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Кръвта на Александър
Един крадец с мисия...
Джонатан Блейк се издържа с кражбата на артефакти. По-точно краде ги обратно от крадците – той е международен оперативен агент под прикритие. Работи за фондация „Арго“ – организация, решена да опази човешката история. Свикнал е с опасни задачи. Но има още по-опасни – възложено му е от най-високо място да поеме смъртоносна мисия за издирването на открадната статуетка – Наполеоновия орел. И така този модерен Индиана Джоунс се оказва забъркан в невероятна история. Принуден е да се изправи срещу Ваня - водач на световен фанатичен култ, докато търси изчезналия позлатен орел. В статуетката се крие важно указание за местонахождението на изгубената гробница на Александър Македонски.
От древните руини в Афганистан до Парижките катакомби и замък високо в Алпите, Блейк трябва да разкрие много тайни: вечното жилище на Наполеон Бонапарт, убийството на Пърси Биш Шели и скритите останки на Александър Велики. И то преди смъртоносните планове на Ваня да се осъществят.
Джонатан Блейк се издържа с кражбата на артефакти. По-точно краде ги обратно от крадците – той е международен оперативен агент под прикритие. Работи за фондация „Арго“ – организация, решена да опази човешката история. Свикнал е с опасни задачи. Но има още по-опасни – възложено му е от най-високо място да поеме смъртоносна мисия за издирването на открадната статуетка – Наполеоновия орел. И така този модерен Индиана Джоунс се оказва забъркан в невероятна история. Принуден е да се изправи срещу Ваня - водач на световен фанатичен култ, докато търси изчезналия позлатен орел. В статуетката се крие важно указание за местонахождението на изгубената гробница на Александър Македонски.
От древните руини в Афганистан до Парижките катакомби и замък високо в Алпите, Блейк трябва да разкрие много тайни: вечното жилище на Наполеон Бонапарт, убийството на Пърси Биш Шели и скритите останки на Александър Велики. И то преди смъртоносните планове на Ваня да се осъществят.
411 pages, Paperback
First published April 29, 2014
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479 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
June 2, 2015
a fast paced thriller, better than Dan Brown? in parts, but for the most part along the same vein. some of this book enthralled me. some of this book was too similar to others I have read to separate it from the pack. above average and I will probably read any follow up but I wouldn't preorder or rush to the store for them. I apologize if this is a Luke warm review yet that's how I felt about the book.
February 18, 2017
Интересен археологически трилър.
January 28, 2014
Great romp of a novel... If you like Pirates/Indiana Jones you will love this... Hope we see Jonathan & Caitlin again...
June 13, 2016
I won a copy of The Blood of Alexander through Goodreads First Reads. I requested it because I'm a fan of archeology thrillers such as Dan Brown's Angels and Demons and Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child's Relic. However, I'm sorry to report that I gave up on The Blood of Alexander about a third of the way through.
The Blood of Alexander ticks all the boxes on the action-thriller genre list. A terrorist plans to use a relic to destroy the world. The only one who can stop him is the main character, a man with more skills and knowledge than the Encyclopedia Britannica. Scarcely a dozen pages go by without a gunfight, and the the chapters all seem to end with cliffhangers. This is exactly what many genre fans are looking for, so that's great.
However, the book never managed to engage me. The awkward writing prevented me from losing myself in the story. It sacrificed flow in the name of glib irreverence and it made me want to put the book down as soon as I started reading. The story seemed to be built on a very shaky foundation and the characters' actions were dictated by the needs of the plot rather than what was logical or realistic.
The characters were constantly either fighting or escaping. I like action-oriented thrillers as much as archeological ones (I'm a huge fan of Jack Reacher and Alex Rider) but the battles in The Blood of Alexander seemed to be stalling the plot rather than advancing it. I stopped reading a third of the way through the book, and at that point the characters had only collected one clue. There was still no sign of anything related to Alexander the Great.
I also wasn't a fan of the main character, Jonathan Blake. Jonathan's tragic back story and his first person perspective were (I believe) meant to help readers empathize, but I couldn't connect with him. It seemed like Jonathan was trying to be Indiana Jones and James Bond at the same time, but in my opinion, you can't be both a scruffy rogue who's constantly in over his head AND a suave operator who can garotte a henchman with a spool of dental floss.
I would tentatively recommend this book to action-thriller fans who like movie-style high-concept plots and jack-of-all-trades heroes (think Clive Cussler or Ted Bell), but even then you should read the first few pages before you commit to the book.
