The Talking Stone: A Magically Real Fantasy (Hardcover) (ISBN-13: 9798218763947)

The Talking Stone is a Magically Real story about how a group of unlikely friends come together to accomplish something none of them could do on their own. Can Raan and his friends rescue Prince Terrion in time to save the people of Clallot from a plot to enslave them?

The story begins when a skeptical teen daydreamer, who spends his time seeking adventure on the streets of New York City, is surprised when an unimaginable adventure finds him. Two strange shopkeepers in a mystical music instrument store in Greenwich Village abduct Raan into the land of Clallot on an unwanted mission with the directions: You'll figure it out as you go. The Talking Stone is an endearing tale of budding faith and friendship, as three friends work together to solve mysteries, defeat monsters, foil villains, and restore harmony to a land divided by fear.

In Clallot, Raan finds a magic stone that gives him the superpower of understanding. He soon realizes that the gift of knowledge and understanding is more powerful than he ever imagined. With it, he gains courage, compassion, and the determination to overcome all obstacles. With every challenge, Raan sees his belief come alive as he begins to trust in a faith he learns to love.

Yet Raan has his doubts and constantly wonders why he was selected for this mission, often daydreaming about his favorite foods, such as Pop-Tarts, hot dogs, and pizza. Raan is curious and inventive, and the hero he wishes he could be, but never realizes it. He learns to trust his new friends Casy, GB, and Seth, the handyman/Jedi master/holy listener.

Of course, what story would be complete without riddles to unravel, puzzles to solve, and tongue-in-cheek humor between friends? And there are plenty of surprises, twists, and tension to keep a reader on the edge of their seat, as well as times of comfort around the meal table and fireplace.

Perfect for middle graders and beyond, The Talking Stone is a welcome read for fans of books like The Phantom Tollbooth, Treasure Island, Redwall, At the Back of the North Wind, The Hobbit, and The Horse and His Boy.

The story evokes themes of endurance in the face of disability, courage in the face of racism, fortitude in the face of misunderstanding, and, most importantly, that God is trustworthy even in the darkest moments. The novel's overarching theme is that everyone has something to contribute; the most complex tasks are achievable when each person does their part.