Review – The Stone of Ages

Chris Smart's debut fantasy The Stone of Ages, "A Guardian of the Golden Realm Adventure" series is a fast-paced, action-oriented adventure wrapped in fantasy for ages eight to twelve. Readers first meet twelve-year-old CJ, called the "prank master" by best friend Max, as he prepares an unusual bag of tricks for his last day of school. He couldn't help smiling as he stuffed his mom's camera, some fishing wire, two bricks, three smoke bombs and two fireworks into his backpack before he ran for the bus. This would be his best prank of the year. CJ couldn't know his life would be forever changed by day's end. First by a mysterious letter sealed in gold, then by the cryptic letter within the envelope that said, "Conner Jay Blake—We are watching you." Although the warning puzzled CJ he continued to set his latest prank in motion. He didn't realize the prank would lead to an intriguing place called the "Golden Realm" and a place of "mist shifters," where battles between good and evil were fought. A land of magic shared by the evil Videl who would stop at nothing to keep "the stone of ages" hidden because of what it would unlock. After all CJ only planned a funny prank! Or was it? Thus begins book one of Chris Smart's four part fantasy series. What sets this book apart from many in this genre is the act that Chris is only eleven-years-old. Oregon's Outlook newspaper reported Gresham, OR boy publishes adventure book in July of 2014. The reporter wrote, "Smart said he wanted to compile the different genres he loves — fantasy, action and humor — into one book and add his own flourishes." He has certainly done that! His creative talent shines through the imaginative plot, characterization and story flow to reveal a talented writer in the making.  To learn more about Smart and his book, email ConnorJayBlake@gmail.com or visit Chris Smart on FaceBook Chris's promotion of The Stone of Ages begins on FaceBook August 9-11with a free download offer.