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Stonechild
Where do we go to when we die? Imagine human consciousness embedded in the molecules of a statue. So, when the statues of London come to life, it a spectacle like non other and they come with a specific message on our lives and an offer we cannot refuse.
As the world reels in this wonder of science and religion, Molly Hargreaves has other plans and she sets out to prove that things are not as they seem. Chased, captured and confined, Molly confronts the statues and her own fears. But who can she convince? The people are welcoming, the Government has succumbed, and the police try to act but how do you shoot stone and metal? Be prepared to be run ragged around London on a mystery worthy of the great Sherlock Holmes.
As the world reels in this wonder of science and religion, Molly Hargreaves has other plans and she sets out to prove that things are not as they seem. Chased, captured and confined, Molly confronts the statues and her own fears. But who can she convince? The people are welcoming, the Government has succumbed, and the police try to act but how do you shoot stone and metal? Be prepared to be run ragged around London on a mystery worthy of the great Sherlock Holmes.
- GenresYoung AdultMystery
276 pages, ebook
Published June 16, 2020
About the author
Kevin Albin
1 book8 followersKevin Albin served 25 years with the police in the UK, eight years of which were with a tactical firearms unit and as a hostage negotiator. He then took a career change, and retrained as an International Mountain Leader working across the globe guiding on mountaineering trips and expeditions for conservation. He has led many trips to the jungles of Borneo, his favourite destination.
It was whilst working on a corporate training day in London, where he pictured a statue coming to life to give his clients the answer to the clue they were working on. The rest grew from there...
Stonechild won the Silver Award in its genre in the 2024 BookFest Awards.
Kevin won the Gold Award for his writing of Stonechild from Literary Titan. They said this — "Stonechild isn’t just a book - it’s an experience that lingers in the mind long after the final chapter is done, leaving one eager to explore the nuanced messages woven throughout its narrative”.
Stonechild is now available as an audiobook, performed by award-winning narrator, Tim Campbell.
It was whilst working on a corporate training day in London, where he pictured a statue coming to life to give his clients the answer to the clue they were working on. The rest grew from there...
Stonechild won the Silver Award in its genre in the 2024 BookFest Awards.
Kevin won the Gold Award for his writing of Stonechild from Literary Titan. They said this — "Stonechild isn’t just a book - it’s an experience that lingers in the mind long after the final chapter is done, leaving one eager to explore the nuanced messages woven throughout its narrative”.
Stonechild is now available as an audiobook, performed by award-winning narrator, Tim Campbell.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
March 31, 2021
I'm kind of struggling to rate this book. The reason for that is that it's very much the kind of book that personally doesn't jive with me because it is heavily plot-driven (a mix of magical realism and a YA detective/mystery story) and I adore character-driven stories. So, while I feel I should give this a 3, my head says that it should be higher, like a 4, when taking into account that I'm 20 years older than the probable target audience would be and have a bias against this type of storytelling.
Anyway, let's get to it.
The good - the ideas, general execution, and structure
The plot of the book starts off nicely, it flows forward at all times rather effortlessly. There are almost no scenes that don't drive the plot forward or function to give more information about the characters. I loved the structure of the book as we get to know Molly and the other characters and then see a bigger picture of what is happening in other places over the city through scene descriptions about hospital staff and ministers seeing the statues come to life. And I thought the amount we spend looking at what Molly does and what happens around the city was well balanced.
Besides that, the author did a wonderful job with the crowd scenes. They feel cramped and a little unnerving as they should with huge masses of frightened/anxious people moving about. I also really appreciate the premise and idea of statues coming to life to warn us about our stupidity in how we treat this planet.
My personal issues - the feels and an unanswered question
I didn't connect with the characters, which is often what happens to me when reading a plot-driven novel as I can't get past feeling like the characters aren't making the decisions but the author behind them is. Then again, if you are the type of reader who likes to project themselves into the main role when reading, it's a good thing because it gives you room to fill that space.
I would have also liked an explanation on how spirit animated statues can enjoy food and drink when there are no structural changes to them which is discovered as they secretly run tests on one of the statues.
Overall
It's a nice, entertaining read for preteens and teens which poses some good questions on how we sort of just go about our business from day to day when we should be making changes for the planet's sake.
Disclaimer: I received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Anyway, let's get to it.
The good - the ideas, general execution, and structure
The plot of the book starts off nicely, it flows forward at all times rather effortlessly. There are almost no scenes that don't drive the plot forward or function to give more information about the characters. I loved the structure of the book as we get to know Molly and the other characters and then see a bigger picture of what is happening in other places over the city through scene descriptions about hospital staff and ministers seeing the statues come to life. And I thought the amount we spend looking at what Molly does and what happens around the city was well balanced.
Besides that, the author did a wonderful job with the crowd scenes. They feel cramped and a little unnerving as they should with huge masses of frightened/anxious people moving about. I also really appreciate the premise and idea of statues coming to life to warn us about our stupidity in how we treat this planet.
My personal issues - the feels and an unanswered question
I didn't connect with the characters, which is often what happens to me when reading a plot-driven novel as I can't get past feeling like the characters aren't making the decisions but the author behind them is. Then again, if you are the type of reader who likes to project themselves into the main role when reading, it's a good thing because it gives you room to fill that space.
I would have also liked an explanation on how spirit animated statues can enjoy food and drink when there are no structural changes to them which is discovered as they secretly run tests on one of the statues.
Overall
It's a nice, entertaining read for preteens and teens which poses some good questions on how we sort of just go about our business from day to day when we should be making changes for the planet's sake.
Disclaimer: I received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
March 6, 2021
Fun, quick read of a girl searching for the truth behind mysterious happenings in London. The plot is often a whirlwind of events and topical moral questions that challenge the reader.
April 18, 2021
This was a joy to read—clever, refreshing, and very relevant. Molly, a teenage girl, finds herself in a strange position. Famous statues around London have come to life, claiming that they want to help humanity save the planet after centuries of abuse. Almost everyone welcomes them, except for Molly. She suspects ulterior motives, but what can she prove by herself? Armed with a big brain and few allies, she races to unravel the mystery of the awakened statues.
Stonechild touches on a lot of issues, from conservation and history to the significance of statues and remembrance. These form pockets of depth in a fast-paced and very amusing narrative. Shorter chapters would have made it easier to process all the intrigue, but the story, including its twists and historical details, is a breeze to get through anyway.
The characters also carry the plot very well. Molly’s inquisitive and rebellious personality takes the cake as she butts heads with authority figures made of flesh, stone, and metal. Her presence in the whole situation makes it even more engaging and meaningful. The secondary characters are nicely developed too, but various statues that make an appearance in the book are especially interesting, like Churchill, Holmes, and Shakespeare. Lots of funny and insightful moments break up the action, creating a very enjoyable pace.
Overall, Stonechild is a great example of modern magical realism. It’s an easy-to-read yet surreal story that plays with important societal issues in order to deliver powerful messages. Apart from laughs, puzzles, and adventures throughout London, you get thought-provoking morsels to chew on, concepts that matter to real life as much as the narrative.
If you enjoy a simple and exciting writing style with deep undercurrents, as well as vivid ideas and images, this is a great book to pick up next. You’ll devour it before you know it and learn a few things in the process.
Many thanks to the author and Reedsy Discovery for providing a copy of this book: https://reedsy.com/discovery/book/sto...
Stonechild touches on a lot of issues, from conservation and history to the significance of statues and remembrance. These form pockets of depth in a fast-paced and very amusing narrative. Shorter chapters would have made it easier to process all the intrigue, but the story, including its twists and historical details, is a breeze to get through anyway.
The characters also carry the plot very well. Molly’s inquisitive and rebellious personality takes the cake as she butts heads with authority figures made of flesh, stone, and metal. Her presence in the whole situation makes it even more engaging and meaningful. The secondary characters are nicely developed too, but various statues that make an appearance in the book are especially interesting, like Churchill, Holmes, and Shakespeare. Lots of funny and insightful moments break up the action, creating a very enjoyable pace.
Overall, Stonechild is a great example of modern magical realism. It’s an easy-to-read yet surreal story that plays with important societal issues in order to deliver powerful messages. Apart from laughs, puzzles, and adventures throughout London, you get thought-provoking morsels to chew on, concepts that matter to real life as much as the narrative.
If you enjoy a simple and exciting writing style with deep undercurrents, as well as vivid ideas and images, this is a great book to pick up next. You’ll devour it before you know it and learn a few things in the process.
Many thanks to the author and Reedsy Discovery for providing a copy of this book: https://reedsy.com/discovery/book/sto...
January 1, 2021
It's an interesting question - where do we go when we die - does some part of our energy or consciousness go somewhere. In this case the people worthy or not worthy, depending on the historical context, of having a statue created in their honour, their consciousness is embedded at times inside the statue. One kind of wonders where everyone else goes - no?
When they suddenly come to life and start spreading the word about an important message they have for humanity, everyone around them is scared at first. Then the implications of these important historical figures demanding time and change is astonishing and then becomes sinister.
Young Molly has had a connection with them for many years ago, some of them recognise her and some of them try to warn her. Things are not as they seem, but she can't seem to make people believe that these statues aren't all equal and don't all have the same goal.
This story fits in the YA category, however I would also recommend it to younger more advanced reader. It's a combination of speculative fiction, magical realism and adventure. The sense of menace and the unexplained Albin weaves into the read suggests a larger picture we might be reading about again at some time. Who is pulling the strings and why? Is the reason they gave the real one or is there something more nefarious going on?
Like I said, the author leaves plenty of unanswered questions and threads which could lead to another venture into the world of Stonechild. It's a concept with plenty of potential, especially if Albin explores that interesting sentence between representation via a symbol not always representing the reality of the person in question.
*I received a courtesy copy*
When they suddenly come to life and start spreading the word about an important message they have for humanity, everyone around them is scared at first. Then the implications of these important historical figures demanding time and change is astonishing and then becomes sinister.
Young Molly has had a connection with them for many years ago, some of them recognise her and some of them try to warn her. Things are not as they seem, but she can't seem to make people believe that these statues aren't all equal and don't all have the same goal.
This story fits in the YA category, however I would also recommend it to younger more advanced reader. It's a combination of speculative fiction, magical realism and adventure. The sense of menace and the unexplained Albin weaves into the read suggests a larger picture we might be reading about again at some time. Who is pulling the strings and why? Is the reason they gave the real one or is there something more nefarious going on?
Like I said, the author leaves plenty of unanswered questions and threads which could lead to another venture into the world of Stonechild. It's a concept with plenty of potential, especially if Albin explores that interesting sentence between representation via a symbol not always representing the reality of the person in question.
*I received a courtesy copy*
March 14, 2021
Fantastic!
This story was one that went beyond what I could have ever imagined.
At the start, it seems to be a pretty normal and typical day, similar to perhaps an average read until
the statues came to life. From this point on, everything changed.
Molly a very young girl, very intelligent and curious is intrigued but somewhat suspicious about these statues, and is determined to find out what is really going on. Things to her don't seem to be as they appear. She sets off on a mission to discover the truth, through the streets of London.
The characters have their own unique personalities and are very relatable. The idea of including the importance of climate change and our environment without being too scientific and data driven in a story such as this is brilliant.
The author has done a beautiful job that you couldn't wait to turn the page in anticipation as to what will happen next. The story is written exceptionally well, so much so that it is very difficult to put down and stop reading.
A storyline that screams to be on the big screen and I truly hope to see this in the theatre. An easy read that is suitable for all ages as young as 9/10-year-olds and up. Schools would benefit from having this book to discuss the importance of climate change, our environment, and the planet.
I anxiously await the sequel. Highly recommend and very deserving of 5 stars and higher.
This story was one that went beyond what I could have ever imagined.
At the start, it seems to be a pretty normal and typical day, similar to perhaps an average read until
the statues came to life. From this point on, everything changed.
Molly a very young girl, very intelligent and curious is intrigued but somewhat suspicious about these statues, and is determined to find out what is really going on. Things to her don't seem to be as they appear. She sets off on a mission to discover the truth, through the streets of London.
The characters have their own unique personalities and are very relatable. The idea of including the importance of climate change and our environment without being too scientific and data driven in a story such as this is brilliant.
The author has done a beautiful job that you couldn't wait to turn the page in anticipation as to what will happen next. The story is written exceptionally well, so much so that it is very difficult to put down and stop reading.
A storyline that screams to be on the big screen and I truly hope to see this in the theatre. An easy read that is suitable for all ages as young as 9/10-year-olds and up. Schools would benefit from having this book to discuss the importance of climate change, our environment, and the planet.
I anxiously await the sequel. Highly recommend and very deserving of 5 stars and higher.
November 22, 2020
Thank you to the author, publisher and Rachel's Random Resources for the digital copy of this book in return for my honest opinion.
Have you ever looked up at a tall statue outdoors and felt as thought it was moving as the clouds drift by above? Have you ever experienced the shock of a street performer, dressed and made up from head to toe in bronze, bringing what you thought was a statue to life? These illusions drew me into the story as it’s the kind of thing I imagined happening as a child. When statues of respected historical figures step down from their plinths with a stark conservational message for mankind, the people of London are entranced.
Whilst the adults are fascinated by these great pioneers, young Molly is utterly distrustful. Living with her slightly older brother whilst their parents are travelling for work, she’s trying to figure out why the statues are really coming alive. With the help of an eccentric old acquaintance of her parents and a statue of a fictional hero, Molly is in a race against time to prove the statues are not to be trusted. Her adventures take her across London to various landmarks and brushes with historical figures as her fear turns to courage and determination.
Although the reader learns that the precocious Molly is home schooled, fiercely intelligent and doesn’t like statues as a rule (even before they come to life!), I would have liked more detail about her. I didn’t much like her older brother Charlie, who seems to make some foolish choices which leave his younger sibling at risk.
The concept was a thrilling one and I felt the writing of the crowd scenes brought out the fear and mob mentality well. I can’t share my thoughts on the resolution of the story without spoiling it for others… but I thought the epilogue was a clever way to end the book!
I’d recommend this for young teens who will the Doctor Who feeling of statues coming to life, mixed with a bit of history and culture.
Have you ever looked up at a tall statue outdoors and felt as thought it was moving as the clouds drift by above? Have you ever experienced the shock of a street performer, dressed and made up from head to toe in bronze, bringing what you thought was a statue to life? These illusions drew me into the story as it’s the kind of thing I imagined happening as a child. When statues of respected historical figures step down from their plinths with a stark conservational message for mankind, the people of London are entranced.
