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2015 Reader Views Reviewers Choice Award
Book Review
Reviewed by Paige Lovitt
Reader Views
“Corryn’s Stone” is a fantasy novel by T.L. Howard. A Caudex Anima is a book of souls. It is actually composed of souls when runes are used to capture the powers of the individuals who are used to make up the book. These books are very dangerous because they can hold up to one hundred or more soul runes in them. When the presence of a particularly powerful Caudex Anima is discovered, mankind is in jeopardy, because this particular text has the souls of demi-gods who didn’t get to finish the transformation into gods. They are very powerful and hungry to complete the process and, in doing so, humanity will be destroyed. It is very dangerous for individuals to have this book in their possession because if they know how to use it, it will destroy their sanity.
When it is discovered that a man does have possession of the Caudex Anima, a group of people go on a quest to try to get it to a place where it can be contained and no longer be a threat to humanity. This quest is a very difficult one, especially since the man who holds the book is becoming insane and extremely dangerous. As the quest continues, more information is gathered and the party involved with the search truly realize the severity of their situation. Utilizing the help of other powerful beings, such as a goddess, the group continues on their way and does everything that they can to overcome the obstacles being placed in their path. They must find Corryn’s Stone, because it has the power that they need to complete their journey. It is a dangerous adventure, yet if nothing is done, there will be no future for the people.
“Corryn’s Stone” is the sequel to “The Crystal Key.” Not having read the first novel, I felt that this book was easy to follow in spite of being the second one in the series. I found myself adapting quickly to the situation and the characters involved in the story. Having enjoyed this fantasy so well, I would like to go back and read the first one. I really appreciated how well the author described the scenes and vividly brought them to life. The magical elements added a special touch that made the fantasy aspects of this story even more enjoyable. The characters are well developed and continue to evolve and grow as they learn how to handle their situation.
I definitely recommend “Corryn’s Stone” by T. L. Howard to readers who enjoy fantasy. Both young adults and full grown adults will enjoy getting caught up in this incredible tale.
5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome fantasy read that is rich with details
By Diana L (Midwest, USA) -(Amazon TOP 500 REVIEWER)
This review is from: Corryn's Stone (Kindle Edition)
I bought this book to read while on vacation in Mexico. It definitely exceeded my expectations (which are fairly high). I read a lot of Sci-Fi and Fantasy books. As I often do, I went into this book “backwards” as I haven’t read the first book (The Crystal Key) yet but it is now on my reading list. I knew this author was in a league of her own when I read the descriptions of characters. Faldyn and Thelwyn sprang to life in my mind within a few minutes and then I was hooked solid. All the characters are richly detailed and the story was a pleasure to read, although it flew by way to fast. I hated seeing the end of the book fast approaching. If you like fast paced reads with exceptional attention to detail, put this book on your reading list. This author definitely stands out and I hope to see more books from her soon.
5.0 out of 5 stars Great Fantasy/Sci-Fi Book
By Kohearn (Amazon.com)
This review is from: Corryn's Stone (Kindle Edition)
Corryn’s Stone definitely gets a thumbs up from me. Author T.L. Howard gives us a sci-fi/fantasy read that is near impossible to put down.
With well -crafted characters and a carefully woven plot, I stayed up reading later than planned for several evenings.
Howard creates a story that builds solid momentum throughout. There are zero lags and sometimes I felt my heart racing as I turned the page.
If you like true quality sci-fi/fantasy reads, this one is exactly what you are looking for. The plot is original and definitely not a “cookie cutter” sci-fi read.
This is an author who knows how to create an exceptional story. Awesome read.
5.0 out of 5 stars I Highly Recommend Corryn's Stone
By Wilson R. (Pacific Northwest)
This review is from: Corryn's Stone (Kindle Edition)
The cover of this book caught my attention and I was pleased to find the content was just as good. The characters are all quite well created and this intense sci-fi/fantasy read had me on the edge of my seat more than once. Once I started getting immersed in the story (which was well before I finished the first 10%), I knew this was a book that I would want to read straight through. That didn’t happen but I forfeited running errands to stay home and finish this story. The plot is intense- Mirah and Rasmun are pretty much contently resting on matters well- handled until Æyrebis returns after ten years. Rasmun knows that they once again have their work cut out for them. Stopping Æyrebis is all but impossible. Unless Corryn’s Stone comes into play. I won’t give you any spoilers and I think you’ll thank me later. I’ll just say that the key to their salvation, Corryn’s Stone has power beyond belief. The author packs a real punch with this story and I loved every minute of it.
Highly recommend.
5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent read
By Brandon Withey
This review is from: Corryn's Stone (Kindle Edition)
This book was an excellent read, with stories, characters, and themes that will drag you on from beginning to end. There are some amazing experiences along the way, and a well-conceived plot-line that doesn't ignore character development. It's not easy to write a book in the fantasy genre that doesn't come off being 'just another retelling', but T.L. Howard has managed to do so, I can't recommend this one enough.
Reviewed by Michelle Stanley for Readers' Favorite 5 Stars
Corryn’s Stone is a fantasy by T.L. Howard. Mankind will suffer if Lord Faldyn controls the Caudex Anima (Book of Souls - Æyrebis and Ætheryal). Æyrebis holds the dark souls of Delnos and their evil spells, and Ætheryal contains the light souls of Delni. Their powerful spells will give Faldyn the dominance he yearns over humans. Mirah and Rasmun are selected by The Chosen to retrieve the Caudex Anima and Corryn’s Stone, the key which is needed to stop Faldyn, who possesses Æyrebis. When Mirah and her group follow leads to locate the items, they are constantly attacked and she realizes there’s an unknown spy in the group. If they don’t stop Faldyn before the solstice begins, he will continue to destroy crops and lives. Corryn’s Stone is a wonderful mystical story by T.L. Howard. It’s difficult to put this book aside once you've started reading. The author writes very well and knows how to captivate an audience. I was introduced to another realm of magic through its unique plot and setting. It is nicely descriptive and the characters displayed varying strengths and emotional conflicts which I found interesting. The special powers that some possessed reminded me of those in Lord of the Rings, and T.L. Howard created the right atmosphere to make me visualize everything which occurred. When I had guessed what was coming next, the author surprised me with a few twists which I would not have thought possible, so that made the book more entertaining.
Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite 4 Stars
Corryn's Stone is an epic fantasy written by T.L. Howard. The land is quiet after the last major war caused by the maddened Rasmun whose mind had been overwhelmed by the occupants of the Tome of Antistes, the Æyrebis , the lost souls. Rasmun was healed and became the High Priest of Orsa, and the Tome was safely stored away. Rasmun sought to unite the fundamentalist branch of his faith, the Expurgo Gregis, with the more mainstream Custodia sect and had invited the scholar Faldyn to become Lord High Chancellor as part of that unifying plan. Rasmun was unaware of Faldyn's continued zealotry and determination to unleash the destructive power of the Æyrebis to cleanse the world of the stench of the infidel. Mirah is the Chosen One and leader of the province of Arus. She, her husband, the Lord Commander, and their allies must find a way to stop Faldyn and the Æyrebis from destroying their world. T.L. Howard's epic fantasy, Corryn's Stone, is original and compelling. The author creates a world with a complex mythological base and a society that is guided by leaders chosen by gods and goddesses. Corryn's Stone takes the reader on a fantastical journey as the forces of light race against time and evil, and encounter hostile forces and supernatural beings at every turn. Howard paints vivid descriptions of the lands both in their prime and as they decay under the influence of the Æyrebis. Her characters are tortured and very human, both the evil Faldyn and the gallant companions on Mirah's quest to save the world. While epic fantasy fans who enjoy action and adventure tales filled with swords and sorcery may find Corryn's Stone a bit ethereal for their tastes, this inspirational quest fantasy should please many readers.
Reviewed by Melinda Hills for Readers' Favorite 5 Stars
The eternal battle between good and evil is played out through the characters on the side of Deceris, goddess of the Light and those of Belamon, god of the Dark. They join forces against Lord Faldyn, the pawn of the damned souls of Æyrebis, and his followers, the Partisans. Corryn's Stone by T.L. Howard is an exciting epic that incorporates creation stories, the lure of power and the folly of greed across millennia and different races of people. After years of distrust, Orsans and the citizens of Edos are both subjected to the threat of annihilation through the dark powers of Faldyn. The ‘Chosen’, the human representatives of Deceris and Belamon, Mirah and Rasmun, must put aside their differences to fight the growing menace set to destroy the world within months. Tasked with carrying out a quest to complete the mission of the ancient cleric Corryn, the Chosen must destroy the books containing the condemned souls of the Delni and Delnos who lost the favor of ‘The One’, the original ‘Creator’. This partnership is fragile, given the former adversarial relationship between the commanders of the opposing sides, and fear of deceit and trickery keep everyone on edge. Through patience and total faith in their respective gods, along with help from a vast support network, the quest proceeds. Will truth win out or will the forces of hate and revenge manage to finally bring about the end of the world? Corryn's Stone by T.L. Howard is, without a doubt, a terrific book with a Corryn's Stone by T.L. Howard is, without a doubt, a terrific book with a riveting storyline that combines excellent characters, exciting action, tremendous imagination, vivid descriptions and a wide range of emotions. Deep faith is a key theme throughout the book as is the concept of universal balance and respect for nature, but both are treated matter-of-factly and in harmony with the overall plot. This is a wonderful book that stokes the reader’s interest and portrays a world of incredible options.
Reviewed by Sarah Lowry for Readers' Favorite 4 Stars
In Corryn’s Stone by T.L. Howard, Mirah is the Chosen of the goddess Deceris and has finally begun to bring peace to her land. Rasmun is the Chosen of the god Belamon, but his land is split between those of the Expurgo Gregis and those of the Custodia Gregis doctrines. Faldyn accepts the position of High Chancellor under Rasmun, but his intentions are not pure. When he discovers that he will be unable to persuade Rasmun to accept the doctrine of Expurgo Gregis, he devises a plan to take over the land by retrieving an ancient book that contains untold power. Faldyn sets out to release the souls of a long dead race, remaking the world with himself as a god. Mirah and Rasmun must work together on a dangerous mission to uncover a second ancient book of power and ensure the books are returned to their Source so they can never touch humanity again. Corryn’s Stone by T.L. Howard is an enjoyable fantasy novel with a complex and intriguing plot line. The author did a fantastic job of creating a world and a system of magic and hierarchy that drew me into the story. The only real downfalls to the story were the numerous character titles that were sometimes confusing and tedious to read, and I thought some of the dialogue was unrealistic because it was too polite and artificial. However, the plot had plenty of twists that kept me riveted, and the world was complex and captivating. I loved the imagery throughout the story; I was easily able to visualize the world and the magical beings as I was reading it. I really enjoyed the world T.L. Howard created, and I would recommend Corryn’s Stone for a good fantasy read.
Reviewed by Valerie Rouse for Readers' Favorite 5 Stars
Corryn’s Stone by T.L. Howard is an entertaining fantasy novel. The main character, Mirah, leader of Decera, was given the responsibility of saving the world. To her dismay, she was informed by Rasmun that the mythical box containing evil souls - called the Æyrebis - was actually stolen from a monastery. The thief was Rasmun’s trusted friend, Lord Faldyn. This Æyrebis has the capacity to totally annihilate the world with its magical powers. Unfortunately, it could also make the owner insane over a period of time. This occurred previously when Rasmun, High Priest of Orsa, was in control of the Æyrebis. Due to the extensive powers it wielded, Rasmun had sealed it in the monastery. Mirah - also called the Chosen of Deceris - set out with her husband Roenin and her entourage to hunt down Lord Faldyn. Accompanied by Rasmun, Mirah began the long journey. Along the way, Mirah discovered that a second box existed, called the Ætheryal. This contained good spirits. The two boxes now had to be secured and taken to the Holy Mountain and the souls released into the Captus Lapis or Corryn’s Stone. Corryn’s Stone is an interesting book. It thoroughly examines the theme of good versus evil. The many references to darkness and light serve to enhance this relevant theme. The language used is semi-formal to reflect the status of the main characters. I love the descriptive detail applied to the cities in the novel. I also love the fact that the author chose a female as the heroine. Most books of this genre usually have males as the outright leaders. I love the way in which author T.L. Howard fully outright leaders. I love the way in which author T.L. Howard fully developed the main character. Her thirst for knowledge was identified as well as her morality. She was humble enough to bow to a higher power. Her feminine side was also highlighted along with her battle-ready acumen. The contrast between the main characters is very enthralling. It encourages the reader to continue reading at full speed. The author has done an excellent job in making the storyline engaging and inspiring. The pace was a bit slow at the beginning of the book, but it picked up as the action unfolded. Corryn’s Stone is a very good novel and I recommend it to all readers