Reviews

Indiana Jones et la Pierre Philosophale by Max McCoy

lapigeon's review against another edition

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adventurous medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? N/A
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

One of the better Indiana Jones adventure novels, but still not quite at the quality of the movies. Still a fun time all around though.

timgonsalves's review against another edition

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3.5

Most of what you want from an Indy adventure, all in a nice, quick, and fun packages. Plotting can be a bit slapdash, but still solid.

How Indy is it...
10/10 - Somehow, this is essentially the first book to actually try to replicate the films themselves. We have a prologue adventure, globtrotting thrills, booby trapped temples, a love interest, fascist baddies, Marcus and Sallah, an ancient McGuffin, and a supernatural tinged finale. Any reservations are more nitpicks than anything.

aceofknaves88's review against another edition

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3.0

Having read several of these Indiana Jones prequel novels already, it's safe to say this isn't one of my favorites. I got confused in a lot of parts over which Italian character was which and much of the plot was quite plodding compared to what you would expect from an Indiana Jones adventure. Even the subject of the quest, The Philosopher's Stone, isn't all that interesting. Still, it wasn't terrible and is worth reading if you're an Indy enthusiast like I am.

bethanharcourt's review against another edition

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3.0

An interesting take on everything. I liked it.

verkisto's review against another edition

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3.0

McCoy is a relief to read after Caidin's two entries into the series. The author has a better understanding of what the character is about, and he seems to have a better idea of what makes a good Indy story. Here, he's after the philosopher's stone, but McCoy brings in the Voynich Manuscript to add the usual mystical angle, and honestly, it feels a lot like an entry into the movie series.

To be fair, that could be because he borrows a lot of plot and imagery from both Raiders of the Lost Ark and Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, but I guess that's what readers of the series are looking for. The book still isn't a top-of-the-line genre read, but I'm guessing people who start reading the series aren't looking for those kinds of books here.

jedi_indyjones's review against another edition

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4.0

Indiana Jones, the famed professor of archeology, is once again thrust into adventure, pitting him against the fascist Mussolini followers in a race to capture the fabled philosopher’s stone. There are some excellent elements in this book to make it feel like a legit Indiana Jones adventure. McCoy does a great job at characterizing Indy’s personality. He also gets the formula just right by balancing the action, suspense, and the romance – essential for an Indy adventure! In the book we travel with Indy to Guatemala, New Jersey, New York, London, Italy, and Libya. If you can’t travel because of your budget, pick up and Indiana Jones adventure. Max McCoy is one of the best Indy writers for sure.

aceofknaves88's review against another edition

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3.0

Having read several of these Indiana Jones prequel novels already, it's safe to say this isn't one of my favorites. I got confused in a lot of parts over which Italian character was which and much of the plot was quite plodding compared to what you would expect from an Indiana Jones adventure. Even the subject of the quest, The Philosopher's Stone, isn't all that interesting. Still, it wasn't terrible and is worth reading if you're an Indy enthusiast like I am.

infoservicesmark's review against another edition

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1.0

Cliche after cliche - waste of time.
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