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Alastair Stone Chronicles #2
The Forgotten
Librarian note: This is an alternate cover edition for: B0084O96RW
When a friend asks Alastair Stone to question a disturbed child who's committed a horrific act, Stone has no idea what kind of rabbit hole he's starting down. His investigations uncover more instances of appalling crimes, all committed by people with no history of violence. And other people have turned up missing...
It's not long before Stone crosses paths with Jason Thayer, a young man searching for his runaway sister who might be a victim of the same bizarre affliction. Together, Stone and Jason are embroiled in a network of odd homeless people, strange symbols, a growing conspiracy, and deadly danger. Even if they find Jason's sister in time, there's no way to know if they can help her--and it's soon clear that the problem is a lot worse than they originally suspected.
What do you do when you discover an extradimensional plot that threatens the safety of the entire world, but you can't tell anyone about it because literally anyone on Earth could be part of it?
The Forgottenis book 2 in the Alastair Stone Chronicles urban fantasy series.
When a friend asks Alastair Stone to question a disturbed child who's committed a horrific act, Stone has no idea what kind of rabbit hole he's starting down. His investigations uncover more instances of appalling crimes, all committed by people with no history of violence. And other people have turned up missing...
It's not long before Stone crosses paths with Jason Thayer, a young man searching for his runaway sister who might be a victim of the same bizarre affliction. Together, Stone and Jason are embroiled in a network of odd homeless people, strange symbols, a growing conspiracy, and deadly danger. Even if they find Jason's sister in time, there's no way to know if they can help her--and it's soon clear that the problem is a lot worse than they originally suspected.
What do you do when you discover an extradimensional plot that threatens the safety of the entire world, but you can't tell anyone about it because literally anyone on Earth could be part of it?
The Forgottenis book 2 in the Alastair Stone Chronicles urban fantasy series.
498 pages, ebook
First published May 18, 2012
334 people are currently reading
486 people want to read
About the author
R.L. King
68 books332 followersR. L. King is the author of the Amazon-bestselling urban fantasy series The Alastair Stone Chronicles.
When not doing her best to make life difficult for her characters, she works as a software technical writer for a large Silicon Valley database company.
She also freelances for Catalyst Game Labs, publisher of the popular roleplaying game Shadowrun, where she's contributed fiction and game material to numerous sourcebooks and one full-length adventure, "On the Run," which was included as part of the 2012 Origins-Award-winning "Runners' Toolkit."
Her first novel in the Shadowrun universe, "Borrowed Time," was published in Spring 2015. She's working on her second Shadowrun novel, "Veiled Extraction," which will be released in late 2016 or early 2017.
When not writing or working, she enjoys hanging out with her very understanding spouse and her small herd of cats, and watching way too much Doctor Who.
When not doing her best to make life difficult for her characters, she works as a software technical writer for a large Silicon Valley database company.
She also freelances for Catalyst Game Labs, publisher of the popular roleplaying game Shadowrun, where she's contributed fiction and game material to numerous sourcebooks and one full-length adventure, "On the Run," which was included as part of the 2012 Origins-Award-winning "Runners' Toolkit."
Her first novel in the Shadowrun universe, "Borrowed Time," was published in Spring 2015. She's working on her second Shadowrun novel, "Veiled Extraction," which will be released in late 2016 or early 2017.
When not writing or working, she enjoys hanging out with her very understanding spouse and her small herd of cats, and watching way too much Doctor Who.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
March 7, 2016
The Forgotten (Alastair Stone Chronicles, Book 2)
by R.L. King
While I definitely enjoyed this book, I wasn't as taken with it as I was with the first in the series, "Stone and a Hard Place," or with the Novella published and distributed with the author's recent offer through BookFunnel. The reason is easy. I didn't feel this was an "Alastair Stone" book, as he seems more a sidekick to the character who is the central focus of this book, Jason Thayer. The book is told almost entirely from his POV, with just a short section or so being told from his sister, Verity's POV. Many sections, especially early in the book, didn't include much of Stone at all. So, although I understand, after reading the entire book, that these two characters will be continuing in the series, it doesn't change the fact that I decided to continue in this series because of Alastair Stone. It's nice to know some backstory of characters that will continue in the series, but I expect a book in the Alastair Stone Chronicles to have Alastair Stone as the main character. For me, this story could have been easily told from the Stone character's POV, rather than that of either of the Thayers. Perhaps, if the author felt a need for more in depth on these two characters, a novella about them, such as the novella regarding the Sally character in the series Tome of Bill, would have worked for backstory and development of the characters and their particular talents. It turned me off, and that shows in how long it took me to read the book -- 10 days.
