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The Cornerstone

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The Cornerstone

By: Nick Spalding
Narrated by: John Hasler
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About this listen

A great book will transport you to another world... literally, if you're not careful. On a gloomy Thursday afternoon, Max Bloom enters his local library in a last-ditch attempt to stave off an epic case of teenage boredom. Among the hushed stacks he discovers The Cornerstone, an ancient book tucked away on a dusty, forgotten shelf.

Opening the cover, Max is instantly transported to an alternate dimension full of things intent on killing him - thus avoiding boredom with remarkable success. He meets a beautiful girl called Merelie (brilliant), who tells him he could be a Wordsmith, a sorcerer able to craft magic from the written word itself, one strong enough to save both their worlds from the Dwellers - hideous monsters from beyond the universe (not so brilliant).

In a world threatened by monsters, where books are worshipped and powerful magic exists, Max Bloom must make a choice: close The Cornerstone and run home - or trust Merelie, become a Wordsmith, and save two worlds from certain destruction....

©2011 Nick Spalding (P)2012 Audible Ltd Fantasy Fiction Magic Paranormal Magic Users

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This book is for "young adults" and although I am not one, I enjoyed this story.



The concept is interesting in that we travel to an alternative world and back again thanks to the Cornerstone.



We have here the makings of any good book: the battle between good and evil; between conscience and convenience; a gentle romance and a bit of magic to flavor the story.



The narrator sounds young and that's all to the good as it suits the story, he has the ability to create appropriate voices to match the characters and does it well. If, like me, you enjoyed the Harry Potter books, although not of that scale, you'll still find this book is worth a listen, and its one you can share with your kids.

Appeal for the young in heart as well as in years!

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There is, without doubt, the basis of a good story with the Cornerstone. It's a book about books and words, set in modern Britain and an alternate dimension. It has a number of intriguing ideas about what we value about ourselves and our lives. I would be the first to admit we all have different views about books - so here is my own particular take on why I titled this review "problematic". Firstly, the book seems to be pitched at 11 year olds, based on the vocabulary and the plot. This makes the gratuitous use of swearing - and all the main characters swear - rather annoying to say the least. While it might be relatively mild by modern standards, nevertheless it is unneccessary and distracting. Secondly, the characterisation of Max and Merelie is such that their main contribution is to whine about everything. And in Max's case, swear. Max, for the record, swears like an adult who is trying to swear like a teenager. I assume this is an attempt by the author to give him a sense of being "hip", but instead he sounds ridiculous. Thirdly, the narration is enthusiastic, but whether intentionally or not can come across a bit sneery, making it wearing to listen to. In conclusion, I can't be totally negative (despite the above!) about the Cornerstone, but it isn't a book I would recommend to others.

Problematic

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fun all the way through I Love it out of Spalling's normal style but still grand anyway

grand

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Confused .... Disappointed .... Is this a kids' book? Narrator sounds about 12 reading a story for 12 year olds ... sorry Nick

Not a typical Nick spalding

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I normally love nick Spaldings books and I really tried to like it... unsuccessfully. I agree with previous reviewers the language used just doesn’t fit with his target audience.. which I am not .. but I usually enjoy a well written YA book. I hardly ever give up on a book, but after several hours of nothing really happening and not liking any of the characters I am sending it back.

Boring

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