The Stone Child

The Misewa Saga #3

by David Alexander Robertson

It's a race against time to save Eli, in this third book in the award-winning, Narnia-inspired Indigenous middle-grade fantasy series.

After discovering a near-lifeless Eli at the base of the Great Tree, Morgan knows she doesn't have much time to save him. And it will mean asking for help -- from friends old and new. Racing against the clock, and with Arik and Emily at her side, Morgan sets off to follow the trail away from the Great Tree to find Eli's soul before it's too late. As they journey deep into the northern woods, a place they've been warned never to enter, they face new challenges and life-threatening attacks from strange and horrifying creatures. But a surprise ally comes to their aid, and Morgan finds the strength to focus on what's most important: saving her brother's life.

Genres: Fantasy, Middle Grade, Indigenous, Fiction, Canada, Adventure, Young Adult

256 pages, Hardcover

First published August 2, 2022

About the author

DAVID A. ROBERTSON is a two-time winner of the Governor General's Literary Award, has won the TD Canadian Children’s Literature Award, as well as the Writer's Union of Canada Freedom to Read award. He has received several other accolades for his work as a writer for children and adults, podcaster, public speaker, and social advocate. He was honoured with a Doctor of Letters by the University of Manitoba for outstanding contributions in the arts and distinguished achievements in 2023. He is a member of Norway House Cree Nation and lives in Winnipeg.

Reviews

[theliterateleprechaun · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s interesting to note that this book lost my interest, but piqued my niece’s interest!

Something happens to Eli that is so over the top (I get it, it’s fantasy) that I had to put the book down and struggled to finish it. My niece found it so interesting!

I loved seeing Morgan and Eli’s community enlarging, just in time to offer solace.

Unfortunately, the violence, pacing and the magical experience were enough to lose my interest. I think the change of setting for this book and the different type of adventure weren’t enough to keep me invested in the story. I’m hoping for a simpler novel in book 4. Less violent. Less teenage angst.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great conclusion to the Misewa Saga!! I really enjoyed this Narnia-esque middle grade fantasy series set in both urban Manitoba and an alternate universe where filled with talking animals. The first half of this book saw Morgan going on a quest in Misewa to save her foster brother Eli's life. Then when they return to reality, the story deals with Morgan's birth mother's death and her desire to reconnect with her kokum (grandmother). I loved how the author seamlessly weaves Cree culture and traditions into the story - from sweatlodges to trapping and living off the land to the sad quality of life on reserves (high costs of fresh food and other amenities, etc). Great on audio too! Much thanks to NetGalley for an early digital copy and Librofm for my ALC!!

[Aaron · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my favourite (so far) book in a great series. I can't say much without spoiling the earlier books but if you enjoyed the first two, rush for this one.

[Kay S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

JFC do I love this series. I loved how it was just a little bit gay and how it melds fantastical themes with real world issues.
Robertson made me love Misewa, Morgan, and Eli and as their family grows, I can't help but love those who join it. I can't wait for the next one!

[Lata · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eli is unconscious, lying by the big tree, and Morgan must figure out what to do. She decides to return to our world and enlist the aid of Emily, the only friend she has at school, other than Eli. Bringing a shocked Emily back to Misewa to watch Eli, she asks the elders for help. None know what might help, so she decides to head out, with the ever helpful and inquisitive Eric, and Emily to look for a way to restore Eli. They have several dangerous encounters, reunite with a former friend, and Morgan begins really opening herself up to Emily.

I love this series so much! I have grown so fond of the two kids, Morgan and Eli, and their slow gaining of trust of each other and their foster parents. Morgan in particular has had to work hard to open up, and she's off balance for much of this book, after finding out about her mother at the end of the previous book. Morgan is raw and hurting, and at the same time determined not to lose Eli, her new family member. Recruiting Emily is an unusual choice, but at the same time, it shows how far Morgan has come from the person we met at the beginning of book one.

Thank you to Netgalley and to Penguin Random House Canada for this ARC in exchange for my review.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Third in a children's fantasy series.... highly recommended!

[Tyana M · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 - If you haven’t jumped on the Misewa bandwagon you are missing out.

[❀ Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series would be an amazing series to read aloud!! As an adult, I have enjoyed the story and it reminds me of a fresh take on the Narnia series. There is much education packed into the fiction, learning about the racism, stereotypes, child and family welfare while enjoying a beautifully written story!

[Kathie]

Thank you to #Edelweiss+ and Penguin Random House Canada for an eARC of THE STONE CHILD by David A. Robertson (Release date: August 2/22)

If you aren’t familiar with The Misewa Saga, I highly recommend starting with the first book, THE BARREN GROUNDS, which was nominated for a Governor General’s Award in 2021. You may also have heard about the recent controversy surrounding the second book, THE GREAT BEAR, which was the subject of a book-banning discussion in Ontario in April. THE STONE CHILD is the third book in this Indigenous Narnia-inspired fantasy series. Morgan and her friends travel into the northern woods of Aski to search for Eli’s stolen soul, but they’ll have to face Mistapew, a Bigfoot-like creature, to retrieve it. They also discover the answer to a mystery from the past that will drastically change life as they know it and set them on a new course toward the future. The author’s Cree heritage infuses this story with traditional customs and beliefs, and I think readers of all backgrounds will learn something valuable while enjoying it.

[Deke Moulton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a fascinating book, because it really felt like real life - the fact that the 'climax' of the initial conflict happens and resolves halfway through the book, and then we continue on with the struggles of the characters - made the book feel so much more real to me.
I loved learning about how to make a sweat lodge, and why they are important - the glimpse into a culture I don't know was incredible. I loved the very blunt conversations about the foster care system, and how it's difficult for First Nation peoples to live true lives when their culture is constantly being interrupted and disrupted and shortened through white supremacy. It was wonderful, and I appreciated, too, that the foster mom Katie was trying to help and fix things as well as she could. Morgan and Eli were wonderful characters and I cnanot wait to explore with them once again!

[Al-lison · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am not usually a fantasy gal. But I LOVE this series and am looking forward to the next one! All people want to see themselves represented in texts, and Robertson writes another fabulous novel where Indigenous children will be able to do just that. Robertson weaves Cree culture, language, and significant issues that affect Indigenous families throughout this entire series. David, thank you for creating such a fabulous series where Indigenous children are represented. Readers will have trouble putting this one down!

[Bethe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Morgan and her new friend Emily race thru Misewa to save Eli’s soul before it’s too late. They encounter an old friend unexpectedly. Morgan also has a chance to meet her grandmother, hopefully there will be a part 4 to fully realize this. Great ending!

[Breanna Morin · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful third book! I think there's going to be a fourth? If so, I can't wait. This series has done such a nice job of pairing fantasy / Narnia-esque adventure with Cree teachings. Really well done!

[Lesley · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are no other books that do a better job of portraying the grief of forced family removals.

[Charlotte · Rating 4 out of 5]

I let this very good series continue on without me after I read the second book, and am glad to be continuing on now that there are many more!

[Autumn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this series. I was anxiously awaiting the third installment after the cliffhanger at the end of book 2.

This book really focused on Morgan. She enlists a friend to help her save Eli. This involved a lot of recap from the first two books as Emily learns the ins and outs of Misewa and what the foster siblings have been up to. The animals didn't get to shine as much, but I appreciated the blossoming feelings between Morgan and Emily.

Morgan is also coming to terms with what she's learned about her mother. In the end she gets some closure and a chance to bond with her heritage.

When the plot got going, it was interesting and brought in some of the folk stories mentioned in the other books.

I'm interested to see where the series goes from here. I think the logistics of visiting Misewa are getting more complicated and I wonder how Eli and Morgan will sustain their desire to be there. I hope that Eli gets more time in the next one.

[Rob Brock · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third book in the Misewa Saga, the fun adventures of two first nations foster kids in Canada who learn about themselves and their heritage as they journey to the alternate world of Aski. This book picks up where we left off in book two, and the ending of this book leaves us again longing for what comes next. In fact, when I finished the book with my 13 year old son, he thought it ended too abruptly, since it left some key storylines unresolved. And yet we recognized that one of the main emotional storylines that we had carried since book one was wrapped up with loving care here, and it did move me to tears with hopeful satisfaction. While each of the books so far have been fun adventures, this book seemed to be filled with far more tension, since the risks were higher, and the constant worry about the worlds of Aski and Earth colliding only grew stronger as the book ended. Plus, while the book is focused on the kids, as a dad I kept worrying about the foster parents who are trying so hard to help their foster kids thrive. This whole series has been described as a kind of homage to the Chronicles of Narnia, but I think the author has taken the idea in new directions and I hope he continues to follow this original path. It may be an unpopular opinion, but I think the Chronicles of Narnia books lost their way as the series progressed, so I hope the Misewa Saga can transcend the work that inspired it; I would love to see an indigenous story eclipse the work of a stuffy old British professor of English literature!

[Artemisa Perucho-Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

Looking forward to the next book in the saga!

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great installation of this series. This book covers themes of family and we begin to learn more about the circumstances leading to Morgan and Eli being removed from their families and placed into the foster system. It handles the topic of grief gently but accurately, showing how the hurt heals slowly and in spurts while life continues on.

The fantasy piece is also present, though it takes more of a backstage to the emotional landscape in this book. That said, there are plenty of epic battles for those interested in the adventure side. We also learn more about the nature of portals between Earth and Aski.

A wonderful read with opportunities to discuss heavy topics with young people in an honest and unscary way

[Cytrina Ogle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was SUCH a beautiful wrap up. Wow

[Lillian · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love love love this series.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another excellent addition to David Robertson’s Misewa Saga. I, perhaps, didn’t like this as much as the first two books but still found myself fully engrossed in the story. I really like reading about Morgan and Eli in the real world so there was, perhaps, a little too much Misewa or me butI do like where Robertson is taking the story. I look forward to the next one. Thanks to NetGalley for an advance reader copy.

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

As expected, Robertson and the Misewa Saga don’t disappoint! I loved jumping right back into the world of Morgan and Eli with all of their adventures. Right away, I was struck by the pacing of the book. It was almost too fast for my tastes. I understand that they were in a time crunch to save Eli, but if the pacing had been slowed there would have been more suspense about if they could save him in time. I was also caught off guard when the initial problem was solved in the first half of the book - what is the last half going to be about now? While I still enjoyed the last half of the book, it seemed far-fetched and like Robertson was trying to draw things out. All in all, it was still a fun book despite some of the plot inconsistencies.
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Format: 📱

[Amy Harper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Penguin Random House Canada and NetGalley for allowing me a sneak peek at this amazing continuation of the Misewa Saga. Much like the first two books, I absolutely fell in love with the story.

The Stone Child begins with Morgan and Eli at the base of the Great Tree. Eli is in a deep slumber and Morgan cannot wake him. She quickly realizes that Mistapew has taken Eli's soul and she must journey into the Northern Woods to rescue him before it is too late.

Of course Arikwachas rejoins the group in this book and we also get much more development in Emily's character, when Morgan asks her to trust her and come along on the adventure. Mahihkan is also back in this story and his character truly warms my heart.

Without spoiling too much of the story we also learn more about Morgan and her family and she is able to continue her search of discovering who she is and where she comes from.

This book surpassed my expectations and leaves me wanting more and more of this Saga! I truly hope there are many more books to come.

[Maggie (Magsisreadingagain) · Rating 5 out of 5]

David A. Robertson has grabbed my heart, and soul, with this series. The Misewa Saga follows Eli and Morgan, as they venture into the alternate universe through a portal they have found in their attic. In their daily lives, they live with a foster family in Winnipeg who are doing the best they possibly can to support these two youth. But in Misewa, they are introduced to traditions and teachings that have been taken from them as they grew up.

Robertson handles all of these issues in a way that will be accessible and meaningful to so many youth and adults. I cheer these characters on as they fight monsters and escape harrowing situations, and I cry with them when they grieve the loss of loved ones on both sides of the portal. This is book 3, and I am already anxiously looking forward to book 4. I'm starting to share these books with my 9-year-old grandson, and I'm excited to talk with him about these tales.

Huge thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Random House Canada for providing me with a complimentary eARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been loving The Misewa Saga from the very beginning and this book did not disappoint! The author kept me engaged in the story the entire time with lots of action and some surprising twists and turns along the way. I could feel the author's connection to Norway House in his description of the place which was reminiscent of his previous work Black Water. My son is looking forward to reading this book as well and we can't wait for the series to continue. Thanks to NetGalley and publisher for the eARC.

[Kaylee (Curiously Kaylee) · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an incredible conclusion to the trilogy!

I could read about Morgan and Eli’s adventures in Misewa forever, and I would not be mad if David A. Robertson decided to write more in this series or world 😂

As a lover of fantasy stories, The Stone Child was everything I’ve ever imagined. Throughout the trilogy, I have loved seeing the characters learn about the fantasy world and the fantasy characters learn about the human world.

My heart is happier now that I have this series in my life. I read all three as library books, so now I need to go out and buy all of them 😂

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

😭

(Also, my compliments to Brefny Caribou for her excellent reading/narration/voice acting/enlivening of all three audiobooks of the series!)

[Anya · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite book of the trilogy and a perfect way to end the series 🥰

[Nicole Parker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating it 4 stars because I wish there were more books! This is a wonderful series.