Review : Thunderstone by Barbara Pietron (YA)

Goodreads

---

Book Blurb

Sneaking out at night, driving without a license, and falling for a guy weren’t things fifteen-year-old Jeni expected to do while visiting Lake Itasca, Minnesota with her family. The guy, Ice, turns out to be the local medicine man’s apprentice, and when he tells Jeni she’s connected to the spirit world, her first instinct is to run. But after Ice’s stories of a mythical underwater monster—that Jeni allegedly released—prove true, she realizes it’s up to her to contain the beast. Jeni must first convince herself that she’s able, and then save the locals, Ice, and ultimately herself.

“…well-written and entertaining…Jeni makes for a likeable protagonist that readers will identify with,” – Publishers Weekly

---

Toot's Review by Stacy Sabala

Jeni innocently buys a statue in a gas station one night while with her cousin Tyler. She plans to add it to her collection. Of course it is strange when this hot guy with gorgeous blue eyes offers to buy it from her. It’s a bit creepy but she contemplates letting him buy it when Tyler embarrasses her.

Ice is feeling guilty for failing to get the statue back. However he and Nik, the medicine man, believe everything will be fine as long as the statue does not get wet. When a man disappears while fishing and a large thing is seen under the water, Nik and Ice fear the worst. The water lynx has been freed and they need the statue back.

Ice needs to get it back and he decides that Jeni needs to be found. When he finds her, he learns she is more involved than he originally thought and he strives to protect her. His feelings grow for her as she finds herself in dangerous situations. Tyler is her shadow and Ice is her guide as they go after the monster she unleashed.

This is a fascinating story that takes Native American mythology and brings it to the younger generation. The author gave a big responsibility to young adult characters. I like to see them rise to the challenge. The characters were likable and the reader goes along for the ride.

It was a quick read so not as much detail as there could have been. There were a few places that there could have been more information given by the author. However, a good story overall and I give it a 3 out of 5.

---