"
Pocket, Sep 2001, 16.60, 368 pp.
ISBN: 0743403495
Everyone believes the slaves built the pyramids that housed the tombs of the Pharaohs. However, those brilliant architectural structures were fashioned by the people who lived in the Place of Truth, an isolated village of artisans. The virtuosos living there used the magic of the Stone of Light to transform anything into gold and to convert matter into a translucent item. Though revered by most that know them, they have a powerful enemy in General Mehy of Thebes.
When he was younger, Mehy tried to join the Place of Truth, but was rejected for not meeting the standard required of all the residents. He has held a grudge ever since and now has an inside person trying to steal the Stone of Light for him. Mehy is clever as he works behind the scenes so no trace exists to him if something goes wrong. Still he does everything he can to weaken the power base of those who run the Place of Truth, but even with his Machiavellian ways can he prevail over one of Egypt's most scared icons?
The fourth and final novel in the Place of Truth series is as magically powerful as the previous three tales. The leader of this small village of people answering a noble cause is a hero setting an example of honor and loyalty instead of hedonism and vanity for his fellow residents. The villain is obsessed, but works his ruses behind a veil of safety. Christian Jacq completes his classy Ancient Egypt quartet with another triumph that will gratify future audiences for eras.
Harriet Klausner
"
Harriet Klausner, Resident Christian Jacq Scholar
Click above for the new Obama Girl Parody video!
Overall Review
Our unique search engine breaks down books and movies into
dozens of literary elements, all of which are searchable.
Ratings are on a 1-10 scale (Low to High)
Plot
Tone of book
- very upbeat
FANTASY or SCIENCE FICTION?
- alternate history
Spying & Investigations
Yes
What is main char. doing?
- spying/espionage in enemy territorry
- finding an assassin (political)
- unraveling a conspiracy
- finding a spy/saboteur
Political power play
Yes
Political plotlets
- factions fight within govt for control
- preventing/managing clash/war between govts/kingdoms
Inner Struggle
Yes
Is this an adult or child's book?
- Adult or Young Adult Book
Cultural problems, alien culture
Yes
Main Character
Identity:
- Male
Profession/status:
- champion of justice
Age:
- 40's-50's
How sensitive is this character?
- middling sensitive to others' feelings
Sense of humor
- Mostly serious with occasional humor
Intelligence
- Smarter than most other characters
Physique
- average physique
Main Adversary
Identity:
- Male
Age:
- 40's-50's
Profession/status:
- mastermind
How much of work is main antagonist actually present in:
- a moderate amount
How sensitive is this character?
- mean, arrogant
Sense of humor
- Cynical sense of humor
Intelligence
- Average intelligence
Physique
- average physique
Setting
Earth setting:
- general past
Takes place on Earth?
Yes
Style
Person?
- mostly 3rd
Accounts of torture and death?
- generic/vague references to death/punishment
How much dialogue?
- roughly even amounts of descript and dialog
