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Alastair Stone Chronicles #17
Gathering Storm
Immovable Object - Meet Irresistible Force
When Alastair Stone investigates a tale of odd events at an abandoned Midwestern paper mill, he figures it's just another hoax. After all, he's seen hundreds of them in his career.
He soon discovers this one isn't a hoax, though—and neither is the backwoods hunter who's suddenly developed healing abilities in Pennsylvania. The only thing the two have in common are the strange, possibly extradimensional rifts spontaneously appearing nearby.
As Stone digs deeper, he finds forces aligned against him—including some of his most trusted and powerful friends. Why are they warning him away from the rifts? And more importantly, why do they refuse to give him a reason?
But when Verity disappears during their investigation, Stone knows he has to get to the bottom of this supernatural mystery—no matter how many enemies he has to make in the process. And when he finally does learn the truth, it comes with the horrifying revelation that he might already have made a terrible mistake.
When Alastair Stone investigates a tale of odd events at an abandoned Midwestern paper mill, he figures it's just another hoax. After all, he's seen hundreds of them in his career.
He soon discovers this one isn't a hoax, though—and neither is the backwoods hunter who's suddenly developed healing abilities in Pennsylvania. The only thing the two have in common are the strange, possibly extradimensional rifts spontaneously appearing nearby.
As Stone digs deeper, he finds forces aligned against him—including some of his most trusted and powerful friends. Why are they warning him away from the rifts? And more importantly, why do they refuse to give him a reason?
But when Verity disappears during their investigation, Stone knows he has to get to the bottom of this supernatural mystery—no matter how many enemies he has to make in the process. And when he finally does learn the truth, it comes with the horrifying revelation that he might already have made a terrible mistake.
- GenresUrban FantasyParanormal
403 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 10, 2019
153 people are currently reading
61 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 30 reviews
March 25, 2019
Gathering Storm: An Alastair Stone Urban Fantasy Novel (Alastair Stone Chronicles Book 17)
by R.L. King
Once again, King has delivered a fantastical tale, full of vivid imagery, action both physical and magical, twists, turns, and fantasy fun.
What I like about the book include much of what I've pointed out before regarding this series: clear, concise, and easily flowing prose and dialogue; consistent characters that show growth with each episode; perfect pacing and plotting, lots of twists and turns, and no real cliffhanger endings. In this particular episode, I enjoyed how she showed her three main characters, Stone (of course), Jason, and Verity, to lead separate lives, giving each of them separate adventures, as well as showing them working together in differing combinations. Each of the issues explored was intricately described and explored. I also enjoyed Stone's portrayal as a powerful mage. That is something that earlier books said about him, but didn't particularly show. In this episode, his newfound strength from his Calanarian connection gave truth to that former reputation.
If I had complaints, the main one would be that the main issue of Stone's created more questions than answers, although I assume that was on purpose, as this book obviously leads to future books in the series. The second would be it is beginning to be time for Verity to make a choice between lovers. It's one thing to be single and date around. It's quite another to be sexually active with more than one partner at a time. Let's face it, there is only one person in this love triangle who reaps all the benefits, while it is clearly frustrating for both Stone and Kyla. While some may find the polyamorous angle titillating, for me it demeans all three.
All that said, I'm looking forward to the next episode due out sometime in the summer of 2019.
by R.L. King
Once again, King has delivered a fantastical tale, full of vivid imagery, action both physical and magical, twists, turns, and fantasy fun.
What I like about the book include much of what I've pointed out before regarding this series: clear, concise, and easily flowing prose and dialogue; consistent characters that show growth with each episode; perfect pacing and plotting, lots of twists and turns, and no real cliffhanger endings. In this particular episode, I enjoyed how she showed her three main characters, Stone (of course), Jason, and Verity, to lead separate lives, giving each of them separate adventures, as well as showing them working together in differing combinations. Each of the issues explored was intricately described and explored. I also enjoyed Stone's portrayal as a powerful mage. That is something that earlier books said about him, but didn't particularly show. In this episode, his newfound strength from his Calanarian connection gave truth to that former reputation.
If I had complaints, the main one would be that the main issue of Stone's created more questions than answers, although I assume that was on purpose, as this book obviously leads to future books in the series. The second would be it is beginning to be time for Verity to make a choice between lovers. It's one thing to be single and date around. It's quite another to be sexually active with more than one partner at a time. Let's face it, there is only one person in this love triangle who reaps all the benefits, while it is clearly frustrating for both Stone and Kyla. While some may find the polyamorous angle titillating, for me it demeans all three.
All that said, I'm looking forward to the next episode due out sometime in the summer of 2019.
March 15, 2019
If this book had been solely an Alastair Stone story, I would have given it at least 4 stars, but it is two stories, one is the very good feature story with the title character, Alastair Stone and the other is a nice but non-essential story, which has nothing relating it to the main story, about a secondary character, Jason. While the Jason story is nice, I didn't care for it interrupting the Alastair Stone story. I purchased the book for a Alastair Stone story, NOT a Jason story. IF the Jason story had intertwined with the main story about Stone, that would have been great! But, it was a separate story and should have been offered in a separate release as a short story.
If the author had focused solely on the Alastair Stone story for this book, I think she could have and should have expanded on the unrevealed mysteries that baffled Stone. There were simply too many questions left blank especially after Stone was pressed into giving a magical oath not to reveal what he was told, which wasn't much of anything and what he was told didn't seem like it should have been a deep dark, life threatening, oath requiring secret.
In summation, the short story about Jason was nice but disruptive to the Alastair Stone story which was excellent until the end reveal which was disappointingly anti-climactic.
If the author had focused solely on the Alastair Stone story for this book, I think she could have and should have expanded on the unrevealed mysteries that baffled Stone. There were simply too many questions left blank especially after Stone was pressed into giving a magical oath not to reveal what he was told, which wasn't much of anything and what he was told didn't seem like it should have been a deep dark, life threatening, oath requiring secret.
In summation, the short story about Jason was nice but disruptive to the Alastair Stone story which was excellent until the end reveal which was disappointingly anti-climactic.
July 25, 2019
While Alastair's son is off traveling around the world, coming to terms with who he is & what he wants to do, Alaister has a new puzzle to solve. One which he finds totally baffaling. Riffs are opening up in various places around the world presenting dangerous conditions to the mundane. When Alaistair attempts to close one, he is warned off from doing so, without so much as to any reason why. This, of course is unacceptable to Stone...who proceeds to do as he thinks is best. Even his friend, Kalinsky, whom he often seeks help in getting answers to things, also warns him off & cannot tell him why. Verity helps him with one of the riff locations, only to vanish. Jason, is off on his own case, & purposely does not want to bring in Stone, since he does not want to complicate things, but he does bring in Verity to help locate someone for his client. Back to Alastair, without answers, without reasons to not stop the riffs & protect humanity, Alastair chooses the only path he feels he can travel. As with all Alastair Stone books, they are full of action, choices, mystery around every corner, growth, & so much more. Half of me wants to get to the end, when all is revealed, & the other half want to delay getting to the end, because then the adventure would be over.
December 29, 2022
Good, but drawn out
I have loved this series. I have rated other books a 5, even though the editing is awful. However, this book, with all of its drama, could have been half the size. I almost skipped through it, almost. I didn't, but I wanted to. I also took a break from Kindle because of it. It didn't have the same pep, keep reading, kind of feeling as the other books, until I was 70% through. There's not much in the lines of additional character development. What there was, really, could have been truncated, because it wasn't important to the story (this book). It's felt like there were a specific number of words or pages required, so you just had to keep forcing yourself through the book (I know, on Amazon, this shows up for the whole series, but I am speaking specifically about book 17: Gathering Storm)
I have loved this series. I have rated other books a 5, even though the editing is awful. However, this book, with all of its drama, could have been half the size. I almost skipped through it, almost. I didn't, but I wanted to. I also took a break from Kindle because of it. It didn't have the same pep, keep reading, kind of feeling as the other books, until I was 70% through. There's not much in the lines of additional character development. What there was, really, could have been truncated, because it wasn't important to the story (this book). It's felt like there were a specific number of words or pages required, so you just had to keep forcing yourself through the book (I know, on Amazon, this shows up for the whole series, but I am speaking specifically about book 17: Gathering Storm)
March 13, 2019
Fantastic Paranormal Mystery!!
This book grabs you and has you on the edge of your seat from start to finish! Stone is, as always chasing leads and taking care of business, even if he doesn't like his lack of information and his usual sources have clammed up.
Verity and Jason are busy with their own things - growing up and spreading their wings, so-to-speak.
I highly recommend this book!!
This book grabs you and has you on the edge of your seat from start to finish! Stone is, as always chasing leads and taking care of business, even if he doesn't like his lack of information and his usual sources have clammed up.
Verity and Jason are busy with their own things - growing up and spreading their wings, so-to-speak.
I highly recommend this book!!
March 19, 2019
Another great book by RL King
Alasdair is joined by Jason and Verity and a few other memorable characters in another paranormal romp. They are involved in the appearance of strange Rifts Between Worlds and Alastair manages to keep the damage to a minimum until he realizes that his actions are leading to a greater disaster yet to come.
The next story should be amazing since this book is a set up for the next book in the series.
Alasdair is joined by Jason and Verity and a few other memorable characters in another paranormal romp. They are involved in the appearance of strange Rifts Between Worlds and Alastair manages to keep the damage to a minimum until he realizes that his actions are leading to a greater disaster yet to come.
The next story should be amazing since this book is a set up for the next book in the series.
February 1, 2022
Great series
Gathering Storm was one of the best.I'm looking forward to House of Stone. My only complaint I have is the completely open relationship that Stone and Verify r suppose to have. I don't care if your straight or gay its just unbelievable that they don't care if they have sex with other people. Its like the author is trying to be cool. But the narration is especially well done. The different accents are very believable
Gathering Storm was one of the best.I'm looking forward to House of Stone. My only complaint I have is the completely open relationship that Stone and Verify r suppose to have. I don't care if your straight or gay its just unbelievable that they don't care if they have sex with other people. Its like the author is trying to be cool. But the narration is especially well done. The different accents are very believable
March 22, 2019
Flirting with disaster.
Dr. Stone continues to display his Sherlock style curiosity intellect as he attempts to unravel a magical mystery that defies everything he thought he knew. Meanwhile, Jason and Verity encounter their own mystery. An excellent read that is setting up something big.
Dr. Stone continues to display his Sherlock style curiosity intellect as he attempts to unravel a magical mystery that defies everything he thought he knew. Meanwhile, Jason and Verity encounter their own mystery. An excellent read that is setting up something big.
May 6, 2019
Better and better
These glimpses into a wider world are coming faster and Stone's inability to 'solve' his problems makes it more compelling rather than less. The series itself seems to have reached its maturity and I hope it continues to reach higher and higher. I'm pleased with what I have read.
These glimpses into a wider world are coming faster and Stone's inability to 'solve' his problems makes it more compelling rather than less. The series itself seems to have reached its maturity and I hope it continues to reach higher and higher. I'm pleased with what I have read.
June 6, 2019
Best of the best!
I am so impressed by the excellence and unbelievably colossal imagination of RL King and this whole series that I haven't enough accolades to scratch the surface of what he deserves.
He has kept me spellbound through 18 books and I'm not even close to having 'enough'! It's unreal.
If ever there were a true author-mage, he is it! He's pure magic!
I am so impressed by the excellence and unbelievably colossal imagination of RL King and this whole series that I haven't enough accolades to scratch the surface of what he deserves.
He has kept me spellbound through 18 books and I'm not even close to having 'enough'! It's unreal.
If ever there were a true author-mage, he is it! He's pure magic!
June 17, 2019
Lovely continuation of an excellent series.
Great continuation of a excellent series. I look forward to Alastair’s adventures. The writing has evolved with each book. I anticipate each new book release. Thanks for another take on urban fantasy. I recommend this book to anyone interested in urban fantasy. Thank you for introducing us to Alastair Stone and his friends.
Great continuation of a excellent series. I look forward to Alastair’s adventures. The writing has evolved with each book. I anticipate each new book release. Thanks for another take on urban fantasy. I recommend this book to anyone interested in urban fantasy. Thank you for introducing us to Alastair Stone and his friends.
September 7, 2019
Gathering Storm
This book in the Chronicles of Alastair Stone was exceptionally good I thought. Of course all the volumes in the chronicles are, but this one gives us a bit more to think about. Both in the concept of the 'rifts' and into the character of Kolinsky. We know he is a powerful black mage but what more could he be? Fascinating indeed, and a must read!
This book in the Chronicles of Alastair Stone was exceptionally good I thought. Of course all the volumes in the chronicles are, but this one gives us a bit more to think about. Both in the concept of the 'rifts' and into the character of Kolinsky. We know he is a powerful black mage but what more could he be? Fascinating indeed, and a must read!
March 15, 2019
Recommended
This book felt a bit more like a bridge, or the first step on a longer path, but it was still definitely enjoyable. There was a ton of setup for books further down the line, which is exciting in and of itself.
This book felt a bit more like a bridge, or the first step on a longer path, but it was still definitely enjoyable. There was a ton of setup for books further down the line, which is exciting in and of itself.
March 15, 2019
Exceptional read as usual.
Yet another page gripping tale about my favourite Mage, Alastair Stone. I found it really difficult to put down and I'm now in need of sleep.
I am already impatient to read the next book.
Yet another page gripping tale about my favourite Mage, Alastair Stone. I found it really difficult to put down and I'm now in need of sleep.
I am already impatient to read the next book.
March 19, 2019
Alastair’s curiosity, as usual, gets him into trouble. Portals start mysteriously appear and influencing Regulars in varying ways. It was also nice to get into Jason’s thought process as well. And seeing Kolinsky as something other then completely in control and out of his element was interesting
March 24, 2019
Every single book in this series is better than the one before and that's saying a lot!
I just devour these books as soon as they come out. I love all the characters and the story lines are exciting and nerve wracking! I can hardly wait until the next one!
I just devour these books as soon as they come out. I love all the characters and the story lines are exciting and nerve wracking! I can hardly wait until the next one!
May 9, 2019
Excellent read, as always.
Having followed since discovering Mz King. Started with Dr Stone and have shared each adventure with the whole group. Looking forward to continuing in House of Stone.
Having followed since discovering Mz King. Started with Dr Stone and have shared each adventure with the whole group. Looking forward to continuing in House of Stone.
June 23, 2019
A bit disjointed, with concurrent storylines, which is not my favorite type of read. I assume the main thread will play into something down the line but, for now, it seems like a break from the primary storyline of the series.
March 13, 2019
Another great adventure!
Stine continues to find mysteries and can't help but get involved. This one has conspiracy and all our favorite characters. Thoroughly enjoyed it!
Stine continues to find mysteries and can't help but get involved. This one has conspiracy and all our favorite characters. Thoroughly enjoyed it!
March 21, 2019
As always,well done. Love these books have read them all. Wonderful wish they wouldn't end. Great story to loose oneself in.
March 25, 2019
Ugh, I Get to the end too quickly
Really enjoyed this book and the whole series. Just can't put them down once I start. Now I'm stuck waiting for the next one.
Really enjoyed this book and the whole series. Just can't put them down once I start. Now I'm stuck waiting for the next one.
March 26, 2019
Not the best Stone novel
I was very disappointed with this book. Not enough action and not anywhere near as interesting as the other novels.
I was very disappointed with this book. Not enough action and not anywhere near as interesting as the other novels.
May 13, 2019
Really enjoyed the pace of this book. It is one of my top favorites of the series.
June 25, 2019
Wonderful as always. Lots of speculation and intrigue. Stone is powerful and many in the magical world are learning this. Love the little insert of Jason's adventure. He needs some recognition.
June 24, 2020
Love the whole series, what am I going to read when it all come to an end!!!!!! Please don’t stop, I’m addicted to them.
November 15, 2020
Great read
I love this series of books. Great characters and story lines. Good description without being overly verbose. Very imaginative and original.
I love this series of books. Great characters and story lines. Good description without being overly verbose. Very imaginative and original.
December 13, 2021
Another fantastic read
Wasn't sure where this one was going at first. But once it started rolling, it was another fantastic entry in this great series!!!
Wasn't sure where this one was going at first. But once it started rolling, it was another fantastic entry in this great series!!!
November 9, 2022
Least favorite of the series so far, anticlimactic ending with little justification of secrecy
Read
October 13, 2023A shorter but intriguing installment in the series. I love how this world just keeps growing, and characters we've known since the beginning just keep on taking additional depth and breadth.
November 27, 2020
Great Audio version of book. Well worth listening to again.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews