The YA Book Log

Your midterms stressed you out?

You're looking for a way to escape and unwind?

You want a quick read before your homework piles up?

Well, we've searched the stacks and found a great short Fantasy book that's not a thousand pages long, or a trilogy wide.*
Perfect for the semesters end and beginning, this book is a quick and engaging otherworldly read.

Look no further my friend and try STONEFATHER by Orson Scott Card.

We start off with the main character Runnel, the simple and poor mountain boy born into an abusive family that considers him the unwanted child. On a walk one day, he leaves his home and takes a random path out of the mountains and into the city of Mitherhome, where he discovers so much more to the world than his simple mountain life.
He meets a young servant girl who helps him get a job with her master, the Stonemage Lord Brickel. As he progresses in this new land, far away from his family, he comes to the realization that the people of Mitherhome are not what they seem and that his true heritage may be very ancient and very magical.

" A great story to read when you're pressed for time, or low on energy; it picks up quickly and is extremely charming. It's a book that cannot be forgotten." -Mrs. Hirsch, YA Librarian

Recommended for grades 11 and up.

*Note: reviewer is not responsible if Orson Scott Card later decides to make Stonefather the first book of a possible new series called Mithermages. I can only hope he does.

I never read any books by Orson Scott Card. The blog by librarian Mrs. Hirsch suggests that it may be an interesting story to read.

My children were always great fans of the books by Orson Scott Card. Mrs. Hirsch's comment: "It's a book that cannot be forgotten", relating to this particular story can probably be applied to all stories by OSC.

Great recommendation, I love the book. Thanks! I do hope it becomes a trilogy!

Stonefather is one of those rare gems of fantasy short fiction that completely enraptures you from the start. Orson Scott Card is just one of those writers that can do that... Again and again! I found this story very reminiscent of his Alvin Maker series, especially the first book, Seventh Son. Card's writing is sweet and earnest and his insight into the human condition is matched only by his wonderful and seemingly infinite imagination. I would recommend this story to anyone and to echo Mrs. Hirsch, I too hope for more of this amazing tale in the Mithermages series! Thanks for recommending this story to me!

I love Orson Scott Card and this is one of his best! Great suggestion Mrs. Hirsch!

I just read Hidden Empire, I guess this one's next :)

awesome comment Orlinn! thank you :)

Great recommendation. Thanks! Can't wait to read it!