Kelanni – a planet tidally locked around a brown dwarf star. Ail-Kar – a white hole, a portal from another universe, rains meteoroids on to the surface of the planet Kelanni. But the so-called "lodestones" behave according to different physical laws, changing Kelanni`s society and its people.
“An exceptionally well written tale! The characters are well drawn and the scenes are beautifully described…This is quite frankly a spellbinding first book.” Firstediting
"A solid read with good characters whose interaction gave greater depth to the story." T Brady - TCM reviews
"Whiteways crisp description of the Kelanni world is impressive...His rich vision of the environment is filled with references to foreign creatures, artefacts and language, all of which are blended seamlessly into the work. The result is a chance for the reader to use ones imagination and create the world however it feels right. It's an incredibly effective use of creativity...an excellent read." G J Haugland - Allbooks Reviews
"Definitely a page turner. Every scene, every passage and every page advances the plot...The author very skilfully reveals background information as part of the action...Great book. Well worth the read." P H Tang - PHT Reviews
DUE FOR PUBLICATION - APRIL/MAY 2010
Professional Reviews
Lodestone Book One - The Sea of Storms
Genre: Sci Fi/fantasy
Title: Lodestone: Book One – The Sea of Storms
AUTHOR: Mark Whiteway
On some planet at some time the rebels are forming. Absolute authority over the Kelanni populace, dictated by a being known only as The Prophet, is the norm over this pastoral world. He extracts tribute in the form of food and slaves toward his own end. Aided by seemingly magical enforcers, the Keltar, the populace is subdued and downtrodden. However, a dissident appears. Lyall, a once Keltar apprentice, wants to change the course of history. With the aid of a small but talented girl, Shann, and his best friend Alondo, a musician with a talent for devices they stage a small rebellion. They are hunted down by one of the Keltar’s best, a Prophet loyal woman named Keris. While in pursuit of the rebels, Keris is injured by a passing beast and rescued by a strange race of six-limbed creatures – the chandara. They have been appointed sentinels to the past Kelanni, and they convince her that The Prophet is out to destroy the Kelanni, not save them. With some misgivings she turns against her mentor and teachings, and with Boxx, the empath chandara, join the small band of rebels on a quest to save the slaves and their race from destruction.
From the very first pages on, Whiteway’s crisp description of the Kelanni world is impressive. Neither verbose or lacking, only the details that need move the story forward are presented. His rich vision of the environment is filled with references to foreign creatures, artifacts and language, all of which are blended seamlessly into the work. The result is a chance for the reader to use one’s imagination and create the world however it feels right. It’s is an incredibly effective use of creativity and a method that I found only added to the fabric of the story. The pace of the work remains lively and never sags throughout Book One and leaves the reader ready for Book Two, and beyond.
For the fantasy fans out there, this is an excellent read. In the tradition of Lord of the Rings, Book One is the beginning of a quest. Don’t be disappointed that it doesn’t have the traditional dénouement to the story, or even resolves part of the big picture. One can only hope that the next books are as well written and captivating.
Reviewer: Gregg J. Haugland, Allbooks Reviews.www.allbookreviews.com
Title: Lodestone: Book One – The Sea of Storms
Author: Mark Whiteway
Publisher: prepub
ISBN:
Pages:
Price:
Nov. 2009
Lodestone Book One - The Sea of Storms
Things are not as they seem. The Prophet is not the benevolent leader that he portrays. In fact, he is not even Kelanni. He is merely using Tributes as slaves to collect lodestone for a weapon that will give him absolute control.
The only hope for the Kelanni is a small group of individuals with seemingly very little in common. Keris is a former Keltar. While on a mission, everything she holds dear is turned upside down when she is contacted by a woman from the distant past telling her the truth of the Prophet’s intentions. Her helper is Boxx, the key, an ancient chandara who speaks in riddles and at times seems quite senile.
Keris joins forces with her former enemies, the people she was originally menat to investigate. Lyall is a freedom fighter looking to free tributes from Gort, the heart of the Prophet’s lodestone operation. He brings with him, Alonda the musician and Shann, a young girl who finds herself in the wrong place at the wrong time. Their task is to cross the Great Barrier of Storms and neutralize the weapon.
I very much enjoyed reading Lodestone. It was a solid read with good characters whose interaction gave greater depth to the story. I look forward to reading the next installment of this series. – T Brady: TCM Reviews
This chair is not your grandmother's rocking chair! In fact, you wouldn't want your grandmother or any loved one near it! So find a well lit room and enjoy an intense read of this Sci-Fi thriller.
