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agirlcalledal's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
this book got me on the wikipedia for sub-roman times, so that was interesting.
overall, very slow. political intrigue is boring and a bit predictable.
overall, very slow. political intrigue is boring and a bit predictable.
ultan_library's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
wildfaeriecaps's review against another edition
3.0
When I started this book I wasn't sure that I would be able to finish it. The beginning is filled with boring (to me) military jargon and background information. It was really tough to get through. Once the story picked up, I was hooked. Completely hooked.
However, three quarters through I started wanting to smack the main character. With a brick. You know when you watch a character do something and you know it's going to end badly, and they know it's going to end badly.. it was hard to force myself to read through it happening.
This book is the very beginning of Arthurian legend. It was amazing seeing how they were going to tie it all in. The ironsmithing stuff was oddly fascinating, the relations with locals, and even the political garbage (yes, this is my scientific term for what people might call "political intrigue") was interesting. But in the end, I'm not sure I'll continue with this series. It's really one of those "it's not you, it's me" situations. I'm sure the series is great, but I'm just not up for it right now.
However, three quarters through I started wanting to smack the main character. With a brick. You know when you watch a character do something and you know it's going to end badly, and they know it's going to end badly.. it was hard to force myself to read through it happening.
This book is the very beginning of Arthurian legend. It was amazing seeing how they were going to tie it all in. The ironsmithing stuff was oddly fascinating, the relations with locals, and even the political garbage (yes, this is my scientific term for what people might call "political intrigue") was interesting. But in the end, I'm not sure I'll continue with this series. It's really one of those "it's not you, it's me" situations. I'm sure the series is great, but I'm just not up for it right now.
bahoulie's review against another edition
4.0
That was a fun and new way to begin going about getting a King Arthur. I will definitely read the rest of the series.
After finishing book 4, I've gone back and increased my # of stars for the first 3 books. I have down grading them just for being fantasy rather than "literature," but they're great, so I upped their ratings.
After finishing book 4, I've gone back and increased my # of stars for the first 3 books. I have down grading them just for being fantasy rather than "literature," but they're great, so I upped their ratings.
jbferraro's review against another edition
4.0
In this series Whyte weaves the Arthurian legend into the chaotic time following the fall of the Roman empire in Britain. He paints such a vivid picture of the lives of the families and the surrounding areas. Whyte does a wonderful job telling the story without the fantasy that many times comes with the Arthurian legend.
jhouses's review against another edition
2.0
Quizá se le podía haber puesto 3 estrellas. Reconozco que soy un poco cicatero, pero me atengo al subtítulo de las estrellas y el libro "está bien". ¿me ha gustado? Vaya. Se deja leer, pero tampoco engancha. Por un lado el protagonista/narrador es un poco Mary Sue, rudo y fornido, pero Mary Sue. Es un fiero sargento primera (perdón centurión) que sabe más de metalurgia que todos los herreros romanos juntos (porque le enseño su abuelo), fiero, leal, de palabra, inteligente, leído, habil comerciante, bien relacionado, amante extraordinario capaz de pasar de la impotencia a hacer suplicar que pare a una bella joven (ejem)..., geólogo...
Por otro lado yo buscaba una historia Artúrica más en la línea de Excalibur o Camelot, no tengo especial gusto por las historias seminales del mito que se centran en el revival celta y se empeñan en llenar los nombres de los caballeros y Damas de la Tabla Redonda de w y y ch. Esta historia se acerca más a las segundas que a la primera aunque, en realidad se deja a los celtas atras y se remonta a la ocupación romana. Que esa es otra, tiene un punto survivalista norteamericano que echa un poco para atrás, en plan "se va a acabar el mundo, fundemos una comuna de hombres libres en Waco, Texas (perdón, Salisbury UK) que sea capaz de mantener la luz de la civilización frente a las hordas bárbaras y tal..." Y ya si nos da tiempo forjamos Excalibur (spoiler, no les da).
Igual me leo otra pero solo porque con la Rueda del Tiempo estuve a punto de dejarlo en el primer libro y hubiera sido un error.
Por otro lado yo buscaba una historia Artúrica más en la línea de Excalibur o Camelot, no tengo especial gusto por las historias seminales del mito que se centran en el revival celta y se empeñan en llenar los nombres de los caballeros y Damas de la Tabla Redonda de w y y ch. Esta historia se acerca más a las segundas que a la primera aunque, en realidad se deja a los celtas atras y se remonta a la ocupación romana. Que esa es otra, tiene un punto survivalista norteamericano que echa un poco para atrás, en plan "se va a acabar el mundo, fundemos una comuna de hombres libres en Waco, Texas (perdón, Salisbury UK) que sea capaz de mantener la luz de la civilización frente a las hordas bárbaras y tal..." Y ya si nos da tiempo forjamos Excalibur (spoiler, no les da).
Igual me leo otra pero solo porque con la Rueda del Tiempo estuve a punto de dejarlo en el primer libro y hubiera sido un error.
chromatick's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 stars
I've decided to revisit the Camulod Chronicles to see if they hold up to how amazing I thought they were in my early 20s.
So far, with book one I can say that it does. This series presents a more historical possibility for how King Arthur and Camelot could have actually come about and existed in the real world. If you are a super stickler for historical accuracy you will probably be turned off, but if you can get past that and absorb the ideas and feeling it is invoking, it's quite well done.
This first books starts with Publius and Caias, two best friends and former Roman military men who start a path that will eventually lead to King Arthur.
The book has a good writing style, and while it takes it's own time telling the story it never feels slow.
The one thing that does not hold up well, or at least that I don't remember from my previous reads, are the cringy sex scenes. I'm not a prude, but the way these are described in the book are a little self indulgent and certainly not necessary for the plot at all.
All in all, an excellent start to the tale and I look forward to continuing this trip down memory lane.
I've decided to revisit the Camulod Chronicles to see if they hold up to how amazing I thought they were in my early 20s.
So far, with book one I can say that it does. This series presents a more historical possibility for how King Arthur and Camelot could have actually come about and existed in the real world. If you are a super stickler for historical accuracy you will probably be turned off, but if you can get past that and absorb the ideas and feeling it is invoking, it's quite well done.
This first books starts with Publius and Caias, two best friends and former Roman military men who start a path that will eventually lead to King Arthur.
The book has a good writing style, and while it takes it's own time telling the story it never feels slow.
The one thing that does not hold up well, or at least that I don't remember from my previous reads, are the cringy sex scenes. I'm not a prude, but the way these are described in the book are a little self indulgent and certainly not necessary for the plot at all.
All in all, an excellent start to the tale and I look forward to continuing this trip down memory lane.
righteousridel's review against another edition
3.0
A Biography of a Roman... with a dash of Arthurian Legends
I wish The Skystone wasn't advertised as related to Arthurian Legends, as a story about the transition from Roman to local rule in Britain set in the late 4th century is equally enticing. The back of the book is accurate for once and I regret not paying more attention. When viewed as a piece of historical fiction about one competent, intelligent and well-connected individual set in the dying days of the Roman Empire, this novel tells quite an enjoyable story.
Unfortunately, the novel feels dated -- it's written in a meandering fashion that is more biography than story. There's little in the way of an overarching plot. The only consistency is that the next chapter will see Publius Varrus being a bit older. I prefer novels that give me something to think about at all times, or to build tension dreading what the antagonists are planning. This is not what Jack Whyte intended to write so this is a me-problem.
Also: Roman doomsday preppers. It's hard not to be creeped out.
If you're a Roman Empire fan, and someone who enjoys the minuate about how things were made, objects traded and economies functioned, then this is definitely the novel for you. Even if you aren't, the novel is an easy read, with a cast of (overly) likeable characters and little in the way of adversaries (or even people being hostile). If that's what you're looking for in a novel, this is great for you.
Recommended with the above reservations.
I wish The Skystone wasn't advertised as related to Arthurian Legends, as a story about the transition from Roman to local rule in Britain set in the late 4th century is equally enticing. The back of the book is accurate for once and I regret not paying more attention. When viewed as a piece of historical fiction about one competent, intelligent and well-connected individual set in the dying days of the Roman Empire, this novel tells quite an enjoyable story.
Unfortunately, the novel feels dated -- it's written in a meandering fashion that is more biography than story. There's little in the way of an overarching plot. The only consistency is that the next chapter will see Publius Varrus being a bit older. I prefer novels that give me something to think about at all times, or to build tension dreading what the antagonists are planning. This is not what Jack Whyte intended to write so this is a me-problem.
Also: Roman doomsday preppers. It's hard not to be creeped out.
If you're a Roman Empire fan, and someone who enjoys the minuate about how things were made, objects traded and economies functioned, then this is definitely the novel for you. Even if you aren't, the novel is an easy read, with a cast of (overly) likeable characters and little in the way of adversaries (or even people being hostile). If that's what you're looking for in a novel, this is great for you.
Recommended with the above reservations.