Having read several of the Sharpe series, I'm familiar with Cornwell's style and yes, formula. When Cornwell sticks to his formula; the slightly clueless protagonist, treachery, intrigue, action and attention to historical (or pre-historical) detail, the pages fly. When he dwells on the construction of the temple(s), things slow down, albeit remaining interesting. Still, the juxtapositions give the narrative some incongruity.

Largely because of the ambitious scope of the novel, I was hoping to find something more redeeming than Cornwell's usual superficially entertaining read. Though Camaban freely admits his sorcery is nothing more than hype, intimidation and competent medical practices, he is still obsessed with the gods and his attempts to force them to his will. Saban, while not daring to blaspheme, relies more on his wits and common sense than on his society's superstition; qualities that at times make him look less than corageous but allow him to survive and eventually prevail. This disparity between the two brothers leaves plenty of room for speculation on what Cornwell may, or may not be trying to say about human nature, religion and civilization's present state.

'Stonehenge' will not be remembered as Cornwell's Magnum Opus. As it is, we're simply left with another quality outing from one of historical fiction's best.

I really, really wanted to love this book. It's about the building of Stonehenge, and pagans in old England, so I thought it would be perfect for me. Unfortunately, it was one of the most boring books I ever read.

There is just nothing interesting about this book. Lots of people are evil, lots of people age really fast, and nothing is described well. I don't even have that much to say about it. I just thought it was incredibly boring and a tad gross. And why are the gold bars always being described as lozanges?!!

Two stars. I can't really recommend this to anyone.

I had read four of Cornwell's more recent books before picking up Stonehenge. It seems that he has improved greatly over time, because this earlier work is not up to the the level of his later efforts. The plot jerks along in fits and starts. The hero, Saban, has difficulty foreseeing what is obvious to any reader, and constantly gets into fixes that could easily have been avoided. Unless you are trying to complete your list of Cornwell books, avoid this and stick to his later works.

Many of my fellow reviewers seem to revile the main protagonist of this book for not being a true "hero". Perhaps this is due to the "manly" nature of other of Bernard Cornwell's protagonists of whom they are fans. Of that, I cannot judge, since this was the first Cornwell novel I have read. I do feel, however, that readers should bare in mind that Cornwell ensures that we know that while Saban is not your standard "butch" hero, it is through his efforts (both physical and mental) and through his diplomatic approach to the largely slave workforce labouring on the project, that the monument gets built at all.

For me, therefore, Saban is a precursor of "new age man". He is far more considerate to those around him, he is a respecter of women, a hater of cruelty and barbarism. Surely those are truly heroic characteristics which mark Saban out from the mere fanatical power seekers around him. Yes, he may be seen as a passive victim in some of the early scenes, but in making him such a victim, yet in ensuring that when he is forced to kill his antagonists he is not driven by mere revenge, Cornwell seems to be ennobling him above his ruthless brothers. In our modern world of terrorist martyrs, I think we need more heroes like Saban, willing to live for their ideals, rather than kill or die for them.