In a world struggling back from the brink of apocalypse, life is harsh. But for Elspeth Gordie, born with enhanced mental abilities that would see her sterilised or burned if discovered, it is also dangerous. There is only survival by secrecy, and so she determines never to use her forbidden Talent. But it is as if they have their own imperative, and their use inevitably brings her to the attention of the totalitarian Council that rules the Land. Sent to the remote mountain institution of Obernewtyn where escape is impossible, she must throw off her cloak of concealment and pit herself against those who would resurrect the terrible forces of the apocalypse.
Only then will she learn most truly who and what she is...
Winner of the 'character' question:
"In 200 words or less, tell us which Obernewtyn chronicles character to most relate to, and why."
KANGARUTH!
"So, I was going to write a deep, meaningful entry, about how the Teknoguilder's passion for the past mirrors my own passion for science and this is how I relate to them. But then I thought, that's just not true. The truth is, I find it hard to "relate" to any of the characters in the OChrons. They live in a post-apocalyptic agrarianist society which is entirely different to the socio-capatalist society I live in. Their thoughts and struggles are entirely different to my own. Obviously, though, they are still human, and characterised in a way that allows me to relate to all but the "bad guys" in many small ways. And, the books being written from Elspeth's PoV naturally make it easier to relate to her , since we experience everything through her. But, at the end of the day, I don't live in a totalitarian state that is hunting me down for being different, so it's impossible for me to relate to any of the characters' situations, and certainly makes it difficult for me to relate to any single character more than the others. That's one of the reasons why I enjoy reading the books!"
Winner of the 'joke' question:
"In 200 words or less, describe your dream date with the Obernewtyn character of your choice."
INNLEANGEL!
"My dream date with Dameon would involve sitting on a picnic rug on a hill under a tree. The time would be around sunset, with a beautiful sunny sky and a slight breeze. Although blind, Dameon would be able to feel the sun on his face and the breeze on his skin. I would feed him strawberries and cherries dipped in choca, his tastebuds being super-attuned because of his blindness 
Cheers 
"
Congrats to Kangaruth & Innleangel (you will receive a PM shortly with information on how to obtain your book) and thank you to the others who entered!
Elspeth on Friday 11 April 2008 - 20:33:24
comment: 1 After many requests, here's the 5 winning entries of our recent Stone Key competition.
Thank you to the winners for agreeing to let us publish their responses on the site!
Rionach's entry:7 years ago I pulled Obernewtyn off a dusty library shelf & I started to read. Until then I didn’t have a direction in my life, I was depressed & I thought of ending my own life.
The Trials of Elspeth & the Misfits gave me hope & something new, a dream. Before, I was uninterested in school, last year I graduated top of my class in librarian studies.
I’ve never met Isobelle Carmody but she taught me I could achieve the impossible & more importantly she gave me hope. Something I want to pass on to others like me.
Mony2208's entry:Obernewtyn has become a welcome refuge for the Misfits of Elspeth’s world, just as it has become one for myself, who has eagerly followed the books since first trying to find my way in the world. I have found myself growing up alongside Elspeth from the moment she made the tremulous journey to Obernewtyn that fateful night so many years ago. And although I may not tread the steps of her life in person, my eyes have devoured every word of every book as though I have, and my spirit will always soar high with hers amongst the Dreamtrails.
Roz's entry:‘Elspeth’ is my password to log on to my computer at work – a daily reminder of the influence of The
Obernewtyn Chronicles on my life.
I first read Obernewtyn when I was 11 years old, in 1993. It completely entranced me. Over the following years, the next books felt like a chronicle of my own life – capturing my own thoughts and feelings, and shaping my personality.
Isobelle Carmody's writing has deeply inspired and encouraged me, along with the friends I have made at Obernewtyn.net.
I am a true devotee to this series. I’ve been waiting fifteen years for The Stone Key!
Jrydell's entry: The Obernewtyn Chronicles gave me strength to get through my adolescence. I felt like a misfit –
tormented for being different. I was picked on for not partying, drinking and not being 'cool'. Isobelle’s books showed me that I was special as an individual and for all my shortcomings and feelings of being alone, that I was going to be special to the world in some way. I can escape to another world where my imagination could roam free and I could dream of Elspeth’s quest. I admired Elspeth’s courage under fire and I will always be inspired by Obernewtyn.
Iatckeg's entry:The Obernewtyn Chronicles means a great deal to me because I have never really read anything until I brought a copy from a second hand book store only a few months ago and have read them every chance I’ve had, a few days ago I finished book four and longed for more. I was overjoyed when I found out the fifth book was to be released soon and would be honoured to gain a copy. The Obernewtyn Chronicles have been the beginning of my reading life and I thank Carmody for showing me how wonderful reading can be.
For their entries, they each received a copy of The Stone Key.
And if you didn't happen to win...stay tuned
we may have a few more copies up our sleeves yet!
Min on Monday 25 February 2008 - 02:29:01
comment: 3 
The Stone Key
blackbird viewing forum.php
) we now have TWO winners:
