The Stone of Destiny: A Novel

Stone of Destiny has 5 ratings and 0 reviews. The true story of the life of Lady Macbeth, who ruled England for 17 years with great success.
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The new edition was released to tie-in with the film adaptation and includes updated additional information on key figures who weren't originally identified. Though the book is not long - just over pages - it feels heavy with nationalistic pride. I don't necessarily agree with all of Hamilton's opinions, but I can't help but have respect for them as he writes so passionately abo This is the reprint of Hamilton's original book, first published less than two years after the theft of the Stone.

I don't necessarily agree with all of Hamilton's opinions, but I can't help but have respect for them as he writes so passionately about his actions in liberating the Stone of Destiny and returning it to its rightful home. Beyond the political ideals encased in the text, the true story is as exciting as any novel. It may not appeal to those who harbour no interest in Scottish affairs, but to anyone with a drop of Gaelic blood: Jun 20, Kathy Hale rated it really liked it. This is a very amusing book written by a young man who, with three others, stole the "Stone of Destiny" from beneath the Coronation throne at Westminster Abbey on Christmas Day, What is the Stone of dEstiny?

Stone of Destiny trailer

This is the stone that Scottish Kings used to stand on to be sworn in as king until Edward I The Confessor stole it from them and placed it under the throne where he was crowned until George VI in the 's. Really great book to see how it was done. It's not very long and is really a bit of an adventure story.

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The movie that was made a few years ago is on instant netflix and is a real hoot and very true to the story. It has a bit of rough language. Jan 27, Maggieb rated it really liked it. I quite enjoyed this book. There was a fair bit of flagrant patriotism, but coming from a nation who has had a plethora of national treasures stolen by other nations, I can totally understand the motivation behind this caper.

The Stone of Destiny: Tales from Turkey by Elspeth Tavaci

And they pulled it off! Hamilton's writing is pretty good. I like his honesty towards himself and often lyrical descriptions of nature and circumstances. Amazing story and insight into the motives of Ian Hamilton's raid on Westminster Abbey to recover the Stone of Destiny. He is a true patriot who carried out this act for his love of Scotland only and not for any political or other self serving purpose. I think Ian Hamilton's actions speak volumes about who he is, not just in stealing The Stone, but also his actions afterwards. Dec 16, Anne rated it liked it Shelves: Because of the background of the stone that everyone wants in this action packed book, I called it both historical and realistic fiction.

The story itself is fine, but I really got interested more in the actual history about this important piece of Ireland and UK's history. Mar 07, Jessica rated it it was amazing Shelves: I loved, loved, loved this story!! It certainly helped that Hamilton wrote it at the time of the events His passion was there on every page of this most fantastic adventure! Apr 27, Gobi Tharmarajah rated it really liked it. I could able to read it quickly.

Well written, and about their national aspiration of Scotland. Reasons and works on their travel to bring the Stone back to home. An inspiring book with a character. Jun 27, Vishakha Anand added it. Slow moving but interesting enough to entertain along the quest for the fire of freedom symbolized by the Stone of Scotland. Nov 13, Malena rated it it was amazing. A quick must read if you're going to Scotland Am curious to read this now that I've seen the movie a fabulous film, if you can find it here in the US--it's Canadian starring Charlie Cox and Billy Boyd.

Page Turner I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was fast paced and I was hooked from the very beginning. Highly recommended and a real page turner. Emma rated it it was ok Aug 07, Heather rated it liked it Apr 16, Brittany rated it liked it May 23, Trish rated it it was amazing Jul 06, Heather rated it it was amazing Nov 11, Angie rated it really liked it Feb 18, Shannon rated it liked it May 19, Kathy rated it really liked it Jun 16, Apr 23, Ann Marie Pellat rated it really liked it. This book is an interesting bit of history. I am not Scottish and have never travelled to England or Scotland but I really enjoyed the book.

If I could change anything I would have loved to have known more about Kay's experience but that was not available. Josiah rated it really liked it Aug 16, There are no discussion topics on this book yet. Books by Ian R. See All Goodreads Deals…. Trivia About Stone Of Destiny. No trivia or quizzes yet. The story begins when during the funeral of Queen Victoria, a group of Irish separatists steal the Coronation Stone, on which every roy Blog Facebook Twitter Instagram Pinterest Fans of Sherlock Holmes, fans of mystery, fans of adventure and suspense - this might be your next favorite book!

The story begins when during the funeral of Queen Victoria, a group of Irish separatists steal the Coronation Stone, on which every royal has been crowned. To retrieve this important object, the royals will hire Sherlock Holmes to solve the mystery.

The Stone of Destiny: A Sherlock Holmes Adventure

Holmes and his friend Watson travel to Ireland and try to infiltrate the Irish Republican Brotherhood, a group they think is responsible for all that happened. Even though this is a Sherlock Holmes book, we actually unravel the story through a Watson-first-person point of view. As for Sherlock Holmes, even though I really like the mysterious aura about him, and how smart he can be - I also see him as one of the rude aristocrats that refuse to speak to other people that seem to be lower in the hierarchy to them. This is of course, not presented in the book in any way - but I simply had that impression.

I loved the beginning, and I loved the mystery and suspense throughout the whole book. I was never ahead of the book, and my assumptions were never correct. I loved how the author kept us in the dark right until the end.


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And finally, there were no big plot twists, which I think we might have used in the book. But - we did have a lovely mystery solving story, and we had a lot of history information floating around. We also had another book with Sherlock Holmes, that for you - lovers of the Sherlock Holmes books will of course be something you enjoy.

I greatly recommend it to you if you love the good old Sherlock Holmes adventures! Many thanks to the author, Richard T. Ryan , for sending me an e-copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Blog Facebook Twitter Instagram Pinterest Jun 07, Michelle Stanley rated it it was amazing Shelves: Mystery lovers will enjoy reading The Stone of Destiny: While loyal supporters mourn the death of their beloved Queen Victoria, a group of separatists known as the Irish Republic Brotherhood steals the Coronation Stone that every English monarch has been crowned upon since the 14th century.

The new king refuses to ascend the throne without the precious stone and this worries the relevant bureaucrats. Sherlock Holmes is hired to investigate this bra Mystery lovers will enjoy reading The Stone of Destiny: Sherlock Holmes is hired to investigate this brazen theft and leaves for Ireland with Dr. They travel separately in disguise to blend into the communities where members of the Brotherhood reside. One of the main rebels who stole the Coronary Stone learns the detective is on the case and has his men searching for him. He has never met Sherlock Holmes but is wary of any newcomers who enters his town.

The Stone of Destiny has a few surprising twists as Holmes tries to outwit the rebels at their crafty traps and mind game they play. I think the separatists had a great plan and it amused me to see how they pulled it off. The story is well written with an organized sequence of events, and engaging dialogue from developed characters, some famous. I have read another impressive book by Richard T.

Ryan called The Vatican Cameos and look forward to seeing more from him. Aug 02, Terrence McCauley rated it it was amazing. A wonderful read for both the casual Sherlock Holmes fan and the most die-hard devotees of the beloved character. Ryan does an excellent job of blending history with action, something many try to do, but few do well, if at all. Ryan makes it look easy and his work deserves to be as much acclaim, if not more, than some of the more recent entries into the cannon.

If Holmes is your thing, Ryan's your man.


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    6. Aug 11, Deborah Peters rated it it was amazing. Really enjoyed The Stone of Destiny - I can be skeptical of new Sherlock Holmes books but this one was exceptionally written and I was fascinated with the story. Lots of details and very in keeping with Sherlock Holmes mysteries. The historical aspects were well researched and added a lot of intrigue. Great characters and a fun read. Another page turner by Richard T.

    I loved every single page of that book and I actually think this one is even better than "The Vatican Cameos" - much smoother and tighter with nothing superfluous, an intriguing mystery and great original characters. I especially love Ryan's Holmes and Watson. Both the characters and their realtionship are portrayed absolutely right imho. Can't wait for the next book! Jul 29, Richard T. Obviously I am biased since I wrote it but I tried to emulate Doyle in this story in all respects, including length.

    I hope you enjoy it! Sep 09, Caroline Vincent - Bits about Books rated it really liked it. However, his expertise is needed when Irish revolutionaries are threatening to disrupt the royal funeral… Introduction A Sherlock Holmes Adventure 2 Sherlock Holmes has met Queen Victoria on a few occasions and he feels sad about her death, even more so when her funeral, which should, of course, be stately and solemn, threatens to descend into chaos. No wonder his brother Mycroft calls for his assistan The death of Queen Victoria immerses Britain in grief and Sherlock Holmes is no exception.

    No wonder his brother Mycroft calls for his assistance! Elsewhere in London, Denis Lyons of the Irish Republican Brotherhood is plotting an ingenious scheme to free Ireland which will jeopardise the Coronation of King Edward VII and thus destabilise the entire British Empire… Storyline The year — a new millennium — had started splendidly but on January 22nd the entire nation and then empire was stunned by the news that their beloved Queen Victoria had died.

    Thus London is a city in mourning and Sherlock Holmes, having had the highest regard for the British Sovereign, is saddened by her death and appalled at the thought that her funeral could be made a target by Irish separatists, seeking independence for their land. Holmes sets out to investigate all the places that will be involved in the funeral arrangements, from Buckingham Palace to St. All too soon they find out exactly what: The Stone weighs pounds and is hardly something you can slip into your pocket.

    Since the time of Edward I, the Stone has been an integral part of both the Coronation Chair and the ceremony — no King or Queen has been crowned without its presence in the Abbey. Whilst we witness the Stone being transported to Ireland, Holmes and Watson are trying to find the creator of the copy.

    Stone Of Destiny

    What follows is an intriguing quest, involving Holmes and Watson travelling to and through Ireland and Holmes having to get his hands dirty in one of his ingenious plans. Ryan again relates to historical facts, this time the death of Queen Victoria and the Irish revolutionary years. I love the period details and love reading more about this particular Sherlock Holmes. Instead, he is friendly and kind, astute as always but not totally oblivious regarding social standards and relationships. The Irish struggle for independence is fascinating and I love and admire it that the author shows us the Irish people without judging them.

    My only concern was, I felt the story had ended before I reached the last word. All in all, the Stone of Destiny is a captivating and intriguing detective novel and another great Sherlock Holmes adventure! Read the review on my website: Nov 12, Jill Jemmett rated it it was amazing. Luckily, Richard Ryan did a great job at creating a new mystery for the iconic detective. He went along with whatever Sherlock suggested.

    Also, like many Sherlock mysteries, I learned something new along the way. When John and Sherlock were separated, Sherlock explained to him later what he was doing in his absence. This was a great way of explaining what was happening without a narrator present for it. That was always one of my favourite parts of his mysteries. There was some seducing but I would have liked to see more of it, because that skill is what makes Sherlock unique.

    I loved this story! I highly recommend it for any fans of Sherlock Holmes. I received a copy of this book from the author for review purposes. Dec 05, Thomas Turley rated it really liked it Shelves: Ryan, whose first Sherlock Holmes pastiche, The Vatican Cameos , was a major hit last year, is back with another historically-based novel.

    The price Richard T. Mycroft Holmes that watchdog of the empire dispatches brother Sherlock and his faithful Boswell to recover it. After tracking the most attractive of the conspirators to Ireland, our heroes employ disguise and masterly deduction to infiltrate the Brotherhood and locate the stone. All in all, a very good read, and I look forward to Mr. Lightning has stuck again!!!!!!!

    Once again Ryan elevates the skill of story telling to a new art form. I could not put this book down until it was finished. Holmes must recover the stone or there will be no coronation and thus turmoil in Britis Lightning has stuck again!!!!!!! Holmes must recover the stone or there will be no coronation and thus turmoil in British Monarchy and Empire.

    Why was it stolen? How does Holmes save the day? I will say no more. This story flows extremely well and in many ways outperforms Ryan's previous work, "The Vatican Cameos", another excellent novel. This book is a must read for this summer so do not delay because you are only depriving yourself of an excellent reading experience. Aug 15, Jean Kolinofsky rated it it was amazing. I am a fan of Sherlock Holmes stories. His second book is The Stone of Destiny. This book is every bit as entertaining as his first. The death of Queen Victoria was a tragedy for England, but an opportunity for a group of Irish separatists.

    Originally taken from Scotland in and used in the coronation ceremonies of every monarch since the s, it is the perfect bargaining tool for I am a fan of Sherlock Holmes stories. Originally taken from Scotland in and used in the coronation ceremonies of every monarch since the s, it is the perfect bargaining tool for the independence of Ireland. Sherlock and Watson don disguises and set off to discover the fate of the stone and retrieve it before the coronation of Victoria's successor. It is an investigation that is sure to please any fan of Holmes or historical mysteries in general.

    May 16, Francine Kitts rated it it was amazing. As we've come to expect from the author of The Vatican Cameos, Richard Ryan's latest book is a tapestry woven with intrigue, history, and colorful characters. Holmes and Watson are once again at their best in this fast-paced novel, which is not to be missed.