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Chronicles of Aesirium #2
The Morrow Stone
Book Two of the Chronicles of On the world of Aerthos, the large community of Oldtown-Against-the-Wall has long been the refuge for the former citizens of the city of Aesirium, Utopian citadel of science and magic. But outside the defensive wall, the exiled townspeople have fallen under siege by undead monsters from the wild. Among them, however, a trio of young children seem to be key to the survival and evolution of this town. Can they learn to utilize their individual skills and talents in time? And what is the Morrow stone, what role does it play, and why do so many people seek it?
328 pages, Paperback
First published June 24, 2009
1 person is currently reading
224 people want to read
About the author
Ren Cummins
38 books96 followersBorn in California, Ren lived in three more states and one other country before finally settling down in Seattle, Washington. There with his wife and daughter and their two dogs and one of the heaviest cats in existence, he juggles a love of writing, music, science fiction and the occasional desire to make an honest buck.
After a college professor in his English department took a good look at his work and aspirations, and subsequently challenged him to find his voice out in the world and not in a classroom, Ren decided to interpret this challenge positively (and not in a "why don't you just sod off, you tosser!" sort of way) and has been working to find that very voice ever since.
Along the journey, such relatively mundane occupational interruptions like working as a hotel manager, music studio engineer and middle eastern drummer for belly dancers offered their respective distractions, but only served to diversify his voice, granting new accents and dialects. His life-long studies of philosophy, religion and the evolution of language have also played their part in affecting the development of his writing style.
Along with short stories and a developing anthology of Children's stories, Ren has been writing a series of steampunk-themed novels, collected into the "Aerthos Trilogy", an epic adventure centering around a twelve year old orphan girl who discovers that her own destiny is tied irrevocably to the past and future of their divided world. The first novel, "The Morrow Stone" was nominated for the Steampunk Book of the Year 2010 by Steampunk.com.
When not working on novels, Ren can also be found sipping on a white chocolate mocha, playing RPGs (dice or video games) or trying to teach his dogs not to jump on the couch.
After a college professor in his English department took a good look at his work and aspirations, and subsequently challenged him to find his voice out in the world and not in a classroom, Ren decided to interpret this challenge positively (and not in a "why don't you just sod off, you tosser!" sort of way) and has been working to find that very voice ever since.
Along the journey, such relatively mundane occupational interruptions like working as a hotel manager, music studio engineer and middle eastern drummer for belly dancers offered their respective distractions, but only served to diversify his voice, granting new accents and dialects. His life-long studies of philosophy, religion and the evolution of language have also played their part in affecting the development of his writing style.
Along with short stories and a developing anthology of Children's stories, Ren has been writing a series of steampunk-themed novels, collected into the "Aerthos Trilogy", an epic adventure centering around a twelve year old orphan girl who discovers that her own destiny is tied irrevocably to the past and future of their divided world. The first novel, "The Morrow Stone" was nominated for the Steampunk Book of the Year 2010 by Steampunk.com.
When not working on novels, Ren can also be found sipping on a white chocolate mocha, playing RPGs (dice or video games) or trying to teach his dogs not to jump on the couch.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
January 18, 2024
Although this says Book 1 of the Aetheros Trilogy, it is listed as book 2 of Aesirium. I really dislike reading books out of order, and I'm annoyed at discovering that this wasn't the first in the series, and no clue why it would say otherwise.
Coming off a book that I loved reading, the beginning of Morrow Stone was a hard sell. I'm usually ok with prologues, but this one proved to be the kind that the critics rail about. It did nothing to grab me, was mostly confusing with overly flowery, stilted narrative and turned out to be some bit of mythology which I promptly forgot. Hard to read, no hook, 100% didn't need to slog through that and it almost made me want to quit reading then and there.
I forged on, though I question that decision now. It's not that the story was bad, it had an intriguing premise, but there were many issues that combined to make me enjoy it less and less. Cardboard characterizations are at the top of the list, especially the antagonists. The Queen actually cackles. This isn't a Disney movie, the written format demands more depth.
Like many works aimed at the YA market I found myself questioning character motivation. Major plot arcs shouldn't require characters to do things just because. There needs to be a reasoned path that gets them there. "It'll be cool" is not motivation or a reasoned path. It's just lazy writing. Kids may not be very discerning, but adults read this stuff too--and seriously, things should make MORE sense not LESS when you're writing for younger readers.
Will not be continuing the series. I didn't even bother reading the included first chapter of the next book.
Coming off a book that I loved reading, the beginning of Morrow Stone was a hard sell. I'm usually ok with prologues, but this one proved to be the kind that the critics rail about. It did nothing to grab me, was mostly confusing with overly flowery, stilted narrative and turned out to be some bit of mythology which I promptly forgot. Hard to read, no hook, 100% didn't need to slog through that and it almost made me want to quit reading then and there.