The Blood of Alexander ticks all the boxes on the action-thriller genre list. A terrorist plans to use a relic to destroy the world. The only one who can stop him is the main character, a man with more skills and knowledge than the Encyclopedia Britannica. Scarcely a dozen pages go by without a gunfight, and the the chapters all seem to end with cliffhangers. This is exactly what many genre fans are looking for, so that's great.
However, the book never managed to engage me. The awkward writing prevented me from losing myself in the story. It sacrificed flow in the name of glib irreverence and it made me want to put the book down as soon as I started reading. The story seemed to be built on a very shaky foundation and the characters' actions were dictated by the needs of the plot rather than what was logical or realistic.
The characters were constantly either fighting or escaping. I like action-oriented thrillers as much as archeological ones (I'm a huge fan of Jack Reacher and Alex Rider) but the battles in The Blood of Alexander seemed to be stalling the plot rather than advancing it. I stopped reading a third of the way through the book, and at that point the characters had only collected one clue. There was still no sign of anything related to Alexander the Great.
I also wasn't a fan of the main character, Jonathan Blake. Jonathan's tragic back story and his first person perspective were (I believe) meant to help readers empathize, but I couldn't connect with him. It seemed like Jonathan was trying to be Indiana Jones and James Bond at the same time, but in my opinion, you can't be both a scruffy rogue who's constantly in over his head AND a suave operator who can garotte a henchman with a spool of dental floss.
I would tentatively recommend this book to action-thriller fans who like movie-style high-concept plots and jack-of-all-trades heroes (think Clive Cussler or Ted Bell), but even then you should read the first few pages before you commit to the book.
August 24, 2014
This work has the entertainment factor that I look for in a thriller, I was thinking a youthful James Bond meets Macgyver. This dude has the gadgets of Bond and makes something incredible out of nothing as an escape device just like MacGyver, The action is super fast paced, the writing is easy to read, the plot is somewhat action hero silly, and good guys are the bad guys or the reverse. Jonathon Blake works for a corporation that steals back antiquities that have been stolen by baddies. He also works for a government agency. On top of that confusion, he falls for the woman who is assignment to assist him. I gulped it down in one sitting, had a few chuckles with the insider jokes, and think it would be a good property for the big screen. My thanks to the author and Goodreads for a complimentary copy.
April 12, 2014
“Blood of Alexander” by Tom Wilde is a debut novel which features a modern Indiana Jones who works for a foundation that steals back lost antiquities and returns them to their rightful owners. Jonathan Blake is our hero who is pitted against a ruthless cult in order to stop the cult’s apocalyptic plans for humanity. This novel could be compared to Dan Brown’s books and maybe Steve Berry’s. It's a fun thriller that takes you around the world with political ramifications and lots of action. This is just what we needed a new thrill ride. http://www.readamysterywithme.blogspo...
April 3, 2014
Working for the ARGO organization, Jonathan Blake is sent to infiltrate a religious zealot's organization to stop him from destroying the human race and repopulating it with descendants from Alexander the Great. It's action packed travel and searching for the ancient tombs. A love interest and hopefully a sequel.
September 3, 2022
A modern Indiana Jones steals a relic of Alexander the Great in Blood of Alexander, the thrilling debut from Tom Wilde.
Despite a hero who is more James Bond / Remo Williams than Indiana Jones, and an adventure that owes more to the Dan Brown sub-genre than the pulp serials that inspired Lucas & Spielberg, The Blood of Alexander is still a fun, action-packed adventure that will have you frantically turning pages late into the night. Even if Tom Wilde's debut is a little absurd in parts, especially with its suitably maniacal super-villain, it's more than redeemed by the action, adventure, and imagination that drive it.
Jonathan Blake is an interesting hero. He's a trained archaeologist, betrayed by one relic smuggler, only to be rescued from his filthy, festering prison cell by another. In exchange for his assistance in rescuing historical treasures from dishonest smugglers around the world, the Argo Foundation has seen to it that he's extraordinarily well-trained in how to steal, how to fight, and how to survive. Physically, he is very much on par with a James Bond type hero, but intellectually and emotionally he remains something like a young Indiana Jones. Far too trusting of beautiful women, and incredibly naive when it comes to global intrigues, he remains passionate about history - so much so that he feels genuine sorrow for the historical treasures lost, and horror for those destroyed. The fact that he doesn't just shrug off those losses is one of the things that I appreciated most about the novel.
