A story of pleasing complexity.--Kirkus Reviews, Starred
Grimpow had no idea who the dead man was, but hidden in his leather bag was a treasure that would change his life forever. Clutched in the man's firm grip was a stone. A stone that will shape Grimpow's destiny. For when he holds it in his hand odd things begin to happen. Visions of places he's never been fill his mind and he's able to read the strange language in a message meant for someone else.
So begins his journey with the stone. A centuries-long journey that has driven sane men crazy, turned peaceful men to violence, and made strong men powerless. No man has ever unlocked its secrets. But no boy has ever tried.
Abalos . . . proves himself adept at moving the multiple story lines of the labyrinthine plot at a fast pace. His elaborate novel should win over not only teenage fantasy fans but adults as well.--Publishers Weekly, Starred