Review: The Crescent Stone by Matt Mikalatos

Title: The Crescent Stone
Author: Matt Mikalatos
Publisher: Tyndale House
Pages: 448
ISBN: 978-1-4964-3171-4
Publication Date: August 7th, 2018

About the Book:

A girl with a deadly lung disease . . .

A boy with a tragic past . . .

A land where the sun never sets but darkness still creeps in . . .

Madeline Oliver has never wanted for anything, but now she would give anything just to breathe. Jason Wu skates through life on jokes, but when a tragedy leaves him guilt-stricken, he promises to tell only the truth, no matter the price. When a mysterious stranger named Hanali appears to Madeline and offers to heal her in exchange for one year of service to his people, Madeline and Jason are swept into a strange land where they don’t know the rules and where their decisions carry consequences that reach farther than they could ever guess.

My Thoughts:
Some times, you just need to set down your usual and jump into a story that is not so usual. I love a good fantasy when the mood hits. I always look for detailed world building, interesting characters, a unique plot that keeps you guessing. The Crescent Stone offered all of that. Not only did it offer an entry to a new series, but it brought some good humor and magic!

This story is one that touched on many different areas. Madeline and Jason are not your average people. They have flaws, they have medical issues, they are just broken in so many ways. They have many personal issues at any one can relate to one way or another. There is hurt and tenderness. This story really ran through the emotional gambit with each part of the story. Madeline is a girl, you can see her pain, her aliment is visual. Sometimes it's easier to relate to an outward pain like that. Jason, however was one I could connect with a little more. The buried pains he deals with is one that was really touching and so much more relateable. Everyone has hurts that we deal with buy ourselves.

This is the first book by Matt Mikalatos that I have read. I will say, I was really impressed with the story he presented. Fantasy can be hit or miss. I have to say, this a genre, that he has down. It is a story that makes you think. The writing was good! The narrative was driven. If a fantasy doesn't hook me from the get go, it is hard to get in, but I was really impressed with this book. I honestly can't wait to see what will happen in book two of the The Sunlit Lands Series.

If you are a fan of fantasy, this is a must read.

4.5 out of 5

About the Author:

Matt Mikalatos writes books (surprise!). In the past, Matt worked as a high school teacher and a comic book clerk, but currently focuses on nonprofit work devoted to helping people love one another despite their differences. He lives in Portland, Oregon, with his wife, three daughters, two unicorns, a gryphon, a dragon, and three brine shrimp.







Thank you to the Tyndale Blogger Program, I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for an honest review.