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The Stone Gate
A strange rock in the forest. A mysterious crystal. A full moon. An ancient secret. How do you find your way home when you've never left?
Twins Jack and Kaya live in a small seaside town in Australia. When they see a dazzling white light shining from a giant rock in the woods near their home, it takes them on an adventure to a place both familiar and yet like nowhere they know. But where exactly are they? And can they find their way back in time?
The Stone Gate is an exciting and fast-paced action adventure that brings climate change / global warming vividly to life for young adult readers.
Twins Jack and Kaya live in a small seaside town in Australia. When they see a dazzling white light shining from a giant rock in the woods near their home, it takes them on an adventure to a place both familiar and yet like nowhere they know. But where exactly are they? And can they find their way back in time?
The Stone Gate is an exciting and fast-paced action adventure that brings climate change / global warming vividly to life for young adult readers.
254 pages, Paperback
First published August 4, 2014
11 people are currently reading
785 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
August 21, 2015
Nice cover and interesting premise but I felt this was aimed squarely at very young adults, maybe 13 or 14 years old. For the adult reader there was a certain naivety in the writing style and a much too obvious emphasis on the issues of climate change. I don't mind reading about it but I prefer a more subtle approach. For the young teenage reader this book would be perfect. There is plenty of action and drama but nothing ever gets too scary and there is certainly a lot of information about what may happen to our world if we do not care for it properly. Three stars for me - it probably would have been four if I was still fourteen years old.
November 30, 2014
Twins Kaya and Jack lived in a small Australian coastal town called Baytown; surrounded by Bay Beach to the east and a forest of thick trees and sandstone cliffs to the west they loved their home town. The night of the full moon when friends Jayden and Debbie along with Kaya and Jack ventured up to the High Plateau was like any other – it was a favourite haunt of the local teens, with the Stone Gate just a strange rock with an opening in the middle. But that night something very weird was happening; the moon seemed to be filling the stone gate with brightness…
As Jack stepped forward to check it out, he grabbed Kaya’s hand; then after a blinding white flash and a strange roaring which filled their ears it was quiet again – what had happened? As they looked around everything seemed the same – the Stone Gate was still there in the clearing – but where were Debbie and Jayden? As they began to explore they realized that the countryside of their home was much the same, but very different. Where was the usual rubbish? Where was the graffiti which was always around? And where was Baytown?
Kaya and Jack’s adventures while they tried to work out where they were and to find food to survive became stranger and more vivid. Their eventual meeting with Aboriginal leader Billy of the Dunjini tribe and subsequent events which continued were fascinating but surreal. But more was to follow. Would Kaya and Jack ever find their way back home? And what was happening to Kaya?
What a brilliant book! I was caught up in the adventures of Kaya and Jack right from the very beginning – the imagination of Aussie author Mark Mann is fantastic. The incorporation of global warming in a fictional way and for a young adult audience is extremely well done and I also enjoyed the author’s notes at the end of the book. With full on action and pace that is electric, I have absolutely no hesitation in recommending The Stone Gate highly, and will be watching for more from this author.
As Jack stepped forward to check it out, he grabbed Kaya’s hand; then after a blinding white flash and a strange roaring which filled their ears it was quiet again – what had happened? As they looked around everything seemed the same – the Stone Gate was still there in the clearing – but where were Debbie and Jayden? As they began to explore they realized that the countryside of their home was much the same, but very different. Where was the usual rubbish? Where was the graffiti which was always around? And where was Baytown?
Kaya and Jack’s adventures while they tried to work out where they were and to find food to survive became stranger and more vivid. Their eventual meeting with Aboriginal leader Billy of the Dunjini tribe and subsequent events which continued were fascinating but surreal. But more was to follow. Would Kaya and Jack ever find their way back home? And what was happening to Kaya?
What a brilliant book! I was caught up in the adventures of Kaya and Jack right from the very beginning – the imagination of Aussie author Mark Mann is fantastic. The incorporation of global warming in a fictional way and for a young adult audience is extremely well done and I also enjoyed the author’s notes at the end of the book. With full on action and pace that is electric, I have absolutely no hesitation in recommending The Stone Gate highly, and will be watching for more from this author.
August 13, 2015
The Stone Gate is very firmly set in the Young Adult adventure arena. It is, however also more than an exciting book for young adults. It is a look at Global Warming and what we, as a collective planet, are going to do about it.
For this reason, I have marked it down one star, because I felt that at times the constant discussion about what had been done to correct (or not) the path forward for humanity, came across a little like preaching. Now, this isn't to say that the information and the message in this book is not valid. It is! But I would have preferred a little less 'environmental preaching' and more adventure. This is a personal preference thing, and I feel that young adults will probably not feel this way.
