Judge Number: 78
Entry Category: Middle-Grade/Young Adult books
Books are evaluated on a scale of 1 to 5, with 1 meaning “needs improvement” and 5 meaning “outstanding”. This scale is strictly to provide a point of reference, it is not a cumulative score and does not reflect ranking.
- Structure, Organization, and Pacing: 5
- Spelling, Punctuation, and Grammar: 5
- Production Quality and Cover Design: 4
- Plot and Story Appeal: 4
- Character Appeal and Development: 4
- Voice and Writing Style: 4
Judge’s Commentary*:
This novel for teen readers offers a science fiction perspective on the evolution of man. How much of this perspective is based on real belief systems is not clear. The power of stones and the interrelation between special people, like Jade, and what stones have to reveal, is at the heart of the story. I liked the setting of Peru. I also liked how Nina, the girl in 1969, One [Reed’s] Daughter of the Moon, is Grams in 2018 to young Jade, the girl who can perceive the stones’ messages. Fendley has embroidered this idea from the very real belief held by many—and expressed by Grams when she says that she wears turquoise because it makes her feel better—that stones and crystals exert power over humans. I liked how Jade and Felix are united by their ability to hear messages from the stones and have visions. The Labyrinth of Time is the destination of these two young people who must work together to be successful…..(deleted spoilers)...While I would recommend this book to teenage readers, I think they might become confused about the era of dinosaurs after reading it. Overall, The Labyrinth of Time is exotic and interesting with an unusual plot. The cover art portrays Felix with a really fat nose that does not seem as attractive as it should, for he is described as “cute” by Jade the narrator.
