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Alastair Stone Chronicles #29
Blood Ties
Most families can be a pain. Some can be deadly.
Alastair Stone has successfully finished the first of the three tasks he’s oath-bound to complete for his powerful dragon ancestor. To his shock and surprise, the second turns out to be something he already wants to do: kill an old enemy who shouldn’t even be alive.
The only problems are, Stone has no idea how to find his target, and the deadline he’s been given makes success by no means certain.
Complicating matters, a new ally has a consulting job for him: figure out why somebody in the Changeling community is kidnapping young and seemingly unconnected children all over California.
Stone will need to rely on all his friends to deal with these challenges—especially when both take unexpected, deadly, and decidedly personal turns.
When family is involved, none of the usual rules apply.
And the penalty for failure is unthinkable.
Alastair Stone has successfully finished the first of the three tasks he’s oath-bound to complete for his powerful dragon ancestor. To his shock and surprise, the second turns out to be something he already wants to do: kill an old enemy who shouldn’t even be alive.
The only problems are, Stone has no idea how to find his target, and the deadline he’s been given makes success by no means certain.
Complicating matters, a new ally has a consulting job for him: figure out why somebody in the Changeling community is kidnapping young and seemingly unconnected children all over California.
Stone will need to rely on all his friends to deal with these challenges—especially when both take unexpected, deadly, and decidedly personal turns.
When family is involved, none of the usual rules apply.
And the penalty for failure is unthinkable.
388 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 14, 2022
43 people are currently reading
34 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 - 20 of 20 reviews
March 31, 2022
𝑩𝒍𝒐𝒐𝒅 𝑻𝒊𝒆𝒔, Book #29 in the Alastair Stone Chronicles
by R.L. King
Great book that continues the plot thread of Alastair's ancient relative, Aldwyn, and the three tasks Alastair must perform for him. It also continues the plot thread of the Changlings. Lots of action involving not just Alastair, but Ian, Gabriel, Verity, Jason, Amber, Gina, Eddie, Ward, Aldwyn, and, of course, Raider. There were plenty of other characters -- some familiar to readers of this series, some new. Plenty of action in this one, along with expected and unexpected plot twists.
There were a few spelling/grammar errors, but too few to worry about too much. The two worst were this one at Location 1962: ...his heard pounding with the exertion of maintaining two spells,...
And this little one where Ian lost track of Verity at the restaurant and went into the women's restroom to look for her. BTW, just before this sentence, he said doing this made him feel creepy, and written the way it was it sounded creepy, too! (location 4210): "...I used an illusion to disguise myself as a woman and went to look at her."
All in all a great read.
by R.L. King
Great book that continues the plot thread of Alastair's ancient relative, Aldwyn, and the three tasks Alastair must perform for him. It also continues the plot thread of the Changlings. Lots of action involving not just Alastair, but Ian, Gabriel, Verity, Jason, Amber, Gina, Eddie, Ward, Aldwyn, and, of course, Raider. There were plenty of other characters -- some familiar to readers of this series, some new. Plenty of action in this one, along with expected and unexpected plot twists.
There were a few spelling/grammar errors, but too few to worry about too much. The two worst were this one at Location 1962: ...his heard pounding with the exertion of maintaining two spells,...
And this little one where Ian lost track of Verity at the restaurant and went into the women's restroom to look for her. BTW, just before this sentence, he said doing this made him feel creepy, and written the way it was it sounded creepy, too! (location 4210): "...I used an illusion to disguise myself as a woman and went to look at her."
All in all a great read.
March 18, 2022
Doc comes out ahead again!
Doc has an almost insurmountable task given him with a short timetable in which to complete it. At the same time, there are missing children that he's asked to help locate and there are mysterious circumstances surrounding the case. Can Doc find the kids and complete his task? What are the circumstances about the kids that make the case unique? Another fascinating read!
Doc has an almost insurmountable task given him with a short timetable in which to complete it. At the same time, there are missing children that he's asked to help locate and there are mysterious circumstances surrounding the case. Can Doc find the kids and complete his task? What are the circumstances about the kids that make the case unique? Another fascinating read!
March 20, 2022
A chilling tale of magic, intrigue and action
Alastair Stone is plagued with two important tasks that are both equally important and perhaps deadly, and he has to decide how to accomplish both with his limited resources and still maintain his values while doing so. It's a gripping tale, perhaps one of the best in the series yet.
If you enjoy urban fantasy, magic, and protagonists that are not perfect, then I highly suggest reading this series, especially this book.
Alastair Stone is plagued with two important tasks that are both equally important and perhaps deadly, and he has to decide how to accomplish both with his limited resources and still maintain his values while doing so. It's a gripping tale, perhaps one of the best in the series yet.
If you enjoy urban fantasy, magic, and protagonists that are not perfect, then I highly suggest reading this series, especially this book.
April 1, 2022
Good book
This is a fitting follow up in the series. The story continues to build and fill in blanks about all the characters. I keep thinking I'll read it slowly and savor the nuances but that doesn't happen, as the author keeps throwing curve balls into the story line. Thank you, R.L.King
This is a fitting follow up in the series. The story continues to build and fill in blanks about all the characters. I keep thinking I'll read it slowly and savor the nuances but that doesn't happen, as the author keeps throwing curve balls into the story line. Thank you, R.L.King
March 18, 2022
Another winner!
Wow! If you like dragons and nonstop excitement, this is definitely the book for you! I could not put Blood Ties down. R. L. King is a master at twisting plots and surprising endings. You will love this book.
Wow! If you like dragons and nonstop excitement, this is definitely the book for you! I could not put Blood Ties down. R. L. King is a master at twisting plots and surprising endings. You will love this book.
March 23, 2022
Hits the spot
Like a warm cup of coco on a cold evening this book hits the spot. Woven in a beautiful fashion this story line fills you past the F on your full gauge. All I can say is thank you for another wonderful Alastair Stone tale.
Like a warm cup of coco on a cold evening this book hits the spot. Woven in a beautiful fashion this story line fills you past the F on your full gauge. All I can say is thank you for another wonderful Alastair Stone tale.
March 30, 2022
Pure pleasure
I loved it, of course. I read the book in one sitting, although I'm getting a little old for marathon reads. I like how the main character has to juggle multiple challenges in each story. Keeps things interesting. Bravo!
I loved it, of course. I read the book in one sitting, although I'm getting a little old for marathon reads. I like how the main character has to juggle multiple challenges in each story. Keeps things interesting. Bravo!
April 6, 2022
Stone Delivers!
You'd think after 28 books we would be bored with Dr Stone. Never will happen!!! Book 29 here was great! Totally had some twists in it and maybe sets up some future battles.... Love this one!!
You'd think after 28 books we would be bored with Dr Stone. Never will happen!!! Book 29 here was great! Totally had some twists in it and maybe sets up some future battles.... Love this one!!
May 4, 2022
another great read
I really enjoyed the book an can’t wait for the next instalment to find out what the future holds. I’m really hoping the enigmatic Harrison makes another visit in the next one as along with Stefan his one of my faves.
I really enjoyed the book an can’t wait for the next instalment to find out what the future holds. I’m really hoping the enigmatic Harrison makes another visit in the next one as along with Stefan his one of my faves.
August 5, 2022
Darryl 's Review
An Enemy That May Not Be An Enemy, New Allies & Allies That Are unavailable, A True Enemy That Everyone Wants Dead, Missing Children & Changelings. All Round out Stone & His Family & Friends Time Plus it's Personal.
An Enemy That May Not Be An Enemy, New Allies & Allies That Are unavailable, A True Enemy That Everyone Wants Dead, Missing Children & Changelings. All Round out Stone & His Family & Friends Time Plus it's Personal.
December 9, 2022
Exceptional
What a great story. Everything you need. Excitement, great story telling and magic. This one keeps you at the edge of your seat as Alistair tries to solve two problems and not get dead.
What a great story. Everything you need. Excitement, great story telling and magic. This one keeps you at the edge of your seat as Alistair tries to solve two problems and not get dead.
September 19, 2023
A bit too obvious
Spoiler warning
I felt the motivation for the kidnappings was blindingly obvious. It seems had to believe all these smart people took so bloody long to figure it out. Please stop writing the characters so dense?
Spoiler warning
I felt the motivation for the kidnappings was blindingly obvious. It seems had to believe all these smart people took so bloody long to figure it out. Please stop writing the characters so dense?
December 18, 2023
Very entertaining
Better than the last book. I'm tired of all the zombie stuff. Its very gross. Its obvious well be hearing more about his wicked trin sister, which I'm not looking forward to
Better than the last book. I'm tired of all the zombie stuff. Its very gross. Its obvious well be hearing more about his wicked trin sister, which I'm not looking forward to
March 20, 2022
Very good book
This is a fine urban fantasy adventure novel. It is well written and edited. This whole series is good and I highly recommend it.
This is a fine urban fantasy adventure novel. It is well written and edited. This whole series is good and I highly recommend it.
April 7, 2022
Awesome
Another great novel in the Alastair Stone universe. I can't wait for the next one to come out. I'll wait patiently.
Another great novel in the Alastair Stone universe. I can't wait for the next one to come out. I'll wait patiently.
April 24, 2022
Looking forward to the next one!
April 25, 2022
This series is an easy read with no objectionable material (sex) in it, so it is good for younger readers.
January 16, 2023
Always a resolution and a cliffhanger in one
Two mysteries solved, and two more issues left hanging. That's par foe the course when RL King writes an Alastair Stone book.
Two mysteries solved, and two more issues left hanging. That's par foe the course when RL King writes an Alastair Stone book.
December 9, 2023
another amazing book
This one held my attention so strongly it was hard to put down.
I can’t wait to start into the next book
This one held my attention so strongly it was hard to put down.
I can’t wait to start into the next book
December 27, 2022
Page Turner
Don't expect to put it down.
You will be pulled in so many directions . A ton of what jfs
Don't expect to put it down.
You will be pulled in so many directions . A ton of what jfs
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews