Египтянин

Dominic Grey #2

by Layton Green, Лейтон Грин

В мавзолее на печально известном кладбище Каира посредник получает контейнер с оправленной в серебро пробиркой... Журналистка, расследующая случаи мошенничества в биомедицинских технологиях, неожиданно видит под окном своей квартиры пугающую фигуру обмотанной бинтами мумии... Болгарский ученый делает поразительное открытие в своей подземной лаборатории...

Эти, казалось бы, разрозненные события завязываются в тугой узел, распутать который под силу только Доминику Грею – частному детективу, который специализируется на мистических культах.

Genres: Mystery, Thriller, Fiction, Adventure, Mystery Thriller, Action, Ebooks

448 pages, Hardcover

First published August 21, 2011

About the author

Layton Green is a bestselling author who loves to tell powerful, edge-of-your-seat stories across a range of genres, including mystery & thriller, suspense, horror, and fantasy (and often blending them together). He is the author of the Dominic Grey series, the Blackwood Saga, the Genesis Trilogy, and other works of fiction. Layton's work has been nominated for numerous awards (including a rare three-time finalist for an International Thriller Writers award), optioned for film, published in multiple languages, and has reached #1 on many genre lists.

In addition to writing, Layton attended law school in New Orleans and was a practicing attorney for ten very long years. He has also been an intern for the United Nations, an ESL teacher in Central America, a bartender in London, a seller of cheap knives on the streets of Brixton, a door to door phone book deliverer in Florida, and the list goes downhill from there.

Layton lives with his family in Southern California. You can visit him on Facebook, Goodreads, or on his website (www.laytongreen.com).

Reviews

[Courtney (Fuzzy.Coffee.Books) · Rating 4 out of 5]

What I Liked: I spend so much time these days reading paranormal and young adult fiction that I'm amazed sometimes when I get into a book and there aren't werewolves or vampires or fairies. Or teens, for that matter. So this book was kind of like taking a vacation from that world. That was fun for me. 1) If I could only choose one word to describe this book, it would be intricate. There are so many different things going on at once, that I was worried for a bit that I might have trouble following it. But I didn't. The storylines that were woven were intricate, but easy enough to follow and still be intriguing. 2) The strength of the characters. All of the characters that we followed through the books were very strong in their own way. And it was their strength that really drew me into the story, because I was kind of in awe of them, in a way. Especially Veronica. I thought she was a great female lead amongst the other male MCs. 3) The second half of the book. This is where I really sank into the story. Everything seemed to get deeper and more complex once I reached a halfway point. The storylines, the relationships, even the reason behind the stolen object. Yet at the same time, it all become more clear. I think the depth of the story here really helped to bring some things to light. This is where the development both of plot and characters really took off.

What I Didn't Like: 1) The first half of the story. I didn't so much dislike it, as I felt a little disconnected. Especially with the jumping around in the plot. There is a lot of information to process in a short amount of time. But once I started understanding more about who and what was going on, once everything became a bit more developed, I liked the story a lot more.

Overall thoughts: For fans of mysteries and thrillers, Layton Green's story is definitely one to check out. It will keep you guessing until the very end, when you'll be surprised at the final outcome. You won't know which characters you want to root for, but you'll feel compelled to learn all of their stories. Check this one out!

See this and other fun reviews at Fuzzy.Coffee.Books!

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dominic Grey and his employer Viktor Radek are private investigators who specialize in cults. They are hired by a biomedical company to find stolen technology that may be a modern fountain of youth. When a team of hired killers appears on the scene, Dominic must not only find the missing technology, but also survive the attacks and figure out who sent them.

When I first started reading this book, I didn't realize it was the second in a series. It wasn't until I looked it up on Goodreads that I saw this. There were some references to recent events that I assume were part of the first book, but this one easily stood on its own.

I found the main themes of biomedical gerontology (science related to aging) and the obscure Egyptian myths to be both interesting and a bit confusing. A lot of the discussion went over my head, but it didn't really affect my ability to understand or enjoy the story. Even if I didn't get the finer details, the characters were both passionate and believable in their knowledge. It is evident that a lot of research went into getting the details correct.

The only thing I didn't believe in the story was the romance angle. It felt very unrealistic. The characters involved seemed to go from "lets jump in the sack for one night" to love without any action or emotion.

Overall, this was a very interesting story. It showed a side of Cairo that I would never want to visit, one that was both dark, depressing and dangerous. There was plenty of action and Dominic was both a likable and admirable hero.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series is really good, it is fast paced suspenseful and the characters are wicked complex. Full review to be posted on The Cubicle Escapee.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Wendy Cantu · Rating 3 out of 5]

Three-Sentence Summary:
Special Agent Grey (from The Summoner) is now employed by Professor Radek in his cult investigation agency (that’s the best way I can describe it). He’s hired by a mysterious businessman to retrieve a test tube stolen from Cairo biomedical laboratory – although he’s given few details about what it is. Grey’s investigation takes him to Bulgaria (with an overly-ambitious tag-along reporter) where he meets a scientist and discovers the test tube contains the secret to life and there are people willing to die to get it.

What I loved:
I can’t say I totally loved anything in this book.

What I liked:
The idea of a chemically engineered fountain of youth was interesting, but it didn’t totally play out in the way I’d thought. The mummy tie in becomes obvious early in the book and it would’ve been interesting to learn more about that aspect and its history.

What I “meh”d:
This took me forever to read because it was so heavy in biomedical terminology. I had to look up words and re-read passages which was a little annoying. And, like I said with The Summoner, sometimes the lengthy in-depth dialogue felt a little excessive. But, hey, I admit I read for fun and to relax so I tend to favor more “simple” books.

I didn’t like most of the characters. I hated the clingy reporter, Veronica. She reminded me of a Chihuahua – a little dog that thinks it’s much bigger and badder than it is until it is face-to-face in a dangerous situation. And she was kind of annoying and I wanted to kick her. She constantly relied on her looks and really at no point was more of an asset than a burden. That would’ve been OK, maybe, if Grey didn’t start caving to her. He went from an intelligent and strong woman like Nya to Veronica? Uhm. No.

