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Sphinx: The Second Coming
SPHINX: THE SECOND COMING delves into the powers of the Ancient Gods of Egypt, and conjures them into a thrilling science fiction adventure. The Sphinx waits. Methane bubbles beneath the ocean’s beds. Catastrophe is coming. A team of westerners is set to unlock a code found deep in the fabric of the Great Pyramid. The puzzle goes beyond time – for secrets of Ancient Egypt are alive beneath modern Cairo. The puzzle stretches into the universe, where the ruling powers on distant galaxies stay alert for the future of planet Earth. This is visionary storytelling of the highest order that takes you deep into the mysteries of Egypt, and the wildest reaches of the imagination.
The second novel from James Thornton, one of the world’s leading environmental lawyers and a Zen Buddhist priest. The New Statesman called him ‘one of ten people who could change the world’ while the Big Issue termed his organization ClientEarth a ‘fleet of armour plated tanks in the battle to secure our future on planet Earth.’ Born in New York and with Irish / American citizenship, he lives in London.
The second novel from James Thornton, one of the world’s leading environmental lawyers and a Zen Buddhist priest. The New Statesman called him ‘one of ten people who could change the world’ while the Big Issue termed his organization ClientEarth a ‘fleet of armour plated tanks in the battle to secure our future on planet Earth.’ Born in New York and with Irish / American citizenship, he lives in London.
348 pages, Paperback
First published May 15, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
April 22, 2014
I received a copy of this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
"Sphinx: The Second Coming" by James Thornton is an enjoyable read.
The ideas put forward by this book are thought provoking. The writing is good. The storyline is captivating.
So why only 4 stars?
There are two main reasons. The first is that the book didn't seem long enough. I felt there was a lot that could have been expanded. Room for a sequel? I don't see how a part two could happen, but I will hope for one.
My second reason is James Thornton's use of one particular phrase, over and over again. It was annoying, although by the end of the book, I had almost forgiven him!
"Sphinx: The Second Coming" by James Thornton is an enjoyable read.
The ideas put forward by this book are thought provoking. The writing is good. The storyline is captivating.
So why only 4 stars?
There are two main reasons. The first is that the book didn't seem long enough. I felt there was a lot that could have been expanded. Room for a sequel? I don't see how a part two could happen, but I will hope for one.
My second reason is James Thornton's use of one particular phrase, over and over again. It was annoying, although by the end of the book, I had almost forgiven him!
April 17, 2014
An innovative novel that merges together spectacular sci-fi with ancient Egyptian mythology & fact
Upon encountering this unique and rather distinctive novel I was unsure of what to expect, as James Thornton gives ancient Egypt a fresh ‘edgy’ revamp with a science fiction twist. SPHINX is like nothing you will have read before, as despite reading novels by Wilbur Smith and other historical novels I was intrigued by the remarkable sci-fi elements. Delving into the powers of the ancient Egyptian gods this thrilling adventure takes you on an out-of-this-world, unforgettable journey of dazzling wonder.
Methane bubbles beneath the ocean’s beds and catastrophe is coming… A team of westerners is set to unlock a code found deep in the fabric of the Great Pyramid. The puzzle goes beyond time – for secrets of Ancient Egypt are alive beneath modern Cairo. The puzzle stretches into the universe, where the ruling powers on distant galaxies stay alert for the future of planet Earth. This is visionary storytelling of the highest order that takes you deep into the mysteries of Egypt, and the wildest reaches of the imagination.
James Thornton deftly interweaves a richly evocative historical backdrop with the 21st century, so seamlessly it is as though the past and present fuse together as one. The convincing storyline brings the past vividly to life on the page with vibrancy, colour and lavish metaphorical descriptions. The symbolic meaning behind the Egyptian mysteries is fascinating, keeping me firmly fixed to the pages of this riveting read of intriguing depth and content.
3.5 Stars
SPHINX: The second coming is a well-written, mesmerizing novel that pushes the boundaries with inspired imaginative vision. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this fantastic book, which I was so pleased to have won through a Goodreads, first-read book giveaway.
Upon encountering this unique and rather distinctive novel I was unsure of what to expect, as James Thornton gives ancient Egypt a fresh ‘edgy’ revamp with a science fiction twist. SPHINX is like nothing you will have read before, as despite reading novels by Wilbur Smith and other historical novels I was intrigued by the remarkable sci-fi elements. Delving into the powers of the ancient Egyptian gods this thrilling adventure takes you on an out-of-this-world, unforgettable journey of dazzling wonder.
Methane bubbles beneath the ocean’s beds and catastrophe is coming… A team of westerners is set to unlock a code found deep in the fabric of the Great Pyramid. The puzzle goes beyond time – for secrets of Ancient Egypt are alive beneath modern Cairo. The puzzle stretches into the universe, where the ruling powers on distant galaxies stay alert for the future of planet Earth. This is visionary storytelling of the highest order that takes you deep into the mysteries of Egypt, and the wildest reaches of the imagination.
James Thornton deftly interweaves a richly evocative historical backdrop with the 21st century, so seamlessly it is as though the past and present fuse together as one. The convincing storyline brings the past vividly to life on the page with vibrancy, colour and lavish metaphorical descriptions. The symbolic meaning behind the Egyptian mysteries is fascinating, keeping me firmly fixed to the pages of this riveting read of intriguing depth and content.
3.5 Stars
SPHINX: The second coming is a well-written, mesmerizing novel that pushes the boundaries with inspired imaginative vision. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this fantastic book, which I was so pleased to have won through a Goodreads, first-read book giveaway.
May 27, 2014
This is a most curious book - it starts pretty much in the present day, a prologue meeting our narrator in Grenoble, a touch of Raiders of the Lost Ark there. Then we shift back to the beginning of time, and the first arrival in the desert of the Egyptian Gods. The Sphinx then rests through the ages, seeing what humans would do when left to their own devices. We're not doing well, it seems. Environmentally, the whole planet is in peril. Some sections, particularly meeting priests at Saqara, seem like historical fiction, and very good such it is. We also have present day adventurers, seeking some clue to unlock the universe's mysteries inside the Great Pyramid. The Egyptian keeper of antiquities leads us on another strand, down beneath modern Cairo to where the Ancient ways are preserved. Meanwhile from up in the multiverse a whole range of different beings keep urgent eyes on planet Earth, whose fate has wider repercussions than we can dream. If that's a bit confusing, sorry, but you can go to the book to unlock it, because somehow all these elements come together in what I found to be an exciting whole. It gave me whole new ideas too. I don't know if I could say what they are or pass an exam on them but this book sustains a smart journey with real characters and intriguing concepts, so I was very glad for the ride. It's rounded at the end, but does seem to offer up a sequel too. Maybe the author will write it, or maybe I'll have to dream it.
August 3, 2016
Odd, But Engrossing, and It All Eventually Makes Sense
The first odd aspect of this book is that it feels and reads as though different parts of it were written by different authors. The Prologue is manic and distraught in an overexcited and Victorian sort of way. The first chapter, relating how and why the Ancient Gods built the pyramids at Giza, has a dense yet lyrical feel full of mystery and portent. Next up is a story about the pilgrimage of two Egyptian priests, and it is full of politics, court intrigue, and realistic dialogue and conversation. And so it goes, each chapter written in a style that complements its substance. The effect is unsettling, impressive and engrossing.
And, as they say in the infomercials, "Wait! There's more!". There is a modern terrorist thriller, an earnest religious crisis of faith, a scientific expedition, a fanciful living Temple of Karnak under the old quarter of Cairo, and some philosophical chat over drinks on a terrace overlooking Cairo.
All of this seems to circle around the question of who were the gods of the ancient Egyptians, and why have they forsaken their children. And once that foundation has been laid we move into the multi-verse, alien beings, and Earth being judged and possibly found wanting by advanced alien civilizations. A strange mix of action, speculation, environmental message, adventure and personal drama. It doesn't take itself so seriously that you feel beaten up or hectored, but it's not loaded with humor either.
But it is well written, the pieces fit together, and even with the constantly changing point of view it is easy enough to follow if you relax a bit.
Fifty years ago when I read books like this it was called a head trip. Since this really is "a book of wonder with a puzzle that goes beyond time" , yeah, that's a head trip. (And it doesn't scream at you in capital letters, or go trippy, or go free form. It's actually solidly crafted and tightly written.)
So if you wonder what your trippy grandfather was reading way back when, this is an excellent modern version. Go for it.
Please note that I received a free advance ecopy of this book in exchange for a candid review. Apart from that I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.
The first odd aspect of this book is that it feels and reads as though different parts of it were written by different authors. The Prologue is manic and distraught in an overexcited and Victorian sort of way. The first chapter, relating how and why the Ancient Gods built the pyramids at Giza, has a dense yet lyrical feel full of mystery and portent. Next up is a story about the pilgrimage of two Egyptian priests, and it is full of politics, court intrigue, and realistic dialogue and conversation. And so it goes, each chapter written in a style that complements its substance. The effect is unsettling, impressive and engrossing.
And, as they say in the infomercials, "Wait! There's more!". There is a modern terrorist thriller, an earnest religious crisis of faith, a scientific expedition, a fanciful living Temple of Karnak under the old quarter of Cairo, and some philosophical chat over drinks on a terrace overlooking Cairo.
All of this seems to circle around the question of who were the gods of the ancient Egyptians, and why have they forsaken their children. And once that foundation has been laid we move into the multi-verse, alien beings, and Earth being judged and possibly found wanting by advanced alien civilizations. A strange mix of action, speculation, environmental message, adventure and personal drama. It doesn't take itself so seriously that you feel beaten up or hectored, but it's not loaded with humor either.
But it is well written, the pieces fit together, and even with the constantly changing point of view it is easy enough to follow if you relax a bit.
Fifty years ago when I read books like this it was called a head trip. Since this really is "a book of wonder with a puzzle that goes beyond time" , yeah, that's a head trip. (And it doesn't scream at you in capital letters, or go trippy, or go free form. It's actually solidly crafted and tightly written.)
So if you wonder what your trippy grandfather was reading way back when, this is an excellent modern version. Go for it.
Please note that I received a free advance ecopy of this book in exchange for a candid review. Apart from that I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.
May 9, 2014
(I received this book for free as part of Goodreads First Reads giveaways).
(This review may contain spoilers).
This was quite an interesting book to read. I was intrigued by the start of the book and I thought it was pretty cool how the beings were animals in the first scene, though I'm still not completely sure I understood what was going on at the start.
The characters in the book were, for the most part, well-written and well-rounded. I wasn't so sure about the aliens, though. The scenes intermixed with the situations happening on Earth came across really well, but I did get a bit confused at times. There was quite a bit of switching between POVs and sometimes, the scene changed without any warning.
The two different worlds were fairly easy to follow, even though there was constant switching between the plots. I did really like the idea behind the Sphinx and the different gods, though I was still somewhat confused by the end of the book.
The idea of being judged is one that's prevalent in a lot of different religions. I thought it was interesting how it was handled in this book. I felt the author did a really good job of showing how the beliefs of people changed depending on the passing of time and other factors.
I like the idea of reincarnation and I would have liked to see more of it in this book than was shown.
Benben and Bulbul were fairly interesting characters, but by the end of the book, I wasn't really sure what to make of them. They seemed much more villainous than how I'd first perceived them and they weren't really 'balanced'.
The science and magic mixed really well in this book, though I would have liked a bit more explanation as to how certain things were possible. I liked how this book ended, but I would have liked to know more. In some ways, I think this book was ended at the closing of one chapter in the universe - and that there's more of the story that could be explored.
I would be interested in reading more books by this author in the future. This was an interesting, entertaining read in a world that I'd like to see more of.
(This review may contain spoilers).
This was quite an interesting book to read. I was intrigued by the start of the book and I thought it was pretty cool how the beings were animals in the first scene, though I'm still not completely sure I understood what was going on at the start.
The characters in the book were, for the most part, well-written and well-rounded. I wasn't so sure about the aliens, though. The scenes intermixed with the situations happening on Earth came across really well, but I did get a bit confused at times. There was quite a bit of switching between POVs and sometimes, the scene changed without any warning.
The two different worlds were fairly easy to follow, even though there was constant switching between the plots. I did really like the idea behind the Sphinx and the different gods, though I was still somewhat confused by the end of the book.
The idea of being judged is one that's prevalent in a lot of different religions. I thought it was interesting how it was handled in this book. I felt the author did a really good job of showing how the beliefs of people changed depending on the passing of time and other factors.
I like the idea of reincarnation and I would have liked to see more of it in this book than was shown.
Benben and Bulbul were fairly interesting characters, but by the end of the book, I wasn't really sure what to make of them. They seemed much more villainous than how I'd first perceived them and they weren't really 'balanced'.
The science and magic mixed really well in this book, though I would have liked a bit more explanation as to how certain things were possible. I liked how this book ended, but I would have liked to know more. In some ways, I think this book was ended at the closing of one chapter in the universe - and that there's more of the story that could be explored.
