Stoneheart

The Stoneheart Trilogy, Book One

By: Charlie Fletcher

Narrated by: Jim Dale

Length: 9 hrs and 39 mins

Publisher's summary

A city has many lives and layers. London has more than most. Not all the layers are underground, and not all the lives belong to the living. A 12-year-old boy named George Chapman is about to find this out the hard way. On a school trip he's punished for something he didn't do. In a tiny act of rebellion, he lashes out at a small carving on the wall - unexpectedly breaking it off. And then something horrible does happen: a stone pterodactyl unpeels form the wall and starts chasing him. George is already running before his mind starts trying to tell him that this is impossible!

©2010 Charlie Fletcher (P)2010 Scholastic Audio

I'm just here for Jim Dale

The story was all over the place and a bit hard to follow but Jim dale made up for most of it.

Jim Dale makes an average book into a great story.

Where does Stoneheart rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I purchased this book solely because I saw that Jim Dale had done the recording. The first book was an enjoyable read but so far does not have the depth of the Harry Potter series.

What did you like best about this story?

Jim Dale's performance immediately transported me into the tale. The only bad thing I can think about his performance was that I kept having to remind myself that this wasn't another Harry Potter series during the first several chapters.

What does Jim Dale bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

His range of colorful voices makes it easy to tell which character is speaking.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I was able to listen to this in a single sitting while doing a 30 mile backpacking trip but it doesn't have to be done this way.

Any additional comments?

The book was enjoyable enough that I purchased the next two books in the trilogy after finishing this one.

Not Harry Potter, but still pretty good

Would you listen to Stoneheart again? Why?

I will definitely be listening to this again because it's a truly unique twist on what we perceive to be reality, and it exists right under our noses.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Stoneheart?

I don't want to give too much of a spoiler, but I liked Edie's glinting - which you'll just have to listen to the book to understand what I mean. I can't really tell you why either without the risk of ruining an important piece of the plot for you.

What does Jim Dale bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

He's Jim Dale! If you've heard him read the Harry Potter books, then you know exactly what I'm talking about. Every character gets their own voice and personality that the listener can identify and recognize even before he reads who's speaking. When Jim Dale reads a book, the words become the characters with real depth and life.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

If I had had the ability to, I would have.

Any additional comments?

Unlike the HP series which ages with its characters, the Stoneheart series remains at its original age level and, while I enjoyed it as a full-grown adult, is appropriate for children as young as 10 without the need for parental concern. Of course you'll want to listen to it with them anyway because, let's face it, why should they have all the fun?

There are a couple of foul words used in the story, but they're minor ones and I don't feel that there is a risk of young children wanting to pick them up.

Fantastic Story, Great Narrator!

I will admit that I bought this mainly because Jim Dale was narrating and I'd enjoyed him so much with the Harry Potter books. This story, though, is beautifully written and well-plotted. The characters are well-developed in the best way: you're shown who they are via their actions rather than told. The mythology of this "other London" is realistic in the manner of the best fantasy books. This is a great tale for all ages. (And Jim Dale, as usual, does a bang up job with the voices -- he had me laughing aloud at The Dictionary.)

Great Narration!

Would you consider the audio edition of Stoneheart to be better than the print version?

I have not read the print version, but I imagine the audio is better only because Jim Dale narrates in such a way that brings stories to life.

Have you listened to any of Jim Dale’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I have greatly enjoyed Jim Dale's performance of the Peter and the Starcatcher Series. This narration is just as good. He is excellent at differentiating between characters and when the children talk and eat, I have to laugh out loud at his performance. Dictionary is an especially interesting character that Jim Dale portrays.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

When George remembered his last interaction with his father, I was brought to tears. It reminds me of my mother and really touched my heart.

Any additional comments?

This is a wonderful story! The detail and interactions of the characters and their surroundings really amaze me. I enjoyed the author's metaphors and descriptive prose. The phrase "No you don't!", was used quite often and that did bug me a little bit. Otherwise, I am very happy that I purchased this book and plan to get the rest of the series.

A Great Read

I was aware of this book due to my Jim Dale fandom and trying to find more things that scratched my HP itch. Stoneheart was such a fun read. A fun world to explore with fun, interesting characters. Jim Dale’s delivery was exquisite again. Dang that man is talented.

Neverwhere meets Night at the Museum

The story was interesting but just barely so. Jim Dale's narration was superb as always. I definitely wouldn't have enjoyed this book as much without Dale's performance.

Constant action!

I absolutely love Jim Dale, which is why I decided to listen to Stoneheart. Now that it's done, I'm very glad I made that decesion and cannot wait to move into book 2. The story is fast paced and easy to keep up with, the characters are all very memorable and the voices Mr. Dale gives to them are great fun to listen to.

So much fear so much fear just so much beer

There was too much fear for a children's story without a balance of or more positive energy hope headline too much fear

Not bad

I was looking for a new author. I have no aversion to young adult fiction. I loved Harry Potter after discovering it by accident. I gave this one a try. I enjoyed it. It gets a little long in parts. The beginning is a little confusing. I had to re-listen to the first 3 chapters a couple of times to get the characters straight. After that I had no problem listening to the entire book at one sitting. I will say this. I am glad that I got this book after completion of the series. I hate waiting for the 'next' one in line. I liked this concept of 'living' stone and the creatures affected by it. Jim Dale does a great job narration. His accent is just British enough to remind you the setting is in London, England and makes the story that much more enjoyable.