Jack S. (jack1) reviewed on 9/10/2010 + 67 more book reviews

This is the first Steve Berry book I have read--I liked it and will read more. Its classified as a thriller, and I suppose it is, but it is intelligent and well written. There are multi-level stories, all intertwined, of course. Our action takes place in cities across Europe, the Middle East, and Washington, D.C.

The story line is good, relatively realistic, and involves not only the protagonist, but includes participation by his ex-wife and son in the action, as well as many other parties. What was fun was the treasure hunt following clues across the continents in search of the lost Library of Alexandria. Berry interplays fact with fiction to move the plot along and leaves it to the reader to decide how much we might want to believe. While there is some violence, it is minimized without the usual blow by blow description, which I have come to appreciate, when so many current writers think it necessary to report how much blood has been shed or how many times the hero can be beaten up and still rise phoenix-like to best his enemy. Also rewarding, it was not overridden with foul language or vulgarity (can only think of a couple of instances with mild words and no real obscenities). Perhaps that is my peculiarityusing the language in private but preferring not to have it fill the written page because the writer is not skillful enough to think of better words.

Mr. Berry does add notes at the end discussing the facts and theories on which he based the novel. If you have not read Steve Berry before, you might try this one.

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