Napoleon's Pyramids – William DietrichEvan’s ESS = 7.4 out of 10
Erin’s ESS = out of 10
Content = R (Adult Content, Violence, Language, Sexual Content, Impeccable Heroines, Unwelcomed Gambling Spoils)
Why: Because every now and then you need to satisfy a mindless Action / Adventure craving and reading Clive Cussler for the 23rd time just isn’t going to cut it.
Napoleon’s Pyramids is historical adventure at its best, although admittedly, we’ve dabbled very little in this genre. Apprenticed by Benjamin Franklin himself, the hero of this novel bursts onto the scene in style. While trying to satisfying a minor gambling fix, Ethan Gage secures a magnificent Egyptian treasure that invites a whole host of trouble and more than a few attempts at his life. What would any reasonable adult do when faced with similar hardships? That’s right; join the French army under the capable command of Napoleon Bonaparte...
Wait! Now before you start pushing past old women and children to reserve this book, there are a few things you should know. Napoleon’s Pyramids was created from the same vain as many every other Action / Adventure novels. Rest assured there are plenty of eleventh hour escapes, horribly nasty bad guys, hilariously witty good-guy comebacks, and just in the nick of time cleverness. We’ll let you decide whether these are good or bad attributes. What makes this novel a bit unique is the whole 1777 French invasion of Egypt thing you might remember from history class. And for all of you Napoleon enthusiasts (we know you’re out there), the same storied French commander from War and Peace makes several personal appearances.
Okay, you’re now released to track down a copy of Napoleon’s Pyramids by any means necessary. 2 points for old ladies and 1 for small children...
Okay, you've sold me . . . I'm definitely into this. I love a little mindless action and adventure, especially if there's a little archaeology or history thrown in.
ReplyDeleteJust one question - are old ladies carrying children 3 points, or is there a bonus for getting both at once. :)
Very good - and accurate! - review. My book club read this a few years ago. I found it great, escapist reading. We had also recently read Stendahl's The Red and the Black which, combinEd with the Dietrich book, touched off a minor firestorm(?!) of interest in Napoleon for me.
ReplyDeleteI also learned from this book about the Mamelukes and that the 'sword component' of the U.S. Marine Corp's dress blues is a Mameluke sword, commemorating the Barbary Pirate War ("..to the shores of Tripoli..." la la la) :-)
-Jay
Sally,
ReplyDeleteHope you enjoy this one. Old ladies carry children are definitely 3 points. To be fair, pets should probably count for something too...
Bibliophilica,
Great job working that song into your comment! Along with War and Peace, this was my first real up close and personal exposure to Napoleon. Not sure if or where I should head next???
I love your reviews! This one had me laughing a little bit with the old women and children part.
ReplyDeleteAnyways, I haven't read anything historical actions recently. But perhaps I need to brush up on some Napoleon first. :)