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Stone
A second novel from the bestselling author of Branford Boase-shortlisted and Carnegie-nominated Witch. An engrossing story of fathers and sons, death and grief, and unexpected bonds, new and old, forged by dark and benign magic.
When Sam, grieving the death of his father, finds a silver-flecked stone, ice-cold to the touch, strange and eerie things begin to happen. Myth, legend, magic and witchcraft mingle on the ancient hillside where the chalk white horse has galloped for centuries. Ravens wheel. Wolves prowl. As Halloween draws close, witches dance. Odin gathers brave, fallen warriors to his side.
Only the mysterious new girl, Oona, can heal Sam's heart, revealing tarot secrets with her bewitching ways.
When Sam, grieving the death of his father, finds a silver-flecked stone, ice-cold to the touch, strange and eerie things begin to happen. Myth, legend, magic and witchcraft mingle on the ancient hillside where the chalk white horse has galloped for centuries. Ravens wheel. Wolves prowl. As Halloween draws close, witches dance. Odin gathers brave, fallen warriors to his side.
Only the mysterious new girl, Oona, can heal Sam's heart, revealing tarot secrets with her bewitching ways.
308 pages, Hardcover
First published September 1, 2022
4 people are currently reading
385 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
October 21, 2025
⭐3
❁ Spirit quest
❁ Between worlds
❁ Grief
Review to come: An emotional read!
❁ Spirit quest
❁ Between worlds
❁ Grief
Review to come: An emotional read!
September 2, 2022
A very smart emotionally intelligent YA fantasy tale of grief and magic with a refreshingly realistic set of human characters and focus on talking about your problems. Very enjoyable
Full review - https://www.runalongtheshelves.net/bl...
Full review - https://www.runalongtheshelves.net/bl...
November 28, 2023
Made me cry several times
September 30, 2022
I was kindly sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review from the publisher, with thanks to Zephyr Books! This has not affected my review in any way.
Witch by Finbar Hawkins was one of my top reads of 2020, so when the opportunity came for me to read Stone, I immediately took it.
Stone follows Sam in the aftermath of his father's death. Growing up in a small village, Sam's father told him and his sister Beth the myths and legends of old. He learnt about Celtic mythology, and Norse mythology and believed wholeheartedly in the idea that things aren't always as they seem. But then his dad dies in Kabul and the magic leaves Sam's life. That's until he finds a weird, sparkling white stone that is cold to the touch and seems to draw Sam to it. He finds himself having visions of things that are not there, girls laughing...wolves...his dad...Sam begins to wonder if will he be able to save his dad's spirit and bring him home again. With Samhain drawing closer, Sam and his new love interest, Oona begin to look deeper into the magickal world they've found themselves in and wonder what the night where the veil between the living and the dead is at its thinnest will bring.
Firstly, can we talk about that cover? Wow. Secondly, the inside chapter illustrations are beautiful.
But on to the story.
This was excellent.
I think Hawkins is incredibly talented at making characters you care about, but aren't perfect. Sam in this book isn't without his problems. He's rough around the edges, grief-ridden, and jealous, but you find yourself rooting for him at every juncture. He loves his family so much and it's clear the loss of his father has ruptured his entire world. Having experienced similar grief, it does feel like things will never be right again, and I think Hawkins captures that perfectly in Sam's character.
I think sometimes side characters in stories are a little lacklustre. They're usually there simply to move the plot forward by their very nature but the side characters in this book definitely didn't fall victim to that. They were well-rounded, genuine and felt developed and well thought out. They advance the plot but not in a way that makes them feel like a token to the plot.
Overall, a perfect read for the autumn period.
Witch by Finbar Hawkins was one of my top reads of 2020, so when the opportunity came for me to read Stone, I immediately took it.
Stone follows Sam in the aftermath of his father's death. Growing up in a small village, Sam's father told him and his sister Beth the myths and legends of old. He learnt about Celtic mythology, and Norse mythology and believed wholeheartedly in the idea that things aren't always as they seem. But then his dad dies in Kabul and the magic leaves Sam's life. That's until he finds a weird, sparkling white stone that is cold to the touch and seems to draw Sam to it. He finds himself having visions of things that are not there, girls laughing...wolves...his dad...Sam begins to wonder if will he be able to save his dad's spirit and bring him home again. With Samhain drawing closer, Sam and his new love interest, Oona begin to look deeper into the magickal world they've found themselves in and wonder what the night where the veil between the living and the dead is at its thinnest will bring.
Firstly, can we talk about that cover? Wow. Secondly, the inside chapter illustrations are beautiful.
But on to the story.
This was excellent.
I think Hawkins is incredibly talented at making characters you care about, but aren't perfect. Sam in this book isn't without his problems. He's rough around the edges, grief-ridden, and jealous, but you find yourself rooting for him at every juncture. He loves his family so much and it's clear the loss of his father has ruptured his entire world. Having experienced similar grief, it does feel like things will never be right again, and I think Hawkins captures that perfectly in Sam's character.
I think sometimes side characters in stories are a little lacklustre. They're usually there simply to move the plot forward by their very nature but the side characters in this book definitely didn't fall victim to that. They were well-rounded, genuine and felt developed and well thought out. They advance the plot but not in a way that makes them feel like a token to the plot.
Overall, a perfect read for the autumn period.
August 24, 2022
Sam’s father is killed in Afghanistan in his final tour and Sam is devastated. He has lost not only his father but his best friend. When Sam is out walking the ancient hillside where the white chalk horse has galloped for centuries, he finds a strange stone that is ice-cold to touch and seems to call to him. Strange things start to happen and myth, magic and witchcraft mingle in this fascinating story about love, grief and finding a connection that transcends the natural order.
I adored Finbar Hawkins’ debut novel Witch last year so I was excited to see what his new book was like. It did not disappoint. The supernatural element is still very much present in this story but Stone is far more powerful in terms of the emotions it brought out of me as a reader.
