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Professor David Manning #1
The Amun Chamber
Two thousand years ago in Egypt's exotic city of Alexandria, the single most revered treasure of the Mediterranean would inexplicably disappear from the pages of history. Believed irretrievably lost to all but legend, few dared dream the possibility that it might still exist . . .
Until now! Guided by the discovery of an ancient artefact, a determined professor of archaeology and a beautiful New England heiress join forces in the quest of a lifetime. Overcoming treachery and deadly obstacles, they follow an ever-murderous trail that eventually leads them to a barren, desert valley containing a stunning secret -- one the modern world may not yet be prepared to accept.
Until now! Guided by the discovery of an ancient artefact, a determined professor of archaeology and a beautiful New England heiress join forces in the quest of a lifetime. Overcoming treachery and deadly obstacles, they follow an ever-murderous trail that eventually leads them to a barren, desert valley containing a stunning secret -- one the modern world may not yet be prepared to accept.
409 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 30, 2010
222 people are currently reading
845 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
September 3, 2016
C2010: Just meh for me. It seemed like a pale copy of so many other “adventure “ stories that include a mysterious relic and a hero and heroine. I didn’t find anything particularly different with the plot or characterisation but I am sure the book will have an audience. Perhaps I am just too jaded –but sentences like these are two a penny “They continued forward, eyes widening in amazement. “ and “This revelation could mean but one thing!” I finished it – so it was not unreadable although I have a feeling that I lost concentration along the way. Some good editing may have improved it. FWFTB: Alexandria, treasure, legend, archaeology, heiress. FCN: Professor David Manning, Elizabeth, Norman, Lionel, Oristano. "For himself, David felt the frustration of being caught in a maze. What did he and Elizabeth have to show for their efforts? Damn little." - I kind of feel the same way.
May 24, 2015
The plot: lots of twists and turns, lots of action scenes and tense situations, making for a good thriller.
The characters: not very well-developed. The main character, David Manning, is right out of the Indiana Jones mold. For an academic, he has a lot of combat skills and is in amazingly good shape; as a "hero," he does the job required of him. The supporting characters are complex enough not to be simple "types." I was quite disappointed in the main female character. For the most part, her role was to be rescued or protected.
The setting: Leston's personal experience of Egypt shows and is one of the main strengths of this book. He conveys vividly the atmosphere of Cairo, Alexandria and the deserts to the west. This, along with details about archaeological excavations and historical research, give the book substance and generate an intriguing mystery.
The characters: not very well-developed. The main character, David Manning, is right out of the Indiana Jones mold. For an academic, he has a lot of combat skills and is in amazingly good shape; as a "hero," he does the job required of him. The supporting characters are complex enough not to be simple "types." I was quite disappointed in the main female character. For the most part, her role was to be rescued or protected.
The setting: Leston's personal experience of Egypt shows and is one of the main strengths of this book. He conveys vividly the atmosphere of Cairo, Alexandria and the deserts to the west. This, along with details about archaeological excavations and historical research, give the book substance and generate an intriguing mystery.
December 1, 2015
Exciting to the very end!
I stayed up much too late. I just couldn't stop reading! I'd love a story about native American lore and an amazing heart pounding ending like this one!
I stayed up much too late. I just couldn't stop reading! I'd love a story about native American lore and an amazing heart pounding ending like this one!
December 3, 2013
Over all a good book with an interesting story line. I enjoy books having to do with Egyptian archaeology.
As far as my pro's:
I kind of enjoyed the jump between times which gave us just enough information to try and puzzle things out without making everything obvious.
It was fun to explore an archaeological mystery that a lot of people know something about, but hasn't been beaten to death. There was also a tease of a sequel towards the end.
Then there are my con's:
I was slightly bothered by the idea that a scientific individual who has lived in Greece so long he considers it home sits and discusses with a native Egyptian the temperature in Fahrenheit and distances in miles, but it can be overlooked.
I really didn't like the antagonists. The primary was introduced very briefly so that you really had no sense of his motivations other than greed, which seemed very shallow. The secondary was touched on more, but I found him very disturbing and somewhat one-sided.
And finally, there was a lot of loose ends. One consisted of confusion as to exactly what happened to Lewis and his friend. It all but wraps up who did it, only to throw in a second culprit without resolving it to my satisfaction. Another stresses David's concern over being an author and having to write another book only to have the whole thing vanish without a trace.
As far as my pro's:
I kind of enjoyed the jump between times which gave us just enough information to try and puzzle things out without making everything obvious.
It was fun to explore an archaeological mystery that a lot of people know something about, but hasn't been beaten to death. There was also a tease of a sequel towards the end.
Then there are my con's:
I was slightly bothered by the idea that a scientific individual who has lived in Greece so long he considers it home sits and discusses with a native Egyptian the temperature in Fahrenheit and distances in miles, but it can be overlooked.
I really didn't like the antagonists. The primary was introduced very briefly so that you really had no sense of his motivations other than greed, which seemed very shallow. The secondary was touched on more, but I found him very disturbing and somewhat one-sided.
And finally, there was a lot of loose ends. One consisted of confusion as to exactly what happened to Lewis and his friend. It all but wraps up who did it, only to throw in a second culprit without resolving it to my satisfaction. Another stresses David's concern over being an author and having to write another book only to have the whole thing vanish without a trace.
March 1, 2013
Amun Chamber – Non-stop action
As other reviewers have pointed out, this reads like an “Indiana Jones” story. Although the comment is meant as a negative, I view this as one of the charms of the book. I liked it.
There is non-stop action and a well-developed complex plot and story line. Many of the characters are stereotypical, but I don’t find that detracts from the exciting story.
The writing may not be perfect, but I didn’t let that interfere with my enjoyment of the story itself. I was a bit distracted by the constantly changing point of view, having to adjust my thoughts each time the author moved to the mind of a different character. The side descriptions and background information was helpful at times, but often read like a page out of lonely planet.
Another minor beef I have is the regular reference to characters smoking – especially the heroes of the story. I don’t think that is necessary to enhance a story in the “no smoking” era.
All-in-all a worthwhile story to read, but I can see where some might be put off with the story and its presentation.
January 15, 2016
Very Entertaining Archaeological Thriller
Two thousand years ago in Egypt's exotic city of Alexandria, the single most revered treasure of the Mediterranean would inexplicably disappear from the pages of history. Believed irretrievably lost to all but legend, few dared dream the possibility that it might still exist . . . Until now! Guided by the discovery of an ancient artefact, a determined professor of archaeology and a beautiful New England heiress join forces in the quest of a lifetime. Overcoming treachery and deadly obstacles, they follow an ever-murderous trail that eventually leads them to a barren, desert valley containing a stunning secret -- one the modern world may not yet be prepared to accept.
Two thousand years ago in Egypt's exotic city of Alexandria, the single most revered treasure of the Mediterranean would inexplicably disappear from the pages of history. Believed irretrievably lost to all but legend, few dared dream the possibility that it might still exist . . . Until now! Guided by the discovery of an ancient artefact, a determined professor of archaeology and a beautiful New England heiress join forces in the quest of a lifetime. Overcoming treachery and deadly obstacles, they follow an ever-murderous trail that eventually leads them to a barren, desert valley containing a stunning secret -- one the modern world may not yet be prepared to accept.
December 22, 2015
I don't usually leave bad book reviews.....
But I couldn't even finish the book. The editing was horrid. And I realize that there are those folks out there that smoke and that is there prerogative, but every time the main characters turned around they were lighting up. It was if this was a commercial for the tobacco company. Also, the book is solo slow...
But I couldn't even finish the book. The editing was horrid. And I realize that there are those folks out there that smoke and that is there prerogative, but every time the main characters turned around they were lighting up. It was if this was a commercial for the tobacco company. Also, the book is solo slow...
October 6, 2015
this was a good adventure - The difference between a 3 and 4 star is I thought the story draggedd a little and could have been a little shorter changing the pace to be faster. Otherwise a good read
December 1, 2020
I have no idea when I got this book on Kindle, but I'd say it's a surprise hit - a book I must have bought on a whim and turned out to be a really great read.
In some ways I found this book to be reminiscent of the Robert Langdon books - male lead whose a tad older than the norm, intellectual but physically fit, female lead whose younger than the male, also intelligent and pretty. So far we are matching... all of those books. Plot - a mystery to solve, usually involving some deaths/murders, and involving something historical - also a match.
This book though feels different to the Langdon books, whilst it has its busy moments on the whole it doesn't rush from place to place in a frenzy. It gets to a location and sets it up first, then moves on. It also uses additional POV segments to build the story so as readers we have more information than the characters do.
However, even with that knowledge the twist in this surprised me, I legitimately didnt see or even suspect that a twist was coming so I really liked that. It was refreshing to be blind sided.
There were moments where characters did stupid things, and the romance was very poorly dealt with. It goes from some physical attraction, to a (dated) masculine need to protect the dainty innocent female, to a sudden realisation of love... and I do mean sudden. It was in a way obvious that they'd end up together, but when it happened it was like a light turning on, it was without basis and left me rolling my eyes. Not quite the lusting relationship you often get, but close enough.
Would I read the sequel? If I happened to realise I'd bought it then yes, but I'm not going to go out over my way.
In some ways I found this book to be reminiscent of the Robert Langdon books - male lead whose a tad older than the norm, intellectual but physically fit, female lead whose younger than the male, also intelligent and pretty. So far we are matching... all of those books. Plot - a mystery to solve, usually involving some deaths/murders, and involving something historical - also a match.
This book though feels different to the Langdon books, whilst it has its busy moments on the whole it doesn't rush from place to place in a frenzy. It gets to a location and sets it up first, then moves on. It also uses additional POV segments to build the story so as readers we have more information than the characters do.
However, even with that knowledge the twist in this surprised me, I legitimately didnt see or even suspect that a twist was coming so I really liked that. It was refreshing to be blind sided.
There were moments where characters did stupid things, and the romance was very poorly dealt with. It goes from some physical attraction, to a (dated) masculine need to protect the dainty innocent female, to a sudden realisation of love... and I do mean sudden. It was in a way obvious that they'd end up together, but when it happened it was like a light turning on, it was without basis and left me rolling my eyes. Not quite the lusting relationship you often get, but close enough.
Would I read the sequel? If I happened to realise I'd bought it then yes, but I'm not going to go out over my way.
December 31, 2018
Different
Start 2000yrs ago in Egypt Alexander the Great was buried as a king, but his tomb was never found, but in the present day a grand-daughter found a relic that was sent home and was never unwrapped, so an archaeologist David Manning sort out the grand-daughter and between then they set out to find the long lost tomb of Alexander using just the clues of people long passed some already had died so looked to the living relatives, and obviously there is another also looking, and decided to let Manning find the clues, but as he spoke to people they were eliminated, which when Manning found out was very concerned, and he was wondering how the person could be one step ahead. Things finally took their toll as it turns out more than other persons were interested, could be a bit long winded at times, but a good novel, and there is also quite a bit of action, certainly makes a pleasant change from the usual police crime.
Start 2000yrs ago in Egypt Alexander the Great was buried as a king, but his tomb was never found, but in the present day a grand-daughter found a relic that was sent home and was never unwrapped, so an archaeologist David Manning sort out the grand-daughter and between then they set out to find the long lost tomb of Alexander using just the clues of people long passed some already had died so looked to the living relatives, and obviously there is another also looking, and decided to let Manning find the clues, but as he spoke to people they were eliminated, which when Manning found out was very concerned, and he was wondering how the person could be one step ahead. Things finally took their toll as it turns out more than other persons were interested, could be a bit long winded at times, but a good novel, and there is also quite a bit of action, certainly makes a pleasant change from the usual police crime.
August 29, 2017
A hunt for the unbelievable!
Something so grand and lost for so many centuries has a chance of being found. But what and where? A small gold disk starts the whole quest. The death of a grandfather in a foreign country, the unplanned meeting between two people, the path that leads through several countries. This tale is held together by stories in the past and the present, written by a master wordsmith. I dare you to put it down before you finish the whole book.
Something so grand and lost for so many centuries has a chance of being found. But what and where? A small gold disk starts the whole quest. The death of a grandfather in a foreign country, the unplanned meeting between two people, the path that leads through several countries. This tale is held together by stories in the past and the present, written by a master wordsmith. I dare you to put it down before you finish the whole book.
October 24, 2016
Interesting storyline
Although the storyline was interesting, the grammatical and spelling errors detracted from this old English teacher's enjoyment of the book. I wanted to go buy a red pen. The research seemed fairly thorough, but the characters seemed flat and static. It could use a re-write with a good editor.
Although the storyline was interesting, the grammatical and spelling errors detracted from this old English teacher's enjoyment of the book. I wanted to go buy a red pen. The research seemed fairly thorough, but the characters seemed flat and static. It could use a re-write with a good editor.
May 26, 2018
Captivating historical tale
Wonderful fun for any archaeology buff. Fascinating secret priesthood based in real history, guarding the treasure for 2000 years. Comfortable pace and a relaxing read.
Wonderful fun for any archaeology buff. Fascinating secret priesthood based in real history, guarding the treasure for 2000 years. Comfortable pace and a relaxing read.
February 20, 2020
What happened to Alexander?
Who doesn’t love an adventure? A mysterious coin leads a young archeologist and a beautiful young lady on a dangerous hunt for the tomb of Alexander the Great. If you love an adventure you will enjoy this book.
Who doesn’t love an adventure? A mysterious coin leads a young archeologist and a beautiful young lady on a dangerous hunt for the tomb of Alexander the Great. If you love an adventure you will enjoy this book.
October 9, 2023
Finding Alexander
This is a fast-paced story of the lost tomb of Alexander the Great. I couldn't put it down! If only it were true it would rival, if not overtake, the excitment of finding Tutenkamoun. What a tale...
This is a fast-paced story of the lost tomb of Alexander the Great. I couldn't put it down! If only it were true it would rival, if not overtake, the excitment of finding Tutenkamoun. What a tale...
May 14, 2017
Not enough
To much action and not enough adventure. Wanted more historical references to understand the significance of Alexander to the region.
To much action and not enough adventure. Wanted more historical references to understand the significance of Alexander to the region.
March 10, 2022
Quick read. Think The Mummy. Similar plot, similar characters, just a little later in time.
April 9, 2022
readable but not compelling, characters could do with more development particularly the female lead and ending was rather expected
June 19, 2022
Enjoyable light read … not necessarily all that likely, but entertained me for part of a long flight.
February 10, 2017
A good read in the style of Dan Brown. Unlike some previous books this one does keep a good pace as well established believable characters. Yes quite violent in places and with a trail of dead bodies left across the globe.
The only let down is the ending as is common with so many of these books after all if you are seeking a totally unique treasure are you going to find it. OK its a work of fiction and does it matter?
Yes I will look for other books by the same author although I have a nasty feeling they may be too similar.
The only let down is the ending as is common with so many of these books after all if you are seeking a totally unique treasure are you going to find it. OK its a work of fiction and does it matter?
Yes I will look for other books by the same author although I have a nasty feeling they may be too similar.
July 31, 2016
David Mannering receives some sixty year old letters that were written by an archaeologist that seemed to imply that he'd made a major discovery.
Tracks down the granddaughter of the man and together they try to untangle fact from surmise and tiny snippets of information that may lead them to an incredible find, the glass, gold and jewel encrusted sarcophagus of Alexander the Great.
A trail of bodies litters the path to the secret and adds to the intrigue and tension. Some very strong and sometimes sinister characters. Well paced, well written and edited archaeological adventure.
Highly recommend.
I have just downloaded the next tale in the series Tomb of Ghengis Khan and can't wait to open the first page.
An author worth watching and another to add to my favourites list.
June 29, 2012
The Amun Chamber was a fun treasure quest to read from a first-time author.
The body of Alexander the Great disappeared 2000 years ago from the city of Alexandria, believed since then to be lost forever. An archeology professor and an heiress team up to track down some clues left by her grandfather before his long-ago murder. Death trails behind them through Greece and then Egypt on their way to a secluded valley as other searchers get rid of anyone else who may possibly provide future evidence. This story provides lots of action and adventure, with just a touch of romance as the leading characters' feelings for each other grow.
The body of Alexander the Great disappeared 2000 years ago from the city of Alexandria, believed since then to be lost forever. An archeology professor and an heiress team up to track down some clues left by her grandfather before his long-ago murder. Death trails behind them through Greece and then Egypt on their way to a secluded valley as other searchers get rid of anyone else who may possibly provide future evidence. This story provides lots of action and adventure, with just a touch of romance as the leading characters' feelings for each other grow.
June 19, 2016
History, adventure, deceit...
I wanted to give this the full five stars, but there were some draggy bits. In all fairness, maybe I was tired. I found myself wandering away from the story in the middle, then again toward the end.
Other than that, this is a good read. Certainly exciting premise, to find the tomb of none other than Alexander the Great! The villains are despicable, greedy and murderous...and a bit unhinged. Then there are those characters who you assume are good guys. They are certainty helpful, but it seems they have their own
agenda.
Although I wasn't entirely riveted to the story, I did enjoy it and would recommend it.
I wanted to give this the full five stars, but there were some draggy bits. In all fairness, maybe I was tired. I found myself wandering away from the story in the middle, then again toward the end.
Other than that, this is a good read. Certainly exciting premise, to find the tomb of none other than Alexander the Great! The villains are despicable, greedy and murderous...and a bit unhinged. Then there are those characters who you assume are good guys. They are certainty helpful, but it seems they have their own
agenda.
Although I wasn't entirely riveted to the story, I did enjoy it and would recommend it.
January 3, 2016
It wasn't the best book I've ever read, but I still enjoyed reading it. It was more about Egypt and lore and less about good writing, but, somehow, that worked for me at the time. Good geographic and cultural detail, but the characters need work and the dialogue was sometimes so cliche that I couldn't help but scoff. Yet, I was still legitimately entertained by the story and the discovery.
If you want a well-developed novel with believable characters and clever writing, then this book won't do it for you. However, if you want to follow a little mythology and flexible history, then enjoy!
If you want a well-developed novel with believable characters and clever writing, then this book won't do it for you. However, if you want to follow a little mythology and flexible history, then enjoy!
January 22, 2016
THE AMUN CHAMBER follows the accepted plot line for archaeology based stories--Find a clue to an ancient, undiscovered treasure and then go out and discover it. In this case, the tomb of Alexander the Great is front and center. Is it in Greece, or central Europe, or maybe, as David Manning and Elizabeth Decaylus believe, it is in Egypt. There are plots, counter-plots, and a lot of people who aren't who they seem to be as this story unfolds from Cairo to Alexandria to the savage desolation of the Egyptian desert.
April 7, 2016
More twists than a tornado !
I love these " Indiana Jones" type of stories! Lots of action, adventure and just enough truth to make the story grab hold and not let go. Egyptian stories fascinate me and add onto that, a mystery that has had people puzzled for thousands of years and well, what's not to love. This story also had one of the scariest bad guys in it I've ever encountered . He wasn't just evil, he enjoyed the pain he inflicted on others ,making him truly creepy. I truly enjoyed this book and would heartily recommend it.
I love these " Indiana Jones" type of stories! Lots of action, adventure and just enough truth to make the story grab hold and not let go. Egyptian stories fascinate me and add onto that, a mystery that has had people puzzled for thousands of years and well, what's not to love. This story also had one of the scariest bad guys in it I've ever encountered . He wasn't just evil, he enjoyed the pain he inflicted on others ,making him truly creepy. I truly enjoyed this book and would heartily recommend it.
January 10, 2016
Did not see that coming!
Overall a good book in the Indiana Jones genera. I would have given it a 5 if the author had not used crude language. Never can understand why we must stoop to using the F Bomb. Doesn't really add to the story. Thankfully the author did not feel compelled to include explicit sex. Cleaned up and I could recommend the book to my middle school grandchildren. Plan on getting the next book in the series through my Kindle Unlimited account.
Overall a good book in the Indiana Jones genera. I would have given it a 5 if the author had not used crude language. Never can understand why we must stoop to using the F Bomb. Doesn't really add to the story. Thankfully the author did not feel compelled to include explicit sex. Cleaned up and I could recommend the book to my middle school grandchildren. Plan on getting the next book in the series through my Kindle Unlimited account.
February 25, 2016
It was ok. I didn't really engage with the characters, and their constant smoking annoyed me. As for how it's written - far too many exclamation marks, especially at the start, and maybe I'm being snobbish but I don't expect to find abbreviations such as "would've" in the text, only in conversations. Pretty sure I won't be rereading this one.
Still, it was free, so at least I haven't wasted any money on it!
Still, it was free, so at least I haven't wasted any money on it!
June 2, 2011
Loved the story, another DaVinci Code type thriller. Book was a little slow developing, and character development wasn't great. In the end, I had no emotional connection with the main characters, really didn't care if they lived or died. Not going to add this to my favorites list, but kept me entertained for the most part.
September 14, 2011
So far, really intriguing... I love anything about Egypt and Alexander the Great after Steve Berry's Alexander Link... I like again, that it layers history with a strong plot, developed characters and the story moves along well... I will update one I finish...
.... .... .... UPDATE: I really enjoyed the couple of twists near the finish and would read another of Leston's books.
.... .... .... UPDATE: I really enjoyed the couple of twists near the finish and would read another of Leston's books.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews