Can Jade restore the Firestone's powers before the First Men return to judge humanity?
Spending spring break in Peru with her grandmother isn't sixteen-year-old Jade's idea of fun. She'd much rather be with her friends at Lake of the Ozarks. Then she meets Felix, a museum director's son. Jade discovers only she and Felix can telepathically access messages left on engraved stones in the age of dinosaurs.
Following the ancient stones' guidance, they enter the Labyrinth of Time and--with a shapeshifting dog's help--seek a red crystal called the Firestone. But time is running out before the First Men return on the night of the second blue moon.
Writing, traveling, reading, learning and enjoying family and friends ... does it get any better than this? Check out my website at www.twfendley.com ... and my speculative fiction novels--MOONBLOOD and THE LABYRINTH OF TIME for young adults and ZERO TIME and METHUSELAH'S LEGACY for adults! I also blog on Associative Remote Viewing at www.ARV4fun.com. Ready to expand your consciousness?
This is a Teen/YA fantasy novel with a native/ancient American culture influence. The story is fresh and unique.
Jade is a sixteen-year-old girl that accompanies her grandmother to Peru on a tour. Her grandmother has always been interested in a certain culture/studies that she was first intoduced to by a Shaman from the region they're visiting. Jade meets a boy her age named Felix and they have to work together to save the world.
So, that does sound a little cliche, but it's the story is well-written and weaves together a fascinating series of clues that lead them toward their destiny. I found the mixture of real culture and fantasy interesting. Some of the tale is complicated, though the author does a good job of reminding or explaining the various facets as you work your way through. I did find the first 20% or so a little slow because there's a fair bit of background that you need, but once you hit the nighttime activities where they're trying to find the Labryinth, the pace really picks up.
I think this could appeal to immediate pre-teens, as well; I think it might be a little complicated for those too much younger. The one thing that seemed odd to me was how extremely familiar with American culture, phrasing, etc. the people of Peru were. While I know this is the fantasy, I did find it just a little distracting, but I suspect teenagers and those that haven't traveled internationally wouldn't notice it.
All in all, this was a clever, well-written story with wonderful characters and an interesting glance at an alternate culture.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I don’t normally read fantasy, but when it borders on science fiction — and is written by T. W. Fendley (Zero Time, The Mentor) — I can’t wait begin. She has once again struck gold — as well as rubies, sapphires and a host of other splendid, hidden jewels – in her latest work, The Labyrinth of Time.
Sixteen-year-old Jade is invited by her grandmother, who once met a Peruvian shaman at a Washington DC cultural festival, to the ancient province of Ica, Peru, and a tour of nearby archaeological wonders in the Ica valley, a base for tourist activity centered on the ancient Inca civilization and near the famous Nazca lines, huge symbols inscribed on the landscape by the ancients. Here her grandmother hopes to meet the old shaman to whom she was strangely attracted during their one meeting long ago. Jade and her grandmother, however, are drawn into a present-day intrigue involving a prophecy about a comet’s return during a lunar eclipse and a double blue moon, with potentially earth-shattering consequences.
The magical realism and the richness of this tale are too marvelous to recount — its luxuriance of color, light and sensation; its believable characters accomplishing unbelievable things, and its Beloveds of the One, Jade and Felix, supremely endowed with the power of vision, and even a transformed dog. It is further enhanced by bold contrasts in the supporting cast for our familiar Americans, Jade and her “Grams” — an inquisitive male hero, native shamans and complex, worldly-wise Peruvians. But you’ve got to read it to get the full, powerful experience.
This tale, with its personal “auras,” recalls Spiritualism, as practiced in the 1920s era by many in the Hollywood Dell district in California, later well documented by Rudolf Steiner in Knowledge of Higher Worlds and its Attainment, Steiner Press (London), 1963. These disciples included my own great uncle and namesake, Peter Howard, or “Peter the Hermit,” often seen traipsing in white robes with his staff, flowing beard and mane along the sidewalks of nearby Hollywood Boulevard.
Spiritualism was considered by many to be just another “nut” religion, and the stones of Ica by the scientific community to be a hoax. “If that’s the case,” concludes author Fendley, “kudos to the enterprising farmer who shares his fiction by carving his story on more than eleven thousand stones.” Moreover, since there will be a total lunar eclipse accompanied by a double blue moon on January 18, 2018, could the myth be true? We’ll see, I guess. Meanwhile it’s a heckuva good read.
