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.