Whilst the adults are fascinated by these great pioneers, young Molly is utterly distrustful. Living with her slightly older brother whilst their parents are travelling for work, she’s trying to figure out why the statues are really coming alive. With the help of an eccentric old acquaintance of her parents and a statue of a fictional hero, Molly is in a race against time to prove the statues are not to be trusted. Her adventures take her across London to various landmarks and brushes with historical figures as her fear turns to courage and determination.
Although the reader learns that the precocious Molly is home schooled, fiercely intelligent and doesn’t like statues as a rule (even before they come to life!), I would have liked more detail about her. I didn’t much like her older brother Charlie, who seems to make some foolish choices which leave his younger sibling at risk.
The concept was a thrilling one and I felt the writing of the crowd scenes brought out the fear and mob mentality well. I can’t share my thoughts on the resolution of the story without spoiling it for others… but I thought the epilogue was a clever way to end the book!
I’d recommend this for young teens who will the Doctor Who feeling of statues coming to life, mixed with a bit of history and culture.
November 26, 2020
This book may not be set in France, but I couldn’t resist reading it as Kevin, the author, until recently lived in the same village as me here in France. I also have rather a soft spot for London and loved the idea of statues coming to life, with a message for us.
Molly Hargreaves is 15, well travelled, well read and thanks to her parents, pretty clued up on conservation too. As certain statues come to life on the streets of London, claiming to have done so in order to save the planet, Molly isn’t convinced and the statues she first encounters only make her more suspicious that something else is going on. While tourists flock to see the spectacle and London goes mad, alone and with no one prepared to believe her, Molly tries to discover the truth.
This book might be aimed at younger readers, but there was certainly enough to keep my interest, and not only did we get a tour around the main sights of London, we were taken to more hidden locations where statues are to be found too. Kevin gave just enough detail about the figures from history to add to the story, without it feeling like a school textbook, and it was obvious that a lot of thought had gone into which statues would be used, and why. The race against time for Molly to uncover what is really going on just added to the drama and sense of adventure. It may be fiction, but as we live through a global pandemic, there was a lot here that rang true and certainly made me think about the changes we all need to make to ensure the planet has a future.
Molly Hargreaves is 15, well travelled, well read and thanks to her parents, pretty clued up on conservation too. As certain statues come to life on the streets of London, claiming to have done so in order to save the planet, Molly isn’t convinced and the statues she first encounters only make her more suspicious that something else is going on. While tourists flock to see the spectacle and London goes mad, alone and with no one prepared to believe her, Molly tries to discover the truth.
This book might be aimed at younger readers, but there was certainly enough to keep my interest, and not only did we get a tour around the main sights of London, we were taken to more hidden locations where statues are to be found too. Kevin gave just enough detail about the figures from history to add to the story, without it feeling like a school textbook, and it was obvious that a lot of thought had gone into which statues would be used, and why. The race against time for Molly to uncover what is really going on just added to the drama and sense of adventure. It may be fiction, but as we live through a global pandemic, there was a lot here that rang true and certainly made me think about the changes we all need to make to ensure the planet has a future.
October 26, 2020
Statues that set the world on fire when they come to life with a message to save the planet? Can 15-year-old Mollie prove there is more to the story?
Kevin Albin’s debut novel is a winner. The unique plot and riveting pace make the book hard to put down.
The amount of research the author did to write this book is impressive. Even though I have never visited London, I felt I was right there in every scene.
The underlying theme of conservation never overwhelms the story. I hope its subtle message stays with readers long after they finish the book.
If you are looking for your next read, you won’t be sorry you chose Stonechild.
I read this book through Amazon’s Kindle Unlimited program for a blog tour. The review is my honest, unbiased opinion.
Kevin Albin’s debut novel is a winner. The unique plot and riveting pace make the book hard to put down.
The amount of research the author did to write this book is impressive. Even though I have never visited London, I felt I was right there in every scene.
The underlying theme of conservation never overwhelms the story. I hope its subtle message stays with readers long after they finish the book.
If you are looking for your next read, you won’t be sorry you chose Stonechild.
I read this book through Amazon’s Kindle Unlimited program for a blog tour. The review is my honest, unbiased opinion.
August 5, 2026
This book was entered in The Wishing Shelf Book Awards. This is what our readers thought:
Title: Stonechild
Author: Kevin Albin
Star Rating: 5 Stars
Number of Readers: 15
Stats
Editing: 9/10
Writing Style: 9/10
Content: 9/10
Cover: 3/5
Of the 15 readers:
13 would read another book by this author.
9 thought the cover was good or excellent.
14 felt it was easy to follow.
14 would recommend this book to another reader to try.
Of all the readers, 7 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘plotting a story’.
Of all the readers, 3 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘developing the characters’.
Of all the readers, 5 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘writing style’.
12 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
13 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.
Readers’ Comments
Female, 15
The idea of London's statues suddenly coming to life sounded cool enough on its own, but I wasn't expecting the story to get so tense and mysterious. Every time Molly discovered something new, I wanted to keep reading because it felt like there was always another twist waiting around the corner.
Molly was such an easy character to root for because she doesn't just believe what everyone else does. She actually questions things, even when nobody agrees with her. I also liked how the book made me think about the environment without making it feel like I was being lectured. Sometimes there was a lot of history packed in, so I had to slow down a bit, but overall it made the world feel really real. Definitely one of the most original YA books I've read this year.
Male, 17
I thought this book would just be about magical statues, but it turned into a clever thriller with loads of action and some really interesting ideas about people and the future. Molly was brilliant, and I loved that she trusted her instincts instead of following the crowd. I'd happily read a sequel.
Female, 16
One of my favourite things about Stonechild was the setting. London almost became another character, especially with all the famous statues and landmarks coming alive. It made me want to look up some of the places afterwards, which hardly ever happens when I'm reading fiction!
The environmental message was handled really well too. It gave me loads to think about without feeling preachy, and there were some funny moments that balanced out the more serious parts. I did find one or two chapters a little slower because there was quite a bit of background information, but once the mystery really got going I couldn't put it down.
Male, 14
I've never read anything like this before. Statues waking up sounds weird, but somehow Kevin Albin makes it seem believable. It felt like a mix of fantasy, mystery and adventure all rolled into one.
The best bit for me was trying to work out who Molly could trust. Every chapter made me question what was really happening, and I definitely didn't guess where it was all going. Really enjoyable read.
Female, 18
I picked this up for the awards because the blurb sounded different, and I'm so glad I did. Stonechild isn't just another fantasy adventure—it actually has something meaningful to say. The story asks some big questions about society, nature and why people are willing to believe comforting answers without asking enough questions. That's something I found really interesting.
Molly is exactly the kind of main character I enjoy reading about. She's clever, stubborn, funny at times, and isn't afraid to stand alone when everyone else thinks she's wrong. The suspense kept building all the way through, and I loved how history, magic and modern life were blended together. If I had one tiny criticism, it's that there were moments where I wished the action slowed down just long enough to spend even more time with some of the supporting characters because they were so interesting. I'd definitely recommend this to anyone who enjoys intelligent YA fiction.
Male, 16
This was one of those books where I kept saying, "Just one more chapter," until suddenly it was really late. 😂 The mystery was addictive, and I honestly had no idea who or what to trust.
I also liked that Molly wasn't some superhero. She was just determined and brave, which made everything feel more believable. Great story with a really memorable ending.
Female, 17
I expected an entertaining fantasy, but what I got was a clever, fast-moving mystery that made me think long after I'd finished it. The statues coming to life is such an imaginative idea, yet the author uses it to explore real issues about the environment, identity and how easily people can be influenced.
What really stayed with me was Molly. She's curious, independent and refreshingly sceptical, even when the entire world seems convinced they're on the right path. Watching her piece everything together was genuinely exciting, and I loved how the tension kept building from chapter to chapter. The humour sprinkled throughout stopped the story from ever feeling too heavy, which I appreciated. There were a couple of sections with lots of historical detail, but they actually made me curious enough to read more about London's past afterwards. This is one of those rare YA books that's exciting on the surface but also gives you plenty to think about once you've turned the last page.
To Sum It Up:
“An original YA adventure that turns London's landmarks into the stars of an unforgettable story. A FINALIST and highly recommended!” Wishing Shelf Book Awards
Title: Stonechild
Author: Kevin Albin
Star Rating: 5 Stars
Number of Readers: 15
Stats
Editing: 9/10
Writing Style: 9/10
Content: 9/10
Cover: 3/5
Of the 15 readers:
13 would read another book by this author.
9 thought the cover was good or excellent.
14 felt it was easy to follow.
14 would recommend this book to another reader to try.
Of all the readers, 7 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘plotting a story’.
Of all the readers, 3 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘developing the characters’.
Of all the readers, 5 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘writing style’.
12 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
13 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.
Readers’ Comments
Female, 15
The idea of London's statues suddenly coming to life sounded cool enough on its own, but I wasn't expecting the story to get so tense and mysterious. Every time Molly discovered something new, I wanted to keep reading because it felt like there was always another twist waiting around the corner.
Molly was such an easy character to root for because she doesn't just believe what everyone else does. She actually questions things, even when nobody agrees with her. I also liked how the book made me think about the environment without making it feel like I was being lectured. Sometimes there was a lot of history packed in, so I had to slow down a bit, but overall it made the world feel really real. Definitely one of the most original YA books I've read this year.
Male, 17
I thought this book would just be about magical statues, but it turned into a clever thriller with loads of action and some really interesting ideas about people and the future. Molly was brilliant, and I loved that she trusted her instincts instead of following the crowd. I'd happily read a sequel.
Female, 16
One of my favourite things about Stonechild was the setting. London almost became another character, especially with all the famous statues and landmarks coming alive. It made me want to look up some of the places afterwards, which hardly ever happens when I'm reading fiction!
The environmental message was handled really well too. It gave me loads to think about without feeling preachy, and there were some funny moments that balanced out the more serious parts. I did find one or two chapters a little slower because there was quite a bit of background information, but once the mystery really got going I couldn't put it down.
Male, 14
I've never read anything like this before. Statues waking up sounds weird, but somehow Kevin Albin makes it seem believable. It felt like a mix of fantasy, mystery and adventure all rolled into one.
The best bit for me was trying to work out who Molly could trust. Every chapter made me question what was really happening, and I definitely didn't guess where it was all going. Really enjoyable read.
Female, 18
I picked this up for the awards because the blurb sounded different, and I'm so glad I did. Stonechild isn't just another fantasy adventure—it actually has something meaningful to say. The story asks some big questions about society, nature and why people are willing to believe comforting answers without asking enough questions. That's something I found really interesting.
Molly is exactly the kind of main character I enjoy reading about. She's clever, stubborn, funny at times, and isn't afraid to stand alone when everyone else thinks she's wrong. The suspense kept building all the way through, and I loved how history, magic and modern life were blended together. If I had one tiny criticism, it's that there were moments where I wished the action slowed down just long enough to spend even more time with some of the supporting characters because they were so interesting. I'd definitely recommend this to anyone who enjoys intelligent YA fiction.
Male, 16
This was one of those books where I kept saying, "Just one more chapter," until suddenly it was really late. 😂 The mystery was addictive, and I honestly had no idea who or what to trust.
I also liked that Molly wasn't some superhero. She was just determined and brave, which made everything feel more believable. Great story with a really memorable ending.
Female, 17
I expected an entertaining fantasy, but what I got was a clever, fast-moving mystery that made me think long after I'd finished it. The statues coming to life is such an imaginative idea, yet the author uses it to explore real issues about the environment, identity and how easily people can be influenced.
What really stayed with me was Molly. She's curious, independent and refreshingly sceptical, even when the entire world seems convinced they're on the right path. Watching her piece everything together was genuinely exciting, and I loved how the tension kept building from chapter to chapter. The humour sprinkled throughout stopped the story from ever feeling too heavy, which I appreciated. There were a couple of sections with lots of historical detail, but they actually made me curious enough to read more about London's past afterwards. This is one of those rare YA books that's exciting on the surface but also gives you plenty to think about once you've turned the last page.
To Sum It Up:
“An original YA adventure that turns London's landmarks into the stars of an unforgettable story. A FINALIST and highly recommended!” Wishing Shelf Book Awards
September 20, 2020
An excellent young adult book. I’ve recommended it to my son. Enjoyable and well written throughout but I especially enjoyed the second half of the book after I had fully warmed to the characters. Lots of places and statues to visit next time I’m in London.
April 19, 2021
Entertaining YA Adventure but not Eco-Fiction
What would you do if all the statues in your city suddenly came to life? The story begins with the bronze statue of Winston Churchill “waking up” in the house of commons and addressing the current Prime Minister with a dire message of the world coming to an end and a demand for severe conservation. The main protagonist, the teenager Molly, discovers the hidden agenda of the waking statues.
Albin creates a wonderfully imaginative premise in a fast-paced young adult fantasy thriller, but one that lacks thematic impact. The environmental theme is weak, unsupported, and overly simple; yet the story generally holds together as an entertaining young adult adventure. Stonechild is set in London, featuring the city’s architecture and places of interest; it follows the main protagonist, a teenager with a secret past even she doesn’t know about, in a giddy chase through London’s streets—encountering roaming statues with malevolent intent to an angry Boudicca careering in her chariot down Regent Street, smashing shops.
Stonechild relies on the clichéd trope of “benevolent” other—seeing humanity’s faulty decisions—deciding to remove our free will from the equation, by taking control “for humanity’s own good.” This trope of playing god to human is exploited in far too many movies that involve machine intelligence or alien intelligence such as I, Robot, The Matrix, Demon Seed and so many others. This can make for great—and meaningful—entertainment if delivered with imagination, originality and depth; while there is originality and imagination in Albin’s premise of statues coming to life, I found the story contrived and lacking the depth to carry it through. This is mostly reflected in the lack of clear and meaningful environmental discourse and ultimately why the statues came to life just then. The environmental devastation faced by the planet and humanity—and the presumed basis for the statues forceful action—takes a back seat to the action; the details of the why to the what are missing.
