From Publishers Weekly
The primacy of ideas over characterization?a hallmark of (John) Campbellian science fiction?distinguishes Modesitt's current novel from his popular Recluse series and the delightful Of Tangible Ghosts. Trystin Desoll is a young Eco-Tech officer who is fighting two enemies: the opposing Revenant forces, and the prejudice of his own people against his looks, which are more rev than Eco-Tech. Employing his impressive wits and skills, he creates innovative solutions to each, ultimately devising a ploy aimed at ending the war by using the Revenants' faith-based culture. All this is potentially interesting, but Modesitt leaves too much unsaid (e.g., the reason for the interstellar war). Trystin is too stolid a character as well, barely reacting as several family members, friends and lovers are lost or forgotten. Modesitt is capable of turning out provocative, entertaining SF?but this, despite some good ideas, isn't that. Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Library Journal
During the days of the decaying Roman Empire, the legions of Britain struggle to preserve the ancient principles of loyalty and discipline-virtues embodied in the Roman general Caius Britannicus and his friend Publius Varrus, an ex-soldier turned ironsmith. Whyte re-creates the turbulence and uncertainty that marked fifth-century Britain and provides a possible origin for one of the greatest artifacts of Arthurian myth-the legendary sword Excalibur. Strong characters and fastidious attention to detail make this a good choice for most libraries and a sure draw for fans of the Arthurian cycle.Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Review
"From the building blocks of history and the mortar of reality, Jack Whyte has built Arthur's world, and showed us the bone beneath the flesh of legend."-Diana Gabaldon
"Jack Whyte is a master storyteller . . . . Wyte breathes life into the Arthurian myths by weaving the reality of history into them."-Tony Hillerman
"I loved the book. It was an extraordinary story, totally original and clearly there is a lot more excitement to come in the upcoming volumes."-Rosamunde Pilcher
The Skystone: The Camulod Chronicles ANNOTATION
"Not since the early 1970s, with Mary Stewart's The Crystal Caves and The Hollow Hills, have the Roman Empire and the Authruian legends been intertwined with as much skill and authenticity as in this debut."--Publishers Weekly.
FROM THE PUBLISHER
367 A.D. The empire is falling. The legions of Rome are in retreat. The green and pleasant lands of Britain have become a dark and deadly killing ground. It is a time that breeds treachery in some men and greatness in others. This is the rich and rousing story of Gaius Publius Varrus, one of the finest soldiers ever to fight under the eagles of Rome. He is among the first to see the truth, that Britain must fend for itself in an increasingly savage world. As the empire tears itself apart, Varrus makes a fateful decision - to turn his back on Rome and strive to preserve civilization in Britain. With the great love of his life, the beautiful, untamed noblewoman Luceiia, who is every inch his match in strength, pride, and burning passion, Varrus will rekindle the dying flame of honor and justice and found a dynasty that will change the course of history. And from a stone that fell from the sky, he will forge the sword known as Excalibur and plant the seeds of a legend.
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