Non stop adventure and death defying chases in Will Adam's outstanding debut novel. It's 318 BC in the deserts of Libya, and Alexander the Great is...
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reviews
Jun 19, 2008
Anica
rated it: 
I have a huge thing for mystery thrillers. :D And this one is no exception except...it wasn't as good as I expected it to be. The beginning was way too boring and long. It kinda mattered in the end, but there were way too many details which just were not important at all.
The middle part and all the historical/or not so historical parts (whatever!) regarding Alexander were great though. It really turned out to be a pageturner.
But then, there was the ending. *siiiiigh* I felt like the More...
The middle part and all the historical/or not so historical parts (whatever!) regarding Alexander were great though. It really turned out to be a pageturner.
But then, there was the ending. *siiiiigh* I felt like the More...
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Mar 16, 2009
Elizabeth
rated it: 
Well... The first thing that bothered me was the fact that the author did not write a plausible American male character. FYI: "wanker" is a typically British term. Why did the guy have to be American anyway? It didn't matter to the storyline. The second thing was the female love interest, Gaille. The term "milquetoast" could have been created just for her. What a wimp! And no moment of grace. One of the things I remember most about my fiction writing class is that idea that t
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Aug 21, 2011
Melissa
rated it:
My parting thought with this book was that it was very Dan Brown-esque. Whether that is to be taken as a compliment or a critique, I will leave to the individual to decide...
It was an entertaining page-turner and served it's purpose of providing a distraction while I was reading it everyday at lunch, but it certainly wasn't the best book I've come across. There were plot lines and characters that seemed superfluous and served only to confuse me, however the topic and the pacing wer More...
It was an entertaining page-turner and served it's purpose of providing a distraction while I was reading it everyday at lunch, but it certainly wasn't the best book I've come across. There were plot lines and characters that seemed superfluous and served only to confuse me, however the topic and the pacing wer More...
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Mar 09, 2011
Meaghan
rated it: 
I loved this book! It is exactly what I've been looking for! The plot was well put together and the way Will Adams weaved the storylines together reminded me somewhat of Jon Land in his Ben Kamal and Danielle Barnea series. I liked the characters and look forward to reading the next book in this series. I have only one criticism, "speeded". Now maybe this is just me being picky, but I'm pretty sure that "speeded" isn't proper English adn that it should be "sped". If
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Oct 20, 2010
Elizabeth
rated it:
Historical fiction that focus mostly on current day archeology concerning Alexander the Great, Greece, Macedonia, and--as I am hoping--the library at Alexandria. I like what I've read so far and found one of his later novels to have "meat on the bones."
I noticed quite a few other reviewers had trouble with Daniel Knox as "an American." I accepted him as a person with many backgrounds and travels. On page one he identifies himself as bedouin ethnicity. That led More...
I noticed quite a few other reviewers had trouble with Daniel Knox as "an American." I accepted him as a person with many backgrounds and travels. On page one he identifies himself as bedouin ethnicity. That led More...
May 08, 2009
Donald
rated it:
Thrillers like this one, by their very nature, are page turners. I love stories of Robert Langdon and Indiana Jones. The historical lessons are inspiring; the archeological finds stir the imagination. I have a new name to look for when I want a good thriller: Daniel Knox.
As usual, I cannot vouch for the historical information presented in this book. But what I will say is that I found it to be plausible and possible. The themes presented regarding Alexander, the historical period of More...
As usual, I cannot vouch for the historical information presented in this book. But what I will say is that I found it to be plausible and possible. The themes presented regarding Alexander, the historical period of More...
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Jul 12, 2010
Vickie
rated it:
Whew! I now want to become an archaeologist and dig in the dirt and learn more about Alexander the Great...
There was a lot of backstory that I hope will be covered in the future books of this series. The explanations of Alexander and his demise were interspersed with a whole lot of action and people getting whacked and drugged and kidnapped while searching for the final resting place of Alexander. A good mixture for me to get me back in the thriller mode that I've been neglecting for, lo, More...
There was a lot of backstory that I hope will be covered in the future books of this series. The explanations of Alexander and his demise were interspersed with a whole lot of action and people getting whacked and drugged and kidnapped while searching for the final resting place of Alexander. A good mixture for me to get me back in the thriller mode that I've been neglecting for, lo, More...
