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Sacrifice Stone
Book by Harris, Elizabeth
382 pages, Paperback
First published September 16, 1996
36 people are currently reading
121 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Harris
7 books27 followersAlso writes as Alys Clare.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
February 8, 2024
The author does a good job telling the story, I just didn't love the story. I'm not sure what drew me to it in the first place. Not my brand of spiritualism. I read to get a feel for the history, but didn't really enjoy it. Of course not all history is pleasant, but this had an odd feel to it.
July 25, 2018
A good story though it does tend to follow the standard routine story line for para-normal experiences of good chap and not so good chap, in this case the girl's brother who true to the era the book is set in exhibits normal male bias of his times. The story is still a good, entertaining read.
October 19, 2019
Elizabeth Harris
I am so happy to have stumbled across this author. A very interesting tale. Very interesting storyline, believable characters and much to think about. Look forward to reading more Elizabeth Harris.
I am so happy to have stumbled across this author. A very interesting tale. Very interesting storyline, believable characters and much to think about. Look forward to reading more Elizabeth Harris.
June 15, 2022
Engaging idea, well-written. The ending could have been better thought out, but an enjoyable read overall.
June 17, 2022
A really different read
Also an interesting take on the past!I thought I knew a lot on the history of that area but I learned so much more.
Also an interesting take on the past!I thought I knew a lot on the history of that area but I learned so much more.
October 23, 2016
This is one of my favourite types of book, a dual timeslip story with a supernatural mystery element. And it didn’t disappoint. I read Elizabeth Harris books many years ago alongside Barbara Erskine because they seemed to offer something similar.
In the present day (or 1996, when the book was published) 29 year old Beth accompanies her older brother Joe to Provence to help him research for his Masters’ thesis in theology. Brought up in a repressed household with her scientific ambitions squashed by her domineering father and no support from her timorous mother, Beth has settled for secretarial work but hints that this has led to better things. Unfortunately Joe has inherited his father’s misogynistic attitude to women – and a good portion of hypocrisy - which leads to clashes between the siblings. Joe’s basis for his thesis is the story of St Theodore, a child martyr killed by Mithraists in the year 175 for his refusal to renounce Christianity, and they have come to the scene of the sacrifice to gather evidence and research surrounded by the atmosphere. Whilst looking around the various sites from the time of Roman occupancy, Beth begins to feel a presence around her. Eventually Beth and Joe meet Adam, a film-maker also in Provence to produce a documentary about the gypsy people of the area, who clashes a bit with Joe, at which point Beth’s presence makes himself visible to her.
As Beth and Adam explore the area and become closer, he begins to behave in a strange manner. It is later revealed that he has also seen the same person and together they decide to investigate who he is and what he wants from them, particularly when it becomes clear to Beth that the gypsy documentary, whilst genuine, is not his primary reason for coming to Provence.
The 1996 sections are told in the third person, but 175 AD in Arles, Provence, is narrated by a former Roman legionary named Sergius. This made me totally relate to him far more than Adam, Joe and Beth. I was interested in their story, but I felt I was seeing it at a distance whereas Sergius captivated me with his dialogue and manner. I really liked him and empathised with him not just because of his story, but the way he told it and how he made us, as readers, aware of his integrity, motivations and reasoning. If I have a criticism, it is that he spoke in a far too modern tone, in an effort by the author to make his narration readable, perhaps. Sergius has had a tragic life owing to the death of his son and the breakdown of his marriage as well as a dark secret from his legionary past. He comes to Arles to work in the administration and comes across Theo, who has been caught robbing from a warehouse and rescues him, but this also causes grave danger to young Theo. A wonderful bond develops between the pair – particularly as Theo has lost his own father at sea – and you can feel the emotion through the pages. I loved reading about Theo and his love for animals, his mother and their relationship.
The descriptions of Arles in the year 175, of the fate of the Christians, the atmosphere of the amphitheatre and life as a legionary in Britain are marvellously brought to vivid reality. It is shadows of this life that Beth and Adam are able to intuit through time, and sense that a miscarriage of justice has taken place almost two thousand years ago. It is their task to put this right but in doing so will undermine the basis of Joe’s thesis. Will it be worth it? Read this and judge for yourself. It finishes with a twist that I hadn’t seen coming, as I thought I knew exactly how it would end; a good mystery read with the right balance of supernatural elements and a hint of romance. 4.75.
In the present day (or 1996, when the book was published) 29 year old Beth accompanies her older brother Joe to Provence to help him research for his Masters’ thesis in theology. Brought up in a repressed household with her scientific ambitions squashed by her domineering father and no support from her timorous mother, Beth has settled for secretarial work but hints that this has led to better things. Unfortunately Joe has inherited his father’s misogynistic attitude to women – and a good portion of hypocrisy - which leads to clashes between the siblings. Joe’s basis for his thesis is the story of St Theodore, a child martyr killed by Mithraists in the year 175 for his refusal to renounce Christianity, and they have come to the scene of the sacrifice to gather evidence and research surrounded by the atmosphere. Whilst looking around the various sites from the time of Roman occupancy, Beth begins to feel a presence around her. Eventually Beth and Joe meet Adam, a film-maker also in Provence to produce a documentary about the gypsy people of the area, who clashes a bit with Joe, at which point Beth’s presence makes himself visible to her.
As Beth and Adam explore the area and become closer, he begins to behave in a strange manner. It is later revealed that he has also seen the same person and together they decide to investigate who he is and what he wants from them, particularly when it becomes clear to Beth that the gypsy documentary, whilst genuine, is not his primary reason for coming to Provence.
The 1996 sections are told in the third person, but 175 AD in Arles, Provence, is narrated by a former Roman legionary named Sergius. This made me totally relate to him far more than Adam, Joe and Beth. I was interested in their story, but I felt I was seeing it at a distance whereas Sergius captivated me with his dialogue and manner. I really liked him and empathised with him not just because of his story, but the way he told it and how he made us, as readers, aware of his integrity, motivations and reasoning. If I have a criticism, it is that he spoke in a far too modern tone, in an effort by the author to make his narration readable, perhaps. Sergius has had a tragic life owing to the death of his son and the breakdown of his marriage as well as a dark secret from his legionary past. He comes to Arles to work in the administration and comes across Theo, who has been caught robbing from a warehouse and rescues him, but this also causes grave danger to young Theo. A wonderful bond develops between the pair – particularly as Theo has lost his own father at sea – and you can feel the emotion through the pages. I loved reading about Theo and his love for animals, his mother and their relationship.
The descriptions of Arles in the year 175, of the fate of the Christians, the atmosphere of the amphitheatre and life as a legionary in Britain are marvellously brought to vivid reality. It is shadows of this life that Beth and Adam are able to intuit through time, and sense that a miscarriage of justice has taken place almost two thousand years ago. It is their task to put this right but in doing so will undermine the basis of Joe’s thesis. Will it be worth it? Read this and judge for yourself. It finishes with a twist that I hadn’t seen coming, as I thought I knew exactly how it would end; a good mystery read with the right balance of supernatural elements and a hint of romance. 4.75.
February 14, 2016
This story was captivating! From the beginning until the end I never put it down because it was so interesting.
This is a story of the past meeting the future and the story that brought the two eras together. The story is divided into parts which offered a glimpse of the story as it was told by the characters whether past or present. In 175 AD a young boy is the pawn for vengeance and a catalyst that will change how the future will remember them all.
Beth, Joe and Adam are three present day individuals whose lives are intertwined with the story of St. Theodore a young boy who legend says became a Christian martyr after being killed by a Roman soldier. Joe is a student of theology and working on his thesis regarding early Christian martyrs especially regarding St. Theodore reputed to have been killed by a Roman soldier who cut his throat which lead to St. Theodore healing throat issues. Beth is Joe’s sister. Beth had always been treated as less important than Joe by their father. Her dreams where always thwarted by her father’s archaic behavior of which Joe mimicked. Beth agreed to travel to France with Joe to help him with his research. It was in France that they met Adam who was working on a film documentary on the Romany Gypseys.
Beth begins to see shadows and images as well as sensing the presences of someone around her. She soon learns that Adam isn’t there solely for the Gypsy research but for the images that a certain Roman soldier has plagued him with. Determined to find the truth, the pair work together regarding the story of St. Theodore and his accused killer.
Sergius Cornelius Aurelius is a Roman soldier in the year 1756. He has known the life of a soldier for most of his life. When his personal life offers tragic loss, he becomes more of a loner. When a chance encounter with a young boy accused of theft, Sergius saves the boy and takes him home. Theodore and Sergius bond more as adopted son and father. Threats from the past soon have Sergius defending his life and his religious beliefs but it becomes apparent too late that Theodore may also be in danger. Sergius reaches across time and beyond death to protect himself and Theodore.
This historical story was filled with imagery of the Roman Empire and how their blood lust was the cause of so many innocents meeting their deaths in the arenas. Christians were sought after as favored sport to the Lions while the Roman citizens cheered. The author depicted this ruthlessness while remaining true historical views of the time period.
I was more enthralled with the parts of the story regarding Sergius and Theodore than the present day characters. The author did a fantastic job of blending the two time periods to create her story.
I received this eBook from Netgalley in exchange for my review.
This is a story of the past meeting the future and the story that brought the two eras together. The story is divided into parts which offered a glimpse of the story as it was told by the characters whether past or present. In 175 AD a young boy is the pawn for vengeance and a catalyst that will change how the future will remember them all.
Beth, Joe and Adam are three present day individuals whose lives are intertwined with the story of St. Theodore a young boy who legend says became a Christian martyr after being killed by a Roman soldier. Joe is a student of theology and working on his thesis regarding early Christian martyrs especially regarding St. Theodore reputed to have been killed by a Roman soldier who cut his throat which lead to St. Theodore healing throat issues. Beth is Joe’s sister. Beth had always been treated as less important than Joe by their father. Her dreams where always thwarted by her father’s archaic behavior of which Joe mimicked. Beth agreed to travel to France with Joe to help him with his research. It was in France that they met Adam who was working on a film documentary on the Romany Gypseys.
Beth begins to see shadows and images as well as sensing the presences of someone around her. She soon learns that Adam isn’t there solely for the Gypsy research but for the images that a certain Roman soldier has plagued him with. Determined to find the truth, the pair work together regarding the story of St. Theodore and his accused killer.
Sergius Cornelius Aurelius is a Roman soldier in the year 1756. He has known the life of a soldier for most of his life. When his personal life offers tragic loss, he becomes more of a loner. When a chance encounter with a young boy accused of theft, Sergius saves the boy and takes him home. Theodore and Sergius bond more as adopted son and father. Threats from the past soon have Sergius defending his life and his religious beliefs but it becomes apparent too late that Theodore may also be in danger. Sergius reaches across time and beyond death to protect himself and Theodore.
This historical story was filled with imagery of the Roman Empire and how their blood lust was the cause of so many innocents meeting their deaths in the arenas. Christians were sought after as favored sport to the Lions while the Roman citizens cheered. The author depicted this ruthlessness while remaining true historical views of the time period.
I was more enthralled with the parts of the story regarding Sergius and Theodore than the present day characters. The author did a fantastic job of blending the two time periods to create her story.
I received this eBook from Netgalley in exchange for my review.
January 2, 2016
The Sacrifice Stone is an enthralling tale that alternates between 175 AD, when Arles was part of the Roman empire and the present day.
Although religion plays an important role within The Sacrifice Stone, this is not a religious novel per se. It is a story about discovering and acknowledging the truth, both about the past and the present. It is a reminder that what seems is not necessarily what is.
St Theodore is believed to be a child martyr, murdered by a Roman legionnaire for refusing to worship Roman gods. The truth, however, is revealed to Beth Leighton, a young woman accompanying her brother on his research trip to France and Adam, a filmmaker they meet while touring Arles. Beth and Adam are drawn together through their visions and their desire to uncover the truth about St. Theodore.
The daughter of a vicar, Beth is used to the misogyny of her father and her brother. To them, women are homemakers and secretaries, and have little purpose outside of this. Despite her background, Beth has confidence in her intellect and insight. Throughout the novel, there is a recurring theme about people perceiving what they want to, rather than what evidence shows. Unlike her brother, Beth looks at things empirically and considers the possibilities.
Elizabeth Harris excels at bringing Roman culture of the time to life. Sergius Cornelius Aurelius is a Roman citizen, an ex-legionnaire who has seen his share of death. The reader sees through his eyes, experiences his life, understands his motivations and concerns.
The descriptions of locations are simply breathtaking. Religion and tolerance are two topics deftly handled.
I was extremely impressed by Elizabeth Harris’s novel. The Sacrifice Stone is beautifully written, and the story is one that easily captures the imagination of the reader.
5/5
I received a copy of The Sacrifice Stone from the publisher and netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review.
—Crittermom
Although religion plays an important role within The Sacrifice Stone, this is not a religious novel per se. It is a story about discovering and acknowledging the truth, both about the past and the present. It is a reminder that what seems is not necessarily what is.
St Theodore is believed to be a child martyr, murdered by a Roman legionnaire for refusing to worship Roman gods. The truth, however, is revealed to Beth Leighton, a young woman accompanying her brother on his research trip to France and Adam, a filmmaker they meet while touring Arles. Beth and Adam are drawn together through their visions and their desire to uncover the truth about St. Theodore.
The daughter of a vicar, Beth is used to the misogyny of her father and her brother. To them, women are homemakers and secretaries, and have little purpose outside of this. Despite her background, Beth has confidence in her intellect and insight. Throughout the novel, there is a recurring theme about people perceiving what they want to, rather than what evidence shows. Unlike her brother, Beth looks at things empirically and considers the possibilities.
Elizabeth Harris excels at bringing Roman culture of the time to life. Sergius Cornelius Aurelius is a Roman citizen, an ex-legionnaire who has seen his share of death. The reader sees through his eyes, experiences his life, understands his motivations and concerns.
The descriptions of locations are simply breathtaking. Religion and tolerance are two topics deftly handled.
I was extremely impressed by Elizabeth Harris’s novel. The Sacrifice Stone is beautifully written, and the story is one that easily captures the imagination of the reader.
5/5
I received a copy of The Sacrifice Stone from the publisher and netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review.
—Crittermom
January 6, 2016
A brother and sister with some pretty egregious issues go to Provence to research the brother's thesis paper. He wants to study an obscure Saint, a child, who had lingered in the background until a young girl said that she witnessed a revelation.
They meet up with another man from England and soon the divisions between brother and sister and the links between her and the stranger send both of them down paths they might never have imagined.
The new twosome share a "haunting". A Roman, the one accused through time of murdering the young Saint, appears to both of them and compels them to dig deeper into the story to exonerate him.
The book goes back and forth from modern day to 175AD when the story of the Roman and the child occurred.
The reader is swept up in both stories and comes to care about the characters on both sides of the time continuum. They do uncover the truth as the girl's tale of visions is dismissed. There is a more than satisfying end to the two stories, one that surprised and delighted.
Definite recommendation if you are a fan of historical novels, particularly if you enjoy ones of Roman times. Even if you do not, it's still an enjoyable read.
They meet up with another man from England and soon the divisions between brother and sister and the links between her and the stranger send both of them down paths they might never have imagined.
The new twosome share a "haunting". A Roman, the one accused through time of murdering the young Saint, appears to both of them and compels them to dig deeper into the story to exonerate him.
The book goes back and forth from modern day to 175AD when the story of the Roman and the child occurred.
The reader is swept up in both stories and comes to care about the characters on both sides of the time continuum. They do uncover the truth as the girl's tale of visions is dismissed. There is a more than satisfying end to the two stories, one that surprised and delighted.
Definite recommendation if you are a fan of historical novels, particularly if you enjoy ones of Roman times. Even if you do not, it's still an enjoyable read.
May 23, 2016
Elizabeth Harris' The Sacrifice Stone reminded me a lot M.J. Rose, in a way, but at the same time not. While M.J. Rose's books have more mystery and horror and romance, this book was more about religion and relationships and customs.
There are two stories - Beth and Adam's story and Sergius story. Beth and Adam are trying to understand why this Roman in toga is following them, why he is showing them places and things. Sergius is telling his side of the "st. Theodor's" story.
Through all this story, it was difficult to understand at whit time the "present day" we were dealing with, since sometimes Joe and Beth acted and talked like it was 50's, another place was like in 70's and another time like 90's, it was so confusing.
And the ending of the story ... all this dramatic built up didn't take us anywhere, no big reveal, no universal understanding, just Adam's speech draft and nothing more.
In a way it was interesting, but in a way the story was unfinished.
There are two stories - Beth and Adam's story and Sergius story. Beth and Adam are trying to understand why this Roman in toga is following them, why he is showing them places and things. Sergius is telling his side of the "st. Theodor's" story.
Through all this story, it was difficult to understand at whit time the "present day" we were dealing with, since sometimes Joe and Beth acted and talked like it was 50's, another place was like in 70's and another time like 90's, it was so confusing.
And the ending of the story ... all this dramatic built up didn't take us anywhere, no big reveal, no universal understanding, just Adam's speech draft and nothing more.
In a way it was interesting, but in a way the story was unfinished.
January 8, 2016
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Switching between the Arles ruled by the Romans in 175 AD and the present day, this is a well written historical novel with believable characters. The "haunting" by the accused Roman is particularly enthralling and makes for good reading.
Switching between the Arles ruled by the Romans in 175 AD and the present day, this is a well written historical novel with believable characters. The "haunting" by the accused Roman is particularly enthralling and makes for good reading.
October 21, 2012
this was an amazing book i really enjoyed it, not what i expected, i loved how it flicked between the past and the present
February 24, 2016
Excellent
I loved this book. All the words were described so clearly I felt I was there living it with the characters. I didn't want this book to end.
I loved this book. All the words were described so clearly I felt I was there living it with the characters. I didn't want this book to end.
February 18, 2016
Pleasantly surprised with this book. It is a very engaging read and brilliantly written.
April 26, 2016
Haunting and mysterious.
An excellent book, that captures historical details with romance & mystery. Joe's change of behaviour is unexpected given his prospective calling.
An excellent book, that captures historical details with romance & mystery. Joe's change of behaviour is unexpected given his prospective calling.
January 15, 2017
Apart from the contemporary sections where the language could be outdated, and the very annoying character of Joe, I really enjoyed this.
I didn't expect the ending to be how it turned out either.
I didn't expect the ending to be how it turned out either.
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March 19, 2019Very enjoyable and a good plot which wasn’t always predictable.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews