Shadows of the Stone Benders (The Anlon Cully Chronicles) (Volume 1)

Character development good, plot moved along at good pace, and was well constructed. Story was interesting, and engaging. Would recommend for a good read, and liked that the book left off with further tales afoot in the future.

I will be reading and re-reading this series. Quick and effective connection to the characters combined with high drama in a great story make this a winner! The fascinating setting of deadly competition for priceless technology from the distant past makes it hard to put down. I am so glad this is a series as now that I have hit the wall as one does at the end of really good read I can pick up the next one!

It's an entertaining story, once you suspend your disbelief in a fairly preposterous plot device, and the last third or so of it is page-turning tension. The author was in sore need of a good editor, though. His prose is awkward on almost every page, and he obviously made frequent unnecessary use of a thesaurus. All in all worth the time, but I'd wait for it to go on sale.

From the first, Anlon and Pebbles grab your attention and pull you into their terrifying but fascinating tale. So exquisitely told, one almost wants to believe it's actually fact rather than well told fiction.History told with a surprising twist and well worth a read.

Shadows of the stone benders is a modern storyline with some great imaginative alternate origin themes. The characters are well developed and believable. Just enough drama, romance and adventure to keep the reader interested. Difficult to put the book down. I automatically tried to buy the next saga.

Although the story line has great possibilities, the characters are a bit two dimensional and I did not find myself connecting with them. With all that said, I did order the second book and am reading it at this writing.

A great read for anyone who loves fantasy and some mystery. While dialog and character development could use some polish, Mr. Donoghue's debut novel delivers solid writing and storytelling. The end leaves us satisfied, yet with enough tease to greatly anticipate the next installment. In addition to intrigue and a whole new take on solving history's greatest mysteries, the author introduces us to a very likable cast of characters. In a nutshell--a fun, interesting, well-written mystery with the promise of more to come!

When I was asked to act as a developmental editor for this book, I agreed but honestly didn't know what to expect. I was blown away. The character development is strong, the story immediately engaging, and the plausibility of the premise very well thought out. In fact, at one point I realized that I hadn't had my editor hat on for nearly 50 pages because I was so engrossed in the story! It is like Indiana Jones meets Dan Brown/DiVinci Code. If you are looking for a fantastic book for summer reading, grab Shadows now...and hold on...

Wow. Read a variety of books and was very pleased to select a new author based on the story description and reviews. Very interesting subject with a "cast" that worked together so well. Very developed stories within the main story.
Look forward to the next book!

Ugh..the bones of this story had potential but the interactions among the characters were terrible. Nobody relates that way, he was so terribly over descriptive and annoying after each character said something. Painful...

Love the story line . I have studied these ancient stories and legends for forty years. This is a great blend of ancient history and fantasy. Entertaining to say the least. I would recommend it to any one who like ancient mysteries . I cannot wait for the next episodes.

The first installment in the Anlon Cully series, this novel is reminiscent of Indiana Jones. Well-written, with colorful characters, the twists and turns are sure to keep you engrossed. Definitely a must-read for anyone who loves an adventure wrapped up in mystery, and tied up with a bit of myth and other-worldy magical artifacts. Can't wait for the next in the series!

Well written, fast paced with good character development. The plot is intriguing. I hope the next book in the series is out soon. I think people of all ages would enjoy this series. I would definitely recommend this book. All the"good stuff" was included - science, action, fantasy and the good guys are smarter then the bad guys. Leaves you hanging wanting more.
Kitkat

It was an action packed srama. It kept my interest the whole way through, even though it seemed similar in theme to other books I've read it was unique in its use of the stones and encounters with past people.

Very few books surprise me anymore and I usually either lose interest or have it figured out halfway through. This book not only surprised me but kept my interest all the way to the end. I will definitely read the rest of the series

This is a well-written book with a powerfully intriguing basis, namely ancient technological artifacts that prove the existence of an earlier cycle of mankind that was further advanced than we are today. The artifacts can be used as weapons, which they are as their discoverer is murdered for them. This book is the first in a series, which holds great promise if it is handled to best advantage. There is the protagonist Anlon, a wealthy inventor who is trying to achieve understanding and control of the artifacts. There is his assistant and budding girlfriend Pebbles, who helps fight off the expected villains who also covet the valuable artifacts. The story is more thriller than science fiction, though a proper balance between these genres must be found. The idea of discovering fundamental new history that affects mankind's understanding of himself and his species makes for a moving narrative that goes way beyond standard struggles between good guys and bad guys. My hope is that the meaning and operation of the exotic artifacts take them from mere story-advancing devices to a central role in a potentially great series.

My two-and-a-half year old son accidentally purchased this on my Kindle before one of our summer trips. Having heard from my wife that I tend to read too much non-fiction I decided to give it a try instead of cancelling the order thinking it may be serendipitous timing with one of our summer trips. The premise of the book is interesting, however, I was not able to complete the book as it appears the audience may be teenage boys. There are some references in the book which I believe would appeal to a teenage male reader, but feels trite, materialistic and juvenile for more mature audiences. The main character is a young man in his twenties who made a fortune patenting some technology to allow cars to operate more efficiently, and as a result does not work and spends his time enjoying leisurely somewhat solitary pursuits until his uncle mysteriously passes away - at which point he is engaged in settling his uncles affairs and searching for clues to his uncles untimely demise. The character's background to me seems a little too convenient and enabling to move the book forward, and again I suspect would appeal to materialistic young men. The book lacked substance for me, but others may enjoy it.