The relationship between Sam and his father is so beautifully written- even the friction between them at the end- and it was an amazing story to bring to life on the page. Sam’s journey from anger to the expression of his sadness and hurt and subsequent acknowledgement and release of his grief in a healing way was superbly handled by Hawkins. Sam’s relationship with his little sister was very moving and I loved the inclusion of the older man Bill and his faithful little dog. Bill and Sam’s friendship brought a tear to my eye on a number of occasions as they share a bond in grief.
Sam is realistically portrayed and although not the most likeable of the characters, his emotions and his obsession at times with everyday teen issues shows the reader Sam’s struggles to cope with something so immense as the loss of his father and his best friend. Stone is a truly memorable read and a book that I will be recommending to young people who have lost a family member and might be able to relate to Sam. Definitely a book for fans of the supernatural, Irish & Norse mythology and witchcraft.
Thank you to Head of Zeus and NetGalley for the arc. Stone will be released on the 1st of September.
I adored Finbar Hawkins’ debut novel Witch last year so I was excited to see what his new book was like. It did not disappoint. The supernatural element is still very much present in this story but Stone is far more powerful in terms of the emotions it brought out of me as a reader.
The relationship between Sam and his father is so beautifully written- even the friction between them at the end- and it was an amazing story to bring to life on the page. Sam’s journey from anger to the expression of his sadness and hurt and subsequent acknowledgement and release of his grief in a healing way was superbly handled by Hawkins. Sam’s relationship with his little sister was very moving and I loved the inclusion of the older man Bill and his faithful little dog. Bill and Sam’s friendship brought a tear to my eye on a number of occasions as they share a bond in grief.
Sam is realistically portrayed and although not the most likeable of the characters, his emotions and his obsession at times with everyday teen issues shows the reader Sam’s struggles to cope with something so immense as the loss of his father and his best friend. Stone is a truly memorable read and a book that I will be recommending to young people who have lost a family member and might be able to relate to Sam. Definitely a book for fans of the supernatural, Irish & Norse mythology and witchcraft.
Thank you to Head of Zeus and NetGalley for the arc. Stone will be released on the 1st of September.
July 10, 2023
Ik heb wat gemixte gevoelens over dit boek. Het einde vond ik persoonlijk heel mooi maar het begin van het boek vond ik iets moeilijker om in te komen. De thema's dood, rauw en liefde worden heel mooi omschreven en verwerkt in de karakters. Toch vond ik het niet een super goed boek doodat sommige dingen wat gek en gedwongen over kwamen. Ook vond ik het verhaal pas laat echt op gang komen.
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January 9, 2024Really moving story, I liked the element of mythology woven in throughout.
September 10, 2022
Take a pinch of The Dark is Rising, a spoonful of The Weirdstone of Brisingamen and a ladleful of grief and you might come close to Stone by Finbar Hawkins💫
Sam's Dad does not come back from his final tour of Afghanistan. On the day of the funeral, Sam visits the ancient white horse carved into the hillside above their village, a place where he and his Dad often walked. On this particular day Sam finds a curious white stone that feels cold to touch and conjures strange visions of wolves, ravens and a one-eyed man
Like his debut novel Witch, this story is set firmly in the real world, and yet the supernatural lurks just beneath the surface. Unlike Witch, however, this is a contemporary story about grief and adjusting to loss as a teen. Sam isn’t always the most likeable character, but the myriad of ways he approaches the loss of his Dad is realistic and moving. There may have even been a tear or two shed over this older Middlegrade novel. Thank you to the publisher for sharing Stone with me
Sam's Dad does not come back from his final tour of Afghanistan. On the day of the funeral, Sam visits the ancient white horse carved into the hillside above their village, a place where he and his Dad often walked. On this particular day Sam finds a curious white stone that feels cold to touch and conjures strange visions of wolves, ravens and a one-eyed man
Like his debut novel Witch, this story is set firmly in the real world, and yet the supernatural lurks just beneath the surface. Unlike Witch, however, this is a contemporary story about grief and adjusting to loss as a teen. Sam isn’t always the most likeable character, but the myriad of ways he approaches the loss of his Dad is realistic and moving. There may have even been a tear or two shed over this older Middlegrade novel. Thank you to the publisher for sharing Stone with me
June 8, 2025
Having read Finbar Hawkins' book, 'Witch' in 2024 (and not loving it), I didn't have very high expectations for 'Stone', however, I enjoyed it.
This is a story about death, grief, anger, teenage angst, love and magic.
It is clearly written for a young adult audience, however, it was clever and used myths and magic to look at and consider very real issues, which I think some teens, young people and adults will be able to relate to.
In my review of 'Witch', I commented about the strange and rather "flowery" language and sentence structures, and I found this similar, however, slightly more tolerable.
The images drawn in the book, including tarot cards, images around Norse mythology and the white chalk horse, separating chapters were pretty and a nice addition.
I also liked the links back to "Witch" (won't put more details as I don't want to spoil anything!)
This is a story about death, grief, anger, teenage angst, love and magic.
It is clearly written for a young adult audience, however, it was clever and used myths and magic to look at and consider very real issues, which I think some teens, young people and adults will be able to relate to.
In my review of 'Witch', I commented about the strange and rather "flowery" language and sentence structures, and I found this similar, however, slightly more tolerable.
The images drawn in the book, including tarot cards, images around Norse mythology and the white chalk horse, separating chapters were pretty and a nice addition.
I also liked the links back to "Witch" (won't put more details as I don't want to spoil anything!)
February 25, 2023
Massive disappointment
The first book was great, there was so much potential, but this was just garbage
Huge Waste of time
If I could give this a worse rating then 1 star I would
The first book was great, there was so much potential, but this was just garbage
Huge Waste of time
If I could give this a worse rating then 1 star I would
November 20, 2022
Sam is doing everything he can to try and forget.
His dad isn't coming home. Ever.