That little issue aside, I did enjoy the adventure that Kaya and Jack experienced. I think my favourite was Beth's world, but I liked how the rich aboriginal history was brought into the story. For me, that really was a work of genius.
The pace of the book is spot on for younger readers, there is constant action and information being provided and it will keep those with shorter attention spans interested because of this. The tone is conversational and light with alternating POV chapters from Kaya and Jack. I liked this format because it allowed for a bit broarder a scope when trying to cover all the related topics as the kids went through their adventure.
This also posed some interesting challenges, in terms of how it was written. I didn't really enjoy the first person present tense writing style, but I think I get where Mark was trying to go with it, alas I don't think the choice lived up to its reputation. Using the first person present tense POV, should have given more insight into the characters (especially when they had interchanging chapters to voice their own personalities). Unfortunately, Kaya and Jack fell quite flat for me. Aside from having some pretty strong stereo-types, they didn't seem all that developed.
Kaya was a nature, environmental guru. She watches shows like Bear Grylls and is in tune with nature. Where as Jack is a typical computer nerd-type of character. There is a couple of flashes of personality throughout the book, but it's limited to specific events that the protagonists find themselves and don't come through at other times.
All of that aside, I still enjoyed the book. It was a fast read and entertaining if you can look past the preaching about climate change.
I predict this should be suitable for ages 13 and up, however there are a couple of assaults/sexual references at the start that may cause distress to those sensitive to that type of thing.
For this reason, I have marked it down one star, because I felt that at times the constant discussion about what had been done to correct (or not) the path forward for humanity, came across a little like preaching. Now, this isn't to say that the information and the message in this book is not valid. It is! But I would have preferred a little less 'environmental preaching' and more adventure. This is a personal preference thing, and I feel that young adults will probably not feel this way.
That little issue aside, I did enjoy the adventure that Kaya and Jack experienced. I think my favourite was Beth's world, but I liked how the rich aboriginal history was brought into the story. For me, that really was a work of genius.
The pace of the book is spot on for younger readers, there is constant action and information being provided and it will keep those with shorter attention spans interested because of this. The tone is conversational and light with alternating POV chapters from Kaya and Jack. I liked this format because it allowed for a bit broarder a scope when trying to cover all the related topics as the kids went through their adventure.
This also posed some interesting challenges, in terms of how it was written. I didn't really enjoy the first person present tense writing style, but I think I get where Mark was trying to go with it, alas I don't think the choice lived up to its reputation. Using the first person present tense POV, should have given more insight into the characters (especially when they had interchanging chapters to voice their own personalities). Unfortunately, Kaya and Jack fell quite flat for me. Aside from having some pretty strong stereo-types, they didn't seem all that developed.
Kaya was a nature, environmental guru. She watches shows like Bear Grylls and is in tune with nature. Where as Jack is a typical computer nerd-type of character. There is a couple of flashes of personality throughout the book, but it's limited to specific events that the protagonists find themselves and don't come through at other times.
All of that aside, I still enjoyed the book. It was a fast read and entertaining if you can look past the preaching about climate change.
I predict this should be suitable for ages 13 and up, however there are a couple of assaults/sexual references at the start that may cause distress to those sensitive to that type of thing.
October 12, 2014
THE STONE GATE by Mark Mann
Set in the fictional seaside town of Baytown, Australia, 16 year old Kaya and her twin brother, Jack are exploring a rock formation called The Stone Gate on the night of the full moon when they are entranced by a blinding, white light.
Thinking he is being silly, Jack grabs Kaya's hand and pulls her into the light. What happens next stuns both of them.
When they open their eyes they realize something has changed. Baytown is gone. Looking around they realize there are no lights and the houses and hotel they are used to seeing simply do not exist anymore.
As they spend more time in their new surroundings they begin to realize that they may be trapped in this alternate reality forever.
I don't want to ruin the story by giving too much away, but I will say that Jack and Kaya get a chance to view their hometown as it might have been, as it is and how it might end up if it isn't properly cared for.
The author has a great eye for adventure and mixes in a lesson about global warming and being a proper steward to our planet without it coming across as preachy.
The fact that this book is geared towards young adults should not dissuade older readers. There is enough detail, action and adventure to interest readers of any age group. I do, however, recommend this book for ages 13 and up based on some violent and scary scenes that might not be appropriate for younger children. There is also one section that has some sexual innuendo that would not be appropriate for young children.
I rate this book as 4 out of 5 stars in the young adult fiction category.
