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A Song in Stone
There is a mystery in a chapel, and a man who must find the answer.
A Song in Stone begins with the premise that Rosslyn Chapel in Scotland is part of an unfinished larger church - and that it contains a mystery, one clue of which is found in the intricate stonework of the chapel. It goes from there to the Middle Ages, taking Ian Graham, currently-unemployed television personality, with it, literally, as he tries to learn the chapel's secret before it is too late to return to his own time, his own life.
Before he goes, he must find the music that the stone points to.
A Song in Stone begins with the premise that Rosslyn Chapel in Scotland is part of an unfinished larger church - and that it contains a mystery, one clue of which is found in the intricate stonework of the chapel. It goes from there to the Middle Ages, taking Ian Graham, currently-unemployed television personality, with it, literally, as he tries to learn the chapel's secret before it is too late to return to his own time, his own life.
Before he goes, he must find the music that the stone points to.
392 pages, Hardcover
First published November 4, 2008
6 people are currently reading
118 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
May 17, 2009
This was an interesting book but I cannot say its good. The ending is weak.
Basically, Ian Graham, a newscaster who recently lost his job, takes on a position of doing investigative journalism and his first report is from Rosyln Chapel, a historic chapel. While in Roslyn, Graham hears a humming sound that no one else hears. While talking to Rob Madison, a guide, he learns some of the history of the chapel and somehow hits his head. When he awakes, he has been sent back in time to the body of his prior self, a warrior/templar in France in the months before the Templar Order is slaughtered by the King of France and the Pope. Graham travels in France between various cities going to churches in a pilgramage to save Templar treasures and find the secret to the song that he alone hears. On his pilgramage he is accompanied by people who look the same as his friends in the future -- so Rob is there as a Templar guide, and Roddy his agent is there as a Stonemason, and various Saints and his Gran, long dead visit him in the various churches providing him with clues to save himself from people seeking the same treasures and to stop him. As a treasure hunt the book seems interesting -- the historical fiction seems spot on, and the tales of the various churches and the inside of same and the secrets in the vaults and all are impressive, but the end of the book seems to me forced as is once Graham gets to where he can get home what can be done with what he discovers.
At one point Hunt talks about the Nicholas Cage movie -- National Treasure or its prequel, and while I know this is literature I think some more action in that vein would have done this novel some good.
Read it for the history and the time travel -- the journey is interesting. One wishes the ending was as.
Basically, Ian Graham, a newscaster who recently lost his job, takes on a position of doing investigative journalism and his first report is from Rosyln Chapel, a historic chapel. While in Roslyn, Graham hears a humming sound that no one else hears. While talking to Rob Madison, a guide, he learns some of the history of the chapel and somehow hits his head. When he awakes, he has been sent back in time to the body of his prior self, a warrior/templar in France in the months before the Templar Order is slaughtered by the King of France and the Pope. Graham travels in France between various cities going to churches in a pilgramage to save Templar treasures and find the secret to the song that he alone hears. On his pilgramage he is accompanied by people who look the same as his friends in the future -- so Rob is there as a Templar guide, and Roddy his agent is there as a Stonemason, and various Saints and his Gran, long dead visit him in the various churches providing him with clues to save himself from people seeking the same treasures and to stop him. As a treasure hunt the book seems interesting -- the historical fiction seems spot on, and the tales of the various churches and the inside of same and the secrets in the vaults and all are impressive, but the end of the book seems to me forced as is once Graham gets to where he can get home what can be done with what he discovers.
At one point Hunt talks about the Nicholas Cage movie -- National Treasure or its prequel, and while I know this is literature I think some more action in that vein would have done this novel some good.
Read it for the history and the time travel -- the journey is interesting. One wishes the ending was as.
November 26, 2008
Ian Graham, an unemployed television interviewer, gets a job offer to do a documentary on the mystery of Rosslyn Chapel in Scotland. Ian takes the tour to get a feel for the location. As the guide is talking about the mysterious stone carvings during the tour, Ian starts to hear a humming noise that intensifies as he goes farther. The guide explains that the stones have a meaning but that it has been lost to history.
Not only does Ian hear a humming noise as the guide speaks, he thinks he is hearing his agent and another man talking in the crypts area. He then begins to hear music that no one else seems to hear. As the music swells, he hears the words ” truth conquers all” in his head. Fade to black as Ian falls into nothingness.
When Ian awakens, he is but he isn’t Ian. If this seems like an enigma, it is. He is Ian in body but not Ian of the 21st century. It seems he has been transported back to the year 1307 as an initiate of the Knights Templar making his way on a pilgrimage. The final destination is a location not to be built for another century or more. He has memory of his other self in the 21st century but also can function in the 14th , just as if he had lived there for years. Because Ian has the sole ability to hear the “healing music” he is a target for those who have it in for the Knights Templar. Ian knows that in approximately 6 weeks the King will give an order to rout out all the Knights Templar and arrest them. In order to save the music for the world, Ian must finish his pilgrimage and return to his own time. Will he be able to finish this dangerous but very important mission? Will it be in time ?
What an absolutely incredible imagination Mr. Hunt has! I was pulled into this story from the outset and did not want to put it down until the very last page. Although Hunt writes with a simplistic clarity, the reader feels as if he or she is actually in the scene eagerly anticipating the next stage of the journey. The ways of the pilgrims and their faith in God are vividly portrayed. There is a tremendous amount of history woven into this amazing tale bringing the whole story to life. If you like symbolic mysteries with a little fantasy and history woven into the story, then this book is for you. After greatly enjoying books such as The Da Vinci Code, I was predisposed to like this book and it certainly did not disappoint. Indeed, a highly recommended read. 5*****
Not only does Ian hear a humming noise as the guide speaks, he thinks he is hearing his agent and another man talking in the crypts area. He then begins to hear music that no one else seems to hear. As the music swells, he hears the words ” truth conquers all” in his head. Fade to black as Ian falls into nothingness.
When Ian awakens, he is but he isn’t Ian. If this seems like an enigma, it is. He is Ian in body but not Ian of the 21st century. It seems he has been transported back to the year 1307 as an initiate of the Knights Templar making his way on a pilgrimage. The final destination is a location not to be built for another century or more. He has memory of his other self in the 21st century but also can function in the 14th , just as if he had lived there for years. Because Ian has the sole ability to hear the “healing music” he is a target for those who have it in for the Knights Templar. Ian knows that in approximately 6 weeks the King will give an order to rout out all the Knights Templar and arrest them. In order to save the music for the world, Ian must finish his pilgrimage and return to his own time. Will he be able to finish this dangerous but very important mission? Will it be in time ?
What an absolutely incredible imagination Mr. Hunt has! I was pulled into this story from the outset and did not want to put it down until the very last page. Although Hunt writes with a simplistic clarity, the reader feels as if he or she is actually in the scene eagerly anticipating the next stage of the journey. The ways of the pilgrims and their faith in God are vividly portrayed. There is a tremendous amount of history woven into this amazing tale bringing the whole story to life. If you like symbolic mysteries with a little fantasy and history woven into the story, then this book is for you. After greatly enjoying books such as The Da Vinci Code, I was predisposed to like this book and it certainly did not disappoint. Indeed, a highly recommended read. 5*****
February 14, 2012
Ian Graham, a British television personality, was visiting Rosslyn Chapel to film a documentary when he was transported to Spain in 1307. Perhaps you remember Rosslyn Chapel from the end of The DaVinci Code, if so prepare yourself for more Templar nonsense. The reader follows Graham on his journey across medieval Europe and looks on as he collects biblical treasures such as the Ark of the Covenant and the Holy Grail until he reaches Paris and meets Grand Master De Molay. At that point, an average book, with too much biblical mysticism for my taste, went straight downhill. I’ll avoid giving away the ending in case anyone is interested in reading this Dan Brown knock off and I’ll just say the ending involves time travel and Deoxyribonucleic acid. If you think The DaVinci Code is a great book then you might enjoy this but I think there are too many similarities. If you didn’t like it or only thought it was OK then I would recommend not reading A Song in Stone.
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March 31, 2009A drift in a sea of Templar inspired fact and fiction and inundated with Dan Brown wannabe's the one that surfaces triumphantly is Walter Hunt's A SONG IN STONE. Inspired by an unusual tour of Roslyn Chapel Walter set out to write a novel that drew on his love of history and Masonic background. SONG is however also replete with memorable characters who grow and change as they are put through a time of trials; a wry sense of humor even when things are grim without diffusing the moment and a story that reveals the ancient rites of initiation of the Templar Knights and reaches across the years to bring hope to the modern world.
June 9, 2015
Frequently people like to use the Templars and all the codes and conspiracies around them as an adventure story. Dan Brown's DaVinci Code is the most popular one, but while a rousing tale, it was badly written. This story, A Song in Stone, by Walter H. Hunt, is a better written and more thoughtful. One of the interesting things about it is that rather than superimposing a 21st century mind and outlook onto the Templar lore, Hunt asks the reader to see it all through medieval eyes. So, while it's still a rousing adventure tale, it's also more thoughtful, thought-provoking. And I wanted a sequel when I was done.
November 4, 2015
A Song in Stone was written well and kept me engaged throughout. A mysterious quest with captivating characters - I loved the sense of adventure. The ending could be construed as confusing if you aren't paying close attention - I sometimes went back to re-read certain sections if my my mind began to wander. Incorporates Templar Lore, Time Travel and other sci-fi concepts. I would definitely read more by this author.
April 16, 2009
Overall I liked the book, but honestly it was a slow read for me. I could never quite get swept away in the story line, though I wanted to finish it. The book to me was along the lines of The DaVinci code -- though different enough that it was interesting, and didn't feel as if I had already read it.
September 8, 2011
A rather enjoyable read. Imagine going to work one day and during the course of normal events find yourself thrust 500 years in the past? I enjoyed the journey Hunt took me through though I leave it up to you if he satisfies at the conclusion. If you enjoy mystic journey's and delving into histories unknown traditions you'll enjoy this one.
August 22, 2009
Oh no another Templar's book. This book was slow to start, but the story line kept getting better. Complex story of a 21st century man sent back to 1307 and specifically right before the King of France had Templars killed October 13, 1307.
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October 6, 2008This is the best writing I've ever done so far.
November 12, 2008
I was privileged to blurb this book from and advanced reader copy. Meticulously researched and lyrically written about a subject dear to my heart. Heartily recommended
April 10, 2009
December 2008
June 18, 2009
Interesting in that a modern day man gets transported back to the time of the Templars. Good for people who are interested in learning more about Rossyln chapel, a fascinating place.
October 13, 2011
Walter's best published work. Ask him about mesmerists.
April 23, 2012
A little time travel, a little Crusaders, a little Templars, some old old old cathedrals, monks and murderers. And essential music only one man can hear. Very well written, engaging read!
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews