Race for the Flash Stone by K. Patrick Donoghue

Donoghue has created another good story combining fantasy, mystery, adventure and archaeology. This novel is the second in a series and I highly recommend that Shadows of the Stone Benders be read first. It really sets the background for this novel. This novel concentrates more on the magnetic stones introduced in the first novel and the ancient people who created them.

One aspect of the book I really like is the imaginative attempt to tie together many of the mysteries of archaeology. Ancient myths are combined with archaeological finds to create a narrative that may explain much of the mystery. It is a fictional story but an entertaining one that poses many plausible possibilities.

For example, we learn through the memories in the stones that a planet sized asteroid passed by earth in prehistoric times, causing vast changes on the earth including a great flood. New mountains rose while other land sank into the sea. Only a few survived. Some of them had understood magnetism to such an extent that they could save their memories to stones.

Those stones are the focus of Dr. Cully and his friends. He tries to figure out the puzzling map his uncle left him. Understanding the map would allow him to find the evidence he needs to prove to the world the ancient civilization existed. His exploration leads to a great deal of adventure and suspense.

Donghue has a writing style that is generally good. He does have a habit, however, of not writing the narrative in chronological order. A scene will open in juxtaposition to the end of the previous scene. Then, through the thoughts of one of the characters, we find out what happened in between the two scenes. That narrative style occurred so often that I got tired of it.

This book is the second in The Anlon Cully Chronicles. I would highly suggest you read Shadows of the Stone Benders first so you understand the background for this novel. You can read my review of it here.

I recommend this novel to those who enjoy an Indiana Jones type of adventure. You'll be entertained and read some interesting ideas about archaeological mysteries.

My rating: 4/5 stars.

Kevin Patrick Donoghue is the author of The Anlon Cully Chronicles. He lives in northern Virginia with his wife and two sons. You can find out more at https://kpatrickdonoghue.com/.

Leaping Leopard Enterprises, 358 pages.

I received a complimentary digital copy of this book from the author. My comments are an independent and honest review.