Lodestone Book Two: The World of Ice and Stars [Formato Kindle]

Return to Kelanni where a band of rebels reunite to locate an instrument that will disarm the evil Prophet's powerful weapon. Lodestone Book Two: The World of Ice and Stars picks up where Lodestone Book One left off in this thrilling science fiction/fantasy series.

Shann finds herself alone with the six-limbed creature named Boxx. Boxx, the Chandara, as his people are called, and Shann were swept overboard during the harrowing journey across the barrier in Book One. Shann first notices two things about her new surroundings; Lyall and the others are nowhere to be seen, and this side of Kelanni is very different from her home--stars fill the night sky and an icy white powder falls and sticks to the ground. After fending off an attack from several creatures, Shann and Boxx take refuge for the night inside a strange vehicle.

Meanwhile Lyall, Alondo, and Keris have run the sailing vessel aground and set out on foot. Lyall is injured and Keris leads Alondo to a village to find help. Despite Keris' attempt to sabotage village vehicles, Alondo quickly befriends the villagers and the three are taken in as Lyall recuperates.

Shann meets a boy about her age, an awkward scientist's apprentice named Rael. Shann learns that this side of the barrier is known as Kelanni-Skell; the far side (her home) is called Kelanni-Drann. The technology of Kelanni-Skell is far superior to Drann with flying machines and floating transport vehicles. Shann depends on Rael's knowledge of the area as she decides to continue the mission to find the necessary components to defeat the Prophet and his people.

Alondo and Lyall struggle to come to terms with the thought that Shann and Boxx did not survive the journey across the barrier. Keris is eager to carry on the quest and decides that the first step is to find the Chandara living somewhere in Kelanni-Skell. More is revealed about the Prophet and his powers, his followers and their origin.

Author Mark Whiteway has a knack for developing an epic saga while keeping the pages interesting, entertaining, and believable. The reader can't help being enthralled by Whiteway's characters' tireless passion to save their world. Captivated from the opening pages, I felt unable to stop reading as I became truly engaged in the story. Lyall, Shann and the others are tested for worthiness. The tests are unique to every one and push each to their physical and emotional limits. The result is a mesmerizing read that showcases Whiteway's considerable imagination and creativity. Book One was an enjoyable sci-fi adventure. Book Two is a powerful, poignant story of unyielding determination. Book Three--I can't wait!

If you liked Book One: The Sea of Storms, then Book Two: The World of Ice and Stars is a must read. If you are a science-fiction/fantasy fan you should read the wonderful prequel knowing that the follow-up is even better.

Reviewed and highly recommended by William Potter for Reader's Choice Book Reviews.

The World of Ice and Stars is the second book of Lodestone, a science fiction/fantasy epic by English writer Mark Whiteway. Whereas Book One: The Sea of Storms was more of a straight fantasy with science fiction touches, Whiteway's second novel is a perfect example of what a blending of sci-fi and fantasy can be if done right.

Continuing directly from the end of The Sea of Storms, the novel picks up with Shann and Boxx, separated from their companions after crossing the sea that separ...moreThe World of Ice and Stars is the second book of Lodestone, a science fiction/fantasy epic by English writer Mark Whiteway. Whereas Book One: The Sea of Storms was more of a straight fantasy with science fiction touches, Whiteway's second novel is a perfect example of what a blending of sci-fi and fantasy can be if done right.

Continuing directly from the end of The Sea of Storms, the novel picks up with Shann and Boxx, separated from their companions after crossing the sea that separates the two halves of their world. Whereas Shann and Boxx come from a land where the climate is warm and rule is under a religious prophet, they now find themselves in an unfamiliar world of snow, ruled by the pursuits of science rather than faith.

While the first novel was a brilliant book that took a while to get rolling, The World of Ice and Stars is outstanding from the first chapter. It has a perfectly steady pace that feels neither slow nor rushed, with forceful storytelling that gradually and perfectly peels back the layers of the novel's narrative. While notable fantasy epics like Lord of the Rings are beloved and yet still criticized even by its fans for its slow pace, this is not a problem here. It flows perfectly, without any lulls in storytelling. It was perfectly edited.

The only criticism I could offer is that the created races and species could use more description; there are certainly times when I struggle to picture the people of the story. That being noted, this is still a brilliant novel that only entertains profusely, but manages to have something substantive to say about the struggle between religion and science. I eagerly await the third installment.

Cover

This looks to be a copy of a painting done specifically for the purposes of this book. While the graphics are not sharp and distinctive, it does give you a picture of a scene in the story. And, I may be reading too much into this here, but perhaps the cover is slightly blurred because this is a sci-fi fantasy novel and what person's fantasy isn't a blurred around the edges ... ?

Plot

Mark has done an extremely wonderful job on this plot. The introduction of important new characters while maintaining the integrity and depthness of the characters we're already familiar with is a skill some authors have not mastered, but Mark has.

The story was suspenseful yet humorous and engaging. There was enough action to keep you interested and wanting to read more, but not so much that you tired of reading. It was wonderfully balanced.

Characters

Shann is the orphan girl introduced to us in the first Lodestone novel. She is young and small, but quick in both intellect and agility.

Keris is a former follower of the Prophet. She has military-like combat skills and wit. She is arrogantly confident, but is loyal to the group she's a part of.

Lyall is the leader of the group that is trying to stop the Prophet. He is the one every body looks to for answers, to confide in and to trust with their life.

Alondo is the quirky musician who is extremely intelligent, but hides his intelligence behind humor. He is a loyal friend to those within the group.

Overall

I loved this book better than the first. There are so many positive things I could say, but I'm sure you don't want to see me gushing all over the place! =) So, I will just say that this is a series that I will gladly read over and over again. I also plan on gifting this series in the future. I like it that much.

I would recommend this series to those that like sci-fi and fantasy novels. I would also recommend this author to those who don't like indie authors. I promise you that Mark Whiteway is of such talent he should be signed with a book publishing company ... you'll never know by his stories that he's an indie author.