Gives a better understanding of how people began and what they thought about things of nature in general. It is no wonder that they worshiped what they knew Columba with a gentle heart showed the mystery and majesty of our Christian God and Son. It is a long Exquisite writing, interesting story built around the rugged and beastly history of Scotland and over the line into Ireland, as Christianity spreads and takes the blackness out of the Celtic practices. It is a long read, but worth every minute Michael Phillips captures the reader with his ability to describe and lure.
I hope Book 2 will be as good. May 22, Joyce rated it did not like it Shelves: He's a very good writer, 50 pages so far: After finishing the book I don't remember writing the above -- this review is not favorable and rather pointed, in case you want to stop reading here. What a long book, not because of the number of pages, I've read longer, but because of the lack of pace of the story. It was not compelling reading. The author went back and forth between the present day and ancient history, which was difficult to follow, like reading two or mor He's a very good writer, 50 pages so far: The author went back and forth between the present day and ancient history, which was difficult to follow, like reading two or more books.
I understand he cut a lot of history but there is too much for my liking, and I like history. The author has a very good handle on the history, and quite a large quantity of it, and does a good job with details. However, since it was a work of fiction, The reader would prefer more storytelling, rather than retelling of history. Phillips did a great job creating characters. I would have preferred that he show, not tell, the story through these wonderful characters. The other major problem this reader has with the book, is the lack of clarity in presenting the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Not sure what religion the author adheres to, but the message was not clear. There was too much emphasis on the wrong beliefs, too much use of the druids and magical powers, even with Columba, who was bringing the message of Jesus Christ, and way too little on God HImself.
Legend of the Celtic Stone (Caledonia, book 1) by Michael Phillips
Personally I enjoy reading the author's nemesis, James Michener, however Mr. Michener is famous for his use of evolution in developing his story. This reader was disappointed in this author's numerous references to "prehistoric man" and the underlying theory of evolution, which is not Biblical.
The book was squeaky clean, the few undesirable scenes were handled with great taste and there was no language in the book. That's a big plus! I would recommend this book to someone who is interested in critiquing it, not looking for an enjoyable pleasure read. Feb 02, Connie rated it really liked it Shelves: It has been interesting to read another "epic" so soon after reading The Source by James Michener, whom Michael Phillips memorializes in this first of his Caledonia series. Though there were definitely similarities, this was a much faster, more captivating read. Here are some quotes that were meaningful for me: Easier to fight than to live and work together.
But when they forget brotherhood, it is undone. Do not forget these words of mine, nor let them later slip from your hearts. Teach them to your children and to their children after them Only in the unity of our peoples will our freedom survive. Take these words to heart, that you and your tribes and families may live long in the land your father have given for your heritage.
It is the invisible power that opens doors for the reception of the gospel May 14, Kw rated it really liked it. I don't share this author's appreciation for Michener, whom I think was just simply too verbose for words, but although this book actually two books in one is long, I do appreciate his amazing research and sharing of Celtic history, and I did enjoy both stories and all the characters. Especially the mammoth undertaking! It is well worth the time it takes to read this, and I plan to begin the sequel in a day or two, so that says a lot.
I am being educated and entertained, and hope to even remem I don't share this author's appreciation for Michener, whom I think was just simply too verbose for words, but although this book actually two books in one is long, I do appreciate his amazing research and sharing of Celtic history, and I did enjoy both stories and all the characters. I am being educated and entertained, and hope to even remember some of it. You will no doubt feel a kinship to some of these ancient characters!
Colossal fictionalized history There is so much here - where to start?! The war portions with so much loss of blood and life were difficult. The bit of romance here and there was appealing. Family relationships and the struggles to find one's way to forgiveness and self are always inspiring. The story of the arrival of the gospel of Jesus Christ and it's reception by ancient people who had never heard it brought tears to my eyes. Excellent read, especially history buffs - answered some questions Colossal fictionalized history There is so much here - where to start?!
Excellent read, especially history buffs - answered some questions I have had about the Scottish people and their land. Based on historical truth with some literary license and some fictional characters this novel is informative and interesting. Definitely want to read book 2.
Dec 13, Thom Duncan rated it did not like it. It's rare that I put down a book. By page 55, though, I had grown so weary of the stilted, academic writing that I couldn't go farther. I'd love to learn more about my Scottish heritage, but that won't come from this author. Jun 27, Cilicia rated it really liked it. This was a good read. It kept me engrossed to the end. I learned a lot about Scottish history. When you read what several different historians and scholars say, you will likely read several different views not always based on facts. Some will agree and some will completely disagree with each other, which of course means they can't all be right.
