In a world where survival hangs by a thread, Kadya and Ruark race against time to discover the ancient secrets hidden within the seven stones of their ancestors, and reunite with their family. Similar to "The Maze Runner" by James Dashner and "Divergent" by Veronica Roth, "The Seven Stones" shares themes of survival, family bonds, dangerous journeys, and the search for truth and reunification. When their world is shattered by loss, Kadya and her brother, Ruark, embark on a quest to find their missing family. Guided by the brilliance of a mysterious gem stone, they navigate treacherous landscapes, encounter unexpected allies, and face their deepest fears. As they draw closer to the truth, they must unravel the ancient secrets hidden within the stones, for their destiny and the fate of their loved ones depend on it. In this pre-historic adventure, teenagers Kadya and Ruark search for their family after their village is attacked. On their journey they discover brilliant gems—stones with many secrets—that may help them find their loved ones and change their world. ... As Kadya and Ruark unravel the mysterious messages of the gem stones, they begin to unravel each stone's special meaning—such as the blue stone representing hope and the yellow stone, prosperity. Each stone carries a lesson and a message only Kadya and Ruark can discover. Will they be able to unravel the mystery of the stones and reunite with their family in time? ... special appeal to teens, young adults -- and fantasy fans of any age! Original, deftly crafted, and fun read from start to finish ... unreservedly recommended for personal reading lists, as well as highschool and community library YA Fiction collections. " — James A. Cox, Editor-in-Chief, Midwest Book Review The Seven Stones by Kimberly Ashley is an exciting adventure for teenagers. This is a story with heart. It focuses on what the stones represent, which is peace, abundance, empathy, healing, and courage. Is it possible to change if you've been raised with hate in your heart? This book thinks so. The story has lovely characters and a heartfelt message that I think young readers aged 8—15 would really enjoy. — Tracy Traynor, Reviewer for Readers' Favorite