1. The opening sequence was, I feel, meant to mimic the opening of Raiders in an attempt at a tie-in - Maybe Indy doesn't have much luck at procuring Skull Artifacts? But unfortunately it felt more like jungle re-tread than new territory.

2. Evidently Indiana Jones can't find anyone but Redheads to fall for. This seems to be a common thread amongst all three Authors of this series. I mean, I like a good Redhead as much as the next guy, but come on! Not to mention I felt that McCoy was trying too hard to make Alecia Dunstin an independent, free-willed type rather than a three-dimensional character.

3. I really liked the Sarducci character and felt that he was a good solid character with plenty of background, etc. But Alistair Dunstin was cardboard at best. He was really a disappointment after waiting the entire novel to meet him. Not to mention the fact that McCoy foreshadowed him too much. You knew what he was going to do before he did.

4. The book just ended. I can't really say that I appreciate books that just end. Even though the next book, Indiana Jones and the Dinosaur Eggs, pretty well picks up where Philosopher's Stone leaves off, the book built you up until the end and then just kind of petered out in a Deus Ex Machination. On a side note, Alistair Dunstin's last act, in an attempt at repentance, was lame at best and most definitely out of character.

As I said before, overall it is a good book. If you are an Indiana Jones fan and a fan of the books in particular, I would definitely recommend this book. It will entertain you for the few hours it takes to read it.


To say the absolute least, WOW!   March 25, 2000
 1 out of 1 found this review helpful

I could not believe how fabulous this book was! I was truly amazed! Max Mycoy is a FABULOUS author, and catches all the great aspects of Indy and even Marcus Brody and Sallah. I loved the character Alecia, she was the perfect character to go along with Indy. The villian, Sarducci, reminded me of a cross between Belloq and the man in black from Raiders, EVIL! Mycoy also was able to add that humor in parts where it wasn't expected, which made it seem as if Ford was jumping from the pages I really enjoyed this book, It's a hands down MUST buy! The Prolouge was SOOOOO amazing, that that alone will URGE you to read on, believe me...this book is AMAZING!


Indy and the Philosopher's Stone: Everything you'd expect   October 30, 1997
 1 out of 1 found this review helpful

This was an absolutely terrific book. Max McCoy is, in my opinion, the best author so far in the Indiana Jones novel series. Here he captures the true spirit of the movies, from Indy's daredevil ride on the OUTSIDE of a 1930's airship to his climactic desert showdown with cruel Italian Facists for the possession of the fabled Philosopher's Stone. Sallah makes a welcome appearance in this book (I hope he'll show up again in some future novel), and Alecia, Indy's female companion this time around, is the best he's ever had. In either the books OR the movies (sorry, Marian and Deirdre, but...). It saddens you to know that their relationship is doomed, but at the same time you can always hope. So while you wait eagerly for Indiana Jones IV to come out in theaters, you can wisely quench your thirst for his adventures by picking up a copy of this book. Don't miss it. Hat's off to McCoy.


Philosopher's Stone Mediocre   February 26, 2003
 1 out of 2 found this review helpful

When I read a book or watch a movie, one of the things I value most is plot. Philosopher's Stone, however, ran quite short when it comes to that. The overall plot was recycled from the matierial of the trilogy and glued onto these pages. Reading the first chapter was like reading a junior novelization of Raiders. At least I thought it could be redeemed in the areas of what I love most about Indy, adventure, romance, and the overall fun that is Indiana Jones. But again, Max McCoy fell terribly short in these areas and left you with a sinking feeling that you are reading this just for love of Indy.
I am an avid IJ fan, but if you want a good philosophers stone book, read Harry Potter.