Review of Mr. Average and the 12th Stone

[Alissa Deann Devargas]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Mr. Average and the 12th Stone" by Ben Run.]

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4 out of 5 stars

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When I first saw the title of this book written by Ben Run, Mr. Average and the 12th Stone, I thought, 'Oh, it's a fantasy story.' And a fantasy story this book was indeed. The description gave me the idea that the story was centered in an ant kingdom, so I also thought that it was going to be a children's storybook. However, I thought wrong. This book was not only too complex for a young mind; it was also interesting, with so many discerning lessons for us today.

Ave has been saving up his reflection time for eleven years. He did this because throughout those eleven years he had been getting visits from a very beautiful and unusual lady ant that appeared to him in a white dress with blond hair that had no hat on. Gradually, he fell in love with this ant, but her visits were always cut short. So he decided to save his reflection time to give her his full attention for a full day. On the day his reflection time culminated, it happened to be his hatchday, which coincided with the Ant Nest Anniversary. You would think that Ave had a good time that day. Did he?

The story in this book is told in three scenes. The part about Ave and how his day went, the part about the Great Shepherd and his search for the 12th Stone, and the part about the supposed antlion that had an uninvited guest. At first, I was confused as to the connection between these three scenes, but soon it started making sense. The ants in these stories lived to improve or optimize their gap. This was what made Ave special. He had this ability to maintain his gap at a rate where he wouldn't be banished from the Ant Nest and still not be the best. He was always at an average for eleven consecutive years. However, it turned out that an ant like him was needed to save the kingdom from the dark queen. Will Ave honor this invitation?

The only thing I disliked about this book was the beginning. The story was not introduced in such a way that I could easily grasp what the book was about. It was further into the story that everything previously read started making sense. However, Ave's story reminded me of the frustration I often feel when I meet too many obstacles while trying to achieve a seemingly simple goal. So I appreciated Ave for not giving up and continuing to push forward despite the serious challenges he faced. I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars. This is because of the errors I found in it. I enjoyed reading this unusual tale. I recommend it to those who like watching sci-fi fantasy movies about the Animal Kingdom. This book was like one such movie.

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Mr. Average and the 12th Stone
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[Amy Luman]

I am a little confused by the book. It does seem like the world with the ants parallels our world really well. Except for the fantasy part, that is. Thanks!

[NetMassimo]

This novel is kind of a fairy-tale for grownups to tell about the human condition through a tale about ants. I hope the author does proper proofreading to prevent distractions while reading this intrigung novel. Thank you for your great review!

[Cynthia Pence]

From your review of Mr. Average and the 12th Stone by Ben Run, the book seems to present an intriguing blend of fantasy and deeper life lessons within a unique setting of an ant kingdom. The initial impression that it would be a simple children’s story seems to be misleading, making it exciting to learn that it offers complexity and insightful themes relevant to adult readers as well.

[Dayana Alvarado 1]

Ave's story, with her struggle to find her place and purpose, reflects universal experiences of perseverance and self-discovery. Despite a confusing beginning, the development of the plot and the connections between the characters add depth and relevance to the story.

[Nneka Bridget]

Mr. Average and the 12th Stone sounds like a thought-provoking and uniquely layered fantasy. The story of Ave and his quest to balance his life while navigating complex relationships and challenges seems to carry deeper messages about perseverance and resilience. The three interconnected storylines, though initially confusing, appear to create an intricate and rewarding narrative. It’s intriguing that the book is recommended for sci-fi fantasy fans and not necessarily for younger readers, despite the initial impression of a children’s story. Thanks for this insightful review!

[Ajiferuke Ajibola]

"Mr. Average and the 12th Stone" by Ben Run seems intriguing. It is an interesting story that leaves us with great lessons about life. Thank you for this insightful review.

[Mary John 10]

Mr. Average and the 12th Stone by Ben Run is a captivating fantasy that transcends its initial impression as a children's story. The narrative, centered around Ave, an ant who has spent years saving his reflection time for a fateful encounter, offers deep, thought-provoking lessons. Far from a simple tale, it weaves complex themes of love, sacrifice, and self-discovery, making it a compelling read for both young adults and mature audiences.