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I wanted to like this book but it fought me all the way to a stand still about half way through.
Parts of the book are really quite good, however, large tracts are much less so in my opinion so, just like the curate, I am left with trying to be polite and find some good whilst trying to swallow down the less than appealing bits.
The scene setting in the first part of the book and the premise of finding the final resting place of Anthony and Cleopatra is very well done so the theme of an archaeological thriller manages to be at least plausible and contain some potential. The idea of a two thousand plus year old society protecting the sites of ancient Egyptian characters is grist to the mill (not a "spoiler" - this is all pretty clear from the start of the book) of this type of thriller and the plot thickens nicely. Or at least it does for a while as unfortunately modern interpretations of current world politics then intrude and take the plot to places a thriller romp might, at least in my opinion, best avoid if it wants to remain in the light(ish) genre as typified by Indiana Jones (if you agree that varied violence can every be classified as "light(ish)" that is.)
I am not advocating that potential readers should avoid this book as a couple of pounds for the Kindle version is not too much to wile away a few hours in the company of the cast; it's just that I feel not everyone will come away entirely satisfied by all the flavours.
In an apologetic politically correct world it is refreshing to read the works of an author who is unafraid to tell it as it is.
The rise of Islamic extremism as a force behind the so called Arab Spring is only now dawning on many who have heralded the overthrows as triumphs. The truth of these outcomes has been carefully blended into this latest Acton action novel.
It is a story which is in part prophetic for what has recently occurred in Egypt.
For all those who have enjoyed this series you will be gripped immediately, and for those who choose this as their first encounter of the world of Professor Acton you will appreciate how skilfully fiction can be blended with fact by Kennedy.
If your emotions are not stirred by this book you must be made of stone!
I really feel there is a theme developing here... 5 of the 6 books deal with negative impression of Islam.. Not saying I don't agree BUT... AND WHY THESE Clive Cussleresque references in each book(obliquely) to not liking Jaguar cars?? Develop a plot past the easy hit. A good read nevertheless dispute the overuse of the word'daft'.. NO ONE in the UK uses this as it's not 1954 anymore! And I'm not convinced the Buckingham Palace scene would play out 'quite' as portrayed... About to move on to #7.
I have read all the books in this series up to now and wonder how two people can continually get into such scrapes. I also found ALL the terrorist attacks way too farfetched.