The Three Stones of Ebon is an exciting, fast-paced fantasy adventure that will captivate readers of all ages. The story follows eleven-year-old Jack Russo, who receives a mysterious urn from a reclusive neighbor. When he opens it, he and his cat, Lucky, are transported to Sturgus, a magical land filled with talking animals, powerful wizards, and dangerous enemies.
Jack soon learns that he plays a crucial role in an ancient prophecy. Alongside a young magician named Abigail and a group of unlikely allies, Jack must find the legendary Three Stones to awaken Ebon, the king of the flying horses, before the villainous sorcerer Pale takes control of Sturgus forever.
The book is full of adventure, humor, and heart. Jack is a relatable and brave protagonist, and Lucky’s witty commentary adds a fun dynamic to their journey. The world-building is rich, immersing readers in a land of pirates, mythical creatures, and ancient magic. The story balances action and mystery, keeping you hooked from beginning to end.
If you love fantasy books with epic quests, clever heroes, and a touch of humor, The Three Stones of Ebon is a must-read. Perfect for fans of Percy Jackson, The Chronicles of Narnia, and classic adventure tales. Highly recommended!
INTERVIEW
Question: Jack and Lucky’s bond is such a core part of the story. Was their relationship inspired by any real-life experiences you’ve had with pets or close friendships?
Answer: Jack is heavily based off of our godson when he was around ten or eleven. The original concept of ‘The Three Stones’ began as a short story David wrote that included Jack as well as Lucky, the cat their family recently adopted. As for close relationships, David and I have always kept relatively small circles of friends, and we have each had a lot of pets as children and as adults. With a few exceptions, we included real people, pets, and/or amalgamations of all whose lives intersected ours and that of our godson.
Question: The world of Sturgus is so rich and imaginative, with unique locations like the Meadow of Tears and Sahaland. What inspired the creation of this magical realm?
Answer: David and I wanted to have relatively free reign to justify certain realities in the world of Sturgus but still include enough familiar things from our “now” world to make it believable.
Question: The story explores themes like courage, friendship, and trust. Were these themes something you planned from the start, or did they emerge naturally as you wrote?
Answer: David never intended ‘The Three Stones of Ebon’ to be a full-fledged book, so no, there were only a few general themes at the onset, so long as most of them intersected ours and our godson’s lives. The rest emerged around Jack and Lucky’s journey as the story progressed. During our re-write and again during the early editing process with Minneapolis-based Strive Publishing & Bookstore, some characters were given more depth to make their ties to Jack and Lucky more credible.
Question: Lucky’s witty personality really stands out. What was the process like for giving a cat such a distinct and humorous voice?
Answer: Oh, I wish we could say there was a process for this! Lucky is a cat whom we actually had the pleasure of knowing, so it seemed like a natural progression to give him a voice to match his expressive mannerisms and body language. David and I have always spoken with our pets. Yes, we are “those people”! People who have animals in their lives get it, I think, that they are not so different from people; some animals are more responsive and engaging than others. David and I also grew up enjoying stand-up comedy, which likely influences our situational humor and expression. We share goofy commentary with one another a lot. In the midst of life’s ups and downs, laughter is truly medicine!
Question: The illustrations bring so much life to the story. Can you share how you collaborated on the visuals and how they complement the narrative?
Answer: David and I collaborated on ideas for the drawings, then I drew them all. Paul Nylander of Illustrada took the design to fruition. I was one of those kids fascinated by monsters and strange-looking creatures because they evoke a mixture of excitement and fear. So yeah, it is no coincidence that there are (count ‘em) three monsters and a humanoid fish! When I was in third and fourth grades, I was a big fan of black ink illustrators. The stipple effects, cross-hatching, and simple line drawings all amazed me. My favorites: Edward Gorey (of ‘War of the Worlds’ fame) who did the illustrations for ‘Merry, Rose & Christmas Tree June,’ Louise Fitzhugh’s illustrations ‘Harriet the Spy,’ and Keith Ward’s amazing work in the original 1941 release of ‘The Black Stallion’. Some readers may prefer more vivid colors now, but straight ink may appeal to some who want a different experience from what’s out there now. Call it retro, maybe; I ike to think we are giving an updated nod to the classics.
GIVEAWAY
Enter the giveaway for your chance to win a signed hardcover copy of The Three Stones of Ebon. The grand prize winner will also take home an adorable Ebon-themed plush toy animal!
The Three Stones of Ebon: Book GiveawayABOUT THE BOOK
Written by David and Keiko Mello
Illustrated by Keiko Mello
Ages 8-12 | 264 Pages
Publisher: Strive Publishing (2023) | ISBN-13: 9781948529228
Publisher’s Book Summary: Eleven-year-old Jack knew the old lady down the street was kinda weird. But things get even stranger when she sends him a gift that transports Jack and his cat, Lucky, into the wondrous world of Sturgus, a land of prophecies, pirates, magical creatures, and talking cats. Aided by Abigail, a student of magic, Jack and Lucky must evade a cursed assassin and find the three stones that will wake Ebon, king of the flying horses and rightful protector of Sturgus, before the evil wizard Pale corrupts the land forever.
PURCHASE LINK
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
David Mello grew up on army bases throughout the USA and Germany. His love of comic books, stand-up comedy, and rooting for the underdogs shaped his writings, from short stories to mini ‘zines and various adventures in revolution. When he isn’t writing, David usually has a camera in hand.
Keiko Mello, born Keiko Welch, hails from an interracial family in Minneapolis’s Northside. As Keiko grew up, she used drawing, dancing, and playing drums in rock bands to ground herself. She and David met in 1997 in Seattle and the two have been inseparable ever since.
Today, David and Keiko are slow-travel digital nomads. Their latest project as STAY MELLO CREATIVE is crafting the second book in a planned trilogy; the working title is The Adversary of Ebon.
For more information, visit https://www.staymellocreative.com/.
TOUR SCHEDULE
| Wednesday, January 29, 2025The Children’s Book ReviewBook Review of The Three Stones of Ebon |
| Thursday, January 30, 2025Crafty Moms ShareBook Review of The Three Stones of Ebon |
| Friday, January 31, 2025The Starlit PathInterview with David and Keiko Mello |
| Monday, February 3, 2025Get Outside and ReadInstagram Post about The Three Stones of Ebon |
| Tuesday, February 4, 2025Deliciously SavvyBook Review of The Three Stones of Ebon |
| Wednesday, February 5, 2025Country Mamas With KidsBook Review of The Three Stones of Ebon |
| Thursday, February 6, 2025Satisfaction for Insatiable ReadersBook Review of The Three Stones of Ebon |
| Friday, February 7, 2025Froggy Read TeachInstagram Post about The Three Stones of Ebon |
| Monday, February 10, 2025The Fairview ReviewBook Review of The Three Stones of Ebon |
| Tuesday, February 11, 2025icefairy’s Treasure ChestBook Review of The Three Stones of Ebon |
| Wednesday, February 12, 2025Q&As with Deborah KalbInterview with David and Keiko Mello |
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