Dragonstone

As a pre-launch review, I can't reveal too much, though, well done in writing such an imaginative and well crafted story. A monster hit to behold.

The story is easy to read and the descriptions are excellent, transporting you in to the world of magick. There is a plethora of ideas and concepts to keep you entertained. Also, there are a colourful blend of characters, each carrying their own mystique and style; I know I have my favourites. As the mystery unfolds, a whole new world is revealed, unleashing the main protagonist and his gang into a thrilling adventure to solve an ancient mystery. The mission keeps you on edge and there is an intriguing climax.

Dragonstone is a wonderful school refreshed and transformed. I loved the concepts behind the magick as well as loving the ideas behind the classrooms and learning in general; I wish my school was as inspirational as this one. Furthermore, 'The Great City' is ingenious and it sets it apart from other recent adventures, sending your imagination into overdrive. The ceremonies are tastefully atmospheric and make you feel as if you are actually there, and the Orberon, well... there is ample here to keep you on edge and entertained.

This will prove to be a popular, children's adventure, though there is plenty here to captivate us grown-ups.

The only pitfall to this is that 'Monster' has read this before everybody else, so I have to wait longer for the second book...

It was really enjoyable reading Dragonstone. The characters were realistic and there was a clear message of friendship and loyalty throughout the book. In addition, it was unusual and pleasing to see a character with a disability within the book shown in a positive light.

There were lots of references to landmarks within Nottingham, which was great to see and opens opportunities for engagement with local studies information.

From the 'Unpotted Plants', Percy drinks to the growing beds, knights fighting and Lionoths. This book has action, adventure, suspense and comedy within it. This is matched by some great descriptive qualities within the book (for example when Charlie first gets to see the four different houses that he will be staying in, earth, fire, water and air). Finally ending in suspense of what will happen next in the book...

I personally look forward to seeing what James writes next.

Dragonstone begins with protagonist Charlie Stuart thwarting a group of snivelling school bullies in spectacular fashion, proving just how brave he is right from the off. And young Charlie will need this courage because, soon, he and his fellow Stuarts find themselves whisked away to the mysterious, Nottingham-based Dragonstone school.

Being from the city himself, Stuart portrays Nottingham superbly, sculpting a clear sense of the architecture, ambiance and energy of the surroundings. Accents are used throughout, but they are well-measured, crisp and never subtract from the novel's splendid pacing.

However, the book really takes off once inside the walls of Dragonstone. The students learn how to wield a sword, the specifics of magickal history and, significantly, some of the life-lessons familiar to more orthodox school goers too. Other highlights include a kooky society fair complete with floating heads vying for student signatures, and the two fascinating Mages, Cosmolos and Astrophos.

The similarities to Potter are clear, but Stuart has built a world with it's own distinct charm and richness - a promising debut indeed.

My name is grace and mummy said to let you know about me reading your book.

Anyway I really loved the book. Amanda was my favourite - I am thinking I would like to be like her. What do you think? Charlie is brave. Right from the start fighting the bullies that was amazing . I don't like bullies but we'd don't get any really at my school., I love school. I think my school is a bit like dragon stone . My school is bilton grange z . Have a look at the pictures and tell me if you think it's like dragon stone. I liked the book a lot. I do like adventures stories and I read quite a lot of them. There were some hard words. It didn't matter though . Will you do another book ? At school we did a poem about our favourite book and I picked this. But Mrs turner can't find it at the moment but she will have it somewhere

Love grace xxxxx

Thank you Dalia for your comments :)

I thought Dragonstone was really good.

I like the fact that you mixed the modern and the old, like you could travel by a magickal flume to places.The Great City was great city and I thought the different people that lived there was clever idea.

I really liked the houses they lived in. They were unusual and really interesting at the same time. The drinks were good because they knew how thirsty you were and I like the beds and the showers.

I like the characters because they were interested in things they shouldn't have been and that they always wanted adventure.

