Nora and the Sacred Stones By Laura Hatch Rupper-Children's Middle Grade Fantasy Review

Product Details

• Title: Nora and the Sacred Stones 
• Author: Laura Hatch Ruppe
• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Eagle Gate Publishing (May 27, 2021)
• Genre: Middle-Grade Fantasy
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 112 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1524419346

***I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own***

Book Summary

Trespasser, Thief, Assailant—these were never titles Nora planned on. She was just trying to protect her sister. With the help of her little brother and his best friend, Nora embarks on a life-or-death quest that could rock the very fabric of their society.

After breaking into the royal palace, Nora discovers that the ancient power of the sacred stones is more than just a legend. But in her desperate attempt to help her sister, Nora may have awoken something deep inside the earth—a power she doesn’t fully understand. As Nora flees, she accidentally encounters Prince Kyn, heir to the Liardian throne. She narrowly manages to escape, but now the young prince knows who she is and what she looks like.

Eager to prove himself to his father, Prince Kyn leads a mission to find Nora and bring her back to House Liard. Unfortunately, his search is riddled with obstacles he never saw coming. Kyn soon realizes he needs Nora’s help more than he could have possibly imagined. In fact, the whole world does.

My Review

Nora and the Sacred Stones was a cute little fantasy. It is more like a novella at only 112 pages. This is a good story featuring fun characters and a pretty cool storyline. I really liked this whole world where The Sacred Stones are alive and some people, like Nora, can use them to concoct powerful things. Though this is being called a Middle Grade book, the main characters are 16 and 17 and there is a little bit of romance starting between the two.

This book is full of magic, action, and a bit of humor. The worldbuilding was good and I want to read more about this fantasy kingdom. The story ends where it leaves it wide-opened for a sequel. 

    ***Here is what the author had to say about***

why she wrote this novel:

"My story was inspired by some stone wrapping paper that I saw. This led me to wonder what an 'all stone' world would be like. I also spent a summer watching a ton of Great British Baking Show and this inspired Nora's special cooking talent.

I wanted to create a story with two heroes who have opposing missions. If Nora succeeds Kyn will fail and vice versa. 

Nora and the Sacred Stones is short because it was written for Covenant's Story Catcher novella contest. I am frequently asked if there is a second book. There is. It's called Nora and the Gateman's Prophecy - the first draft is complete."

Meet Author Laura Hatch Rupper

Little tidbits about me: I'm in a masters of school counseling program. I have three daughters and one giant dog. I love to walk or run with friends and chat. A really cool thing I did was run the Boston Marathon (15 years and 15 pounds ago). One of the bravest things I've done was teaching elementary orchestra without much knowledge of string instruments. Something that challenges me, in a good way, is coming up with math lessons for fourth and fifth graders. To relax I like to write (there's nothing better than creating a story) and paint - I'm currently trying out watercolors. And, of course, I love to read, read, read!!

Purchase Your Own Copy of Nora and the Sacred Stones

HERE: https://amzn.to/3h6CGj6

***Enter the Giveaway to win your own copy of***

Nora and Thev Sacred Stones

 a Rafflecopter giveaway