FIRST SCHOOL VISIT SUCCESS

I was both pleased and grateful to meet the pupils at Fernwood School and I would like to thank Carol Williams for providing the opportunity for the visit as well as the English department being present.

The year 7 group were a delight to talk to and hope that they had gotten something out of the session as I did; I know Charlie would have liked to have made friends with the group.

Today, we discussed the fundamentals and the processors it took for me as author to get writing, with the aim of divulging hints and tips to stimulate the whole creative writing process within the pupils.

They were attentive, enthusiastic and had several questions for me to answer. It was just a shame that the session seemed to end so soon as they had several more questions to ask.

Elements of the book were discussed also and the lucky winner of the raffle won a free, signed copy of Dragonstone; I look forward to the review.

A return visit is planned for next year, whereby a book reading will take place as well as in-depth look at the book and the characters for those who have read it.

I thank the library for holding a copy of the book and they have requested another copy to stock.

Warmest Regards and thanks to my old school.

Keep on writing Fernwooders and a Merry Christmas to you all!!



James Stuart

MOVING FORWARD -SCHOOL BOOKING

I am pleased to announce that the library services at Fernwood School has been in contact with me and they've invited me in to discuss Dragonstone with their year 7 reading group.  The date is yet to be confirmed, though I will keep you all informed.

Furthermore, I will also be discussing the general aspects novel writing as I am told they are budding writers themselves.

I am also pleased that a copy (or so) of the book will be made available in their library for the pupils to read at their leisure :)

REVIEW - AMINA - AGED 11

This review was handed to me and can be seen on: http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=425552404172372&set=a.154028667991415.32581.139139799480302&type=1&theater

I would re-write this but the photo of the letter says it all!

Thank you so much Amina and I'm thrilled to bits that you enjoyed this.

Warmest Regards

James

REVIEW - HUEY - AGED 11 - EMMANUEL SCHOOL

Thank you Huey for this. It is really appreciated!

I thought Dragonstone was really good. 

I like the fact that you mixed the modern and the old, like you could travel by a magickal flume to places.The Great City was great city and I thought the different people that lived there was clever idea.

I really liked the houses they lived in. They were unusual and really interesting at the same time. The drinks were good because they knew how thirsty you were and I like the beds and the showers.

I like the characters because they were interested in things they shouldn't have been and that they always wanted adventure.

My favourite characters were Tom, Sedrick and Eric the bus driver as I thought he was funny.

The shadow creature was mysterious and wasn't sure if it was friendly or not even when it helped him. I am still not sure.

I like the school itself. A lot of the aspect of it was that it was alive and there were lots of unusual things there, not like a normal school.I like the teachers and the houses. It was good that they didn't share a room to sleep in and that they had their own room that fit their needs. I liked that they could make their own magickal tools and there wasn't someone making it for them. What was really good was the knight training.  It made it really interesting than just learning magick.  I wish I could do something like that.

It is a lot different from Harry Potter and I think it could be as good. I can't wait for the second book to see what happens.

REVIEWS PAGE UPDATE!

Hello everybody!

Just to let you know that the reviews page is now active! (See main link on the page).

There will be a couple of adjustments made to the page though it is ready for a good read!

More news will follow soon regarding the Second Edition.

Other than that - enjoy!

James

A BRIEF MESSAGE FROM JON ABOUT DRAGONSTONE

Thanks Jon for this comment on my FB site. Pleased that the book gripped you enough into reading it.

Jon wrote "Not read a book in over 5 years and just finished reading Dragonstone. Thoroughly enjoyed it!!!"

CHARITY AND PROMOTION!

I would like to thank the Spondon Social Safari fundraising event organisers  Wendy, Lorraine and Lorraine, for inviting me to be the guest author for the afternoon.

It was a hugely successfully event and decent funds were raised that will contribute to the fabulous work that is being done at the Derby MS Centre.

I was privileged to be able to discuss Dragonstone and received a heart-warming response.  I met some wonderful and inspiring people and made some hugely useful contacts for the future.

Warmest Regards!


James

IMPORTANT UPDATE - LAST CHANCE!

Hello everybody!

Just to let you know that it will soon be D-day regarding Dragonstone! Very soon, the first edition will be removed and then replaced with a second, amended and improved, edition!  The transfer will soon take place and the first print copy will no longer be available! So now is your final opportunity to order this rare edition.

The exciting thing is that when DSHP is released, the fun will start to happen! Updates on its progress will be made!

Wishing you all the best!

James 

DRAGONSTONE UPDATE

Hello everybody!

All has been quiet recently though just to let you know that Dragonstone is alive and well.

My publisher and I have been working on upgrading the book for you all to make it a more pleasurable experience for you all. Various errors and anomalies have been corrected so there are no more 'poor dinks' in this novel ha-ha. Furthermore, there have been changes to the layout of the book that will be revealed in due course (final approval to the layout changes is yet to be confirmed and approved). I have also re-crafted and made clear 'some' sentences and made a small addition to a detail in one of the scenes as I felt it was too close to something that is already out there. In all, Dragonstone is looking much better.

For those who are lucky enough to have a First Edition copy, the changes that I have made will make your  edition much more valuable, so please keep it safe.  There is still time to purchase copies of this rare edition though time is ticking before it is removed from sale.

Once the new version is uploaded and ready for sale then the real launch of DSHP can begin.  There will be a Kindle version that will be released too.  Another surprise will also ensue! :)

There will be a couple of small enhancements/additions to the website. This will be in preparation of things to come.

Finally, a massive thank you to those who have read the book and have either provided a review or have fed back to me your thoughts about the novel.  There has been genuine enthusiasm (by some) which I have recognised and I will acknowledge this in a fitting way :o). No late comers at this stage!

Wishing you all a fabulous weekend!

James

A REVIEW BY NINA; A WELL READ PROFESSIONAL

Thank you for this Nina!

Loved this story. Just my thing. Rich, descriptive language that made me feel like I was there sharing the adventure. Engaging characters, twists and turns and more than a small dose of good humour kept me hooked from start to finish. Is there a sequel planned?

Remember, all reviews can be seen either on Amazon or the Facebook Dragonstonebook page.

MARION, OHIO, USA, CALLING!

Thank you Bradley for this!

What can I say? Mr. Stuart certainly has a way of grabbing your attention from the very beginning. I was entirely enthralled in this wonderfully magickal journey that these characters embark on. You can’t keep yourself from getting addicted to some of the characters and their personalities! Any fan of the magickal world will feel almost at home with this fantastically rich story due past experiences with a certain Mr. Potter! Get your hands on this novel. You won’t regret it!

FIRST, USA REVIEW FROM TUSCON, ARIZONA

Thanks Colin for this!

Stuart's first novel is entertaining from the get-go, and suitable for all ages. Readers will feel a familiarity with Dragonstone if a fan of the Harry Potter series, yet there is something fresh at the same time. As we see the characters embark on their magickal journey, there are unexpected and, sometimes lighthearted, twists to the plot. All in all, this is an excellent read, and bound to become a firm favourite for readers of the fantasy genre.

A BRIEF SWEDISH COMMENT ON DSHP :)

Thank you Elin, from Sweden, for this.

One copy of Dragonstone is now in Mumbai! With some comments inside the cover of how great it is :) Really looking forward to sequel and the movie!

Details of the next steps for Dragonstone, coming soon :o)

Remember, there a are a few reviews of Dragonstone within the blogs - have a look!

(Above comment taken from Facebook)

DRAGONSTONE NEWS!

Greetings!

I would firstly like to say a big thank you for all those who have supported Dragonstone. I really appreciate your comments, feedback and reviews!

The book, so far, has been enthusiastically received and it is getting close to the time for moving forward with the book!

Putting aside important life interruptions that I have had recently, the valuable First Edition and 'test' version of Dragonstone HP that you have has been put through an upgrade process. I am aware that some amendments are required and it is the next version (Second Edition), which will be used for the main promotion. It shouldn't be too long now before the second edition edit is complete. Can I add that the first edition that you have will be rarer than the Harry Potter (First Ed), so keep it safe! (Keep it sealed).

There is still time to purchase some rare first print copies of DSHP for birthdays or general presents, so hurry before they vanish forever!

All I can say is that important links are being made and you will hear a lot more news in the near future!

Take care all!

Warmest Regards

James

The book can now be purchased from Waterstones on-line: http://www.waterstones.com/waterstonesweb/products/james+stuart/steven+forster/dragonstone+the+legend+of+the+half+prophecy/8940828/

Or Amazon (Link can now be found on the main page): http://www.amazon.co.uk/Dragonstone-The-Legend-Half-Prophecy/dp/095625053X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1332169660&sr=1-1

NEW REVIEW BY A TEACHER SOON TO BE.

Thanks Karen for this lovely review :O)

Dragonstone takes you on an amazing journey with its protagonist Charlie Stuart. Not only the journey to his new school and new found freinds, but into his new 'other world' and life. There are twists and turns throughout the story, each incorporating beautifully descriptive writing. The author has created a rich and colourful world in which Charlie tries to make sense of the strange things that are happening to him and his friends and family. There are myths, elements, legends and magick, which are cleverly woven into the Dragonstone story. The characters also deal with bullying and disabilities which is an excellent way of raising moral issues for younger readers.

There are so many things I could mention that I liked about the story, but that will spoil it for you. So I would encourage anyone to buy this book, either for themselves, a younger reader, or to share with a younger child. I also hear there is a sequel in progress, I'm looking forward to the next exciting adventure with Charlie and his friends!

DRAGONSTONE AVAILABLE VIA WATERSTONES

Dear all, I hope that you are well!

Well I am pleased to announce that Dragonstone is now available to purchase via one of the largest book stores in the UK - Waterstones.

It is available On-line to order as well as being able to order via the store. As demand increases then Waterstones deem it fit to stock more copies. If you get chance, please go via your local store and order a copy to help the Dragonstone cause or at least order On-line :o)

Here is the link: http://www.waterstones.com/waterstonesweb/products/james+stuart/steven+forster/dragonstone+the+legend+of+the+half+prophecy/8940828/

Warmest Regards,

James

THE ONLY WAY IS AN ESSEX REVIEW!

Thanks James for this!

Thank you very much for writing Dragonstone! I really enjoyed this adventure and I agree with another that you have renewed a genre that I thought difficult to do, especially after the massive success of Harry Potter.

Dragonstone carry's its own charisma, charm and atmosphere that is different to HP. You've created a whole world that is fascinating and full of possibilities for the future, which I await in anticipation.

The first 3 chapters where full of mystery and some action when we meet Charlie. The mystery in the first 2 chapters were consolidated later on the story.

I liked the steady flow of the story with the little 'carrots left at the end of each chapter. It really grabs you in the second half of the book, once you are in the "Magick Lands". The ending was exciting and I liked the 'bringing together' and explanations of the adventure. It reminded me of the conclusion of a who-done-it novel.

I loved the characters, especially Cosmolos and Astrophos, Sedrick, Charlie, Emmanuel, Bruce and Eric. I am sure there is much more to come from these characters as well as the others.

The "magick" is interesting as there are different levels of it, but I like the strong moral code that is attached to the magick as well as the world in general. I like the idea of the Scroll-porter, Magick drinks, Expandable beds and of course, the Un-potted plants ha-ha. The teachers are great and I love the fact that they are from different backgrounds.

The way the School Houses are made up was very clever and I like the blocks that the student's learn in. I also liked the emphases of creativity in the learning process too.

My favourite part is the Orberon and I can definitely imagine a lot of youngster and adults enjoying this.

In all, there are so many positives to the story that I'll have to re-read it to pick up on all the other points. Nevertheless, it is very descriptive and the style pulls you into the story, making it easy to visualise the characters/scenes etc.

In all, I think this could have the potential to fill the gap left by another magick school. Can't wait for the next one.

When is book 2 coming out? :o)

A BELGIAN PERSPECTIVE OF DRAGONSTONE HP

Thank you Astrid!

James C. Stuart has renewed a kind I considered difficult to renew. His "magickal world" is very different from all that I had read previously, imaginative, playful and bright.

A perfect mix of descriptions, action and character interactions. The author spreads clues in every chapter , never revealing too much at a time.

The characters are charming; the "Great City" is wonderful with its mixture of periods and I wish now that I had a "Wizopoli! at home are moving plants or special drinks or Charlie's growing bed...

I read the book with great pleasure and will read it again waiting for the next book.

As taken copied from the Amazon:http://www.amazon.co.uk/Dragonstone-Legend-Prophecy-James-Stuart/dp/095625053X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1329259579&sr=1-1

REVIEW BY SUSIE!

A big thank you to Susie for this wonderful review!

This is a beautifully well written novel and most certainly one for all ages to enjoy!

Such a wonderfully creative and descriptive storyline that fueled my imagination from start to end which is what I love so much about this book. I really like Charlie, a strong willed boy yet he shows warmth and protectiveness towards his new friends especially Amanda. Drawn to all of the secrets that surround them, nothing seems to stop Charlie in his quest for the half prophecy.

The story pulls you in as though you are actually there with them, sharing and experiencing the reality of this other realm, which for me is what makes this book and the style it is written fascinating.
Each chapter is cleverly paced and doesn’t reveal everything all at once.

I love the light hearted humour, it’s well balanced and holds lots of little gems.
The un-potted plants and the doors made me giggle! The different house’s within the school is a fantastic concept and I can’t wait to read more about them in the next book.

This is one novel that I will definately be reading again before the next edition.

REVIEW BY TONI FORSTER – Former primary teacher!

I loved this book and didn’t want it to end. (I've read it twice now).

The fantastical story is set in the present day, with a world of magicians and wizards.

Totally absorbing and beautifully descriptive, it created a whole world, in which I was totally lost.

The author displays a superb vivid imagination. (In the story there are magic beds, flowers, drinks, doors and much, much more). There is a highly skilled use of language.

It is an exceptional, magical story, where suspense is achieved (Door of Mystery). I thought the way the 'School Houses' were created was superb and inspiring.

The main character Charlie is a delightful child with an inquisitive, fearless nature, who is determined to find the Half Prophecy. Also, a disguised scroll chart is magically hidden.

Charlie’s mother applies to go to the ‘school of magic’ that appears to be ordinary to begin with. Only selected people go there. A world of magic is revealed to all who attend the school.

The obvious is not always stated in this story, which adds to the mystery.

I can’t wait until the second book of the series is released.

REVIEW OF DRAGONSTONE BY A 16 YEAR-OLD and DISPATCH UPDATE!

Zeph – 16 said this about Dragonstone:

"As a big reader, i really enjoyed this new magical adventure . I loved the story and the pace of it. I thought each chapter had something to keep you interested which made you read on. Loved the characters. i like Cosmolos as a powerful mage and sedrick as a great warrior. Using Amanda in the way that you did was clever and is something i've not seen before in fantasy adventures. The school was very good too and i like the way the magical houses were made up. The 'difference' you mentioned in the synopsis about the school was excellent and i can see a lot of people liking this. The un-potted plants were funny and I loved the idea of Percy-drinks. The way the great city was made up was fabulous and I think this will be popular too. The build up to the climax was excellent and I cant wait too see what happens next...”

(Post was copy and pasted from the the DSFB Page if you want to see. It was posted under a ‘Lionsgate, BeFit’ posting.)

You can purchase Dragonstone from: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Dragonstone-Legend-Proph-James-Stuart/dp/095625053X/ref=pd_rhf_ee_p_t_3 Dispatch is now only 7 - 11 days! Enjoy!