—Peter H. Green, Author of Ben’s War with the U. S. Marines and Crimes of Design
Teen Jade is spending spring break with her grandmother in Peru: not exactly her idea of a great time, until she hooks up with a museum director's son and discovers they share telepathic abilities that allow them access to a past world. Summer just got a whole lot more interesting - but wait, there's more!
The message they uncover from an ancient Earth leads them on an unexpected journey through the Labyrinth of Time in search of a mysterious red crystal that could change the world. Jade's mission is to rescue and restore the Firestone before it's too late.
All this is narrated in the first person, which allows readers to absorb, from a personal perspective, the events which transpire; from Jade's revelations about her grandmother's spiritual beliefs and their unusual origins in heritage and circumstance to her own newfound task to bring enlightenment into the world before the second Light returns to correct the growing imbalance between Earth and the heavens.
To call The Labyrinth of Time a 'young adult read' may be accurate - but to limit its audience to such would be a shame. Many an adult will find Jade's feisty personality and perseverance in the face of much adversity just the ticket for a rainy day, and will realize that Jade's evolution embraces all the facets of a life well lived: spiritual concerns, a touch of romance, family connections, and struggles with outside forces beyond one's control.
Readers with a touch of New Age spiritual inclination will especially find that the story reaches out and touches them, and while Christian-based readers may struggle with some of the concepts, ultimately it's a thought-provoking, enlightening, and entertaining read all in one package, tailored for teens but holding the ability to reach through time, space and age groups for much wider audience. The Labyrinth of Time keeps its eye firmly on the bigger pictures of life - and that's what makes it a stand out.
The Labyrinth of Time is an absorbing fantasy novel, a clean read suitable for adults as well as teens. The author visited Peru and became enthralled with the legends and mythology of the native culture. The resulting novel is both original and creative.
At the age of eighteen, One Reed meets Nina in Washington D.C. at a Pre-Columbian Studies Symposium. She fits his vision. One is on a quest, looking for the Daughter of the Moon. Nina carries the Blue Moon birth mark. They know they must meet again.
The third person narration shifts to first person. The narrator is Jade, a teenage girl who has gone to Peru with her Grams. Jade is soon introduced to a teenage boy named Felix who acquaints Jade with the ancient stones. Jade feels their magic, becoming dizzy. Jade, her grandmother, Felix, and two other Peruvian boys, Thirteen Knife and Three Eagle join the quest to open the portal to the Labyrinth of Time.
Jade’s grandmother is none other than Nina who is on a spiritual journey. She and One have traveled out of body and met in dreamtime over the years. But One has passed through the portal and can now be reached only in the spirit world. The Labyrinth of Time signifies both the beginning and the end of time.
The novel has an action-filled, exciting plot. When Nina is kidnapped by greedy, violent people who have no spiritual values, Jade and the other teenagers hurry to try to save her. The journey the teens take involves Jade in efforts to prevent the earth’s destruction from the return of a comet on the night of the second Blue Moon.
This is an inventive fantasy novel. As both a reader and writer of YA and adult fiction, I highly recommend the novel to readers of all ages.
The Labyrinth of Time review Sixteen year old Jade travels to Peru with her grandmother for a trip. Jade was planning to spend this school break with her friend back home, but she soon forgets about him once she goes into the tiny stone museum in Peru. Once Jade touches one of the engraved stones, she learns she can see the stories connected to these rocks. She meets Felix at this museum that his family runs. She soon discovers that they are the only two that can see the stories on the stones, and they have a prophecy to fulfill. Together they will go on a journey to save the planet.
After reviewing this book for Book Worms, I give this book 3.5 out of 5 stars.
This is a quick read. It was great to break up the long series I usually read. Going into this book I didn't get background information on it or the author, so I wasn't sure of the genre or intended audience. I would say this is a sci-fi/fantasy book intended for young adult readers (ages 12-18). I like how the author took a real Peruvian legend and turned it into an amazing adventure story between two teens. The story had a great plot and moved right along to get to the conclusion. I would have liked a side or sub plot about Jade and Felix. I thought there would be more dialog between the two and their connection since another love interest was mentioned in the beginning and replaced with Felix. I would have liked a little more depth to the characters, but that might be hard to convey in a story that takes place within a 24 hour period.
Let's get full disclosure out of the way first - I received a free copy of the book so I could review it.
Having admitted that I am extremely pleased I was lucky enough to be given this book, it is a superb read. I could not put it down and I'm not exaggerating. I started reading last night, expecting to read the first few chapters and then pick it up again today, but I never stopped. It was 1:35am by the time I finished. The plot had me turning page after page even when my eyes were demanding I stop and go to sleep.
There are ups and down and exciting action in this book which all takes place in less than a day, but feels like so much more (in a good way). Lots of pre-Columbian archaeological detail makes it feel real with the backdrop of beautifully woven fantasy that had me wanting more. The book is detailed and yet fast paced and complex and yet easy to follow. It is very skilfully written.
I also really enjoyed the characters, from Jade, the feisty teen narrating the tale for us to One Reed, the mysterious Shaman and Max, the greedy gem stone hunter. All the players are colourful and alive and very much engaging.
I heartily recommend this book to all fans of the YA genre.
This was a quick read and a somewhat unique plot. The story moves along with a great mix of drama, passion, and even some action and Fendley's imaginative story is paired with strong character development that keeps the reader turning pages. While this book is for the YA audience, and I am not that, I still found it to be a delightful read with a good mix of historical fiction and sci-fi/fantasy. The only shortcoming, in my estimation, is that the resolution of the conflict is a bit abbreviated - I would have like to have seen a bit more development at the point of resolution. Still, the book is a good read and it reaches beyond its YA audience for those interested in the Ica stones and the lore that accompanies them.
I have received this book through Goodreads' First Reads.
Overall I have enjoyed reading this book. It was exciting, very fast-paced and I especially liked the mythological aspects of the story. What I sometimes miss is a little more characterization and character development. I mean, there were so many different people in this story, but we get to know none of them, as long as deep understanding is concerned. Even Jade, who's the story-teller seems distant. My only other remark is that it seemed a bit rushed, but hey, the whole book takes place in only one night, and time is a major concern of everything, so that's OK. Other than this I really did enjoy the story.
The Labrynth of Time is a great mix of sci fi, history, fantasy, and clean romance that would be suitable for both teens and adults. Teens Jade and Felix meet at a museum in Peru. They find out that they have special powers and have to save the world. Their adventures will have you racing through the pages cheering them on. Ms. Fendley's writing is beautifully descriptive. I could see the gems in the labyrinth, picture myself inside the caves, or reading the stones. I look forward to reading more of her books.
I received a free copy of this book from Bookworms in exchange for an honest review.
I received a free copy for an honest review. It is a clean sci-fi/historical YA novel. The main characters are teenagers, 'chosen' to be the daughter of the moon & the son of the sun. Only they can save the world from destruction & halt the decline of civilization. While this is not my normal preferred type of book, I did enjoy it & had to know how it ended. I found some of the historical references intriguing, and plan to research them some more. My son is now reading the book & LOVES it! Kudos!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I was very impressed by the magic system and mysticism in this book and it's companion story, Zero Time. Visions, vibrations, spiritual realms, alien ancestors... T. W. Fendley knows how to weave a complex web around the reader. In Labyrinth, teenage vacationer Jade finds herself on a more dense and dangerous journey than the one she bought her ticket for. Recommended for teens and adults with broad imaginations and an adventurer's spirit.
It's difficult to tell a story that takes place in 24 hours as well as this book is written. Expanding on a Peruvian legend, we are taken on a journey with the 'daughter of the moon' and the 'son of the sun' as they try to save the earth.
Exciting yet grounded in clean, age-appropriate relationships, this is one of the better young adult books I've read in quite some time.
**Received this book through a Goodreads Giveaway**
This was more of a sci-fi type book which is not my normal reading material. I didn't love the book but I liked it. There were a few things that I couldn't quite follow but the story of Jade & Felix was sweet.
I'm the author, so of course I have to give my book a top rating. Thanks to all who signed up for my first giveaway. The books are in the mail! I look forward to seeing what you think about it. :)