Mar 03, 2010
Cym
rated it:
Will Adams creates a new thriller character destined to be a long-running series of best sellers. Daniel Knox is a knock-around archaeologist in Egypt with a history of interesting relationships with his brethren and sponsors.
The supervisor of a construction project in Alexandria stumbles onto a potential site of the final resting place of Alexander the Great, whose body was coveted as a justification for power by his successors in Egypt, the Ptolemys, Alexander’s native Macedonians. More...
The supervisor of a construction project in Alexandria stumbles onto a potential site of the final resting place of Alexander the Great, whose body was coveted as a justification for power by his successors in Egypt, the Ptolemys, Alexander’s native Macedonians. More...
Jun 30, 2011
Juliet
rated it:
Written in an Indiana Jones genre, author Will Adams has created a character who uses his intellect, rather than physical force, to escape one predictament after another. The main character Daniel Knox is a knock-around archaeologist in Egypt with a special interest in Alexander the Great. After having a run in with a well connected millionaire Egyptian and escaping to Alexandria to figure out where he can safely go to avoid being killed; Knox becomes involved in a site that has been uncovered b
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Aug 17, 2009
Virginia
rated it:
Oh Dan Brown, what have you wrought?
OK, so this book isn't so bad. You have to get past the weirdly anti-feminist stuff (girl sorta deserves to be raped because "she knew what she was getting into", "ball-busting" female character turns into jelly in the face of an attractive, sexual man). Adams can't write women for shit--the love interest chick is entirely insipid. There are way, way too many characters and way too much action for the little that actually hap More...
OK, so this book isn't so bad. You have to get past the weirdly anti-feminist stuff (girl sorta deserves to be raped because "she knew what she was getting into", "ball-busting" female character turns into jelly in the face of an attractive, sexual man). Adams can't write women for shit--the love interest chick is entirely insipid. There are way, way too many characters and way too much action for the little that actually hap More...
Aug 12, 2011
Nate
rated it:
AWESOME book. I was hesitant to purchase, even when the cost was a low $5, since I am not that interested in Alexander the Great history, but figured I'd give it a try, and I am very happy I did. It starts out a little slow, but by the 3rd chapter in, you're hooked. There's action, suspense, a bit of romance, and HISTORY. Well-written, the locations and characters are believable, and you can tell the author did his research. I will say that at times I would get a bit confused as to what cha
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May 16, 2009
Djrmel
rated it:
If it weren't for the very well written setting of this book, I don't think I would have finished it. But I'm a sucker for "sense of place" and Adams' ability to put me in Egypt with the archeologists and thugs who populate this book held my interest until the very end. Reading the plot and the characters, unfortunately, was not that enjoyable. There are twists upon twists, crossed back stories galore, and characters who speak in multiple English dialects for no known reason. The hi
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Apr 02, 2009
Non stop adventure and death defying chases in Will Adam's outstanding debut novel. It's 318 BC in the deserts of Libya, and Alexander the Great is buried as only a God should be, placed in a Crystal Sarcophagus in a catacomb of chambers, each packed with diamonds, rubies and gold. This was how he should have remained, but time waits for no-one. 2007 and underwater archaeologist Daniel Knox has been on the trail of Alexander's Gold ever since he can remember. When a tomb is uncovered on the cons
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Mar 03, 2010
Aaron
rated it:
Adams weaves history, suspense and modern Balkan politics in his debut novel, which is centered around the various tombs of Alexander the Great. The hero of our tale is Daniel Knox. He was a well-respected archaeologist before some controversial event happened a number of years previous. Now, he lives in Egypt and makes a modest living as a dive instructor and leading tours in the waters around Alexandria. His quiet life takes another turn after he helps rescue a woman from the clutches of one H
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Mar 30, 2009
Avigail
rated it:
Although overwhelmed with too many subplots, THE ALEXANDER CIPHER is a terrific thriller that cleverly interweaves historical tidbits of Ancient Egypt and Macedonia during the Alexander era into the contemporary adventure.
This book however is a little different and concentrates on the greed of treasure hunter's, rather than a race against time to save the world from imminent disaster. The overwhelming greed of a number of people rushing to uncover, what in all probability will be the great More...