I would be interested in reading more books by this author in the future. This was an interesting, entertaining read in a world that I'd like to see more of.
July 15, 2014
I read this for NetGalley.
Sphinx: The Second Coming, by James Thornton, is an entertaining and educational melange´ of Egyptology, science fiction, current events and New Age fiction. I enjoyed reading the book, and, as a bonus, brushed up on ancient Egyptian mythology and history. Mr. Thornton’s knowledge of ancient Egyptian religion, history and customs is extensive and impressive; he uses his expertise to create an authentic and believable atmosphere for the novel.
The plotting and dialogue are very well done; the atmosphere and setting of the novel are fascinating. The characterization, especially of the protagonists, human, alien and divine, is excellent. My only critique is that the human villains were too ordinary, predictable and boring. The alien villains are maliciously fascinating - - so better developed and written than the human ones.
Overall, a great read with a positive and happy ending. I recommend this as an antidote to the depressing boredom of modern zombie, dystopia and apocalyptic fiction.
Sphinx: The Second Coming, by James Thornton, is an entertaining and educational melange´ of Egyptology, science fiction, current events and New Age fiction. I enjoyed reading the book, and, as a bonus, brushed up on ancient Egyptian mythology and history. Mr. Thornton’s knowledge of ancient Egyptian religion, history and customs is extensive and impressive; he uses his expertise to create an authentic and believable atmosphere for the novel.
The plotting and dialogue are very well done; the atmosphere and setting of the novel are fascinating. The characterization, especially of the protagonists, human, alien and divine, is excellent. My only critique is that the human villains were too ordinary, predictable and boring. The alien villains are maliciously fascinating - - so better developed and written than the human ones.
Overall, a great read with a positive and happy ending. I recommend this as an antidote to the depressing boredom of modern zombie, dystopia and apocalyptic fiction.
June 29, 2014
Take the Ancient Egyptian gods, the mysteries of the pyramids, a code-cracking CIA operative, a secret religious sect, a clutch of Islamic militants, and an intergalactic council that’s overseeing humanity’s comparatively foal-like attempts at civilisation. Thornton’s imagination is huge, and the book simmers with intelligence and learning. But what’s most impressive, perhaps, is that somehow all of this ties together – despite spanning millennia and galaxies, Sphinx is a satisfying whole both in terms of its plot and its themes – amid all the mystery and adventure there’s a timely and important warning about the environmental crisis and the potential fate of life on earth. It’s a book as big as the whole Western desert; in comparison, most other novels look like sandpits.
July 18, 2014
A most engaging, metaphysical, philosophical, truly mind-expanding novel, SPHINX: THE SECOND COMING is a delight and a treasure. The story took off immediately and I loved following along.
SPHINX: THE SECOND COMING is Truth couched in fable--or perhaps fable couched in Truth. In either event, its mythological approach to prehistory and early history in the cradle of civilization--Egypt and the Nile--is one never before presented. I'm really looking forward to further books from author James Thornton.
SPHINX: THE SECOND COMING is Truth couched in fable--or perhaps fable couched in Truth. In either event, its mythological approach to prehistory and early history in the cradle of civilization--Egypt and the Nile--is one never before presented. I'm really looking forward to further books from author James Thornton.
September 11, 2014
In this compelling fable about the Egyptian gods coming back to life, James Thornton creates not just a universe, but a multiverse. There is a memorable cast of characters, including a villainous extraterritorial with a symbiotic worm attached to her brain, an Egyptian bureaucrat who is also a High Priest of Karnak, a CIA agent and a mathematical genius. Thornton's short, elegant sentences make the complex plot very clear. This is a deeply humane novel which combines science and religion with great vitality.
June 24, 2014
I received this book as a giveaway.
it took me a bit to get into this book. At first I wasnt too sure at what was gong on but in the end I really enjoyed it be it a bit strange.
I would have liked to see some of the lines in the book elaborated on and felt that the book could have been a bit longer because of this.
Yeah I give it 4 stars!
it took me a bit to get into this book. At first I wasnt too sure at what was gong on but in the end I really enjoyed it be it a bit strange.
I would have liked to see some of the lines in the book elaborated on and felt that the book could have been a bit longer because of this.
Yeah I give it 4 stars!
July 22, 2014
This is a heady ride through time, space, myth and magic - as well as through an extraordinary range of literary styles. It reminded me of Cloud Atlas, and also had about it hints of The Amber Spyglass. Well worth a read!
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews