| The Skystone (The Camulod Chronicles, Book 1) | 
 enlarge | Author: Jack Whyte
Publisher: Tor Books
Category: Book
List Price: $7.99
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Avg. Customer Rating:  104 reviews
Sales Rank: 272124
Media: Mass Market Paperback
Edition: Reprint
Number Of Items: 1
Pages: 512
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.6
Dimensions (in): 6.6 x 4.2 x 1.3
ISBN: 0812551389
Dewey Decimal Number: 813
EAN: 9780812551389
ASIN: 0812551389
Publication Date: October 15, 1996
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Condition: Ex-Library. Millions of satisfied customers and climbing. Thriftbooks is the name you can trust, guaranteed. Spend Less. Read More.
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| Customer Reviews:
High adventure with lots of violence and some sex February 13, 2007
4 out of 5 found this review helpful
The first volume of a well written adventure series based on the Camelot myth; the action being placed in a realistic historical setting of the fall of the Roman Empire. Great historical detail, unputdownable action and a clever take on many aspects of the myth. I would have given this five stars if it hadn't been for the almost sickening graphic detail of the violence of ancient warfare and a little too much sex. The sex may make you think twice about giving this series to a young person. This is the first in a series and although the sex in this volume is relatively tame with "moist" bodyparts and erections; be warned there are more detailed descriptions of sexual depravity and perversions in later volumes. The warfare has limbs and heads chopped off, viscera exposed,and a great deal of slipping in blood. A good adult read for those with a strong stomach.
 The Skystone November 3, 2006
3 out of 3 found this review helpful
Reads like an adventure novel, but what an enjoyable way to learn so much historical fact.
Totaly Fabulous! October 2, 2006
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
This book and each of its follow-on stories kept my husband and my self totally enthralled. We not only enjoyed the stories themselves, but Jack Whyte's writing style is superb. The Skystone pulled us right into the lives of the characters and transported us to a time gone by. We are going to be so sorry to finish these stories!!! They are definately a reread!!
 Good history/klunky writing May 28, 2006
2 out of 4 found this review helpful
Whyte's historical knowledge and presentation of 4th and 5th century life creates a credible and interesting background for this story. As a history buff, I am always looking for good writers in this vein. I have to say that I was disappointed by the writing style and the sledge hammer subtle plot development. The important points were emphasized and repeated ad nauseum to the point of distracting from the flow of the narrative. The romantic relationship with the principle woman was not very convincing or moving and I found myself skimming those passages rather than being moved by them. The characters seem somewhat 2 dimensional as well. Mr. Whyte has written many books on interesting subjects and time periods, but I doubt I will try any others since I was so bored with this one.
The Skystone: An Epic Work January 5, 2006
8 out of 8 found this review helpful
I recommend this book for the rich and colorful depiction of Britain during the 5th century, as well as for providing an intelligent version of Arthurian beginnings.
Full Review:
Having read just about every version of the Arthurian legend, I picked up Jack Whyte's book: The Skystone, hoping to find something more definitive and less magical. What I discovered, was an extremely well written and historically fascinating look at 5th century life in Roman occupied Britain.
Whyte did his homework, and it shows in so many ways. Not only does he evince a formidable knowledge and understanding of Rome's military men, but also of the impact the Empire had on the entire known world.
His explanation for the sword Excalibur's beginnings makes sense, and includes magic-if only for the way it appeared to primitive eyes. Whyte, like another author, Colleen McCullough, takes no shortcuts, nor opts for facile answers to the legend of Arthur, and the birth of Camelot.
Instead, he patiently builds, step by step, a plausible yet highly entertaining historical setting.
General Caius Brittanicus is a brilliant and highly decorated Roman man, who was born in Britain. A man of deep insight and wisdom, he forsees the collapse of the Roman Empire. When not on campaign for Rome, he lives with his wife, children and widowed sister Luceia.
Publius Varro is General Brittanicus' Primus Pilus, or senior aide. Their fortunes are inextricably entwined, and how the two of them grow deep in love and respect for one another, is the main thrust of the first book.
Varro, has a blade fashioned from what his grandfather described as a skystone. This sword has a sheen, and luster ordinary iron doesn't possess, and is much stronger than even bronze. Yet Publius has no idea where to find more of this strange metal. When he finally does find it, the answer fulfills many empty spaces left by less gifted writers.
The battle scenes are interesting, even to those of us who might ordinarily find them boring, mainly due to Whyte's deft handling of Roman military tactics. The enmities that develop through the events in this book, prove to have far reaching and unforeseen consequences.
The Skystone comes with a glossary, a pronunciation guide and maps of Britain, which prove helpful throughout the series.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book for its interesting and deep characters, all drawn with a loving hand, that understands human nature in all its dimensions so well. I recommend starting with The Skystone and reading the entire series. You'll be delighted and totally enmeshed in Jack Whyte's version of Arthurian times.
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