ridel reviewed The Skystone (The Camulod Chronicles, Book 1) by Jack Whyte (Camulod Chronicles (Dream of Eagles) (1))
A Biography of a Roman... with a dash of Arthurian Legends
3 stars
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 …
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.
