The Skystone
-
-
4.5 • 59 Ratings
-
-
- $9.99
-
- $9.99
Publisher Description
This first novel in Jack Whyte's riveting Arthurian series tells how the story of Camelot may have actually come to be.
We all know the story—how Arthur pulled the sword from the stone and how Camelot came to be.
But how did it really happen?
The Roman citizens of Britain faced a deadly choice: leave to live in a corrupt Roman world, or stay amidst the violence of the warring factions of Picts, Celts, and invading Saxons.
For Publius Varrus and Caius Britannicus, there is only one answer. They will stay, try to preserve the best of Roman life, and create a new culture from the wreckage.
In doing so, they will plant the seeds of a legend. For these two men are Arthur's great-grandfathers and their actions will shape a nation...and forge the sword known as Excalibur.
At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
The primacy of ideas over characterization--a hallmark of (John) Campbellian science fiction--distinguishes Modesitt's current novel from his popular Recluse series and the delightful Of Tangible Ghosts. Trystin Desoll is a young Eco-Tech officer who is fighting two enemies: the opposing Revenant forces, and the prejudice of his own people against his looks, which are more rev than Eco-Tech. Employing his impressive wits and skills, he creates innovative solutions to each, ultimately devising a ploy aimed at ending the war by using the Revenants' faith-based culture. All this is potentially interesting, but Modesitt leaves too much unsaid (e.g., the reason for the interstellar war). Trystin is too stolid a character as well, barely reacting as several family members, friends and lovers are lost or forgotten. Modesitt is capable of turning out provocative, entertaining SF--but this, despite some good ideas, isn't that.
Customer Reviews
Hidden treasure!
This particular piece of historical fiction for some reason hits all the places. The story of the beginning of Camelot and the predecessors of Arthur Pendragon is almost more interesting than the legend itself. The story of Caius Britannicus and Publius Varrus (fictional) is amazing from top to bottom. The historical characters that are in the series are well done and the fictional characters are well fleshed out. This book is not a waste of time by any stretch IMO.
The best!
Maybe not the best book in the series but a phenomenal start to the best historical fictional account of the Arthurian legend out!
Amazing story, but...
But I only give THREE Stars to iTunes for the numerous typos I came across. While re-reading this story, I had to find my old tattered paperback copy to check, and the typos were not there from the mid 90's.
iTunes... What is your malfunction? (This is one of many...).
More Books Like This
More Books by Jack Whyte
Customers Also Bought