Rating: 
Summary: Dig a little deeper, Jacq
Review: After reading the book, I was a little disappointed. A great topic, and even an enjoyable read, if you are looking for something light and doesn't require much of the reader. I kept hoping for more detail about the setting, more historical background on the Place of Truth, and more elaborate characters. I will probably read the next book in the series in the near future, but I'm not rushing out to buy it today.
Rating: 
Summary: Nefer The Silent
Review: Although the begining of the book decieves you into believing that the book is full of suspense, it turns out to be quite boring. The only action in the whole book is in the very begining and in the very end. The plot of revenge which is talked about though out the whole book is never carried out and leads right into the sequel. I found the book to be confusing because of the many characters. There were so many characters that it was hard to keep up with it. For example they would talk about Ardent(one of the main characters) in one chapter and not talk about him until three or four chapters later. That made it hard to remember what was going on. Not only were there too many characters, but most of them were boring and led boring lives. The only character who was semi-interesting was Ardent.The only reason Ardent was better than the rest was because he was the violent one in the book. Other characters included Nefer(who had everything handed to him on a plate), Mehy, Sobeq, and several other characters. Nefer became the over seer and Mehy planned revenge on the place of truth, and Sobeq was one of the many guards at the Place Of Truth. Another confusing part in the whole book, was that once the characters reached the Place Of Truth, they changed their names. This made it hard to keep track of who was who and what their names had changed to. All in all, the book was boring. The middle of the book consisted of everyone just trying to get to the Place Of Truth. In the end of the book Ramses dies, Nefer becomes the head over seer, and a wise woman reveals to everyone that she sees "trouble" for the Place Of Truth and the book ends. This is where the sequel begins. After reading this book(which is the first in four), I can say that I will not be reading any of the sequels.
Rating: 
Summary: Another slant of life in ancient Egypt.
Review: As with the Ramses series Christian Jacq has once again got me hooked. "Nefer the Silent" was an interesting slant on another side of egyptian civilisation, Nefer had me begging for more but I found the follow up, "The Wise Woman" a tad slow and drawn out in comparison. Jacq's detail to attention and passion for Ramses could never be reflected in any other series. However, Jacq is a master of his craft and has once again left the reader with a cliff hanger in "The Wise Woman," it would be imposssible not to buy the follow up. If you have read and enjoyed the Ramses series i would advise you to keep an open mind when reading Nefer as there is no real comparison. The style is different and more calculated but still continues to be a wonderful insight to the lives of those who lived quite a while ago!! ENJOY - I DID!!
Rating:
Summary: Somewhat simplistic
Review: Christian Jacq's latest novel is technically very punchy in style, sacrificing scene development for action. His characterisations also seem to follow the same pattern. In 'The Stone of Light' opener, we see several contrasting characters, most of which are not as simple and forthright as Paneb the Ardent, yet still come across as sketches rather than blooded characters. Perhaps the later installments of The Stone of Light will add more flesh to their sparse bones.
After the Ramses series, Jacq once more plunges us into his version of Eygptian history, this time taking us to West Thebes, to the secret village known as the Place of Truth where rigorously selected craftsmen who have see the 'Way' work on the tombs and edifices within the Valley of the Kings. It is fairly near the end of Ramses reign and he has a walk-on part, purely to emphasize the importance of the Place of Truth as we are more concerned with the 'giant' sixteen year old Ardent (whose all consuming desire is to become an artist, but both his birth and circumstance preclude entry) and his peer, Silent, (who was born to the village but is currently wandering Egypt in search of his own personal light). Silent's wandering through Thebes neatly allows Jacq to ensure that the two meet and, after saving Silent's life, gives Ardent the necessary means to approach the village. Silent also meets and elopes with Ubekhet (destined to become a priestess, along with Ardent's future wife, Uabet, and mistress, Turquoise - interesting name as it originates in 14th century old French).
Most of the action surrounding these characters is taken with Ardent's somewhat Herculean efforts to prove himself along every step of the regimented way to gaining entry to the village. Jacq overemphasizes his tenacity, simplicity, efficiency and effectiveness all of which would be a trifle too good to be true save he is affected by an arrogance born of sheer over-confidence. Nevertheless, he surmounts all tasks and is admitted to the village to become Paneb the Ardent, in the same manner that Silent becomes Nefer the Silent.
The real story that runs through is the use of Mehy, an ambitious man (whom we see committing a murder in the opening scenes) who marries, murders, cheats and lies his way up through the highest echelons of Pharaonic Thebes. His desire to destroy the Place of Truth (no real reason is actually given) eventually gives way to an attempt to murder Ramses which fails (though time eventually achieves his aim) through Ardent's preceptivity. With his equally secretly ambitious wife, Serketa, they spend most this opener gleaning information, setting up a network of spies and establishing themselves. However, at no point do the youg artisans ever come into direct contact with the scheming Mehy, only through the medium of the Place of Truth's security commander, Sobek (who provides some levity throughout).
This opening novel (of four) is a refreshing read, similar in style to Rameses and moves along at a nice pace. It is usually the mark of a good book that you can get to the end and be entertained, yet realise that nothing really happened throughout as it seems to setup the remaining novels. If you like the Rameses series then The Stone of Light should be just as enjoyable.
Rating:
Summary: A Wonderful Look at Ancient Egypt
Review: Despite the other negative reviews, I thought this book gave an excellent look at Ancient Egypt. Some parts of it were too short for what the storyline entailed, and it definately left the reader wanting more at the end, but I have a feeling this is because Mr. Jacq wants to leave us hanging for his next book.The only thing I didn't quite understand was why this book was called "Nefer the Silent," when most of it featured other characters. I'm sure the part with Nefer took up only perhaps a third of the novel... However, I did enjoy the idea that there was a sacred brotherhood who built the pyramids and tombs that would be the final resting place of the pharoahs. Indeed, there is too much attention to detail in them for it to be the work of slave labour. Anyway, I would recommend buying this book. Perhaps if you aren't sure, you could go to a library and see if they have it. :)
Rating: 
Summary: Leaves you hanging.
Review: Having read the Ramses series, which I couldn't put down until I had finished them, I was very dissappointed with this book. You are able to read the Ramses books individually and have a good story with an ending. With this book I feel as if the author has only published 1/4 of the book in order for us to buy the rest. I won't be! I was not carried back into time like the Ramses series, where I felt I was actually there. This book did not give me that feeling. At times I found it incredibally boring and long winded, it took me days to finish it, not hours. I'm glad I have actually been to the Valley of the Kings and Queens and the Nobles, so I could picture the setting, otherwise I would have been more confused than I already was by the book. If you have read the Ramses Series I don't recommend this book, if this is your first experience with Christian Jaqc, don't bother, read the Ramses series instead.
Rating:
Summary: my review
Review: I found this book to be very insightful. Not only about the life of ancient Egypt, but also about how these ancient craftsmen viewed their talent and their work, associating it with life. The story is about a village in ancient Egypt where all the craftsmen working on the Valley of the Kings must reside, away from the people. They are thought as people who have a special gift and they are responsible for making the transfer of life for the Pharaohs, from their deaths to their next life, and are therefore sworn to secrecy. Of course, all this secrecy brings about jealousy.... The story is well written and the author presents the characters very well and you become familiar with these characters. He also introduces us to all aspects of life in ancient Egypt. From the worker to the magistrate to the mayor, back to the craftsmen; and how each one reacts in their sphere of influence. Great read.
Rating:
Summary: Different...
Review: I had read most of Jacq's "Ramses" series last year. So I was interested to see what else he had come up with. "Nefer the Silent" is essentially about two men--one middle aged, one young man, who become friends. Nefer is a stonemason who wants to get back into the Palace of Truth (he was raised there). Ardent has a passion for drawing and just wants to learn more. I liked Nefer--he seemed an to be pretty unassuming. Ardent was a little more difficult to like. He had this superhuman strength and endurance, and a temper that was explosive. I thought the characters were well written and that the descriptions were very vivid. The additional plot of Mehy and his greed for power/revenge is entertaining. I would recommend this book. You know that the author has actually researched the topic, so it is pretty true to fact (with some artistic license). I will read Book 2 and hope that this series doesn't fade out...
Rating:
Summary: Different...
Review: I had read most of Jacq's "Ramses" series last year. So I was interested to see what else he had come up with. "Nefer the Silent" is essentially about two men--one middle aged, one young man, who become friends. Nefer is a stonemason who wants to get back into the Palace of Truth (he was raised there). Ardent has a passion for drawing and just wants to learn more. I liked Nefer--he seemed an to be pretty unassuming. Ardent was a little more difficult to like. He had this superhuman strength and endurance, and a temper that was explosive. I thought the characters were well written and that the descriptions were very vivid. The additional plot of Mehy and his greed for power/revenge is entertaining. I would recommend this book. You know that the author has actually researched the topic, so it is pretty true to fact (with some artistic license). I will read Book 2 and hope that this series doesn't fade out...
Rating: 
Summary: THE STONE OF LIGHT
Review: I HAVE ALWAYS BEEN INTERESTED IN ANCIENT EGYPT AND THE TIME OF THE PHARAOHS. THIS BOOK IS A FACINATING LOOK INTO THE DAY TO DAY LIFE OFANCIENT EGYPT, ITS RITUALS AND PEOPLES. THIS IS NOT A TEXT BOOK DESCRIPTION. CHRISTIAN JACQ BRINGS TO LIFE THE PEOPLE THAT BUILT THE SHRINES, CITIES AND PYRAMIDS OF EGYPT. YOU LEARN THAT THEY TOO HAD FAMILIES AND PROBLEMS NOT UNSIMILAR TO WHAT FAMILIES DEAL WITH TODAY. THIS BOOK CAUGHT MY INTREST RIGHT FROM PAGE ONE AND I AM EAGERLY AWAITING THE NEXT VOLUMN FROM MR. JACQ. HE CAN'T WRITE IT SOON ENOUGH FOR ME.
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