The Stone Fey

Probably sounds like a bit of a cop-out, review-wise, when I say that you can't go wrong with Robin McKinley, but seriously, you can't go wrong with Robin McKinley. Her stories don't always end up just where you think they might, but they always seem to end up in the right place, which is difficult enough to accomplish. 'The Stone Fey' is no exception; strong characters, beautiful scenery, and the most graceful prose make this story a small marvel. And I mustn't forget the illustrations, which are pretty darn unforgettable. I won't waste a thousand words failing to describe them; let's just say that they are worth seeing, and that John Clapp's talent ranks up there with McKinley's. This book is worth every penny I paid.

Like Orson Scott Card (particularly in Ender's Game), Robin McKinley here made my perspective/attitude/understanding expand, as this story included elements that I didn't want and certainly didn't expect, but ended up appreciating. The cussing probly wasn't necessary, but it did make Maddy seem more real and less idealized. McKinley never quite explains what a fey is (or yerig or folstza) but readers familiar with her other books will understand at least vaguely, and the way she leaves so much to the imagination is a skill too many fantasy writers have forgotten. The fey's actions are surprising and yet believable, and Maddy's responses are unexpected yet extraordinarily real. The result is a story that avoids predictability but feels neither cheap nor deceptive (as the film The Village does). Because of the cussing and sensual undercurrent I wouldn't recommend this book for children despite its format and apparent fairy-tale appeal, but mature young people (especially girls) should both appreciate and benefit from McKinley's intelligent, personal treatment of the classic human-falls-in-love-with-otherworldly-being idea. As a young adult (age 21) fond of McKinley's other books despite a few criticisms, I found this story passionate, haunting, riveting, puzzling, beautiful, and immensely satisfying in an unsettling sort of way.

Really, they should have a separate scale for Robin McKinley. _The Stone Fey_ is vividly written and illustrated, capturing one's imagination in the first page. It's particularly well suited for reading aloud & /or for a "coffee table book" -- eye catching, ear enthralling, and a dang good story.

...I wanted more depth, more meat to the story. Ms. McKinley's writing is always superb, but there just wasn't enough of it. I agree with the reviewer below - this would have been a great full-length novel. I'm ready for another novel about Damar! I wouldn't say this book is not for children - I would have enjoyed reading it as a 10 year old - but I think the format is a little too juvenile to appeal to a pre-teen or YA.

McKinley again manages to weave a beautiful story about Maddy and the Stone Fey that captivates her. This book was a real treat to me because of the gorgeous illustrations. And it was nice, as always, to find a reference to Aerin in the story. Any story about Damar is great.I do wish that there had been more to the story. It's very cool that she did a picture-book, but this is a story I wish she would have turned into a full-blown novel, with the depth of Aerin, or Harry. The story was haunting and lyrical in a way that only McKinley could do, but as always, her books leave us craving more.For any precocious child or wondering adult...