Cotton Malone retired from the high-risk world of elite operatives for the U.S. Justice Department to lead the low-key life of a rare-book dealer. But his quiet existence is shattered when he receives an anonymous e-mail: “You have something I want. You’re the only person on earth who knows where to find it. Go get it. You have 72 hours. If I don’t hear from you, you will be childless.” His horrified ex-wife confirms that the threat is real: Their teenage son has been kidnapped. When Malone’s Copenhagen bookshop is burned to the ground, it becomes brutally clear that those responsible will stop at nothing to get what they want. And what they want is nothing less than the lost Library of Alexandria.
A cradle of ideas–historical, philosophical, literary, scientific, and religious–the Library of Alexandria was unparalleled in the world. But fifteen hundred years ago, it vanished into the mists of myth and legend–its vast bounty of wisdom coveted ever since by scholars, fortune hunters, and those who believe its untold secrets hold the key to ultimate power.
Now a cartel of wealthy international moguls, bent on altering the course of history, is desperate to breach the library’s hallowed halls–and only Malone possesses the information they need to succeed. At stake is an explosive ancient document with the potential not only to change the destiny of the Middle East but to shake the world’s three major religions to their very foundations.
Pursued by a lethal mercenary, Malone crosses the globe in search of answers. His quest will lead him to England and Portugal, even to the highest levels of American government–and the shattering outcome, deep in the Sinai desert, will have worldwide repercussions.
Edit 3/15/08: Finished reading this today. I thought it was a pretty good thriller in the ilk of "The DaVinci Code" and "The Last Templar." I really enjoyed the historical aspects of the story of the Alexandria library. The premise about the Biblical translations and that the Holy Land was actually in Saudi Arabia was very interesting. However, I thought the political implications of this were somewhat far-fetched. Overall though, an enjoyable and fast-paced story.
Arrived safely. I'm about 1/3 of the way into another book at the moment, but will start this one just as soon as I've finished. Thanks for sharing this, perryfran ... I'm looking forward to reading it.
Another great adventure from Berry. I liked meeting up with the characters for a second time (the first was in The Templar Legacy), and will likely read the most recent one (The Venetian Betrayal) sometime in the near future.
I'm just waiting for mailing info before moving this along. The PM system hasn't been working properly for me recently, but hopefully I should have an address soon, and will keep this moving along on it's journey.
Journal Entry 6 by dg7500 at Book Ring, A Bookring -- Controlled Releases on Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Released 5 yrs ago (4/23/2008 UTC) at Book Ring, A Bookring -- Controlled Releases
I'm very sorry but I stopped reading. I managed to read about half the book and then started again, but I can't get any grip on the story. Too many characters, the story is told in a boring way. I don't exactly know what is wrong with the story but I'll send it on.
Journal Entry 13 by ana-b at Gouda, Zuid-Holland Netherlands on Thursday, December 18, 2008
Released 4 yrs ago (12/18/2008 UTC) at Gouda, Zuid-Holland Netherlands
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
On its way to Canada. It may take 2-3 weeks before it arrives.
This book was action packed right from the get go, I had a really hard time putting it down. I found the concept of the Old Testament being mistranslated from it's original Hebrew and all the problems this would cause in the world between the Muslims, Christians and Jews very interesting and it made for a great story. I loved how Steve Berry weaved in real places, and historical events with his fictional story. I found the Characters in the story quite likable as well. The Tension between Cotton and Pam was believable as where Cotton's friendships with Haddad and Thorvaldsen. My brain was spinning a bit by the end trying to figure out who was double crossing who within the American Government though, but I enjoyed every minute.
I have contacted lane1088 for her address and will ship as soon as I hear back. Thank you perryfran for sharing this book :0)
Journal Entry 16 by Slayermel at Brampton, Ontario Canada on Monday, February 23, 2009
Released 4 yrs ago (2/23/2009 UTC) at Brampton, Ontario Canada
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
On it's way today to lane1088. Post office said it should take 7-10 days. I hope you enjoy the book. :0)
I forgot to log this book in when it came about a week or so ago. I have put it on my short TBR pile to read and will write more when I'm done reading.