Sep 5, 2010

Book Review: The Stone Traveler by Kathi Oram Peterson

Author: Kathi Oram Peterson
Genre: LDS Fiction
Publication Date: August 2010

First Sentence: I watched as Kei tried to outrun my men.

About the book:
Sixteen year old Tag can't believe he's in this much trouble. He's not actually a member of the gang known as the Primes, all he did was spray paint some graffiti that caught their attention. In all honesty, ever since his dad and brother left, Tag just wants to be alone. And it's certainly not his fault that the Primes nearly beat up his goofy cousin, Ethan. But his mom is furious about these gang-related activities and insists that Tag send the whole summer at his grandpa's lakeside cabin, which is not Tag's idea of a good time. So he does what any self-respecting teenager would do: run away. But he doesn't get far before he encounters three strange men carrying an even stranger object, a stone that glows with radiant light as bright as a thousand sparklers.

Tag doesn't steal the stone, not exactly. He feels like he is supposed to take it. But he doesn't expect the stone to transport him through space and time to a place he's never seen before, a place that looks an awful lot like the ancient lands described in the Book of Mormon. And he definitey doesn't expect to join Sabirah, the entrancing daughter of Samuel the Lamanite, on a quest to rescue her father and brother from the evil King Jacob. And he absolutely doesn't expect to be captured by Jacob's minions and prepared as a sacrifice to the evil idol of the city. But just as Tag faces his death, a terrible storm begins to break, and the ground cracks into jagged pieces. And he's not sure which event will impact his life more: his captor's knife coming at his body, the violent tempest sweeping the land... or the men who later appear, glowing even more brightly than the traveler's stone.
My opinion:

I was excited to get the opportunity to read and review Kathi Oram Peterson's new novel, The Stone Traveler.  I have read and enjoyed Kathi's previous books, and this one was the best yet. I was endeared to the characters, but especially Tag (love that name) from the very beginning.  I identified with him right away from Kathi's vivid description:  "She eyed me up and down, taking in my freckled face, formerly red hair now dyed jet black, black eyeliner, black nail polish, black T-shirt, and black baggy jeans with chains dangling from the pockets."  Then we see another side of Tag from his mother's perspective.  "Tag, you might dye your hair and paint your face, but you can't change your blue eyes."  Both of these snippets describe the complex character Peterson has created.  In the book you follow Tag's journey into another time and place, and watch as he discovers who he really is and realizes his own worth.  

Throughout the book, the story is told from two different points of view.  The author switches between the two and has done a fantastic job of giving each character their own voice.  I also enjoyed the Book of Mormon elements of the story.  It brought the ancient characters to life without feeling like it was just another scripture story.  While the intended audience is young adult, I think The Stone Traveler will appeal to adult readers as well.  I know I was enthralled in the story and didn't want to put it down. 

To learn more about Kathi's other books, and to follow her blog tour, please visit her website.  She is holding an AMAZING contest with many fun prizes including a Kindle!!  To read details about the contest, click here.

28 comments:

Krista Van Dolzer said...

Thanks for this review, Kimberly. It was nice how Kathi gave us those two looks at Tag.

Krista Van Dolzer said...

P.S. I love the look of your blog, by the way. It's very scrapbook-y:)

Laura S. said...

Terrific review! I'm heading out to the bookstore today and I'll be looking for The Stone Traveler. I'm really looking forward to reading it!

MTeacress said...

I haven't got my hands on a copy yet, but I like stories that bring the BofM to life for my kids. I'm thinking it will be our next read aloud.

Ben Spendlove said...

Good review. I like the quotes. I think good YA always appeals to adults because it's not written "down" to anyone, and we were all young at some point.

Jackee said...

I love Kathi too, but have yet to read this one. Thanks for sharing and it's great to "meet" you, Kimberly! :o)

Carolyn V. said...

Great review Kim! I'm starting to read this book now. I can't wait to see how it goes. =)

Glynis Peters said...

I managed to stay on the canoe and found my way here from Kathi's place. I love the descriptions and review I found here, thanks.

Christina Dymock said...

Thanks for your review! Can't wait to read it.

Anonymous said...

This sounds like a fascinating story. I don't know much about the Book of Mormon, but it sounds like a story I'd enjoy nonetheless.

Tracy Loewer said...

Great review!

Emily M said...

The Stone Traveler is AMAZING - I love the time travel and Book of Mormon combination! I would definitely recommend this book!

Kristi said...

Thanks for the review...I'm enjoying this journey Kathi has created and finding new blog friends. Love your layout and can't wait to read this book!

Elizabeth Morgan said...

The book sounds like lots of fun can't wait to read!

Melissa Cunningham said...

Hey, Cutie! I'm joining the contest! Better late than never! LOL I became a follower, come by my place if you have the chance and return the favor. LOVE your blog, by the way!

Annette Lyon said...

I've heard several times now that this is her best book yet--high praise!

Chantele Sedgwick said...

Great review! I agree, this book was her best book yet. I really enjoyed it! :)

Danyelle Ferguson said...

Love your review, Kim! I really enjoyed The Stone Traveler. Thanks for posting your thoughts about it as well!

M.R.Bunderson said...

What a fun book, I know my 15 year old will love it.

Peggy Urry said...

Love stories set in ancient cultures. This sounds like one to add to my 'to read' list.

Samantha VĂ©rant said...

Kim, I like how you brought more characterization into your review by quoting from the book. Nice.

Anonymous said...

Loved the review.

brendajean said...

I'm excited to get to know Tag too now. Thanks for the review:)

Jenn Adams said...

The fact that it's YA doesn't deter me - that's about all I read anymore anyway! Plus, it's probably a good, clean read for my kids. Bonus! Thanks for your review. :o)

Elise said...

I love the way she shows Tag's inner spirit through little ways. Thanks for the insight!

Jilly Bean said...

Looking forward to reading it. I'm sure it's one that will keep me up all night :)

Lori Bottomley said...

Thanks for the book snippets! That really made the story jump for me since I haven't read it yet.

kbrebes said...

Looks good. Hey. Where's the current comments???

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