Status
Available
Call number
Publication
Wizards of the Coast Discoveries (2008), Hardcover, 392 pages
Description
There is a mystery in a chapel, and a man who must find the answer. A Song in Stone begins with the premise that Rosslyn Chapel in Scotland is part of an unfinished larger church - and that it contains a mystery, one clue of which is found in the intricate stonework of the chapel. It goes from there to the Middle Ages, taking Ian Graham, currently-unemployed television personality, with it, literally, as he tries to learn the chapel's secret before it is too late to return to his own time, his own life. Before he goes, he must find the music that the stone points to.
User reviews
LibraryThing member theprezz
Walter Hunt's A Song in Stone is part The Da Vinci Code and part historical fiction, with a dash of science fiction thrown in for good measure. Our hero and narrator is Ian Graham, an out-of-favor Scottish TV personality. Graham is called in to do a short documentary piece on historic Rosslyn
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Chapel, whose ancient stonework and carvings are reputed to be a form of musical notation for a lost healing music. While working on-site Graham hears this mysterious music and passes out. He awakens to find himself in the year 1307, trapped in the body of Templar about to embark on his initiation pilgrimage. As Graham progresses on the path of the pilgrimage he must unravel the clues that will reveal the secrets of Rosslyn's mysterious music and return him to his own time.I must confess to having never read (or seen) The Da Vinci Code nor have I read much in that genre; I am something of a Doubting Thomas in that regard. As a result, my comments on the mysterious societies and hidden secrets portion of A Song in Stone will be brief. I did find that the use of time travel introduced a science fiction element to the story that allowed me to suspend my usual disbelief as Graham slowly uncovered the secrets of the music. I thought the hidden secrets behind the music were interesting and well developed, though I suspect that to fans of the genre they may be a bit standard and predictable.
I am much better read in the area of historical fiction and it was this aspect of the book that attracted me to it in the first place. According to his biographical blurb, Mr. Hunt has a degree in history and he seems to have done his homework well in describing 14th Century Europe. Unfortunately, he seems to have gotten the facts of the time correct but he seems to be lacking the sense of the time. In reading historical fiction I like to feel that my senses are immersed in the full experience of the era the story is set in, and I never really got that feeling with A Song in Stone. I think the time-travel element of the story may be part of the problem here – you can take the man out of the 21st Century, but you can't take the 21st Century out of the man. The character of Ian Graham seemed to adapt himself to his surroundings, but he never absorbed them, and throughout the story he maintained a modern sense of detachment. Since he was the first-person narrator of the story, that detachment bled across to me as the reader. Hunt did introduce the fact that the original personality belonging to the Templar body Graham time-traveled into remains, but aside from a few convenient moments when Graham needs some particular 14th Century skill or information, this personality remains subsumed. Had Hunt allowed this personality out to play more it might have allowed him to better explore the 14th Century world.
In addition to never feeling fully immersed in the setting of the story, it took me awhile to feel connected to the journey of the story. The Graham character was several stops along his pilgrimage before I felt like I was traveling with him. In addition to the physical travel involved, however, pilgrimages are also about personal and spiritual growth, and I saw very little evidence of this in the Graham character. When, at the very end of the novel, Graham sets out “intent on living my life” I was left wondering just what, if any, effect the experiences the character had gone through would have on how he lived his life.
While I enjoyed the book enough to finish it, I wouldn't classify it as a page turner. It has a solid plot, but the characters and setting could have used much more development. Overall I rate it 2 ½ out of 5.
--Jonathan L. Mahaffey
This review is based upon an Advance Reading Copy received in the November 2008 batch of LibraryThing.com's Early Reviewers program.
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LibraryThing member bgknighton
A fair book. It starts off with Ian Graham, an out-of-work talking head on Scottish TV. I find the location in Scotland fascinating and wish the author had done more with it. The book feels like it could have been set anywhere once you get into it. It turns out he has a "gift" and only he can save
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the world. His gift is a good twist and what the song turns out to be is kind of a surprise -- but again it feels unfinished. Once he finishes his quest the book just kind of ends. It is interesting overall, but it feels like part of a series. It just kind of leaves you hanging and wishing the author had put more effort into the book. Show Less
LibraryThing member EowynA
I really enjoyed this book. It reminded me a bit of The Da Vinci code because it mines similar historical arcane knowledge sources, but is its own story. Our hero is Ian Graham, who we meet as a washed up "talking head" TV personality. He is about to do a story on Rosslyn Chapel, in St. Giles,
The author has an engaging style that kept me turning the pages, and is filled with Templar lore, the Old Ways, the Sangreal, and the Song that only our hero can hear. RECOMMENDED
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south of Edinburgh. He hears the music of Rosslyn, but no one else does. Suddenly, he falls and wakes up in 1307, at Santiago de Campostela, on St. James's Day. The man who guided him through Rosslyn appears - a Templar named Rob who was expecting him. Ian has a vision that partially explains what's happening, and that it is possible for him to return to his time and place. But first he must follow the path he will be led upon. What ensues are questions, answers, mysteries and more adventures. The author has an engaging style that kept me turning the pages, and is filled with Templar lore, the Old Ways, the Sangreal, and the Song that only our hero can hear. RECOMMENDED
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LibraryThing member wigster102
I love "Knights Templar conspiracy theory" books, but so often they make me angry by taking a very loose approach to history and religion, and so I was expecting a similar turn with this one. I also must admit that I was automatically discounting the book before I even picked it up based on the
The writing in this book is much better than I was expecting; I personally enjoyed it more than I did The Da Vinci Code. The writing flowed easily, the story was entertaining, and the dialogue was believable. There were moments when I was concerned that the story was about to veer off into questionable history concerning conspiracies to leave out important chunks of the Bible, but thankfully these were few and were never really a part of the story. It does pay lip-service to modern-day Holy Grail stories, but that is a passing issue as well. My main issue with this book is that the ending seemed a bit rushed and it really did not do any justice to the medieval story-line. Despite this, it will probably get a re-read at a later time. It's an entertaining, fast-paced read for those times when you just need to turn off your brain and enjoy a good story.
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publisher. If these things might hold you back from picking up this book, rest assured that this book is not affected by either one; instead, it was a pleasant surprise to me. This book is part time-travel, part conspiracy theory, and part travelogue, following a modern-day main character through a medieval pilgrimage as a Templar initiate in the days immediately before that order was ended by the French king and the Pope. The writing in this book is much better than I was expecting; I personally enjoyed it more than I did The Da Vinci Code. The writing flowed easily, the story was entertaining, and the dialogue was believable. There were moments when I was concerned that the story was about to veer off into questionable history concerning conspiracies to leave out important chunks of the Bible, but thankfully these were few and were never really a part of the story. It does pay lip-service to modern-day Holy Grail stories, but that is a passing issue as well. My main issue with this book is that the ending seemed a bit rushed and it really did not do any justice to the medieval story-line. Despite this, it will probably get a re-read at a later time. It's an entertaining, fast-paced read for those times when you just need to turn off your brain and enjoy a good story.
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LibraryThing member sharonandjohn
Before I began reading this book, my expectations were that it would be similar to The DaVinci Code. But other than the use of Rosslyn Chapel as a setting, this plot is much different. Walter Hunt takes uses this similar setting to take the reader on a journey into the past with many twists and
It's a very interesting journey and an entertaining read.
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turns and thoughtfully brings you back to the present. It's a very interesting journey and an entertaining read.
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LibraryThing member elizabeth_s
I got a free ARC of this book from LibraryThing's Early Reviewers group by promising to review it.
It's an entertaining enough read that I had no problem finishing it quickly. Although there were aspects of the book that bugged me (sympathizing with Crusaders, and the main character being so
(Minor spoilers from this point on, though not much more than you'd get from the book jacket.)
Unfortunately, what happened was nothing. After making a big deal about how Ian had to bring the "healing music of Rosslyn" forward in time, after he did so...nothing. The ending fell flat. I would almost expect a sequel, except that a sequel would be a completely different sort of book.
Until then the biggest problem I had with the book was the main character's lack of agency. He spends the entire book doing what other people tell him to. Admittedly, he's on a pilgrimage, so his journey is laid out for him, but he also doesn't spend much time thinking about and trying to decipher the mystery of the healing music. He just waits to have visions in which bits and pieces are spelled out for him.
The writing's a bit clunky in places---it was at least a third of the way through the book before "Remember, Ian's in the past!" stopped beating me in the head---but the characters are well-drawn. The minor characters were a pleasure to spend time with.
It's an entertaining enough read that I had no problem finishing it quickly. Although there were aspects of the book that bugged me (sympathizing with Crusaders, and the main character being so
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self-centered), I was interested to see what would happen when Ian, the main character, made it back to the present day after he got tossed back to the year 1307.(Minor spoilers from this point on, though not much more than you'd get from the book jacket.)
Unfortunately, what happened was nothing. After making a big deal about how Ian had to bring the "healing music of Rosslyn" forward in time, after he did so...nothing. The ending fell flat. I would almost expect a sequel, except that a sequel would be a completely different sort of book.
Until then the biggest problem I had with the book was the main character's lack of agency. He spends the entire book doing what other people tell him to. Admittedly, he's on a pilgrimage, so his journey is laid out for him, but he also doesn't spend much time thinking about and trying to decipher the mystery of the healing music. He just waits to have visions in which bits and pieces are spelled out for him.
The writing's a bit clunky in places---it was at least a third of the way through the book before "Remember, Ian's in the past!" stopped beating me in the head---but the characters are well-drawn. The minor characters were a pleasure to spend time with.
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LibraryThing member booknutzz
I was a little skeptical about this one at first but curious to read it. Loved the Da Vinci Code and since this was compared to it, I gave it a go. I thoroughly enjoyed it. It is a combination of a little Da Vinci Code, a little Indiana Jones, the Templars, the Holy Grail and a time travel
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adventure. Ian Graham is an ex talk show host and looking for work when his agent tells him he has a new job doing a documentary about Rosslyn Chapel in his hometown of Edinburgh. He doesn't know it yet but he has been chosen to go on a quest because only he can hear the music. The author has taken some new and some old legends and mysteries about the Holy Grail and the Templars and given them a new spin. His poor hero gets thrown in the deep end without any idea what's going on or how the heck he got there. I would have liked a little more detail but anyone who has read or seen anything about the Templars, Rosslyn Chapel or the Da Vinci Code should enjoy reading this book. You quickly get on Ian's side and don't blame him for being confused and, at times, angry with all the trouble he's been landed in with no road map and a very secretive guide and enemies all around. I will definitely add this to my permanent library by buying the hard cover. Show Less
LibraryThing member readermom
It's a funny thing that in order to talk about faith in a non-depressing way you either need to write a genre book, appealing to a specific religion; a vague book, talking about faith, but never mentioning in what; or setting your book in a different world (fantasy) or time (both fantasy & science
While the book was well-written and tightly paced, I felt short-changed by the lack of thought by the main character about his plight. Writing time-travel books is tricky, explanations tend to high-light plot holes instead of resolving them. But explaining by not explaining is even worse. Vague pronouncements about Ian being "chosen" and two parts of a whole are window dressing for a character who has a profoundly moving experience, but isn't moved.
What good are visions of loved ones reaffirming faith if a change of heart does not come with it?
Perhaps it is the religious person in me, but I feel that the ponderings and meditations of the main character should lead to some sort of change. There is some superficial acceptance of his predicament, allowing him to continue the plot to its conclusion but the lack of a deep conversion leaves that conclusion weak and unsatisfying.
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fiction). A Song in Stone takes your standard "Knights Templar have all the secrets to the universe" genre and adds a time travel twist to it. Ian Graham is a normal modern man, rarely thinking of faith, religion or anything beyond his own life. When he is thrust into the role of an initiate Knight his whole existence is one of miracles, faith and belief.While the book was well-written and tightly paced, I felt short-changed by the lack of thought by the main character about his plight. Writing time-travel books is tricky, explanations tend to high-light plot holes instead of resolving them. But explaining by not explaining is even worse. Vague pronouncements about Ian being "chosen" and two parts of a whole are window dressing for a character who has a profoundly moving experience, but isn't moved.
What good are visions of loved ones reaffirming faith if a change of heart does not come with it?
Perhaps it is the religious person in me, but I feel that the ponderings and meditations of the main character should lead to some sort of change. There is some superficial acceptance of his predicament, allowing him to continue the plot to its conclusion but the lack of a deep conversion leaves that conclusion weak and unsatisfying.
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LibraryThing member jjmcgaffey
Weird and wonderful. Confession: I'm not really very interested in the Templars. I started reading Katherine Kurtz's Adept series despite, not because of, the Templar ties, and since then I've been exposed to more and more Templar stuff...I don't know if more is being written or I'm just more aware
The story of this is...interesting. It never becomes clear, either to the protagonist (as far as I could tell) or to me as a reader exactly why he ended up in this - yeah, he could hear the music. Was there no one else who could? He had a _lot_ of adjusting to do, and having two sets of memories if anything made it worse.
As far as I know the period (I'm more interested in the 12th century than the 14th), the setting was accurate - the people, the places, the simple and complex faith (leaving aside the miracle/magic level, just looking at the pilgrim level). The various saints' festivals were interesting, as were the discussions of the interiors of various churches and cathedrals.
The Templar aspect...struck me as a bit over the top. Not only does he discover three great treasures (four, if you count the skull), what he finds and figures out (on the basis of nothing much - twisting rope ladders? hah) is way way beyond that. Too much. And who _wrote_ the book to start with? And he misses the wheel with biblical phrases entirely (CAGT, TAGC...). I don't know. As a weird and wonderful adventure, it was pretty good. As a heavy religious - not metaphor, sort of the opposite of metaphor - it was rather overblown. Not bad, not wonderful. I might read it again just for the historical part, though.
Oh, one more point - it may be petty, but I am regularly annoyed by persistent typos in books these days, ranging from misprints (scrambled words) to spell-checker errors (then for than, eg). In this book, which I read as an ARC (theoretically, less than fully proofread) I saw exactly one typo (a missing s, making it 'u,' rather than 'us,'). That's impressive, though I'd say it reflects more on the publisher (Wizards of the Coast?!!) than on the author.
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of it.The story of this is...interesting. It never becomes clear, either to the protagonist (as far as I could tell) or to me as a reader exactly why he ended up in this - yeah, he could hear the music. Was there no one else who could? He had a _lot_ of adjusting to do, and having two sets of memories if anything made it worse.
As far as I know the period (I'm more interested in the 12th century than the 14th), the setting was accurate - the people, the places, the simple and complex faith (leaving aside the miracle/magic level, just looking at the pilgrim level). The various saints' festivals were interesting, as were the discussions of the interiors of various churches and cathedrals.
The Templar aspect...struck me as a bit over the top. Not only does he discover three great treasures (four, if you count the skull), what he finds and figures out (on the basis of nothing much - twisting rope ladders? hah) is way way beyond that. Too much. And who _wrote_ the book to start with? And he misses the wheel with biblical phrases entirely (CAGT, TAGC...). I don't know. As a weird and wonderful adventure, it was pretty good. As a heavy religious - not metaphor, sort of the opposite of metaphor - it was rather overblown. Not bad, not wonderful. I might read it again just for the historical part, though.
Oh, one more point - it may be petty, but I am regularly annoyed by persistent typos in books these days, ranging from misprints (scrambled words) to spell-checker errors (then for than, eg). In this book, which I read as an ARC (theoretically, less than fully proofread) I saw exactly one typo (a missing s, making it 'u,' rather than 'us,'). That's impressive, though I'd say it reflects more on the publisher (Wizards of the Coast?!!) than on the author.
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LibraryThing member enance
This book is tied in with the DaVinci Code retreads, full of allusions to the Knights Templar, Freemasons, Holy Blood/Holy Grail mythos. Maybe I've read too many books with similar themes, but the only thing I found very new here was an emphasis on the mystical.
Ian Graham is a British TV presenter
Ian Graham is a British TV presenter
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who goes to Rosslyn Chapel to narrate a documentary, but ends up stuck in the body of a Knight Templar of the same name in 1307. His task is to go through a pilgrimage, taking him through initiations that will allow him to hear sacred music, music that he's told will heal the world. To get back to his own time, he must finish his journey in the fourteenth century, before history catches up with him and he is caught up in the violence of the Templars' downfall. Show Less
LibraryThing member laurion
Wow. I thought I'd written my review here long ago. I'd already had a chance to talk to the author directly (he and I play board games together on occasion), but must have missed writing it up here before. Let's rectify that.
Short review: In the vein of The Wizard Of Oz, the main character finds
Longer review: Music, Architecture, Biology, Astronomy; all can be described in mathematical notations, and often there are strange correlations. The centers of sunflowers are a perfect fractal pattern. Divide a vibrating string in half and the pitch goes up an octave. Many cathedrals were laid out using not much more than a T-square and a Compass (the classic symbols of the masonic orders). Even religion has overlapped in the power of numbers. three is the full circle of three-in-one. Seven is a mystical number for on the seventh day he rested. The music of the spheres and the music of the earth follow established principles.
Who is to say that there can't be even deeper and stronger connections? Who is to say that the power inherent in these connections can't send someone back in time to solve a centuries old mystery that holds the key to unbelievable wonders?
Ian Graham, the main character, finds that this is exactly what has happened to him. While preparing to do a TV special on the Rosslyn Chapel, he falls unconscious. Waking up in 1307 in the person of a pilgrim having just journeyed to Santiago de Compastela (the endpoint of many pilgrims conducting a tour of relics and holy sites), he must conduct himself up through the pilgrims trail through France and northwards, returning eventually to his starting point and to his own time. His journey is a tapestry woven with many threads; a healing music that he seems to hear everywhere, a series of holy sites, the enemies of the Templars who are chasing him down, the race of time, and the need to return home.
With Templars, Religion, Rosslyn, and many other similar elements, comparisons to Dan Brown's The Da Vinci Code are sure to abound. Do not fall into the trap of listening to those comparisons. Josquin de Pres, Leonard Bernstein, and Mr. Mister all wrote Kyries, but anyone listening to the three songs would find little in common.
Short review: In the vein of The Wizard Of Oz, the main character finds
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himself mysteriously transported to another world where he meets up with a number of people who oddly look like people he knew back home. He goes on a long journey of self-exploration with some of these companions. Mysterious and unexplained phenomenon happen and at the end he returns home with new insights.Longer review: Music, Architecture, Biology, Astronomy; all can be described in mathematical notations, and often there are strange correlations. The centers of sunflowers are a perfect fractal pattern. Divide a vibrating string in half and the pitch goes up an octave. Many cathedrals were laid out using not much more than a T-square and a Compass (the classic symbols of the masonic orders). Even religion has overlapped in the power of numbers. three is the full circle of three-in-one. Seven is a mystical number for on the seventh day he rested. The music of the spheres and the music of the earth follow established principles.
Who is to say that there can't be even deeper and stronger connections? Who is to say that the power inherent in these connections can't send someone back in time to solve a centuries old mystery that holds the key to unbelievable wonders?
Ian Graham, the main character, finds that this is exactly what has happened to him. While preparing to do a TV special on the Rosslyn Chapel, he falls unconscious. Waking up in 1307 in the person of a pilgrim having just journeyed to Santiago de Compastela (the endpoint of many pilgrims conducting a tour of relics and holy sites), he must conduct himself up through the pilgrims trail through France and northwards, returning eventually to his starting point and to his own time. His journey is a tapestry woven with many threads; a healing music that he seems to hear everywhere, a series of holy sites, the enemies of the Templars who are chasing him down, the race of time, and the need to return home.
With Templars, Religion, Rosslyn, and many other similar elements, comparisons to Dan Brown's The Da Vinci Code are sure to abound. Do not fall into the trap of listening to those comparisons. Josquin de Pres, Leonard Bernstein, and Mr. Mister all wrote Kyries, but anyone listening to the three songs would find little in common.
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LibraryThing member MorHavok
Sometimes ideas and scripts for books sound better to the author, or as outlines than as the books themselves. This book is definitely one of them. The story is full of plot holes that are only resolved by Dues Ex Machina. For me this is a cop out, and a very weak way of writing and story telling.
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Too make it worse we spend a rather event less 300 pages going through the story with all of the explanation coming withing the last 30 to 50. This makes it almost a chore to read. Not only that but the whole concept isn't unique or really intriguing anymore. This is basically a weak Da Vinci Code spin off. Had the author perhaps tried to focus more on the adventure and the action in it, instead of the protagonist's angst at participating we may have had somewhat of a better story. Sorry to bash this story but I found little that praise in this besides that the writing style isn't horrible, but its not intriguing or engrossing. The characters are not well meshed, even after 300 pages of hearing Ian lament about his plight. Save yourself the time and read Da Vinci Code, which isn't really a good book either but much better than this. Show Less
LibraryThing member Ross.Farnsworth
I enjoyed the travel aspects of this book, I got to go to some new places and I liked that. but the plot was weak and I did not feel fulfilled at the end of this book. It could have gone in a lot of directions but it did complete what it seemed to set out to do.
It did keep me interested enough
It did keep me interested enough
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that I finshed this book, I liked the concept but not the final execution. Show Less
LibraryThing member sgtbigg
Ian Graham, a British television personality, was visiting Rosslyn Chapel to film a documentary when he was transported to Spain in 1307. Perhaps you remember Rosslyn Chapel from the end of The DaVinci Code, if so prepare yourself for more Templar nonsense. The reader follows Graham on his journey
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across medieval Europe and looks on as he collects biblical treasures such as the Ark of the Covenant and the Holy Grail until he reaches Paris and meets Grand Master De Molay. At that point, an average book, with too much biblical mysticism for my taste, went straight downhill. I’ll avoid giving away the ending in case anyone is interested in reading this Dan Brown knock off and I’ll just say the ending involves time travel and Deoxyribonucleic acid. If you think The DaVinci Code is a great book then you might enjoy this but I think there are too many similarities. If you didn’t like it or only thought it was OK then I would recommend not reading A Song in Stone. Show Less
LibraryThing member readinggeek451
Ian Graham, television presenter, is hired to do a series of programs on mysterious places, starting with Rosslyn Chapel near Edinburgh. When he is thrown back in time to 1307, he finds himself on a pilgrimage with two other Templars, in search of mysterious healing music that only he can hear. But
Odd but good.
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the end of the Templars is only a few months away, and he is desperate to return home to his own life.Odd but good.
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LibraryThing member minfo
An interesting and somewhat different Rosslyn/Knights Templar fantasy. Although the ending was a bit of a let-down, I'd recommend this for anyone interested in this genre. Anything more would reveal too much of the plot so suffice it to say, it's good escapist reading for a cold winter night or a
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hot summer day and the beach. Show Less
LibraryThing member momgee
Ian Graham, an unemployed television interviewer, gets a job offer to do a documentary on the mystery of Rosslyn Chapel in Scotland. Ian takes the tour to get a feel for the location. As the guide is talking about the mysterious stone carvings during the tour, Ian starts to hear a humming noise
Not only does Ian hear a humming noise as the guide speaks, he thinks he is hearing his agent and another man talking in the crypts area. He then begins to hear music that no one else seems to hear. As the music swells, he hears the words ” truth conquers all” in his head. Fade to black as Ian falls into nothingness.
When Ian awakens, he is but he isn’t Ian. If this seems like an enigma, it is. He is Ian in body but not Ian of the 21st century. It seems he has been transported back to the year 1307 as an initiate of the Knights Templar making his way on a pilgrimage. The final destination is a location not to be built for another century or more. He has memory of his other self in the 21st century but also can function in the 14th , just as if he had lived there for years. Because Ian has the sole ability to hear the “healing music” he is a target for those who have it in for the Knights Templar. Ian knows that in approximately 6 weeks the King will give an order to rout out all the Knights Templar and arrest them. In order to save the music for the world, Ian must finish his pilgrimage and return to his own time. Will he be able to finish this dangerous but very important mission? Will it be in time ?
What an absolutely incredible imagination Mr. Hunt has! I was pulled into this story from the outset and did not want to put it down until the very last page. Although Hunt writes with a simplistic clarity, the reader feels as if he or she is actually in the scene eagerly anticipating the next stage of the journey. The ways of the pilgrims and their faith in God are vividly portrayed. There is a tremendous amount of history woven into this amazing tale bringing the whole story to life. If you like symbolic mysteries with a little fantasy and history woven into the story, then this book is for you. After greatly enjoying books such as The Da Vinci Code, I was predisposed to like this book and it certainly did not disappoint. Indeed, a highly recommended read. 5*****
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that intensifies as he goes farther. The guide explains that the stones have a meaning but that it has been lost to history.Not only does Ian hear a humming noise as the guide speaks, he thinks he is hearing his agent and another man talking in the crypts area. He then begins to hear music that no one else seems to hear. As the music swells, he hears the words ” truth conquers all” in his head. Fade to black as Ian falls into nothingness.