The story revolves around the idea that there are people with magical talents, not mages, but with talents. These people are often hunted down by entities who possesses humans and who want these "Forgotten" people eliminated. Because of this - and because, let's face it, society isn't particularly accepting of people who are different in any way - these people band together and, as they are hunted, do not stay in one place for long. They also avoid shelters and other gatherings of the homeless, for fear of being easy targets for the entities that are pursuing them. Verity Thayer is one of these people. She has been institutionalized because of her so-called problems, and her brother, Jason, hasn't seen her in a few years when he receives a panicked phone message from her. He sets out to find her, receiving only the standard run-around from the administration at the institution where she was living. When he actually gets to said institution, he discovers she has run away. The rest of the story revolves around finding Verity, discovering what these entities are and why they are hunting the "forgotten," and how to fight them once found.
There is lots of action, both magical and physical. Lots of twists and turns along the way to the final resolution. As in the first book, the proofing and editing is quite good. I only found one actual mistake (at 6425 on my Kindle -- reading the 4-novel compilation: "...and we've got word out to the beat cops keep an eye out for her." I do believe there is a word missing between cops and keep in that sentence. Other than that, my only complaint would be the continued use of "p'raps" in Stone's dialogue. Again, not sure what the purpose is, although I assume it must be an attempt to remind the reader that he is British, so his dialogue should be read with a British accent. If so, it fails. The author might consider using more British slang (such as "scarpers" - 11971 Kindle location in the 4-novel compilation version) or structure to represent the accent.
So, yes I enjoyed the book, although the above was frustrating to me. And yes, as I have the 4-book compilation, I'll continue with the series, at least through the next novel. Hopefully, Stone will be back as the focus of his chronicles there.
by R.L. King
While I definitely enjoyed this book, I wasn't as taken with it as I was with the first in the series, "Stone and a Hard Place," or with the Novella published and distributed with the author's recent offer through BookFunnel. The reason is easy. I didn't feel this was an "Alastair Stone" book, as he seems more a sidekick to the character who is the central focus of this book, Jason Thayer. The book is told almost entirely from his POV, with just a short section or so being told from his sister, Verity's POV. Many sections, especially early in the book, didn't include much of Stone at all. So, although I understand, after reading the entire book, that these two characters will be continuing in the series, it doesn't change the fact that I decided to continue in this series because of Alastair Stone. It's nice to know some backstory of characters that will continue in the series, but I expect a book in the Alastair Stone Chronicles to have Alastair Stone as the main character. For me, this story could have been easily told from the Stone character's POV, rather than that of either of the Thayers. Perhaps, if the author felt a need for more in depth on these two characters, a novella about them, such as the novella regarding the Sally character in the series Tome of Bill, would have worked for backstory and development of the characters and their particular talents. It turned me off, and that shows in how long it took me to read the book -- 10 days.
The story revolves around the idea that there are people with magical talents, not mages, but with talents. These people are often hunted down by entities who possesses humans and who want these "Forgotten" people eliminated. Because of this - and because, let's face it, society isn't particularly accepting of people who are different in any way - these people band together and, as they are hunted, do not stay in one place for long. They also avoid shelters and other gatherings of the homeless, for fear of being easy targets for the entities that are pursuing them. Verity Thayer is one of these people. She has been institutionalized because of her so-called problems, and her brother, Jason, hasn't seen her in a few years when he receives a panicked phone message from her. He sets out to find her, receiving only the standard run-around from the administration at the institution where she was living. When he actually gets to said institution, he discovers she has run away. The rest of the story revolves around finding Verity, discovering what these entities are and why they are hunting the "forgotten," and how to fight them once found.
