BookReview #JohnNewton #TheShadowsOfTime #MedievalAdventure #ScienceFiction #MustRead #BookLovers.
January 29, 2025
The Healing Stone is book one of The Shadows of Time Series.
This is a medieval time travel novel, but how it was written by bringing past and present together gave me the feels of The Princess Bride. In the present, Sharon is being read the history and journals of Francisco and as the story unfolds we jump to the present to see Sharon's reactions about the events unfolding.
I really like how he made it a very historical story, but introduced science fiction aspects to the story. We have Francisco who inherits a healing stone, but has to be careful with it as in the wrong hands it could be dangerous. This was flawlessly written and quite an intricate and detailed narrative.
This is a medieval time travel novel, but how it was written by bringing past and present together gave me the feels of The Princess Bride. In the present, Sharon is being read the history and journals of Francisco and as the story unfolds we jump to the present to see Sharon's reactions about the events unfolding.
I really like how he made it a very historical story, but introduced science fiction aspects to the story. We have Francisco who inherits a healing stone, but has to be careful with it as in the wrong hands it could be dangerous. This was flawlessly written and quite an intricate and detailed narrative.
February 8, 2025
I received this ARC and this review is voluntary
The Healing Stone is first of a series of a long drawn out tale of sci fi technology mixed with historical fiction and time travel. Francisco, The “chosen one” , is sought out by two different groups fighting to change or avoid changing the past. After losing family and friends, street life and battle and even slavery, he finally decides which group to join and readers are left on a cliffhanger leading to book two to discover who the unknown narrator is.
The Healing Stone is first of a series of a long drawn out tale of sci fi technology mixed with historical fiction and time travel. Francisco, The “chosen one” , is sought out by two different groups fighting to change or avoid changing the past. After losing family and friends, street life and battle and even slavery, he finally decides which group to join and readers are left on a cliffhanger leading to book two to discover who the unknown narrator is.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 28, 2025
Quite an interesting concept. After his mother died in childbirth and his father death Francisco inherits a miracle working stone… fieldstone aka the healing stone that changes his life forever. Choices must be made that could end up with him losing the healing stone for good.
Will he choose wisely?
Will he lose the stone?
This book winded historical medieval and futuristic sci-fi seamlessly. To bring a unique tale like no other you will read.
Will he choose wisely?
Will he lose the stone?
This book winded historical medieval and futuristic sci-fi seamlessly. To bring a unique tale like no other you will read.
March 20, 2025
I was surprised by the length of this John Newton novel because everything else I have read of his work has been novelettes. This very much reads similar as the chapter break up the story nicely. It’s a great read with fresh ideas. The writing is smooth and the characters have fabulous development! Well done!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 3, 2025
A well crafted story
With vivid imagery and superb word smithing, the author seamlessly melds historical fiction with science fiction. When a thirteenth century street urchin comes across a magical stone which can heal virtually any ailment or injury, the ephemeral conflict between good and evil is breached. I highly recommend this creative novel with an important message.
With vivid imagery and superb word smithing, the author seamlessly melds historical fiction with science fiction. When a thirteenth century street urchin comes across a magical stone which can heal virtually any ailment or injury, the ephemeral conflict between good and evil is breached. I highly recommend this creative novel with an important message.
March 12, 2025
He hold a very precious stone which he uses to help other get better. He hides the stone and its ability as he was warned by his father. Life is about to get more complicated when he is offered a choice by a stranger. The choice will not be easy so see how he decides what to do
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and I loved it
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and I loved it
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews