Showing posts with label AuthorAlliance. Show all posts
Showing posts with label AuthorAlliance. Show all posts

Tuesday, July 15, 2014

New 5 Stars for AFTER THE CATACLYSM


5.0 out of 5 stars
 Like a Dirk Pitt novel...only better. July 15, 2014
Format:Kindle Edition
After the Cataclysm: Legends of the Wing Scarab #3 by Inge Borg is the third in the series and the second book to feature the same main characters. The first book takes place in predynastic Egypt and the next two books in contemporary times. This book can stand alone, but rides nicely after the second book.

A short time has passed since the end of the second novel. The story revolves around the interactions of three groups of people. Egyptologist Naunet and husband Jonathan Wilkins are living in New England. Former Director Jabari El-Masri, fleeing from Egypt, thought to have died escaping is arranging his future with Lorenzo Dominguez a rich South American art “collector.” Jabari is trading the fifty pitch covered gold tablets for his safety and a new life.

To make matters interesting the super volcano in Yellowstone erupts, not only bring down American society and the Northern Hemisphere in a volcanic “nuclear winter,” but also affects the entire world with the loss of the only superpower. The world order and international law are now a thing of the past without a willing enforcer. Naunet and Jonathan are bunkered down in Jonathan's family home trying to weather out the natural disaster and protect their property. With no internet or phone service ham radio becomes the method of long distance communications. Jonathan receives a message from Jabari to meet him at a set of coordinates in the Caribbean.

The story moves quickly and will hold the reader’s attention. There is plenty of nautical information as most of the story takes place on a boat and ship. Woven into the adventure is the story of the fifty golden, engraved tablets, a curse, and possibly closure for all the characters. Even with the natural disaster and the collapse of the United States the plot stays focused on the story at hand.

I have read and reviewed the previous two books for Author Alliance (www.authoralliance.net) and a reading the third book, on my own, because I enjoyed the previous two books and enjoyed the story and characters. After the Cataclysm lives up to the quality of the previous two books. Borg pays attention to the details in all her books and that is part of what makes them interesting. She combines real and convincing elements into her story and leaves the reader a bit more educated at the end of the book. For action/adventure books this series rates high on my list.

* * *
I love the Dirk Pitt novels; but to be termed "even better" by this well-seasoned reviewer from AuthorAlliance is outstanding (Sorry, Mr. Cussler).
Made my day!



Friday, May 23, 2014

Spuckler gives SIROCCO 4 Stars

Joseph Spuckler gives Sirocco, Storm Over Land and Sea
(Legends of the Wing Scarab #2) 
4 Stars
SIROCCO, Storm Over Land and Sea (Legends of the Winged Scarab) by Inge Borg is the follow up to Khamsin (reviewed earlier this year at Author Alliance). This may be the first sequel I have read that takes place 5,000 years after the initial book. Khamsin set the stage in the ancient world and Sirocco picks up in modern Egypt, in fact, modern enough to include the 2011 revolution.
The Sirocco is a Mediterranean wind out of the south-east that can reach hurricane strengths and carries with it sand from Libya and North Africa. Sand from these storms reach Italy, Greece, and Albania and is dense enough to be seen on satellite photographs. Although slow in developing, the storms can wreak havoc on boats that are not prepared or do not take proper precautions.
Overall the story is well done and fast moving. It does fit well into the thriller category and ties in with real world and practical matters in antiquities. The novel has several subplots that converge to make an exciting story that is a bit more complex than your average thriller. There are several competing factions in the story. First is the team of archaeologists from the Cambridge Research Institute with the stand out character Naunet Klein. Their assistance is requested by the Jabari El-Masri who heads the Cairo Museum. El-Masri is feeling the pressure or the growing public unrest. He holds his position through favors and loyalty to President Mubarak. He is concerned with his future and the loyalty of his staff. Not everything he does is above board, but he rationalizes that it is for the safety and protection of the national and historical treasures. Also in the mix is the British gentleman Edward Guernsey-Crock: A man of mystery…a cocky man of mystery. Throw in some townspeople, art “collectors,” and fifty ancient golden tablets and a story quickly forms.
There is tension and suspicion between the various groups with Naunet taking on the role of the central character. Borg does an excellent job of filling the reader in on what would be for most unfamiliar subjects. She describes laser cleaning of metal artifacts used by archaeologists. There are some nautical lessons when the story line moves the open water. Borg has earlier shown in Khamsin that she knows Egyptian history. Her work is well researched. She also exposes the shadier side of the art and artifact world. As with her previous novel, it is nice to finish a novel and, although it is fiction, walk away a bit smarter.
Sirocco proves itself to be an action packed adventure story with an intriguing plot. It is the perfect book for a rainy afternoon or a story that allows you to live a vicarious adventure when your planned adventures fall through. Very well done.

See Joseph Spuckler's Review of KHAMSIN under the "Reader Reviews" tab
Read Joseph Spuckler's Other Reviews:
http://www.authoralliance.net/category/readers-lounge/author-alliance-reviews/joseph-spuckler