Official Review: Stone of Gabriel by Gary A. Pattillo

Brenda Creech · Post by **Brenda Creech** » 16 May 2021, 01:31

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Stone of Gabriel" by Gary A. Pattillo.]

4 out of 4 stars

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Stone of Gabriel: Angel Stones Book One by Gary A. Pattillo is a sci-fi fantasy thriller about a young boy and a police detective who meet by chance and form a bond for life. Kurt, Alan, and Torence, who have been friends since kindergarten, are on a camping trip with their fathers. While the boys are searching for stones for their slingshots, Kurt finds an unusual-looking stone. As they examine it, the boys discover Kurt is the only one who can hold it. Unfortunately, it cut Torence's hand and burned Alan's. So Kurt put the stone in his pocket and swore his friends to secrecy. Little did he know the stone would change his life forever.

Meanwhile, Detective Steve Bailey was busy investigating a murder case. Steve knew there were forces of evil surrounding this case, but he couldn't tell his partner what he knew. Then, a phone call came into the precinct from a young boy stating he saw the suspect on the news and describing bizarre images he had seen around the man. Bailey immediately has the call traced, and it is Kurt's cell phone. So detective Bailey sets out to find him. What is the link between Kurt and Detective Bailey? Is there a connection between the stone Kurt found and Steve's murder case?

Gary Pattillo has written a fantasy thriller with a focus on good versus evil. How do you destroy evil? The battle between good and evil is as old as time itself and has yet to produce a victor. Detective Bailey is a religious man, but the book does not promote or push Christianity at the reader. Kurt is a clean-cut, well-behaved boy. Their characters are well developed and likable. On the opposite end of the spectrum is Levi Mendez, owner of Mendez Microtech Corporation. His primary product is a newly developed microchip implanted into a person's right hand that enables them to conduct business simply by having the microchip scanned. He is offering the implant free of charge and is encouraging everyone to get it. Levi is pure evil.

I particularly love how the author has highlighted essential attributes such as faith, loyalty, friendship, and family values. However, these attributes are offset by deception, control, and pure evilness, making for a dynamic plot full of action and suspense as the story crescendos to an ultimate fantasy scene. The book ends on a bittersweet note. Since it is book one in a series, I look forward to the next episode.

I found nothing to dislike about this book. There were some unlikable characters, but without them, the plot would have fallen flat. I believe the book had professional editing as I found only a couple of errors that did not interfere with my reading. I enjoyed reading this book. The story flowed smoothly with a gradual heightening of suspense from chapter to chapter.

For the well-developed and likable characters, the unique storyline, and the fantasy ending, I am rating Stone of Gabriel by Gary A. Pattillo 4 out of 4 stars. I recommend this book to anyone who likes sci-fi fantasy novels. Also, to teenagers, as there is no erotic content and only occasional profanity. The adult reader may not enjoy this book, as the target audience seems to be more young adults.

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Stone of Gabriel
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Post by **Becca Olsson** » 20 May 2021, 12:36

It sounds like the author did a great job attempting to realistically defeat evil, but I’m curious how the next book goes. Thanks for the great review

markodim721 · Post by **markodim721** » 20 May 2021, 12:43

A really complex plot. The author should be congratulated on promoting universal values. Thanks for the good review.

Josephe-Anne · Post by **Josephe-Anne** » 20 May 2021, 23:59

Oh! This book sounds like just the type of thing I am into! I like how the story seems to include themes that are hot-topic issues right now (the microchip and biblical prophecy). So, I am adding this book to my "Want to Read" shelf.

Thank you for a fabulous review!

Brenda Creech · Post by **Brenda Creech** » 21 May 2021, 05:24

Booklover Becca wrote: ↑20 May 2021, 12:36 It sounds like the author did a great job attempting to realistically defeat evil, but I’m curious how the next book goes. Thanks for the great review

I am curious about the next book, too. I want to know which angel stone is next! Thanks for stopping by and commenting!

Brenda Creech · Post by **Brenda Creech** » 21 May 2021, 05:25

markodim721 wrote: ↑20 May 2021, 12:43 A really complex plot. The author should be congratulated on promoting universal values. Thanks for the good review.

Thank you! Thanks for stopping by and commenting.

Brenda Creech · Post by **Brenda Creech** » 21 May 2021, 05:26

Josephe-Anne wrote: ↑20 May 2021, 23:59 Oh! This book sounds like just the type of thing I am into! I like how the story seems to include themes that are hot-topic issues right now (the microchip and biblical prophecy). So, I am adding this book to my "Want to Read" shelf.

Thank you for a fabulous review!

Thank you! And thanks for stopping by and commenting. I hope you enjoy the book when you have time to read it!

El_limitless · Post by **El_limitless** » 21 May 2021, 07:48

I've never really been a big fan of science fiction, but the plot of this story captivates me. I'd love to check it out. Great review.

NetMassimo · Post by **NetMassimo** » 21 May 2021, 16:17

I might be too old for this series but its seems well constructed, showing a diversity in the characters and in their behaviours. Thank you for your great review!

Brenda Creech · Post by **Brenda Creech** » 22 May 2021, 02:19

El_limitless wrote: ↑21 May 2021, 07:48 I've never really been a big fan of science fiction, but the plot of this story captivates me. I'd love to check it out. Great review.

I am not a huge fan of sci-fi myself, but I enjoyed this book. I hope you will too! Thanks for stopping by and commenting!

Brenda Creech · Post by **Brenda Creech** » 22 May 2021, 02:20

NetMassimo wrote: ↑21 May 2021, 16:17 I might be too old for this series but its seems well constructed, showing a diversity in the characters and in their behaviours. Thank you for your great review!

Thank you! Thanks for stopping by and commenting.

Dzejn_Crvena · Post by **Dzejn_Crvena** » 28 May 2021, 09:31

I'm an adult who loves to read YA books.

I particularly choose adventure books like this to recommend to reluctant readers.
Will boys enjoy reading it more than girls?
I appreciate the highlighted attributes for building characters.

Brenda Creech · Post by **Brenda Creech** » 19 Jun 2021, 07:08

Dzejn_Crvena wrote: ↑28 May 2021, 09:31 I'm an adult who loves to read YA books.
I particularly choose adventure books like this to recommend to reluctant readers.
Will boys enjoy reading it more than girls?
I appreciate the highlighted attributes for building characters.

Boys may enjoy it more than girls, but I enjoyed it quite a bit! There is one fantasy scene I felt was more relatable to younger people, but I think you would enjoy the book!

Sou Hi · Post by **Sou Hi** » 30 Dec 2021, 09:29

Thanks for your review. I'm curious to see how the odd stone can help Kurt and Detective Bailey solve a murder case.

Deval Sodha · Post by **Deval Sodha** » 30 Dec 2021, 09:35

This book is a fantasy thriller with a focus on good versus evil. The author has highlighted essential attributes such as faith, loyalty, friendship, and family values. The unique storyline, and the fantasy ending are the major attractions of the book.
The review is superb.
Congratulations on Botd