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Wednesday, May 9, 2018

The Stone Girl's Story by Sarah Beth Durst

Genre: MG Fantasy
 337 p.
Publisher: Clarion Books
Published: April, 3, 18
Source: From author for review
Amazon Affiliate Link: https://amzn.to/2Ib3Aph

Exploring the power of stories and storytelling, Sarah Beth Durst presents the mesmerizing adventure of a girl made of living stone who braves unforeseen dangers and magical consequences on a crucial quest to save her family.

Mayka and her stone family were brought to life by the stories etched into their bodies. Now time is eroding these vital marks, and Mayka must find a stonemason to recarve them. But the search is more complex than she had imagined, and Mayka uncovers a scheme endangering all stone creatures. Only someone who casts stories into stone can help—but whom can Mayka trust? Where is the stonemason who will save them? 
Action and insight combine in this magical coming-of-age novel as the young heroine realizes the savior she’s been searching for is herself.
My thoughts:
The author surprised me with this book in the mail and while I don't read much MG, I'm always up for a good story. I also love the author's work so adding this to my review pile was a no brainer. I was also not disappointed.

The story is of stone which comes to life if a skilled stonemason carves and then gives story to the various forms of rock. Mayka has been made by one of the most skilled stonemasons and she and her family of creatures all have the choice to expand upon their own stories. It's very much like how children are given a bit of their story from the parents but then go on their own to create their own tale. Yes, I loved how she weaved this concept in the tale.

In the beginning of the book, we find Mayka and her family in the mountains since their father preferred solitude surrounded by his stone creatures who had died several unnamed years ago. Mayka finds that turtle, who was carved first by their father, stopped moving as his story started eroding away. Other of her friends all have various problems and they all realize that they need a stonemason or they will either have an unrepairable break or they will stop moving like turtle. Mayka decides to become more than the story her father gave her and sets out on the quest to find a skilled stonemason. She had not see anything other than her cottage and mountain so he bravery in going to the unknown was not overlooked by any of the creatures.

I loved all the little philosophical tidbits (nothing that a child wouldn't get) woven throughout the tale. To become more Mayka had to leave her "safe" surroundings and venture out into the unknown to find herself. She learned that sometimes bravery is deciding that fear will not rule her story and to trust her instincts and kindness of others. She also learned that standing up for what she believed also expanded who she was and how it affected not just her, but others around her. She did not seek to be something she was not (like in Pinocchio) but to expand and find out what she really could do in the world. She found more than expected and she did find her stonemason.

I give this story 4 1/2 stars. It is a great MG book and also could be read by younger children. If you have a child who loves chapter stories read to them, I also say this could really be a book for the shelf. It is filled with adventure and it has a great HEA. It is a simplistic HEA but fitting.

🐢

52 comments:

  1. I have a daughter who I think would love this! Sounds like such a fun story, great review for this!

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  2. Even though this is for younger readers I think it sounds lovely and will keep an eye out for it. Sometimes it is just nice to immerse yourself in something different xxx

    Lainy http://www.alwaysreading.net

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    1. I agree and I do love the author so I knew I'd enjoy it.

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  3. Is this a standalone? I really liked "Vessel" by this author and have been meaning to pick up more of her books especially her adult fantasy series. I'll have to check this one out. I haven't been reading too many MG fantasy titles.

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    1. I belive it is a standalone. Oh I do think you will like her work. I've really enjoyed everything I've read of hers so far!

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  4. That's great you really enjoyed this one. I do like reading MG here and there; there are some awesome titles out there. The little philosophical tidbits, as you called them, sound great.

    -Lauren
    www.shootingstarsmag.net

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    1. I did! I don't read very much at all, but I really can see this one as a great pressie for younger kids! We usually have someone who we give books to that are younger. :)

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  5. I love that premise. I don't normally pick up MG, but once in a while...

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  6. I love that a bit of their story comes from their parents and then their own. This sounds enchanting Melissa.

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    1. It mimics life. :) I think this one might be good for nonna's corner when the kiddies are a bit older. :D

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  7. I love that the lessons are in plain sight as opposed to having to go deep within the lines. This is a children's book after all. I love the premise, too.

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    1. True, it isn't too deep or shallow but just right for the MG reader.

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  8. Lovely cover on this one- and it sounds very nice!

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  9. Not sure if this is something I'd pick up, but I have enjoyed the SBD books that I've read.

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  10. This sounds so different. I don't read middle grade, but then I barely read it when I was that age. Always wanted adult books. I wish they had had these kinds of books when I was young. We didn't have that much to choose from.

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    1. LOL! I know what you mean. I think I read MG and YA in grade school (what little there was available).

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  11. This sounds like a nice book. Great review and I love the cover.

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  12. I don't read a lot of MG either but this one looks good there!

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    1. I don't either, but I'm always up for a good story. :D

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  13. This sounds like a wonderful story!

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  14. I don't think I've ever read a MG book *tilts head* huh I should try one some day! :D

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    1. Harry Potter? I think that was considered MG at one point.

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  15. Definitely another one for my 'Wanna Read' list. I'm so glad you found this so enjoyable as I loved the cover and so wanted your review to reflect this.

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  16. So great when surprise book mail turns out to such a good time :)

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  17. Wow. This sounds amazing Melissa, and the cover sure live up to its expectation. Need to check it out!

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    1. It was cute! Would make a great pressie for the littles.

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  18. I don't read a lot of MG either, but like you, I'm all in for a good story. Glad this turned out to be a great surprise for you.

    Melanie @ Hot Listens & Books of My Heart

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    1. Oh yea, and it is a great idea for a pressie for the littles! :D

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  19. Oh that sounds good. Glad to hear you enjoyed it.

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  20. I'm always looking for new MG books! I've started reading a lot of them to my son before he goes to sleep at night. We've already been through Percy Jackson and Harry Potter, but I've been looking to expand that list. We've tried a few others, and I think I saw this one on NetGalley! I love the cover for this and the concept behind the story! I'm so happy to see you enjoyed it. :)

    Lindsi @ Do You Dog-ear?

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    1. Oh sweet! It would be a good one to add to the list. He'll love the stone characters!

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  21. I've been reading a lot of NG lately and this one sounds great!

    Karen @ For What It's Worth

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    1. I don't read much MG myself, but I'm always up for a good story. :)

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  22. I love MG books, they do feel young sometimes, other times too old but it's the magical feeling to them that is awesome

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    1. This one didn't feel too young so those that like a little more sophisticated read will love it and it won't go over the head of those who don't want something too old.

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  23. I don't pick up MG books a lot, but this sounds awesome! I'll have to keep it in mind for sure.

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    1. I don't either but there are a few good ones out there.

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  24. This sounds like a good one for kids. I like the cover too.

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  25. Yay for surprise books and a good, solid middle grade adventure! I absolutely love those <3

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    1. I know! I don't care the age as long as it is good! Plus they make good pressies. :D

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  26. I think this sounds like a good book my son would enjoy. Glad to see you enjoyed it so much, especially for a MG book.

    Naomi @ Naomi’s Reading Palace

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