Stones Series by Jacob Whaler

Alexander the Great. Genghis Kahn. Julius Caesar. Attila the Hun. Mao. Stalin. For thousands of years, the Stones have been hidden among us, giving a privileged few power to rule over masses, destroy empires and create new ones. It's near the end of the 21st century. When Matt Newmark was ten years old, his mother was killed in a vicious corporate assassination... moreAlexander the Great. Genghis Kahn. Julius Caesar. Attila the Hun. Mao. Stalin. For thousands of years, the Stones have been hidden among us, giving a privileged few power to rule over masses, destroy empires and create new ones. It's near the end of the 21st century. When Matt Newmark was ten years old, his mother was killed in a vicious corporate assassination. For the last twelve years, he's been living off grid under the over-protective care of his father, running from dark forces, trying to stay alive. Now Matt finally has a chance to break away and start a new life. On the eve of a trip to Japan, he finds a dark rock in the shape of a claw. Life is never the same again. With the help of a Shinto priest, Matt discovers it's a Stone, a piece of ancient alien technology that gives him a sweeping view of history and control over time, matter and energy. But Matt is not alone. Mikal Ryzaard has a Stone of his own and a burning vision to eliminate suffering from the earth and bring back Paradise. With all the resources of a massive multinational corporation behind him, he tracks down Matt and makes him an offer. Join me or die. less

The Stones are the key to everything. Mikal Ryzaard’s plan to eliminate suffering and bring back Paradise at any cost is surging forward. Combining the ancient technology of his Stone with all the resources of global powerhouse MX Global, Ryzaard kills and destroys without fear or responsibility. Soon, he is able to bring two more Stones under his rule, allowing him to control world markets, giving him overwhelming force... moreThe Stones are the key to everything. Mikal Ryzaard’s plan to eliminate suffering and bring back Paradise at any cost is surging forward. Combining the ancient technology of his Stone with all the resources of global powerhouse MX Global, Ryzaard kills and destroys without fear or responsibility. Soon, he is able to bring two more Stones under his rule, allowing him to control world markets, giving him overwhelming force. The only one with a chance to stop him is Matt Newmark, a twenty-something with a Stone of his own who nearly died after a violent struggle with Ryzaard. Escaping with his girlfriend, Jessica, Matt seeks refuge on his own spectacular world and tries to put the past behind him. When Jessica is abducted, a message from beyond the grave forces him to choose: return and battle Ryzaard or abandon Earth and all he loves. Drawn by love for Jessica and his dad, Matt chooses to fight Ryzaard. The battle takes Matt from Brazil, where he unites with two gifted children, to a Buddhist temple ruin in Thailand where he finds his dad fighting for his life. As Matt battles for the future of the human race, his eyes are opened by new revelations about his own destiny, the nature of the Stones and their place in the Universe. This is Book Two of the Stones Series. less

For thousands of years, Stone Holders have lived in secret, passing the Stones from hand to hand, generation to generation. Now, with the help of satellites, algorithms and nearly limitless power, Ryzaard tracks them down. And kills them one by one. Only Matt and the two precocious children, Yarah and Leo, remain hidden. With Jessica, they’ve escaped off-planet, one big happy family, living a fairytale existence far from Earth, without fear, free from Ryzaard and his madness... moreFor thousands of years, Stone Holders have lived in secret, passing the Stones from hand to hand, generation to generation. Now, with the help of satellites, algorithms and nearly limitless power, Ryzaard tracks them down. And kills them one by one. Only Matt and the two precocious children, Yarah and Leo, remain hidden. With Jessica, they’ve escaped off-planet, one big happy family, living a fairytale existence far from Earth, without fear, free from Ryzaard and his madness. Now all of that is about to change. Pulled by bizarre dreams, Matt returns to Earth to discover the truth. With each passing day, Ryzaard grows stronger, bolder, closer to achieving global domination. His final stroke will murder millions and create a new world religion. Only Matt, Jessica and the children stand in his way. As Matt begins to fight, he faces a second stark truth. Another Stone Holder with infinitely more power has joined forces with Ryzaard, sharing his hatred of Matt and the children. She’s capable of destroying worlds, entire galaxies. And she has revenge on her mind. This is Book Three of the Stones Series. less

Ryzaard is on the cusp of his dream . . . Paradise. When nuclear detonations destroy cities across the globe, the world embraces Shinto as the only solution for a civilization teetering on the brink of destruction. All according to Ryzaard’s plan. One final step remains. With the help of Jhata, Ryzaard unveils the Abomination: a gift of incredible wonder that gives all humankind full sensory access to the Mesh. At a time of his choosing, it will unite the human race under his dominion... moreRyzaard is on the cusp of his dream . . . Paradise. When nuclear detonations destroy cities across the globe, the world embraces Shinto as the only solution for a civilization teetering on the brink of destruction. All according to Ryzaard’s plan. One final step remains. With the help of Jhata, Ryzaard unveils the Abomination: a gift of incredible wonder that gives all humankind full sensory access to the Mesh. At a time of his choosing, it will unite the human race under his dominion. Not knowing their ultimate fate, the masses hunger for what he offers. Matt faces a stark dilemma. How can he protect the world from the Abomination without becoming a murderer like Ryzaard? Clinging to the woman he loves, Matt is desperate to keep her from making the ultimate sacrifice, knowing she’ll willingly give up her life to protect him. And Jessica isn’t the only one. Matt must find a way to save Yarah, the child prodigy, from Ryzaard’s bottomless rage. Nothing prepares Matt for what he may lose in the final battle. This is Book Four of the Stones Series. less