Overview

The Talking Stone is a Magically Real story about how a group of unlikely friends come together to accomplish something none of them could do on their own. Can Raan and his friends rescue Prince Terrion in time to save the people of Clallot from a plot to enslave them? The story begins when a skeptical teen daydreamer, who spends his time seeking adventure on the streets of New York City, is surprised when an unimaginable adventure finds him. Two strange shopkeepers in a mystical music instrument store in Greenwich Village abduct Raan into the land of Clallot on an unwanted mission with the directions: You'll figure it out as you go. The Talking Stone is an endearing tale of budding faith and friendship, as three friends work together to solve mysteries, defeat monsters, foil villains, and restore harmony to a land divided by fear. In Clallot, Raan finds a magic stone that gives him the superpower of understanding. He soon realizes that the gift of knowledge and understanding is more powerful than he ever imagined. With it, he gains courage, compassion, and the determination to overcome all obstacles. With every challenge, Raan sees his belief come alive as he begins to trust in a faith he learns to love. Yet Raan has his doubts and constantly wonders why he was selected for this mission, often daydreaming about his favorite foods, such as Pop-Tarts, hot dogs, and pizza. Raan is curious and inventive, and the hero he wishes he could be, but never realizes it. He learns to trust his new friends Casy, GB, and Seth, the handyman/Jedi master/holy listener. Of course, what story would be complete without riddles to unravel, puzzles to solve, and tongue-in-cheek humor between friends? And there are plenty of surprises, twists, and tension to keep a reader on the edge of their seat, as well as times of comfort around the meal table and fireplace. Perfect for middle graders and beyond, The Talking Stone is a welcome read for fans of books like The Phantom Tollbooth, Treasure Island, Redwall, At the Back of the North Wind, The Hobbit, and The Horse and His Boy. The story evokes themes of endurance in the face of disability, courage in the face of racism, fortitude in the face of misunderstanding, and, most importantly, that God is trustworthy even in the darkest moments. The novel's overarching theme is that everyone has something to contribute; the most complex tasks are achievable when each person does their part.

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Reviews

Full of surprises, humor, and action! ""The Talking Stone is truly exceptional and is a great blend of magical realism and fantasy. I was completely drawn into the honest, pure-hearted, heroic story and devoured it in a weekend. The characters, too, are special-full of surprises, humor, and action. It will definitely be on my giving list!"" -Tom Flaim, best-selling author of the children's book series The Adventures of Uno, the Water Drop and Thirsty for Christ. He is also the founder of Water@Work, which provides clean water relief on five continents. Sparkles with warmth and wit! ""The Talking Stone is a captivating adventure that blends imaginative storytelling with rich characters and timeless truths. I was drawn in from the very first chapter and quickly found myself cheering for Raan, Casy, GB, and Seth as they navigated danger, mystery, and moments of humor and heart. The world-building is vivid, and the dialogue sparkles with warmth and wit. I know my own grandchildren would be swept up in this tale and ask for 'just one more chapter.' This is the kind of story that stays with you long after the final page-an engaging read for kids, parents, and grandparents alike."" -Carol Tetzlaff, award-winning author of Ezra and associate publisher, Redemption Press Thoughtfully edifying! ""I read it aloud to my eleven-year-old grandson, who begged for 'just one more chapter-pleeze!' at the end of each session. The short, punchy chapters held his interest. My young listener had numerous 'aha' moments when he wondered aloud about parallels with other stories. It's a joy to watch and hear a child interact with a story that stimulates on multiple levels. That's what The Talking Stone by Will Brooke does best-it's an exciting fantasy that challenges young readers to rise to new positive levels. My grandson's comment after finishing was, 'I want to read that by myself. There was a lot in there!' I heartily agree!"" -George Ridgeway (and grandson), spiritual director, submariner, and captain, Chaplain Corps, USN, retired Highly recommended-I read it twice! ""Will Brooke's The Talking Stone is highly recommended for young readers (ages 13-17) who love adventure and learning about the meaning of life. The magically real fantasy is filled with plenty of twists and turns as Raan is sent on a mission to another world guided by a magical stone. His mission becomes complicated by enemies who want to stop him and blame him for their evil deeds. However with each encounter, Raan grows in courage, faith, and determination where he discovers life's meaning and the voice who truly guides him."" -Cheri Pierson, author, associate professor emerita, Wheaton College Graduate School What a fun, rip-roaring tale! ""If you want a story with adventure, plucky characters, plot twists, suspense, sorrows, and setbacks interwoven with dashes of humor-The Talking Stone is it. Our hero, the young man Raan, enters another world where he meets an engaging band of friends and fellow heroes. Then this unlikely band faces danger, injustice, and corruption. They overcome it all with the power of goodness and faith, but it isn't an easy journey. And that's where the story gets really interesting. So take, read, and enjoy!"" -Matt Woodley, podcaster, journalist, author, pastor, and former editor of preachingtoday.com.

Author Information

""Brooke's world-building is vivid, and his dialogue sparkles with warmth and wit.""-Carol Tetzlaff, award-winning author of Ezra.""His characters are special, full of surprises, humor, and action!""-Tom Flaim, bestselling author of Thirsty for Christ. Will Brooke is an intriguing new voice in the middle-grade fantasy genre. His adventures are a fresh mix of family-friendly mystery, action, and heart. His vivid stories always contain ample surprises to make anyone smile.He's a native New Yorker who has dedicated much of his career to the art of fixing technology and delights in the captivating stories that arise when broken things and people are made new. His dedication has led him across the globe, armed with a literal toolbox, pen, and a ragged-edge notebook. He learned early that plans often go awry and that flubs, mess-ups, misunderstandings, and challenges make the best stories, and that experience usually grows when you break something and fix it afterward. Years of adventures and misadventures provide plenty of fuel for unique characters to battle in imaginative worlds with courage, faith, and imagination.For Brooke, adventure started early. As a child, he constantly drew, wrote stories, invented worlds, built elaborate treehouses, and dug intricate tunnels deep into massive Minnesota snowdrifts. These creative trends continue to this day, yet the snow isn't deep enough for tunnels, and the treehouses are closer to the ground. Now everyone can enjoy the view through his imaginative stories.Brooke draws inspiration for his work from the ebbs and flows of life, dreams, personal experience, an array of online sources, books of all kinds, history, and the Bible. He holds a Master of Arts from Wheaton College and currently resides near the Great Lakes in the United States. He loves good food, great books, family, friends, and long walks. He is always on the lookout for hidden mysteries, whether in a book or in everyday life. Brooke's debut novel is The Talking Stone: A Magically Real Fantasy, but he's published four other books in other genres under the name of Jack Urban.-The Talking Stone: A Magically Real Fantasy - https: //www.amazon.com/Talking-Stone-Magically-Real-Fantasy/dp/B0FXTN99XH-Backward down the Mountain: And Other Tales of Chance Adventure and Ordinary Miracles - https: //www.amazon.com/Backward-down-Mountain-adventure-everyday/dp/1492894192-Brill: The Tale of a Reluctant Donkey - https: //www.amazon.com/Brill-Reluctant-Donkey-Jack-Urban/dp/1733910948-Small Talks with God: Encouragement and Healing from the Heart of Jesus - https: //www.amazon.com/Small-Talks-God-Encouragement-Healing/dp/1733910905-Forty Days With Jesus: Daily Imaginative Thoughts and Reflections for Lent - https: //store.bookbaby.com/Book?bookurl=40-days-with-jesus1For more information about Will Brooke or Jack Urban, browse: WillBrookeBooks.com, Windwalker Art at JackUrban.com, WindwalkerBooks.com, The Everyday Amazed substack at jackurban.substack.com.Follow on: Instagram, Facebook, X, and Substack.

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