When a mysterious woman blackmails Vic and Em into leaving our world through The Door in the Stone, the lonely siblings plunge into a war in Kavenland, a world of myth and magic. Fate leads them to meet best friends Larkin, Ariana, and Noll, who are traveling through Kavenland’s frightening forest on a quest to save their home. With unique and growing powers, the five kids must learn to trust each other while taking on the strange and dangerous creatures of the woods, including the awful Scourge, in a mad dash to save Kavenland—and each other. Suzie Housley, Midwest Book Review This unforgettable tale follows the journey of Vic and Em, a couple burdened by financial struggles and societal prejudices. Their fortunes turn unexpectedly when a mysterious woman named Adelessa, with eyes that seem to hold the wisdom of the ages, reveals that she has been observing their family for centuries. Led through a magical Door in the Stone, Vic and Em find themselves in the realm of Laketown in the world of Kavenland - a place unlike any they have known. There, they join forces with an unlikely group of allies - Noll, Ariana, and Larkin - on a perilous quest of utmost importance: to save Kavenland from the invading force while braving the forbidden and mysterious forest. As readers get swept up in Vic and Em's adventure through this world of magic and mystery, they will find themselves captivated by a narrative that not only explores themes of courage and friendship but also showcases the profound self-discovery that Vic and Em experience, as they emerge as stronger and more resilient individuals. Critique: The Door in the Stone is a masterful exploration of the transformative power of adventure and self-discovery. Each scene will keep readers on the edge of guessing what will transpire next. King's characters are not mere players in a narrative, but individuals wrestling with profound and intricate internal struggles that mold their relationships and decisions. Their emotional depth will draw you in and keep you invested in their journey. Rob King is a remarkable author who has penned a truly compelling book that grips you from the very first page. Filled with elements that set it apart from the rest, this book is not just another fantasy novel, it's a work of art! The Prairies Book Review A winning story full of heart and action... King's debut novel is a captivating blend of fantasy, adventure, and self-discovery. The story begins with Vic and Em, burdened by financial woes and societal alienation. Their fate takes an unexpected turn when a mysterious woman, Adelessa, reveals she has been observing their family for centuries. Led through the Door in the Stone, they arrive in Laketown of Kavenland, a realm unlike any other, and join forces with unlikely allies—Noll, Ariana, and Larkin—on a treacherous journey to unveil the secrets of The Scourge, a formidable and enigmatic entity. King's characters are defined by their internal conflicts, shaping their relationships and actions. Vic is torn between protecting his sister, Emily, and making morally ambiguous choices for their survival. Emily yearns for independence but struggles with reliance on Vic. Noll grapples with self-doubt and the burden of meeting expectations. Ariana juggles loyalty to friends and personal ambitions. Larkin bears the weighty responsibility of leadership, grappling with the consequences of his decisions and the sacrifices they demand. These internal conflicts bring depth to the characters, shaping their growth and propelling the narrative forward. The intricate relationship between Adelessa and The Scourge adds significant depth to the plot. Their interactions with the protagonists propel the story forward, creating moments of conflict, revelation, and unexpected twists that keep readers enthralled until the very end. The world-building is excellent, with Laketown and its inhabitants vividly depicted through detailed descriptions and immersive storytelling. Throughout it all, King delves into themes of friendship, courage, and self-discovery. Lovers of well-crafted middle-grade fantasy won't want to miss this one. Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite The Door in the Stone is a work of fiction penned by author Rob King in the fantasy, action, and adventure subgenres. It is intended for children and the young at heart to enjoy. The plot follows Vic and his sister Em, who are thrust into a fantastical realm through a mysterious door after Vic's desperate actions attract the attention of a stranger. In Kavenland, they encounter Larkin, who seeks adventure away from his mundane life. Together with their friends, they embark on a perilous journey across the Forbidden Forest to warn Kavenland of an impending invasion, armed with newfound powers and facing various challenges. Author Rob King uses imagination and creativity to craft an enchanting adventure into a world filled with magic, danger, and friendship. I enjoyed the subt