While James Phillip Vanya shares that passion for history, his criminal passions are far more selfish. With his mega-yacht, island fortress, and sycophantic followers, he could have crawled out of just about any James Bond adventure. He's a homicidal, genocidal, charismatic megalomaniac who has used his religious influence to build a cult that rivals that of Scientology. His goal is nothing less than world domination, a goal that requires much of the world's population to die in a globally-orchestrated act of biological terrorism, before he rebuilds it with genetically engineered descendants of Alexander the Great. All his plan needs to set itself in motion is a tiny sample of DNA from Alexander's mummified body - and locating that lost, legendary tomb, of course, where Vanya and Blake cross paths.
This was a novel that remained entertaining from start to finish, with only the occasional pause to breathe and reveal the plots and betrayals interrupting the adventure. It races along from one destination to another, carried largely by the likability of Blake, and the intellectual fascinating for his hunt. Wilde has fun with history here, drawing on both fact and fiction to lead the chase to Alexander's final resting place. Napoleon Bonaparte, Joseph Fouché, and Robert Fulton all play heavily into the story, as might be expected, but so do Jules Verne, Percy Shelley, and Lord Byron. Without giving anything away, the final set-piece, where they all come together, is worth of the climax to any Indiana Jones adventure. Wilde plays with the reader in other ways as well, teasing us with plots, counter-plots, betrayals, and double-crosses. He does it so well, in fact, that I felt duped and chagrined multiple times over the same character!
The novel ends with the seeming promise of more Jonathan Blake adventures, so here's hoping there's an entire literary franchise waiting in the wings. I'd really like to see what Wilde will do with Blake, given the way he matures and grows throughout the story, and I'd curious as to how his relationship with the Argo Foundation might evolve. Regardless of where he takes the story next, however, I hope Blake never loses his fiercely protective nature when it comes to lost artifacts. Indiana Jones and Robert Langdon are both a little too nonchalant at times when it comes to the catastrophic destruction of ancient ruins, so that passion for preservation is as welcome here as it is refreshing. Both action-packed and intellectually-intriguing, The Blood of Alexander is one heck of a fun read, and a great way to kill a late Spring afternoon on the deck or at the cottage.
Originally reviewed at Beauty in Ruins
Despite a hero who is more James Bond / Remo Williams than Indiana Jones, and an adventure that owes more to the Dan Brown sub-genre than the pulp serials that inspired Lucas & Spielberg, The Blood of Alexander is still a fun, action-packed adventure that will have you frantically turning pages late into the night. Even if Tom Wilde's debut is a little absurd in parts, especially with its suitably maniacal super-villain, it's more than redeemed by the action, adventure, and imagination that drive it.
Jonathan Blake is an interesting hero. He's a trained archaeologist, betrayed by one relic smuggler, only to be rescued from his filthy, festering prison cell by another. In exchange for his assistance in rescuing historical treasures from dishonest smugglers around the world, the Argo Foundation has seen to it that he's extraordinarily well-trained in how to steal, how to fight, and how to survive. Physically, he is very much on par with a James Bond type hero, but intellectually and emotionally he remains something like a young Indiana Jones. Far too trusting of beautiful women, and incredibly naive when it comes to global intrigues, he remains passionate about history - so much so that he feels genuine sorrow for the historical treasures lost, and horror for those destroyed. The fact that he doesn't just shrug off those losses is one of the things that I appreciated most about the novel.
While James Phillip Vanya shares that passion for history, his criminal passions are far more selfish. With his mega-yacht, island fortress, and sycophantic followers, he could have crawled out of just about any James Bond adventure. He's a homicidal, genocidal, charismatic megalomaniac who has used his religious influence to build a cult that rivals that of Scientology. His goal is nothing less than world domination, a goal that requires much of the world's population to die in a globally-orchestrated act of biological terrorism, before he rebuilds it with genetically engineered descendants of Alexander the Great. All his plan needs to set itself in motion is a tiny sample of DNA from Alexander's mummified body - and locating that lost, legendary tomb, of course, where Vanya and Blake cross paths.
