Indiana Jones and the Philosopher's Stone

[Arab Swordsman]

Hello everyone! I'm new to the boards and wanted to say hi.

Does anyone remember what role the Crystal Skull played in Max McCoy's book IJ and the Philosopher's Stone? I remember it being the prize Indy was looking for at the beginning of the book but I wasn't sure if it played a key part of the story. For some reason's I have Crystalk Skull's on the brain :hat:

[Violet Indy]

Welcome to the Raven, Arab Swordsman!:hat:

Indeed, a Crystal Skull featured prominently in all of Max McCoy's books, not just the beginning of "Philosopher's Stone." It was a continuing storyline throughout his books and the last book, "Secret of the Sphinx" even ended with it. Whether it holds the same power as the one to be featured in KOTCS (I doubt it's the same power/curse) is the question. But, he did get it from South America and that seems to be where Indy is headed in this new movie. Anyway, it wasn't a key element to any of the particular stories' MacGuffins (philosopher's stone, Omega Book) but was key to Indy's character and to his love interest, Alicia and was the element which introduced Belloq and Indy to each other and started their rivalry that we see in Raiders so in the big scheme of things, it was a key to Indy's story.

[Peacock's-Eye]

Just picked up the 4 Max McCoy Indy novels, and have finished IJ&TPS.

Overall, I think it did a great job of recreating the structure and elements from the movies. I enjoyed the historical detail, complexity of the "prize", and the action set pieces.

On the con side: the action wasn't nearly exciting enough - a little editing could have made all the action more memorable. McCoy has a habit of describing things that just happened in the past tense - to keep tension up, it's better to keep everything in an action sequence in the present tense, well, as much as possible.

The character of Alistair (sp?) was weak and underdeveloped.
The climax was muted and unimpressive.
Sarducci should have been kept as a recurring villain.

Apart from that, and a few other quibbles, the book provided me with a few hours of old fashioned escapism. McCoy captures Indy pretty well, expanding on his scholarly and romantic sides. One weakness McCoy shows is in capturing the rapid-fire dialogue of 1930's cinema & pulp literature. Indy should've been a whole lot looser when in his 'adventurer' mode.

But a good start to McCoy's run. I didn't feel the lack of the other, preceding books in the series at all. I've started "Dinosaur Eggs" and it's already a better read with more of the Indy flavor. Should be good.

INDIANA JONES & THE PHILOSOPHER'S STONE
I give it 3 outta 5 Indy's!

:whip: :whip: :whip:

[The Tingler]

I'm just reading it now. Liking it so far. Agree with those cons though.

[Peacock's-Eye]

I'm halfway through the next book "Dinosaur Eggs" - it's much better and an excellent Indy adventure (so far)!

[ddschneider1972]

I accidentally ordered 2 copies of philosopher's stone from amazon in their 3 for 4 promotion. So if anyone wants it for the cost of shipping, pm me.

[ddschneider1972]

the book is spoken for!

[Team Indy]

It sounds like a wonderful book, since I'm interested in seeing how Indy and Belloq became enemies.

[Indy Scout 117]

INDIANA JONES & THE PHILOSOPHER'S STONE
I give it 3 outta 5 Indy's!

:whip: :whip: :whip:

nah see that one was my personal favorite...mccoy is an amazing indy writer.

ill give it 4 1/2 indys

:whip: :whip: :whip: :whip: :gun:

(love the indys whipping at the same time :p lol)

[Morning Bell]

I just finished re-reading this a few days ago and I still think it might just be the best Indy novel. It really feels like something out of the films and the Crystal Skull doesn't play that big of role in the book, although it does continue on in some capacity in McCoy's other books. It's not the same type of skull from the new film but it's neat in its own way and Indy has a strange attraction/fear of it that's neat to see played out.

[Joosse]

Out of the McCoy books I prefer Dinosaur Eggs and Hollow Earth to this one.

But it was still good fun to read!

4 out of five Indy's for me.

:whip: :whip: :whip: :whip: