Sunstone

by Holly Barbo

Before there was a history, the sun goddess Navora visited a moon within her realm that held primitive ocean life. She dipped her staff of power into the primordial sea and stirred. Pleased with what she had wrought, she departed, not at all troubled that a divine spark had touched two small dying sea creatures.

As centuries pass, life on the moon develops into a geothermal steam-powered industrial age. A triumvirate of politicians, banks and corporations bring strain and suffering to the masses they rule over. Unbeknownst to the people of the moon, there may be help. With the gears of time evermoving and trouble spiraling to a crisis point, can three individuals and a handful of fossils prevent a violent revolution?

Genres: Steampunk

326 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 31, 2015

Reviews

[Aubree · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holly Barbo is one of my go to authors. Sunstone is without a doubt her best work yet. She has woven a few of today’s problems into enormously satisfying Steampunk mystery. Don’t worry, she doesn’t preach or lecture. Instead, she spins a web and ensnares you. Her world and characters ring true even though they are totally fictional. And look at that COVER! How could you possibly resist. I am extremely happy I couldn’t. 5 STARS for Holly Barbo and Sunstone. I would give it more if I could. I can see myself reading it over and over and over...

[T.M. Payne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book: Sunstone
Author: Holly Barbo
Publication Date: 3/31/2015
Reviewed by: Tammy Payne- Book Nook Nuts
My Rating: 5 Stars


REVIEW
New to me author.

During a time before machines the moon goddess knew the tides were changing and she entrusted some stones to 3 select she trusted. Each had a job to do. Kes has come back from school and is now helping out with research for his adoptive father. One evening those who wish to cause an uproar come and cause deathly harm to the old man and Kes knows what he must do. Having found the stone while diving. We have machinery which threatens to cause a revolution.

I must say this book was a first for me in this genre and I was pleasantly surprised. It had a paranormal feel to it and was very well written.

I was gifted a copy of this book for my honest review

Holly Barbo

[Cherime MacFarlane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delicious steampunk story! It tells about a world drifting into disaster. It has the means to save its self. The sunstones were set in place by a goddess in the distant past. But without the humans needed....Can this world be saved? Will the gift of the goddess make a difference? Read it and find out. Excellent piece of work. I was given an advance copy of this book for a fair and honest review and it was my pleasure.

[Grace Augustine · Rating 5 out of 5]

First ever read Steampunk novel is a hit

Sunstone captivated my interest from the first sentence. In this, my first ever read Steampunk novel, Holly Barbo has created a futuristic world that is spiraling out of control. She has cleverly weaved some of our own societal issues into this fabulous read. I can't say enough great things about this book...but I don't want to reveal any more of the plot line. The characters were very well developed, the subject matter transitioned well from paragraph to chapter. Ms. Barbo has a winner on her hands. I urge you to purchase this amazing creation.

[Michele Gwynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

In an alien world, social injustice still finds its way through the machinations of the corrupt. Sunstone is a fantasy, futuristic, mystical yet nostalgic thrill-ride on a steam car. On Myrn, as in any other place in the universe, governments rule, but the greedy seek power, and the good struggle to maintain balance. Both have to operate in the shadows while everyday citizens just work to survive oblivious to the plots always bubbling up to undermine their world although increasingly aware as their corporate overlords enslave them through wage cuts while raising prices for food and housing. Civil unrest abounds between people, the Council, and business owners, and the bank holds the markers. Something must give or war will break out. Meanwhile, the spiritual/mystical in the form of Sunstones (navorites) created by the goddess, Navora, eons before hold the key to either the salvation of Myrn or its destruction depending upon who gets their hands on them first. No one knows the whereabouts of all, but each will be revealed. A history as old as time repeating itself in a future world so unique, Barbo had to create new words to identify the gadgets used in this industrialized steam engine society. I got lost on Myrn...in the best possible way. Remember Avatar? Well, this book is on par with that movie by way of fantastical descriptions, but darker, and I'd dearly love to see it on the big screen. So curl up with a cup of kris (read the book. You'll get it), and take a trip to another world and get sucked into thrilling political intrigue.

[Ch'kara SilverWolf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, I loved this book. It just got better and better as it went along. All of the characters had their own quirks and idiosyncrasies, but all of them were strong and powerful in their own way and this was brought out on the pages of this wonderful story.

Thanks Holly Barbo, I thoroughly enjoyed being on this journey as it took me right into the story.

[William Stuart · Rating 4 out of 5]

Steampunk - not my normal genre - is an interesting world to visit. When you can add elements of science fiction and fantasy into the mix, it becomes intriguing. Sunstone - A Steampunk Reality by Holly Barbo has all that and much more!
Synopsis (from the author): The steam-powered civilization of Myrn is a thriving adolescent culture. But the rapid industrial development has given rise to greed, and the triumvirate of government, banks and industry leaders has lost sight of those it is supposed to serve and protect.

When a mysterious incurable illness sweeps through the impoverished masses, increasing the suffering to breaking point, rebellion seems unavoidable. Society is on the brink of revolution, and the planet is marked for destruction.

M'nacht, his son Kes, and his team of researchers investigate a legend about three sacred fossils that could save the people and rebalance Myrn. However, they are not the only ones looking. Where they see salvation, others see power, wealth and control.

Will the gifts from the goddess Navora be found in time to save their world, or will the sacrifice of innocents be lost under the weight of human depravity and corruption?

What I liked: Holly Barbo’s steampunk world of Myrn was an intriguing construct. Part scifi and all steampunk, the blend of the two made for an interesting read. Kes and his father play their roles convincingly, and the greed and disregard for the populace portrayed by the elite fit into the narrative nicely. I liked the support characters, and the fantasy element of the Sunstone and the connection with the goddess tied everything together.

What I didn’t like: The general population’s treatment at the hands of the bankers and corporations was a bit too cliché for me. I would like more description of the goddess and how the Sunstone brings about change. Improvement in those areas would make the story more real.

Overall impression: Sunstone by Holly Barbo was an intriguing read. Cool steampunk gadgets, well-done characters, and a good storyline kept my attention throughout the book. I would recommend this one to steampunk and fantasy readers!

My rating: 4 Stars

[Terri Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had no real expectations for this book, but I thought it looked interesting. I'm really glad I got it. I added the narration to this and listened to it while I walked. I got many miles from this story because I wanted to keep going. The author created a fully developed world and a page-turner plot line. The characters felt like real people.

[Diane Garner · Rating 4 out of 5]

The world created here was intriguing to read about. The author did an awesome job with description, making it easier to put yourself into their world. The characters were likable, and the book was very informative. It was the first two chapters that really drug me into a very interesting storyline — imagination at its finest.

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quality read - definitely recommend.

[Ronesa Aveela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sunstone takes place on a moon that orbits a distant planet. Their world, like ours, is filled with corruption and greed among the politicians and businessmen (particularly pharmaceuticals). But there are also those who band together to bring about change for the better. The book has good lessons and warnings for our way of life: It is within mankind's power to reverse the detrimental effect our way of life has had on the earth and society.

The author has a well-developed world in which the characters live. Religion plays a part, but the author seems to want to express that it is up to mankind to form his own destiny. The storyline follows Kes and his discovery of a Sunstone, which is used to impart the Goddess's intervention in the lives of people when disaster is about to strike. But there are three stones, and each one must be used. The problem lies in that the owners of the stone do not know who the others are.

The storyline is filled with tension and holds your attention. My one complaint is that there are many long-winded dialogs that dump information and some that repeat information the reader has already been told. In all, though, it is an enjoyable story. And it has some lovely illustrations to help readers visualize the various steam-run devices.

[Rebecca Austin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first time reading Steampunk and it certainly will not be my last if this book is any indication.

This book focuses on the Steam-powered civilization Myrn and three elemental stones blessed by the Goddess Navora. These stones are wanted by corrupt businessmen for greed and wealth. But there is still people working for the better good of the civilization and it is up to them to get to the stones first to protect Myrn.

I really enjoyed this book and the characters in it. There was such a great mix of characters from different fields working together and it was very ironic on how the book ended.

Kes and his adopted father M'nacht are both working in the scientific fields and notice different things happening that leads them to try and discover what is really going on and who is behind it.

There was so much unrest in Myrn that it was really interesting and I loved all the gadgets that they used for information and all of the secrets panels!

[Jayne Hyatt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book!
Holly Barbo has done a stupendous job of creating a world, and a culture, that is complete, interesting, and believable. Her prose is masterful, and her love of language apparent. This is a mystery/adventure that is also serves as a parable of our time and the concerns many have about such things as secret power, politics, big pharma, and growing income disparity. Be assured, though, that the morality tale doesn’t get in the way of the thriller, which is fast paced, intriguing, and kept me eagerly turning the pages to see what would happen next. Highly recommended.

[Beautifulday4makeup The-book-and-Me · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received the ebook in exchange for an honest review. This book at first seemed a regular fantasy book. Suprisingly the book developed in a tale of power and industrialisation. It made me think to our passed and how this happened here as well. Therefore it hit quite close to home. I liked reading the book.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sunstone is a very imaginative and descriptive story. A steampunk story that is well written with interesting characters. The illustrations are fantastic and inspiring! I thought the plot was very compelling and thought provoking. Barbo is brilliant at crafting vivid scenes. If you are looking for an atmospheric well-written steampunk thriller pick up Sunstone.

[Brandi Nyborg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! This is my first book by this author, and it will definitely not be my last! This story is creative and unique! I was glued to the book, and finished it in one sitting. It really makes you think!

[Kate O'Reilly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sunstone was the first book I've read in the Steampunk genre and I didn't regret stepping into the new realm. The world was described beautifully and intricately. It's a full immersion adventure. I didn't want to put it down and it cost me more than a few hours sleep.

[Suzy Justad · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written. Uses parallels of her world with ours. Very insightful. Enjoyable reading