He said it was going to be his last tour to Afghanistan and he was right. Sam's not sure if he can forgive him for going back, so with the funeral looming, Sam chooses to party instead.
He's glad he went, even with all his friends looking at him strangely, but too scared to say anything. Then there is Oona. She's new and intriguing and completely intoxicating. She's kind too, just when he needs someone's arms around him.
Sam's memories of his dad flood his mind, pulling him into the hills where the giant chalk horse lays in the grass. This is a place of myth and legend, where Dad told Sam and his younger sister Beth stories of gods and magic. This is where he finds a stone. Silver flecked and round like a small ball, the stone takes him places within strange visions. There are two small girls, dancing on the hill - young witches.
Despite the confusing things he sees, Sam keeps the stone with him, soon realising it gives him courage and strength, but also a deep rage that will not be tamed. The courage is welcome but the trouble the stone brings is not.
As he gets to know Oona, he learns that she has been taught the skill of reading Tarot cards, understanding his visions and knowing exactly what the stone is. It once belonged to witches...
Oona is a wonderful distraction from the things his mum and sister want him to face. They beg him to talk to them and share what is eating him up. When something happens involving police and paramedics, he finally concedes to talking to a professional. It's not just the loss of his dad, but what happened before he died.
With Oona at his side, and a new unlikely friend in support, Sam must face the visions of his dad everywhere, the dancing witches, and Odin and his wolves. He must say goodbye properly to the man he adored. Oona believes the stone and the night of Samhain (Sa win / Halloween) will finally help him to let go.
A touching and beautiful novel by the author of Witch. Sam's grief after losing his dad in Afghanistan is raw on the page. His mind is spinning with grief and guilt and unimagined loss. As I learned about his father I too began to feel the loss of this wonderful husband and father.
Stone is not only about grief and loss, but about love, new friendships and making the most of what we have, even as we mourn what we have lost. The magic, myth and legend is effortlessly woven through Sam's story through memories, visions and dreams, all while being grounded in the present with a worried mum and sister, a best friend not sure how to help and a relentless bully intent on payback.
Throughout the novel are pictures of Tarot cards, animals and birds. Feathers float across pages and leaves lay at random. They add so much to this novel, bringing nature, other worldly magic and mysticism into the narrative.
Finbar Hawkins is a beautiful writer and talented artist. I look forward to anything he gives us in the future.
His dad isn't coming home. Ever.
He said it was going to be his last tour to Afghanistan and he was right. Sam's not sure if he can forgive him for going back, so with the funeral looming, Sam chooses to party instead.
He's glad he went, even with all his friends looking at him strangely, but too scared to say anything. Then there is Oona. She's new and intriguing and completely intoxicating. She's kind too, just when he needs someone's arms around him.
Sam's memories of his dad flood his mind, pulling him into the hills where the giant chalk horse lays in the grass. This is a place of myth and legend, where Dad told Sam and his younger sister Beth stories of gods and magic. This is where he finds a stone. Silver flecked and round like a small ball, the stone takes him places within strange visions. There are two small girls, dancing on the hill - young witches.
Despite the confusing things he sees, Sam keeps the stone with him, soon realising it gives him courage and strength, but also a deep rage that will not be tamed. The courage is welcome but the trouble the stone brings is not.
As he gets to know Oona, he learns that she has been taught the skill of reading Tarot cards, understanding his visions and knowing exactly what the stone is. It once belonged to witches...
Oona is a wonderful distraction from the things his mum and sister want him to face. They beg him to talk to them and share what is eating him up. When something happens involving police and paramedics, he finally concedes to talking to a professional. It's not just the loss of his dad, but what happened before he died.
With Oona at his side, and a new unlikely friend in support, Sam must face the visions of his dad everywhere, the dancing witches, and Odin and his wolves. He must say goodbye properly to the man he adored. Oona believes the stone and the night of Samhain (Sa win / Halloween) will finally help him to let go.
A touching and beautiful novel by the author of Witch. Sam's grief after losing his dad in Afghanistan is raw on the page. His mind is spinning with grief and guilt and unimagined loss. As I learned about his father I too began to feel the loss of this wonderful husband and father.
Stone is not only about grief and loss, but about love, new friendships and making the most of what we have, even as we mourn what we have lost. The magic, myth and legend is effortlessly woven through Sam's story through memories, visions and dreams, all while being grounded in the present with a worried mum and sister, a best friend not sure how to help and a relentless bully intent on payback.
Throughout the novel are pictures of Tarot cards, animals and birds. Feathers float across pages and leaves lay at random. They add so much to this novel, bringing nature, other worldly magic and mysticism into the narrative.
Finbar Hawkins is a beautiful writer and talented artist. I look forward to anything he gives us in the future.
June 6, 2023
⭐️3.5⭐️
Things I loved about this book:
• Hawkins’s narrative voice is striking and unique, and it sucked me into the story easily and quickly
• The way grief is addressed made me genuinely feel for the characters - it was delicately, subtly handled in a way that was both raw and graceful.
• I loved all the mythic tie-ins and appreciated how Hawkins used myth and legend to explore a story about a teenager dealing with his own grief, reminiscent of Patrick Ness’s A Monster Calls. It’s a delicate balance to achieve, and I think he did a fine job of finding that balance.
Things I struggled with:
• While my heart ached for the characters, I didn’t necessarily feel very attached to them. This may be because of the fast-paced writing style, but overall, I just didn’t really connect with them (even as I felt empathy for their situation). In that vein, I was more invested in the brief glimpse of romance between (spoilers) Beth and Chad than I was between Sam and Oona; the main romance felt rather forced to me.
• While I like the artistic nature of Hawkins’s style, I often felt taken out of the story by it, or struggled to really follow what was going on. There were times I was really connected to what was going on, but a lot of other times where I couldn’t keep up with the pace at which we switched between reality and divine. This may be my own failing as a reader, but it made it difficult for me to enjoy for certain stretches.
