Rating: Summary: And now for a something not borrowed. Review: "And then Merlin zaps the pour scwab into submission...." Well, This is not an excerpt thank goodness. Instead of guitar playing magic talisman evoking mystical spells to shed blinding light unto the hapless minions of darkness, one gets a heavy dose of third century reality. It's nice to learn as you read. After I read this book. not only did I know more about 3rd century Brits, I found it to be one of the more well thought out stories in the fantasy genre. (The book realy should be classified as historical fiction) The historical realism along with the realism of the characters set's this one apart from the typical Authurian fare. I throughly enjoyed the perspective of the narrative. Highly recommended.
Rating: Summary: Excellent view of military life in Roman Britain. Review: Mr Whyte excels in relating the every-day details of military life in Roman Britain. The main characters quickly become very engrossing, and the villains are always up to the unexpected.
Rating: Summary: Brilliant overview of transition from empire to dark ages Review: Set in a period for which there is little written history for that part of the world, this is a gripping six volume story of the transition from the relative safety of life under the protection of the legions to a grim battle for survival. The history set out is consistent with the little that is known of this era in British history, and plausibly fleshes out the unknown. The last two volumes, The Sorcerer I and II could have been one book with a bit of editing, but are still enjoyable reads.
Rating: Summary: One of the best versions of the Arthur legend I've ever read Review: Of course, this is only the first book of the series, but in terms of literary content, style, etc., I would definitely put this series on a par with Mary Stewart's Merlin Chronicles. Of course, Whyte's books seem a bit more down-to-earth, with little (if any) magic involved - the comparison is invited because, as in Stewart's books, the characters seem so real, so fleshed-out, that you can easily believe that they were and are real people. I can't remember a single character that I didn't believe in - even the most pompous of the lot, Quintius Varo (Britannicus' brother-in-law). One final point - if you buy the paperback of this book, and you find it has a "preview" of the next book in the series, READ THAT PREVIEW. Talk about a cliffhanger - this is the best hook for buying the next book in a series I've ever seen!
Rating: Summary: Just the Beginnig of a Great Story, AND ... Review: the examination of an interesting, historical hypothesis, namely, that Arthur emerged from the deliberate merging of Celtic and Roman blood and culture. The story is gripping and the hypothesis compelling; it is not, however, for the faint-of-heart. If you like Skystone, you'll immediately seek out The Singing Sword and then The Eagle's Brood, which continue the story. Each is richly detailed and self-contained. Perhaps the best series I have ever read.
Rating: Summary: One of the best Arthurian stories ever made. Review: Starting with the Roman abandonment of Britain, roman legionary Publius Varrus describes his expoites in and out of the legion with his friend General Caius Brittanicus. The two friends begin to make a dream come true at Caius's villa in the British countryside. They make a colony, complete with craftsmen, farmers and soldiers. After Caius retires, Publius marries his sister and Caius's son joins the legions. Picus, Caius's son becomes a commander under Flavius Stilicho, the Chief cavalry commander in the empire. The story continues around Caius and Publius's heirs Uther and Merlyn, the future leaders of the colony called Camalud. Uther fathers Arthur and Merlyn realizes he's cursed with an ability to see the future. Merlyn protects Arthur and plans to raise him to be High King of Britain.
Rating: Summary: Fascinating; a new twist to Arthorian legends. Review: Whyte gives the old Arthorian legends a more human explanation, its not any less intriguing. The action is mostly geered toward the military side of life during those times. The magical element is toned down considerably but it can still be gripping without all the hocus-pocus. I loved it and dove into the next volume immediately. The characters have immense depth. I feel I know each one personally. They are consistant throughout the book without been redundant. Their actions and emotions mature as the they age. they feel like real people - real history. Whyte does a fantastic job of making this book not seem like fiction.
Rating: Summary: great and innovotive retelling of the classic Authuriana Review: lays foundation for a great and innovotive retelling of the classic Authurian tales. A fresh approach with a Roman view instead of the traditional Celtic standpoint. Wonderful insight and elegant stagesettings. Read book in 2 hours!
Rating: Summary: A superb book Review: I picked up the book origanilly because i liked the cover, but once i started reading i was hooked! I not even halfway through and i can't wait to see what happens next! John, age 10
Rating: Summary: Exceptional work, not comparable to other Arthurian novels. Review: I shy away from books about warfare or primarily masculine ventures, which Whyte's Camulod Chronicles appear at first glance. Am so pleased I took another glance - this book and series allow the reader to experience an intensity of human living devoid, for the most part, from the contemporary world. Very, very fine writing. Have already ordered the 4th book in the series, though it has yet to be published. Thanks, Amazon, for this opportunity to comment.
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