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Summary: A Perfect Historical Novel Of Suspense, Love, and Subterfuge
Review: 'The Battle Of Kadesh', the third instalment in the acclaimed 'Ramses' series, is thus far the best and most compelling. It chronicles the next few years in Ramses' reign, during which the Great Pharaoh must confront the near invincibility of the Hittite forces who crave expansion at Egypt's expense. Before he can concentrate on war, however, Ramses' reign is being undermined by a network of different alliances against him, most notably that of Ofir, the sorcerer, trying to use black magic to weaken the Pharaoh's defences; And an underground network of Hittite spies intent on bringing about Egypt's downfall. Heading these operations is Shaanar, Ramses' jealous elder brother who is consumed with his desire to rule. When the Battle of Kadesh finally dawns, Ramses is left alone to confront the entire barbaric Hittite army, forcing him to call upon his late father's divine assistance. Will his prayers be answered ?This book had me up reading until the early hours of the morning. With spectacular landscape descriptions, charismatic protagonists, and suspenseful plots it truly is impossible to put down.
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Summary: Ramses: The Battle of Kadesh (Vol 3)
Review: A great read, but I recommend reading the first 2 volumes before you read Kadesh.
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Summary: Ramses The Eternal Pharoah Saves The Day
Review: After reading the first two volumes, I couldn't wait for the third. I found the book exhilerating, Christian Jacq has managed to balance history and readability, with a little poetic license. I decided to check the real details of the actual battle, as I felt that the facts were a little exaggerated. However through investigation I confirmed that it was Ramses and his personnel bodyguard that saved the day (his prayer is recorded), although I could find no mention of a Lion!.
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Summary: 3rd installment a pleasant mindless weekend read
Review: After reading through the 1st 3 translated volumes, I don't have much respect for Jacq's (for which perhaps the tranlator deserves some blame?) hackneyed development of plot and character. In one instance, the loyalty to Ramses of a primary character, as presented in his words and thoughts, is revealed as being completely different from what the reader has been led to believe, just for shock value. The mystical element, always presented in a straightforward mystery-less manner, goes giddily overboard. Jacq hints that the depicted miracle was recorded in ancient Egyptian tomb, and the suspension of disbelief might of been helped by a non-fictional footnote or perhaps an appendix describing what the ancients recorded. Or if such a record does not exist, the novel might have been helped if it were presented from the point of view of a fictitious modern discoverer and interpreter of the record. I am certainly glad that the lightness of style allowed me to get through it ! in one Saturday -- a saving grace which might not be as welcome in a better novel.
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Summary: Ramses Review
Review: Book I and II are fascinating. Book III is merely a continuation. It's as if the first book never ended. Christian Jacq keeps the action rolling. Unfortunately, the phrase "History Repeats Itself" could not be illustrated more perfectly. As the story progressed I had an unnerving sense of déjà vu. On the other hand, it was easy to imagine I was there watching Ramses and his friends.
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Summary: The Showdown at Kadesh
Review: Four divisions of the Egyptian army encamped below the fortress of Kadesh when suddenly the thundering sound of enemy chariots were upon them. The Hittites surprised them and decimated two of the divisions. Then Ramses, possessed of the spirit of Amon, glowed like the sun, and stopped the advancing Hittites in their tracks. Fighter, the Nubian lion, sprang into action. Reinforcements were coming up the coast road. The tide of battle turned. Christian Jacq's Ramses: the Battle of Kadesh, marks the third in a five part series on Ramses the Great of ancient Egypt. Kadesh was one of the greatest battles of the ancient world. Egypt and Hatti were the two giant superpowers of their day; and both coveted the strategic littoral that we call the Middle East today. Hatti was a warrior nation that sought to extend its empire clear to Egypt. Egypt was a powerful land in the New Kingdom equally bent on extending its influence as far as possible. Kadesh marked the pivotal point in the superpowers' ambitions. The Hittites gathered information on Egypt's readiness for war with an elaborate spy network that touched the pharaoh's palace itself. With their powerful enemy to their north preparing for war treacherous family members sought to undermine Ramses' power to seize the throne for themselves. Even the life of the queen was threatened. Ramses would have to destroy the spy network and the Hittites or his entire country may be enslaved. Kadesh would not end the Hittite ambition. Ramses may have slowed them down but not stopped them. Traitors were still in his midst and Asha, the king's boyhood friend and Secretary of State, was in trouble. On to Volume Four.
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Summary: A good sequel, but the title is misleading.
Review: I found the book very readable having read volumes one and two. However, I did feel more than ever that this volume was turning into some sort of Hollywood screenplay rather that an attempt to portray (albeit under licence) historical events - in fact with the gratuitous sex and violence I think it might work quite well. The trouble is that it didn't really do justice to the battle of Kadesh and instead concentrated on the development of characters which perhaps were rather supplementary to requirements. In fact this emphasis led to quite a few holes in the story line and unbelievable events taking place rather too regularly and this resulted in some disapointment on reaching key parts of the story. I will buy volumes 4 and 5, but I hope the author has got back on track! Of course the novel has to be readable, and this may mean taking some liberties with history, even history as uncertain as that of ancient eqypt, but the people reading this book will probably be doing so because thay are interested in ancient eqypt and see that it is written by an eqyptologist. At least I enjoyed the book and it has made me want to find out what actually did happen at Kadesh - shame this book didn't tell me.
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Summary: Very entertaining
Review: I found the previous book lacking in the energy of the first. However, The Battle of Kadesh returns with that energy. A quickly moving tale of Ramses' war against the Hittites also involves much more. Several subplots are resolved from previous volumes with the only major one remaining being the story of Moses. As I've stated before, it's not a deep read but it is a very enjoyable one. Jacq is certainly an undeservedly under noticed writer among fantasy authors.
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Summary: Very entertaining
Review: I found the previous book lacking in the energy of the first. However, The Battle of Kadesh returns with that energy. A quickly moving tale of Ramses' war against the Hittites also involves much more. Several subplots are resolved from previous volumes with the only major one remaining being the story of Moses. As I've stated before, it's not a deep read but it is a very enjoyable one. Jacq is certainly an undeservedly under noticed writer among fantasy authors.
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Summary: Good book, but leaves one with many historical questions
Review: I have enjoyed thoroughly Mr. Jacq's 3 Ramses books, but not being an Egyptologist, I must say, that I come away wondering how much is fact and how much is fiction. Although Mr. Jacq claims that it is a mixture of both, for those of us who have read his books in order to better understand the history, it would be very beneficial to have a page at the front or back of the book, explaining which parts are fiction. I would be embarassed to quote history based on the books, only to find out that the particular fact ended up being part of the fictional tale!
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