Critics' Opinion:
Readers' rating:
Published Feb 2007
400 pages
Genre: Historical Fiction
Publication Information
William Dietrich's books have been hailed for their vivid imagery, evocative atmospheres, impeccable historical accuracy, and ambitious plots. Now, in the breakout novel of his career, he delivers an enthralling story of intrigue, greed, and danger.
Ethan Gage, assistant to Ben Franklin and expatriate American in post-revolutionary France, wins an ancient—and possibly cursed—medallion in a card game one night. It turns out that the medallion, covered in seemingly indecipherable symbols, may be linked to a Masonic mystery. That same night, however, Ethan is framed for a prostitute's murder and barely escapes France with his life.
Faced with either prison or death, Gage is offered a third choice: to accompany the new emperor, Napoleon Bonaparte, as France sails to conquer Egypt—with Lord Nelson's fleet following close behind. Once Gage arrives, he encounters incredible surprises: one in the form of a beautiful Macedonian slave and another in the dawning knowledge that the medallion may solve one of the greatest riddles of history—who built the Great Pyramids, and why. What is revealed to Gage is more shocking than anyone could ever have imagined.
Starred Review. Riveting battle scenes, scantily clad women, mathematical puzzles, mysteries of the pharaohs, reckless heroism, hairsbreadth escapes and undaunted courage add up to unbeatable adventure rivaling the exploits of George Macdonald Fraser's Harry Flashman." - PW.
"Incorporating some of the well-known speculation about the pyramids but not taking it altogether seriously, the novel is a big, exciting romp that will keep high-concept thriller fans on the edge of their seats." - Booklist.
"This work is rousing, swashbuckling fun and proof that a good writer can make history not only interesting but an exhilarating romp. Highly recommended." - Library Journal.
"Dietrich is never less than authoritative, but when a storyteller's setting is more interesting than his characters, his novel's in trouble." - Kirkus.
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Any "Author Information" displayed below reflects the author's biography at the time this particular book was published.
William Dietrich grew up near Puget Sound in the shadow of Mount Rainier.The
influence of dramatic landscapes on people permeates not only his non-fiction but
his novels, which are set in various places around the globe including Antarctica, the Australian Outback, Tibet, and the Caribbean.
The
Pulitzer-winning journalist’s non-fiction has been widely used in university
classes and his fiction has been sold into twenty-eight languages.
Dietrich was born on Sept. 29, 1951 in Tacoma, WA, graduated from Mount Tahoma
High School, and attended Fairhaven College,
an experimental liberal arts division of Western Washington University. Interest
in writing led him to journalism at Western, and his first job was covering
agricultural Skagit County for the Bellingham, WA, ...
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