Book Review: Sword in the Stone

My favorite quote so far is from Sword in the Stone: "Showing courage isn’t always about facing a situation without fear, son… sometimes it involves facing a situation despite fear" - J. D. Edwards

A fantastic tale of courage, adventure, and youthful indiscretions. Landau, just eleven years old, embarks on a quest to find a cure for his father’s ailments, inadvertently unleashing chaos across the realm. This book reminded me of The Ranger’s Apprentice series by John Flanagan, Inheritance Cycle by Christopher Paolini, and even Game of Thrones by George R. R. Martin, though it carries a distinct voice of its own.

What stood out to me was how convincingly Landau’s age was portrayed: his impulsiveness, idealism, and emotional vulnerability felt genuine. The pacing kept me engaged, and the stakes rose steadily without feeling forced. My favorite quote was: "Showing courage isn’t always about facing a situation without fear, son… sometimes it involves facing a situation despite fear."

That said, readers should be aware: despite the young protagonist, this book contains strong language and adult innuendo that may be unsuitable for younger audiences. It’s not middle-grade, and even YA readers might find the contrast between the hero’s age and the mature content disorienting. For adult fantasy fans, however, it’s a compelling adventure worth diving into.

-- J. D. Edwards

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