The Stone of Valhalla

By: Mikey Brooks

Narrated by: Shea Taylor

Length: 7 hrs and 1 min

Publisher's summary

Thirteen-year-old Aaron was chosen to save their world, but it might come at the cost of losing his own...

Breaking into an old lady's basement was supposed to reward Aaron with new friends. Instead he finds an enchanted amulet that transports him to another world - one at war with magic. Before he knows it, he is accused of witchcraft and invited to a bonfire - where he's the main attraction. If that's not bad enough, a goblin army shows up and toasts the town... literally. The good news: Aaron escapes being charbroiled. The bad news: the goblins are after him. They want his amulet and will stop at nothing to get it. Battling to find his way home, Aaron teams up with a not-so-magical-wizard and learns it's his fate to destroy the amulet and save this new world. But is he willing to sacrifice his own?

©2014 Mikey Brooks (P)2014 Mikey Brooks

Critic reviews

"The Stone of Valhalla is a riveting mystery revealing true friendship, loyalty and sacrifice. Brooks engages the curiosity of middle graders and older sleuths alike, until the very end. Fantastic!" (L.R.W. Lee, author of The Andy Smithson series.)

"The Stone of Valhalla is one of those books that only comes along once in a great while. Brooks doesn't just create a world, he puts you inside of it, allowing you to experience the wonder in a way that only he can. His characters are likable and fun. His twists leave you asking 'Why?' Treat yourself to an exciting adventure through a beautiful new land. Make new friends and be a part of the magic. This is a book that you will not be able to put down!" (J.R. Simmons, author of Ragesong: Awakening.)

"The Stone of Valhalla drew me in from the get-go. Aaron's journey is reminiscent of Dorothy's trek in The Wizard of Oz. Magic, sword fights, danger, and more danger, sprinkled with humor and unexpected twists. This is one of the 'best' fantasy adventures I've ever experienced!" (BBH McChiller, author of The Monster Moon Series.)

Family story time!

Great book to listen to as a family! Took it on a cross country drive and it kept everyone’s attention! Fun story!

A fun listen for all ages

What did you love best about The Stone of Valhalla?

Interactions between the main characters were fun and their individual development as characters were well-paced throughout the story.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Aaron was a very believable boy - conflicted but good at heart.

What about Shea Taylor’s performance did you like?

His varied voices and use of accents.

Exciting Middle Grade Adventure

This is a fast paced adventure that kids and parents will both love. Aaron (13) wants friends. To get friends he agrees to an initiation test. He must sneak into an old woman's home and steal an item. In the basement he finds an amulet that magically transports him to another realm. In this action packed fantasy Aaron learns he was chosen to save this new world but that saving their world could keep him from returning home. Here he makes friends, goes on a quest, is betrayed, fights strange creatures with a sword, and risks his life at every turn.
You'll want to listen straight through without a break.

Couldn't put it down!

Wow! I LOVED this book!

I wasn't 100% sure at first, mainly because the narrator's simpering tone for the main character was off-putting, but as soon as the story entered the other world, I was hooked.

Fantastic writing and storytelling!

And the narrator played the many characters really well - a few with true mastery.

A very satisfying read and ending. Highly recommended for readers aged 8-14.