Nefer the Silent

Nefer the Silent is a spectacular novel taking place in Ancient Egypt. The characters are very well-developed, reminding me of the Ramses series by Christian Jacq, only better (if possible). The main plot of the story revolves around a farmer's son who has a passion for drawing. He runs away from home in search of the Palace of Truth, where he can practice his drawing to his heart's content. The book is quite historically accurate, pertaining to many Ancient Egyptian customs, yet weaving them together in a novel that grasps you from beginning to end. This book is a masterpiece, and I can't wait to read the rest of the series.

This book is amazing! I couldn't put it down and I finished it within two days because it was so gripping! I recommend it to anyone aged from around 13-14 years old because younger children may not understand it. I think it is one of the best books I have ever read! You MUST read it!

The first volume in Christian Jacq's The Stone of Light series is pleasure to read. If you have read his five volume Ramses II series, don't miss this one. Jacq is an Egyptolgist who possesses an incredible ability: without hindering plot, bogging down his writing with too much detail or weak character development, he allows the reader to visit this great civilization in its glory, recontructed upon accurate historical information. I suppose the point that I am trying to make is that Jacq's novels are not like an academic textbook, although you may find yourself wanting to learn more about this fascinating ancient civilization after reading one of them... His writing simply flows. He skillfully breathes life into actual people (as well as some fictional ones too) that lived thousands of years ago. I have found reading each of his works so far to be a pleasurable experience.As for Nefer the Silent itself, the story focuses on two young men, Silent (a sculpter) and Paneb (a painter), who both seek to become artists in the brotherhood of the Place of Truth. The Place of Truth is home to a sacred brotherhood who are charged with the task of creating the tombs of the Pharoahs and Queens. Although many rumors exist about the brotherhood due to the secrecy of their work and the fact that they answer only to Pharoah, both men are determined to follow the path that will lead them there. For each it will be different and there it is not certain that an artist will be accepted once he reaches the Place of Truth. Nevertheless, Paneb and Silent are determined to try and this is their story.I enjoyed Nefer the Silent a great deal and immediately purchased the next volume (I confess, I didn't but the book when it first came out.) I've finished both of them in under three days. I couldn't put this down. I hope your experience is as good as mine has been. Enjoy!

I have read all of Christian Jacq's books in French and some in English, and everytime I am amazed. He's the author who started my passion for ancient Egypt, and since then it grows more with every new book he writes! He's an Egyptologist and so you can really dig in and not be afraid of what he might write because he's an expert in his field! This book talks about the Place of Truth which really existed in the time of the Pharaohs, and in this case in the time of Ramses the Great! You will learn amazing facts about how the ancient Egyptians really lived, and how their civilization was a great one. It's a book that anyone can read because it's all put into simple words. So do not be afraid and dig in! You will not be dissapointed, and keep an eye out for the other volumes! The 2nd one is already out, and numbers 3 and 4 will be coming out soon!

I HAVE ALWAYS BEEN INTERESTED IN ANCIENT EGYPT AND THE TIME OF THE PHARAOHS. THIS BOOK IS A FACINATING LOOK INTO THE DAY TO DAY LIFE OFANCIENT EGYPT, ITS RITUALS AND PEOPLES. THIS IS NOT A TEXT BOOK DESCRIPTION. CHRISTIAN JACQ BRINGS TO LIFE THE PEOPLE THAT BUILT THE SHRINES, CITIES AND PYRAMIDS OF EGYPT. YOU LEARN THAT THEY TOO HAD FAMILIES AND PROBLEMS NOT UNSIMILAR TO WHAT FAMILIES DEAL WITH TODAY. THIS BOOK CAUGHT MY INTREST RIGHT FROM PAGE ONE AND I AM EAGERLY AWAITING THE NEXT VOLUMN FROM MR. JACQ. HE CAN'T WRITE IT SOON ENOUGH FOR ME.