Stone Voice Rising - Hardcover

Tocci, C. Lee

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0152062920 ISBN 13: 9780152062927

Publisher: HMH Books for Young Readers, 2009

Synopsis

Lilibit can hear what the stones are whispering. She is meant to be the earth’s new Stone Voice who will ultimately connect the planet with the universe. Her protector, a stone warrior, attempts to take her to the place called Kiva to fulfill her destiny--but they are intercepted by Syxx, an evil entity devoted to finding the source of Lilibit’s power. Lilibit ends up at a group home for unwanted children, damaged and near death. But she recovers and journeys to Kiva with the other children, bestowing upon them the stones that allow them to embrace their own powers, fight Syxx's minions, and save the earth.

About this title

About the Author

C. LEE TOCCI is a new voice in the fantasy realm. She has a background in screenwriting and acting, and lives in Hollywood, California. Stone Voice Rising is her first book.

www.stonevoicerising.com

Reviews

Grade 5–8—The Earth Stone has lain silent for 10 centuries, until now. Six-year-old Lilibut is the new Stone Voice who can wield the power of magical stones. During her journey to Kiva, a safe haven where her abilities can be honed, she is kidnapped by Syxx, a timeless evil being. Subjected to torturous experimentation for five years, she's left brain-damaged and broken. Lilibut ends up at a group home where her recovery is remarkably swift. She and several foster children, led by 13-year-old Todd, run away after an earthquake and set out to find Kiva, pursued by Syxx and his forces. Descriptions of violence and dead bodies push this desert mountain adventure into darker territory. A number of unbelievable premises, problematic morality relating to the acceptability of killing depending on whether the victim is "good" or "evil," and uneven pacing due to time and perspective shifts detract from the overall quality. Too many belief systems cobbled together (Native American, Christian, and the Stone Voice mythology) create a muddled, loosely constructed world. However, the children's relationships are compelling and their adventure has momentum enough to propel the lengthy story forward. The secondary characters' experiences often serve the purpose of revealing Lilibut's character, but readers care for them, too. Though flawed, this is a satisfying enough story that will attract fantasy readers willing to suspend disbelief.—Amy J. Chow, The Brearley School, New York City
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In Tocci’s debut fantasy, the world is kept in balance by the Earth Stone, and a person with special powers, the Stone Voice, serves as its eyes and ears. The people living in Kiva, a secret mountain valley, are devoted to their care. However, the old Stone Voice has been corrupted by the Enemy, and when a new Stone Voice, Lilibit, appears, the Enemy moves to acquire her and soon steals her away. Years later, she is found physically and mentally damaged and sent to a group foster home. Todd, the eldest, also has strange powers, and eventually, the group decides to travel to Kiva together. Along the way, they battle the forces of the Enemy with powers they are just discovering. Despite the unique premise, the story is crowded with distracting side plots and too many viewpoints. The bond between the seven children is well done, however, and Todd, who becomes the main focal point, is a trustworthy and likable protector. Grades 5-8. --Krista Hutley

Edition details

• Publisher: HMH Books for Young Readers
• Publication date: 2009
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0152062920
• ISBN 13: 9780152062927
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 416