The Cost of Knowing (Stone Cycle, #2)

by Allan N Packer

[phyllish]

Hope despite hopelessness

Simply stated, I love the way Allan Packer turns his phrases. There is an elegant beauty in the language of his books and his word choices are impeccable! In addition, either the editing is just about flawless or the story was compelling enough that I was not conscious of errors as I read The Cost of Knowing.

I loved the way the author wove the lives and actions of his many characters so carefully and brought them full circle. Surprising connections between them came to light greatly enriching and enhancing the story. While I sometimes get lost in stories with too many characters, perhaps those in this one were simply memorable enough. Regardless of the reason, I had no trouble keeping track of each of them.

With so many characters in so many parts of the country, each chapter set the scene with a different one of them. I had the sense of a master weaver combining the individual threads of the story to make a single tapestry.

The author's insight into human nature, motivations, and fears, came through so clearly. It was action filled and insightful.

The battles were described in just the right amount of detail. I was able to picture Will's strategy and the lay of the land. I could see the hand-to-hand combat and hear the clash of the swords. As with other epic fantasy works (the Lord of the Rings trilogy comes to mind), the details of the battle consumed chapters, and yet the strategy and the action was emphasized, not the gore.

There were some surprise appearances of characters from The Stone of Knowing. I won't spoil your fun of finding out who they were. But I will say to the author ""well done!"" The ending was a great conclusion, and the most important details were tied up. Wait? What do I mean ""the most important""? I mean that there were just a few hints that we are not done with the world of Thomas and Will and Stephan, and yet if no more stories were to be written, I would not feel as if I was left hanging. (Make note, though, Allan Packer, I will be upset if you don't continue telling me more of this wonderful world!)

The Cost of Knowing concludes the two-book The Stone Cycle series. This series is very interconnected and designed to be read as a set. In fact, I was thrilled that there wasn't any backstory shared from the first book, taking up valuable real estate in this one. You will be lost if you have not read The Stone of Knowing, so hurry and grab a copy if you haven't read it already.


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I was given a copy of this book. I was not required to give a favorable review nor was any money received for this review. All comments and opinions are my own.