This book however is a little different and concentrates on the greed of treasure hunter's, rather than a race against time to save the world from imminent disaster. The overwhelming greed of a number of people rushing to uncover, what in all probability will be the great More...
Mar 03, 2010
Lauren aka John Matthew's Girl
rated it:
A page turner to be sure. The plot is good, and how they eventually find Alexander's tomb, the clues they follow to get to it are completely plausible. But this isn't without it's problems. The characters are very unsympathetic and the majority are downright unlikeable. The author switches POV's constantly and he gives the POV of some characters that wasn't really needed, and i felt that the story suffered slightly because of that. Also the ending sucked, it was weak and it could have been much
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Jan 11, 2011
Lys
rated it:
Sarà che non sono in periodo di thriller, sarà che avevo la testa via mentre leggevo, ma questo libro non m'ha preso più di tanto.
Si fa leggere, questo sì, ma m'è parso con un po' troppa carne al fuoco a livello di intreccio, con un po' troppe coincidenze fortuite (o meno) e con un stile troppo secco per i miei gusti.
Un po' forzate anche alcune "spiegazioni per tutti" sugli eventi e le peripezie del post-morte di Alessandro, forzate per non dire assurde: chi si metterebbe a spiegare il More...
Si fa leggere, questo sì, ma m'è parso con un po' troppa carne al fuoco a livello di intreccio, con un po' troppe coincidenze fortuite (o meno) e con un stile troppo secco per i miei gusti.
Un po' forzate anche alcune "spiegazioni per tutti" sugli eventi e le peripezie del post-morte di Alessandro, forzate per non dire assurde: chi si metterebbe a spiegare il More...
May 18, 2009
Jaimie
rated it:
An Egyptology thriller starring Daniel Knox, an underwater archaeologist looking for Alexander the Great's tomb.
I learned quite a bit about the life and death of Alexander the Great, as well as the Macedonian area in general. Adams managed to get all the history and background into the story without making it feel like a lecture. Daniel has a little bit of an unbelievable history, but what adventure seeking archaeologist doesn't! My only real complaint with the book is casual ba More...
I learned quite a bit about the life and death of Alexander the Great, as well as the Macedonian area in general. Adams managed to get all the history and background into the story without making it feel like a lecture. Daniel has a little bit of an unbelievable history, but what adventure seeking archaeologist doesn't! My only real complaint with the book is casual ba More...
Mar 03, 2010
Liz
rated it:
I have to say I was totally excited to read this book. Recently I told myself that instead of just buying books I have to start borrowing them from the library first and then if I like it buy it. I'm sooooo glad that I borrowed this instead of just buying it. For some reason this book did not live up to my expectations. Maybe it was the depth of the characters, maybe it was the lack of more history mixed in but I could see the twists coming and I was not satisfied with the end of the book. Bumme
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Jan 06, 2012
Tracy
rated it: 
This turned out to be better than I expected. I began to look for errands to run so I could listen more. Daniel Knox is the character we follow, though there are a number other characters who are there throughout all the book too. The story is built around historical facts and legends about the burial of Alexander the great. Good old fashioned greed for money and lust for power guide the unsavory characters and a genuine interest in archaelogical treasures drive the others. Lots of action. Not a
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Nov 02, 2010
Tricia
rated it:
The story of an archaeologist who wants to find the lost tomb of Alexander the Great. I enjoy history and archaeology so I thought this would be a great book for me. Unfortunately, there is just too much bad language. Really that is my biggest complaint. Next it would be the sheer amount of story lines that are combined in this book. A back story is great, this wasn't a back-story it was unnecessary overload. Last the characters in the book weren't likable, with the exception of Mohammed. I didn
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May 29, 2011
Rori
rated it:
I LOVE Archaeological thrillers, a la Dan Brown. I had high hopes for this book, but was ultimately pretty disappointed. Not that the book wasn't good, because it was ok. (I finished it in about a day). BUT, it was more action/adventure than historical/archaeological.
I was left wanting to know VASTLY more about Alexandros though, so not a total loss. I bought it at Barnes & Noble for $5.98. For the price, good stuff. I would have been upset though, had I paid full price.
All More...
I was left wanting to know VASTLY more about Alexandros though, so not a total loss. I bought it at Barnes & Noble for $5.98. For the price, good stuff. I would have been upset though, had I paid full price.
All More...
Jan 22, 2012
James
rated it:
In truth I never finished this book. I got to the climactic ending scenes and to be honest I just didn't care enough - I had so many better things to be doing. And that alone has made me downgrade this from the steady three stars to a measly Two Stars, because if there is ever a sign of a bad book, it's when you are the final few pages and you just couldn't give a damn what happened.
But, having said that, it was all-right for the most part. It didn't totally bore me, but it was in e More...
But, having said that, it was all-right for the most part. It didn't totally bore me, but it was in e More...
Nov 12, 2010
Darkpool
rated it:
Note: I listened to this as an audiobook. Also it is possible this review includes material that some sensitive souls may regard as spoilery. If you are a sensitive soul, not only should you stay away from this review, but the actual book as well I think!
Had a love hate relationship with this one, and consequently find myself torn between the 2-star "it was OK" rating and the 3-star "liked it". Aspects of it were utterly fascinating, but all too often I found my More...
Had a love hate relationship with this one, and consequently find myself torn between the 2-star "it was OK" rating and the 3-star "liked it". Aspects of it were utterly fascinating, but all too often I found my More...
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Aug 25, 2009
Kathi-sass
rated it:
This is an exciting book, albeit not outstanding. Will Adams apparently loves to conclude chapters with a cliffhanger, which makes the book a page-turner. The German title is a little bit misleading, as it suggests a connection to religion one way or another - the plot has nothing to do with Christianity whatsoever, it's about finding the final resting place of Alexander the Great (his body and the treasure that is supposed to be with it).
The book was far from boring, but at some points it More...
The book was far from boring, but at some points it More...
Aug 06, 2009
Rossrn
rated it:
The Alexander Cipher by Will Adams is the type of book I enjoy - fast paced fiction centered around a historical mystery to be solved.
Adams did a good job of getting people together at the end for the resolution and the story moved along well.
The main character Daniel Knox was interesting, but as another reviewer had commented, he didn't come across as being "American" and probably would have been better to have been English. Not a big point, but a good one.
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Adams did a good job of getting people together at the end for the resolution and the story moved along well.
The main character Daniel Knox was interesting, but as another reviewer had commented, he didn't come across as being "American" and probably would have been better to have been English. Not a big point, but a good one.
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Jun 29, 2009
Peggy
rated it:
At one point in my life I really wanted to be an archaeologist, I guess the next best thing is to read an action/adventure based on that. I don't know much about the historical basis around the book. All I rememeber about Alexander the Great is the Gordian Knot and the poorly received Colin Ferrell attempt at a movie. But this book kept me more or less engaged because I was interested in all the historical plots surrounding Alexander and his corpse. I wasn't that invested in the present day char
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Sep 08, 2009
Amy
rated it:
This book is exactly what I needed at the moment. Lots of action, an archaeologist main character, lost treasure, political intrigue, etc. Not quite on par with Steve Berry or James Rollins, I still had trouble putting this one down. Real archaeological methods aside, the hunt for Alexander's tomb was fun and a great puzzle. I did think that too many of the characters had dead relatives they needed to avenge, but other than that, a great adventure/thriller.
Aug 23, 2010
Cameron
rated it:
My review is not going to bee to good even though I gave it three stars. I think it is mostly because it was not the right time for me to read this book. Everything seemed good about it but for some reason it just dragged on for me. Characters I did not care about and his writing style was not very good for my taste. HE kept trying to keep the suspense moving by having people in conversations about stuff that is not important and then when it comes to the last line of the conversation he moves o
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Apr 15, 2011
Yvann
rated it:
This really is airport trash – I struggled to finish it.
We’re on the hunt for Alexander the Great’s sarcophagus, which is somewhere in the Middle East. We have corrupt Egyptian politicians, businessman and archaeologists, a painful caricature of an Australian, a reckless British archaeologist who happens to be a deep-sea diver too… the characters just don’t fit together at all.
We’re on the hunt for Alexander the Great’s sarcophagus, which is somewhere in the Middle East. We have corrupt Egyptian politicians, businessman and archaeologists, a painful caricature of an Australian, a reckless British archaeologist who happens to be a deep-sea diver too… the characters just don’t fit together at all.
