The Egyptian (Dominic Grey, #2)

Apr 16, 2013 Bob Milne rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: archaeology

With his second novel in The Dominic Grey Series, Layton Green not only fulfills the potential of the first volume, he gives me precisely the story I had been anticipating for so long. The Egyptian is a stellar read, one that combines elements of Indiana Jones, Dirk Pitt, Robert Langdon, and Aloysius Pendergast. It nicely balances the conflicting themes of science and religion, teasing the reader with glimmers of each, and maintaining the potential for either one to commandeer the text.

It all be...more With his second novel in The Dominic Grey Series, Layton Green not only fulfills the potential of the first volume, he gives me precisely the story I had been anticipating for so long. The Egyptian is a stellar read, one that combines elements of Indiana Jones, Dirk Pitt, Robert Langdon, and Aloysius Pendergast. It nicely balances the conflicting themes of science and religion, teasing the reader with glimmers of each, and maintaining the potential for either one to commandeer the text.

It all begins with a clandestine hand off of stolen goods in the City of the Dead, a mysterious test tube contained within a ridiculously well-protected box. Before long, Dominic Grey finds himself hired by the CEO from whom the substance was stolen, not to recover it, but simply to determine where it was taken. It's an odd case right from the start, marked by an eccentric Egyptian gentleman in green robes, with an ornate golden disk around his neck. The obscure mythology connected to that disk, and the historical secrets it leads Viktor Radek (Dominic's employer) are half of the story, paired with the very real science of aging and immortality that lies behind the test tube.

This is a story of conflicted loyalties, tenuous alliances, and more than one betrayal. Green takes us across the world and back, from the streets of Manhattan, to the sands of the Sahara, to the mountains of Bulgaria. While the story moves too quickly to really get us involved in the settings, the details are more than sufficient to help carry us along. The juxtaposition of mummies in a Manhattan park, religious cults in a high tech science lab, and well-armed goons in the depths of a desert cave creates an excitement all on its own, while playing with the story's themes.

In terms of storytelling, this second book is a bit more accessible, marked by multiple POV characters. It allows Green to expand the story and to add some much-appreciated depth, without straining the credibility of Dominic's travel. We see a bit more of Victor, a man whom I suspect could carry a story on his own, if given the chance, and are introduced to the likes of Veronica (a UN investigative reporter), Jax (an ethical sort of mercenary), and Stefan (a scientist full of secrets). There's a great mystery at the core of the novel, and Green maintains the suspense throughout, never tipping his hand until the very end. There's a lot of action and adventure as well, of course, which keeps the pacing tight.

Behind all of the mystery, the action, the adventure, and the romanticism is a very serious exploration of life, death, and what we'll do to keep the two as far from one another as possible. Nearly all of the main characters are haunted by the death or sickness of a loved one, providing them with motives and justifications that blur the line between hero and villain. If you're up for a solid adventure that has a bit more brains than your average thriller, and appreciate a hero who is strong, realistic, and vulnerable, then give this series a shot - you won't regret it.

Originally reviewed at Beauty in Ruins(less)

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Dec 22, 2011 Heather rated it 3 of 5 stars

Last year I reviewed Layton Green's first novel, The Summoner. In it, Green introduces us to Dominic Grey, a former member of the US diplomatic services security. While stationed in Zimbabwe, Grey is drawn into the mysterious disappearance of a US diplomat, and its connection to a ju-ju priest who seems to be able to do the impossible. This year I was lucky enough to be asked to review his next book, The Egyptian.

When I reviewed Green's first book, I said that while I thought there were some pac...more Last year I reviewed Layton Green's first novel, The Summoner. In it, Green introduces us to Dominic Grey, a former member of the US diplomatic services security. While stationed in Zimbabwe, Grey is drawn into the mysterious disappearance of a US diplomat, and its connection to a ju-ju priest who seems to be able to do the impossible. This year I was lucky enough to be asked to review his next book, The Egyptian.

When I reviewed Green's first book, I said that while I thought there were some pacing and exposition issues, I was excited to see where Grey's story went as the series continues. I was not disappointed. Green has taken Grey out of the Diplomatic Security Service-which I think allows for more flexibility in storylines over time-and has him working with Professor Viktor Radek investigating cults and mysterious, seemingly magical events around the globe. In The Egyptian, Radek and Grey are called in by a biomedical company to recover stolen research into a life extension product that could literally make humans almost immortal. But all is not what it seems-when Grey and an investigative reporter begin to uncover the location of the stolen research, they witness the slaughter of a team of scientists, which leads them to believe that the biotech company is somehow behind the violence. Drawn by their investigation to Egypt, they discover an ancient cult intent on controlling who is bestowed eternal life.

One of my favorite phrases for someone who seems to be feeling at the top of their game is "in the pocket". Green has found his groove with this series, and The Egyptian felt much more "in the pocket" that The Summoner. While there is less about Grey's back story in this book, there is enough to keep you interested in him as a character. The story moves from America to Europe to a lost oasis in the Sahara, making for a lot of globe-trotting action. The information about the immortality cult, and the science behind anti-aging, was presented in such a way that I felt like I learned a lot without being lectured at, and it was well-placed in the overall arc of the story. I am so glad that this series is shaping up the way it is...smart thrillers for people who like their action with some cognitive stimulation!

Thanks for Layton for giving me an advanced preview copy. You can get it in Kindle or Nook version from his website, www.laytongreen.com.(less)

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Nov 19, 2011 Book Him Danno rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2011, books-sent-by-author-publisher-for

At first I wasn't a fan of the Dominic Grey, the lead character, because I felt like the author pushed him to be this broken man without giving a reason but I soon realized this was a sequel to another book and Dominic Grey made a lot more sense. I loved that the author never once changed Dominic Gray to be this super hero, he was a trained former military man who did his best to right wrongs. Dominic Grey’s employer Viktor Radek I felt could have been the humor needed in the book or at least s...more At first I wasn't a fan of the Dominic Grey, the lead character, because I felt like the author pushed him to be this broken man without giving a reason but I soon realized this was a sequel to another book and Dominic Grey made a lot more sense. I loved that the author never once changed Dominic Gray to be this super hero, he was a trained former military man who did his best to right wrongs. Dominic Grey’s employer Viktor Radek I felt could have been the humor needed in the book or at least someone to help release the tension that kept building but he was more for background information and he was very boring.

I love that the author has done his research with the different elements, locations and environment when it came to the theory of Elixir of Life and the different alchemist. I feel like he did more than just a Wikipedia search on the subject.

Nomti was extremely frightening and even gave me chills and I would love to ask the author if he is based on someone he knew. It seems like with all books that the main bad man intentions were never evil, but start off as a desire to do good, only end up consuming him until he can't see right from wrong. There were two scientist that were looking for the elixir of life, one wanted to save the life he loved and the other wanted to make profit. I love that I had no idea who it was until the end of the book.

The female lead Veronica is a journalist for the WHO. She wanted the story but instead fell in love with Grey who was unable to love. She was a strong female character without being annoying and the author created a woman, women could relate to and men wanted to be with.

I found this book to be a mix of Clive Clusser and Jack Du Brul expect without the fun those authors added to their books. Layton is a good adventure writer and he paints the scene so vivid you feel like you are walking the streets of Cairo or NYC.

What I didn't like about the book was the lack of humor that I feel was needed to release some of the tension that kept building and abruptly ended. In the last chapter of the book I felt like the author needed an ending and quickly wrote it like a one hour TV show. Half way through the book the swearing picked up and I felt like it was so out of place almost as if someone else was writing the scenes. There was sex in the book, it wasn't out of place and as I like to put it " the author closed the door."

The question I found myself asking after I finished the book was " If I could live forever would I want to?" No. Everyone and everything has a time a season. Yes I would love to be young and beautiful forever, but I do not want to live forever.
Thanks Heidi(less)

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Sep 07, 2011 Blood Rose Books rated it 4 of 5 stars

The sequel to Layton Green's Dominic Grey Series The Summoner, you will want to read the first book in the series The Summoner before you read this books as it explains how Grey became part of the private investigator business and the relationships that Grey has developed.

In the Egyptian Green ventures into a cult that has been around since the rise of man who is on the search for eternal life and will stop at nothing to find it.

Dominic does not know what to make of his life after Africa. He wa...more The sequel to Layton Green's Dominic Grey Series The Summoner, you will want to read the first book in the series The Summoner before you read this books as it explains how Grey became part of the private investigator business and the relationships that Grey has developed.

In the Egyptian Green ventures into a cult that has been around since the rise of man who is on the search for eternal life and will stop at nothing to find it.

Dominic does not know what to make of his life after Africa. He was rebuffed by Nya, who he thought was the one person who understood him but now he finds himself in Manhattan, alone. However, Viktor has a job for Grey, a purpose that he hopes will help to take his mind off the past events that he is unable to forget. The job seems simple enough, though he is not getting too much information from his employed; find a test tube that has been stolen from his laboratories as it is the key to his research. Grey delves into the world to science cults and the need to search for eternal life. But what Grey does not know that this type of research cult has appeared in some form since the dawn of Man and that people throughout the centuries are willing to do anything to live forever, even if it means leaving bodies in their wake.

This book had me hooked from the opening chapter, with the reintroduction of Grey and with the mysterious happening within an Egyptian graveyard. I did not realize how much I missed reading about Grey till the book was in my hands, I needed to know more and know what was going to happen next. Green has a great ability to mold a great thriller novel with a touch of supernatural aspect, and make it feel that the supernatural aspect could be true. With lots of mystery, suspense and thrills, The Egyptian will not disappoint readers.

The one thing that really stands out about Green is his ability to create several well rounded and realistic characters within his books. He has his main characters but his secondary characters are also well developed. You feel like you not only get to know all the characters both the good guys and the bad guys, that you get more than one side of the story, which makes the twists and turns all that more interesting

I think that the partnership of Grey and Viktor is a great thing, they both have strengths and weaknesses that compliment each other. Though I do hope in future novel we get to see more of Viktor's fighting style just based off the sword like knife that he likes to carry. I liked that Green developed Grey's character further by showing the reader further aspects of his past and his struggle to come to terms with what happen in Africa and Nya and really what is his purpose in life and where is he going. I also enjoyed that we got to see Grey use more of his jujitsu training and it seems accurate from my sources about the abilities that Green portrays within the book. I just really like Grey as a character overall, everything I want as a main male character, tough, serious, able to fight with a touch of a sensitive side.

In the first one it was a little slow when the explaining of the Juju religious aspect. This book I did get a little lost in the biological aspect in the book. I understood most of it, but it has been a few years since I took a biology class, so at times it was a little overwhelming. However, I understand Green's need to explain the medical side of things, as it adds more context and importance to the product and just proves the research that he did. It did not take from my overall enjoyment of the book, just created that a little bit of a slow part.

If you are looking for a great read I recommend Green's Dominic Grey Series. It is well written, with well developed plot and character, with lost of action mystery and suspense that will keep you coming back for more. Green is a author to watch out for and to mark on your calender when his next book is going to come out.

All I can say is I want more Dominic Grey.
Enjoy!!!(less)

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Aug 29, 2011 Al rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: kindle, read-2011

Typically a book series will have a formula of some kind. Formula, in this instance, isn’t intended to imply a value judgment, either positive or negative, but some common elements. It takes a sequence of three in math to determine the pattern. It may be a fool’s game for me to attempt to determine the common elements in this series after reading just two books, but I’m going to try to identify them, at least the obvious ones.

Since Dominic Grey’s employer, Viktor Radek, specializes in religion a...more

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Aug 29, 2011 Leslie rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: action, book-reviews, adventure, fiction, hope, futuristic-science-fiction, romance, mystery, science-fiction-fantasy, spiritual, thriller

Article first published as Book Review: The Egyptian by Layton Green on Blogcritics.

Searching for the ever-elusive fountain of youth has driven different governments, factions and cults for centuries trying to find that special liquid that can hold off the effect of aging. In The Egyptian by Layton Green, he takes us into the ever interesting and precise world of scientific facts and experiments, with an analytical eye towards the verbiage and histories of the different sciences.

As he takes his...more Article first published as Book Review: The Egyptian by Layton Green on Blogcritics.

Searching for the ever-elusive fountain of youth has driven different governments, factions and cults for centuries trying to find that special liquid that can hold off the effect of aging. In The Egyptian by Layton Green, he takes us into the ever interesting and precise world of scientific facts and experiments, with an analytical eye towards the verbiage and histories of the different sciences.

As he takes his wonderful and exciting protagonist, Dominic Grey, now working for Professor Viktor Radik in his religious investigations, we take a quick and marvelous journey into the unknown. With Radik involved in his own work, Grey as his partner is engaged to retrieve a missing item that has disappeared from a corporation. At this point after his most recent investigation where he and several others including Radik and Nya, the woman he loved, ended up in the hands of a madman, this seemed to be just a routine job. Ready for anything that would take his mind off Nya and the despair he felt, he needed the distraction. She was no longer returning his calls or emails, and while he understood, it hurt in a way for which he was unprepared.

His initial impression of those he would be working for seemed a bit odd. The bodyguard of Al-Miri, the man who was filling him in on the theft, was only 5 feet tall and almost as wide, appearing as though he may have been a body builder at some point in his life. He also sported an abnormal growth on his back and Grey had a difficult time keeping his eyes from tracking back to him during his discussion of the case. He exuded a kind of flatness, a lack of caring, and he made Grey uncomfortable. Heading out and beginning the investigation, he found himself in the middle of a protest at the biotech lab he decided to check with. It is here, at this lab and protest that he runs into woman, one who would become a vital part of his investigation as he moved forward. Veronica Brown a reporter for the UN is also hot on the trail of the different genetics and DNA testing going on with the different biotech laboratories, following the different stories and reporting the news. She immediately senses a story attached to Grey and is determined to follow it to the source.

What began as the tracking a missing object becomes a mystery into the very fabric of longevity, and the history into the beginnings of alchemy and the lives of the gods and goddesses of Egyptian lore. Radik becomes involved as the genre becomes more to what his own investigations involve and they find that they are searching for something that is not supposed to be. The vial that has disappeared is rumored to carry some of the very water, which is known to prolong life. As the search moves on, Grey finds the lab holding the sample, but even as he begins to understand and come to enjoy the company of the scientist involved, he finds that his client is not only intent on retrieving the vial but in erasing anyone that has knowledge of its content.

As death and destruction begin to follow, he is again brought into contact with the bodyguard he had only previously met briefly, small but powerful, Nomti is also adept at and enjoys torture, just for the sake of watching the pain. As Grey and those traveling with him try to escape the clutches of those who will stop at nothing to hide their agenda, we are taken into the labyrinth of secret societies and the mysteries that men have killed for since the beginning of time.

This is a well-written and absorbing tale, full of twists and turns that keep you guessing. What is really in the vial and can it really do what some are saying? The characters are at once charismatic or evil and the dialogue is exceptional. Green has delivered another story that takes us to a place outside our comfort zone, and puts us right in the middle of the conflict. The story melds into the perfect scenarios that flow together flawlessly, taking you into the story along with the characters, sharing their pains and fears. As smooth and flowing as the story is, it seems as though Green himself was a part of those involved. The intrigue was great and the science written in a style that was easily digestible.

I would recommend this book for those that enjoy action and adventure. It would also please those who like a bit of science fiction or fantasy, and some great history as well. This would be a great book club choice or one for a discussion group. Green has written this one for your library, to pick up and read over and over.

This book was recieved as a free download from the author. All opinions are my own based off my reading and understanding of the material.
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Aug 28, 2011 1000 + rated it 5 of 5 stars

My Blurb:

Dominic Grey is starting his first case under his employ of Viktor Radek, a private investigator specializing in Cults, and can't help but to feel unease as his Client appears to be more than he seems.

His job is to find a test tube that was stolen from an Egyptian Bio-Tech Firm and retrieve it.

As Dominic delves into the case of the missing test tube he finds more than he bargained for and suddenly the hunter is being hunted. Time is running out for Dominic and his crew as the sands of t...more

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Aug 28, 2011 Grace Krispy rated it 4 of 5 stars

Written by Layton Green, this is the second book in the Dominic Grey series. As with the first book, this story takes you into an incredible new world and offers plenty of information along the way. The details in this story point to thorough researching skills on the part of the author. I found the story quite engaging, although the beginning dragged for me a bit as the author set up the starting points of the various characters. It felt a little disconnected, although I knew it would all flow...more Written by Layton Green, this is the second book in the Dominic Grey series. As with the first book, this story takes you into an incredible new world and offers plenty of information along the way. The details in this story point to thorough researching skills on the part of the author. I found the story quite engaging, although the beginning dragged for me a bit as the author set up the starting points of the various characters. It felt a little disconnected, although I knew it would all flow together as I read on. One thing I appreciated was that the romance added to the storyline rather than overshadowed it. In other words, it fit the natural flow of the story. From the information provided, I was able to discern the major characters’ motivations throughout the story. I like that enough details were given to let me finish connecting a few dots on my own.

The main part of the story flows really well. This author is a master at seamlessly weaving additional information into a fiction story that is both enthralling and thought-provoking. We are taken on an incredible journey, and given just enough time to relax and take a breath and learn something new before we’re whisked off again. Although the format is a bit formulaic, there was nothing really predictable about this book. It’s a format that works with this genre of novel. I didn’t know what was going to happen next, but I knew it was going to be exciting.

Although most of the story was perfectly paced, the epilogue of the book dragged for me. Just as each character is solidly planted in the beginning of the story, their experiences after the climax of the story are also described. It felt a bit like when you have a conversation with someone, get the answers you need, and then think you’re finished…oh, but wait, but there’s just one more thing.. oh yeah, and I forgot to say this… and did I mention this? I would have liked a more succinct epilogue, perhaps just focusing on the Egyptian. Luckily, the rest of the book is so strong and engaging, it was a small price to pay.

Overall, a highly recommended thriller. Layton Green is certainly showing himself to be a very talented author, and he’s on my list of authors to watch. I look forward to the next installment in this series!

4.5 stars Complete review @ GraceKrispy's MotherLode review blog(less)

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Aug 28, 2011 aobibliophile™ rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

"While death and darkness girdle me I grope for immortality." — Lionel Johnson

after resigning from his job as Diplomatic Security Agent and leaving Zimbabwe, Dominic Grey teams up with Religious Phenomenology Professor Viktor Radek. their new assignment takes them from Manhattan to Bulgaria and to a mysterious desert region of one of the world's great cradles of civilization - Egypt.
meeting Grey and Viktor for the second time was like a reunion with old friends. catching up with their latest exp...more

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Aug 27, 2011 Nancy rated it 3 of 5 stars

Who wouldn’t like to stop aging; even possibly regress a bit? Of course you would! And so would the men in Layton’s Green’s newest novel The Egyptian. It’s the lengths these men are willing to go to that separates you from them.
Dominic Grey is working for a man named Viktor who is in charge of religious phenomenology and is getting a crash course in all this “odd.” Odd being a silver tube which was stolen from its maker and given into the hands of someone who shouldn’t have it – ever.
Dominic has...more

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Aug 27, 2011 Lisa at Adventures of 2.0 added it

"All of this, he thought, all of us: the saintly and the damned, the genetic mutations and the flawless, the sparkling stars of society and the forlorn crust of the world, forgotten, doomed and legion. We have this ineffable gift of life, and we will never understand it. But we are here, we are alive, we are eternal for every minute of the day."

This is what you get when you combine Indiana Jones with Ludlum’s Jason Borne; high octane action from scientific discoveries breaking ethical boundaries...more "All of this, he thought, all of us: the saintly and the damned, the genetic mutations and the flawless, the sparkling stars of society and the forlorn crust of the world, forgotten, doomed and legion. We have this ineffable gift of life, and we will never understand it. But we are here, we are alive, we are eternal for every minute of the day."

This is what you get when you combine Indiana Jones with Ludlum’s Jason Borne; high octane action from scientific discoveries breaking ethical boundaries to violent cults who will stop at nothing to keep their secrets. You’ve got corporate espionage to myths about the search for eternal life to shady deals in cemeteries, and of course, good old fashioned mummies ready to bash your brains in. The story also ropes in an investigative journalist and a mercenary along for the bumpy ride.

This novel seems to echo that the point that Shelley made in her novel Frankenstein; that maybe some truths are not meant to be known, and committing ‘a divine trespass’ can have its repercussions. Like their predecessor, Dr. Frankenstein, the scientists in the Green’s novel learn that everything has it’s price. This search for truth and identity pervades all aspects of Green’s novel; Grey, who is still haunted by the events that took place in Zimbabwe envies the communities around him that seem to have no problem defining themselves. He is a man apart with no real identity and with his own bundle of moral codes. And once again his grip on reality will be shaken as his new case forces him to face the unknown. Just in case you missed the whole identity and spirituality issue, Grey funnily enough has a taste for Herman Hesse novels. Herman Hesse is a late 19th to early 20th century German writer and painter who dealt with issues like self knowledge and spirituality.

Viktor Radek, Grey’s employer and cult expert, seems not to have any of Grey’s issues, he is quite singular in his attempt to uncover life’s mysteries. Which, in a sense, is why he got in to this line of work in the first place. To counter Grey’s ‘hard-boiled’ character, Radek relies more on theories and logic than on brute force. This is probably the reason why he was my favorite character in the first novel. However, Grey’s character (who I didn’t care for in the first novel) somehow impressed me, not just with his badass Jiu Jitsu skills, but also with his general resourcefulness… he is a very hard man to kill.

I thoroughly enjoyed the mystery, and how Green skillfully links the stories of very different characters and their contrasting personal philosophies. I also enjoy the didactic bits that are thrown in whenever Radek came onto the scene. I think for a character that I have seen now in two novels, I still feel he is shrouded in mystery.

If there is anything I didn’t like was the use of exposition in re-introduction of Grey at the beginning of the novel. While I think it is important for those who wouldn’t have read the first book, I think the information could have been spread out a little bit more throughout the story. Other than this, it is awesome! A must read for all you lovers of conspiracy theories, thrillers and mysteries alike!

K @ BaffledBooks
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Aug 27, 2011 Murphy's Library rated it 5 of 5 stars

After The Summoner, Dominic Grey, still a private investigator, but now working with Viktor, receives a new mission: to recover a test tube who is supposed to have inside the cure for time, a strong thing that can stop the aging proccess. As a Pottermaniac, I couldn’t stop remembering Flamel and his Philosopher’s Stone, and that’s a great way to start a book: remembering good ones.

Older, Grey seems to still live in the past, not really letting go of Nya, his former relationship from book one. Bu...more

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Aug 27, 2011 Stacy [The Novel Life] rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

If you had the opportunity would you drink from the elixir of life? Such is the burning question in The Egyptian, Layton Green's latest Dominic Grey adventure. I have to admit, I have fallen madly in love with Dominic Grey - he's a man's man. The tortured soul who has the integrity and saintliness of the pope. A strong character that other men can relate to and think of as the good friend who keeps his word and your secrets.

The Egyptian is Grey's first religious cult case assignment from Profess...more If you had the opportunity would you drink from the elixir of life? Such is the burning question in The Egyptian, Layton Green's latest Dominic Grey adventure. I have to admit, I have fallen madly in love with Dominic Grey - he's a man's man. The tortured soul who has the integrity and saintliness of the pope. A strong character that other men can relate to and think of as the good friend who keeps his word and your secrets.

The Egyptian is Grey's first religious cult case assignment from Professor Viktor Radek whom we met in The Summoner. Viktor is independently wealthy and voraciously addicted to absinthe. The Professor is an expert in religious phenomenology "the practical, objective study of religion, as opposed to the subjective. The analysis of the cultural effect of belief and perceived phenomena on the believer." Basically, Viktor investigates religious cults around the world and met Dominic Grey in The Summoner. Now Grey is in Viktor's employ and The Egyptian leads Grey to Bulgaria and Cairo seeking a cult searching for the fountain of youth while leaving a slew of dead bodies in their wake.

The Egyptian was a bit different from The Summoner in that the religious cult was not a long-standing cult but a recently developed phenomena. In this book there were many technical terms having to deal with science, aging, and cellular transformation. At times I had to look up science terms which made reading The Egyptian both a learning experience and a pleasurable read.

I loved the history included in The Egyptian. Cairo and the pyramids, Bulgaria and the monks, the population of Cairo v. the population of New York, Egyptian gods and primitive cave dwellers....all fascinating and descriptive knowledge shared. The history mixed with the psychology of cults, the philosophy of mankind, and Grey's struggle with the demons inside make for one hell of a great read! Layton Green has created a tragic hero in which we can all reflect upon scores of Grey's same internal philosophical and theological questions.

For me, I cannot wait until the next Dominic Grey novel - The Diabolist. I do believe Layton Green has moved into my top 5 author category - not an easy feat to attain! As The Egyptian is the second novel in the Dominic Grey series, it would be better to read The Summoner first; however, you can read either as a stand-alone novels. But whatever you do, if you like a great adventure with a strong male lead (that you can swoon over - or share a beer with), then by all means, pick up The Egyptian!(less)

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Aug 27, 2011 Cherie rated it 5 of 5 stars

Layton Green thrills with his second Dominic Gray novel, The Egyptian.

Dominic Gray, now working for Professor Viktor Radek, accepts a case of corporate espionage to discover some things are much more mysterious and ancient. His search for the culprit leads him and a beautiful reporter to Bulgaria and a biotech company specializing in anti-aging. When the same people who hire him try to kill him and his friends, they flee back to New York City and then Egypt to search for a liquid that rivals the...more

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Aug 27, 2011 A.F. rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: thriller, own

The Egyptian is an engaging blend of corporate espionage and paranormal conspiracy wound together a tense, gripping thriller. It has a tight, well constructed plot, engaging characters and did a nice job of pulling me, the reader, through to the end while retaining that air of mystery.

I liked the book and found it a compelling read. The characterizations in this novel are excellent, bringing vigorous personalities to life with both strengths and flaws. All the individuals portrayed are absorbing...more

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Aug 27, 2011 Keryl Raist rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: indie-book-review

I'm about to make a pretty bold statement here. Layton Green's The Egyptian is the strongest, best written indie book I've ever read. Now, it's not my favorite indie book, I prefer a bit more humor in a book, but the basis of pure technical writing skill, on the ability to craft a story and have it hang together, The Egyptian is the best one I've seen so far.

What makes the Egyptian so great?

Let's start with the characters. Dominic Grey, the leading man, is back from The Summoner, older, and a bi...more I'm about to make a pretty bold statement here. Layton Green's The Egyptian is the strongest, best written indie book I've ever read. Now, it's not my favorite indie book, I prefer a bit more humor in a book, but the basis of pure technical writing skill, on the ability to craft a story and have it hang together, The Egyptian is the best one I've seen so far.

What makes the Egyptian so great?

Let's start with the characters. Dominic Grey, the leading man, is back from The Summoner, older, and a bit wiser, and ready to start on something new. He's working for Viktor now as a full time investigator of situations where religion/cults and the real world mix in unfortunate ways. And, while Dominic isn't stupid by any stretch of the imagination, he is, in this partnership with Viktor, the muscle man. He does the legwork, the investigation that involves going to scary places and dealing with creepy people, and occasionally showing us that Jason Stratham has nothing on him when it comes to martial arts. Which brings us to Viktor, who is still my favorite of the crew, who is for lack of a better term, the brains. Viktor is the Religious Phenomenologist, the guy who actually knows what they're looking for. Dominic finds the pieces, Viktor puts them together. New to The Egyptian we get to meet Veronica, who is basically a Bond Girl. If you've ever read/seen a James Bond story, you will understand her role in the book. (Look good, move the plot along, have sex with the hero). Lastly, Jax, also new to the cast, adds an extra layer of brightness to the story with his jaded character and devil may care attitude. (He put me in mind of a mercenary version of Han Solo.) These four very different characters are expertly balanced throughout the story to keep the plot running, the tension high, and the reader caring about what happens next. Getting to spend time with them is a joy.

From there we go to the plot. The Egyptian is solid. Each aspect of the book makes sense, each scene flows into the next, there are no moments of wishing someone with a delete button had gotten a hold of certain bits, and no sudden wondering what happened in a given scene. I had a small complaint with The Summoner, where on occasion it was a little too obvious that the characters were doing things because Green needed them to to keep the plot going. That never happens in the Egyptian. All the action, all the motivation, it all flows naturally. You never see the hand of the author in this story. The groundwork is properly laid, the middle adds new interests and possibilities, the climax takes care of business, and then we wrap up with a tidy ending.

Wait, you actually want to know what that plot is? Okay. On the surface level, it's about returning some stolen property. Deeper in, that stolen property is a vial of the water of life, a serum that stops people from aging. Who are the thieves? An anti-aging biotech firm. Who lost the vial? An Egyptian eternal-life cult complete with mummies, who also happens to be an anti-aging biotech firm. And they're willing to do anything to get it back. Who are the bad guys? That's one of the great twists in this story. And this story has twists, it has turns, and mummies, and a hunchback, and... I mentioned James Bond earlier. Well, if James Bond and the X-Files had a love child, this book would be it.

The romance is once again a guy's romance. But it's a guy's romance with a bit more introspection than I've usually seen in guy oriented books. I like the fact that Grey is still dealing with the emotional fall out of The Summoner, but willing to move on to new things as well. It's realistic in a very good way. (It's also realistic in a way that some women might find exasperating, but that has more to do with how they deal with men, than anything about the book.)

Dialog is well done, competent, but not outstanding. Call it a B+. And honestly that just might be a matter of my own taste in the matter. There's a sort of balance between wit, snark, and stoic (think NCIS) I'm especially fond of, and this book didn't have that. But what it did have is dialog that works for each character. There's never a second spent thinking, 'Huh? Why did he say that?' There's not a single phrase in the entire book that drags you out of character. And with characters as different as these four, plus the villains, that's a marvelous job.

Like The Summoner, this is a serious book with some dark topics, and Jax was a much needed glimmer of light. In my previous review I equated The Summoner with 90% cocoa chocolate, very dark, very bitter. And sometimes you want dark and bitter. But you can't make it your entire diet. The Egyptian, were it dark chocolate, would probably come in around 60%. And for me, at least, this is a welcome change. I can only deal with so much terrible darkness in a series before it gets too depressing to continue on. The Egyptian not only gives the characters a break, but it gives the reader one as well.

I am extremely pleased that Layton Green asked me to review The Egyptian. I look forward to seeing his further works.(less)

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Aug 27, 2011 Stacey Danson rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

BOOK REVIEW: THE EGYPTIAN by LAYTON GREEN.

What have I missed? Damn this is a good read, it stands alone, yet I am now aware that another book ‘The Summoner’ exists encompassing the same pivotal character, Dominic Grey.

I had no preconceptions when I began reading “The Egyptian” and at that point had not read any of this fine authors previous work, rest assured that is about to be rectified.

I base my reviews on several very simple yet intrinsic parameters… Plotline. Characterizations. Dialogue. Re...more

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Sep 04, 2011 The Pen & Muse added it

Dominic Grey is back with more another cult thriller to solve! Green brings back the mystery, paranormal, chills and thrills with The Egyptian. If there were ever to catch a readers attention would be to start in a far away such as Egypt. Egypt which just calls to the mind great things such as the culture and the mystic that goes along with it. Through some science along with the that and you are sure to get something that all make you hair stand up on the back of your neck. Imagine what can go...more

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Nov 18, 2011 Heidi rated it 4 of 5 stars

At first I wasn't a fan of the Dominic Grey the lead character because I felt like the author pushed him to be this broken man without giving a reason but I soon realized this was a sequel to another book and Dominic Grey made a lot more since. I loved that the author never once changed Dominic Gray to be this super hero he was a trained former military man who did his best to right wrongs. Dominic Greys employer Viktor Radek I felt could have been the humor needed in the book or at lest someone...more At first I wasn't a fan of the Dominic Grey the lead character because I felt like the author pushed him to be this broken man without giving a reason but I soon realized this was a sequel to another book and Dominic Grey made a lot more since. I loved that the author never once changed Dominic Gray to be this super hero he was a trained former military man who did his best to right wrongs. Dominic Greys employer Viktor Radek I felt could have been the humor needed in the book or at lest someone to help release the tension that kept building but he was more for background information and he was very boring.
I love that the author has done his research with the different elements, locations and environment when it came to the theory of Elixir of Life and the different alchemist. I feel like he did more than just a Wikipedia search on the subject.
Nomti was extremely frightening and even gave me chills and I would love to ask the author if he is based on someone he knew. It seems like with all books that the main bad man intentions were never evil but started off as a desire to do good but ended up consuming him until he couldn't see right from wrong. There were two scientist that were looking for the elixir of life one wanted to save the life he loved and the other wanted to make profit. I love that I had no idea who it was until the end of the book.
The female lead Veronica is a journalist for the WHO. She wanted the story but instead fell in love with Gray who was unable to love. She was a strong female character without being annoying and the author created a woman women could relate and men wanted to be with.

I found this book to be a mix of Clive Clusser and Jack Du Brul expect without the fun those authors added to their books. The Author is a good adventure writer and he paints the scene so vivid you feel like you are walking the streets of Cairo or NYC.
What I didn't like about the book was the lacked the humor that I feel was needed to release some of the tension that kept building and abruptly ended. The last chapter of the book I felt like the author needed a ending and quickly wrote it like a one hour TV show. Half way though the book the swearing picked up and I felt like it was so out of place almost as if someone else was writing the scenes. There was sex in the book it wasn't out of place and as I like to put it " the author closed the door."

The question I found myself asking after I finished the book was " If I could live forever would I want to?" No. Everyone and everything has a time a season. Yes I would love to be young and beautiful forever but I do not want to live forever.
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Sep 02, 2011 Splash Of Our Worlds *Yiota* rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I think i found one more new favorite series! XD

So for those who haven't read my review of The Summoner (tsk tsk!), i will talk a little about the style of the book which hasn't changed. The Egyptian, is a mystery thriller story, where Dominic Grey and Victor Radek are working as private investigators on religion cults. Now now, don't be "oh it's religion..and will destroy what we know as Dan Brown" and stuff like that. Nothing like that my friends. Is a mystery, where (until know) try to find...more I think i found one more new favorite series! XD

So for those who haven't read my review of The Summoner (tsk tsk!), i will talk a little about the style of the book which hasn't changed. The Egyptian, is a mystery thriller story, where Dominic Grey and Victor Radek are working as private investigators on religion cults. Now now, don't be "oh it's religion..and will destroy what we know as Dan Brown" and stuff like that. Nothing like that my friends. Is a mystery, where (until know) try to find missing persons or missing stuff, at start. It's more of the solve a mystery type, than the book that explains the world. Which is something that i totally love! There is so much info on history, mythology, religion, the description of the places where the character travel (yes they are not only in one place in this one!) that make an absolute adventure for me. Suspense, action, twists, killing and many new characters are part of the story.

In difference with the previous book, this one had more than 3-4 POVs. The people who are included in the story, are many more and that you get to see a bit of everyone is a nice touch. Of course, Grey is our main character again. A person that i personally really like. He can be harsh but he is kind. And even behind his stance or the killing he does, you can that is actually a gentle and good person. Now the rest characters...Victor is an intriguing figure, Jax is funny, Veronica...totally dislike her (haha!) and Stefan is a really clever guy. At start i thought they were too many characters and POVs for one book, but as the story went on i saw that each one of them had a small but important part to play.

I recommend the book to anyone who likes mysteries. It's just really good and enjoyable. And in a way was lighter and easier to read it than the Summoner. But, if you are not in mood for Summoner to read before, no worries! You can read it as a stand alone novel too. Everything you need to know about the previous events is mentioned when it's needed.(less)

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Sep 06, 2011 Anachronist rated it 4 of 5 stars

What I liked:

Have I mentioned that I am a real sucker for alchemy? If I haven’t, here it is – I make it official. It’s enough a book mentions Hermes Trismegistus, Prester John, golems, the Fountain of Youth, the Philosopher’s Stone, Emerald Tablets and Nicolas Flamel (not necessarily in this order) and it can win me over in a sec. This novel mixed all these ingredients together and the author did it in a clever way, apparently backed up by some serious research. I loved every second of it; in fa...more What I liked:

Have I mentioned that I am a real sucker for alchemy? If I haven’t, here it is – I make it official. It’s enough a book mentions Hermes Trismegistus, Prester John, golems, the Fountain of Youth, the Philosopher’s Stone, Emerald Tablets and Nicolas Flamel (not necessarily in this order) and it can win me over in a sec. This novel mixed all these ingredients together and the author did it in a clever way, apparently backed up by some serious research. I loved every second of it; in fact I wouldn’t mind having more.

The character development didn’t disappoint me either, at least in most of cases. Grey is perhaps still a bit too serious and taciturn but in the second installment it is apparent that he can think and feel, not only do jujitsu. We see less of Nya (good move imvho, she became a wet blanket a bit too soon) and a new girl, Veronica, is introduced. Overall I liked her better. She was perhaps a bit too much like one of these annoying Bond girls (you know the drift: intelligent but not overly so, very pretty, very sexy, definitely in need of a strong, manly arm) but I hope she will gain more depth later. I liked the fact that she fell in love and, despite her best efforts, it remained rather unrequited.

I also liked the idea of adding another new character- Jax the mercenary – to the mix. Jax is very selfish, neither completely good nor totally bad but, maybe because of it, very likeable. He brings his ironic sense of humour and almost complete lack of scruples on board. Well, in the whole narration whirlwind I missed some humour in the first part too. Indiana Jones's type of humour. Let’s face it: Grey is a dour kind of guy and while I understand the reasons behind it, his constant pining for Nya and reminiscing his harsh childhood and teen years can get tiresome after a while; Victor is even more sour from time to time, not to mention the fact that he is an absinthe addict (an original addiction, I grant you, but not exactly a sociable one). Veronica can be catty in an amusing way but, as she is now seriously in love with our long-faced Dominic, she is not exactly a ray of sunshine either. Jax, with his sexual innuendos, zest for life and witty remarks was like a whiff of fresh air in a stuffy room.

The setting was once again interesting. Perhaps not as exotic as Zimbabwe but interesting enough. The pace of narration, as in the first part, could leave you breathless (or, more precisely, reading greedily far longer than you had planned) so doing exactly what a real thriller should do to you.

What I didn’t like:

I could list here different minor quibbles (some scenes, like the just-in-time rescue of Veronica, were rather cheesy, fortunately not too many of them) but there was one major drawback. Baddies. I noticed an improvement but not enough. Is it really that difficult to make your evil guy handsome, clever and enticing, at least for a moment or two? Apparently it is – in this part every baddie was physically repulsive in his own way so you knew at once when you read their descriptions what and who you were dealing with. Cliché. It’s good some of them (Al Miri) at least showed some higher feelings.

Final verdict:

I must visit Egypt and maybe also Bulgaria – if not this year then the next one. Going there, I will gladly reread this one. Or the next part, if available. It is really good and intelligent as far as thrillers go, not to mention the entertainment factor. I wouldn't be surprised if the series was adapted for the screen in the near future.(less)

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Aug 27, 2011 L_manning rated it 4 of 5 stars

Dominic Grey works for an investigator specializing in cults. Their new case involves a test tube full of a mysterious substance that has disappeared from Egypt. With the help of an investigative reporter, Dominic follows the trail to Bulgaria. Threw a series of twists and turns Dominic and crew try to figure out where the test tube is, what is in it, and why someone wants it bad enough to kill for it.

This book starts off with excitement, and it never really lets up. The action takes you from Ne...more

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Aug 27, 2011 Lis rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: series, to-be-released, mystery, historic

*Squee* Remember how a while back I reviewed Layton Green’s The Summoner? Remember just how much I loved it and recommended you read this book too? Well a while back B. was contacted by the author to do a pre-release of the author’s latest book: The Egyptian. Let me tell you, I was one happy happy woman when she got me that request. Needless to say I got right down to reading, but the knights put me of from writing the review. So here I am with my notebook full of squee about this book. Let’s se...more *Squee* Remember how a while back I reviewed Layton Green’s The Summoner? Remember just how much I loved it and recommended you read this book too? Well a while back B. was contacted by the author to do a pre-release of the author’s latest book: The Egyptian. Let me tell you, I was one happy happy woman when she got me that request. Needless to say I got right down to reading, but the knights put me of from writing the review. So here I am with my notebook full of squee about this book. Let’s see if I can get you to squee right along with me.

To tell you the truth, this book is not a girly, squee, romantic kind of book. It’s quite the thoughtful and scary story, full of details of myths and history, occultism, background and world building, and a mystery to rival The DaVinci Code.

Remember Dominic Grey? In The Summoner he worked for the Diplomatic Service, but since then he started working for our other hero: Professor Viktor Radek, who specializes in religious phenomenology. Basically, he consults high ranking clients on dangerous, obscure cults. Grey is James Bond to Viktor’s Indiana Jones and together they make one heck of a team.

This time the mystery involves a mummy. Alright, I’m kidding. There is a mummy but the mystery goes much deeper than that. Initially Grey and Radek are hired by an Egyptian company to locate stole research on something oh so interesting – I’ll let you find that out for yourself – but it isn’t long before they run into a dangerous cult and things get real interesting real quick. You know how cults, religion and science make a very bad mix? Well you ain’t seen nothing yet!

Like in the first book there is a lot of information in this book. There is a lot of background on myth, history and the occult and cults (and the cult featured in this book actually made my skin crawl). The flow of information in this book is well balanced by both the story and the characters. Grey is just as interesting and rogue as in the first book and Radek is just as mysterious. While they are the main characters in this story, they are supported by a well-balanced cast. These characters are not just your average story characters. They are complex, interesting and mysterious. The author gives you just enough to keep you wondering as to what they role in the story really is. One character I found most interesting was Veronica.

The setting in The Egyptian is breathtaking. Layton knows how to write the characters’ surroundings in such a way that it almost feels as if you’re actually there. Just like in The Summoner this story takes you places: from Egypt to Eastern Europe. It’s nice to see a setting that doesn’t feature America predominantly.

The Egyptian is a rare gem that puts the DaVinci Code to shame. It’s a story that keeps you on the edge of your seat, makes you want to grab your teddy bear and hide under the covers just as it keeps you from putting it down because you want to know what happens next. I sure hope this author keeps writing!(less)

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Feb 10, 2012 Courtney (Fuzzy.Coffee.Books) rated it 4 of 5 stars

What I Liked: I spend so much time these days reading paranormal and young adult fiction that I'm amazed sometimes when I get into a book and there aren't werewolves or vampires or fairies. Or teens, for that matter. So this book was kind of like taking a vacation from that world. That was fun for me. 1) If I could only choose one word to describe this book, it would be intricate. There are so many different things going on at once, that I was worried for a bit that I might have trouble followin...more What I Liked: I spend so much time these days reading paranormal and young adult fiction that I'm amazed sometimes when I get into a book and there aren't werewolves or vampires or fairies. Or teens, for that matter. So this book was kind of like taking a vacation from that world. That was fun for me. 1) If I could only choose one word to describe this book, it would be intricate. There are so many different things going on at once, that I was worried for a bit that I might have trouble following it. But I didn't. The storylines that were woven were intricate, but easy enough to follow and still be intriguing. 2) The strength of the characters. All of the characters that we followed through the books were very strong in their own way. And it was their strength that really drew me into the story, because I was kind of in awe of them, in a way. Especially Veronica. I thought she was a great female lead amongst the other male MCs. 3) The second half of the book. This is where I really sank into the story. Everything seemed to get deeper and more complex once I reached a halfway point. The storylines, the relationships, even the reason behind the stolen object. Yet at the same time, it all become more clear. I think the depth of the story here really helped to bring some things to light. This is where the development both of plot and characters really took off.

What I Didn't Like: 1) The first half of the story. I didn't so much dislike it, as I felt a little disconnected. Especially with the jumping around in the plot. There is a lot of information to process in a short amount of time. But once I started understanding more about who and what was going on, once everything became a bit more developed, I liked the story a lot more.

Overall thoughts: For fans of mysteries and thrillers, Layton Green's story is definitely one to check out. It will keep you guessing until the very end, when you'll be surprised at the final outcome. You won't know which characters you want to root for, but you'll feel compelled to learn all of their stories. Check this one out!

See this and other fun reviews at Fuzzy.Coffee.Books!(less)

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Apr 25, 2012 Wendy Cantu rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: crime-and-mystery, supernatural

Three-Sentence Summary:
Special Agent Grey (from The Summoner) is now employed by Professor Radek in his cult investigation agency (that’s the best way I can describe it). He’s hired by a mysterious businessman to retrieve a test tube stolen from Cairo biomedical laboratory – although he’s given few details about what it is. Grey’s investigation takes him to Bulgaria (with an overly-ambitious tag-along reporter) where he meets a scientist and discovers the test tube contains the secret to life an...more Three-Sentence Summary:
Special Agent Grey (from The Summoner) is now employed by Professor Radek in his cult investigation agency (that’s the best way I can describe it). He’s hired by a mysterious businessman to retrieve a test tube stolen from Cairo biomedical laboratory – although he’s given few details about what it is. Grey’s investigation takes him to Bulgaria (with an overly-ambitious tag-along reporter) where he meets a scientist and discovers the test tube contains the secret to life and there are people willing to die to get it.

What I loved:
I can’t say I totally loved anything in this book.

What I liked:
The idea of a chemically engineered fountain of youth was interesting, but it didn’t totally play out in the way I’d thought. The mummy tie in becomes obvious early in the book and it would’ve been interesting to learn more about that aspect and its history.

What I “meh”d:
This took me forever to read because it was so heavy in biomedical terminology. I had to look up words and re-read passages which was a little annoying. And, like I said with The Summoner, sometimes the lengthy in-depth dialogue felt a little excessive. But, hey, I admit I read for fun and to relax so I tend to favor more “simple” books.

I didn’t like most of the characters. I hated the clingy reporter, Veronica. She reminded me of a Chihuahua – a little dog that thinks it’s much bigger and badder than it is until it is face-to-face in a dangerous situation. And she was kind of annoying and I wanted to kick her. She constantly relied on her looks and really at no point was more of an asset than a burden. That would’ve been OK, maybe, if Grey didn’t start caving to her. He went from an intelligent and strong woman like Nya to Veronica? Uhm. No.

The motives of the businessman who hired Grey were interesting. Did he just hire a bunch of different people to get the test tube back because he was that desperate? Seemed like it would be more efficient if they worked together as one instead of against each other. In the end, there were just too many unnecessary obstacles and tangents that didn’t lead to answers.

Green is a great writer, I just don’t think this book was my cup of tea.
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Aug 27, 2011 Yvonne rated it 4 of 5 stars

Domenic Grey goes on his greatest adventure yet…he’s off to Cairo, Egypt to locate a missing test tube which is supposed to be a cure for aging. His client, Al-Miri, claims to have discovered eternal life. If the test tube gets in the wrong hands, it could be a disaster for all mankind.

Grey still hasn’t recovered from his last case in Zimbawe and he’s still getting over the end of his romance with Nya. After their last case, Nya hasn’t been the same and Grey has no choice but to move on with his...more

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Sep 06, 2011 Alexis Villery rated it 4 of 5 stars

Dominic Grey is back for yet another adventure. When a mysterious business-man hires him to find the location of his stolen property, Dominic dives straight in, meeting a New York reporter, a scientist, and teaming up with Victor to solve the mystery. However, things are not what they seem (who would have thought) and reality and myth are entangled in a confusing web of uncertainty. The theme concerning the elixir of life is new and refreshing.

I enjoyed this well-researched thriller. Though this...more

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Aug 28, 2011 Shelleyrae at Book'd Out rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: blog-reviews

Layton Green debuted his Dominic Grey series with The Summoner, an terrific thriller that I was impressed by (read my review). The Egyptian picks up where The Summoner left off, as Dominic begins his first case in the employ of academic cult expert, Viktor Radek.

Layton Green’s detailed research is complimented by his creativity resulting in an intriguing premise that embraces biotech development and Egyptian cult worship. The Egyptian is a fast paced story as Grey
travels from the US to a tiny vi...more Layton Green debuted his Dominic Grey series with The Summoner, an terrific thriller that I was impressed by (read my review). The Egyptian picks up where The Summoner left off, as Dominic begins his first case in the employ of academic cult expert, Viktor Radek.

Layton Green’s detailed research is complimented by his creativity resulting in an intriguing premise that embraces biotech development and Egyptian cult worship. The Egyptian is a fast paced story as Grey
travels from the US to a tiny village in Bulgaria and an oasis in the middle of the Sahara Desert in pursuit of the truth about the contents of a stolen vial that Grey and Radek were hired to find. Yet this story is more than an action packed thriller, its also an intelligent and tightly plotted mystery.

While Radek remains elusive on a seperate case for most of the story, Grey is paired with investigative journalist, Veronica Brown and scientist, Stefan Dimitrov. Veronica follows Dominic to Bulgaria sensing
a story that will help boost her career and the two become involved during the course of events. Stefan is initially the target of Grey’s investigation but circumstances result in him joining Dominic and
Veronica after an assassination attempt.

The author continues to develop Grey’s character making much of his internal conflict between the violence he is capable of and his reluctance to resort to it, even when his choices are limited. Grey
is also struggling with the collapse of his relationship with Nya and his attraction to Veronica. I was hoping to learn more about Radek but apart from glimpses here and there he remains a mysterious figure.

If I was to be picky, I don’t think the writing isn’t quite as sophisticated as in The Summoner, sentences seem shorter and sharper and it’s not quite as descriptive. However Green has put more thought into his character development and the plot remains strong and exciting.

As a successor to The Summoner, The Egyptian proves that Layton Green is a talented storyteller who has created an exciting and orginal series. I am already looking forward to Dominic Grey’s next adventure.(less)

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Apr 07, 2012 Star (The Bibliophilic Book Blog) rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: reviewed

The quest for immortality is an ancient pursuit. How far are people willing to go to achieve this goal? Dominic Grey finds out that some people will go to any length and do anything for a taste of physical immortality.

I am definitely a fan of Grey's - and in The Egyptian, you get to see a lot more of his inner workings. The writing is slick and I felt like the plot sucked me in from the first few pages. As always, I enjoyed the characters - Grey, Radek, and the new supporting ones introduced in...more

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Aug 27, 2011 Maryam rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2011, ebooks, received-for-review, received-from-author, review-coming-soon

Also reviewed on the blog: http://gloriousbooks.blogspot.com/201...

I really enjoyed the first book in the Dominic Grey series and the next sure didn't disappoint!

Everything I loved about 'The Summoner' like the depth to the characters, the intense and exciting plot and the mystery - 'The Egyptian' still had elements of all of these things.

It's definitely one of those reads that keep you on the edge of your seat with how gripping it can be at times - it gave me the chills. Everything about the st...more

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The Egyptian (Dominic Grey #2)

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