Last year I reviewed Layton Green's first novel, The Summoner.
In it, Green introduces us to Dominic Grey, a former member of the US
diplomatic services security. While stationed in Zimbabwe, Grey is
drawn into the mysterious disappearance of a US diplomat, and its
connection to a ju-ju priest who seems to be able to do the impossible.
This year I was lucky enough to be asked to review his next book, The Egyptian.
When
I reviewed Green's first book, I said that while I thought there were
some pacing and exposition issues, I was excited to see where Grey's
story went as the series continues. I was not disappointed. Green has
taken Grey out of the Diplomatic Security Service-which I think allows
for more flexibility in storylines over time-and has him working with
Professor Viktor Radek investigating cults and mysterious, seemingly
magical events around the globe. In The Egyptian, Radek and Grey
are called in by a biomedical company to recover stolen research into a
life extension product that could literally make humans almost
immortal. But all is not what it seems-when Grey and an investigative
reporter begin to uncover the location of the stolen research, they
witness the slaughter of a team of scientists, which leads them to
believe that the biotech company is somehow behind the violence. Drawn
by their investigation to Egypt, they discover an ancient cult intent on
controlling who is bestowed eternal life.
One of my favorite phrases for someone who seems to be feeling at the top of their game is "in the pocket". Green has found his groove with this series, and The Egyptian felt much more "in the pocket" that The Summoner.
While there is less about Grey's back story in this book, there is
enough to keep you interested in him as a character. The story moves
from America to Europe to a lost oasis in the Sahara, making for a lot
of globe-trotting action. The information about the immortality cult,
and the science behind anti-aging, was presented in such a way that I
felt like I learned a lot without being lectured at, and it was
well-placed in the overall arc of the story. I am so glad that this
series is shaping up the way it is...smart thrillers for people who like
their action with some cognitive stimulation!
Thanks for Layton for giving me an advanced preview copy. You can get it in Kindle or Nook version from his website, www.laytongreen.com.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
I read this one as well. I thought your review was "right on the money." I agree completely. I do like grey but haven't been a fan of his love interests in either book.
ReplyDelete