Overall, this was an interesting and enjoyable read, and I’m glad to have picked it up!
Things I loved about this book:
• Hawkins’s narrative voice is striking and unique, and it sucked me into the story easily and quickly
• The way grief is addressed made me genuinely feel for the characters - it was delicately, subtly handled in a way that was both raw and graceful.
• I loved all the mythic tie-ins and appreciated how Hawkins used myth and legend to explore a story about a teenager dealing with his own grief, reminiscent of Patrick Ness’s A Monster Calls. It’s a delicate balance to achieve, and I think he did a fine job of finding that balance.
Things I struggled with:
• While my heart ached for the characters, I didn’t necessarily feel very attached to them. This may be because of the fast-paced writing style, but overall, I just didn’t really connect with them (even as I felt empathy for their situation). In that vein, I was more invested in the brief glimpse of romance between (spoilers) Beth and Chad than I was between Sam and Oona; the main romance felt rather forced to me.
• While I like the artistic nature of Hawkins’s style, I often felt taken out of the story by it, or struggled to really follow what was going on. There were times I was really connected to what was going on, but a lot of other times where I couldn’t keep up with the pace at which we switched between reality and divine. This may be my own failing as a reader, but it made it difficult for me to enjoy for certain stretches.
Overall, this was an interesting and enjoyable read, and I’m glad to have picked it up!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 17, 2023
I received an eARC from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. It has not affected my opinions.
STONE is a story of grief, how we process it and how we try to hide from it.
I really enjoyed how it explored the desperate desire not to confront grief, how it affects our emotions and can make us act irrationally. But the book also looks at how friends and family and professionals can support us and help us get through it and heal.
There is magic in the book, other worlds that can be glimpsed through a stone. To me, it never felt clear whether the magic was real of just Sam's subconscious dealing with his grief, manifesting it as a way to give him a chance to have closure, that connection with his dad and patch things up.
I liked that uncertainty. I'm sure everyone would have a different opinion on whether it was real or not, and I think I'm coming down on the side of grief rather than magic. However, the uncertainty allows for different interpretations, to let everyone explore grief through Sam's eyes in their own, personal way.
It's a short and sweet (though in some ways bittersweet) tale that wants to be read in one setting to immerse the reader in all the emotions at once.
STONE is a story of grief, how we process it and how we try to hide from it.
I really enjoyed how it explored the desperate desire not to confront grief, how it affects our emotions and can make us act irrationally. But the book also looks at how friends and family and professionals can support us and help us get through it and heal.
There is magic in the book, other worlds that can be glimpsed through a stone. To me, it never felt clear whether the magic was real of just Sam's subconscious dealing with his grief, manifesting it as a way to give him a chance to have closure, that connection with his dad and patch things up.
I liked that uncertainty. I'm sure everyone would have a different opinion on whether it was real or not, and I think I'm coming down on the side of grief rather than magic. However, the uncertainty allows for different interpretations, to let everyone explore grief through Sam's eyes in their own, personal way.
It's a short and sweet (though in some ways bittersweet) tale that wants to be read in one setting to immerse the reader in all the emotions at once.
October 31, 2024
This is the perfect read for your October tbr! I definitely picked the perfect time for reading this without even realising.
The comfort of reading a book set in the English countryside hits different and I decided to pick this book up when I did because I was going to be around white horse country (aka Wiltshire/Hampshire) and the vibes did not disappoint!
Though at first I didn’t expect this book to centre around teenagers at school (because I read the blurb a looong time ago) it was actually a pleasant surprise to see how the fantasy elements of the story wove into this. The themes get quite dark as the main character processes the death of his dad but it’s all so cleverly written and follows the folklore vibes and concept that the cover suggests. (I certainly was drawn to this book because of the cover!) And the mix of pictures within the text really sets the scene and makes it extra aesthetically pleasing!
I just found this book creates the perfect eerie witchy vibe. Like that feeling when you’re out in the country far from civilisation and all you can hear is the wind and the birds. It’s so quiet.
Looking forward to reading this authors other book!
The comfort of reading a book set in the English countryside hits different and I decided to pick this book up when I did because I was going to be around white horse country (aka Wiltshire/Hampshire) and the vibes did not disappoint!
Though at first I didn’t expect this book to centre around teenagers at school (because I read the blurb a looong time ago) it was actually a pleasant surprise to see how the fantasy elements of the story wove into this. The themes get quite dark as the main character processes the death of his dad but it’s all so cleverly written and follows the folklore vibes and concept that the cover suggests. (I certainly was drawn to this book because of the cover!) And the mix of pictures within the text really sets the scene and makes it extra aesthetically pleasing!
I just found this book creates the perfect eerie witchy vibe. Like that feeling when you’re out in the country far from civilisation and all you can hear is the wind and the birds. It’s so quiet.
Looking forward to reading this authors other book!
October 14, 2024
I loved the premise of this book and I like the authors writing style but the second half just lost me a little. It was nothing like I thought it would be and there was very little witch stuff involved which was disappointing. I loved the first book witch way more.
August 13, 2022
I loved how the story started, with a little bit of information and a little bit of mystery. It was good, it made me keep reading. But then it was like this book lacked of something. I felt nothing for the characters or the story itself. I couldn't connect to the story.
January 3, 2024
Loved the premise but it was a bit confusing as a book sometimes, which I’m now realising was due to the fact that I read the SECOND book in this series… completely skipping the first…. Anyway. Characters were all quite enjoyable, the side plot of Dan wanting to kill (?) Sam felt very out of nowhere. Glad I read it, I obviously loved the Irish references (more specifically the reference to Dingle). I would read the first book as a sort of prequel, but I just didn’t enjoy it enough.
September 16, 2022
Sam, grieving the recent death of his father, and after lashing out on those he is closest to, decides to venture far from home to be able to think straight when he stumbles upon a silver-flecked ancient stone, ice cold to the touch, hefty in weight with its own mysteries and it’s not long before odd things begin to happen…
Where nature mingles with myth, lore, and legend, perhaps dabbling in witchcraft on the ancient hillside where the chalk white horse has graced this land and galloped for many centuries, Ravens Wheel is home to more than meets the eye.
Wolves stalk their pray and prowl within the shadows. Perhaps you see something on the periphery of your vision, just for it to disappear the second you try to focus on it. Maybe it’s all in your head. Or just maybe, this is where the veil between worlds is thinner than spiderweb, aching to connect with a time long forgotten.
As Halloween draws ever closer, witches dance. Odin gathers brave, fallen warriors by his side, and those once lost yearn to be heard again.
Oona, the mysterious new girl in town wields the power of tarot, and she may be able to help Sam uncover just why the stone that is heavy in his hands seems to be handing Sam more questions than answers.
But maybe there is a very good reason for this stone to have been lost in the first place. Will Sam Unravel the mystery as he battles with his own demons, or will the ghost of his father haunt his memory forever?
A beautiful meditation on death, grief and how we find ourselves when we feel lost, this is a wonderful story to devour in one sitting.
Where nature mingles with myth, lore, and legend, perhaps dabbling in witchcraft on the ancient hillside where the chalk white horse has graced this land and galloped for many centuries, Ravens Wheel is home to more than meets the eye.
Wolves stalk their pray and prowl within the shadows. Perhaps you see something on the periphery of your vision, just for it to disappear the second you try to focus on it. Maybe it’s all in your head. Or just maybe, this is where the veil between worlds is thinner than spiderweb, aching to connect with a time long forgotten.
As Halloween draws ever closer, witches dance. Odin gathers brave, fallen warriors by his side, and those once lost yearn to be heard again.
Oona, the mysterious new girl in town wields the power of tarot, and she may be able to help Sam uncover just why the stone that is heavy in his hands seems to be handing Sam more questions than answers.
But maybe there is a very good reason for this stone to have been lost in the first place. Will Sam Unravel the mystery as he battles with his own demons, or will the ghost of his father haunt his memory forever?
A beautiful meditation on death, grief and how we find ourselves when we feel lost, this is a wonderful story to devour in one sitting.
January 30, 2025
Unexpected. Very close to home
March 16, 2025
What a a lovely book. So beautiful. After having lost my dad a couple of years ago, I feel like I came across this book for a reason. So thank you to the author.
December 2, 2022
“The past is nothing but a weight. It will build inside of you like a stone.” - Lauren Oliver.
Stone by Finbar Hawkins is heartbreaking as it is heartwarming. Having read his debut novel, Witch, I was excited to see what this new one of his had in store, and it didn't disappoint. The story becomes mysterious and peculiar things start to happen, which makes you want to keep reading to find out what will happen next; it's a beautiful case of magical realism. Speaking of beautiful, I cannot tell you how much I adored the illustrations by Mr Hawkins himself! Clearly, this author is a gentleman of many talents!
Sam's father told him and his sister the myths and legends of old. He learnt about Celtic mythology and Norse mythology and believed that things aren't always as they seem. But then his dad dies in Afghanistan, and the magic leaves Sam's life. That's until he finds a weird, sparkling white stone that is cold to the touch and seems to draw Sam to it. He has visions of things that are not there, girls laughing, wolves, and his dad. Sam begins to wonder if he will be able to save his dad's spirit and bring him home again.
I adore the juxtaposition of the natural world and the magical one. The story remains manageable in the urban fantasy genre as if the supernatural occurring were somewhat ambiguous. Like Hawkins' previous novel, he combines magic, mythology, witchcraft and folklore, giving the story a more poetic weight. While also laid around a convincing rural setting, realistic characters and a fascinating supernatural element, it connects the mythos in a psychogeography manner.
I like how Hawkins doesn't shy away from making the main character a bit unlikeable. Sam's life is messy and confusing as he navigates his way through teen life after losing his father; sometimes, his anger and explosive reactions show the raw emotion of grief. While I don't know if the target audience might find the subject matter of death too macabre, the story seems to give the reader hope as it has an excellent metaphor for how grief can be a superpower.
I grew a solid emotional attachment to this book's final chapter(s). I've read over a hundred books, and nothing compared to the connection in those last few pages. Without giving it away, I can't put my finger as to what it was that made me emotional because of it; whether it be the writing, the characters, the dialogue or all of the above (most likely all of the above), it was something exceptional. All in all, this book is outstanding. I highly recommend it!
August 30, 2022
As always I want to start by saying that I was given an e-ARC of this to review. My review is honest and left voluntarily. Thank you to @headofZeus and @Netgalley
I absolutely adored Finbar Hawkins debut novel Witch when it first came out. The prose was beautiful, the story amazing and the characters memorable. So when I had the chance from Head of Zeus to review Hawkins’ newest book I was incredibly excited. Add into this the reference to Odin and I was sure this would be amazing. Thankfully, I wasn’t wrong.
Stone follows Sam a young teen who is grieving the death of his father. When he finds a silver-flecked stone that is ice-cold to the touch strange things begin to happen in his life. Combining magic, myth, legend and witchcraft Hawkins weaves a tale centred on an hillside where a chalk white horse has galloped for centuries.
The first thing I want to say is Sam as a protagonist did make some rather infuriating choices and was not always likable but I honestly feel that was the point. Sam is a teenage boy, dealing with all the issues teens deal with and on top of this had the crippling grief and loss of his father during these years. He is far from perfect but he is most definitely human. He also does progress throughout the story learning and healing with his grief and internalised guilt. In short he is not always likeable but he was the perfect protagonist for this story.
Secondly I was not prepared for how heartbreaking and heartwarming this book was going to be. Grief is a terrible thing that most of us will face. It breaks us down and Hawkins captures this perfectly from Sam and his family to the old man Sam befriends, Bill. We see how it continues to live with us but how slowly it becomes something we can live with. It was heartwarming to see Sam and Bill bond and Sam slowly come to terms with his grief. Not that it made the loss easier but it began to heal.
The third thing I adored was how Hawkins manages to combine the world of myth and magic to a ‘normal’ world. The strange and eerie experiences Sam has have no logical explanation but Hawkins manages to build in a world of myth and magic where they do become acceptable and make sense. This was added by the inclusion of Oona, with her bewitching ways who is able to help and guide Sam with her tarot.
Without spoiling the book I will say it was one I definitely will be recommending and re-reading. It contained all of Hawkins trademarks of beautiful prose, believable characters who are far from perfect, melding magic and the real world and a wonderful story all while dealing with tough topics like grief and loss in a believable and respectful way.
I absolutely adored Finbar Hawkins debut novel Witch when it first came out. The prose was beautiful, the story amazing and the characters memorable. So when I had the chance from Head of Zeus to review Hawkins’ newest book I was incredibly excited. Add into this the reference to Odin and I was sure this would be amazing. Thankfully, I wasn’t wrong.
Stone follows Sam a young teen who is grieving the death of his father. When he finds a silver-flecked stone that is ice-cold to the touch strange things begin to happen in his life. Combining magic, myth, legend and witchcraft Hawkins weaves a tale centred on an hillside where a chalk white horse has galloped for centuries.
The first thing I want to say is Sam as a protagonist did make some rather infuriating choices and was not always likable but I honestly feel that was the point. Sam is a teenage boy, dealing with all the issues teens deal with and on top of this had the crippling grief and loss of his father during these years. He is far from perfect but he is most definitely human. He also does progress throughout the story learning and healing with his grief and internalised guilt. In short he is not always likeable but he was the perfect protagonist for this story.
Secondly I was not prepared for how heartbreaking and heartwarming this book was going to be. Grief is a terrible thing that most of us will face. It breaks us down and Hawkins captures this perfectly from Sam and his family to the old man Sam befriends, Bill. We see how it continues to live with us but how slowly it becomes something we can live with. It was heartwarming to see Sam and Bill bond and Sam slowly come to terms with his grief. Not that it made the loss easier but it began to heal.
The third thing I adored was how Hawkins manages to combine the world of myth and magic to a ‘normal’ world. The strange and eerie experiences Sam has have no logical explanation but Hawkins manages to build in a world of myth and magic where they do become acceptable and make sense. This was added by the inclusion of Oona, with her bewitching ways who is able to help and guide Sam with her tarot.
Without spoiling the book I will say it was one I definitely will be recommending and re-reading. It contained all of Hawkins trademarks of beautiful prose, believable characters who are far from perfect, melding magic and the real world and a wonderful story all while dealing with tough topics like grief and loss in a believable and respectful way.
November 4, 2022
Stone is a (sort of) sequel to Finbar Hawkins’s Witch. The cover and the titular stone itself, hark back to that debut, which was gripping, original and with a truly compelling voice, in the main character, Evie.
But that was set hundreds of years before, and critically employing the syntax and language of that time. Could this, with some different themes, a truly different first-person narrator/character in Sam, and a plot which is only loosely linked to Witch, work as well? ‘Second album’, type doubts and questions were in my mind.
I needn’t have worried. Stone is every bit as powerful as Witch, if not more so. The writing - this time in the voice of a teenage boy – is honest and heartfelt. Whereas Witch felt like the writer taking on and wearing a mask, (yet so convincingly, we fully believe in Evie), I have a hunch Sam might have large chunks of a teenage Finbar Hawkins in him. From the early party scene, through strained family relationships, friendships and tentative love, it all feels very real; and shot through with deliciously dark humour and insight.
All this; so far, so YA (though well done enough to stand out), but what really sets Stone apart is the way it weaves its themes and ideas into one tapestry:
Both Witch and Stone have the grief of losing a parent at their heart. Here, it’s Sam’s dad who has died in Afghanistan. This tale of loss is made fresh, and given extra colour and flavour through Sam’s discovery of the ‘stone’ and the links it makes with supernatural forces; with the tarot, with the Norse gods, which slowly reveal and manifest, powered by the stone and Sam’s emotions.
This is what really lifts the YA elements.: the supernatural, combined with the key question for Sam’s character: How is he going to grieve for, but also ultimately accept, his father’s death? This is done convincingly and - odd to say this – it feels very realistic. The supernatural is most certainly ‘there’ but the book never slips into outright fantasy. This is a far more satisfying way of using magick, because it speaks to and links to, how in Evie’s time, superstition and folkore helped people make sense of their lives. Not something distant like the major religions, and distant gods, found through weekly service, but in Hawkin’s world; here, now. But unlike Witch, in as modern and relatable a tale and setting as you could get.
Highly recommended, and if you can, read Witch too. (Note, you could read either first).
But that was set hundreds of years before, and critically employing the syntax and language of that time. Could this, with some different themes, a truly different first-person narrator/character in Sam, and a plot which is only loosely linked to Witch, work as well? ‘Second album’, type doubts and questions were in my mind.
I needn’t have worried. Stone is every bit as powerful as Witch, if not more so. The writing - this time in the voice of a teenage boy – is honest and heartfelt. Whereas Witch felt like the writer taking on and wearing a mask, (yet so convincingly, we fully believe in Evie), I have a hunch Sam might have large chunks of a teenage Finbar Hawkins in him. From the early party scene, through strained family relationships, friendships and tentative love, it all feels very real; and shot through with deliciously dark humour and insight.
All this; so far, so YA (though well done enough to stand out), but what really sets Stone apart is the way it weaves its themes and ideas into one tapestry:
Both Witch and Stone have the grief of losing a parent at their heart. Here, it’s Sam’s dad who has died in Afghanistan. This tale of loss is made fresh, and given extra colour and flavour through Sam’s discovery of the ‘stone’ and the links it makes with supernatural forces; with the tarot, with the Norse gods, which slowly reveal and manifest, powered by the stone and Sam’s emotions.