In this story the emphasis is decidely more on fiction rather than historical. The premise of the book is entirely of the author's imagination and supposition - the announcement in the prologue about English Queen Elizabeth II reigning for fifty years then abdicating - in reality this year, , was I looked to see the publication date of this book, which is In the opening pages of the book, the author admits the content is more of a parable and says that the historical inaccuracies were unintentional.
Many of them could have been avoided though if only the writing had been influenced more by what the Bible records historically. The mystery and intrigue that initially drew us was taken over by a deluge of stuff, and with it wiped out our initial curiosity in the imaginary premise of the theft and what was going to happen with that.
I believe this book is more about fantasy, fairy tale, imaginations, allegories, and speculative fiction. Much of the book came from the confines of the author's mind. The greatest historical Book, as well as the greatest contemporary Book and accurate prophetic Book, is the Bible and reading it you can learn so many things, spiritual, history, science, timelines, right now, the future, infinity, etc. As Trentham was walking and thinking, it was suggested that only Freud would understand him. That didn't make sense to me, at all - Freud, who's mental capacity was not such that he should have been giving advice to anyone and definitely no one should listen to his inane ramblings of ineffectual thought.
And why speak of fate? The terrible massacre of Glencoe, Mort Ghlinne Comhann in Scottish Gaelic, which wasn't said in the book, when William of Orange decreed for the Highlanders who wouldn't swear allegiance to him would be punished severely murdered. A person can always find comfort in the Bible. Everyone, even the evil people William and Dalrymple, etc. Even with all of the errors, we were still reading it. That is, until the first couple of pages of the section called "The Wanderer".
The depiction of the man was soooo very unrealistic.
The Celtic Stone
Man is made in the Creator's image. You can read right in the Bible what early mankind was like. Kindle Edition File Size: Even Before Publishing 1 November Sold by: Amazon Australia Services, Inc. Share your thoughts with other customers. Write a customer review. Most helpful customer reviews on Amazon.
Outstanding read - exciting locations, delightful characters, adventure and a touch of romance too. It was refreshing to read such a beautifully crafted, well written and researched novel. Beautifully captivating in story, characters and imagery from start to finish. Set in two vastly different landscapes, this romantic thriller instantly engages you in its mystery and tragedy. The kindness and ultimate sacrifice of a total stranger gives a young pilot purpose even when he believes that all that he has lived and worked for is gone.
Much more than healing is delivered to a beautiful and yet unforgiving island community as he searches for meaning out of his own devastating loss. Anyone who loves to immerse themselves in the romance, history and characters of a well sculptured novel should get their hands on a copy of The Celtic Stone.
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He is determined to uncover the mystery surrounding the Celtic cross and also meet Ruan, a young orphaned boy who appears to be related to him. He also meets Morag, a blind woman of the island and several other interesting characters. There is so much to like about this book, the characters, the story, the romance, the history, the descriptions and the Scottish way of looking at life. It is a great read and kept me wanting to get back to it. Despite the sneaky little dig in a letter to his friend John Mullins about Sydney Swans supporters, yes, you guessed I am one I still gave this book five stars and would highly recommend it.
The Christian message is gently woven in without being overpowering. Apr 16, Ruth Bonetti rated it really liked it. Well written and engrossing, especially the opening chapters that painted the outback scenery with deft touches. But this raised tantalising questions.
- Legend of the Celtic Stone.
- Ruinas (Anotado) (Spanish Edition);
- Replica stones handcrafted in Ireland from Irish Limestone.
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I waited for more resolution and definition of the indigenous link. How did a Celtic cross come to be around the neck of an aboriginal saviour at the other end of the world? Yes, links were uncovered but remained ill-defined, shadowy hints. However, the Scottish scenes and characters were well realised and provided a good contrast to the Australian Well written and engrossing, especially the opening chapters that painted the outback scenery with deft touches. However, the Scottish scenes and characters were well realised and provided a good contrast to the Australian opening.
And the human interest love story gave a satisfying ending. Dec 28, Paula Vince rated it it was amazing Shelves: A really clever, engrossing and surprising book. Chris Norman is saved from his light plane wreck by a tribal hunter named Raberaba, who attempts to pull him back to white man's domain. After another accident, Chris is left with the strangest thing anyone would expect to find dangling around the neck of a tribal Aboriginal-an ancient Celtic cross. After inheriting his grandfather's property on the Isle of Skye, Chris gets a chance to live there and research the origin of the cross.
At first the my A really clever, engrossing and surprising book. At first the mystery of how it turned up in outback Australia seemed pretty easily solved, but I had no idea of what was coming. It was all tied up as evidence in a historical feud, almost getting Chris and his loved-ones murdered by corrupt locals who knew a travesty of justice had been covered up for a century.
There was even one extra, potentially scandalous secret thrown in for the reader which the main characters never discovered anything about. What I loved most about this book is the terrific insight the author, Nick Hawkes, has into characters of all sorts of diverse international backgrounds, allowing us to get deep into their heads.
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I wish Raberaba could have been in it longer, because his point of view, with such a deep sense of spirit and place, really showed that although his people share Australia with white settlers, neither are on the same wavelength at all. The attitudes and feelings of the Scottish clans folk are shown by several characters. There is Morag, the beautiful girl with a tragic event in her past which blinded her, Ruan, the independent and recently orphaned little boy, and Alsdair, the son of the local laird who is bright and principled, but a bit too fond of his whiskey.
Amongst all these, Chris himself comes across as an accurate representative of a young Aussie bloke. I appreciated that he came from Adelaide, which has always been my home city. The descriptions of settings are beautiful too, both equally harsh in opposite ways. It begins in the arid Australian outback, but later most of the story takes place on the bleak, cold Isle of Skye.
Through it all, you've got to appreciate how the Celtic stone found its way back home to where it started, and how all sorts of events which seemed unrelated were tied together. Probably the last book I'll read in , but in many ways, one of the best. Jul 06, Brian Maunder rated it it was amazing. I just finished reading this fabulous book and I loved it.
Book of Kells
I am not a very competent or fast reader, so a book needs to be interesting and compelling all the way through for me to finish. I was just amazed at how much knowledge of the differing cultures this book weaved into the story, along with its numerous anecdotes and fascinating insights on history, people, law, theology etc etc. Obviously Nick Hawkes understands well what he writes about, and he writes a wonderful story of love, adve Wow.
- The Celtic Stone by Nick Hawkes?
- La vera storia della Stella Cometa (Italian Edition).
- Becoming Gods Friend: Understanding Your Growth from Servant to Friend.
- The Celtic Stone eBook: Nick Hawkes: theranchhands.com: Kindle Store!
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Obviously Nick Hawkes understands well what he writes about, and he writes a wonderful story of love, adventure, hope and new beginnings with this story, The Celtic Stone. Jun 09, Rosanne Hawke rated it really liked it Shelves: Storytelling like the old days. Kept thinking about the characters for ages afterwards which is a good sign. My husband wants to read it now. Oct 29, Carol Preston rated it really liked it. This is a great read. Terrific historical and cultural information about The Island of Skye and Scottish life. Also a tender love story, colourful and engaging characters, and twists of mystery and intrigue.
Very well researched and written. Feb 03, Omega Writers rated it it was amazing. This is a novel that could only have been written by one who has intimate knowledge of the both the harsh Australian outback and at the opposite ends of the earth — the isles of the Scottish Hebrides. Nick Hawkes weaves a story where these two places mesh together in a tale of intrigue, romance, loyalty, revenge and murder. Chris Norman believes his life has come to an end when his career in aviation comes to an abrupt end as a result of an aircraft accident.
He does come close to death in the accident but his life is saved through the sacrifice of Raberaba, a young aborigine warrior. I absolutely loved this story. It is well written with drama and excitement on every page. It should appeal to those interested in the Australian outback, well off the beaten track, as well as those of Scottish heritage wanting to learn more about the customs and habits of their forebears.
Stunning - I give it full marks. Recently injured, after his plane crashes, Chris Norman is an Australian pilot who heads to Scotland on a quest to discover the history of the ancient stone cross. Through his introduction to the insular community of the Islanders, he encounters the alluring Morag, whose tragic past is entangled with a seven-year-old boy called Ruan — a past that will put all their lives in danger.
Jun 09, Jeanette rated it really liked it Shelves: In The Celtic Stone Nick Hawkes whisks the reader from the magnificent scorching deserts of red centre of Australia to the stormy and stunning beauty of the Isle of Skye. Chris Norman, embittered from losing the sight of his eye in a flying accident and therefore his chance to be a pilot, decides to investigate the origin of a mysterious Celtic Cross and look into the crofting rights on Skye left to him from his recently deceased Scottish grandfather.
Here he makes both friends and enemies. In t In The Celtic Stone Nick Hawkes whisks the reader from the magnificent scorching deserts of red centre of Australia to the stormy and stunning beauty of the Isle of Skye.