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Keystone
Something is hidden beneath the shifting sands of Middle Egypt, and its discovery will bring humanity to the edge of oblivion.
Archaeologist Gail Turner stumbles upon the most incredible find in living memory, a find that the ruthless Seth Mallus will do anything to get hold of. Caught up in a web of deceit, kidnapping and murder, Gail struggles to unravel the mystery of the Amarna Stickman as the world around her descends into chaos.
With startling data from NASA raising more questions than answers, she is ultimately faced with a revelation that shatters everything she thinks she knows, and who she is.
Archaeologist Gail Turner stumbles upon the most incredible find in living memory, a find that the ruthless Seth Mallus will do anything to get hold of. Caught up in a web of deceit, kidnapping and murder, Gail struggles to unravel the mystery of the Amarna Stickman as the world around her descends into chaos.
With startling data from NASA raising more questions than answers, she is ultimately faced with a revelation that shatters everything she thinks she knows, and who she is.
556 pages, Paperback
First published October 24, 2013
210 people are currently reading
801 people want to read
About the author
Luke Talbot
1 book12 followersLuke Talbot was born in the small Suffolk town of Halesworth, in the United Kingdom, in 1979. And as if being sandwiched between fields and marshland in one of the only remaining counties not to have motorways wasn't bad enough, was moved at the tender age of 11 to the even more remote Massif Central, in the Languedoc region of southern France.
By far the biggest challenge of the move was doing away with electricity, moving as he did to an ancient ruin high up in the mountains. But he quickly adapted to living by oil lamp, and the local library fast became his hideaway.
"There is no substitute for reading by flickering flame, while the wintery wind and rain lash against rattling wooden shutters. That is where I go to now, in my mind, when I write."
Luke Talbot left France in the summer of 1997, moving back to the UK to study Archaeology. Graduating with honours in 2000 from Southampton University, he went on to achieve a Masters in Information Systems in 2001 and has since worked in the telecommunications industry.
One of his major fascinations is the intersection of humanity and technology, and nowhere is that more focussed than in the plethora of mobile devices that has exploded into our lives.
"We are, essentially, still the same species that built the pyramids of Egypt, but so far removed from them. Who knows what our descendants 4000 years hence will make of us..."
By far the biggest challenge of the move was doing away with electricity, moving as he did to an ancient ruin high up in the mountains. But he quickly adapted to living by oil lamp, and the local library fast became his hideaway.
"There is no substitute for reading by flickering flame, while the wintery wind and rain lash against rattling wooden shutters. That is where I go to now, in my mind, when I write."
Luke Talbot left France in the summer of 1997, moving back to the UK to study Archaeology. Graduating with honours in 2000 from Southampton University, he went on to achieve a Masters in Information Systems in 2001 and has since worked in the telecommunications industry.
One of his major fascinations is the intersection of humanity and technology, and nowhere is that more focussed than in the plethora of mobile devices that has exploded into our lives.
"We are, essentially, still the same species that built the pyramids of Egypt, but so far removed from them. Who knows what our descendants 4000 years hence will make of us..."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
March 30, 2016
Luke Talbot has promise as a writer. This book is full of great ideas, some very well written passages, yet doesn't feel, to this reviewer, like a complete novel. It begins in Ancient Egypt 1337 BCE, quickly shifts to the future – June of 2036, and then jumps further into the future, which, for most of the novel, is present day. It also jumps settings from Ancient Egypt, to England,to modern America, to a spaceship traveling to Mars, to landing on Mars, and back to America, England, France and back to modern Egypt. The final part, Part 7, takes place back in Egypt, in the Winter of 2063. In fact, the Epilogue, which depicts the death of one of the major protagonists in the space of about one-half of a page, is possibly the best written paragraph in the book. I admit I cried. (Please believe me, that was NOT a spoiler.) The plot involves the discovery of evidence of a civilization on Earth, much longer ago than was thought to be the case. More evidence is found on Mars, but only a few on Earth would ever learn of that find.
At the end of the text, in an "Author's Note," Luke Talbot thanks his proof readers for their efforts and his parents among them, for their struggle to remain "unbiased." Here's the problem, a better proof-reader/editor, would have likely caught the few grammatical mistakes that remain, and would, I believe, have told Mr. Talbot to go back, take his time and write a trilogy, or a space opera, or whatever. The unfortunate aspect, for me, is that this book is FULL of good ideas, and is the OUTLINE of a great story arc, but has sadly been crammed into one volume.
For me, the result is choppy, and as a reader, I found it hard to become attached to any of the characters in any meaningful way. I did read the entire book, because, when, several times, I went to give up on it, Talbot would feed me a few pages of very well written paragraphs and my hope that the promise of the book was going to be delivered. Each time, I ended up somewhat disappointed. The result is good, but, I believe, could have been great.
What is needed is the paradox of more and less at the same time. What I mean is more story told in fewer words. The end result would likely be either a very tight grand novel, or perhaps a trilogy, but also written with more economy of words and more generosity of story-telling.
All-in-all, this is a good debut and I would be interested in reading Luke Talbot's next novel. He does leave open the possibility of a sequel, but I would suggest he not go there. I know some reviewers gave this book five stars and raved about it, chastising those of us who see more promise that complete product. Maybe I'm jaded; maybe I've read to many other books that played with the same premise. I hold my opinion fast, that this is a good, but flawed start.
At the end of the text, in an "Author's Note," Luke Talbot thanks his proof readers for their efforts and his parents among them, for their struggle to remain "unbiased." Here's the problem, a better proof-reader/editor, would have likely caught the few grammatical mistakes that remain, and would, I believe, have told Mr. Talbot to go back, take his time and write a trilogy, or a space opera, or whatever. The unfortunate aspect, for me, is that this book is FULL of good ideas, and is the OUTLINE of a great story arc, but has sadly been crammed into one volume.
For me, the result is choppy, and as a reader, I found it hard to become attached to any of the characters in any meaningful way. I did read the entire book, because, when, several times, I went to give up on it, Talbot would feed me a few pages of very well written paragraphs and my hope that the promise of the book was going to be delivered. Each time, I ended up somewhat disappointed. The result is good, but, I believe, could have been great.
What is needed is the paradox of more and less at the same time. What I mean is more story told in fewer words. The end result would likely be either a very tight grand novel, or perhaps a trilogy, but also written with more economy of words and more generosity of story-telling.
All-in-all, this is a good debut and I would be interested in reading Luke Talbot's next novel. He does leave open the possibility of a sequel, but I would suggest he not go there. I know some reviewers gave this book five stars and raved about it, chastising those of us who see more promise that complete product. Maybe I'm jaded; maybe I've read to many other books that played with the same premise. I hold my opinion fast, that this is a good, but flawed start.
November 30, 2013
I have waited a while to review this, to try and review it with a "clear head" but I’m not sure that has worked.
Any avid reader will tell you of the book hangover "the inability to start a new book because you are still thinking about the one you have just finished". Well this left me with a terrible one, the kind where you can't even find a comfortable place on the pillow to stop your head pounding.
The book is very well written, even the over use of adverbs, and the numerous descriptions of the weather can't hide the fact, that the author can clearly write. If you can get your head around the shifting time frame of the book, you'll be fine.
But the thing that will grab you, by the lapels probably and demand you have one more for the road, is the story itself. It starts off slowly (think red wine with dinner)with the introduction of Gail, our tardy heroine and her friends.
Skip forward nine years (you’ll get used to it I promise, try vodka) and we find ourselves in space with the solemn Captain Yves Montreaux, the smart and dutiful Lieutenant Su Ning, good-natured Captain (Its it only me that thinks it’s weird having two captains aboard?)Daniil (really should have a patronymic name here) Marchenko and the changeable Dr Jane Richardson. I love the relationship these four have, and it’s here the book really excels. The story, from this point on builds the suspense, and drama, these are characters you really feel, whether you like them or not, you will want to know what happens to them (I’m not going to tell you, you will have to read the book). In fact my only real gripe with the book, is the ending of their story, highlighted by the fact a week later I was still thinking about the characters (think thirst for water that grips you after a bad hangover).