This is what really lifts the YA elements.: the supernatural, combined with the key question for Sam’s character: How is he going to grieve for, but also ultimately accept, his father’s death? This is done convincingly and - odd to say this – it feels very realistic. The supernatural is most certainly ‘there’ but the book never slips into outright fantasy. This is a far more satisfying way of using magick, because it speaks to and links to, how in Evie’s time, superstition and folkore helped people make sense of their lives. Not something distant like the major religions, and distant gods, found through weekly service, but in Hawkin’s world; here, now. But unlike Witch, in as modern and relatable a tale and setting as you could get.
Highly recommended, and if you can, read Witch too. (Note, you could read either first).
August 31, 2022
Finbar Hawkins impressed me greatly with his debut Witch, a supernatural tale set in Scotland several hundred years ago, in a period where innocent women were frequently persecuted for being witches. Although Stone has supernatural overtones it is not as pronounced as Witch and being set in modern times is a fascinating second novel which truly marks Hawkins as an author to watch. Grief lies at the heart of this very moving story and is soaked through every page as teenager Sam tries to get over the recent death of his father, who was killed by a landmine in Afghanistan. However, what lies at the heart of the story is the final online conversation with his father and words he never had the chance to take back. Some teens may well find the subject matter of death and loss to be too morbid, but is built around a convincing rural setting, friendships, young love and a strange supernatural element, which is connected to the rural landscapes and mythology of the local area.
Sam was realistically portrayed and was not the most likable of characters, being very self-absorbed and frequently finding himself in trouble and distances himself from his mother and slightly younger sister Beth who manages the loss of their father better than him. The novel opens around the time of the funeral and Sam spotting a new girl, Oona, at a party and whilst he reflects on the good times with his father the pair become close. After Sam finds a scrying stone, begins to have visions and blackouts whilst his personal life becomes complex the magical story becomes more pronounced and the stories that his father told him as a child become very real. Even though Sam brings a lot of the trouble upon himself, it was hard not to sympathise with him, but he is backup up great support characters, including his sister and best friend. The story also takes in bullying and makes the most of the local landscape and the power which comes from a chalk white horse drawn into the side of a hill. It was also nice to read a supernatural novel with a boy as a central character as they are truly an endangered species! AGE RANGE 12+
Sam was realistically portrayed and was not the most likable of characters, being very self-absorbed and frequently finding himself in trouble and distances himself from his mother and slightly younger sister Beth who manages the loss of their father better than him. The novel opens around the time of the funeral and Sam spotting a new girl, Oona, at a party and whilst he reflects on the good times with his father the pair become close. After Sam finds a scrying stone, begins to have visions and blackouts whilst his personal life becomes complex the magical story becomes more pronounced and the stories that his father told him as a child become very real. Even though Sam brings a lot of the trouble upon himself, it was hard not to sympathise with him, but he is backup up great support characters, including his sister and best friend. The story also takes in bullying and makes the most of the local landscape and the power which comes from a chalk white horse drawn into the side of a hill. It was also nice to read a supernatural novel with a boy as a central character as they are truly an endangered species! AGE RANGE 12+
January 23, 2025
4.5 stars. I absolutely loved Witch by the same author, because the atmosphere was simply incredible, the characters were intriguing and the storyline was very fun! The same goes for Stone ✨
I didn't expect the story to turn out like this, but it was a welcome surprise! Grieving and guilt plays a huge part in this story and I think it has been put into words beautifully. I could feel the sorrow that our main character experienced, but his journey was also easy to understand and follow.
The book was very easy to read and get into. The pace is just right and the flow is also great. The atmosphere and the vibes were strong, even though not a lot of things are described into detail. You just sort of feel it when reading! And I love that. I was flying through the pages because it just worked so well! I do think that there are a few things the story could improve on, but I'm not too sure as to what that is. I just feel like something is missing from it. Nothing big! But just a few tiny things.
I also loved the way in which magic, tarot and folklore is imbued throughout the story. The god Odin made frequent appearances and I love reading about him. Not only because he's a very interesting god, but also because it means raven content! Gosh there were a lot of raven mentions and I devoured every single moment. Incredible birds!
The illustrations throughout the book are a great addition to the story and helped to set the tone. From the full page drawings of the tarot cards, to the small ravens and leaves at the start of each new chapter. I discovered so many details on the cover once I actually sat down and took a second to really look at the book. A lot of Norse Paganism references!
To summarise, a very easy and fun story which will leave you thinking about life and death.
I didn't expect the story to turn out like this, but it was a welcome surprise! Grieving and guilt plays a huge part in this story and I think it has been put into words beautifully. I could feel the sorrow that our main character experienced, but his journey was also easy to understand and follow.
The book was very easy to read and get into. The pace is just right and the flow is also great. The atmosphere and the vibes were strong, even though not a lot of things are described into detail. You just sort of feel it when reading! And I love that. I was flying through the pages because it just worked so well! I do think that there are a few things the story could improve on, but I'm not too sure as to what that is. I just feel like something is missing from it. Nothing big! But just a few tiny things.
I also loved the way in which magic, tarot and folklore is imbued throughout the story. The god Odin made frequent appearances and I love reading about him. Not only because he's a very interesting god, but also because it means raven content! Gosh there were a lot of raven mentions and I devoured every single moment. Incredible birds!
The illustrations throughout the book are a great addition to the story and helped to set the tone. From the full page drawings of the tarot cards, to the small ravens and leaves at the start of each new chapter. I discovered so many details on the cover once I actually sat down and took a second to really look at the book. A lot of Norse Paganism references!
To summarise, a very easy and fun story which will leave you thinking about life and death.
June 4, 2023
I thought the emotion was good. Very well handled and brought across fantastically. The friendship between Sam and Bill was my favourite as it’s rare to find older characters acting as not only major players in a story, but as a friend rather than family.