The motives of the businessman who hired Grey were interesting. Did he just hire a bunch of different people to get the test tube back because he was that desperate? Seemed like it would be more efficient if they worked together as one instead of against each other. In the end, there were just too many unnecessary obstacles and tangents that didn’t lead to answers.

Green is a great writer, I just don’t think this book was my cup of tea.

[Yvonne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Domenic Grey goes on his greatest adventure yet…he’s off to Cairo, Egypt to locate a missing test tube which is supposed to be a cure for aging. His client, Al-Miri, claims to have discovered eternal life. If the test tube gets in the wrong hands, it could be a disaster for all mankind.

Grey still hasn’t recovered from his last case in Zimbawe and he’s still getting over the end of his romance with Nya. After their last case, Nya hasn’t been the same and Grey has no choice but to move on with his life. He delves into his work with Viktor and devotes himself to helping Al-Miri.

He had no intentions of finding romance, but that’s exactly what happens when he runs into the beautiful journalist Veronica. She manages to get herself in the middle of the investigation. This could be the biggest story of her career. She won't let anything get in her way, not even her attraction to Grey.

Grey and Veronica do not have much time for their developing romance as friends turn into enemies, scientists are being murdered and religious cults could be taking over. They race against the clock to discover what's really behind Al-Miri's motives and stop him before it's too late.

This is the second Domenic Grey thriller by Layton Green and it’s guaranteed to take readers on a roller coaster ride they won’t soon be forgetting. The story absorbs the reader into the adventure and takes you to another land, leaving readers breathless and anticipating what will happen next. The book did tend to get a bit too technical for me, but that didn’t stop my enjoyment of it. Layton Green has done his research and it shines through on each page. I was delighted when the author asked me to review this book and will be anxiously awaiting the next installment of the Grey adventures.

These books each stand alone, but it's more fun to read them together.

[L_manning · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dominic Grey works for an investigator specializing in cults. Their new case involves a test tube full of a mysterious substance that has disappeared from Egypt. With the help of an investigative reporter, Dominic follows the trail to Bulgaria. Threw a series of twists and turns Dominic and crew try to figure out where the test tube is, what is in it, and why someone wants it bad enough to kill for it.

This book starts off with excitement, and it never really lets up. The action takes you from New York to Bulgaria and then on to Egypt. I enjoyed that. There were also many surprises, which made for some fun. I enjoyed the combination of science and the discussions of different cults. Some of the most interesting parts for me involved the discussion with the Egyptologist. That was fascinating. Dominic was an interesting character, but I felt like I was missing something about him having not read the first book in the series. I liked that everyone seemed to be a little grey. There were many reasons for the people doing what they did, and it was all very complex.

I was slightly disappointed in the end, but overall I thought it was a good book. There is mystery, action, and adventure. If you have an interest in Egypt or in the science of aging, you will also find things of interest in here. So if you're ready for a fast-paced story with lots of intrigue, definitely pick up this book.

Book provided by author for review.

[S.B. (Beauty in Ruins) · Rating 4 out of 5]

With his second novel in The Dominic Grey Series, Layton Green not only fulfills the potential of the first volume, he gives me precisely the story I had been anticipating for so long. The Egyptian is a stellar read, one that combines elements of Indiana Jones, Dirk Pitt, Robert Langdon, and Aloysius Pendergast. It nicely balances the conflicting themes of science and religion, teasing the reader with glimmers of each, and maintaining the potential for either one to commandeer the text.

It all begins with a clandestine hand off of stolen goods in the City of the Dead, a mysterious test tube contained within a ridiculously well-protected box. Before long, Dominic Grey finds himself hired by the CEO from whom the substance was stolen, not to recover it, but simply to determine where it was taken. It's an odd case right from the start, marked by an eccentric Egyptian gentleman in green robes, with an ornate golden disk around his neck. The obscure mythology connected to that disk, and the historical secrets it leads Viktor Radek (Dominic's employer) are half of the story, paired with the very real science of aging and immortality that lies behind the test tube.

This is a story of conflicted loyalties, tenuous alliances, and more than one betrayal. Green takes us across the world and back, from the streets of Manhattan, to the sands of the Sahara, to the mountains of Bulgaria. While the story moves too quickly to really get us involved in the settings, the details are more than sufficient to help carry us along. The juxtaposition of mummies in a Manhattan park, religious cults in a high tech science lab, and well-armed goons in the depths of a desert cave creates an excitement all on its own, while playing with the story's themes.

In terms of storytelling, this second book is a bit more accessible, marked by multiple POV characters. It allows Green to expand the story and to add some much-appreciated depth, without straining the credibility of Dominic's travel. We see a bit more of Victor, a man whom I suspect could carry a story on his own, if given the chance, and are introduced to the likes of Veronica (a UN investigative reporter), Jax (an ethical sort of mercenary), and Stefan (a scientist full of secrets). There's a great mystery at the core of the novel, and Green maintains the suspense throughout, never tipping his hand until the very end. There's a lot of action and adventure as well, of course, which keeps the pacing tight.

Behind all of the mystery, the action, the adventure, and the romanticism is a very serious exploration of life, death, and what we'll do to keep the two as far from one another as possible. Nearly all of the main characters are haunted by the death or sickness of a loved one, providing them with motives and justifications that blur the line between hero and villain. If you're up for a solid adventure that has a bit more brains than your average thriller, and appreciate a hero who is strong, realistic, and vulnerable, then give this series a shot - you won't regret it.


Originally reviewed at Beauty in Ruins

[Veronica · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second time I’ve read this novel.

3.5 out of 5 stars

First Time reading review: 01/15/15 - 02/01/15
The story was finally intriguing about 1/4th of the way in, but there are a lot of different point of views. I did like that each chapter focuses on a specific point of view but if too much space occurred between the same point of view, it became confusing especially if a lot of information was dealt. I had to look back 4 chapters to remember what happened at the end of Jax's point of view in order to start reading his currently in this chapter.

I felt there should have been a bigger shock when Grey ran into and had drinks with Stefan. But nope, nothing. It actually took me to the end of the next chapter to say "hey, wait a minute..." then look back a few chapters to confirm it was Stefan's POV I had read.


The name Nicholas Flamel came up and all I can think about is Harry Potter and The sorcerers Stone. I think Green is a Harry Potter fan as references to Harry Potter came up in the first novel too.

The adventure of the story was very good. It had it's intense moments and continued to push ahead. However, other moments where history or science was explained, I needed to make sure I was paying utmost attention or I might have lost or missed a piece of information. Sometimes I had to reread these sections

Chapter 37 included a location setting under its title. This wasn't something included previously. I would have liked to see this structure throughout the book. It would have helped me keep the different characters story lines in order

The story was very intriguing, kept me on my toes and hooked me in. But towards the end, I felt it dragged to get to the conclusion. Yes, it built up nicely but it seemed like Green was over building

The traveling through Al-Miri's lab was a little confusing to picture. Green does lay out the details but I had a hard time pulling them together as a visual.

The ending wrapped up well. It didn't feel like it jumped weirdly. I was able to pick up the time and location shift easily. I really liked that we read a closing from each person/point of view to close out. Even Stefan with the "cliffhanger" at the end. I'm also happy Veronica and Gray do not get together. I did not want to see this end as a love story rather the suspense/action thriller it is.

[Nadia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Вторая история понравилась больше первой. Несмотря на кучу трупов эта какая-то не такая кровавая и злодеи более человечные в ней. Ну, некоторые из злодеев. Тут так же больше экшена и передвижений. Герои мотаются из Египта в Америку и в Европу, и у автора получается показать разницу между локациями.
В начале нас опять заваливает кучей персонажей, часть из которых имеют настолько похожие имена, что остается только смириться, что ты вконец запутаешься во всех этих мужиках. Так же неясно, кто из них доживет до того момента, когда автор наконец-то сведет все линии в одну и заставит всех участников встретиться.
Мне все больше нравится Доминик. И мне нравится Виктор, хотя тут он почти не принимал никакого активного участия. Не понравилась Вероника, хотя, скорей всего, это не ее вина. Она продукт своего окружения и мировозрения. То же со Стефаном. Хотя финальные открытия неприятно поразили. Аль-Мири в этом плане оказался намного честнее. Разгадка мумии оказалась грустной, несмотря на все обстоятельства.
Финал показался правильным. Пустыня умеет хранить свои секреты.

[Paula Dyches · Rating 5 out of 5]

Don't skip this series!

Parents: not for under 18.
Language: R; with F-bombs
Violence: torture, murder, references to other violent crimes
Sexual content: several intimate scenes

Just as good as the first book in the series but with its own flavor of suspense! The twists were masterful, if you enjoy mummies and the lore of Egypt combined with fantastic writing don’t pass this book up! I’ve listened to this twice through before writing this and will probably listen again because this, like the first book, is just absolute auditory and written magic. DO NOT SKIP THIS SERIES if you enjoy well thought out plots, red herrings, with a side of the phenomenal!

Narrator: 5🌟 Auditory magic as always!

—I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

[D. Hall · Rating 4 out of 5]

I mostly read paranormal fiction, so it was nice to dig back into the thriller world for a bit. I'll admit that I picked this up because it was Nov 2022 and it was the centenary of the Tomb of Tutankhamun's discovery and the book had Egypt in the title. Crazy idea for picking a book but I play like that sometimes. It took me a while to get into this book because its quite intricate. There is a lot going on at once and a lot of character POVS and I did get lost a few times. The plot is well woven, and intriguing. It does get quite technical and science-y (is that a word?) There are fight scenes, guns and sinister bad guys, a little romance and twists. If you like Scott Mariani's Ben Hope series then this is definitely for you, I'll be reading more of Layton Green in the future, it was a good diversion.

[Shaunda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another awesome read. Grey & Professor Radek are simply amazing. I thought there might be a love interest with Grey, NOPE he still has love for Nya.

Now my question is, did this group stumble upon an elexir of youth. Say it isn't so!

Also what's up with the misfits that make up this cult of New Cellular Technology.

It makes one wonder about the mental stability of their leader. Just a thought.

What will happen if Jax keeps searching for the underground cavern?

Will he find it again, or will a monster sandstorm dessimate the entire region.

Oh what to do, what to do!!

Well you best get to reading so you can find out.

Me, I'm on to the next novel. The Diabolist.

Until, Ciao!

ps... I'm telling you, don't sleep on this author.

[Yulia · Rating 1 out of 5]

Bestselling author... Seriously? This is just bad writing, amateurish at best, primitive at worst. The Egyptian is the LONGEST 300-page book I've ever read. Also the most plodding thriller. Needlessly violent and reveling in it, it features cartoonishly flat characters - a bunch of stereotypes, all of them.
Not to be entirely uncharitable, I will say that Layton Green has succeeded with one character, and that is Jax, at least he has a voice and presence.
Finally, there's an obvious attempt to copy James Rollins... less talented and a lot lazier. The kind of plotting skill and the amount of research with which Rollins crafts his novels is the pinnacle that Mr. Green may or may not attain in a decade or two, but I will not be following him to find out.

[Melissa McPhail · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really love the Dominic Grey books. Green does such a great job of making a realistic and relatable character who is also really effective at what he does. Having grown up reading greats like Robert Ludlum, David Morrell and Fredrick Forsythe, among many others, Layton Green's work very much holds its own. Highly recommended.

[Virginia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Would you extend your life, if safe? For how long?

This is about what some men will & will not do to pursue an ancient story of prolonged life & a buried lake. So far, I'm okay just the way life is now.

[Keryl Raist · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm about to make a pretty bold statement here. Layton Green's The Egyptian is the strongest, best written indie book I've ever read. Now, it's not my favorite indie book, I prefer a bit more humor in a book, but the basis of pure technical writing skill, on the ability to craft a story and have it hang together, The Egyptian is the best one I've seen so far.

What makes the Egyptian so great?

Let's start with the characters. Dominic Grey, the leading man, is back from The Summoner, older, and a bit wiser, and ready to start on something new. He's working for Viktor now as a full time investigator of situations where religion/cults and the real world mix in unfortunate ways. And, while Dominic isn't stupid by any stretch of the imagination, he is, in this partnership with Viktor, the muscle man. He does the legwork, the investigation that involves going to scary places and dealing with creepy people, and occasionally showing us that Jason Stratham has nothing on him when it comes to martial arts. Which brings us to Viktor, who is still my favorite of the crew, who is for lack of a better term, the brains. Viktor is the Religious Phenomenologist, the guy who actually knows what they're looking for. Dominic finds the pieces, Viktor puts them together. New to The Egyptian we get to meet Veronica, who is basically a Bond Girl. If you've ever read/seen a James Bond story, you will understand her role in the book. (Look good, move the plot along, have sex with the hero). Lastly, Jax, also new to the cast, adds an extra layer of brightness to the story with his jaded character and devil may care attitude. (He put me in mind of a mercenary version of Han Solo.) These four very different characters are expertly balanced throughout the story to keep the plot running, the tension high, and the reader caring about what happens next. Getting to spend time with them is a joy.

From there we go to the plot. The Egyptian is solid. Each aspect of the book makes sense, each scene flows into the next, there are no moments of wishing someone with a delete button had gotten a hold of certain bits, and no sudden wondering what happened in a given scene. I had a small complaint with The Summoner, where on occasion it was a little too obvious that the characters were doing things because Green needed them to to keep the plot going. That never happens in the Egyptian. All the action, all the motivation, it all flows naturally. You never see the hand of the author in this story. The groundwork is properly laid, the middle adds new interests and possibilities, the climax takes care of business, and then we wrap up with a tidy ending.

Wait, you actually want to know what that plot is? Okay. On the surface level, it's about returning some stolen property. Deeper in, that stolen property is a vial of the water of life, a serum that stops people from aging. Who are the thieves? An anti-aging biotech firm. Who lost the vial? An Egyptian eternal-life cult complete with mummies, who also happens to be an anti-aging biotech firm. And they're willing to do anything to get it back. Who are the bad guys? That's one of the great twists in this story. And this story has twists, it has turns, and mummies, and a hunchback, and... I mentioned James Bond earlier. Well, if James Bond and the X-Files had a love child, this book would be it.

The romance is once again a guy's romance. But it's a guy's romance with a bit more introspection than I've usually seen in guy oriented books. I like the fact that Grey is still dealing with the emotional fall out of The Summoner, but willing to move on to new things as well. It's realistic in a very good way. (It's also realistic in a way that some women might find exasperating, but that has more to do with how they deal with men, than anything about the book.)

Dialog is well done, competent, but not outstanding. Call it a B+. And honestly that just might be a matter of my own taste in the matter. There's a sort of balance between wit, snark, and stoic (think NCIS) I'm especially fond of, and this book didn't have that. But what it did have is dialog that works for each character. There's never a second spent thinking, 'Huh? Why did he say that?' There's not a single phrase in the entire book that drags you out of character. And with characters as different as these four, plus the villains, that's a marvelous job.

Like The Summoner, this is a serious book with some dark topics, and Jax was a much needed glimmer of light. In my previous review I equated The Summoner with 90% cocoa chocolate, very dark, very bitter. And sometimes you want dark and bitter. But you can't make it your entire diet. The Egyptian, were it dark chocolate, would probably come in around 60%. And for me, at least, this is a welcome change. I can only deal with so much terrible darkness in a series before it gets too depressing to continue on. The Egyptian not only gives the characters a break, but it gives the reader one as well.

I am extremely pleased that Layton Green asked me to review The Egyptian. I look forward to seeing his further works.

[Sonja Eckhart · Rating 5 out of 5]

great read

holds you in it's grip until the last page. stayed up much too late reading until the end one of my favorite authors

[Heidi Graham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this series

Full of adventure and keeps me on the edge of my seat. Can’t wait to read the next one in the series.

[Yvette P Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Riviting

A world wind of history, cultures, beliefs, and ideology. So much of the secrets of the motherland are said to be fictional but are truly amazing and interesting!

[L.A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Article first published as Book Review: The Egyptian by Layton Green on Blogcritics.


Searching for the ever-elusive fountain of youth has driven different governments, factions and cults for centuries trying to find that special liquid that can hold off the effect of aging. In The Egyptian by Layton Green, he takes us into the ever interesting and precise world of scientific facts and experiments, with an analytical eye towards the verbiage and histories of the different sciences.

As he takes his wonderful and exciting protagonist, Dominic Grey, now working for Professor Viktor Radik in his religious investigations, we take a quick and marvelous journey into the unknown. With Radik involved in his own work, Grey as his partner is engaged to retrieve a missing item that has disappeared from a corporation. At this point after his most recent investigation where he and several others including Radik and Nya, the woman he loved, ended up in the hands of a madman, this seemed to be just a routine job. Ready for anything that would take his mind off Nya and the despair he felt, he needed the distraction. She was no longer returning his calls or emails, and while he understood, it hurt in a way for which he was unprepared.

His initial impression of those he would be working for seemed a bit odd. The bodyguard of Al-Miri, the man who was filling him in on the theft, was only 5 feet tall and almost as wide, appearing as though he may have been a body builder at some point in his life. He also sported an abnormal growth on his back and Grey had a difficult time keeping his eyes from tracking back to him during his discussion of the case. He exuded a kind of flatness, a lack of caring, and he made Grey uncomfortable. Heading out and beginning the investigation, he found himself in the middle of a protest at the biotech lab he decided to check with. It is here, at this lab and protest that he runs into woman, one who would become a vital part of his investigation as he moved forward. Veronica Brown a reporter for the UN is also hot on the trail of the different genetics and DNA testing going on with the different biotech laboratories, following the different stories and reporting the news. She immediately senses a story attached to Grey and is determined to follow it to the source.

What began as the tracking a missing object becomes a mystery into the very fabric of longevity, and the history into the beginnings of alchemy and the lives of the gods and goddesses of Egyptian lore. Radik becomes involved as the genre becomes more to what his own investigations involve and they find that they are searching for something that is not supposed to be. The vial that has disappeared is rumored to carry some of the very water, which is known to prolong life. As the search moves on, Grey finds the lab holding the sample, but even as he begins to understand and come to enjoy the company of the scientist involved, he finds that his client is not only intent on retrieving the vial but in erasing anyone that has knowledge of its content.

As death and destruction begin to follow, he is again brought into contact with the bodyguard he had only previously met briefly, small but powerful, Nomti is also adept at and enjoys torture, just for the sake of watching the pain. As Grey and those traveling with him try to escape the clutches of those who will stop at nothing to hide their agenda, we are taken into the labyrinth of secret societies and the mysteries that men have killed for since the beginning of time.

This is a well-written and absorbing tale, full of twists and turns that keep you guessing. What is really in the vial and can it really do what some are saying? The characters are at once charismatic or evil and the dialogue is exceptional. Green has delivered another story that takes us to a place outside our comfort zone, and puts us right in the middle of the conflict. The story melds into the perfect scenarios that flow together flawlessly, taking you into the story along with the characters, sharing their pains and fears. As smooth and flowing as the story is, it seems as though Green himself was a part of those involved. The intrigue was great and the science written in a style that was easily digestible.

I would recommend this book for those that enjoy action and adventure. It would also please those who like a bit of science fiction or fantasy, and some great history as well. This would be a great book club choice or one for a discussion group. Green has written this one for your library, to pick up and read over and over.

This book was recieved as a free download from the author. All opinions are my own based off my reading and understanding of the material.

[Yvonne G · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Fascinating Storyline, Intriguing Characters And Non-Stop Action"

I have been eagerly waiting for this second adventure in the `Dominic Grey' series, ever since I was given the opportunity to advance read Layton Green's first book `The Summoner', where we were introduced to this great character.

The final cover art for `The Egyptian' was only decided a couple of weeks ago and is fantastic, much more life and intrigue than the first pass, which can be found on earlier promotional material.

I was surprised when Layton revealed that `The Egyptian' was in fact written before `The Summoner' and impressed that `The Summoner' was such a huge success as a retrospective introduction for the great concept of the series and the totally believable character of `Dominic Grey'.

Dominic has gained great strides in establishing himself as a complex, yet highly principled character, who has still to put his early life struggles behind him completely, before he can devote himself fully to the business tasks ahead of him, begin to establish a private life and form any close and trusting relationships.

He always seems to be looking back to the harsh punishments meted out to his mother and himself, by a sadistic and violent father and I get the feeling that deep down, he is still worried that `the sins of the fathers will visit themselves on the sons' and that he will lose control and become like his father. He therefore remains a tense and highly sprung character, always on the edge and living on his wits and nerves, really rather vulnerable and slightly unpredictable, although he is gaining in confidence all the time, as he sets out to establish his own true identity.

This latest mission finds him delving into scientific and industrial espionage on a grand scale, with the secret of eternal life being the coveted prize. A duplicitous scientist, whom Dominic had dared to call `friend', leaves him feeling betrayed, whilst he is caused great moral distaste and dilemma by the nature of the investigation, delving as it does into the realms of `Interspecies Genetic Manipulation'.

His quest, on behalf of his client, to seek out the elixir of eternal life, leads him to the heart of the Egyptian desert, where ancient myths and beliefs figure highly. The `mummy,' the ultimate symbol of physical eternal life, and the spectre of `Nu', the watery element of the Egyptian idea of creation, are still sought after and revered by those seeking the ultimate prize of everlasting life, as Dominic discovers even more shocking and disturbing revelations about the true nature of the scientific research, in this fast paced, plot driven, race against time.

In this highly charged environmentViktor, Dominic's mentor and employer, plays an important, yet shadowy role. Somehow he always contrives to provide a bedrock of calmness and stability within which Dominic can pursue his quarry and is always there when Dominic needs guidance and advice. He is such an interesting, complex and highly intelligent character, who is developing well in his role as advisor to his new protege.

Now that I have encountered Dominic Green in two completely diverse missions and am beginning to engage with his creator Layton Green's unique style of presentation and writing, I am minded to think back to earlier this week, when I came across a copy of The Devil and All His Works , by Dennis Wheatley, who has long been acclaimed as one of the best-selling authors of the occult thriller. This particular non-fiction book sets out to sum up his findings and conclusions about the many forces of darkness, from the evidence of invisible influences on mankind, to the outward manifestations of those beliefs.

Layton presents similarly extensive research, which he then cleverly grafts into great plots, full of action and intrigue; where the attention to detail and the inevitable clashes of cultures, give each storyline sequence a life of its own, in a totally immersing page-turning adventure, full of suspense and intrigue.

[Blood Rose Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

The sequel to Layton Green's Dominic Grey Series The Summoner, you will want to read the first book in the series The Summoner before you read this books as it explains how Grey became part of the private investigator business and the relationships that Grey has developed.

In the Egyptian Green ventures into a cult that has been around since the rise of man who is on the search for eternal life and will stop at nothing to find it.

Dominic does not know what to make of his life after Africa. He was rebuffed by Nya, who he thought was the one person who understood him but now he finds himself in Manhattan, alone. However, Viktor has a job for Grey, a purpose that he hopes will help to take his mind off the past events that he is unable to forget. The job seems simple enough, though he is not getting too much information from his employed; find a test tube that has been stolen from his laboratories as it is the key to his research. Grey delves into the world to science cults and the need to search for eternal life. But what Grey does not know that this type of research cult has appeared in some form since the dawn of Man and that people throughout the centuries are willing to do anything to live forever, even if it means leaving bodies in their wake.

This book had me hooked from the opening chapter, with the reintroduction of Grey and with the mysterious happening within an Egyptian graveyard. I did not realize how much I missed reading about Grey till the book was in my hands, I needed to know more and know what was going to happen next. Green has a great ability to mold a great thriller novel with a touch of supernatural aspect, and make it feel that the supernatural aspect could be true. With lots of mystery, suspense and thrills, The Egyptian will not disappoint readers.

The one thing that really stands out about Green is his ability to create several well rounded and realistic characters within his books. He has his main characters but his secondary characters are also well developed. You feel like you not only get to know all the characters both the good guys and the bad guys, that you get more than one side of the story, which makes the twists and turns all that more interesting

I think that the partnership of Grey and Viktor is a great thing, they both have strengths and weaknesses that compliment each other. Though I do hope in future novel we get to see more of Viktor's fighting style just based off the sword like knife that he likes to carry. I liked that Green developed Grey's character further by showing the reader further aspects of his past and his struggle to come to terms with what happen in Africa and Nya and really what is his purpose in life and where is he going. I also enjoyed that we got to see Grey use more of his jujitsu training and it seems accurate from my sources about the abilities that Green portrays within the book. I just really like Grey as a character overall, everything I want as a main male character, tough, serious, able to fight with a touch of a sensitive side.

In the first one it was a little slow when the explaining of the Juju religious aspect. This book I did get a little lost in the biological aspect in the book. I understood most of it, but it has been a few years since I took a biology class, so at times it was a little overwhelming. However, I understand Green's need to explain the medical side of things, as it adds more context and importance to the product and just proves the research that he did. It did not take from my overall enjoyment of the book, just created that a little bit of a slow part.

If you are looking for a great read I recommend Green's Dominic Grey Series. It is well written, with well developed plot and character, with lost of action mystery and suspense that will keep you coming back for more. Green is a author to watch out for and to mark on your calender when his next book is going to come out.

All I can say is I want more Dominic Grey.
Enjoy!!!

[Anachronist · Rating 4 out of 5]

What I liked:

Have I mentioned that I am a real sucker for alchemy? If I haven’t, here it is – I make it official. It’s enough a book mentions Hermes Trismegistus, Prester John, golems, the Fountain of Youth, the Philosopher’s Stone, Emerald Tablets and Nicolas Flamel (not necessarily in this order) and it can win me over in a sec. This novel mixed all these ingredients together and the author did it in a clever way, apparently backed up by some serious research. I loved every second of it; in fact I wouldn’t mind having more.

The character development didn’t disappoint me either, at least in most of cases. Grey is perhaps still a bit too serious and taciturn but in the second installment it is apparent that he can think and feel, not only do jujitsu. We see less of Nya (good move imvho, she became a wet blanket a bit too soon) and a new girl, Veronica, is introduced. Overall I liked her better. She was perhaps a bit too much like one of these annoying Bond girls (you know the drift: intelligent but not overly so, very pretty, very sexy, definitely in need of a strong, manly arm) but I hope she will gain more depth later. I liked the fact that she fell in love and, despite her best efforts, it remained rather unrequited.


I also liked the idea of adding another new character- Jax the mercenary – to the mix. Jax is very selfish, neither completely good nor totally bad but, maybe because of it, very likeable. He brings his ironic sense of humour and almost complete lack of scruples on board. Well, in the whole narration whirlwind I missed some humour in the first part too. Indiana Jones's type of humour. Let’s face it: Grey is a dour kind of guy and while I understand the reasons behind it, his constant pining for Nya and reminiscing his harsh childhood and teen years can get tiresome after a while; Victor is even more sour from time to time, not to mention the fact that he is an absinthe addict (an original addiction, I grant you, but not exactly a sociable one). Veronica can be catty in an amusing way but, as she is now seriously in love with our long-faced Dominic, she is not exactly a ray of sunshine either. Jax, with his sexual innuendos, zest for life and witty remarks was like a whiff of fresh air in a stuffy room.

The setting was once again interesting. Perhaps not as exotic as Zimbabwe but interesting enough. The pace of narration, as in the first part, could leave you breathless (or, more precisely, reading greedily far longer than you had planned) so doing exactly what a real thriller should do to you.

What I didn’t like:

I could list here different minor quibbles (some scenes, like the just-in-time rescue of Veronica, were rather cheesy, fortunately not too many of them) but there was one major drawback. Baddies. I noticed an improvement but not enough. Is it really that difficult to make your evil guy handsome, clever and enticing, at least for a moment or two? Apparently it is – in this part every baddie was physically repulsive in his own way so you knew at once when you read their descriptions what and who you were dealing with. Cliché. It’s good some of them (Al Miri) at least showed some higher feelings.

Final verdict:

I must visit Egypt and maybe also Bulgaria – if not this year then the next one. Going there, I will gladly reread this one. Or the next part, if available. It is really good and intelligent as far as thrillers go, not to mention the entertainment factor. I wouldn't be surprised if the series was adapted for the screen in the near future.

[Bill Donhiser · Rating 4 out of 5]

An imaginative and quick paced thriller. Well done

[Lisa K]

"All of this, he thought, all of us: the saintly and the damned, the genetic mutations and the flawless, the sparkling stars of society and the forlorn crust of the world, forgotten, doomed and legion. We have this ineffable gift of life, and we will never understand it. But we are here, we are alive, we are eternal for every minute of the day."

This is what you get when you combine Indiana Jones with Ludlum’s Jason Borne; high octane action from scientific discoveries breaking ethical boundaries to violent cults who will stop at nothing to keep their secrets. You’ve got corporate espionage to myths about the search for eternal life to shady deals in cemeteries, and of course, good old fashioned mummies ready to bash your brains in. The story also ropes in an investigative journalist and a mercenary along for the bumpy ride.

This novel seems to echo that the point that Shelley made in her novel Frankenstein; that maybe some truths are not meant to be known, and committing ‘a divine trespass’ can have its repercussions. Like their predecessor, Dr. Frankenstein, the scientists in the Green’s novel learn that everything has it’s price. This search for truth and identity pervades all aspects of Green’s novel; Grey, who is still haunted by the events that took place in Zimbabwe envies the communities around him that seem to have no problem defining themselves. He is a man apart with no real identity and with his own bundle of moral codes. And once again his grip on reality will be shaken as his new case forces him to face the unknown. Just in case you missed the whole identity and spirituality issue, Grey funnily enough has a taste for Herman Hesse novels. Herman Hesse is a late 19th to early 20th century German writer and painter who dealt with issues like self knowledge and spirituality.

Viktor Radek, Grey’s employer and cult expert, seems not to have any of Grey’s issues, he is quite singular in his attempt to uncover life’s mysteries. Which, in a sense, is why he got in to this line of work in the first place. To counter Grey’s ‘hard-boiled’ character, Radek relies more on theories and logic than on brute force. This is probably the reason why he was my favorite character in the first novel. However, Grey’s character (who I didn’t care for in the first novel) somehow impressed me, not just with his badass Jiu Jitsu skills, but also with his general resourcefulness… he is a very hard man to kill.

I thoroughly enjoyed the mystery, and how Green skillfully links the stories of very different characters and their contrasting personal philosophies. I also enjoy the didactic bits that are thrown in whenever Radek came onto the scene. I think for a character that I have seen now in two novels, I still feel he is shrouded in mystery.

If there is anything I didn’t like was the use of exposition in re-introduction of Grey at the beginning of the novel. While I think it is important for those who wouldn’t have read the first book, I think the information could have been spread out a little bit more throughout the story. Other than this, it is awesome! A must read for all you lovers of conspiracy theories, thrillers and mysteries alike!

K @ BaffledBooks

[ReviewerLarissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

*Squee* Remember how a while back I reviewed Layton Green’s The Summoner? Remember just how much I loved it and recommended you read this book too? Well a while back B. was contacted by the author to do a pre-release of the author’s latest book: The Egyptian. Let me tell you, I was one happy happy woman when she got me that request. Needless to say I got right down to reading, but the knights put me of from writing the review. So here I am with my notebook full of squee about this book. Let’s see if I can get you to squee right along with me.

To tell you the truth, this book is not a girly, squee, romantic kind of book. It’s quite the thoughtful and scary story, full of details of myths and history, occultism, background and world building, and a mystery to rival The DaVinci Code.

Remember Dominic Grey? In The Summoner he worked for the Diplomatic Service, but since then he started working for our other hero: Professor Viktor Radek, who specializes in religious phenomenology. Basically, he consults high ranking clients on dangerous, obscure cults. Grey is James Bond to Viktor’s Indiana Jones and together they make one heck of a team.

This time the mystery involves a mummy. Alright, I’m kidding. There is a mummy but the mystery goes much deeper than that. Initially Grey and Radek are hired by an Egyptian company to locate stole research on something oh so interesting – I’ll let you find that out for yourself – but it isn’t long before they run into a dangerous cult and things get real interesting real quick. You know how cults, religion and science make a very bad mix? Well you ain’t seen nothing yet!

Like in the first book there is a lot of information in this book. There is a lot of background on myth, history and the occult and cults (and the cult featured in this book actually made my skin crawl). The flow of information in this book is well balanced by both the story and the characters. Grey is just as interesting and rogue as in the first book and Radek is just as mysterious. While they are the main characters in this story, they are supported by a well-balanced cast. These characters are not just your average story characters. They are complex, interesting and mysterious. The author gives you just enough to keep you wondering as to what they role in the story really is. One character I found most interesting was Veronica.

The setting in The Egyptian is breathtaking. Layton knows how to write the characters’ surroundings in such a way that it almost feels as if you’re actually there. Just like in The Summoner this story takes you places: from Egypt to Eastern Europe. It’s nice to see a setting that doesn’t feature America predominantly.

The Egyptian is a rare gem that puts the DaVinci Code to shame. It’s a story that keeps you on the edge of your seat, makes you want to grab your teddy bear and hide under the covers just as it keeps you from putting it down because you want to know what happens next. I sure hope this author keeps writing!

[S. Burke · Rating 5 out of 5]

BOOK REVIEW: THE EGYPTIAN by LAYTON GREEN.

What have I missed? Damn this is a good read, it stands alone, yet I am now aware that another book ‘The Summoner’ exists encompassing the same pivotal character, Dominic Grey.

I had no preconceptions when I began reading “The Egyptian” and at that point had not read any of this fine authors previous work, rest assured that is about to be rectified.

I base my reviews on several very simple yet intrinsic parameters… Plotline. Characterizations. Dialogue. Research.

And the ever illusive X factor…that strange compelling thing that makes a work un-put-down-able!

So last things first…The X factor? Was it present in The Egyptian? By the truckload!

The pacing is almost breathlessly fast, and the superb writing grabs the reader by the throat and holds them in its grip until the last sentence ends. And…Then? This reader went online scrounging frantically to find more books by this author…I’m smiling ‘cause I now have a copy of “The Summoner” to look forward to.

But I digress… “The Egyptian” is fascinating on many levels; it has a psychological jolt that makes you wonder just how you would react given the opportunity to access “the Elixir of life.” Author Layton Green permits his characters to explore their own values and integrity when confronted with the reality of the factual existence of the mythical Elixir.

He doesn’t spare the characters from self-destructing by greed.

The characterizations are crafted with a clever and intelligent pen. Author Green makes you care for the central character of Dominic Grey, by making him worthy of caring about, yet not infallible by any stretch of the imagination. Grey is a mystery to everyone but himself, with a vulnerable underbelly that he shields as best he can. In this novel he harkens back to a female that I believe appears in The Summoner…his feelings and memories of her are very strong…that doesn’t mean that he isn’t attracted to Veronica, who is in search of the “Story to end all stories.” Her job as a freelance journalist has her scrambling to follow Dominic as he travels to Bulgaria on his mission to locate the “Elixir.��� Enter Stephan and threats to the lives of all three of them as the nightmare investigation begins throwing mutilated bodies in their path.

The research is impeccable; cleverly utilized descriptions take the reader from the streets of Manhattan, to villages in Bulgaria, to the endless fascination of the land of Egypt.

I walked the bazaars, tasted the sand, and felt the sun scorching my limbs; such is the power of the description used by this author. That alone makes this a stand out book, yet when I factor in the believability of the plot, the beautifully drawn characters, the dialogue which is flawless…well I just keep finding more reason to give this work five stars. I love it when I find an author whose next book I can’t wait to read. Layton Green has me as a fan... hook, line and sinker.

If you love a fast paced, well written, and exciting read, you can’t go past this one. The Egyptian has become my favorite read so far in 2011.

[Amy Rogers]

ScienceThrillers.com SUMMARY:

Dominic Grey, an ex-Marine and Jujitsu expert with a troubled childhood but a strong moral compass, is hired by his professorial employer Viktor Radek to investigate what appears to be a case of corporate espionage. But the nature of what was stolen from the Egyptian biotech company is kept secret from Grey, who soon learns that it’s worth killing for. The search for the stolen test tube turns into a run for his life and ultimately a desperate attempt to save himself and his female companion by confronting the villains on their home turf.

ScienceThrillers.com REVIEW:

A stellar opening set in Cairo’s City of the Dead launches the reader into an intelligently-written, page-turning tale revolving around a tiny test tube stolen by a scientist from his employer. The Egyptian by Layton Green gives us strong characters, especially our hero Dominic Grey, as well as the freelance journalist Veronica Brown and a delightful secondary character, Jax, a mercenary. (The villain is also intriguing, though not quite believable.) Grey and Radek are investigators hired for cases involving cults. (Their first case is told in Layton Green’s The Summoner.) How this case is connected to the occult becomes more clear as the book goes on. And that bandage-wrapped toe in the opening scene–well, you’ll be seeing it again.

Action in the tale spans New York, Bulgaria, Cairo, and the Sahara desert. The real strength of The Egyptian is the strong writing, which is more literary in style than your typical thriller. Here are some examples that leaped out:

is death’s antechamber not what the world was anyway, everyone waiting for the same unseen adventure?

In places like Bulgaria the past and present have melded together, stirred by the spoon of change into an anachronistic stew, soon to be gobbled up by the greedy jaws of progress.

It was the deepest part of the night, bottled entropy

Now, if the whole thriller were written like this, it would be a turn-off, but Green uses such passages sparingly, in my opinion to nice effect. He also delves thematically into a bit of philosophy and morality through the story, again without a heavy hand. The Egyptian does suffer from a bit too much exposition in places, especially semi-academic stuff about cults (but at least it’s interesting exposition), and the story as a whole could be tightened up and made shorter as certain scenes feel like they’re repeating the tenor or actions of previous ones.

Biohazard rating: some interesting technical content on telomerase and aging plus a reasonable laboratory scene, but overall science is not a dominant feature of this story.

Overall, an engaging thriller featuring an excellent series character hero in Dominic Grey, with enough accurate science in the background to qualify as Sci-Thri.

Key words: Hayflick limit; somatic cell nuclear transfer; senescence; telomere; telomerase; Somax; gerontology; stem cell

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

At first I wasn't a fan of the Dominic Grey the lead character because I felt like the author pushed him to be this broken man without giving a reason but I soon realized this was a sequel to another book and Dominic Grey made a lot more since. I loved that the author never once changed Dominic Gray to be this super hero he was a trained former military man who did his best to right wrongs. Dominic Greys employer Viktor Radek I felt could have been the humor needed in the book or at lest someone to help release the tension that kept building but he was more for background information and he was very boring.
I love that the author has done his research with the different elements, locations and environment when it came to the theory of Elixir of Life and the different alchemist. I feel like he did more than just a Wikipedia search on the subject.
Nomti was extremely frightening and even gave me chills and I would love to ask the author if he is based on someone he knew. It seems like with all books that the main bad man intentions were never evil but started off as a desire to do good but ended up consuming him until he couldn't see right from wrong. There were two scientist that were looking for the elixir of life one wanted to save the life he loved and the other wanted to make profit. I love that I had no idea who it was until the end of the book.
The female lead Veronica is a journalist for the WHO. She wanted the story but instead fell in love with Gray who was unable to love. She was a strong female character without being annoying and the author created a woman women could relate and men wanted to be with.

I found this book to be a mix of Clive Clusser and Jack Du Brul expect without the fun those authors added to their books. The Author is a good adventure writer and he paints the scene so vivid you feel like you are walking the streets of Cairo or NYC.
What I didn't like about the book was the lacked the humor that I feel was needed to release some of the tension that kept building and abruptly ended. The last chapter of the book I felt like the author needed a ending and quickly wrote it like a one hour TV show. Half way though the book the swearing picked up and I felt like it was so out of place almost as if someone else was writing the scenes. There was sex in the book it wasn't out of place and as I like to put it " the author closed the door."

The question I found myself asking after I finished the book was " If I could live forever would I want to?" No. Everyone and everything has a time a season. Yes I would love to be young and beautiful forever but I do not want to live forever.