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ros_lanta's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
The Stone Key is simply brilliant, by far the best book in the Obernewtyn Chronicles, and Carmody's writing is significantly improved from earlier books in the series.
At 1,000 pages TSK is far longer than previous books in the series (so much so that the US editions divided the book into two). This isn't from unnecessary padding: numerous events happen which are key to the plot arcs of the series, and while there are slower, quieter parts of the book they are needed as balance to the many fast paced, action filled sections.
Despite the plot heavy content, possibly the biggest strength of the book is characterisation. The main character Elspeth grows in multiple ways as a result of her experiences; she has come a long way from the Elspeth of book 1, an orphan child afraid to make connections with others. Other characters are also given more nuance than in previous books. There are some very emotional moments in the book, and the use of first person throughout the novel adds to their impact.
In many ways the Obernewtyn Chronicles aged with the main character (and with those of us readers who discovered it as children). Not only do the books increase in length and plot complexity, they get darker and examine more adult issues, and this is very apparent here. While the books have always been set in a dystopia, with darker topics referenced, the earlier books could easily be read by preteens: I would not recommend that for TSK, which falls far more towards the older end of YA. Carmody generally handles these topics well.
One thing I appreciate in the Obernewtyn novels (though some readers may not) is that Carmody does not feel the need to have her main character present at every single key event in the story. Sometimes things happen that are just related to her afterwards. Other times she is involved but is not the key instigator. I find this very realistic and there are certainly more than enough instances where she plays a central role.
Overall I find this a gripping, satisfying novel; one that I have reread multiple times and will no doubt read again in the future.
At 1,000 pages TSK is far longer than previous books in the series (so much so that the US editions divided the book into two). This isn't from unnecessary padding: numerous events happen which are key to the plot arcs of the series, and while there are slower, quieter parts of the book they are needed as balance to the many fast paced, action filled sections.
Despite the plot heavy content, possibly the biggest strength of the book is characterisation. The main character Elspeth grows in multiple ways as a result of her experiences; she has come a long way from the Elspeth of book 1, an orphan child afraid to make connections with others. Other characters are also given more nuance than in previous books. There are some very emotional moments in the book, and the use of first person throughout the novel adds to their impact.
In many ways the Obernewtyn Chronicles aged with the main character (and with those of us readers who discovered it as children). Not only do the books increase in length and plot complexity, they get darker and examine more adult issues, and this is very apparent here. While the books have always been set in a dystopia, with darker topics referenced, the earlier books could easily be read by preteens: I would not recommend that for TSK, which falls far more towards the older end of YA. Carmody generally handles these topics well.
One thing I appreciate in the Obernewtyn novels (though some readers may not) is that Carmody does not feel the need to have her main character present at every single key event in the story. Sometimes things happen that are just related to her afterwards. Other times she is involved but is not the key instigator. I find this very realistic and there are certainly more than enough instances where she plays a central role.
Overall I find this a gripping, satisfying novel; one that I have reread multiple times and will no doubt read again in the future.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Kidnapping, Mental illness, Physical abuse, Religious bigotry, Slavery, Murder, Torture, Violence, Emotional abuse, Death, and Animal cruelty
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