Returning to The Skystone after first reading it in the 90s, I was eager to see if it still held up to my memory of enjoyment and I was delighted to find that it does. Jack Whyte’s writing remains as compelling as ever, weaving a gripping historical narrative with a masterful command of language that few authors achieve.
The story unfolds like a well-crafted meal, serving up an engaging mix of ideal heroes, villains, and intrigue, all set against the backdrop of a crumbling Roman Britain. The mystery of the Skystone itself and the legacy of the protagonist’s family add layers of depth that make the book feel both immersive and rewarding. Whyte has a knack for making coincidences feel purposeful, turning potential plot holes into clever solutions through secret plots, hidden items, and well-timed revelations. His battles and adventures are rich in detail, creating a landscape that is both historically evocative and narratively satisfying.
However, my main criticism lies with the protagonist, Publius Varrus. He embodies many of the hallmarks of a Gary Stu—a man seemingly great at everything, with legendary skills in combat, archery, strength, and leadership. He possesses a confidence that borders on arrogance, and every woman he encounters seems drawn to him. His only "flaw" is a humble-brag weakness: as a Christian, he experiences physical sickness after killing, a trait attributed to his grandmother’s influence. Even when he faces adversity, the challenges he endures ultimately serve to benefit him. His luck is so unfailing that it often feels indulgent, as though the reader is meant to revel in his power fantasy rather than experience any real tension about his fate. One of the more egregious examples of this is when he fakes his own death to escape an adversary—only to travel across the countryside openly, visiting friends and revealing his identity, then acting surprised when assassins come for him. Naturally, he dispatches them all with ease.
On top of this, he is condescending to nearly everyone around him except his mentor, Caius Britannicus. His misogyny stands out even within the context of the time period, particularly in his interactions with the supposed love of his life. After a whirlwind betrothal, she attempts to surprise him and asks if it was cruel of her to do so. His response? "No, it was not cruel. But I suppose it was feminine, and therefore obscure. Anyway…" a dismissive remark that makes one wonder how such a character is meant to inspire affection in the reader. Additionally, while he is devoutly Christian, he approaches supernatural elements with the skepticism of a staunch atheist, which feels contradictory given his otherwise unshakable convictions.
Despite these frustrations, The Skystone remains an incredibly enjoyable read, and I look forward to revisiting the next book in the series after more than 20 years. Whyte’s writing is truly masterful, and his use of language elevates the material beyond what many historical fiction authors could hope to achieve. While I hope the characterization of the protagonists improves in later books, the sheer quality of the storytelling is enough to keep me invested in the journey ahead.
by DoradoPulido2