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(More customer reviews)It was with great anticipation that I began The Stone of Light, by Christian Jacq. Having read the Ramses series, I am well acquainted with Monsieur Jacq, his vast knowledge about ancient Egypt and his wonderful command of language. Only one word can capture my feelings about his latest tome: DISAPPOINTMENT. The Stone of Light reveals nothing about the life of ancient Egypt. The wonderful descriptions from the earlier Ramses series that transported you back thousands of years, is nowhere to be found. Instead, the reader is confronted with a formula book where the evil personnages have about the same depth of character as the silent movie villans who wore black capes, had pencil thin moustaches and tied victims to the railroad tracks. Here, they plot and scheme, they are bad and some meet a justifiable end. Our hero - it is only by comparison with the "bad" characters, that we can surmise who the "good" ones are. But don't expect the stature of an ancient hero, they just don't measure up. What is missing, what the author failed to share, is some of his knowledge and understanding of life in the craftsmen's village in the Valley of the Kings and Queens. He missed the opportunity to bring us into a royal tomb as it was being created. He could have shown us the steps, explained the paintings, brought the entire valley to our consciousness. Instead, the reader is faced with a B grade version of ancient Egypt. If a movie were to be made and production costs prohibited an Egyptian set, no problem. The entire setting could be transported anywhere, even to Mayberry. Nothing would be lost and very little would need to be changed.I eagerly devoured every book in the Ramses series, even going so far as to reading Vol IV in French so that I didn't have to wait until the English version was available. Monsieur Jacq, I am very disappointed in you. Your knowledge of ancient Egypt is not surpassed by many. You writing style is normally above par. Why would you besmurch your legacy by writing something on par with Barbara Courtland? Shame on you!
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They built a civilization ahead of its time, and dominated the ancient world. They defined an era of war, love, passion, power, and betrayal. They were a people of mystery whose secrets have turned to dust -- but who inspire our awe and wonder even to this day.... The ancient Egyptians They showed us how to live. And how to die. Christian Jacq, author of the international triumph Ramses, brings the people and the passions of ancient Egypt to life in an enthralling epic novel in four volumes.
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