Happy Tuesday! I’ve missed a week or two of book reviews, but it’s not because I haven’t been reading. I’ve been immersed in the Harry Dresden series and haven’t been posting reviews of those books since there are so many. Recently, I came up for air to branch into something different and–OH MY FREAKING WORD!–what a diversion it turned out to be. I can’t praise The Stones enough. It ticked all my reading boxes, but I’ll let the review speak for itself…
The Stones
D.L. Cross
If you’re looking for a fast paced, adrenaline fueled novel with stellar writing, breathless adventure, and a highly diverse cast of characters, look no further. In The Stones, book two of the Astral Conspiracy Series, aliens have arrived on Earth and they’re far from friendly. Nor do they resemble little green men. Creepy, bizarre, vividly imagined, these are beings you DO NOT want to cross. I don’t want to say too much for fear of spoilers, only that the titans freaked me out as much as, or more than, the reptars.
Professor Landon Thorne, once ridiculed for his theories about alien life, comes into possession of two “firestones” that may be tied to Atlantis and the aliens, but before he can discover more about their properties, he loses possession of both. With various factions vying for the firestones, aliens roaming the planet, an underground resistance movement, government agents, crosses and double crosses, D. L. Cross sets a breathless pace for readers. There are characters to love, characters to DESPISE, and plenty of nail-biting action. The chapters are energy fueled, most ending on jaw-dropping hooks, making it all but impossible to put this book down. With its complex plot, I could easily see The Stones/ Astral Conspiracy a Netflix series or a blockbuster movie. One of my favorite reads of 2020.
5 Honking Big Luminous stars!
AMAZON LINK
Genre: Alien Invasion Science Fiction > First Contact Science Fiction
Ready to embark on a phenomenal reading adventure? Then hop onboard. I highly recommend getting lost in the Astral Conspiracy Series. Once engaged, you won’t want to leave.
As for The Stones, I have one word: Titans.
Let’s just say I’m equally enthralled and freaked out by them! You’ll have to read the book to learn more 🙂
Awseome review, Mae! I’m planning on re-reading book 1, and then binge reading all the books once they’re out. After seeing your comments, I’m biting at the bit. Thanks for sharing. Best of luck to Staci with this great new series 🙂
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I hope you find the wait worth it, Harmony. Thanks.
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You’re going to love The Stones, Harmony. It’s even stronger and more addictive than book 1. I was enthralled from start to finish with this one!
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Not just 5 stars, but 5 big honkin’ luminous stars! Sounds great. I do love it when I can root for the good guys and despise the villains.
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I love that she capitalized “despise” because I suspect I know just who she means. And she’s right. That character is despicable. Thanks, Priscilla.
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Spot on, despicable!
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I tend to get very passionate about books that I love, Priscilla, LOL.
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Fantastic review, Mae. I’m reading The Stones right now. You’re right it’s fast paced, full of action, and the characters… wow!.
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I’m so glad to hear that, Joan. “Wow” always gives me the warm fuzzies. Thanks.
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And how about those freaky Titans, Joan?
I was thoroughly engrossed!
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Mae, I’m blown away by this review. I’ve never been given “5 Honking Big Luminous stars” before. Thank you so much for all your support.
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The Stones is a fabulous book, Staci and well worthy of this review. Thanks so much for keeping me entertained and biting my nails throughout.
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Now I’m worried the rest of the series won’t live up to this one. I hope it does!
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I KNOW it will be great! 🙂
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🤞
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I’m part way through this myself and enjoying the heck out of it.
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I’m so happy to hear that. Thanks, Craig!
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It’s a gold standard 🙂
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Now that’s a review! This is the first one I’ve seen for The Stones, but I’m not surprised – the first book was amazing. Have this one waiting on my Kindle. Congrats to Staci!
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I was blown away by her words, Teri. I do hope you enjoy the book when you get to it.
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This one is really special, Teri. You know there are certain books you just can’t put down? The Stones was one of those for me!
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What a wonderful and enthusiastic review! How can anyone who reads it not pick up Staci’s book. It sounds like it has everything I love and more. ❤️Wishing much success to Staci❤️
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She really did gush, didn’t she? I’m blown away by her response. Thanks, Tessa.
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I tend to be a bit, erm, crazy with books I love, Tessa. I couldn’t resist jumping up and down a bit in my review 🙂
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An awesome and enthusiastic review, Mae! Thank you for sharing your thoughts. This series is on my radar! Best wishes to Staci!
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Many thanks, Jan.
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You’ll love it, Jan. Book one is excellent, book two is phenomenal!
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I haven’t heard of Harry Dresden before so I got distracted from the real purpose of this post to google him. Good grief that looks like a good series! I love long series that can fill lots of time. A magician detective–yeah I could love that.
And Stacy’s new book sounds wonderful. It’s already on my Kindle. I better read it before I start Harry’s series, you think?
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There’s been a lot of talk about Dresden among some of the Story Empire authors. I haven’t read him, either. He certain seems to have a following, though! Thanks for having me on your TRB list, Jacqui. 🙂
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Jacqui, once you sink into the Dresden universe it’s hard to come up for air. I highly recommend reading The Stones first. What a thrill ride!
And, by all means, I suspect you will love Harry too. I’m on book 13 and each one just gets better than the last.
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I just checked my local library. It doesn’t have The Stones but does have Storm Front, Peace Talks, Wild Card, Shadowed Souls–a bunch more. White Nights looks like the oldest. Any thoughts?
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The oldest and first book is Storm Front, Jacqui. Here’s a link to all of the books in order:
https://www.jim-butcher.com/books/dresden
There are a lot of them, LOL!
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I can’t recommend the Harry Dresden series highly enough!
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I just started book 14 🙂
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👏🏻😊
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I absolutely loved this book, too! Just like you, I couldn’t put it down. Loved your review!
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So happy to hear that, Judi. Thank you!
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It was a thrill ride from start to finish. So glad you got to experience it, too, Judi. I can’t recommend it highly enough to other readers.
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Awesome review to share, Mae. Big cheers to Staci! 🙂
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Thanks, Natalie. 🙂
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Thanks, Natalie. The Stone has WINNER written all over it! 🙂
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I knew when I read Book 1 this was a series I would enjoy thoroughly. Like Harmony, I was planning to re-read it and then go straight through the rest, since they are coming out fairly close together. Now I don’t know if I can wait that long.
Super post, Mae and Staci, and a fantastic review! I think some bit-champing is in store for me. 😀
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Many thanks, Marcia. I hope, whenever you read the book, you enjoy it.
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It’s a binge-worthy series, Marcia. And coming off Dresden, I really needed something of superior quality to read. Staci delivered that and then some!
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That’s a compelling review Mae. Sounds like science fiction combined with fantasy? I’ve added this to my wish list. Thanks for sharing.
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Not really a fantasy element, Balroop. It call it a combination of Indiana Jones and Falling Skies. I am over the moon at Mae’s enthusiasm, though, regardless of the genre.
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So glad it’s made your wish list, Balroop. As Staci said, it’s more Indiana Jones and Falling Skies. In addition to the warp-speed pace, the plot is also interwoven with ancient alien theory, speculative lore, and even Biblical prophecy. It’s genius!
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Super review, Mae. Congratulations, Staci.
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Thank you, John. Staci deserves a standing ovation for this novel!
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She should have it then.
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🙂
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Awww…
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Much appreciated, John.
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How could anyone pass up a book with “5 Honking Big Luminous stars”? I’m headed to Amazon for my copy. Congratulations, Staci, on the extraordinary review, and thank you, Mae, for posting it!
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That phrase really captured my attention, too, Gwen. Thanks! I hope you enjoy it. (Not sure how well it stands up when read out of order, but I think you’ll be able to follow along.)
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Yippee! You’re going to love this one, Gwen. It’s just outstanding.
Happy reading 🙂
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Fantastic review! I’m reading this now and it’s soooo good!
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I’m delighted to hear that, Jacquie. I look forward to hearing your thoughts when you’ve finished it.
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Isn’t it awesome, Jacquie? A truly amazing read!
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I can’t wait to get to the Harry Dresden books. I keep saying aftee I read these books…but then more poo up lol. It may have to be my Christmas reading.
Great review 🙂 I enjoyed this book and just started book 3.
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I forgot to check my finger spelling…lol Opps
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Mae has been recommending Dresden to me for years. I haven’t pulled the trigger. Yet. They sound addictive, though.
Thanks for the kind words, Denise. I do hope you enjoy the next one.
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Great review, Mae. There was no way I could pass up a post with #AstralConspiracySeries in the title. 🙂
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I’m tickled to hear you say that. So glad you stopped by!
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🙂
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Hi, Rob! How wonderful to have you drop by. I hope you have been well 🙂
It’s an awesome book. I can’t recommend it highly enough!
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I’ve been up and down, I’m glad I have some concentration back. I can see your enthusiasm for the book in your review. It was fun to read.
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Rob, here’s wishing you have more ups than downs in the days ahead.
I’m glad you enjoyed the review!
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Me too. 🙂
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Pingback: #bookreviews of HMS LANTERNFISH and I WOULDN’T BE SURPRISED – Staci Troilo
Awesome review, Mae. I’m so glad this is book 2, because that is where I am in this series. I snagged me a copy. 🙂 Great review. I can’t wait to get reading!
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Yay! You’re going to love it, Diana. Great series, and this book is just exceptional! Happy reading 🙂
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Thanks so much, Diana! I do hope you enjoy it.
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I’m sure I will. Sounds great. 🙂
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This is a great review, Mae. I must read the first book. I’ve read The Scout: Dark Crossings.
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The Scout has a slightly different feel, as it’s series-adjacent instead of series-proper. But I do hope you enjoy the series if you read it. Thanks, Robbie.
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The first book is awesome as well, Robbie, but this second one is off the charts. Enjoy!
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I’m looking forward to this one. Hooks at the end of nearly every chapter keep us going.
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Thanks, Flossie. That’s the hope, for sure. If you read it, I hope you enjoy it.
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Great review, Mae. It’s so clear you had a blast reading this. Congratulations to Staci for writing something so impactful!
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Thanks so much, Jess!
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An utterly amazing book, Jess. This is definitely one I could read over again!
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No better endorsement than that!
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Wow, awesome review, Mae! And huge congrats to Staci for writing a nail-biter! I’m so glad she posted the link. I missed this post (admittedly, it’s been an “interesting” week.;-) )
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I read about your “interesting” week. That’s putting it mildly! Many thanks, Sue.
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I’ve been offline all day, so I’ll have to catch up with your “interesting week” if you posted about it. Hope things are settling down for you now, Sue. And yes, the book is awesome. I can’t recommend it highly enough.
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I didn’t post about it. Bob sliced open his leg with a chainsaw (he’s okay).
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But did you like it Mae?😁 seriously though, you’ve convinced me I need to try this series, so thank you.🤗 And I’m so excited you’re into Harry Dresden. What book are you on?
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Teehee. I tend to get a little enthusiastic with my reviews. 🙂
As for Harry, I’m about 100 pages into book 14, Cold Days. The series is simply amazing. Harry is one in a million, but every single character is so well done. Jim Butcher is a genius!
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He really is! I’m so glad you’re loving the series Mae!
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