There is lots of action, both magical and physical. Lots of twists and turns along the way to the final resolution. As in the first book, the proofing and editing is quite good. I only found one actual mistake (at 6425 on my Kindle -- reading the 4-novel compilation: "...and we've got word out to the beat cops keep an eye out for her." I do believe there is a word missing between cops and keep in that sentence. Other than that, my only complaint would be the continued use of "p'raps" in Stone's dialogue. Again, not sure what the purpose is, although I assume it must be an attempt to remind the reader that he is British, so his dialogue should be read with a British accent. If so, it fails. The author might consider using more British slang (such as "scarpers" - 11971 Kindle location in the 4-novel compilation version) or structure to represent the accent.
So, yes I enjoyed the book, although the above was frustrating to me. And yes, as I have the 4-book compilation, I'll continue with the series, at least through the next novel. Hopefully, Stone will be back as the focus of his chronicles there.
October 29, 2021
Stone is back, with a pair of siblings in tow and a devilish evil heavyweight to contend with. This second instalment while a bit slower in pace when compared to the first book, contains a lot more of the world building and magical lore/ knowledge/ information lacking from the first. Still a very enjoyable read... looking forward to seeing where book 3 ventures.
June 13, 2018
This one put me off. I think it needs major editing down. Lets jump into it.
The Forgotten picks up 4 years after the first book. Stone has lost his girlfriend and is the only reoccurring character from the first book (albeit the very minor information-guy). Ignoring this timelapse, Stone is basically in the same position he found himself at the beginning of book one- out of practice and out of touch.
A spate of rather disturbing crimes in the area brings out Stone's curiosity, and he begins investigating. Then we jump to a new POV character- a girl. She witnesses a murder, and has her chapter end abruptly. The book starts out interesting, and then we are introduced to Jason- the girl's brother.
The rest of the story is from Jason's POV or a slightly more omniscient POV. While there are things that this book did better then book one- namely the description on rituals, Jason's POV falls rather flat.
Positives:
+ Better descriptions.
Negatives:
- Jason's POV comes off as a mass of contradictions (his views/wants repeatedly cycle back and forth) and repetitiveness (his repeated questioning about the same stuff makes it repetitive). I think the problem is that there is too much hand-holding for the reader on what is going on plot wise. I think the book would benefit by cutting back a little on the repeated explanations on whats going on plot wise- and providing more details on the world/characters/rituals/magic instead. Very Minor Examples: Club entrance. One paragraph on symbols on street. A second on symbols around club. Once in the club Jason talks about them and looks for more. The first tells us, the second reinforces it. The third is repetitive and needs cut.
- Plot/Solution. The last 50% of the book is haphazard. Sarcasm warning: There is alot of "Guy 1: Well we don't know anything... but if we had to guess this could be one possible explanation (tbh i am pulling this out of my ass, 100% guess). Guy 2: I don't know anything either. And i understand that you don't know anything. But wow. GREAT idea! Now we have this complex plan predicated on things neither of us know. If we fail we die. Lets do it!
- Dialogue. Dialogue. Dialogue. The dialogue needs tightened up. There is soooo much exposition in the dialogue. Forgotten explaining to Stone. Stone explaining to Jason. Jason explaining to Stone why he is wrong. Stone explaining to Jason why he is actually wrong. It makes it a drag to read.
-Verity seems very world aware for someone who has been confined to a house since age 12.
The Forgotten picks up 4 years after the first book. Stone has lost his girlfriend and is the only reoccurring character from the first book (albeit the very minor information-guy). Ignoring this timelapse, Stone is basically in the same position he found himself at the beginning of book one- out of practice and out of touch.
A spate of rather disturbing crimes in the area brings out Stone's curiosity, and he begins investigating. Then we jump to a new POV character- a girl. She witnesses a murder, and has her chapter end abruptly. The book starts out interesting, and then we are introduced to Jason- the girl's brother.
The rest of the story is from Jason's POV or a slightly more omniscient POV. While there are things that this book did better then book one- namely the description on rituals, Jason's POV falls rather flat.
Positives:
+ Better descriptions.
Negatives:
- Jason's POV comes off as a mass of contradictions (his views/wants repeatedly cycle back and forth) and repetitiveness (his repeated questioning about the same stuff makes it repetitive). I think the problem is that there is too much hand-holding for the reader on what is going on plot wise. I think the book would benefit by cutting back a little on the repeated explanations on whats going on plot wise- and providing more details on the world/characters/rituals/magic instead. Very Minor Examples: Club entrance. One paragraph on symbols on street. A second on symbols around club. Once in the club Jason talks about them and looks for more. The first tells us, the second reinforces it. The third is repetitive and needs cut.
- Plot/Solution. The last 50% of the book is haphazard. Sarcasm warning: There is alot of "Guy 1: Well we don't know anything... but if we had to guess this could be one possible explanation (tbh i am pulling this out of my ass, 100% guess). Guy 2: I don't know anything either. And i understand that you don't know anything. But wow. GREAT idea! Now we have this complex plan predicated on things neither of us know. If we fail we die. Lets do it!
- Dialogue. Dialogue. Dialogue. The dialogue needs tightened up. There is soooo much exposition in the dialogue. Forgotten explaining to Stone. Stone explaining to Jason. Jason explaining to Stone why he is wrong. Stone explaining to Jason why he is actually wrong. It makes it a drag to read.
-Verity seems very world aware for someone who has been confined to a house since age 12.
July 22, 2015
This takes place 4 years after book 1 in this series. I thought it was an improvement over book 1 though still a tad slow in spots.
October 5, 2025
Alastair Stone -I didn’t find engaging
I read the first Alistair Stone book and it well written an interesting storyline. Based on my experience with book one I went to book 2.
Alistair Stone is cast the “reluctant hero” in a new paranormal problem. Black magic, Gang activity, death of the innocent, maiden in peril, the police unable to help. The writer is articulate and writes well. All elements of a good book.
I really wanted to like this book. Unfortunately, Stone’s level of disinterest in pretty much everything made it hard for me to want to follow his exploits. He seems to have no connections or human empathy. He’s not seeing anybody, he tries drinking with his buddies to feel better and he doesn’t like that, he doesn’t exhibit any particular interest in teaching or students, if fact he doesn’t seem to exhibit empathy for anyone meets. He doesn’t even have a pet he fond of. He is self-aware enough to be mulling over why he’s only interested in the problem (multiple ) out of curiosity.
(Example of empathy level - When one of the characters in the book dies, his comment was something like “Was he your friend? Too bad I couldn’t get there earlier. I might’ve saved him. Bad luck.” Just this thing you want to hear after you’ve seen somebody you know murdered in a particularly horrific fashion. (Maybe it’s the authors interpretation of the stoicism of the British when it comes to emotional responses?))
Upshot - I couldn’t really find one thing about the character that made me care about him.
Maybe this is just a set up, and maybe as the book progresses we see him become more engaged in humankind, and develop some sense of empathy, or need to right wrongs, or almost any emotion? Unfortunately, I found him to be too depressing to be interested in and I didn’t make it all the way through the book.
I read the first Alistair Stone book and it well written an interesting storyline. Based on my experience with book one I went to book 2.
Alistair Stone is cast the “reluctant hero” in a new paranormal problem. Black magic, Gang activity, death of the innocent, maiden in peril, the police unable to help. The writer is articulate and writes well. All elements of a good book.
I really wanted to like this book. Unfortunately, Stone’s level of disinterest in pretty much everything made it hard for me to want to follow his exploits. He seems to have no connections or human empathy. He’s not seeing anybody, he tries drinking with his buddies to feel better and he doesn’t like that, he doesn’t exhibit any particular interest in teaching or students, if fact he doesn’t seem to exhibit empathy for anyone meets. He doesn’t even have a pet he fond of. He is self-aware enough to be mulling over why he’s only interested in the problem (multiple ) out of curiosity.
(Example of empathy level - When one of the characters in the book dies, his comment was something like “Was he your friend? Too bad I couldn’t get there earlier. I might’ve saved him. Bad luck.” Just this thing you want to hear after you’ve seen somebody you know murdered in a particularly horrific fashion. (Maybe it’s the authors interpretation of the stoicism of the British when it comes to emotional responses?))
Upshot - I couldn’t really find one thing about the character that made me care about him.
Maybe this is just a set up, and maybe as the book progresses we see him become more engaged in humankind, and develop some sense of empathy, or need to right wrongs, or almost any emotion? Unfortunately, I found him to be too depressing to be interested in and I didn’t make it all the way through the book.
July 6, 2017
This was an enjoyable book but I do have to admit I rather slogged through it. It didn't grab me, just kept my interest up enough that I got some enjoyment from reading it. I wasn't overly fond of the tale itself as it just seemed a bit common in fantasy. I think I liked her first novel in the series better. My biggest problems are Stone is a mage but most of the time doesn't seem to use his powers that much nor explain much where they come from or develop them much. The couple of other urban fantasies I read do a much better job of that. Finally, as someone else mentioned, this story didn't center around Stone but really was from Jason's perspective. I believe the first in the series was told from Stone's perspective mainly so that was a bit odd and a bit distracting. I bought the ebook series so when I don't have a more desirable book to read I'll return to the next Stone Chronicles.
October 19, 2024
great novel!
Great novel! Not your typical Urban Fantasy, this story is more of a mystery to solve with the presence of magic portrayed in a realistic way. I would not be surprised to read about this style of magic in a Nonfiction book, for these concepts are based in real rituals and energy work, taken a little bit farther than might be possible in the real world. But, who knows, maybe the author can create these spells himself... He sure created quite a spell with this page turner! Good plot twists that I could not foresee, with real believable characters who act in the way one might actually act when faced with with violence or darkness. Quite a breathe of fresh air compared to the world-ending huge magic that is so common in this genre.
Great novel! Not your typical Urban Fantasy, this story is more of a mystery to solve with the presence of magic portrayed in a realistic way. I would not be surprised to read about this style of magic in a Nonfiction book, for these concepts are based in real rituals and energy work, taken a little bit farther than might be possible in the real world. But, who knows, maybe the author can create these spells himself... He sure created quite a spell with this page turner! Good plot twists that I could not foresee, with real believable characters who act in the way one might actually act when faced with with violence or darkness. Quite a breathe of fresh air compared to the world-ending huge magic that is so common in this genre.
September 9, 2017
Second book in the series, and very, very slowwwwww. Not much going on in terms of the main character of the first book. All characters are under-developed. Honestly, this is an outline. I wanted to love it and the series because I paid money for it. Will try to read the next 2. I wish these had been available from the library so I could have kept my money. Maybe young, inexperienced readers love this stuff?
April 27, 2020
I liked the first book. This book seemed to drag on and on. The introduction of two young adults could have been good if Stone hadn’t been reduced to almost a side character. The Forgotten were the best part of the book. This read like a YA book and was disappointing. The last couple of chapters were finally full of action, but mostly were I liked them because it meant this book was finally ending.
September 23, 2020
I'm finding these a bit addictive
I read the first and didn't review as I wasn't sure what I thought and didn't overly like the ending. A lot of people die so don't get too attached to side characters. There are a few holes in the plot or big leaps that you have to take. Regardless, I like Al and the stories are entertaining. As this book is better than the first i hope this is a trend as I am off to get the third book.
I read the first and didn't review as I wasn't sure what I thought and didn't overly like the ending. A lot of people die so don't get too attached to side characters. There are a few holes in the plot or big leaps that you have to take. Regardless, I like Al and the stories are entertaining. As this book is better than the first i hope this is a trend as I am off to get the third book.
October 16, 2021
Gruesome and juvinile
I liked first book more. I did not like Jason. He was a dick and snotty. I'm disappointed he's in book 3. I won't read it. Also it sounded like they changed narraters. Alister sounded more grown up and British in first book. Too gruesome for UF. I wish I hadn't read the forgotten. Its more horror than the UF. I read UF for nice escape not for horrific story
I liked first book more. I did not like Jason. He was a dick and snotty. I'm disappointed he's in book 3. I won't read it. Also it sounded like they changed narraters. Alister sounded more grown up and British in first book. Too gruesome for UF. I wish I hadn't read the forgotten. Its more horror than the UF. I read UF for nice escape not for horrific story
April 4, 2023
The story is interesting and I like Stone as a character, but can someone please explain to me why there seems to be no internet or cell phones? Is this series set in an earlier time period and I just missed that part? It’s so distracting with all the maps and pay phones and land lines. I don’t get it.
January 8, 2018
Very good. Thought the plot was a lot tighter, moved well, & kept you turning the page. I liked the new characters they introduced, Jason & his sister Verity, & that they were not killed off, very helpful, & will be moving on to the next book. I found the concept of the Forgotten very intriguing.
August 24, 2019
Very good if slower than the first
I won’t call this fast paced, but it was interesting and engaging for the most part. Will definitely read the next one but probably give it a few months.
I won’t call this fast paced, but it was interesting and engaging for the most part. Will definitely read the next one but probably give it a few months.
January 31, 2021
I wasnt completely certain...
...after book one, but The Forgotten changed my mind! Great story telling and character development. King makes compelling characters and the story she's weaving is just getting better!
...after book one, but The Forgotten changed my mind! Great story telling and character development. King makes compelling characters and the story she's weaving is just getting better!
June 9, 2017
Better and more magically detailed than book 1. Engaging story.
June 12, 2017
A very, very enjoyable fantasy story. Looking forward to the next book.
October 16, 2017
An entertaining read
May 15, 2018
Like the premise, like the characters but it’s sloooowww in sections. Felt more like I had to “get through it” rather than wanted to keep reading. Will read the next but not rushing out to get it.
March 17, 2019
I Loved It!
I just started reading the Alastair Stone Chronicles and I am hooked! There is a little bit of the creepiness factor to it and humor. I loved it!
I just started reading the Alastair Stone Chronicles and I am hooked! There is a little bit of the creepiness factor to it and humor. I loved it!
June 20, 2019
Pivotal setup for several more novels. Original, and much better, as stuffy Alastair from the first book starts to gain character.
October 3, 2019
Wow!
Just extremely impressed with this story!!! Dr. Stone is a well thought out character. The story is fast paced, and the puzzles in the story line flow really well
Just extremely impressed with this story!!! Dr. Stone is a well thought out character. The story is fast paced, and the puzzles in the story line flow really well
October 7, 2019
An excellent read! A very well told story, looking forward to seeing how the character develops
October 24, 2019
Loved it and will of course be reading the next book!
December 9, 2020
No holes in this story. The drama builds from the get go. Stone shows some more humanity and we meet a few potential new regulars for the series
January 2, 2021
Damn Good
Just...damn good. The characters are interesting the worldbuilding is great and the story being told was excellent. I loved every second.
Just...damn good. The characters are interesting the worldbuilding is great and the story being told was excellent. I loved every second.
March 28, 2022
Interesting and I'm reading more in the series but it's no Dresden Files.
September 27, 2022
Finally some proper assistance
March 3, 2023
Action packed!
So descriptive! You can imagine you're right there in Stone's world along for the ride! Can't wait to read the next one!
So descriptive! You can imagine you're right there in Stone's world along for the ride! Can't wait to read the next one!
July 14, 2023
The series is enjoyable creative fantasy.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews