{"product_id":"the-talking-stone-a-magically-real-fantasy-9798218763947","title":"The Talking Stone: A Magically Real Fantasy","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe 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?\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003cem\u003e The Talking Stone \u003c\/em\u003eis 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eYet 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eOf 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003ePerfect for middle graders and beyond, \u003cem\u003eThe Talking Stone\u003c\/em\u003e is a welcome read for fans of books like \u003cem\u003eThe Phantom Tollbooth\u003c\/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003eTreasure Island\u003c\/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003eRedwall, \u003c\/em\u003e \u003cem\u003eAt the Back of the North Wind, \u003c\/em\u003e \u003cem\u003eThe\u003c\/em\u003e \u003cem\u003eHobbit\u003c\/em\u003e, and \u003cem\u003eThe Horse and His Boy\u003c\/em\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eAbout the Author\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eBrooke, Will:\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e - Will Brooke, a native New Yorker, has devoted his career to the art of fixing things. His dedication has taken him across the globe, armed with a toolbox and sketchbook. His passion for drawing, inventing, and storytelling has been a constant from a young age, leading him to create imaginative worlds and build treehouses. Brooke's writing is a product of the tranquil moments just after dawn, when the only sounds are birdsongs and a boiling kettle. His inspiration draws from classic adventure literature and modern masters like Orson Scott Card, Leif Enger, Tolkien, Lewis, and anything, natural or otherwise, that displays the fingerprints of God. Brooke's life is a tapestry of diverse interests and experiences. He holds a Master of Arts from Wheaton College and currently resides near the Great Lakes in the United States. His love for good food, great books, family, friends, the vibrant city, and long walks is evident in his daily life. He is always on the lookout for hidden mysteries, be it in a book or on an adventure.The Talking Stone is his debut novel.","brand":"Windwalker Books","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51705123471634,"sku":"9798218763947","price":22.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0831\/4771\/8930\/files\/img_9acf67e5-cdbe-489e-afe8-a01a31f9c955.jpg?v=1762341769","url":"https:\/\/surprise-castle.myshopify.com\/products\/the-talking-stone-a-magically-real-fantasy-9798218763947","provider":"Surprise Castle","version":"1.0","type":"link"}