Main Characters: Eddie, Harris, Maggie

Summary:

What if the monsters from your favorite horror books were real?

Eddie Fennicks has always been a loner, content to lose himself in a mystery novel by his favorite author, Nathaniel Olmstead. That’s why moving to the small town of Gatesweed becomes a dream come true when Eddie discovers that Olmstead lived there before mysteriously disappearing thirteen years ago. Even better, Eddie finds a handwritten, never-before-seen Nathaniel Olmstead book printed in code and befriends Harris, who’s as much an Olmsteady as he is. But then the frightening creatures of Olmstead’s books begin to show up in real life, and Eddie’s dream turns into a nightmare. Eddie, Harris, and their new friend, Maggie, must break Olmstead’s code, banish all gremlins and monster lake-dogs from the town of Gatesweed, and solve the mystery of the missing author, all before Eddie’s mom finishes writing her own tale of terror and brings to life the scariest creature of all.

Anna’s Thoughts

I know absolutely nothing about Dan Poblocki, but I am pretty certain that if I told you he is a big fan of either R.L. Stine or Christopher Pike, I would not be wrong. And in the same fashion that R.L. Stine and Christopher Pike became known for being able to scare the pants off of people, I think Dan Poblocki will also succeed. The Stone Child is a creepy mystery ride that had me up into the wee hours of the night, wondering WHY I was up in the wee hours of the night reading such a creepy book, and being incredibly thankful it’s impossible to read in the dark.

Eddie, Harris, and Maggie are believable kids with wild imaginations, that are way more daring and chance taking then I have ever been, that’s for sure (Not to mention probably smarter too). The plot is… interesting. The general outline of the plot is exciting and suspenseful, but once you get into it and actually get to the core of the story The Stone Child covers a few things that I honestly didn’t suspect I would see inside of a YA book. BUT! That does not make it inappropriate for kids or teens, it’s very appropriate, and in fact if I had kids, or knew any that could read and enjoyed suspense and mystery, this would be the first thing I would recommend them. It gives a good history on it’s subject and even informed me of somethings I didn’t know, which is awesome seeing as it’s main ‘bad guy’ is one of my favourite history subjects. I could technically tell you what it is without spoiling anything, but I was caught off guard, and I think the best way to read it is to not know, BUT if you do want to know here’s a hint for you on what the subject is: Lilith Hmm… Whatever could that mean?

All in all, I really loved this story, and I think given enough promotion could become a classic mystery suspense for teens. I was excited to read it, and even after reading it I’m still excited about it. The Stone Child did not disappoint. However, I may in fact have to learn to sleep with my lights on, because I do not want to think about the main question the story is based around: What if the monsters from your favorite horror books were real? Because honestly? Watching Child’s Play on T.V. is horrifying enough, I don’t need to go face to face with the little demon doll.