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Below the Dome
“Stories are never just stories. Stories come from somewhere true, even if they themselves are not.”
Katchan's only guide in a dreamlike wasteland is the path of the sun. He is accompanied only by the last written story from his Grandma Maggaline and a mysterious red rock that earned him the jealous rage of the village Elder. But Katchan cannot read. He does not know whence the rock came or what it really is. All he knows is that he must find the village below the dome...or perish.
Katchan's only guide in a dreamlike wasteland is the path of the sun. He is accompanied only by the last written story from his Grandma Maggaline and a mysterious red rock that earned him the jealous rage of the village Elder. But Katchan cannot read. He does not know whence the rock came or what it really is. All he knows is that he must find the village below the dome...or perish.
107 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 24, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
November 22, 2020
For someone like me who has made literature such a big part of her life, even finding a book where there are quotes about books, reading and stories makes me emotional. I even have some of my favorites tattooed on my skin because I want those words to be with me at all times. So you can imagine how happy I was to find this book, because Below the Dome focuses most of all on stories.
Like many readers, stories are a big part of the protagonist’s life. Katchan is raised by his grandmother, who was a passionate storyteller and shared stories with her grandson. When she dies, all she leaves Katchan is a red rock and a parchment on which a story is written. However, Katchan cannot read it, because the gift of reading is one he doesn’t possess (what horrible world is this, you ask? I know, I FEEL YOU.) When the village Elder threatens to take the stone and the parchment, Katchan embarks on an adventure in the desert, hoping to find the people who live below the dome, where the sun sets, and that they may teach him to read his grandmother’s final words to him.
During the book we meet a variety of characters, all of them meaningful. In fact, each of them is somehow connected to a story that Katchan has learned from his grandmother, though how they are connected is something you understand as you read, and I really enjoyed the added mystery. In the desert, Katchan discovers that his grandmother’s stories were more than that. They were pieces of truth, and with them she has given him the means to navigate life. Though this was a short book, it was a meaningful one that made me think a lot about the role of stories in our lives, and how they connect us. I really enjoyed reading this and recommend it to everyone who wants a short but emotional read.
Thanks to the author for sending me a copy to review.
Like many readers, stories are a big part of the protagonist’s life. Katchan is raised by his grandmother, who was a passionate storyteller and shared stories with her grandson. When she dies, all she leaves Katchan is a red rock and a parchment on which a story is written. However, Katchan cannot read it, because the gift of reading is one he doesn’t possess (what horrible world is this, you ask? I know, I FEEL YOU.) When the village Elder threatens to take the stone and the parchment, Katchan embarks on an adventure in the desert, hoping to find the people who live below the dome, where the sun sets, and that they may teach him to read his grandmother’s final words to him.
During the book we meet a variety of characters, all of them meaningful. In fact, each of them is somehow connected to a story that Katchan has learned from his grandmother, though how they are connected is something you understand as you read, and I really enjoyed the added mystery. In the desert, Katchan discovers that his grandmother’s stories were more than that. They were pieces of truth, and with them she has given him the means to navigate life. Though this was a short book, it was a meaningful one that made me think a lot about the role of stories in our lives, and how they connect us. I really enjoyed reading this and recommend it to everyone who wants a short but emotional read.
Thanks to the author for sending me a copy to review.
November 20, 2020
Below the Dome is the sort of story that touches you and stays with you for a long while after you’ve read it. It’s a fairly short novella, and though it counts on an interesting cast of characters, it’s undeniable that its greatest protagonist were Stories. Simply stories. And I think to a lover of words, there’s nothing more touching.
This is the story of Katchan, a thirteen-year-old boy who is raised by his grandmother, who leaves him a red rock and a story written on a parchment when she passes away—a parchment that Katchan cannot read, for reading is an ability possessed by few. Katchan embarks on an adventure through the desert to find the people who live below the dome, hoping someone will be able to teach him how to read so that he may discover his grandmother’s last words to him.
I really enjoyed the writing. There was something almost familiar about the tone, so easy to grasp that it was like the author was taking me by the hand and guiding me through each page, learning more about the truthfulness of the stories Katchan’s grandmother had shared with him with each word. I’m not often a fan of young protagonists, but Katchan was wise beyond his years, and it was really easy to grow fond of this boy with a desire to learn and explore.
It’s hard to categorize this book fully. Sometimes I had the feeling I was reading a middle grade, and this is definitely a book that can be read by a younger audience, or even more, it can be read to a younger audience. It definitely has that storytelling feeling that one would get reading a C.S. Lewis book. However, this is also a story that can be enjoyed by an older audience. There’s many lessons to be learned about power, love, greed thanks to the characters we meet along the way. In short, this is a universal book, accessible to all and very quickly read. I was really excited to learn that this is only the first book in a series, even if the story reads like a standalone…well…for the most part. But you’ll have to read the book to know what I mean *wink wink*
Thank you to the author for sending me a copy!
This is the story of Katchan, a thirteen-year-old boy who is raised by his grandmother, who leaves him a red rock and a story written on a parchment when she passes away—a parchment that Katchan cannot read, for reading is an ability possessed by few. Katchan embarks on an adventure through the desert to find the people who live below the dome, hoping someone will be able to teach him how to read so that he may discover his grandmother’s last words to him.
I really enjoyed the writing. There was something almost familiar about the tone, so easy to grasp that it was like the author was taking me by the hand and guiding me through each page, learning more about the truthfulness of the stories Katchan’s grandmother had shared with him with each word. I’m not often a fan of young protagonists, but Katchan was wise beyond his years, and it was really easy to grow fond of this boy with a desire to learn and explore.
It’s hard to categorize this book fully. Sometimes I had the feeling I was reading a middle grade, and this is definitely a book that can be read by a younger audience, or even more, it can be read to a younger audience. It definitely has that storytelling feeling that one would get reading a C.S. Lewis book. However, this is also a story that can be enjoyed by an older audience. There’s many lessons to be learned about power, love, greed thanks to the characters we meet along the way. In short, this is a universal book, accessible to all and very quickly read. I was really excited to learn that this is only the first book in a series, even if the story reads like a standalone…well…for the most part. But you’ll have to read the book to know what I mean *wink wink*
Thank you to the author for sending me a copy!
November 20, 2020
"Stories are never just stories. Stories come from somewhere true, even if they themselves are not."
4 stars:
I'll be honest...I was a little apprehensive when the book was pitched as "perfect for fans of C.S. Lewis!" As an avid reader and lover of C.S. Lewis, that's a bold claim to make. However, I do find the claim to be true! While I don't think I draw similarities to the Narnia series and Below the Dome (at least, not yet anyway...we'll see where the next book takes us), I do see very clear similarities to Lewis's The Pilgrim's Regress and even to his Space Trilogy. I'm curious to know if that's where Arnold drew some of his inspiration!
A short novella, Below the Dome still packed a punch. Full of rich characters and twisty surprises, Below the Dome was a fun, quick read! Definitely recommend for anyone looking for a quick fantasy that deal with family, the importance of stories, and legends come to life.
Thanks so much to author Stephen Arnold for sending me a copy of your book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
November 18, 2020
“Stories are never just stories. Stories come from somewhere true, even if they themselves are not.”
This is the first time I start a review with a quote, at least that I remember. The reason I wanted to do it with this book though was because this quote is a perfect summary of what the whole story was about. It’s that sort of quote that stays with you even after the book is done.
Below the Dome is a very fast read, both because of the length of the book but also by the way it’s written. The prose was easy to grasp and made one immediately connect to the characters, especially Katchan, the young protagonist of this story. I felt Katchan very close to me, because for a thirteen year-old, he was very mature, kind of like myself at his age. He’s pragmatic in a way but also a dreamer, obsessed with the idea that there is another village hiding below the dome, where the sun sets.
Katchan grows up with his grandmother, and when she passes away she leaves him a red rock and a story scribbled on a parchment. Reading, however, is a gift possessed by few and turns good men greedy and jealous. Katchan cannot read it, and he’s forced to run from his village when the Elder tries to take these things from him. With nothing but the sack on his back and these two things his grandmother had left for him, Katchan decides to travel the desert and follow the path of the sun and find the people living below the dome, hopeful that they know how to read and can teach him in order for Katchan to read his grandmother’s last words. In his journey, he learns that the stories his grandmother had taught him were not just stories, and that by telling them to him she had given him the greatest treasure of all: knowledge. Will Katchan find the village below the dome? You’ll have to read to see!
I was delighted to find out that this is only the first in a series called The Saga of the Silver City when reading the afterword by the author. After all, with a book where the role of stories is so important, one could write many adventures. Though Below the Dome ends in a way that one could consider closed, there is one small detail that remains to be answered: I’m dying to know what Katchan’s grandmother wrote for him on the parchment. Hopefully in the next book, Katchan will learn to read and we will find out!
This is the first time I start a review with a quote, at least that I remember. The reason I wanted to do it with this book though was because this quote is a perfect summary of what the whole story was about. It’s that sort of quote that stays with you even after the book is done.
Below the Dome is a very fast read, both because of the length of the book but also by the way it’s written. The prose was easy to grasp and made one immediately connect to the characters, especially Katchan, the young protagonist of this story. I felt Katchan very close to me, because for a thirteen year-old, he was very mature, kind of like myself at his age. He’s pragmatic in a way but also a dreamer, obsessed with the idea that there is another village hiding below the dome, where the sun sets.
Katchan grows up with his grandmother, and when she passes away she leaves him a red rock and a story scribbled on a parchment. Reading, however, is a gift possessed by few and turns good men greedy and jealous. Katchan cannot read it, and he’s forced to run from his village when the Elder tries to take these things from him. With nothing but the sack on his back and these two things his grandmother had left for him, Katchan decides to travel the desert and follow the path of the sun and find the people living below the dome, hopeful that they know how to read and can teach him in order for Katchan to read his grandmother’s last words. In his journey, he learns that the stories his grandmother had taught him were not just stories, and that by telling them to him she had given him the greatest treasure of all: knowledge. Will Katchan find the village below the dome? You’ll have to read to see!
I was delighted to find out that this is only the first in a series called The Saga of the Silver City when reading the afterword by the author. After all, with a book where the role of stories is so important, one could write many adventures. Though Below the Dome ends in a way that one could consider closed, there is one small detail that remains to be answered: I’m dying to know what Katchan’s grandmother wrote for him on the parchment. Hopefully in the next book, Katchan will learn to read and we will find out!
November 23, 2020
Can you imagine not being able to read? I get anxiety just thinking about it! Well here is a story about that! I was pleasantly surprised!
The main character, Katchan, has a relationship with his grandmother that reminded me of the one I had with mine. He loses her in the process and embarks on a journey to learn to read the last message she leaves for him. I am so intrigued to find out what message was left on that parchment! I was happy to learn there will be more of this world with the continuation of the series.
I enjoyed the flow of the story, usually middle grade stories are a hit or miss for me (maybe cause I’m older lol) but this story kept my attention, with that being said I think this would be great for all ages. The characters that Katchan met were definitely a huge part of the story and were definitely a big asset when it came to character and plot development. Katchan shows growth throughout the book thanks to the trials he goes through and the different characters he encounters.
The moral of the story spoke to me, this is truly where the subtle Narnia element tie into. The love for family, the determination, and the meaningfulness of relationships. Katchan’s grandmother is such a big part of the story, it reminded me somewhat of the wise Aslan. The grandmother in the story was the motivation to travel under the dome to learn to read. Katchan takes a grasp at what the real world is like with all the trials he goes through. What really caught my attention was the maturity of Katchan throughout these multiple lessons, including greed and power. It’s always great to see a young character evolve into a resilient character.
This book was definitely a great addition to my collection, I look forward to learning more! Thanks so much to the author for gifting me a copy.
The main character, Katchan, has a relationship with his grandmother that reminded me of the one I had with mine. He loses her in the process and embarks on a journey to learn to read the last message she leaves for him. I am so intrigued to find out what message was left on that parchment! I was happy to learn there will be more of this world with the continuation of the series.
I enjoyed the flow of the story, usually middle grade stories are a hit or miss for me (maybe cause I’m older lol) but this story kept my attention, with that being said I think this would be great for all ages. The characters that Katchan met were definitely a huge part of the story and were definitely a big asset when it came to character and plot development. Katchan shows growth throughout the book thanks to the trials he goes through and the different characters he encounters.
The moral of the story spoke to me, this is truly where the subtle Narnia element tie into. The love for family, the determination, and the meaningfulness of relationships. Katchan’s grandmother is such a big part of the story, it reminded me somewhat of the wise Aslan. The grandmother in the story was the motivation to travel under the dome to learn to read. Katchan takes a grasp at what the real world is like with all the trials he goes through. What really caught my attention was the maturity of Katchan throughout these multiple lessons, including greed and power. It’s always great to see a young character evolve into a resilient character.
This book was definitely a great addition to my collection, I look forward to learning more! Thanks so much to the author for gifting me a copy.
January 11, 2021
Below the dome follows the story of Katchan, a skinny and curious boy who finds himself on a path of discovery. It is a very thought provoking read, it really made me wonder about the importance of stories.
Katchan finds himself alone after the death of his grandmother, and runs from his village in the direction of the sun with nothing but a parchment left behind by his grandma that he can't read. He longs to understand her last message to him and knows that the meaning is somehow connected to this mysterious rock she left behind. I found it a bit hard to grasp the worldbuilding, elements like the Silver city and Marikel I had to reread a couple of times. The story has a religious backbone to it and flows nicely to read, the writing is compelling and addictive. Katchan is very brave, instead of finding comfort in his village and a warm bed he defies the elder, and runs in search for answers to his grandmothers last message to him.
"He ran away to protect Grandma's story. Even though it was safe, the contents were still unknown. They would remain unknown until he found the sunset people below the dome who could teach him how to decipher these stories "
The journey below the dome seemed in the beginning as a form of escape for Katchan, however it becomes a place for him to grow and find his strength. As he travels he comes across characters, all who have a connection to the story and I found myself eager to unravel how it all linked together. I can tell that the author really put work into this novel, overall very enjoyable!
Thank you for the author for gifting me a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Katchan finds himself alone after the death of his grandmother, and runs from his village in the direction of the sun with nothing but a parchment left behind by his grandma that he can't read. He longs to understand her last message to him and knows that the meaning is somehow connected to this mysterious rock she left behind. I found it a bit hard to grasp the worldbuilding, elements like the Silver city and Marikel I had to reread a couple of times. The story has a religious backbone to it and flows nicely to read, the writing is compelling and addictive. Katchan is very brave, instead of finding comfort in his village and a warm bed he defies the elder, and runs in search for answers to his grandmothers last message to him.
"He ran away to protect Grandma's story. Even though it was safe, the contents were still unknown. They would remain unknown until he found the sunset people below the dome who could teach him how to decipher these stories "
The journey below the dome seemed in the beginning as a form of escape for Katchan, however it becomes a place for him to grow and find his strength. As he travels he comes across characters, all who have a connection to the story and I found myself eager to unravel how it all linked together. I can tell that the author really put work into this novel, overall very enjoyable!
Thank you for the author for gifting me a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews