The Skystone

Camulod Chronicles, Book 1

By: Jack Whyte

Narrated by: Kevin Pariseau

Length: 21 hrs and 3 mins

Publisher's summary

Everyone knows the story-how Arthur pulled the sword from the stone, how Camelot came to be, and about the power struggles that ultimately destroyed Arthur's dreams. But what of the time before Arthur and the forces that created him?

How did the legend really come to pass?

Before the time of Arthur and his Camelot, Britain was a dark and deadly place, savaged by warring factions of Picts, Celts, and invading Saxons. The Roman citizens who had lived there for generations were suddenly faced with a deadly choice: Should they leave and take up residence in a corrupt Roman world that was utterly foreign, or should they stay and face the madness that would ensue when Britain's last bastion of safety for the civilized, the Roman legions, left?

For two Romans, Publius Varrus and his friend Caius Britannicus, there can be only one answer. They will stay, to preserve what is best of Roman life, and will create a new culture out of the wreckage. In doing so, they will unknowingly plant the seeds of legend-for these two men are Arthur's great-grandfathers, and their actions will shape a nation . . . and forge a sword known as Excalibur.

©1996 Jack Whyte (P)2013 Audible, Inc.

good book. well read. sometimes slow.

the narration was good. the book got into very much detail sometimes dragging out parts. I look forward to the rest of the series.

What a wonderful story.

I have read this book many times, listen to the audible Version twice. I enjoy this series immensely I would recommend it highly.

Enjoyed the book. Now the audio book as well.

Jack Whyte is in his element.
Good story. Good production.
Good performance.
Time well listened.

A Favorite

Outstanding start to this historical fantasy saga. I have read and listened to the story multiple times and continue to enjoy it.

A promising start but disappoints

See my review of book two of the series. Not sure I can stick it out nine volumes.

Interesting history and characters

I knew nothing about this book when I got it on sale. I just downloaded book two and am excited to listen.

good story performance is off

My man did equis dirty. The voices he did for other characters was odd as well.

Good in places

Character voicing and story can be engaging at times, particularly in fight scenes. Otherwise simplistic and 2-dimensional at best.

The Narrator ruined this book!

What did you like best about The Skystone? What did you like least?

I could only complete half of the book. While I liked the story, I could not listen to this narrator any further.

What was the most interesting aspect of this story? The least interesting?

I liked the historical aspect as I have not seen anyone write about this time period of British history before.

How did the narrator detract from the book?

I have listened to many, many books since I joined Audible and I knew I would run across a book that I wanted to like, but whose narration would prevent it. This is that book. The narrator's timing is choppy at best, just plain off at worst. He seems to be trying so hard to enunciate each word that, to me, it sounds as if an elementary school child is giving a speech. I tried to continue, hoping that perhaps I could get used to the rhythm and cadence but I just could not. If I want to continue this series I'll have to read it. I can not listen to this narrator any further.

Was The Skystone worth the listening time?

No

Any additional comments?

No

Great for adolescent guys and history buffs

Would you try another book from Jack Whyte and/or Kevin Pariseau?

Great interweave of history and myth.

Would you be willing to try another book from Jack Whyte? Why or why not?

Yes. To see if the series grows as the story here did.

Would you be willing to try another one of Kevin Pariseau’s performances?

Not sure sounded like an ad man delivery.

Any additional comments?

Way too much gratuitous sex and poor female character development relegates this very good work to high school boys. But for this kind of old adolescent, a fun listen.