The Lost Stones

The Lost Stones
by Paul Rimmasch

192 Pages
Published November 8, 2011

This book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

1600s Mexico- The Aztec Prince Ixtililxochitl writes that the first people to inhabit his land came from the Tower of Babel at the dividing of tongues…Scholars dismiss his writings as myth.
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1800s Mid Western United States- Settlers dig into ancient burial mounds and discover thousands of slate tablets covered with a strange hieroglyphic writing and drawings depicting Jesus Christ…these artifacts are denounced as a hoax.
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1909 Arizona-a newspaper runs a story describing how a cave containing metal artifacts and Egyptian-type hieroglyphics was discovered in the Grand Canyon by a group of Scientists from the Smithsonian Institute…the Smithsonian categorically denies the account.
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These and other amazing facts make up the world of forbidden Book of Mormon Archaeology. It is a world BYU student and Iraqi War veteran Ammon Rogers never knew existed. He is thrust headlong into this world when he asks the enigmatic adventurer John Byrd a simple question. When John is kidnapped in Mexico, Ammon joins forces with John’s beautiful daughter in a desperate attempt to not only save John, but to find his answer…an answer that will change the world…an answer one sinister foe will do anything to suppress.

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This is a fun, quick read. Short chapters keep the story moving, and tons of research and true knowledge fill the pages. The characters are well-rounded and likeable

While the theme is LDS (Mormon), I think anyone interested in archaeology, history, or adventure would enjoy the story!

Check out the book trailer:

Some thoughts:

When I started the book, I was a little worried. Book openings can be tough to write, and I didn't really feel drawn into this one. *** Spoiler*** Well, I did until it turned out the opening was a dream. When I was snapped into a different world, things changed. I didn't really care for Ammon's daily life. That said, about 10% of the way in, I dropped that and enjoyed the story.

I really, really, really wanted there to be more of an "Indiana Jones" feeling to this book. There were moments here and there, but I would have loved to see it happen more!

There are a number of passages where long conversations take place in order to get a lot of information and history across. While I enjoyed it (and learned a few things from it), I'm not sure younger teens will appreciate it, as it means less action through those parts.

I find the topic of Book of Mormon Archaeology fascinating, and always have. I hope Mr. Rimmasch is considering sequels!

4/5 stars