The Stoneholding

by Mark Sebanc, James G. Anderson, Mark James

Book Overview

As shadows loom over the world of Ahn Norvys. One song, one harp, one manare all that stand between the dark night of chaos and the dawn of harmony andorder. Introducing epic fantasy in the tradition... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1439132992
• ISBN13: 9781439132999
• Release Date: September 2009
• Publisher: Baen
• Length: 419 Pages
• Weight: 1.10 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 6.2" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

A Lyrically Epic Work of Fantasy

Wow. I'm honestly surprised to see so many negative reviews for this book! It has been many years since I enjoyed a fantasy book as much as I've enjoyed The Stoneholding - it's held up to a second reading, and I'm getting ready to read it aloud to my younger brother again. I find myself turning the characters and events over and over in my mind, savoring the richness of the story so far and wondering what's coming next (in the rest of the series). In many ways The Stoneholding reminds me of another fantasy series that I first read as a teenager and LOATHED...for many of the same reasons that readers listed here...lengthy descriptions of scenery, miscellaneous characters introduced who never quite seem to matter to the overall plot, random musings on ancient history and legends, etc. It wasn't until years later when I heard The Fellowship of the Ring read aloud that I actually came to appreciate the lyric beauty of such an epic work, whose purpose isn't merely to pull the reader through an exciting plot as quickly as possible, but also to fully live the journey along the way. In many ways both The Lord of the Rings and The Stoneholding remind me of the type of epic tales that would have been recited by a bard beside a roaring fire in the hall of some medieval lord on a winter's night...before television, internet, and iPods, the vivid word pictures painted by such tales would have entranced and delighted any listener. It is a bit harder to silently read your way through such lengthy descriptions (I can recommend reading it aloud!) but I have found the landscape of my imagination enriched by the beauty of Lammermorn, and my sense of wonder piqued by the mythological underpinnings of the story. For anyone who enjoys this type of work, as well as charming characters and adventurous quests, I highly recommend The Stoneholding! Enjoy!

Beautifully written

This book deserves to have a fan base the size of another series, not written half as well as this one; you know, the one that concerns a blue dragon and her rider. This book is wonderful in all areas: world building, character development, adventure and excitment. Would that the writers had the free time to complete the second and third books fast enough to satisfy this reader's anxious waiting.

The Stoneholding is an exceptional tale

I thought "The Stoneholding" was exceptional! It quenched my thirst for good literature. It is a creative new wondrous tale that I found hard to put down. I am happy to add it to my treasured collection of books that include JRR Tolkien's writings. I look forward to reading the next two books that continue the quest. In the meantime, I will be re-reading "The Stoneholding" I am definitely a fan!

A Whole New World

When you are a Tolkien fan (as I am) you can't expect to find anything more descriptive than Middle Earth. The way Tolkien told his creation to the human world is awesome.... Now I can't say any longer that Middle Earth is the only place that you can close your eyes and you're there due to the way that is described.... Now we have Arvon too to feel that amazing landscape all around us. No wonder after reading the book why Ted Nasmith painted such an incredible cover. From the very beginning I was captured by the way in which Mark James shows me all the characters, all the actions, but most of all the landscape of "The Stoneholding". I consider myself a privileged person for having this book and I can't wait to read the other two. For those who are asking themselves who I am....Well I'm a Cuban Tolkien Fan who'd never imagined to feel, with another book, the same sensation I feel when I read something related to Middle Earth. I'm glad to see I was wrong. Thanks Mark & James for "The Stoneholding"

Briacoil, Mark

I've waited a long time for this book to come to fruition, and the wait was not in vain...I enjoyed every word! The research, the imagination, the characterization and the quality of writing are rivetting and well worth the investment of time expended in reading "The Stoneholding". And as with any good trilogy, one is left at the end of this one heaving a sigh of relief, and yet feeling anxious for what is yet to come. Briacoil, Mark!