My favourite characters were Tom, Sedrick and Eric the bus driver as I thought he was funny.

The shadow creature was mysterious and wasn't sure if it was friendly or not even when it helped him. I am still not sure.

I like the school itself. A lot of the aspect of it was that it was alive and there were lots of unusual things there, not like a normal school.I like the teachers and the houses. It was good that they didn't share a room to sleep in and that they had their own room that fit their needs. I liked that they could make their own magickal tools and there wasn't someone making it for them. What was really good was the knight training. It made it really interesting than just learning magick. I wish I could do something like that.

It is a lot different from Harry Potter and I think it could be as good. I can't wait for the second book to see what happens.

As a big reader, I really enjoyed this new magical adventure. I loved the story and the pace of it. I thought each chapter had something to keep you interested which made you read on. Loved the characters. I like Cosmolos as a powerful mage and Sedrick as a great warrior. Using Amanda in the way that you did was clever and is something I've not seen before in fantasy adventures. The school was very good too and I like the way the magical houses were made up. The 'difference' you mentioned in the synopsis about the school was excellent and I can see a lot of people liking this. The un-potted plants were funny and I loved the idea of Percy-drinks. The way the great city was made up was fabulous and I think this will be popular too. The build up to the climax was excellent and I can't wait to see what happens next...

Hello, I am 77 years of age and have just read "Dragonstone, the Legend of the Half Prophecy which was bought for me. I got really engrossed in the book and thoroughly enjoyed reading it. Charlie is my hero. My 12 year old Grandson also read it when he stayed with me for the week and wanted to read the next book. He was so disappointed when I told him I hadn't got it yet, but promised to buy it for him when it is published. Also, I MUST have one myself. A very well written and excellent book by a new local great author. Can't wait for the next one.

Regards, Marion, a youngish 77 year old pensioner from Nottingham.

I loved this book and didn't want it to end. (I've read it twice now).

The fantastical story is set in the present day, with a world of magicians and wizards.

Totally absorbing and beautifully descriptive, it created a whole world, in which I was totally lost.

The author displays a superb vivid imagination. (In the story there are magic beds, flowers, drinks, doors and much, much more). There is a highly skilled use of language.

It is an exceptional, magical story, where suspense is achieved (Door of Mystery). I thought the way the 'School Houses' were created was superb and inspiring.

The main character Charlie is a delightful child with an inquisitive, fearless nature, who is determined to find the Half Prophecy. Also, a disguised scroll chart is magically hidden.

Charlie's mother applies to go to the 'school of magic' that appears to be ordinary to begin with. Only selected people go there. A world of magic is revealed to all who attend the school.

The obvious is not always stated in this story, which adds to the mystery.

I can't wait until the second book of the series is released.

This is a beautifully well written novel and most certainly one for all ages to enjoy!

Such a wonderfully creative and descriptive storyline that fuelled my imagination from start to end which is what I love so much about this book. I really like Charlie, a strong willed boy yet he shows warmth and protectiveness towards his new friends especially Amanda. Drawn to all of the secrets that surround them, nothing seems to stop Charlie in his quest for the half prophecy.

The story pulls you in as though you are actually there with them, sharing and experiencing the reality of this other realm, which for me is what makes this book and the style it is written fascinating.

Each chapter is cleverly paced and doesn't reveal everything all at once.

I love the light hearted humour, it's well balanced and holds lots of little gems.

The un-potted plants and the doors made me giggle! The different house's within the school is a fantastic concept and I can't wait to read more about them in the next book.

This is one novel that I will definitely be reading again before the next edition.

James C. Stuart has renewed a kind I considered difficult to renew. His "magickal world" is very different from all that I had read previously, imaginative, playful and bright.

A perfect mix of descriptions, action and character interactions. The author spreads clues in every chapter , never revealing too much at a time.

The characters are charming; the "Great City" is wonderful with its mixture of periods and I wish now that I had a "Wizopoli! at home are moving plants or special drinks or Charlie's growing bed...

I read the book with great pleasure and will read it again waiting for the next book.

Thank you very much for writing Dragonstone! I really enjoyed this adventure and I agree with another that you have renewed a genre that I thought difficult to do, especially after the massive success of Harry Potter.

Dragonstone carries its own charisma, charm and atmosphere that is different to HP. You've created a whole world that is fascinating and full of possibilities for the future, which I await in anticipation.

The first 3 chapters where full of mystery and some action when we meet Charlie. The mystery in the first 2 chapters were consolidated later on the story.

I liked the steady flow of the story with the little 'carrots left at the end of each chapter. It really grabs you in the second half of the book, once you are in the "Magick Lands". The ending was exciting and I liked the 'bringing together' and explanations of the adventure. It reminded me of the conclusion of a who-done-it novel.

I loved the characters, especially Cosmolos and Astrophos, Sedrick, Charlie, Emmanuel, Bruce and Eric. I am sure there is much more to come from these characters as well as the others.

The "magick" is interesting as there are different levels of it, but I like the strong moral code that is attached to the magick as well as the world in general. I like the idea of the Scroll-porter, Magick drinks, Expandable beds and of course, the Un-potted plants ha-ha. The teachers are great and I love the fact that they are from different backgrounds.

The way the School Houses are made up was very clever and I like the blocks that the student's learn in. I also liked the emphases of creativity in the learning process too.

My favourite part is the Orberon and I can definitely imagine a lot of youngster and adults enjoying this.

In all, there are so many positives to the story that I'll have to re-read it to pick up on all the other points. Nevertheless, it is very descriptive and the style pulls you into the story, making it easy to visualise the characters/scenes etc.

In all, I think this could have the potential to fill the gap left by another magick school. Can't wait for the next one.

When is book 2 coming out? :o)

Dragonstone takes you on an amazing journey with its protagonist Charlie Stuart. Not only the journey to his new school and new found friends, but into his new 'other world' and life. There are twists and turns throughout the story, each incorporating beautifully descriptive writing. The author has created a rich and colourful world in which Charlie tries to make sense of the strange things that are happening to him and his friends and family. There are myths, elements, legends and magick, which are cleverly woven into the Dragonstone story. The characters also deal with bullying and disabilities which is an excellent way of raising moral issues for younger readers.

There are so many things I could mention that I liked about the story, but that will spoil it for you. So I would encourage anyone to buy this book, either for themselves, a younger reader, or to share with a younger child. I also hear there is a sequel in progress, I'm looking forward to the next exciting adventure with Charlie and his friends!

One copy of Dragonstone is now in Mumbai! With some comments inside the cover of how great it is :) Really looking forward to sequel and the movie!

Stuart's first novel is entertaining from the get-go, and suitable for all ages. Readers will feel a familiarity with Dragonstone if a fan of the Harry Potter series, yet there is something fresh at the same time. As we see the characters embark on their magickal journey, there are unexpected and, sometimes lighthearted, twists to the plot. All in all, this is an excellent read, and bound to become a firm favourite for readers of the fantasy genre.

I have just finished reading "Dragonstone, the Legend of the Half Prophecy" (after months of putting it off as this is not my usual reading material) I have been so surprised at how much I enjoyed it. I love Charlie, his friends and their adventures.

I was soon transported into their Magickal world with them, visualizing all the characters and their surroundings, feeling their every emotions. A very exciting and well written book which held my attention. Looking forward to the next book.

What can I say? Mr. Stuart certainly has a way of grabbing your attention from the very beginning. I was entirely enthralled in this wonderfully magickal journey that these characters embark on. You can't keep yourself from getting addicted to some of the characters and their personalities! Any fan of the magickal world will feel almost at home with this fantastically rich story due past experiences with a certain Mr. Potter! Get your hands on this novel. You won't regret it!

