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Oct 09, 2007

victoria.p added it

I love the Amelia Peabody books, some more than others, but this one I am exceptionally conflicted about, because this is the one where Nefret screws the pooch, basically, and all the tolerance and even liking for her that I'd finally built up was destroyed, and I've never really gotten any of it back. This book - or, rather, Nefret's inexplicable and incredibly asinine actions in this book (for which I'd desperately hoped there would be some mitigating explanation in He Shall Thunder in the Sky More...

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May 08, 2007

Lucy rated it:

#11 in the Amelia Peabody series. Although the following book in the series (He Shall Thunder in the Sky) is arguably Peters's masterpiece, I think this volume in the Amelia Peabody diaries is magnificent. Peters expertly brings the reality of WWI into the Emerson clan, forcing all sorts of revelations and heartache. I would not recommend reading Falcon without He Shall Thunder in the Sky on hand, however. Peters most definitively leaves the reader dangling from a wrenching cliff at the end tha More...

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May 05, 2008

Celia rated it:

Oh, Nefret. Deary me.

I enjoyed this book very much - much more so than the last few I've read in the series. The emotional drama was really stepped up a notch, and the tormented will they/won't they thing with Ramses and Nefret is killing me (and also creeping me out every time another character refers to them as siblings - ewww.)

Anyway, there's the introduction of a brand new character causing turmoil (awwww - er, not to the turmoil, but the new character), a terribly More...

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Mar 06, 2009

Tracy rated it:

The reason I enjoyed this book so much was entirely because of the characters. Although these people could never possibly exist in reality, it is inspiring to read about such passionate, tireless humans who are superior in every way. Peters has created demi-gods, with flawless human forms, absolutely in control of their thoughts, words, actions, even facial expressions, loved by everyone, the epitome of honorable behavior, and nearly omniscient. It honestly makes me want to be perfect too, desp More...

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Mar 02, 2009

Amanda rated it:

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here

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Jun 10, 2008

Sharon rated it:

The twists and turns of this book are typical of Amelia Peabody. Each book reveals a mystery and at the same time gives more and more details into the life of this extraordinary woman and her exploits. This story involves her entire family. There are several unexpected events that add intrigue and interest. The humor is subtle and the mystery will have you guessing until the very end. There must be a sequel somewhere out there!

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Jul 31, 2011

Robin rated it:

My review is really a high three and a half, and mostly because I'm annoyed at the sequence. Trying to find the correct order in which to read these books is driving me right up the wall.

Also, SPOILER ALERT if you're trying to read these in order. Stop reading now if you don't want to know.

but to get back to this one. If I'm reading these in the right order (it turns out I'm not), this is the first season for the Emersons without Abdullah. On the other hand, Davi More...

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Mar 22, 2010

Carol rated it:

I just finished listening to this book today, and I am going immediately into the next book in the series because I am not satisfied with the ending. (Usually I try to pace myself with the Amelia Peabody books because I don't want to run out. I am feeling a bit more leeway because Elizabeth Peters has finally written a new one.) I thought this book wasn't quite as good as some of the others because it sometimes felt disjoined and abrupt. If I were to read it again, I'm sure it would all come More...

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Jan 26, 2011

Milena rated it:

I used to be a great fan of the Amelia Peabody series but, around book ten, the novels started all blurring into one another, so I gave the series a rest. Having recently run into the series again, I decided to start again, and The Falcon at the Portal made me glad I did.

Unlike A River in the Sky (which was published last year, but comes before this one in the internal chronology), The Falcon at the Portal has all the ingredients that made me like the series in the first place: it's fu More...

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Jan 14, 2012

Tarran rated it:

This was another fantastic installment in the Amelia Peabody series. This time we see more of Ramases and Nefert who take active roles in the story. I didn't agree with some of Nefert's actions, but I understood them. David is being framed for forging antiques and the Emersons must clear his name, but with murders, shootings and misunderstandings happening, it is hard going.

The writing style is still great, Elizabeth Peters hasn't told the same story in a different book yet. I can't More...

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Jun 06, 2008

Becky rated it:

Okay- I really like this Amelia Peabody- there is a fantastic scene in the middle of the book- but then- Nefret- What were you thinking?!? Your motivations make no sense! None at all! Why? Luckily- there is He Shall Thunder- my favorite of the series- just after.

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Jul 07, 2011

Mevans88 rated it:

The Falcon at the Portal was typical of the Amelia Peabody filled with a splash of drama, a dash of romance and whole lot of intrigue. Of course this book was slightly different in that it finally revealed an issue that had been bubbling under the surface for several books. Unfortunately the pay off that the reader's been waiting for was relatively short lived and, to be honest, slightly cliche. The first half of this book was the enjoyable mystery novel that I've come to expect. The second half More...

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Aug 11, 2011

Sarah rated it:

It's so nice to find easy, quick reads that still have brains. Unlike most chick lit (read: Twilight series, romance novels in general, Sarah Dessen etc) this book had an excellent and unique style, an engaging plot and strong characters. Amelia is witty, a strong woman and her voice (while clearly biased) is hers alone. The switch between Ramses anecdotes and Nefret's letters is flawlessly done and reads like excellent continuations of plot instead of interruptions in the main narrative. My onl More...

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Apr 14, 2011

Lauren rated it:

A bit slow to get into the first 50-75 pages. After that very fast paced, highly enjoyable. These characters are always enjoyable to read about and I've loved getting to know them over the series. Classic, well thought out entertaining mystery with a touch of history.

(If this review seems familiar, that's because I had a goodreads account before that I'm copying my previous reviews from. Why did I create a new account, you ask? Well, because when I logged out of that account and then More...

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May 12, 2011

April rated it:

Another story of the Emerson Family and the "trouble" that seems to follow them. This time I felt the story was overly long and drawn out. I felt like the author was "setting the stage", so that the children (David, Lia, Ramses, and Nefret) would take over as center characters, but it took a LONG time. Finally when we get the the exciting part, I was very distressed with Nefret and her impulsive behavior, and Ramses and his lack of doing anything to fix it!
Hopefully More...

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Dec 16, 2008

Julie rated it:

I love this series - I'm currently listening to the audiobooks since I've read all the books. Fun series about an ahead-of-her-time woman from Victorian England in the world of Egyptology... The series begins in Victorian times, takes us through the turn of the century and then through World War I (from the vantage point of northern Africa) and finally the discovery of King Tut's tomb in 1922. Amelia Peabody and her family (as voiced by Barbara Rosenblatt in the audio recordings) always have More...

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Jan 13, 2012

Ryan Patrick rated it:

This one was harder to rate than usual. I think I liked it a little more than a 3, but it was not quite a 4. I really wish they would have a 10 point scale here to allow for more subtle and nuanced rating.

This book did feel a bit different than the other books, as the main mystery almost felt like a forgotten side-note at some points. I liked the fact that the mystery wasn't really a "murder mystery", even though some people do die in the book. I really felt that Ramses step More...

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Aug 14, 2011

Bridget rated it:

This is the eleventh Amelia Peabody book in publishing order and the thirteenth in chronological order. It takes place in 1911-12, about 5 years after the tenth book, The Ape Who Guards the Balance. It is the third in the miniseries developing the Ramses/Nephret relationship, after Seeing a Large Cat and The Ape Who Guards the Balance, and followed by He Shall Thunder in the Sky. Later published books that are placed chronologically between The Ape Who Guards the Balance and this are Guardian of the Horizon More...

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Dec 27, 2011

Angela rated it:

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here

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May 02, 2011

Patti rated it:

Man oh man. This is the quickest I have ever read an Amelia Peabody. Usually it takes a month. The I'll stop and pick up some YAs and in a couple of months I'll pick up the next Amelia Peabody. Not this time. This one has left me rushing for He Shall Thunder in the Sky. This series just keeps getting better and better.

It starts out like it's predecessors: London and then continues forward to Egypt. While the beginning plot is slow, it nonetheless picks up pace and flies by for the rest More...

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Feb 28, 2011

Rach rated it:

There were a few moments while listening to this book when I literally gasped out loud. The first one was accompanied by a "Yes! Finally! Wheeee!" and copious amounts of irrational grinning. If you've read this book, or even any of the previous 2 in the series, you'll know why. Unfortunately, that first gasp was soon followed by a second one. This second gasp was horrified, exasperated, and angry, and might have involved some involuntary swearing. That stupid, thoughtless, silly girl. More...

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Apr 20, 2010

Raymond rated it:

The first problem with the book is that there are too many heroes, all of them members of the Peabody family. The second problem is that the plot hinges on the sale of ancient artifacts from Egyptian burial sites, some of which are forgeries. It is only in Chapter eight (of fourteen) that a murder is committed. Until then, there are a seemingly unending series of red-herring investigations of the artifact sales. The only reason for the Peabody’s investigations is the possible involvement of one More...

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Feb 28, 2011

Callista rated it:

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Aug 18, 2008

Karen rated it:

Sadly I've actually read the last two books in this series before having read all of these so I have an idea of how things turn out. These books are good enough to read through to find out how though. This one ends on a bit of a cliff-hanger and I'm very glad I got the next volume from the library along with it so I can start it (almost) right away. Just to be on the safe side I'll be putting in a request for the ones after so that when I'm done with that one I don't have to wait too long.
More...

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Feb 16, 2009

Lisa C rated it:

I go back and forth over whether or not I loved this book. Certainly it was the most exciting of the series up until that time. Originally, this book and the one that follows it were intended to be one book, and are part of a set plotted out at the same time. They are an excellent example of how all the craft in the world can't match inspiration in the hands of a skilled author. It's clear that she suddenly had a burst of enthusiasm for her long-running series. Still, I think I would have prefer More...

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Sep 05, 2011

Librarianforhim rated it:

Plot: Just before the joyful wedding of David and Lia it comes to light that someone is selling forged antiquities using David's name. but the plot goes far deeper than that and once again all the Emersons find themselves in danger.

Plots are definitely becoming more in-depth. The romantic angst between Ramses and Nefret is frustrating yet sweet. It was great to join the family on their latest adventure. I can't wait for the next one to come in on hold.

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Jan 23, 2011

Deanna rated it:

This is the next in the Amelia Peabody saga. With vivid and realistic details of archaeological digs mixed in with criminal activities and threats on their lives, the Emerson clan work together to overcome all obstacles. However, as is true for all parents, Amelia and Radcliffe watch their children move into their own adult lives and make mistakes that hurt themselves and all around them -- and are helpless to keep them from doing so. It is this sadness that distinctly marks this novel in the More...

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Oct 15, 2010

Kathy rated it:

Well, Amelia's life is never boring...and poor David and Ramses really come in for it this time. There are two villains running amuck through the Emersons' lives. David's life unknowingly goes ass over teacup with the reader discovering how David has managed to complicate his life due to his own principles while Ramses finally achieves his life's dream only to have it shatter with the advent of his daughter (?).

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Jul 09, 2010

Kaye rated it:

I am torn in reviewing this book. I liked the history of what was going on in Egypt as World War was about to break out. But the main mystery wasn't engaging. The biggest reason to read this story was the build up of Nefret and Ramses. Their, will they/won't they relationship takes such an annoying turn I might have taken away a star except that the ending made me instantly start the next novel.

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Jan 30, 2011

Jamie rated it:

Peabody and Emerson at Zawyat el'Aryan in 1911, excavating at an exhausted, rather dull early pyramid. This season their work is interrupted not only by the requisite murder mystery, but also by the need to prove that David is not illegally selling ancient artifacts.

These novels keep getting better and better. They've become more substantial and more emotional, while still retaining the improbable, madcap adventures of the early books. The addition of the younger generation has kept More...

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