I really liked the setting too, it’s also rare to find contemporary YA with a rural setting so I appreciate that too.
However, here are my gripes… I will mirror what others have mentioned about Sam’s relationship with Oola somewhat. My gripe was less about the obsessive nature of Sam’s infatuation with her after the passing of his dad (I can understand escapism through others as a coping mechanism), but more about her actual characterisation. She very much gave me ‘manic pixie dream girl’ vibes, owing nothing to the plot other than to pull the main male character out of his slump and back into ‘life’ again. She hits many of the hallmark MPDG markers, with the occult interests and ‘quirky’ personality. And whilst I appreciate the fact I just wish the author had taken the time to flesh out her personality more as the mc’s love interest other than just ‘quirky Irish girl who knows about witchy things’. I was waiting for this the entire time, and when it never came I felt disappointed. Especially given it’s rare to see YA with male protagonists these days. I was glad to be reading from the perspective of such, but overall, having to find such an outdated and problematic trope within the text dulled the experience for me.
I really liked the setting too, it’s also rare to find contemporary YA with a rural setting so I appreciate that too.
However, here are my gripes… I will mirror what others have mentioned about Sam’s relationship with Oola somewhat. My gripe was less about the obsessive nature of Sam’s infatuation with her after the passing of his dad (I can understand escapism through others as a coping mechanism), but more about her actual characterisation. She very much gave me ‘manic pixie dream girl’ vibes, owing nothing to the plot other than to pull the main male character out of his slump and back into ‘life’ again. She hits many of the hallmark MPDG markers, with the occult interests and ‘quirky’ personality. And whilst I appreciate the fact I just wish the author had taken the time to flesh out her personality more as the mc’s love interest other than just ‘quirky Irish girl who knows about witchy things’. I was waiting for this the entire time, and when it never came I felt disappointed. Especially given it’s rare to see YA with male protagonists these days. I was glad to be reading from the perspective of such, but overall, having to find such an outdated and problematic trope within the text dulled the experience for me.
June 22, 2024
My husband bought this book for himself while on our honeymoon in Ireland. Lately I’ve been trying to read through the books (that I haven’t already) we have at home so that I don’t keep buying more (lol). I decided to go into this book blind. I figured if it peaked Jacob’s interest I’d probably like it too. I’ll be honest, if I had read what the book was about I probably would’ve avoided it because I tend to be very emotional. I’m really glad I didn’t. This book was so hard for me to read but I mean that in the best way. I felt so much sadness, empathy and happiness throughout the story. There was many times I’d have to put the book down and stop crying before I could keep reading. I felt like I was grieving alongside Sam and was rooting for him the entire time which added to the empathy I’d feel for him. The relationships he makes along his the way made me so happy for him. The mythology and fae aspects of this story really peaked my interest as well. Overall I really enjoyed this read.
November 7, 2023
A short story about grief, coming to terms with death, and learning to live again. a young man deal with his emotions of the last words he says to his dad being horrible, jealousy of a girl, struggling in his relationship with his mom, and a magic stone that lets him see his father again.
Its not fantasy, just full of metaphors. Events happen that make the MC realize he cant lash out just cause hes in pain, when hes faced with the potential impacts of his hurtful words he realizes that he need to find a new way to live, and find things to live for. A book I would recommend for young people who are dealing with grief.
Would make a great family read for teenage years and could lead to great conversations about loss, coping, and processing emotions. The MC wasnt wrong for feeling his feelings, and his actions are all understandable, and the almost loss of another friend after hurtful words can lead to discussions of unintended consequences.
Its not fantasy, just full of metaphors. Events happen that make the MC realize he cant lash out just cause hes in pain, when hes faced with the potential impacts of his hurtful words he realizes that he need to find a new way to live, and find things to live for. A book I would recommend for young people who are dealing with grief.
Would make a great family read for teenage years and could lead to great conversations about loss, coping, and processing emotions. The MC wasnt wrong for feeling his feelings, and his actions are all understandable, and the almost loss of another friend after hurtful words can lead to discussions of unintended consequences.
July 28, 2022
Maybe I'm the wrong reader, but I found this book interesting in some parts and lacking slightly in others. The idea was good, as was the research, and the writing. Unfortunately, I found the main character to be so self absorbed that I found him hard to like, so it was difficult to empathise as much with him as I felt I should be.
Obviously he is a character with whom we should be feeling great sympathy, but rather than deep sorrow he seemed to be too obsessed with 'the new girl' and this jarred; I know he is a teenage boy but his willingness to dump his best friend was a shame.
I liked the sister and the old man - both good characters, and wasn't so keen on Oona. I thought that a lot of the trouble could have been avoided, but there again, it is a story. I am sure that certain readers would be much happier with the book than I was.
Obviously he is a character with whom we should be feeling great sympathy, but rather than deep sorrow he seemed to be too obsessed with 'the new girl' and this jarred; I know he is a teenage boy but his willingness to dump his best friend was a shame.
I liked the sister and the old man - both good characters, and wasn't so keen on Oona. I thought that a lot of the trouble could have been avoided, but there again, it is a story. I am sure that certain readers would be much happier with the book than I was.
May 1, 2024
Sam’s Dad has died in Afghanistan. He, his sister and Mum are very close and loving. But Sam feels guilty that he was angry with his Dad the last time he video called. He finds a stone and, helped by his growing friendship with Oona and an elderly man, Bill, and his psychotherapist, he manages to reconnect with his Dad and come to terms with his guilt. The key for him is the stone he finds out in the hills which seems to act as a gateway and allow him to see his Dad and relive walking with him and talking with him. Oona is into mysticism and witchcraft. But what happens to Sam (the visions of his Dad and of Odin) can also be his imagination, the fights he gets into and the work with the psychotherapist.
Loved the writing, the characters and relationships, different generations, and the emotion.
Loved the writing, the characters and relationships, different generations, and the emotion.
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