Stone the Heir

A Novel of Wonders and Brightness

by Ronald M. Young

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Pub Date Feb 28 2014 | Archive Date Oct 10 2014

Wordsworth | Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), Members' Titles

Sci Fi & Fantasy

Description

This is a fantasy novel, but one that takes another road as it is refreshingly free of magic swords and hordes of darkness threatening humankind. Written in archaic English with many invented words, Stone the Heir is, as the subtitle promises, a novel of Wonders and Brightness. Stone is Heir to the Throne of a race of kindly giants called the Gentlefriends; at the direction of his Father, King Pistil he sets out with his two Companions, Throw a common man and Autumn, a mouse of the fields to visit the Nations with a message of peace. Their travels - indeed, the entire novel- is filled with truly mad humor, Rabelaisian adventures and strong underlying themes of intercultural harmony, respect for women and love of all living things. Some 64 wondrous characters will keep you on your toes; if you're looking for a unique wonderfully happy read, start here.

Author Bio:

Ronald M.Young received his PhD With Honors in systematic entomology from Purdue University and has published numerous papers in peer-reviewed scientific journals. As a Professor of Biological Sciences and Museum Studies he taught at universities in Michigan, Nebraska and Texas and did field work in the cloud forests of Costa Rica and Panama where he spent one night following a beautiful 10 ft. anaconda through the forest. When asked how a scientist writes a book like Stone the Heir, Dr. Young's slightly bemused comment is "by taking an unrestricted journey through my right brain."

A Note From the Publisher

Anette Chaudet (Editor); Nova Brown Young (cover illustration). Also available on Kindle, $2.99.

Advance Praise

Stone the Heir is a fantasy novel full of wit and adventure as well as keen observations both personal & political. It is a tale of politics & romance filled with joy & goodwill. Most impressive is the author's manipulation of language. Some of the language is invented, the product of the characters & their culture. In other cases, the words are re-envisioned in new & surprising ways. All of it though is brilliantly accessible and experiential. Stone is a book for those who love fantasy, romance and political satire, it is a joyful romp but one that provides genuine insight and reflection. A wonderful first novel. We can only hope there will be many more. —M.D.Ritterbrown, Dean of Instruction, Glendale College, Los Angeles

5 star Amazon Review: “Treat yourself - read this book!”

Stone the Heir is a marvelous book; we’ve passed it around our family and read parts out loud to each other to howls of laughter. This is a very funny book - about the funniest I’ve ever read. The humor is so far out in left field, quirky and completely original that it can’t be described. You have to read it yourself - and I strongly recommend the book. It is written in a unique language with overtones of the archaic, yet it’s easy to read and the narrative flows smoothly.

Stone the Heir isn’t just humorous though, it often makes you think as in “hmmm, I’ve never thought of things in quite that way before” Again, off beat but with strong underlying themes of gentleness toward and respect for women, peace among peoples and nations, respect for the differences between cultures, the nature of love and kindness between couples, and, wonderfully a deep and enduring respect for and love of creatures of all species, a trait which no doubt is a function of the author being a biological scientist. —Celeste Brown, Graphic Artist & Designer ret., Cody, Wyoming.

5 star Amazon Review: “the most original novel I’ve ever read!”

Stone the Heir is the story of a playful giant who takes an imaginative romp through a number of adventures as he is growing up. Later, he travels with his faithful Companions Throw and Autumn a mouse of the fields through fantastical earthly realms which they visit as part of his royal coming of age. There is broad humor, social satire and original, inventive language. The author enjoys free reign in a world devoid of original sin where sex is an innocent natural life force and a great source of playful fun. Stone the Heir: A Novel of Wonders & Brightness is the most original novel I’ve ever read and clearly a 5 star effort by this first time author. — Francis Audier