Keeper of the Black Stones Meet Jason Evans. A sweet, slightly awkward and wonderfully quirky main character. He's certain that something odd is going on with his grandfather, but he can't quite put his finger on what. Until, that is, some really insane things start happening and he finds out that time travel is actually possible. Sound like a recipe for an amazing read? You would be right my friends, you would be right.
 
I can't deny that it was Jason's personality that really sold me on this book. The beginning drew me in with its mystery, but it was Jason himself that kept me reading. The more I read, the more I fell in love with the way the author builds a normal boy who just so happens to be a time traveler. Even better, McHugh pairs our hero with quite the set of companions! Ranging from witty, to sassy, to downright kick-ass, this is an entourage that I would absolutely want to travel with.
 
Better still was the writing style of the book. I'm not generally a huge fan of meshing history and science fiction. Most authors have the habit of just spouting facts at the reader. After reading Keeper of the Black Stones though, my opinion has changed. P.T. McHugh balances the historical side of Jason's story with the perfect amount of action and intrigue. I knew I was watching history unfold, and I couldn't tear my eyes away from the words on the page. I was so immersed, so involved with the characters, that before I knew it I was turning the last page.
 
This book is so much fun to read. That's really the long and short of this whole review. No matter what else I say, it boils down to the fact that I utterly enjoyed each and every page. The characters are fresh, the writing is wonderful, and there isn't a dull moment. Keeper of the Black Stones is pure fun and I can't wait for more. ( )

I kept trying to get into this story and I just couldn't get past the first couple chapters. The writing came across as technical and somewhat dry. Several other reviews say it takes awhile to pick up, but I just couldn't stick with it until it did. ( )

KEEPER OF THE BLACK STONES by P.T. McHugh is an exciting YA Fantasy/Time Travel story. #1 in “Stone Ends”,what a beginning. Follow fourteen year-old Jason Evans on a journey of discovery, as he learns about his legacy, tries to save the world,save his grandfather and find his place. Young Jason jumps through time from modern day, Lebanon, New Hampshire to 1485 A.D. England,this is done by the use of some Black Stones. Follow, Jason and his friends on a grand adventure filled with danger,secrets, Henry VII,Richard III, the Dark Ages,an evil man who wishes to shape the world according to his plans and save the world. What a powerful and intriguing story! “Keeper of the Black Stones” is a fun read, written cleverly,with historical facts and events, including the Plantagenets and the Tudors,and a grand adventure. Oh did I mention educational as well as a fun read! Well written with vivid descriptions and engaging characters as well as an intriguing plot. Any avid reader, rather YA fan or not will enjoy this fast paced, adventure filled story of Jason Evans and his friends. A must read! Received for an honest review from the author and Pump Up Your Book.

RATING: 4

HEAT RATING: SWEET

REVIEWED BY: AprilR, Review courtesy of My Book Addiction and More ( )

I have decided not to rate this one yet as I haven't finished reading it (yet). I started reading Keeper of the Black Stones and found it really hard to get into the historical aspect of it. I haven't given up on it entirely, and it will remain on my to be read list for when I can truly focus on the detailed descriptions. During the summer I like like fast reads, and this just felt like a heavier read. I will say that the first fifteen pages where well written and intensely descriptive.

The story jumps off into an intricate time travel plot involving family and sacred stones. I love the snarkiness in Jason's voice as he narrates his adventure in Medieval England.