The Antikythera Code is an adventure story that I highly recommend. It is an entertaining and also educational reading adventure. Andrew Clawson has a talent for writing action scenes and has put together an interesting and complex story. I was engaged in the story from the very first pages, and for the whole time that I was reading the book; I entered a new imaginary world.
The background information for this historical fiction book has been adequately researched and the author’s command of writing by using the historical knowledge is impressive. The characters are unique and complex, with good and bad aspects to their personalities and backgrounds.
There are numerous mysterious puzzles, codes, explorations, secret hidden places, and traps to navigate. And there is danger in both: 1. The navigation of the obstacles, and 2. The rivals who follow Harry Fox, the main character. Everywhere Harry goes, someone is following him. It’s a life and death chase to try to obtain the objects and knowledge that Harry has acquired. Harry navigates these previously mentioned challenges using his own wits and physical strength; he does suffer consequences for his risks, errors, and judgement; this makes him seem like a real person and not a stereotype. He also leads a complicated family life because he was born into a New York City mafia family. And he has a girl friend, a highly educated and talented Egyptologist; also many other interesting friends and associates who are part of the story.
Young adults who read at a high level and are interested in the topic could read the book, maybe even those as young as twelve because there is nothing inappropriate in the book.
I learned about ancient history and even what an Antikythera mechanism was because my curiosity was piqued by reading the story. The reading spurred me to look up some information about the settings and artifacts that were mentioned. One of the most fun parts of the book is at the end, when after reading the book, the author explains to the reader everything that is fact and fictional in the story; and also what is partially factual. That is when the reader comes to the realization as to how talented that knowledgeable the author is.
I look forward to reading more of his books. The book can be read as a stand-alone novel. It has a fully developed ending and an epilogue.
Some story Locations/Settings: [Germany; New York City: Manhattan, Brooklyn; Ireland; Italy: Bobbio (Bobbio Abbey), Milan; France: Lyon, Vienne (Temple of Augustus and Livia); Romania; Switzerland: Geneva, Zürich (Grössmunster Church), Limmat River; Greece: Antikythera Island, Thessoloniki is mentioned; Cyprus: Larnaca (Larnaca International Airport), Kyrenia Mountain Range, Saint Hilarion Castle; Bulgaria]
I received an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) and I have submitted this voluntary and honest review of the book.