John Newton's The Healing Stone tells the story of Francisco, a teen boy in 1212 Spain, who inherits a mysterious healing stone from his father. This unique stone heals any illness and has been in his family for many generations. Francisco's story initially commences when his parents are being pressured by his crooked uncle who wants the stone. After the unfortunate deaths of his parents, Francisco ultimately decides to run away from his uncle's care and live on the rough, gang-infested streets of Toledo. Unexpectedly, Francisco becomes caught in a temporal battle between two Avarian races--the Sittiri and the Key’ari--from the future. Francisco discovers the true origins of the healing stone. It is a powerful and advanced future technology. The Sittiri attempt to recruit him to help defeat the Key’ari--a time-traveling race that plans to use the stone to further their destructive agendas. With the fate of Earth hanging in the balance, can the Sittiri complete their mission?

The Healing Stone is an intriguing blend of Christian sci-fi, history, action, adventure, and suspense. Many aspects of this story are well-explored but the one that stands out the most is John Newton's ability to consistently merge different timelines and distinct events without losing the reader in the process. As readers, we glimpse the story as it unfolds through the reflections of a modern-day elderly man in a nursing home. He recalls the events that transpire in Francisco's life, as well as the lives of other characters from a timeline before Francisco's era. I enjoyed Newton's in-depth exploration of the battle of Las Navas de Tolosa (the Spanish Christian-Muslim war in 1212). This historical event is a window to a timeline where readers can observe the socio-political, racial, and religious issues unfolding in Spain during that era. I wholeheartedly recommend this compelling novel to Christian sci-fi enthusiasts.

The Healing Stone by John Newton connects Christian themes with fantasy and science fiction for a journey through medieval Spain and beyond. The story follows Francisco, a 16-year-old orphan navigating the savage streets of Toledo in 1212. Possessing a mysterious stone with miraculous healing powers, Francisco clings to his father’s final warning: “Do no harm lest you break the charm.” Francisco’s clandestine use of the stone to aid the downtrodden reveals his inner conflict and burgeoning heroism. The story takes a dramatic turn when the boy learns the stone’s origins—a futuristic technology tied to a temporal war threatening all of history. This revelation introduces the enigmatic Sittiri, who tasks Francisco with protecting the timeline while wrestling with his actions’ profound moral and spiritual implications.

John Newton vividly brings the medieval world to life, highlighting the harsh realities of street life, from ruthless gangs to the plight of society’s outcasts. The narrative blends historical authenticity with speculative elements, creating a story rich in tension, wonder, and introspection. Newton’s storytelling is thrilling and thought-provoking, delivering high stakes and emotional depth in equal measure. The vividly described settings immerse readers in a world where past and future collide. As the first book in The Shadows of Time series, The Healing Stone sets a strong foundation, blending historical drama, spiritual depth, and speculative intrigue. It is an ideal read for those who enjoy stories that challenge the boundaries of time and morality, anchored by a hero whose heart is as strong as his will. This is a book you won't want to miss.

The Healing Stone by John Newton tells the story of a young boy, Francisco, who has to overcome a great deal of adversity while preventing the possible destruction of the universe. Even though Francisco's story began in Spain in 1207, his tale is told by Mr. Hoo Nun, a senior resident in a 21st-century nursing home. Sharron, a new nursing assistant, listens intently to Mr. Hoo Nun's narrative. At the tender age of 11, Francisco tragically became an orphan. He is adopted by his abusive uncle but runs away to live on the harsh streets of Toledo. While evading dangerous street gangs and his uncle's wrath, Francisco is recruited by Angelo and Miyuki—time travelers known as the Sittiri—who need Francisco's help in defending the universe from an over-zealous time-traveling race known as the Key’ari. Francisco is torn between his commitment to healing the sick with his magical stone and his duty to assist Angelo and Miyuki on their quest. Will he embrace the Sittiri's noble cause?

The Healing Stone is an action-packed, time-traveling adventure that will hold your attention from beginning to end. John Newton delivers an explosive and exciting science fiction tale with twists, turns, and mortal danger. The story's appeal lies in its ability to intertwine historical events, scientific concepts, and social dynamics without becoming convoluted or disjointed. Despite featuring countless futuristic concepts and scenarios, each event is original and cleverly explored, making this a fascinating sci-fi story to dive into. Each character is multi-dimensional, intriguing, and well-developed. Despite Francisco's many years of suffering and hardships, his resilient spirit won my heartfelt admiration during his journey. Readers will effortlessly connect with his character growth and life experiences. The plot surrounding the Sittiri and the Key’ari—two powerful time-traveling races—masterfully drives the storyline forward while revealing new and exciting details in a well-timed manner. Without a doubt, sci-fi fans will enjoy reading this impressive tale.

The Healing Stone by John Newton is the first book in the Shadows of Time series, and wow, what a journey. Set in 1212 Toledo, we follow 16-year-old Francisco, a resilient orphan trying to survive in a harsh world. His late father gives him a fascinating healing stone, and the story takes off as he tries to protect it while also following his father’s mysterious advice to “do no harm.” Francisco’s adventures lead him to help society’s outcasts in secret, and he soon meets some intriguing temporal warriors who unveil the stone’s incredible origins—technology from the future linked to a war that could change everything we know about history. As he faces tough choices, the book dives into themes of morality, resilience, and courage.

Francisco was such a relatable character, and his journey of self-discovery kept me hooked. The pacing is just right—there's plenty of action during tense moments, but also some slower parts that let us reflect on important themes like forgiveness and leadership. The supporting cast, from Francisco’s loyal friends to the mysterious time travelers, adds depth to the story, making it all the more engaging. John Newton does a fantastic job of bringing medieval Spain to life, and the mix of historical and futuristic elements creates a truly unique world. While some plot twists might be a bit predictable, the emotional journey and themes of faith and justice really hit home. I think The Healing Stone is a fantastic start to the series, and I can’t wait to see where Francisco's journey takes me next and how the temporal conflict unfolds.