I forged on, though I question that decision now. It's not that the story was bad, it had an intriguing premise, but there were many issues that combined to make me enjoy it less and less. Cardboard characterizations are at the top of the list, especially the antagonists. The Queen actually cackles. This isn't a Disney movie, the written format demands more depth.
Like many works aimed at the YA market I found myself questioning character motivation. Major plot arcs shouldn't require characters to do things just because. There needs to be a reasoned path that gets them there. "It'll be cool" is not motivation or a reasoned path. It's just lazy writing. Kids may not be very discerning, but adults read this stuff too--and seriously, things should make MORE sense not LESS when you're writing for younger readers.
Will not be continuing the series. I didn't even bother reading the included first chapter of the next book.
August 14, 2010
An excellent first book that mixes action, fantasy, and steam punk.
December 28, 2010
I won this book in a First Reads giveaway. The author sent it to me with a very cordial and personal note, a courtesy that was much appreciated.
I really enjoyed reading this imaginative and involving tale of three special children, who rapidly become young adults in the course of events.
The first of a trilogy, this book introduces a richly imagined world full of dangers, intrigue and evildoers that must be overcome by an evolving collaboration of the band of young heroes. The characters and plot are drawn with a skill and subtlety that shows high skill in this very promising first novel.
I plan to pass this book along to my 10-year old, avid-reader son, who should love the combination of fantasy, magic, and tough reality contained in these adventures. I look forward to the remaining two books in this series, and to other developments from the fertile imagination of this gifted author.
I really enjoyed reading this imaginative and involving tale of three special children, who rapidly become young adults in the course of events.
The first of a trilogy, this book introduces a richly imagined world full of dangers, intrigue and evildoers that must be overcome by an evolving collaboration of the band of young heroes. The characters and plot are drawn with a skill and subtlety that shows high skill in this very promising first novel.
I plan to pass this book along to my 10-year old, avid-reader son, who should love the combination of fantasy, magic, and tough reality contained in these adventures. I look forward to the remaining two books in this series, and to other developments from the fertile imagination of this gifted author.
August 18, 2011
Having known Ren Cummins on Twitter for a while, I had wanted to read his book for a long time. Due to work, it sadly took me a few months to finally finish it. The ending especially was what grabbed me, and the dynamics between the characters kept a steady pace throughout the novel. Each character has their own refreshing, unique personality and this book is a fine addition to the world of Steampunk.
It's a joy for readers at any age and I can see how the younger readers can find themselves in Rom, Cousins or Kari. Adults too will find it easy to escape in Rom's fascinating world.
Would recommend this for anyone who enjoys a good adventure with a splash of humor and I happily brought the next book when I was finished which I'm currently enjoying on my Kindle.
Bravo, Mr. Cummins!
Claire Smith
It's a joy for readers at any age and I can see how the younger readers can find themselves in Rom, Cousins or Kari. Adults too will find it easy to escape in Rom's fascinating world.
Would recommend this for anyone who enjoys a good adventure with a splash of humor and I happily brought the next book when I was finished which I'm currently enjoying on my Kindle.
Bravo, Mr. Cummins!
Claire Smith
September 7, 2010
Kids, monsters and parasols, oh my!
A wonderful introduction to a new and intriguing world where magic and steam-age technology collide. The Morrow Stone features complex characters, intrigue, and in the tradition of Harry Potter, plays on the idea that kids are not nearly as fragile as we adults like to believe.
A wonderful introduction to a new and intriguing world where magic and steam-age technology collide. The Morrow Stone features complex characters, intrigue, and in the tradition of Harry Potter, plays on the idea that kids are not nearly as fragile as we adults like to believe.
October 4, 2010
A most excellent adventure. It reminds me a bit of author Charles de Lint. Fantasy meets Adventure in this story that makes you feel like you are involved in the story. Great job Ren. Looking forward to the other 2 or 3 books. I don't know why, but I kept thinking of Pink Floyd songs while I read this book!
December 14, 2010
I won this book in a First Reads giveaway.
It's now been over a month since I read a good 70 pages or so in, but I didn't really lose interest, I've just been busy and reading other books too.
I'll be starting this book over and giving it a read and review by this weekend.
It's now been over a month since I read a good 70 pages or so in, but I didn't really lose interest, I've just been busy and reading other books too.
I'll be starting this book over and giving it a read and review by this weekend.
February 27, 2011
This fantasy adventure through the lives of 3 fantastic children is a truley inspiring book. I wish I had discovered Ren Cummins before but thanks to good reads I can now start on book 2 of the trilogy.
December 1, 2014
I felt this was a little better than The Reaper Returns, especially the ending!
September 29, 2010
Wow, what an interesting read. Can't wait for book 2 to arrive!
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews