The Skystone : The Dream of Eagles Vol. 1

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Summary: my favorite book
Review: The Skystone is the best book I have ever read, and I read a lot. The battle descriptions and the detail are unparalleled. I highly recommend the book as well as Mr. Whyte's other books.

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Summary: Favorite book of all time
Review: This book is REALLY exceptional. This book my all time favorite, and I've read over 1,000 books already. The crafting and the point of view of a common grunt who rises through the ranks of the Roman legions is exquisitely done by Jack Whyte. Mike, age 12.

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Summary: overrated
Review: I was disappointed by the very thin character development for female characters, and by very pompous and unnatural dialogue.
Definitely the male equivalent of romance fiction.

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Summary: ABSOLUTELY SUPERB!
Review: The SKYSTONE is a book that will grab you and keep you reading with wonder and anticipation until the very end . . . and then you will go out and find the SINGING SWORD. - and it will do the same. Mr. Whyte writes historical fiction in a way that you feel that you are there, that you are part of it. Rome and its politics, in all its ugliness (this story occurs as Rome is about to fall), is deftly depicted. Its legions in Britain, removed from the Roman fray for the most part, continue to maintain the peace and provide a framework for law and its administration until Roman troubles cause a tiny band of "British" Romans to make alternative plans for the future. This book lays the cornerstone of the foundation that will support the Arthurian and Camelot legends. It is a story that is at once real, full of fascinating characters and events, and very human. The "heroes" have real-life problems to solve (and to live with); the villains reflect the inhuman behavior of the Roman elite of the times. This is a book you will remember. This is a book you will recommend to friends and associates.

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Summary: Excellent, well written researched history of Roman Britain
Review: If you love Collen Mcullough's books on Rome (First Man in Rome, the Grass Crown, Ceasar's Women) you will love this page turning historical novel. Whyte's writing is first rate and the characters are well drawn. I loved this book and cant wait to read the rest of the trilogy

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Summary: Riviting and Absorbing Reading
Review: I have the pleasure of having all four books in this series. I have read the first "SkyStone" and the second, "Singing Sword." I was impressed with the first and awed at the second. Mr. Whyte has taken fact and mingled it with fiction to make a more than plauseable series of events leading to the Arthurian period and legend. If you are a Roman History Buff or an Arthurian junkie you need to emerse yourself in these books. My only worry is that Mr. Whyte will stop at the four, when I think he should continue on through Arthur's reign and death. The characters are real. Villian's are villianous, calculating, a ruthless. Heros have problems but are as calculating and ruthless when required. Mr. Whyte also addresses issues that are paramount in out society today, such as domestic violence. The SkyStone is a must read with three more to follow

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Summary: Astounding
Review: One of the best works of historical fiction I have ever read. It is a great story intermingled with sound historical facts, giving you the clear impression that what is being tols might have feasibly happened. If you want a great life like adventure in a larger than life setting then I strongly recommend reading this book

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Summary: Wonderfully Mastered Work
Review: This is, by far, one of the best pieces of historical fiction I've ever read. Plots move, bend, and twist, characters die in the balance. Expect main characters to drop like flies. Brilliant use of "homework", great look into the past

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Summary: Pre-King Arthur tale of Romans in Britian during Rome's fall
Review: Exciting, vivid and very literate account of Roman soldiers and their families, and the divided loyalties they feel as Rome falls. Narrator and main character is Publius Varus, a Roman centurion and blacksmith who marries his commander's sister. Great battle scenes come to life and colourful characters abound in this exceptional narrative. Though a seasoned warrior, Varrus does not fail to vomit at the sight of particularly gruesome battle aftermaths. This is the first volume in part what will eventually become the story of King Arthur and Camelot. But I'm not at all in a hurry to get to it -- these Romans are just too darned interesting!

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Summary: The Book
Review: The book The Skystone tells a fabulous story about the becoming of Arthur. The main character, Publius Varrus, tells his life as a soldier during the fall of Rome. The book has a great history of the strongest country, near its death. Jack Whyte made this book fascinating by adding realistic war scenes. The book made me think I was with the characters getting taught to fight. While reading this thrilling book, I never wanted to set it down. People that like novels about old war times will really enjoy this book.