Reviewing a book without really talking about the story, is much harder than that third shot of tequila this book slams at you (the first two are plot related) in the form of Seth Mallus. Seth Mallus safe to say is the badie (with a name like that can you be anything else? ) with all the hall marks of a great villain, evil, rich, genius, psychotic, a healthy disregard for human life and a laboratory. To be honest what more could you want?
Basically realizing I’m on the verge of mad ramblings or giving away the story, I should conclude. Read the book, it’ll entertain you and make you think, possibly in the same way the after dinner brandy did so be careful.
As James Bryce once said “The worth of a book should be measured by what you carry away from it”. A substantial hangover or more accurately, that sinking feeling of having to return to reality knowing that everyone else is just carrying on with their lives, as though you haven’t just experienced emotional trauma at the hands of a book. Hair of the dog it is then.................
Any avid reader will tell you of the book hangover "the inability to start a new book because you are still thinking about the one you have just finished". Well this left me with a terrible one, the kind where you can't even find a comfortable place on the pillow to stop your head pounding.
The book is very well written, even the over use of adverbs, and the numerous descriptions of the weather can't hide the fact, that the author can clearly write. If you can get your head around the shifting time frame of the book, you'll be fine.
But the thing that will grab you, by the lapels probably and demand you have one more for the road, is the story itself. It starts off slowly (think red wine with dinner)with the introduction of Gail, our tardy heroine and her friends.
Skip forward nine years (you’ll get used to it I promise, try vodka) and we find ourselves in space with the solemn Captain Yves Montreaux, the smart and dutiful Lieutenant Su Ning, good-natured Captain (Its it only me that thinks it’s weird having two captains aboard?)Daniil (really should have a patronymic name here) Marchenko and the changeable Dr Jane Richardson. I love the relationship these four have, and it’s here the book really excels. The story, from this point on builds the suspense, and drama, these are characters you really feel, whether you like them or not, you will want to know what happens to them (I’m not going to tell you, you will have to read the book). In fact my only real gripe with the book, is the ending of their story, highlighted by the fact a week later I was still thinking about the characters (think thirst for water that grips you after a bad hangover).
Reviewing a book without really talking about the story, is much harder than that third shot of tequila this book slams at you (the first two are plot related) in the form of Seth Mallus. Seth Mallus safe to say is the badie (with a name like that can you be anything else? ) with all the hall marks of a great villain, evil, rich, genius, psychotic, a healthy disregard for human life and a laboratory. To be honest what more could you want?
Basically realizing I’m on the verge of mad ramblings or giving away the story, I should conclude. Read the book, it’ll entertain you and make you think, possibly in the same way the after dinner brandy did so be careful.
As James Bryce once said “The worth of a book should be measured by what you carry away from it”. A substantial hangover or more accurately, that sinking feeling of having to return to reality knowing that everyone else is just carrying on with their lives, as though you haven’t just experienced emotional trauma at the hands of a book. Hair of the dog it is then.................
July 27, 2014
I met Luke Talbot at the London Writers and Artists event in Soho, London, and over a couple of coffees got to like his driven positive approach to writing and was pleased to buy a copy of this his first novel Keystone.
This is a very ambitious debut. As a professional self-published author, Luke has invested well in cover art, layout, editing and proofing as well as the final product which he had printed by Clays Ltd. This books looks feels and smells like a mass-market paperback and as such is very impressive indeed.
The story has two strands one the tale of an archeologist in Egypt, and another a story of a manned mission to Mars. Both are linked by the mysterious Amarna Stickman a simple drawing found 70 years previously in an Egyptian tomb.
With echoes of the 1994 Stargate film, this is a great and colourful tale, and Luke is at ease with the desert sands of ancient Egypt as he is with the inner working of the manned mission to Mars.
The book does loose its way towards the end with the politics becoming ever more complicated, and perhaps a bit of a distraction from the main story, still read on because however the final chapter is extremely powerful.
Very highly recommended as the best self published novel I have seen in 2014. Well Done Luke!
This is a very ambitious debut. As a professional self-published author, Luke has invested well in cover art, layout, editing and proofing as well as the final product which he had printed by Clays Ltd. This books looks feels and smells like a mass-market paperback and as such is very impressive indeed.
The story has two strands one the tale of an archeologist in Egypt, and another a story of a manned mission to Mars. Both are linked by the mysterious Amarna Stickman a simple drawing found 70 years previously in an Egyptian tomb.
With echoes of the 1994 Stargate film, this is a great and colourful tale, and Luke is at ease with the desert sands of ancient Egypt as he is with the inner working of the manned mission to Mars.
The book does loose its way towards the end with the politics becoming ever more complicated, and perhaps a bit of a distraction from the main story, still read on because however the final chapter is extremely powerful.
Very highly recommended as the best self published novel I have seen in 2014. Well Done Luke!
May 5, 2023
Confusing!
I started out reading an archaeological story, and then it changed to a Sci Fi story! It's like 2 different stories!?! I'm totally confused.
I started out reading an archaeological story, and then it changed to a Sci Fi story! It's like 2 different stories!?! I'm totally confused.
September 8, 2017
This book had a promising start but it ended poorly. Overall, I enjoyed the story and some of the characters, but the potential for a really good book was lost by the sadly disappointing ending.
September 4, 2017
it started out ok but jumped around too much. There were too many characters left without conclusion to their parts of the story. It felt rushed at the end. I was not satisfied at all.
October 10, 2016
A SIMPLE MAN'S REVIEW:
This is definitely an ambitious story to tell, and I think that's where the problems started. First off, if you've ever watched Ancient Aliens, you sort of get gist of the storyline. But because so much time has to pass and so many events need to take place for the book to find resolution, the story seems to jump around. There are parts that spend too much time on mundane details and other parts that could have been very interesting but are glossed over. Almost as if the author got two-thirds done with the book and realized it would be too long at the current pace and started skipping elements of the story.
And truth be told, the story within the story is far more interesting than anything the characters are doing. It's too bad the whole book wasn't about that. But, to give the author credit, he was able to end the story with some sort of closure. As I was almost done with the book, and it hadn't started to wrap up yet, I was feeling like I used to as a kid when watching a TV show and realizing there was no way they could finish in the amount of time left (the dreaded "To Be Continued"). But thankfully the ending came and it was sufficient enough not to require a sequel.
If you like material by Zecharia Sitchin, Erich von Däniken, or others within that genre, you might like the story this author weaves for our past. But if you're over that fad, skip this one because, unfortunately, the story isn't very strong on its own.
This is definitely an ambitious story to tell, and I think that's where the problems started. First off, if you've ever watched Ancient Aliens, you sort of get gist of the storyline. But because so much time has to pass and so many events need to take place for the book to find resolution, the story seems to jump around. There are parts that spend too much time on mundane details and other parts that could have been very interesting but are glossed over. Almost as if the author got two-thirds done with the book and realized it would be too long at the current pace and started skipping elements of the story.
And truth be told, the story within the story is far more interesting than anything the characters are doing. It's too bad the whole book wasn't about that. But, to give the author credit, he was able to end the story with some sort of closure. As I was almost done with the book, and it hadn't started to wrap up yet, I was feeling like I used to as a kid when watching a TV show and realizing there was no way they could finish in the amount of time left (the dreaded "To Be Continued"). But thankfully the ending came and it was sufficient enough not to require a sequel.
If you like material by Zecharia Sitchin, Erich von Däniken, or others within that genre, you might like the story this author weaves for our past. But if you're over that fad, skip this one because, unfortunately, the story isn't very strong on its own.
July 6, 2015
Too complicated
Was there two writers? First was a writer giving a very well. Written story line.if not a tad unbelievable .And then a long explanation of not only how guns worked but how every thing one earth began or ended for that matter. Although I enjoyed the story .It became very tedious having a lesson so many times
Was there two writers? First was a writer giving a very well. Written story line.if not a tad unbelievable .And then a long explanation of not only how guns worked but how every thing one earth began or ended for that matter. Although I enjoyed the story .It became very tedious having a lesson so many times
March 12, 2017
Too far out there for my taste! I have nothing else to say, I enjoyed the first half leading up to the destruction of the world as we know it!
I did not enjoy the end.
I would not recommend to anyone!
I give up on this book and this survey.
I did not enjoy the end.
I would not recommend to anyone!
I give up on this book and this survey.
October 13, 2017
Good read
I enjoyed this book a lot. It had a great many references to the things I am interested in like space travel, archeology, travels to Egypt and time travel. Dr Gail experiences so much in this one book, I was surprised the whole story was told in just this one book but am glad I didn't have to purchase another book to get to the end.
I enjoyed this book a lot. It had a great many references to the things I am interested in like space travel, archeology, travels to Egypt and time travel. Dr Gail experiences so much in this one book, I was surprised the whole story was told in just this one book but am glad I didn't have to purchase another book to get to the end.
January 30, 2019
Very Engaging would reckomen to every ono
There has been much debate on the nature of the first manned mission to Mars, and I won’t add to it too much here. However in speaking of Clarke’s relatively small team of four explorers, it has recently been announced that a crew of two, a married couple no less, may be sent to Mars as early as 2018.
There has been much debate on the nature of the first manned mission to Mars, and I won’t add to it too much here. However in speaking of Clarke’s relatively small team of four explorers, it has recently been announced that a crew of two, a married couple no less, may be sent to Mars as early as 2018.
October 18, 2017
SLOoooowwwwwww😴
Great subject matter but dreadfully loonnnggg internal dialogue and narration. Not a thought going through author’s head didn’t find exasperating and droning rambling.
Great subject matter but dreadfully loonnnggg internal dialogue and narration. Not a thought going through author’s head didn’t find exasperating and droning rambling.
November 7, 2017
Hard to put down
I was hooked, the storyline and story itself was well thought out and totally absorbing. Ancient history and archaeology combined with events taking place in our modern world made for an interesting read.
I was hooked, the storyline and story itself was well thought out and totally absorbing. Ancient history and archaeology combined with events taking place in our modern world made for an interesting read.
January 18, 2018
fun story and fast paced. good characters, but the last part of the book just didn't deliver like the first 2/3. It felt like the the story derailed in the final third of the book and the author just needed to close out the story.
March 6, 2018
One of the best westerns I have read in years. Enough action to keep you interested, but it goes deeper than action. Lots of character building in the main character, although the other characters are a bit superficial. I will read other books in this series.
July 31, 2018
I really liked this book. However, to my mind, it was a bit disjointed with no smooth transition from Egypt straight into the flight to Mars. But boy, what a cracking good story. I thoroughly recommend it!
April 15, 2024
Thoroughly enjoyed.
I was a bit confused at first as the story simply stopped and jumped 10 years, but it all came together later. I really enjoyed the story and it kept me motivated to find out what was going to happen next.
I was a bit confused at first as the story simply stopped and jumped 10 years, but it all came together later. I really enjoyed the story and it kept me motivated to find out what was going to happen next.
October 4, 2025
Original, creative, interesting!
Than you to Luke Talbot for creating an interesting, unique story: science fiction meets archeology and evolution Enjoyed the history and the future !
Than you to Luke Talbot for creating an interesting, unique story: science fiction meets archeology and evolution Enjoyed the history and the future !
September 7, 2017
Great mind stretcher
I was thinking that there was going to be a dreaded sequel coming. Very complicated plot with believable science and history involved. Very satisfying read.
I was thinking that there was going to be a dreaded sequel coming. Very complicated plot with believable science and history involved. Very satisfying read.
September 24, 2017
Confusing
There was too much description in this book . I found it was extremely drawn out . Even though he tried to explain it in the last couple of chapters it was confusing .
There was too much description in this book . I found it was extremely drawn out . Even though he tried to explain it in the last couple of chapters it was confusing .
September 28, 2017
Really good. Looking forward to more from Luke Talbot.
December 23, 2017
Gave up on it somewhere in chapter 14. Super snooze fest.
December 21, 2019
It was definitely a good thriller though some elements in the story were not resolved. Despite that it was a page turner.
March 9, 2020
Great story and premise, but way too long. The author goes into deep explanations that distract from the story line and make the entire book about 100 pages too long.
May 2, 2022
a good lengthy read
Don’t be confused by the beginning. It will make more sense as you read on. (Five more words, as requested.)
Don’t be confused by the beginning. It will make more sense as you read on. (Five more words, as requested.)
February 15, 2024
Awesome read!!
Mind blowing. Maybe there IS something outta there!!! I wish I had the words to describe this book but alas I’m just another spec of dust on this planet.
Mind blowing. Maybe there IS something outta there!!! I wish I had the words to describe this book but alas I’m just another spec of dust on this planet.
April 14, 2025
While the book is well written the story seems a bit disjointed.
March 12, 2017
Enjoyed reading this and will have me pondering many of the subjects brought up for a long time. Was much more than I thought beginning the read.
October 17, 2016
3.5 stars
I really enjoyed 80% of this book, but the last 10% just about ruined the whole thing for me. The antagonist had almost zero reason for his actions, and the flimsy explanation in the last few chapters just made it worse. It felt like the author knew the ending when he started writing, but after 400+ pages, drifted too far to hit his target. But rather than spending an extra 100 pages to get there organically, he decided to just projectile-vomit the climax, immediately skip ahead about 20 years (in which time Gail stays exactly where she is in Egypt), take Gail away from Epygt and right back again to seek the remaining answers. . It just made the whole book kind of pointless.
Oh, and the the Mars team that we spent nearly 1/3 of the book getting to know... they were completely discarded and left as a side-note at the end. The world presumably forgets about them and Mars has nothing to do with the climax at all. They only served as a small catalyst for Seth's actions. What a waste of emotional investment!
But the previous line is precisely why I gave this book 3.5 stars. I did care about most of the characters throughout. This author can write. I did enjoy reading the 400-ish pages leading up until the climax. If he'd have re-written the last half, or split the book into two books in order to flesh out the motivations a little better, I would have really liked this story. As it is, though, I can't recommend it to anyone unless they get it for about $1 and can be OK with a major letdown at the end.
I really enjoyed 80% of this book, but the last 10% just about ruined the whole thing for me. The antagonist had almost zero reason for his actions, and the flimsy explanation in the last few chapters just made it worse. It felt like the author knew the ending when he started writing, but after 400+ pages, drifted too far to hit his target. But rather than spending an extra 100 pages to get there organically, he decided to just projectile-vomit the climax, immediately skip ahead about 20 years (in which time Gail stays exactly where she is in Egypt), take Gail away from Epygt and right back again to seek the remaining answers. . It just made the whole book kind of pointless.
Oh, and the the Mars team that we spent nearly 1/3 of the book getting to know... they were completely discarded and left as a side-note at the end. The world presumably forgets about them and Mars has nothing to do with the climax at all. They only served as a small catalyst for Seth's actions. What a waste of emotional investment!
But the previous line is precisely why I gave this book 3.5 stars. I did care about most of the characters throughout. This author can write. I did enjoy reading the 400-ish pages leading up until the climax. If he'd have re-written the last half, or split the book into two books in order to flesh out the motivations a little better, I would have really liked this story. As it is, though, I can't recommend it to anyone unless they get it for about $1 and can be OK with a major letdown at the end.
April 10, 2016
Ingenious Interplay of Plot Elements
As a reader with a science background I look for stories where nothing is so outrageous that it pops me out of the flow and believability of the story to critique its science. While I had several feelings of concern, Luke Talbot has masterful skills in not hitting this point of no return. The character development was multilayered and done not just for the good guys but also for the bad guys. You can really care about these people. The plot interplay from one story setting to the next was a bit of a shock a couple of times, but real life can also be like that. It would not take much to convince me that the subplot lives and events are proceeding as I write this. In a way this story arc rivals some of those by Orson Scott Card ... pretty much the highest complement I can make in the area of science and morality tales. It leaves me wanting more but not angry that more is not there yet.
As a reader with a science background I look for stories where nothing is so outrageous that it pops me out of the flow and believability of the story to critique its science. While I had several feelings of concern, Luke Talbot has masterful skills in not hitting this point of no return. The character development was multilayered and done not just for the good guys but also for the bad guys. You can really care about these people. The plot interplay from one story setting to the next was a bit of a shock a couple of times, but real life can also be like that. It would not take much to convince me that the subplot lives and events are proceeding as I write this. In a way this story arc rivals some of those by Orson Scott Card ... pretty much the highest complement I can make in the area of science and morality tales. It leaves me wanting more but not angry that more is not there yet.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews