The Stone of Light: Volume III: Paneb the Ardent
Jacq continues his saga of ancient Egypt in this third novel of a projected four-part series chronicling the lives of the society of craftsmen called the Brotherhood. This secret society, which dwells in the Place of Truth, is responsible for building and decorating the magnificent pharaonic tombs in the Valley of the Kings.
In this installment, Egypt is in turmoil, the country split between two Pharaohs. Seti II and his son Amenmessu each declares himself the supreme ruler of the kingdom, and the conflicting loyalties threaten the sanctity of the Place of Truth. In fact, danger besets the Brotherhood from all sides, for a villain in their midst is conspiring to destroy them and will stop at nothing to possess the village’s most precious treasure, the mystical Stone of Light.
Paneb, a powerful giant of a man, attempts to protect the village and the Stone of Light, but discovers obstacles that surprise even him. While Paneb is the central character here, Jacq makes use of a very large supporting cast. Corrupt officials, assassination attempts, murder, threats of civil war, superstition, and double-crosses enliven a colorful, vividly detailed and well-paced narrative. An unsolved murder sets the stage for the final volume in the series.