Loved this story. Just my thing. Rich, descriptive language that made me feel like I was there sharing the adventure. Engaging characters, twists and turns and more than a small dose of good humour kept me hooked from start to finish. Is there a sequel planned?

I have finally now read Dragonstone, I can seriously say I am addicted , and James C Stuart needs to pull his finger out and get his 2nd book out now!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Just finished reading Dragonstone. I took it on holiday with me to Egypt and as someone who isn't a big reader, (being forced to read at school as homework) I was a bit sceptical as to whether I would finish the book during the week. I must say, to my pleasant surprise I got in to the story line really quick as the characters seemed to come to life.

The best part of this story is that its centred around the importance of family. I loved the fact that it was Charlie and his whole family who were invited to move to Magik school and not just wave Charlie away. Charlie's adventure and success was built around the welfare and care for his family too, and united they provided Charlie with the foundations for his adventure.

Needless to say I had no problems finishing the book, whilst soaking in the sun at poolside. May be it was the sunny Egyptian climate added with the mystique and age old history of the country that helped to sow a Magikal image of what Charlie's world was like. I thought James C Stuart's visionary scene setting, quirky characters and wonderful sense of humour was of the highest calibre. It just made reading fun again!

I for one can't wait for the second instalment of Dragonstone.

I read your book and I loved the way your writing had such surprises.

There are characters that you think about and care about. You develop them wonderfully and they come alive. I loved Cosmolos and Astrophos, the two astro-mages.

I enjoyed your fertile imagination and beautiful mind. Your details and descriptions had me wondering. I found that I could easily transport my self into the story and feel a part of the school and the Magicklands. I like the way you blended the magick and the knights together, the Un-Potted plants and, I have to find somewhere that sells expandable beds - brilliant! The kitchen,(my namesake has) is just a dream. There is so much more to this, besides...

In all, it was a great read and I am proud to have your book on my shelves. It is a great book for all the ages.

Congratulations and I look forward to the sequel - hope that it is out soon.

I needed to be persuaded 2 buy this book and I am glad I was.

I loved the world created and the fact that there is so much left to be explained about the world and inhabitants which you get along the way as the characters also learn. I also love the un-plotted plants they made me laugh out loud and I never think a book is good unless it makes me laugh.

I also like that the characters, particularly Charlie, have a strong moral code and hope that people of all ages will take the lessons of Charlie and the other characters on board.

The use of Amanda is brilliant, more main characters should have disabilities in books and films!

You can easily get caught up in the world created by the excellent writing and the way the clues and information in the book is spread out throughout the whole book. It seems like you have only just scratched the surface of what appears to be a wonderfully different world. I cant wait for the second book to come out.

Thank you for a brilliant read

Nottingham Post

March 2018

Nottinghamshire Today

April 2013

I am delighted that Dragonstone is receiving more press coverage.

The article was covered in the magazine Nottinghamshire Today.

Excellent gloss look! Thank you Chris Breese!

Download the article

Nottingham Post Weekend

6th April 2013

Further coverage of Dragonstone in the Nottingham Post!

A smaller article than the first, though it is amazing that Dragonstone has generated such interest for it to receive further coverage.

I would like to give a massive thank you to Feature Reporter, Lynette Pinchess, for producing this article.

Download the article

BBC Radio Nottingham - Interview with Gareth Evans

7th March 2013

I thoroughly enjoyed the interview with Gareth Evans; it was a great experience.

The support that I have received is tremendous and I thank the BBC for having my on the show. The staff were terrific and I thank Michaela Atkins (studio producer) for arranging the interview and Gareth Evans for his warmth and genuine approach before, during and after the interview.

Nottingham Post

4th March 2013

Dragonstone's first newspaper article!!

I am so pleased with this. Nice to get onto page 6 and take up the whole page :)

Thank you Chris Breese, reporter, for covering this for me and for helping to promote Dragonstone.

Read the full article online