I found this historical mystery interesting. The world of Ancient Egypt was described in much detail and the author makes it all sound like he really ...moreI found this historical mystery interesting. The world of Ancient Egypt was described in much detail and the author makes it all sound like he really knew this was what it was like. The plot itself was a little weak. I kept thinking there could be more development somehow...but maybe I've read too much George R R Martin and was expecting that kind minutiae. The main character, Rai Rahotep, is the ancient version of a CIS investigator, but for his time he is using some new and different methods to solve crimes. He is called from Thebes to Akhetaten, the new city that Akhenaten is building to show the glory of his new God, Aten, the Sun Disc. Akhenaten has made many enemies with his new religion because it strips the priests of the old religion of their power and wealth. The city is busy trying to complete construction before the Grand Jubilee celebration where all nobles from all lands will have to swear fealty to Akhenaten and Nefertiti, his wife. Oh, Akhenaten and Nefertiti have declared themselves to be gods. Days before the celebration, Nefertiti disappears. Most fear she has been killed. Akhenaten wants Rahotep to use his new methods to discover the truth, and return the queen to him before the celebration.
I thought Rahotep made the job look a little too easy. He talks about not being able to trust anyone, but then tells almost everyone talks to everything he's discovered about his case to that point. I expected more intrigue, not just everyone telling him what he needed to hear. The book did interest me enough that I plan to do more research and reading on this era of Ancient Egypt - or watch more TV shows about it.
My sister recommended this book to me, specifically the audiobook version. I found it to be one of the most gripping stories I've read in some time. T...moreMy sister recommended this book to me, specifically the audiobook version. I found it to be one of the most gripping stories I've read in some time. The book is narrated by Paul Michael Garcia and his performance is superb. The language that everyone is describing in their reviews is brought to vivid life by Mr. Garcia. He even sings excerpts from a couple of the songs in the book.
The book was very graphic and did not hold back in describing some of the treatment the main character received. Anyone familiar with that time in history knows it was raw, brutal and harsh. The author captures that culture completely.
This was a fun book to read. I read a quote by the author, Brandon Sanderson, somewhere that said he had one rule about sci-fi/fantasy - No Guns! He...moreThis was a fun book to read. I read a quote by the author, Brandon Sanderson, somewhere that said he had one rule about sci-fi/fantasy - No Guns! He broke that rule with this book, but in the best way possible. Those familiar with his Mistborn series will feel pretty much at home with this story, even though it's set several hundred years after the events in the trilogy. The main character, Waxillium (Wax to his friends) has been a lawman out in the Roughs, which sound a lot like the wild, wild west. He is called home to the city after his uncle passes away, leaving him to run the family interests, including estates, businesses and all. Wax is barely home though, before some intriguing robberies tweak his interests and his lawman instincts take over. There is a lot of action, a little romance, and a great story. I had a hard time putting it down. Brandon Sanderson just keeps getting better and better as an author. (less)
This audiobook was well narrated by Barbara Rosenblatt. I found the story very interesting, and thought the historical context was well researched. Th...moreThis audiobook was well narrated by Barbara Rosenblatt. I found the story very interesting, and thought the historical context was well researched. The author leaves the reader to decide if Pope Joan really existed and provides additional information at the end of the book. (less)
**spoiler alert** It's going to be very hard to decide on my next book to read. This book, "The Elegance of the Hedgehog" was so fulfilling ...more**spoiler alert** It's going to be very hard to decide on my next book to read. This book, "The Elegance of the Hedgehog" was so fulfilling that reading anything else seems like munching on junk food after an elegant, delicious meal. I listened to the audio book, and after reading some other reviews, I'm so glad I did. The narration enhanced the story, and made some of the long passages about philosophy and art rewarding. I probably would have glazed over them if reading the book.
I love that the two main characters, one a 54 year-old woman, the other a 12 year-old girl, shared so many of the same views. I found their eventual relationship endearing and heartwarming. Critics of the book complain that there is little plot, which is true. But the character studies and the activities of the elegant apartment building in which they take place are captivating on their own. This is a book I will listen to multiple times, because even in it's tragic ending hope is alive. (less)
I listened to the audio version of this book, read by David DeSantos. It was part of a marketing campaign where Audible.com offered the first book in ...moreI listened to the audio version of this book, read by David DeSantos. It was part of a marketing campaign where Audible.com offered the first book in a series for free. I was a little reluctant to read this because I thought it would be like the urban fantasy type stories so trendy today. Thank goodness I decided to give it a try. It's sword and sorcery fantasy, and would appeal to readers that like that genre. And Audible did a smart thing, giving away the first book - because they'll definitely get my money for the rest of the series.
The story takes place in an island country that is invaded by "The Fey" - brutal, beautiful, fighting people using sorcery to take over every country they come across. They've been successful, until they reach Blue Isle. The island is home to a people that are peaceful, devoted to their religious beliefs.
The Fey are amazed that these simple people seem to have a magic greater than their own; strong enough to create a poison that will kill the Fey instantly.
The poison is really the holy water used in religious ceremonies by the islanders. Their religious leader is appalled that this symbol of their belief has become a weapon of murder.
One review I read said that the characters in this book were inconsistent and kept changing. I think the author was just very adept at creating a first impression and then exposing the motivations and depth of the characters through the plot.
The audio presentation of this book was very well done. David DeSantos conveyed each character's voice, making it easy to follow who was speaking and who was the focus.
I have four more books too look forward to in this series, and can't wait to get into them.
I was hesitant to start this book, afraid it wouldn't live up to all the hype I've seen about it. I'm glad I overcame that reluctance. This is one of ...moreI was hesitant to start this book, afraid it wouldn't live up to all the hype I've seen about it. I'm glad I overcame that reluctance. This is one of the best mysteries I've read in a long time. It was intelligent and intriguing. The settings in Sweden were fun to read about; I'm ready to break out the atlas and wikipedia to learn more about the country. The characters were real - flaws and all. I found the relationships between Mikael Blomkvist and the women in his life interesting. And I only wish all journalists worried about their ethics the way he did. Lisbeth - what an enigma she is! I feel that only a few layers of her character were revealed in this story. As dark as those revelations were, I'm not sure I'm up to learning all there is to know about her. But I care about what happens to her.
Some people have complained that this book starts out slow, which is probably true. But it's relevance to what is going on in the financial industry in the US kept my reading. As the plot thickened and the characters intersected each other, I couldn't read fast enough. I wanted my dentist to keep me waiting a lot longer so I could finish this.
Summing up - a great read, rich characters and a plot with enough twists to make it a real page turner. (less)
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