February 18, 2008
Last seen in Dietrich's Napoleon's Pyramids
, fleeing the forces of evil in a runaway hot-air balloon over Egypt, Ethan Gage undergoes further life-threatening adventures in this rollicking sequel. Nine months before the balloon incident, Gage arrived in the Holy Land with his benefactor, Napoleon Bonaparte. After various misunderstandings involving the secrets of the Great Pyramid, Bonaparte became his implacable enemy. Now, accused of treason by Napoleon's minions, Pierre Najac and Najac's boss, the French-Italian count and sorcerer Alessandro Silano, Gage flees to Jerusalem, where he searches for his former lover, Astiza, who he fears has fallen into Silano's hands. Gage is also hunting clues that may lead him to the fabled Book of Toth, an ancient tome that promises to reveal the secrets of the universe. Ever the incorrigible gambler and all-around scamp, Gage makes an irresistible antihero. The ending promises more volumes in what one hopes will be a long series. 8-city author tour.
June 30, 2008
The packaging of this audiobook says “performed by Jeff Woodman,” and does he ever perform! Woodman executes a variety of accents in both sexes as he brings to life this rollicking Indiana Jones–like story of an adventurer in search of ancient secrets, and the woman he loves, set during Napoleon's attempted conquest of Palestine and Egypt. Woodman creates a memorable first-person protagonist in American Ethan Gage, who remains likable despite his many foibles, con-artist morals, frankly admitted cowardice and frequent use of annoyingly folksy similes. Woodman also pulls off convincing French, British and Arabic voices. His pacing never flags through the endless twists, turns and hair-raising escapes that make up this treasure-hunting tale. This enjoyable audio should be accompanied by a large bowl of popcorn. A Harper hardcover (Reviews, Feb. 18).