The Judgment Stone is a sequel to Liparulo’s The Thirteenth Tribe, picking up where the first story left off. Now, instead of merely having the comparatively easy job of preventing a small cadre of theologically challenged immortals from blowing all ‘sinners’ to kingdom come, former soldier Jagger now has to deal with yet a second group of immortals who are trying kill the remaining population of Earth. So on the one hand, Jagger’s trying to stop a bunch of maniacs from leveling an orphanage full of kids, and on the other hand, he’s trying to rescue his wife and son from an entirely separate group of trigger-happy maniacs. And it all started because someone finds a shard of the Ten Commandments that enables people to see angels and demons. What, you thought being able to see angels and demons would be a good thing? Yeah, I would have thought so too, but then, this is a Liparulo book we’re talking about. Everything that can go wrong will do so, liberally accompanied with blood and explosions and grenades and some really cool tech.
So that’s the nutshell version of the story. If you liked the first book in the series, you’ll like this one. If you haven’t read the first book, then please don’t pick this up because it would be like starting with The Two Towers. Go get the first book and start there. The Judgment Stone is not an amazing read, but it’s a fun way to spend a couple hours and Liparulo’s handling of the immortal characters is thought-provoking as he explores what it would be like to live for thousands of years as the rest of the world passes you by.
In accordance with Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, I am disclosing that I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. My opinions are my own, and I am not required to write a positive review.
Long days and pleasant nights from the Tale-Weaver.
Lights in the Library 