* I received a free ebook copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. The above review is my unbiased opinion of 'The Stone Gate'.
Set in the fictional seaside town of Baytown, Australia, 16 year old Kaya and her twin brother, Jack are exploring a rock formation called The Stone Gate on the night of the full moon when they are entranced by a blinding, white light.
Thinking he is being silly, Jack grabs Kaya's hand and pulls her into the light. What happens next stuns both of them.
When they open their eyes they realize something has changed. Baytown is gone. Looking around they realize there are no lights and the houses and hotel they are used to seeing simply do not exist anymore.
As they spend more time in their new surroundings they begin to realize that they may be trapped in this alternate reality forever.
I don't want to ruin the story by giving too much away, but I will say that Jack and Kaya get a chance to view their hometown as it might have been, as it is and how it might end up if it isn't properly cared for.
The author has a great eye for adventure and mixes in a lesson about global warming and being a proper steward to our planet without it coming across as preachy.
The fact that this book is geared towards young adults should not dissuade older readers. There is enough detail, action and adventure to interest readers of any age group. I do, however, recommend this book for ages 13 and up based on some violent and scary scenes that might not be appropriate for younger children. There is also one section that has some sexual innuendo that would not be appropriate for young children.
I rate this book as 4 out of 5 stars in the young adult fiction category.
* I received a free ebook copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. The above review is my unbiased opinion of 'The Stone Gate'.
Read
June 18, 2017I love cli-fi. It scares the pants off me because it buys into my deepest fears, but most cli-fi also has messages of hope. Given my deep seated anxieties around what climate change will mean for children's, and my children's children's futures, that message of hope is one I need to hear. Particularly given I'm blessed with a Prime Minister who believes climate change is "utter crap" (that's a real quote, by the way), and is steadily undoing all progress made by the previous government. Anyway, enough of my politics.
This book has a wonderful concept. Two kids come across a portal that takes them into three alternate realities. The first being a reality where indigenous Australians are living traditional lifestyles, and maintain their deep connection to the land. In the second, our main characters are transported to a dystopian, but likely realistic, vision of what our future will be should immediate action on climate change not be taken. The third and final alternate reality is a utopian vision of what society could be like if immediate action is taken to address climate change. The author is realistic in this vision; life as we know it will have to change. But for the things we lose, he envisages a society that - for me anyway - is very appealing. There is less waste, less plastic fantastic, more connection, more thoughtfulness. Woven through each of these are threads of Aboriginal Dreamtime.
This is a book aimed at a younger YA audience. My kiddiwinks are years away from being old enough to read it. I hope by the time they do read it, the messages it contains are no longer needed because we are on the road as a nation, as a planet, to living more sustainably.
This book has a wonderful concept. Two kids come across a portal that takes them into three alternate realities. The first being a reality where indigenous Australians are living traditional lifestyles, and maintain their deep connection to the land. In the second, our main characters are transported to a dystopian, but likely realistic, vision of what our future will be should immediate action on climate change not be taken. The third and final alternate reality is a utopian vision of what society could be like if immediate action is taken to address climate change. The author is realistic in this vision; life as we know it will have to change. But for the things we lose, he envisages a society that - for me anyway - is very appealing. There is less waste, less plastic fantastic, more connection, more thoughtfulness. Woven through each of these are threads of Aboriginal Dreamtime.
This is a book aimed at a younger YA audience. My kiddiwinks are years away from being old enough to read it. I hope by the time they do read it, the messages it contains are no longer needed because we are on the road as a nation, as a planet, to living more sustainably.
February 2, 2015
Had trouble putting it down
I enjoyed reading this book. The relationship between the siblings was better than other books, and made the story easier to read than ones with bickering brother and sister.
I enjoyed reading this book. The relationship between the siblings was better than other books, and made the story easier to read than ones with bickering brother and sister.
May 5, 2018
Author Mark Mann plays with time and place in his book The Stone Gate, one constant small town, Baytown, is thrown through the ropes of time forcing an underlying topic of climate change as a main theme.
The Stone Gate represents an opening to other parallel worlds, told in a folk tale style with three stages, not unlike the tale of the Christmas past, future and presents but in this story, the lesson is an environmental one.
The book begins with twin siblings Kaya and Jack meeting two friends to go exploring by the full moon, up a steep gully known to them as the Stony Stairway reaching the High Plateau. Unbeknownst to their parents, the four of them meet at the Stone Gate, a rocky arch formation to watch the full moon. “The light is dazzling. Blinding” after they step in to the full moon light under the arch of the stone gate, “And that’s how it begins”.
When the light stops, Kaya and Jack’s friends Jayden and Debbie aren’t there and the first thing they notice is the lack of rubbish around. Kaya and Jack begin to realise that they are in a very different version of Baytown. The twins meet an Aboriginal family and learn to pick berries, spear kangaroos and feed and water them selves in a pre-colonial Australia. An elder, Billy, who has traveled through the portal many times and speaks English, tells Jack and Kaya the story on the Binjin rock, or stone gate, and explains how they must be protected, as does the crystal hanging around Kaya’s neck, which is used as the key to the portal between different dreamings. He welcomes them to Dunjini country and explains that the longer they stay in a different dreaming, they will lose energy and become sick. Conflict with other families forces Jack and Kaya in to a suspenseful stay in Dunjini country.
At the next full moon Jack and Kaya reach the stone gate and are transported to yet another reality where it is quickly apparent that the world has fallen apart. They are chased by a security guard and a team of rebels only to find refuge with two new friends, Noah and Sara, in an old and run down house in downtown Baytown. The impact of global warming is clear in this world; the coast and the inland are at war over the lack of water supplies, houses are flooded, food is rare and the international news presents stories of natural disasters and absolute chaos. Kaya starts to feel faint at times and they realise that they don’t can’t stay away from their dreaming for too much longer or they may die. Before they leave, Kaya and Jack transfer to Noah and Sara, their bushman skills which they had learned in Dunjini country, enabling them a safe getaway from a local Baytown tyrant who has taken advantage of the vulnerability of the Baytown people.
A lucky escape takes Jack and Kaya to a very different version of Baytown. They meet Beth and stay with her and her mum in their village. Jack and Kaya note the different lifestyle of communal work, the lack of vehicles and an organic diet grown in a village farm. International news reports the massive changes countries are making to protect the earth from the impact of global warming. The challenge here is that they have lost the Maala crystal and Kaya is getting weaker each day, often blacking out. Jack, Kaya and Beth travel to meet a university professor in Canberra who takes them to the outback in search of the rare crystal.
When they arrive back to their dreaming, Jayden and Debbie are staring at them as if nothing had happened except for a freaky light transformation under the stone gate.
I enjoyed how the story was told from both the two main characters perspectives, Mann divides the chapters up between siblings Kaya and Jack, allowing for a suspenseful read. The pace is fast and present tense keeps you in the story, every step of the way.
This is a simple tale that keeps you on the edge of your seat whilst inviting you to think about the direction that Australia is heading in in regards to the environment. I recommend it as a great read for students because of the cultural and environmental themes as well as having characters that one can easily relate to.
The Stone Gate represents an opening to other parallel worlds, told in a folk tale style with three stages, not unlike the tale of the Christmas past, future and presents but in this story, the lesson is an environmental one.
The book begins with twin siblings Kaya and Jack meeting two friends to go exploring by the full moon, up a steep gully known to them as the Stony Stairway reaching the High Plateau. Unbeknownst to their parents, the four of them meet at the Stone Gate, a rocky arch formation to watch the full moon. “The light is dazzling. Blinding” after they step in to the full moon light under the arch of the stone gate, “And that’s how it begins”.
When the light stops, Kaya and Jack’s friends Jayden and Debbie aren’t there and the first thing they notice is the lack of rubbish around. Kaya and Jack begin to realise that they are in a very different version of Baytown. The twins meet an Aboriginal family and learn to pick berries, spear kangaroos and feed and water them selves in a pre-colonial Australia. An elder, Billy, who has traveled through the portal many times and speaks English, tells Jack and Kaya the story on the Binjin rock, or stone gate, and explains how they must be protected, as does the crystal hanging around Kaya’s neck, which is used as the key to the portal between different dreamings. He welcomes them to Dunjini country and explains that the longer they stay in a different dreaming, they will lose energy and become sick. Conflict with other families forces Jack and Kaya in to a suspenseful stay in Dunjini country.
At the next full moon Jack and Kaya reach the stone gate and are transported to yet another reality where it is quickly apparent that the world has fallen apart. They are chased by a security guard and a team of rebels only to find refuge with two new friends, Noah and Sara, in an old and run down house in downtown Baytown. The impact of global warming is clear in this world; the coast and the inland are at war over the lack of water supplies, houses are flooded, food is rare and the international news presents stories of natural disasters and absolute chaos. Kaya starts to feel faint at times and they realise that they don’t can’t stay away from their dreaming for too much longer or they may die. Before they leave, Kaya and Jack transfer to Noah and Sara, their bushman skills which they had learned in Dunjini country, enabling them a safe getaway from a local Baytown tyrant who has taken advantage of the vulnerability of the Baytown people.
A lucky escape takes Jack and Kaya to a very different version of Baytown. They meet Beth and stay with her and her mum in their village. Jack and Kaya note the different lifestyle of communal work, the lack of vehicles and an organic diet grown in a village farm. International news reports the massive changes countries are making to protect the earth from the impact of global warming. The challenge here is that they have lost the Maala crystal and Kaya is getting weaker each day, often blacking out. Jack, Kaya and Beth travel to meet a university professor in Canberra who takes them to the outback in search of the rare crystal.
When they arrive back to their dreaming, Jayden and Debbie are staring at them as if nothing had happened except for a freaky light transformation under the stone gate.
I enjoyed how the story was told from both the two main characters perspectives, Mann divides the chapters up between siblings Kaya and Jack, allowing for a suspenseful read. The pace is fast and present tense keeps you in the story, every step of the way.
This is a simple tale that keeps you on the edge of your seat whilst inviting you to think about the direction that Australia is heading in in regards to the environment. I recommend it as a great read for students because of the cultural and environmental themes as well as having characters that one can easily relate to.
November 20, 2014
I got this for free for an honest review, and boy am I glad I read it. This story is about two young Aussies, Kaya and Jack, who go through a stone portal in their town of Bayton. They end up traveling to different Dreamings, alternate realities parallel in time. In each reality, or Dreaming, another aspect of climate change and environmental responsibility and consequence is examined. We see a society in which the Aboriginal people live completely off and in equilibrium with the land. We see another in which the people are living in a real honest dystopian society that is probably our future. The third is really an ideal society where humans are living green and lean. It's so desirable as to actually be sexy. Yeah, sexy sustainability! Alluring solar wind and wave energy. Hey good looking!
The writing is easy on the eyes and light. Sometimes I wish the author would push more actually, but this is an excellent entry point. It's like Gary Paulsen and Cory Doctorow sat down with Al Gore and made a light book for educational purposes. To that same thought, I would suggest this text used in academia for young people.
I learned a lot about Aboriginals, and Australia that I didn't know. The characters were pleasant and intelligent youngsters. Those they encountered were also interesting. My favorite section of the book, the dystopia, also featured my favorite characters, Noah and Sara, who were struggling to survive. That whole section really hit me more than I expected. It maddening to see what's happening and yet we don't do anything about it.
This is a fast read, and it's good for an enlightening read.
The writing is easy on the eyes and light. Sometimes I wish the author would push more actually, but this is an excellent entry point. It's like Gary Paulsen and Cory Doctorow sat down with Al Gore and made a light book for educational purposes. To that same thought, I would suggest this text used in academia for young people.
I learned a lot about Aboriginals, and Australia that I didn't know. The characters were pleasant and intelligent youngsters. Those they encountered were also interesting. My favorite section of the book, the dystopia, also featured my favorite characters, Noah and Sara, who were struggling to survive. That whole section really hit me more than I expected. It maddening to see what's happening and yet we don't do anything about it.
This is a fast read, and it's good for an enlightening read.
October 21, 2014
When the coolest guy in Baytown calls Kaya and asks if she wants to go to the Castle to watch the full moon, no-one could have possibly imagined that a sequence of events would cause Kaya and her brother, Jack, to be transported to another realm. How will they return home when they don’t really know how they got there?
This YA fantasy, with a climate change theme, pulled me in. It was not preachy or full of scientific facts. What it was full of was fantastic visual language, real people and suspense.
At the start of the novel I did think that Jack’s character was portrayed as being too weak, even Kaya once calling him “little Jack”. I was really hoping that Jack would develop and do something amazing, I wasn’t disappointed.
The different realms were very interesting and after the first realm I was intrigued to see where the portal would take them next, what scrapes Kaya and Jack would get into and who would help them on their quest to return home.
Written for the young adult/teen market, a couple of violent scenes may exclude it from younger readers although it holds a message for readers of all ages.
Full of adventure, action and real suspense that had me holding my breath at times!
I’m now left wondering, did Jack and Kaya continue on with their lives as if nothing happened or did they become climate change advocates determined to campaign for change around the world.
March 27, 2015
Thank you Goodreads for the opportunity to win and read The Stone Gate! I am very excited and will post my review as soon as I have received and read Mark Mann's book.
Update...... Thank you Mark Mann for this wonderful read! I have to say that this story kept me both intrigued and entertained throughout.
No Spoilers Review - I loved this story! I loved the journey with the characters! Set in the fictional town of Baytown, Australia, 16 year old Kaya and her twin brother, Jack, see a dazzling white light shining from a giant rock in the woods near their home. After stepping into the light they find that the Baytown they knew is gone. How do you find your way home? I was caught up in the adventures of this brother/sister duo from beginning to end.
There is enough adventure and suspense to interest readers of any age group (except youngsters - really for older teens & above). Even though I am a “tad” past the YA group, this should NOT dissuade anyone (except youngsters) from reading The Stone Gate. Absolutely looking forward to more from this author.
Update...... Thank you Mark Mann for this wonderful read! I have to say that this story kept me both intrigued and entertained throughout.
No Spoilers Review - I loved this story! I loved the journey with the characters! Set in the fictional town of Baytown, Australia, 16 year old Kaya and her twin brother, Jack, see a dazzling white light shining from a giant rock in the woods near their home. After stepping into the light they find that the Baytown they knew is gone. How do you find your way home? I was caught up in the adventures of this brother/sister duo from beginning to end.
There is enough adventure and suspense to interest readers of any age group (except youngsters - really for older teens & above). Even though I am a “tad” past the YA group, this should NOT dissuade anyone (except youngsters) from reading The Stone Gate. Absolutely looking forward to more from this author.
December 24, 2015
I love this book and I don't agree that it is strictly a young adult book. The relationship between siblings Jack and Maya is so special.I was sitting on the edge of my seat through this whole book, I was not only reading I was right beside them the whole time. I am extremely claustrophobic so I very uncomfortable through parts Of the story.I had to stop and get control of my heart rate and get my breathing under control, I know it sounds really stupid but it's true.I was gifted a copy of this wonderful book from the Author Mark Mann and I want to thank him for choosing me.I feel very privileged and it was an honor to read this book.
Please don't let some of the other review's stop you from going on this adventure, You will be cheating yourself out of the trip of a lifetime. If you are an armchair quarterback give this book a ride. Thank You so much.
Diane E. Goodman
Please don't let some of the other review's stop you from going on this adventure, You will be cheating yourself out of the trip of a lifetime. If you are an armchair quarterback give this book a ride. Thank You so much.
Diane E. Goodman
October 7, 2014
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
Australian siblings Jack and Kaya accidentally travel back in time by stepping into a stone portal that is active only during the full moon. The book is an account of their effort to get back home, which, as it turns out, isn't so easy to do! Along the way they, they experience what their hometown was like in the past and how it will be in the future. Mann states in a epilogue that he wrote this book to educate people about global warming through a story rather than through a list of facts.
Although the author has an easy-going writing style, the first part of the story was a bit sketchy. And one of the chapters has some brutal attacks and sexual suggestiveness that might not be appropriate for younger kids. But the adventure at the end of the book will keep you on the edge of your seat!
Australian siblings Jack and Kaya accidentally travel back in time by stepping into a stone portal that is active only during the full moon. The book is an account of their effort to get back home, which, as it turns out, isn't so easy to do! Along the way they, they experience what their hometown was like in the past and how it will be in the future. Mann states in a epilogue that he wrote this book to educate people about global warming through a story rather than through a list of facts.
Although the author has an easy-going writing style, the first part of the story was a bit sketchy. And one of the chapters has some brutal attacks and sexual suggestiveness that might not be appropriate for younger kids. But the adventure at the end of the book will keep you on the edge of your seat!
April 27, 2015
A really good book. I love the relationship between the brother and sister. I enjoyed the traveling through different realities and how the issue of global warming was addressed without being preachy. There were some solid ideas on that problem that could be implemented in our world not just in the pages of a book. Kudos on those ideas and for how the issue was woven into the story so easily. I really like the idea of alternate realities and how they differ from our own. It's an intriguing concept. Really solid read and wonderfully written.
December 21, 2014
The Stone Gate is clever. It plunges you into a different Australia and places a nice spin on climate change. Intriguing, it keeps you turning the pages. The author places a premium on characterization and setting, which was uncanny. One is compelled to delve into the characters of the victims and the villain. The plot was brilliant. This book is well worth its price. I recommend this book as it is a four-star read.
March 24, 2017
Interesting book about a pair of twins who go into alternate realities through a stone gate. The book utilises some Indigenous Australian stories as the basis for the alternate reality gateway which didn't sit too well with me, and it was a tad preachy about climate change, but it had wonderful pacing and was a great story. I'd recommend this for early teens, the writing is a bit too juvenile for older ones.
August 25, 2014
I thoroughly enjoyed reading "The Stone Gate". The adventures that Jack and Kaya faced were extraordinary and quite nail-biting. I was on the edge of my seat worrying about them! And with a lesson on global warming mixed in, I'd say this book is a YA winner! I hope it gets the attention it deserves!
April 1, 2015
First for business .... I received this book free from a Goodreads First Read Giveaway.
I loved this book and I do hope there will be a sequel. I can see this becoming a series although this book did not leave you out on a cliff so please do not feel that this is not a stand alone novel. It is just the characters are so much fun you want more stories for them.
I loved this book and I do hope there will be a sequel. I can see this becoming a series although this book did not leave you out on a cliff so please do not feel that this is not a stand alone novel. It is just the characters are so much fun you want more stories for them.
September 30, 2014
Edge of your seat gripping adventure, that takes you on a journey with the characters. Superbly written. This book needs recognition, I look forward to reading more from this author.
September 7, 2014
A superbly written adventure story which had me gripped from the start. The ending was predictable but you have to read to the end to make sure! Highly recommended for teens of all ages!
December 1, 2021
I'm giving this a four stars because of the story and the author's ability to take scientific research and then stretch his imagination to imagine possible alternate realities, and ultimately possible futures where Climate Change (Global Warming) are involved. What I didn't like as much was that the book was written in first person.
Even though I am aware of the issues of Climate Change (Global Warming), this book really helped me to look at the possible realities and futures of where we as a humanity could be headed, and it is a catalyst for me to imagine other possibilities and take different action, and also to dream the more positive possibilities into reality. It also was a catalyst for a healthy conversation between my husband and I around these issues. So I'm really thankful that Mark wrote this book to help me and others stretch our imaginations of the future and make different choices, and dream different Global dreams now, and to also dream other creative thinkers taking action too. Thanks Mark!
Even though I am aware of the issues of Climate Change (Global Warming), this book really helped me to look at the possible realities and futures of where we as a humanity could be headed, and it is a catalyst for me to imagine other possibilities and take different action, and also to dream the more positive possibilities into reality. It also was a catalyst for a healthy conversation between my husband and I around these issues. So I'm really thankful that Mark wrote this book to help me and others stretch our imaginations of the future and make different choices, and dream different Global dreams now, and to also dream other creative thinkers taking action too. Thanks Mark!
August 16, 2024
Captivating and thought provoking
The actual base idea of this adventure is the global warming issue. Two youngsters, brother and sister, get to accidentally experience different alternative realities. What was the global warming status there? You would have to read the book.
The actual base idea of this adventure is the global warming issue. Two youngsters, brother and sister, get to accidentally experience different alternative realities. What was the global warming status there? You would have to read the book.
July 14, 2015
I have to be honest. The Stone Gate was not an enjoyable reading experience for me. Judging by the illustrious cover art and the enticing plot description, I expected memorable adventures, deep characters, and an ending that would keep me smiling and thinking about it for hours, or days. Unfortunately, it was the opposite, and I will tell you why.
First off, to summarize The Stone Gate in two sentences, it is about twin siblings who enter a mysterious light path shone from a rock archway that takes them to other dimensions, showing them how global warming can effect our world and what we can do to prevent it. All the while, the twins try to find a way to return to their own world before they will die.
The story felt more like a warning about global warming than a mystery or adventure. I later learned it to be a cli-fi adventure, something new to me. However, the integration of the two genres didn't seem to gel. What started off as two teens wondering into a mysterious light turned out to be mini adventures about lessons on protecting the planet and revealing the consequences if we choose to ignore global warming. Don't get me wrong, I love Mother Earth. But The Stone Gate felt like it was trying hard to become an action adventure story.
The characters were as flat as pancakes. Not one could I relate to or care about their fate. And I didn't appreciate the switching between the two narrators. I understand why the author felt it necessary, however, since their writing was so similar and they lacked distinctive personalities, a reader might mistake one from the other. And the supporting characters were just plain forgettable.
The story moved too fast for me sense danger or care about the characters. And the ending was so short, the first thing I said to myself was, "that's it?" Even after reading the Afterword, I didn't sense the urgency to want to protect our planet. The story just didn't provide enough soul for a non-believer of global warming to change his/her ways. A fast-paced adventure that whisks past the important matters.
The premise of The Stone Gate was interesting, but it personally didn't move me. There were some parts of the story that I did like, but I don't remember what they were. Keep in mind that I am an adult and this story was written for teens. Therefore, it is their opinions that matter the most.
First off, to summarize The Stone Gate in two sentences, it is about twin siblings who enter a mysterious light path shone from a rock archway that takes them to other dimensions, showing them how global warming can effect our world and what we can do to prevent it. All the while, the twins try to find a way to return to their own world before they will die.
The story felt more like a warning about global warming than a mystery or adventure. I later learned it to be a cli-fi adventure, something new to me. However, the integration of the two genres didn't seem to gel. What started off as two teens wondering into a mysterious light turned out to be mini adventures about lessons on protecting the planet and revealing the consequences if we choose to ignore global warming. Don't get me wrong, I love Mother Earth. But The Stone Gate felt like it was trying hard to become an action adventure story.
The characters were as flat as pancakes. Not one could I relate to or care about their fate. And I didn't appreciate the switching between the two narrators. I understand why the author felt it necessary, however, since their writing was so similar and they lacked distinctive personalities, a reader might mistake one from the other. And the supporting characters were just plain forgettable.
The story moved too fast for me sense danger or care about the characters. And the ending was so short, the first thing I said to myself was, "that's it?" Even after reading the Afterword, I didn't sense the urgency to want to protect our planet. The story just didn't provide enough soul for a non-believer of global warming to change his/her ways. A fast-paced adventure that whisks past the important matters.
The premise of The Stone Gate was interesting, but it personally didn't move me. There were some parts of the story that I did like, but I don't remember what they were. Keep in mind that I am an adult and this story was written for teens. Therefore, it is their opinions that matter the most.
May 9, 2015
(I received this free ebook by the author in exchange for an honest review)
Brother and sister Jack and Kaya live in Australia. Set by the full moon the siblings go back in time and their journey to get back home is not as easy as it seems. They travel to through a stone portal and end up in different realities of time.
The story was great and the transitions that took place in the story was written very nice. The reading was light and easy. I found myself sometimes losing time because I would get lost in this story. I love a good adventure with a mixture of fantasy and this story brought it. I thought overall the whole plot was a great idea and the way it took off was nicely written. I look forward to reading more works by this author in the future.
Rating 4.5 stars
Recomend? Yes :)
Brother and sister Jack and Kaya live in Australia. Set by the full moon the siblings go back in time and their journey to get back home is not as easy as it seems. They travel to through a stone portal and end up in different realities of time.
The story was great and the transitions that took place in the story was written very nice. The reading was light and easy. I found myself sometimes losing time because I would get lost in this story. I love a good adventure with a mixture of fantasy and this story brought it. I thought overall the whole plot was a great idea and the way it took off was nicely written. I look forward to reading more works by this author in the future.
Rating 4.5 stars
Recomend? Yes :)
March 2, 2016
I received this book for free in exchange for my honest review.
WOW! When I read the description of this book, I was expecting a dry and preachy book about recycling and saving the environment. I couldn't have been more wrong, and I am so glad I decided to read this book!
Jack and Kaya are siblings who are transported into a few different worlds. Not to put too many spoilers in, but their adventures in these worlds are based around the environment and it's impact on the people living there. There's also a magic portal 'the stone gate' that they must travel through to visit these worlds.
A beautifully crafted novel, wonderful characters and such a good message!
WOW! When I read the description of this book, I was expecting a dry and preachy book about recycling and saving the environment. I couldn't have been more wrong, and I am so glad I decided to read this book!
Jack and Kaya are siblings who are transported into a few different worlds. Not to put too many spoilers in, but their adventures in these worlds are based around the environment and it's impact on the people living there. There's also a magic portal 'the stone gate' that they must travel through to visit these worlds.
A beautifully crafted novel, wonderful characters and such a good message!
June 13, 2015
More lecture than story, unfortunately. also some foolishness, like why didn't they radio ahead to ask plane to wait a few minutes. Also why should climate change be so serious in one alternate yet they recognized adults... 2*
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 5, 2025
I really loved this book and definitely recommend! I loved how it talked about real issues/facts and showing the effects, while still making it really entertaining. It is an imaginative idea and just overall really good!
February 14, 2015
I liked the premise of the different imaginaries but felt the book became to agenda driven. At times the writing also seemed somewhat clunky.
April 10, 2015
I think this book is exceedingly well written. I don't like spoiler alerts, so you'll have to read it for yourself. I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
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December 12, 2017Someone prompt me in a month's time if I haven't written a more comprehensive review.
Confession: The author was giving away free e-copies of his book for reviews...a few years ago. I did start it soon after, but found reading on a screen hard. Anyway, re-started it a couple of months ago and finished it recently!
I found the start slow, but the story picks up pace and draws you in. There is a core environmental theme to this book, which did feel overt once or twice, but otherwise is integrated well.
Confession: The author was giving away free e-copies of his book for reviews...a few years ago. I did start it soon after, but found reading on a screen hard. Anyway, re-started it a couple of months ago and finished it recently!
I found the start slow, but the story picks up pace and draws you in. There is a core environmental theme to this book, which did feel overt once or twice, but otherwise is integrated well.
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