THE BLOODSTONES OF POWER

by Alain Lescart ‧ RELEASE DATE: N/A

In Lescart’s fantasy novel, a clever gnome and a mighty dragon embark on a perilous journey to uncover the immense power of a rare jewel.

While working the mines one day, Jebeddo, a gnome, stumbles across the lair of an intimidating dragon named Cobaltwyrm. After a brief and surprising battle of wits, the pair form an unlikely friendship—and later, when Jebeddo uncovers a transparent red stone within the hollow of a cave, whose “ruby reflection ignited the darkness, like the last sigh of a forgotten world,” he knows just who to ask about it. Cobaltwyrm—or “Cobbie,” as the gnome affectionately calls her—not only recognizes the gem but also reveals where the second one is hidden nearby. She says that the stones are, in fact, the eyes of her deceased mother; dragons’ eyes turn into “precious gemstones” upon their deaths, she explains. However, the magical abilities held within the newly discovered stones remains a mystery. Cobbie and Jebeddo set off to find Master Eldrin, a forest wizard who may be the only one who can help them uncover the gems’ true power. Along the way, they encounter an array of dangers and hardships—as well as some surprising friendships. At one dangerous point, for example, Jebeddo finds help in the form of Spork, a whimsical mushroom wearing a spider-silk cloak, who joins them on their journey. When the group eventually uncovers the whereabouts of Master Eldrin, he suspects that the stones are, in fact, “remnants of something far greater.” Cobbie and Jebeddo grapple with the danger and responsibility of possessing such power, and they must decide whether they’re up for the task.

Lescart crafts a tale that delivers a healthy dose of entertainment and adventure from the very first page. There are some moments in which the dialogue veers into oddly modern language (“I parked him in the corner of my realm, where the echo is crazy strong”), but for the most part, the prose maintains an appropriately old-fashioned lilt: “My memories linger here, bound to these rubies for eternity.” Action scenes alternate with occasional discussions of philosophy, as when the main players debate with a “shadow” of Cobbie’s deceased mother over the merits of power. There are a few distracting errors, including inconsistent spellings (Cobbie is occasionally Cobby), and a chapter that opens with a half-finished sentence. However, Lescart manages to craft a fanciful journey of friendship that pays strong homage to J.R.R. Tolkien’s epic Lord of the Rings trilogy—complete with an end-of-book debate about whether to destroy the gems “if the burden outweighs the clarity you’ve found” and a terrifying encounter with a giant spider. Descriptions of violence are infrequent and never graphic, and various creatures that Jebeddo and Cobbie encounter are creepy but never truly frightening (gloom lurkers, for instance, are referred to as “trembling, crab-like creatures”). All these factors make the book ideal for fantasy readers of all ages who prefer wit and action over gore.

An often amusing, action-packed romp that celebrates friendship, goodness, and the power that comes from being true to oneself.

Pub Date: N/A

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: N/A

Review Posted Online: Aug. 8, 2025

Review Program: Kirkus Indie

Categories:

FANTASY | GENERAL FANTASY | ACTION & ADVENTURE FANTASY