When Ian awakens, he is but he isn’t Ian. If this seems like an enigma, it is. He is Ian in body but not Ian of the 21st century. It seems he has been transported back to the year 1307 as an initiate of the Knights Templar making his way on a pilgrimage. The final destination is a location not to be built for another century or more. He has memory of his other self in the 21st century but also can function in the 14th , just as if he had lived there for years. Because Ian has the sole ability to hear the “healing music” he is a target for those who have it in for the Knights Templar. Ian knows that in approximately 6 weeks the King will give an order to rout out all the Knights Templar and arrest them. In order to save the music for the world, Ian must finish his pilgrimage and return to his own time. Will he be able to finish this dangerous but very important mission? Will it be in time ?
What an absolutely incredible imagination Mr. Hunt has! I was pulled into this story from the outset and did not want to put it down until the very last page. Although Hunt writes with a simplistic clarity, the reader feels as if he or she is actually in the scene eagerly anticipating the next stage of the journey. The ways of the pilgrims and their faith in God are vividly portrayed. There is a tremendous amount of history woven into this amazing tale bringing the whole story to life. If you like symbolic mysteries with a little fantasy and history woven into the story, then this book is for you. After greatly enjoying books such as The Da Vinci Code, I was predisposed to like this book and it certainly did not disappoint. Indeed, a highly recommended read. 5*****
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LibraryThing member devilwrites
The premise: I'm not even going to try and summarize this, so we're going to the WotCD site for this one:
Friday the 13th of October
1307
A fateful day for the powerful Order of the Temple.
Arrested by the King of France, betrayed by the Holy Father, the Templars will cease to exist.
And Ian Graham,
He has ten weeks to escape death or torture -- if he can find his way home.
My Rating
Glad It Was Free: I received an ARC thanks to LibraryThing's Early Reviewer's Program, but it's currently available in hardcover, so if this is something you're really interested in, I'm tempted to say wait for the paperback or get it from the library. It's an interesting book and enjoyable on the whole, but lacking in certain respects that drove me personally a little batty as far as the time travel is concerned. In terms of writing, it's a very smooth, clean style. The subject matter of the Templars and the healing music of the Rosslyn Chapel and Hunt's take on what the Holy Grail really is is all really interesting and different than that of Dan Brown, so if you're predisposed to the subject matter, this might be the book for you. It's not a page-turning cliff-hanger like The DaVinci Code, rather it's much quieter, but far better written in terms of technique and style. It's enjoyable, and there's not much else I can say beyond that, but I'm glad it was free.
Review style: two sections, what I liked and what I didn't. Expect some spoilers.
The full review, if spoilers don't bother you, may be found in my LJ. As always, comments and discussion are most welcome.
REVIEW: Walter H. Hunt's A SONG IN STONE
Happy Reading!
Friday the 13th of October
1307
A fateful day for the powerful Order of the Temple.
Arrested by the King of France, betrayed by the Holy Father, the Templars will cease to exist.
And Ian Graham,
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twenty-first century television personality, has just found himself in 1307 -- and an initiate of the Order.He has ten weeks to escape death or torture -- if he can find his way home.
My Rating
Glad It Was Free: I received an ARC thanks to LibraryThing's Early Reviewer's Program, but it's currently available in hardcover, so if this is something you're really interested in, I'm tempted to say wait for the paperback or get it from the library. It's an interesting book and enjoyable on the whole, but lacking in certain respects that drove me personally a little batty as far as the time travel is concerned. In terms of writing, it's a very smooth, clean style. The subject matter of the Templars and the healing music of the Rosslyn Chapel and Hunt's take on what the Holy Grail really is is all really interesting and different than that of Dan Brown, so if you're predisposed to the subject matter, this might be the book for you. It's not a page-turning cliff-hanger like The DaVinci Code, rather it's much quieter, but far better written in terms of technique and style. It's enjoyable, and there's not much else I can say beyond that, but I'm glad it was free.
Review style: two sections, what I liked and what I didn't. Expect some spoilers.
The full review, if spoilers don't bother you, may be found in my LJ. As always, comments and discussion are most welcome.
REVIEW: Walter H. Hunt's A SONG IN STONE
Happy Reading!
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Language
Physical description
392 p.; 9.3 inches
ISBN
0786950676 / 9780786950676
DDC/MDS
| Fic Historical Hunt |
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