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.

Great series about both Rome and King Arthur

When I first read these book a decade ago, I thought they were at the top of their game. They're still great for many reasons, but one thing I missed the first time around is the shear amount of exposition. Much of it is necessary, but most not necessarily so. It would be easy to argue that the primary narrative and story of the books are told in exposition. So if this author's previous works weren't enjoyed by you or you thought other works had too much exposition (like, say Pillars of the Earth) you might be wary. But, what the author does to make up for the amount of exposition is posit an entertainingly plausible story of how King Arthur stepped out of the world left by the fall of Rome. And I still enjoyed that story the second time around.

MY GOD!!!!!! 😲

Stunningly and most magnificently written. The narration was absolutely phenomenal. Loved all the distinction between characters. That being said the awkardness and shame of my arousal during all parts concerning the thrice spoken of games of hide the sausage shall haunt me forever. Nay have my loins been stirred by a man's voice, lulling my freshly shorn members with the sultry yet knowingly false vocal dictations of a woman! To my everlasting shame, thrice did my little centurion stand briskly to attention. Poised for battle it was, despite the knowledge of whom had called it forth. Kevin Periseau!!!!! you cunning and most vocally genderless magician! Like Bruce Jenner desperately in search of a public wash-room, I am throughly puzzled.

Favorite historical fiction series of all time.

Everything is simply perfect, it's one of the greatest stories ever told. If you like historical fiction you will enjoy it.

Not another Arthur Story

What did you love best about The Skystone?

I didn't want to hear just another Arthur story. This is a Roman to Britain transitional story. I very much enjoyed the flow of the story. I enjoyed the historical detail. When places and buildings are described I recognized them from accounts of archeological diggings.

What did you like best about this story?

The flow and it's ties to historical accounts and legends.

Have you listened to any of Kevin Pariseau’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I love Kevin's performance. All of his performances are his best!

Great story. Narrator took some getting used to

I had started reading this book on my Kindle and had reached Chapter 18 before switching to the AudioBook version. Perhaps that is behind my sense that the narrator's voice somehow didn't mesh as well as I thought it should have with the work. That said, he did seem to get better as the book moved along. Or perhaps I simply became accustomed to his narrative style. Regardless, I would recommend this book to anyone with an interest in a good tale in general, or in Roman Britain in particular, and will download and listen to the next book -- regardless of who narrates it.

Good book

I read the paperback years ago. it was as fun then as it was now. I question the choice of narrator as his voice did not fit in with my imagining of the characters but it was still well executed.

As good as the first read

As likely an explanation of Arthurian legend as anything else. Great series to read - narration spotty and the narrator needs a refresher on classical Latin pronunciation.

Great Plot Sullied by Unnecessary Sex Scenes

I believe this book has a captivating plot. The author has a good writing style. He drops the book’s enjoyability by randomly adding unnecessary, gratuitous sex scenes into the story that almost feel like an afterthought.

Definitely Recommend.

Kevin did a very good job narrating this book. He remained consistent with voices and tones.
The story is entertaining. I had no problem staying with it. In fact, I had trouble finding time to fit it in.

A Favourite

classic story, the brilliant beginning of the Arthurian legend finds its origins here. definitely recommend.