 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
The Prophecy of the Stones
- By Flavia Bujor
- Genre: Fantasy
Common Sense Media says
Reads like what it is: a 14-year-old's writing.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that there's nothing of concern in this book except bad, juvenile writing.
What's the story?
When they turn fourteen, three very different girls, Amber, Opal, and Jade, are sent away from their homes, each carrying a special stone, and told that an ancient prophecy has decreed that they must be sent in ignorance to find their destinies. They soon find each other and, though initially suspicious and snippy, travel together to try to discover the secret of their fate. Meanwhile a nameless knight tries to discover who he is. Meanwhile again a girl lies dying and dreaming in present-day Paris.
The three girls and the Nameless One eventually become involved in a battle between Good and Evil against the evil bureaucrats of the Council of Twelve and their Army of Darkness. What the Parisian girl has to do with anything is never made clear.
Is it any good?
A bright 14-year-old writes a story. It's pretty good for a kid, and no doubt her writing teacher is thrilled. Unfortunately, there's more to professional writing than stringing together hundreds of pages of clichés. The usual requirements include a plot that makes some sense, characters that behave somewhat believably, and, in a fantasy, a world that has some rules, even if they're invented -- but this book has none of the above.
There's nothing really objectionable here, except really bad writing, which isn't one of our categories of parental concerns. Although many kids will find it dreary and ridiculous, some will enjoy it. The only harm comes in confusing young readers about what constitutes good writing. In an eighth-grade writing class this book is worthy of respect, but in the world of publishing this should never have seen print.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about some of the issues in this book, such as fate, destiny, hope, and sacrifice. They also could talk about the difference between amateur and professional writing. Do you find it obvious that this was written by a child? Do you think it would have been published if it had been written by an adult?
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
AGE
Is This Book Possible?!?!
This book is soooo good. I wish i could write like this!! It is interesting and sad, heart-warming and great!! Is the author a mastermind or what?!? It gets you hooked but wont let go! It may be long but once you pick it you might not be able to put it down. Iloooooved it so much!!!!!!!!!!!
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
11 year old reviwer
Well here, I'm 11, and I saw this book at the bookstore and decided to read it when I found out that a 14 year old girl wrote it. I read about 5 pages, and I thought that it was amazing that a girl a bit older than me could write so well. But as I kept reading, there were words that didn't make sense, there weren't enough details, the exciting parts were rushed, and it was predictable. I liked the book. It was nicely written for someone of that age, but on a more professional level, it is bad. There was a lack of creativity, the characters developed fine, but fell in love way to fast. The descriptions were unclear, and it doesn't sound like a 14 year old's writing. I'm 11, and I'm sure that I can write so much better.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
itz aMaZiNg....a must-read book
i found 1 of da best books i've ever read, it can be read by ppl of all ages.......its simply AMAZING.....
Was this review useful?
|
|
Kid, 12 years old
September 19, 2010
AGE
great!!!!!!!!!
I love this book because these are girls you can relate to.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Good for fantasy and adventure lovers
This book is highly imaginative. I think that it is a good book for all kids that love adventure and fantasy.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
not a very descriptive fantasy book
the idea itself is actually quite good. however, the writing does not produce the idea in a descriptive way. the characters do not develop throughout the book, like most do in a good story. there are serious plot twists, such as death is on strike when a major character dies and is "never to return" a ten year old could pass these flaws and still state it an excellent book. good for kids, ok for tweens, but most teens won't bother to read it.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
An Introduction to Fantasy.
The Prophecy of the Stones, though imaginative and well-written, compromises a good storyline for poorly developed characters; hazy, mostly boring sub-plots and is full of cliches. To the wise eyes of an adult this book is nothing compared to other fantasy novels, but to children between the ages of roughly 8-10, it is pure gold. I'd like to think of the story as a "practice" for other books, most notably Inkheart, a vivid tween book spilling with creativity. Books such as Harry Potter, Twilight and Lord of the Rings can be read in the teen years with little difficulty if properly introduced, which brings us to why this book is important, not as a priceless literature movement, but as a teacher.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Please Don't Be Prejudiced, Perfect for teens and tweens
I LOVED this book. The storyline was captivating, and the characters were so easy to relate to, even in their fantasy world. I am a teenage writer, and I just want to say that all those reviews saying books by teens have poor quality are worthless, horrible, cruel, and prejudiced. Just because an adult cannot understand the life, language, or writing of a teenager does not maked the book, or the writer, 'bad.' It is a scientifically proved fact that teenagers' brains, during puberty, are literally being rewired. Therefore, it is natural that an adult may not understand what they are writing, but a teenager can relate perfectly. I would also like to say that we teenagers would appreciate the adults who claim that all teenage writing is either A) about vampires B) sappy romances or C) just plain useless, would kindly keep their prejudiced comments and reviews to themselves. And if you do feel the need to criticize our writing, please try to remember how hard it was to balance friends, homework, and family, along with your personal activities. Now add trying to write full-length novels, and see if you still want to tear us down.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
I liked it but I think she did kind of rush the ending.
Was this review useful?
|
|
| Author: | Flavia Bujor |
| Book type: | Fiction |
| Genre: | Fantasy |
| Publisher: | Hyperion Books for Children |
| Publication date: | June 27, 2004 |
| Number of pages: | 386 |
| Hardcover price: | $16.95 |
| Publisher's recommended age(s): | 9 - 12 |
Review It
Register now to save reviews and advice articles to your personal lists!
Great alternatives handpicked by our editors
Already read it? What do you think?
More from Common Sense Media
Top advice and articles
