CENTER MOON THE STONE OF CORDOVA is an  intriguing novel that has an atmosphere of both Sci-Fi and Fantasy. It ardently displays the horror and turmoil that the hatred of prejudice can cause without in anyway preaching at the young adult audience that it is written for. Stephen gracefully portraits this message by creating a fantasy world that is hauntingly similar to our own. The main character Jonas and his cousin Carlen are easily recognized as normal teenagers. The well written dialogue makes it easy to visualize both the characters and their surroundings.

The story begins with Jonas and Carlen involved in an air-gun paint ball contest for two. It is quickly apparent that they are very competitive but their loyalty to one another is also openly displayed in the trip home. 

Tragedy soon strikes young Jonas and this is when the action begins. I had a little problem choosing between Jonas and Carlen in the beginning, as far as where my empathy lied. I felt that perhaps Carlen shadowed the main character Jonas a little more than he should have but by the time I was midway in my reading of this novel, I felt Jonas rise above his cousin as the solid hero. 

As Jonas is faced with facts that rock his entire world he encounters Liotta, a young woman that works at the medi-center where Jonas is taken after being injured. Liotta is also the daughter of one of the Grand Masters at the Academy, where Jonas is expected to attend. I had very mixed feelings about this character. Her values seemed to kind of roller coaster along from being a straight bigot to a sympathetic improviser. She did provide a slightly sweet flavor to the plot though, and many times helped to take the edge off of Jonas’ sometimes harsh behavior.

The vivid story carries the reader into the lives of not only these three teenagers but people of two very different worlds. It is filled with emotional battles of the heart, mind and body. The plot is anything but predictable and the action kept me turning page after page. 

I think Stephen Gambuti is off to a great start with this exceptional novel and I am sure we will see much more of this talented writer. I would recommend that anyone that is looking for an action filled adventure read this book and discover the delightful story between the pages of CENTER MOON THE STONE OF CORDOVA. 

I would like to thank Stephen for the enjoyable experience of reading his novel.