Jim Ware's The Stone of Destiny ~ Reviewed

The Stone of Destiny
By Jim Ware
2011
David C. Cook
978-1-4347-6464-5

Review by Michelle Griep

Morgan Izaak is obsessed with his father’s ancient books about the legendary Philosopher’s Stone; he’s even got a little alchemy lab set up in the church tower next door And when Morgan and his best friend, Eny, find out about another mysterious stone that may be hidden in their own town—the Irish Stone of Destiny, called Lia Fail—he’s determined to find it because he thins it’s the last hope for someone he holds dear.

But Morgan’s not the only one looking for the Stone, and by the time the two middle-schoolers realize there’s trouble afoot, Morgan has betrayed their friendship, strange creatures are loose in the land, and the Stone is lost…perhaps forever. Can Morgan find a way to help those he loves?

Stone of Destiny is a fantasy adventure aimed at young adults, middle-schoolers to be precise. Hero Morgan Izaak is awkward and geeky, just the right combo for that age group. Heroine Eny is also the epitome of a mixed-up emotional tween but has the spunk and determination of someone much older.

The biggest emotional pull I found was the sweet relationship between Morgan and his mom. She’s got cancer and he’s all about trying to find a cure—no matter the cost. Which, of course, gets him into all kinds of trouble.

Eny disappears to an alternate reality of sorts, which ties in through her mom’s legendary storytelling. At times, however, it seemed like I was reading two different books.

Overall, I’d say this book is geared more toward boys, specifically those who have mad scientist leanings and a bent toward fantasy.