Nefer the Silent (The Stone of Light, Vol. 1) Review

Average Reviews:

(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!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Nefer the Silent (The Stone of Light, Vol. 1)

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.

Click here for more information about Nefer the Silent (The Stone of Light, Vol. 1)

Read More...

The Wise Woman (The Stone of Light, Vol. 2) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)During the long rule of Ramses the Great, Egypt prospered. This allowed Ramses to provide full support to the Place of Truth, an isolated village in the Upper Egyptian desert. Artisans use the locale to design and build the tombs and pyramids of the Pharaohs. Only the elite enters the select secretive enclave where the magical STONE OF LIGHT resides, an artifact that turns matter translucent. Most individuals who apply for a position here are found wanting and rejected. Mehy, a powerful person under the reign of Meneptah, Ramses' son, seeks vengeance on the place for rebuffing his efforts to work there.

Mehy easily fools Meneptah into ceding him more power. Mehy uses his position of authority to gather information about the Place of Truth in order to weaken the place, but so far his numerous efforts have failed to accomplish his goal. Still, he remains a dangerous adversary whose powers are growing, leaving the residents of the Place of Truth to prepare for a bleak future.

Readers who follow the works of talented storyteller Christian Jacq will find the WISE WOMAN has a lot more action in the story line than its predecessor NEFER THE SILENT had. In either case, Ancient Egypt comes vividly alive in the minds of the audience, so much so one would think they entered a time portal to observe the place today. The characters are complex with details that provide motives and reasoning so the reader can better grasp the background and nuances to the plot without slowing down the pace. This fascinating work will leave readers anxiously waiting to see the further mischief caused by Mehy in future works.

Harriet Klausner

Click Here to see more reviews about: The Wise Woman (The Stone of Light, Vol. 2)

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 ot life in an enthralling epic novel in four volumes.

Click here for more information about The Wise Woman (The Stone of Light, Vol. 2)

Read More...

Ramses: The Son of Light - Volume I Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This book kept me entertained, which is usually all I ask from a book. In the historical fiction genre, however, I usually assume that the basic plot elements are either provable fact or at least in some way believable to historians. While I read the book, I was shocked to find out that much of what I thought about this period was wrong; when I finished and did research on the subject, I was disappointed to find out that I had been misled by someone who knew better.
I know that many will defend this work on the grounds that it is fiction, but I believe that someone with Jacq's credentials has a responsibility to his readers. Many people will read this book and 'learn' that Ramses II was contemporary with Helen of Troy, and that Homer was contemporary with them both - which is only the greatest of the wild inaccuracies in this book. One misguided reviewer on this site states, "The fact that the author, Christian Jacq, has a doctorate degree in Egyptian studies made me presume that the contents should not be too far from the truth". In actuality, the contents bear little resemblance to any defensible version of history. It's not just that conversations and minor characters are created, which is expected. It's not just that unexplained events are explained away in a controversial manner, which is reasonable. The problem is that established facts in history are actually contravened here. If you read this book and take for granted that anything you read is true, you are taking a great risk.
I am not telling you to avoid this book. It is very entertaining, and it may interest you in Egyptology. Certainly it propelled me to research the Trojan War, among other subjects. Just make sure that you understand; this is not historical fiction along the lines of George, Penman, and Shaara. This is closer to the alternate history novels of Harry Turtledove. Read and enjoy, but do not take it to heart.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Ramses: The Son of Light - Volume I

Ancient Egypt comes alive in this eagerly anticipated new series that's breaking sales records in Europe! "Ramses, Vol. I: The Son of Light" recounts the thrilling story of Ramses, the legendary king who ruled Egypt for more than 60 years. Chosen by the pharaoh Seti, the 14-year-year-old Ramses sets into motion a tapestry of royal intrigue, treacherous plots, and romantic adventures that will keep readers spellbound and hungry for more.

Get 10% OFF

Click here for more information about Ramses: The Son of Light - Volume I

Read More...