The story would, in my opinion, have been much improved if Albin had incorporated the environmental issue into the story through metaphor and characterization. For instance, the main character, who professes to be an environmentalist does not act like one and only makes overly general observations; whenever she does, the discourse jars. Her parents, who are professional conservationists, are conveniently out of the country. Even the statues make clichéd generalizations when pressed for reasons. If Stonechild is to be considered a true work of eco-fiction, as the author claims, the environment and our deplorable treatment of it would have played a more central role. As it stands now, the issue the statues and humans were fighting over could have been anything else. The true test of whether a story element is essential is whether it can be removed and replaced with something else. In Stonechild the environmental issue felt more like a prop to explore humanity’s free will and who should play god.
And speaking of playing god, what is also not clear—and its inclusion would have enhanced the depth of the story—was the personal reason for each of the statues coming to life. What was their historical connection to the environmental issue? There is opportunity for story depth missed here. The message of urgent conservation did not permeate the story and was lost in the conflict.
What would you do if all the statues in your city suddenly came to life? The story begins with the bronze statue of Winston Churchill “waking up” in the house of commons and addressing the current Prime Minister with a dire message of the world coming to an end and a demand for severe conservation. The main protagonist, the teenager Molly, discovers the hidden agenda of the waking statues.
Albin creates a wonderfully imaginative premise in a fast-paced young adult fantasy thriller, but one that lacks thematic impact. The environmental theme is weak, unsupported, and overly simple; yet the story generally holds together as an entertaining young adult adventure. Stonechild is set in London, featuring the city’s architecture and places of interest; it follows the main protagonist, a teenager with a secret past even she doesn’t know about, in a giddy chase through London’s streets—encountering roaming statues with malevolent intent to an angry Boudicca careering in her chariot down Regent Street, smashing shops.
Stonechild relies on the clichéd trope of “benevolent” other—seeing humanity’s faulty decisions—deciding to remove our free will from the equation, by taking control “for humanity’s own good.” This trope of playing god to human is exploited in far too many movies that involve machine intelligence or alien intelligence such as I, Robot, The Matrix, Demon Seed and so many others. This can make for great—and meaningful—entertainment if delivered with imagination, originality and depth; while there is originality and imagination in Albin’s premise of statues coming to life, I found the story contrived and lacking the depth to carry it through. This is mostly reflected in the lack of clear and meaningful environmental discourse and ultimately why the statues came to life just then. The environmental devastation faced by the planet and humanity—and the presumed basis for the statues forceful action—takes a back seat to the action; the details of the why to the what are missing.
The story would, in my opinion, have been much improved if Albin had incorporated the environmental issue into the story through metaphor and characterization. For instance, the main character, who professes to be an environmentalist does not act like one and only makes overly general observations; whenever she does, the discourse jars. Her parents, who are professional conservationists, are conveniently out of the country. Even the statues make clichéd generalizations when pressed for reasons. If Stonechild is to be considered a true work of eco-fiction, as the author claims, the environment and our deplorable treatment of it would have played a more central role. As it stands now, the issue the statues and humans were fighting over could have been anything else. The true test of whether a story element is essential is whether it can be removed and replaced with something else. In Stonechild the environmental issue felt more like a prop to explore humanity’s free will and who should play god.
And speaking of playing god, what is also not clear—and its inclusion would have enhanced the depth of the story—was the personal reason for each of the statues coming to life. What was their historical connection to the environmental issue? There is opportunity for story depth missed here. The message of urgent conservation did not permeate the story and was lost in the conflict.
July 30, 2024
In a London that crackles with hidden magic, young Molly Hargreaves stumbles upon a world where statues of historical icons come to life. These awakened figures deliver mesmerizing performances and cryptic messages, presenting an enticing mystery. As the city’s residents revel in this new phenomenon and the authorities scramble to suppress it, Molly embarks on a thrilling quest across the city to uncover the statues' secrets. What profound truths will she unveil in her pursuit, and how will they change her life forever?
Stonechild, by Kevin Albin, is a masterfully crafted audiobook that seamlessly weaves together the richness of history and the profound messages of life's journey. From the very first chapter, Albin captivates listeners by introducing central "figures" whose stories unfold with a blend of familiarity and mystique, setting the stage for an unforgettable narrative. The plot unfolds with a delicate balance of suspense and revelation, punctuated by moments of humor that make the narrative easily digestible despite the wealth of information presented. The characters in the book resonate with remarkable depth and authenticity, each one intricately developed to draw readers into their world. Among these compelling characters, Molly stands out. As a teenager with a profound sense of purpose, her thoughts and actions strike a chord with the audience. Molly's extraordinary upbringing, rooted in a family of travelers, has endowed her with an out-of-the-box mindset that is both lovable and endlessly fascinating. Her perspective on life, shaped by diverse experiences and a constant quest for meaning, adds a unique and refreshing dimension to the story. Molly's journey is not just a path she walks but a testament to the transformative power of seeing the world through a lens of curiosity and intention. The main message masterfully straddles the line between the expected and the unexpected, delivering a revelation that made me laugh at its surprising clarity while simultaneously driving home its profound significance. This duality underscores how easily such crucial insights can be overlooked in the hustle and bustle of daily life, yet how imperative it is to keep them in mind. The narrative delves deep into a web of themes that resonate with our very existence, unlocking key reflections on identity, legacy, and the passage of time. Each chapter peels back another layer, inviting readers to ponder their own lives and the symbols that populate them.
Each chapter offers new layers of intrigue, compelling one to ponder the interconnectedness of past and present, fiction and reality. Stonechild isn't just a book—it's an experience that lingers in the mind long after the final chapter is done, leaving one eager to explore the nuanced messages woven throughout its narrative.
Stonechild, by Kevin Albin, is a masterfully crafted audiobook that seamlessly weaves together the richness of history and the profound messages of life's journey. From the very first chapter, Albin captivates listeners by introducing central "figures" whose stories unfold with a blend of familiarity and mystique, setting the stage for an unforgettable narrative. The plot unfolds with a delicate balance of suspense and revelation, punctuated by moments of humor that make the narrative easily digestible despite the wealth of information presented. The characters in the book resonate with remarkable depth and authenticity, each one intricately developed to draw readers into their world. Among these compelling characters, Molly stands out. As a teenager with a profound sense of purpose, her thoughts and actions strike a chord with the audience. Molly's extraordinary upbringing, rooted in a family of travelers, has endowed her with an out-of-the-box mindset that is both lovable and endlessly fascinating. Her perspective on life, shaped by diverse experiences and a constant quest for meaning, adds a unique and refreshing dimension to the story. Molly's journey is not just a path she walks but a testament to the transformative power of seeing the world through a lens of curiosity and intention. The main message masterfully straddles the line between the expected and the unexpected, delivering a revelation that made me laugh at its surprising clarity while simultaneously driving home its profound significance. This duality underscores how easily such crucial insights can be overlooked in the hustle and bustle of daily life, yet how imperative it is to keep them in mind. The narrative delves deep into a web of themes that resonate with our very existence, unlocking key reflections on identity, legacy, and the passage of time. Each chapter peels back another layer, inviting readers to ponder their own lives and the symbols that populate them.
Each chapter offers new layers of intrigue, compelling one to ponder the interconnectedness of past and present, fiction and reality. Stonechild isn't just a book—it's an experience that lingers in the mind long after the final chapter is done, leaving one eager to explore the nuanced messages woven throughout its narrative.
November 9, 2024
“Stonechild” introduces Molly Hargreaves, a fifteen-year-old living in London with her brother, Charlie, and her conservationist parents.
Overall, I enjoyed this book. It’s written for a YA audience but the historical aspects and content could certainly be enjoyed by an adult audience as well. While a fantasy book, the historical aspects (especially in reference to those inhibiting the statues) are frequent with some more obvious references and others I had to look up. My absolute favorite was learning more about Edward Jenner and the important role he played in vaccination and modern medical science. Find the full blog review at heatherlbarksdale.com
I received a copy of this story in exchange of a fair and honest review.
Overall, I enjoyed this book. It’s written for a YA audience but the historical aspects and content could certainly be enjoyed by an adult audience as well. While a fantasy book, the historical aspects (especially in reference to those inhibiting the statues) are frequent with some more obvious references and others I had to look up. My absolute favorite was learning more about Edward Jenner and the important role he played in vaccination and modern medical science. Find the full blog review at heatherlbarksdale.com
I received a copy of this story in exchange of a fair and honest review.
April 2, 2026
This book resonated with me particularly because I see the story as a wake up call stressing humanity's inaction in the face of the wholesale destruction of Nature. The author’s use of setting, history, culture and characters is played out with wit and light humor, despite the serious subjects the book brings to light. Statues coming to life invokes magical realism and I kind of hope this would really happen: the world needs a bit of magic right now! The book also speaks to personal identity and social topics relevant to teenagers and young adults, making it a timely, modern and valuable read.
September 11, 2024
Stonechild by Kevin Albin is a fast-paced, thrilling read that mixes history and current events with an engaging story. Molly, the main character, is wonderful—her bravery and curiosity driving the adventure, which has the feel of an 80s movie where kids get into trouble while the parents are away. The vivid descriptions of London bring the setting to life, adding excitement to the plot. Though targeted at YA, the action kept me hooked throughout. The audiobook narrator is fantastic, adding even more depth to the experience. A captivating and entertaining read!
May 5, 2021
I absolutely loved this story. I met the author in a Facebook group for authors and book bloggers. An imaginative and mysterious way to bring more attention to environmentalism. Loved the strong, young girl as the main character, and the mystery surrounding everything that is happening. Great read!
August 21, 2024
Stonechild by Kevin Albin is an intriguing, genre-bending novel that combines elements of environmental activism, magical realism, and adventure in a way that feels both timely and timeless. A highly engaging and thought-provoking debut novel.
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