The Skystone
A Dream of Eagles Book I
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4.4 • 60 Ratings
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- $7.99
Publisher Description
Born of the chaos of the Dark Ages, the Dream of Eagles produced a king, a country and an everlasting legend—Camelot
367 A.D. The empire is crumbling and the legions of Rome are in retreat. The green and peaceful lands of Britain have become a blood-soaked killing ground. It is a time that breeds treachery in some men and greatness in others. This is the story of Gaius Publius Varrus, a former Roman officer, now a maker of swords. 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, and his former general, Caius Britannicus, Varrus will rekindle the dying flame of justice. And from a stone that fell from the sky, he will forge the sword known as Excalibur and plant the seeds of a legend.
Rich in historical detail, brimming with drama, intrigue and passion, The Skystone gives new resonance to an enduring and powerful tale.
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.
