The Celtic Stone

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Anyone with an interest in Scottish heritage. The book is dedicated to, "To the memory of James A. Michener, Master of the Historical Novel".

My first comment would be to take note of the words 'epic', 'saga' in the subtitle and note the dedication clearly before picking up this novel. You need time to digest this historical novel. I thoroughly enjoyed the parts I read but to get through it - about half way through I started skipping the historical tales presented in a The subtitle of the book is, "An Epic Saga of Scotland and Her People".

I thoroughly enjoyed the parts I read but to get through it - about half way through I started skipping the historical tales presented in a different font. I will not continue the read of the series but I would highly recommend it to anyone interested in Scottish heritage. I would then think this series would be a true gift from the author to you and my impression is that Michael Phillips has easily surpassed James Michener - his own definition of the Master of the Historical Novel.

I'm glad I didn't miss it among my reading selections but to continue this series would be overwhelming to me at this time as my reading time is limited. Jan 23, Lisa at Farm Fresh Adventures rated it liked it. I finally finished the never-ending book. Never have I ever forced myself to keep on reading like I did in this one.

Well, yes I do. It was the ancient history lesson of Scotland called Calcedonia worked in as a subplot to the main story. Anyways, I almost gave us a few times. I mean it was over pages!! But I finished it. I did actually go ahead and decide to try book 2 of I did it!

I did actually go ahead and decide to try book 2 of the series. I am hoping I won't get so bogged down this time around! If you love Scotland or Celtic lore and you like Inspirational Fiction, then you might like this book! If you want a light read--eh, you might as well pass! Mar 16, Holly rated it really liked it. I borrowed this book from my friend Kimberly and it was just the ticket for me. It's easy to read, which is dandy because every day can't be spent on St.

Augustine, and it is a great combination of historical and contemporary fiction. The book moves back and forth between the legends and early history of Scotland and a "supposal" about modern England. I love Celtic anything my blood makes that inevitable , so I am excited to learn that this is not a stand alone book, but the first in a series. Oct 23, Margaret Chind rated it did not like it Shelves: I had bought this book and just could not even get a third of the way through it. I gave it to my sister-in-law and I think she donated it to the church library.

I have read a couple reviews on it now that talk about how spectacular it was. I just put it on hold from the library and I'm going to try to read it again It just seems to be very in cohesive and to jump back and forth between different tales that did not make any sense. We shall see I had bought this book and just could not even get a third of the way through it. We shall see what a second attempt may do May 26, Linda rated it liked it Shelves: Good story about Scottish history, woven along with a story about a modern-day British Parliament Member, Andrew Trentham, who is searching for his roots, amidst Scottish relics and stories of the past.

The historical part of the book is the stories of the people who lived and died during their time. But the story of Andrew Trentham is most engaging, making the book as good as it is.

Legend of the Celtic Stone (Caledonia, book 1) by Michael Phillips

The Ancient Strife, book 2, is an even better read, with an unexpected, victorious ending. Nov 17, Jeni Enjaian rated it liked it Shelves: The only reason that this book gets three stars instead of two is because of the history contained within. When writing in sweeping terms about Caledonia Scotland in general Mr. Phillips prose is a step above average. The return to the present as well as the hasty and predictable conclusion to the whodunit in regards to the theft of the Stone of Scone dipped just below average. The only reason that this book remains in my library is for the appeal to Scotland and her history.

A nice mix of fiction and history.

My preferred way of learning history ; The scenery descriptions made me want to visit Scotland. The story itself was nicely put together, although I'm not a big fan of jumping back and forth between timelines, and the history sometimes interrupted the story for far too long. A bit long winded. If you are really interested in the history of Ireland and Scotland back to the beginning of time, this is the book for you.

I also found the politics of England somewhat confusing. Not sure if I will continue with the series. Feb 12, Beth rated it really liked it. Great stories within the main story. And I will definitely have to get the next book in the series to read more. I especially love the "ancient" stories of Scotland Jan 17, Eileen rated it it was ok. The narrative goes back and forth between a modern English setting and various different points in Scotland's history.

Some of the historical parts are quite interesting but the thing doesn't hold together very well. Jan 08, Huntley Cooney rated it did not like it. Although the history is interesting, this type of writing is what gives Christian fiction its poor reputation. I love the student who recommended this, but not the book itself.

Jul 10, Jane rated it liked it Shelves: What I read I really did like although it wasn't the fasted paced book I have read, but alas it was due back to the library and I tried to pick it up again later, had to start over and got about as far. One day I would like to finish it. May 28, Brenda Adams rated it really liked it. Very interesting and jam-packed with history of Scotland and Great Britain. It took a little longer than usual to read because of all the history involved but definitely worth the time if you enjoy an epic read much along the lines of a James Michener novel, combining fact and fiction.

History shapes future actions Epic tale weaving first settlers into current political strife. Introduction of miracles derails the tale. Explanations and references add grist for further exploration.

Replica stones handcrafted in Ireland from Irish Limestone

Jun 09, Al rated it it was amazing Shelves: Great exploration of Britain's politics and Scottish History. With my Grandmother being a Gavin, it made me think and explore. Dec 03, Cindy Steede rated it it was amazing. Couldn't put in down.

Legend of the Celtic Stone

Kind of long -- couldn't really get into the swing of the story. I don't know if I will bother reading any more of the series. Jun 17, Layne rated it it was amazing. Read both books, this is the second of a series. There are no discussion topics on this book yet. Michael Phillips has been writing in the Christian marketplace for 30 years. All told, he has written, co-written, and edited some books. Nick Hawkes has truly delivered something special here.

I can barely wait for his next masterpiece. This is the first novel I've read by Nick Hawkes, and I was impressed by his writing style and use of language. The story is intriguing and has a good mix of action, drama, romance and danger. A great read that I had trouble putting down. It tantalized my imagination,illuminated my curiosity,stirred my emotions and gave me a desire to visit the Hebrides. A well written pacy read with romance and intrigue.

Get to Know Us. Amazon Web Services Goodreads Shopbop. Not Enabled Word Wise: Enabled Average Customer Review: Be the first to review this item Amazon Bestsellers Rank: Delivery and Returns see our delivery rates and policies. 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.

Product description

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.

In the midst of a series of attacks and growing danger the mystery and tangled history of the Celtic Cross is slowly unravelled. While at times I found Nick Hawkes' style a little patchy, he brings both the dry centre of Australia and the cold and wet wildness of the Isle of Skye to life with some beautiful descriptive and insightful passages.

He also gives us some warm and feisty characters - from Aussie Chris Norman, the mysterious Morag Daniels, the young orphan Ruan, dissipated Alsdair Haines, down-to-earth Murdoch, the roguish Hamish and out-spoken Annie. Hawkes seems to have a good grasp of Islander culture and history. And he gives us an intriguing plot that eventually ramps up into an explosive finish. This is more mystery than thriller. I really warmed to the characters and the setting. As for the cover, it's just gorgeous to look at and feel. I felt the ending was a little bit rushed and that the villains, both Jason and particularly Aaron Haines not as well drawn.

Hardback Editions

Even Marianne's motivations felt a little underdeveloped. Having said that, I thoroughly enjoyed reading The Celtic Stone and look forward to more books by this author. Dec 27, Mazzy Adams rated it really liked it. Protagonist Chris's physical, emotional and spiritual journey from outback Australia to the wild Scottish Isles was believable, engaging and gently inspirational, with just enough mystery, intrigue and romance to keep me turning pages. Plus the language and setting descriptions expanded my horizons and made both locations sing their music, and their magic, to me.

Mar 20, Valerie Volk rated it really liked it. A well-constructed tale that spanned several continents very convincingly. I was particularly impressed by the thoroughness of details - most convincing knowledge of the world of flying, sailing, the Australian outback, the Scottish islands, crofting - a writer who really knows his stuff! The Celtic world is brought to life in a fluently written tale, that achieves some moving moments - e. My only reservation was the rather too pat series of happy ever after endings A well-constructed tale that spanned several continents very convincingly.

My only reservation was the rather too pat series of happy ever after endings with villains punished, good people rewarded, and only one bit of collateral damage in Murdoch's end. If he'd come back to marry the newly widowed Marianne, I'd have had to lower the rating. If this 'Cross' is first of a series and the others are equally well-researched, they should find a satisfied audience. Sep 29, Anne Hamilton rated it it was amazing Shelves: Loved this story from the first moment I picked it up.

It was, in many ways, reminiscent of the better novels by Michael Phillips. Yet with its unique Australian flavour, blended with so much Scots history, it was entirely different. Having spent time in both the Australian outback west of Alice Springs and on the Isle of Skye, I felt the book had just the right touch of authenticity about both locations. I can't answer for what it's like to sail down the Inner Hebrides from Skye to Iona but Haw Loved this story from the first moment I picked it up.

I can't answer for what it's like to sail down the Inner Hebrides from Skye to Iona but Hawkes does a convincing job in bringing the west of Scotland to life. Chris Norman's dreams of being a pilot are shattered when he loses an eye in an aerial accident over the MacDonnell Ranges of Central Australia. The only reason he's alive is that he was rescued by an indigenous man who is able to deposit him near the Larapinta Trail.

The man, bitten by a desert taipan, fell from a cliff. As Chris was trying to help him, he clutched a winged stone wrapped in grass which was around the man's neck.

It later transpires it is a Celtic cross. Chris' recovery is long and arduous. During it, he receives a letter telling him he is the heir to a croft on the Isle of Skye. Normally he would dismiss any involvement in a tiny farming community half way around the world but, with nothing holding him to Australia and his hopes for the future in tatters, he decides to have a look. Once there, he meets the beautiful and blind Morag - who may have a great deal more to do with the Celtic cross that has come so fortuitously into his possession than he could have ever dreamed possible.

It had accidentally found its way from the publisher's slush pile into the batch of finalists. I was so impressed that I rang the publisher straight away, only to be told it was not actually an entry.

I also did an early edit of the first few chapters. I am still totally impressed with it. Sep 24, Mary Hawkins rated it really liked it. Having ancestors going back to Scotland centuries ago, anything Celtic is intriguing for me. I particularly enjoyed the Celtic connection to Australia.

A very entertaining read.

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