This was a novel that remained entertaining from start to finish, with only the occasional pause to breathe and reveal the plots and betrayals interrupting the adventure. It races along from one destination to another, carried largely by the likability of Blake, and the intellectual fascinating for his hunt. Wilde has fun with history here, drawing on both fact and fiction to lead the chase to Alexander's final resting place. Napoleon Bonaparte, Joseph Fouché, and Robert Fulton all play heavily into the story, as might be expected, but so do Jules Verne, Percy Shelley, and Lord Byron. Without giving anything away, the final set-piece, where they all come together, is worth of the climax to any Indiana Jones adventure. Wilde plays with the reader in other ways as well, teasing us with plots, counter-plots, betrayals, and double-crosses. He does it so well, in fact, that I felt duped and chagrined multiple times over the same character!
The novel ends with the seeming promise of more Jonathan Blake adventures, so here's hoping there's an entire literary franchise waiting in the wings. I'd really like to see what Wilde will do with Blake, given the way he matures and grows throughout the story, and I'd curious as to how his relationship with the Argo Foundation might evolve. Regardless of where he takes the story next, however, I hope Blake never loses his fiercely protective nature when it comes to lost artifacts. Indiana Jones and Robert Langdon are both a little too nonchalant at times when it comes to the catastrophic destruction of ancient ruins, so that passion for preservation is as welcome here as it is refreshing. Both action-packed and intellectually-intriguing, The Blood of Alexander is one heck of a fun read, and a great way to kill a late Spring afternoon on the deck or at the cottage.
Originally reviewed at Beauty in Ruins
December 18, 2016
Tom Wilde brings us a "rip-roaring adventure" in The Blood of Alexander . His protagonist, Jonathan Blake, has been reviewed as "a bigger rake than Indiana Jones ever was!" It seems that the majority of reviews on agree with the above sentiment...and I suppose there was some tense action in the book. However, my problems are as follows. First, Wilde wants really, really badly to write good dialogue. This results in extremely complex sentences that mix verb tenses, have awkward conjunctions, and definitely take away from building a dangerous mood setting. Here's an example. "It felt good to be within the warm cocoon of the running water, and I reluctantly emerged after too short a time, but once again I was captivated by the aroma of coffee nearby." There are many more, possibly more egregious examples, but that's the only one I flagged.
Second, Wilde chooses the first person POV...pretty standard for thrillers. Unfortunately, Blake can't decide whether he wants to be badass or just whine about his bruises. Blake is trying to be a roguish, somewhat amateur tomb raider who is constantly over his head, while also channeling James Bond level combat skills. The entire time his narrator tone is wry humor mixed with complaints. Some people seemed to love it, but I didn't! Others have positively mentioned that Blake refuses to use guns. That's not entirely true. For some insane reason Blake refuses to *take guns into a mission*, but once there he is only too happy to strip guns from the bad guys he disarms, and then use the pilfered guns. Just made no sense. Also, others have liked that Blake doesn't want to harm ancient artifacts. This is truly a noble character trait. In fact, in a scene towards the end of the book, Blake won't shoot directly at someone trying to kill him for fear of hitting an ancient artifact. He'll dive behind another lost treasure though while its riddled full of bullet holes!
Finally, the plot is classic thriller fodder. The world is on the brink of imminent doom! The arch-villain has the means and the will to destroy most of mankind with a highly virulent biological terror weapon! That's all well and good, but the more intricate plot included a lot of poorly developed secondary characters who seemed to change sides on a chapter by chapter basis. Despite all that, Blake continues to trust them. Also, his "love interest" is his motivation for risking his life countless times over, despite the fact that they've only known each other a week, two tops?? Possible maybe, but still a stretch. Damsels in distress have their place in novels though I suppose. :P
Bottom line: If you like thrillers having to do with archeology, don't mind clunky dialogue, and like all the female characters to be "blessed with subtle perfection" then this just might be the action novel for you! Read a few pages before buying it though, or better yet, support your local library!
Given 1 star or a rating of "bad".
Second, Wilde chooses the first person POV...pretty standard for thrillers. Unfortunately, Blake can't decide whether he wants to be badass or just whine about his bruises. Blake is trying to be a roguish, somewhat amateur tomb raider who is constantly over his head, while also channeling James Bond level combat skills. The entire time his narrator tone is wry humor mixed with complaints. Some people seemed to love it, but I didn't! Others have positively mentioned that Blake refuses to use guns. That's not entirely true. For some insane reason Blake refuses to *take guns into a mission*, but once there he is only too happy to strip guns from the bad guys he disarms, and then use the pilfered guns. Just made no sense. Also, others have liked that Blake doesn't want to harm ancient artifacts. This is truly a noble character trait. In fact, in a scene towards the end of the book, Blake won't shoot directly at someone trying to kill him for fear of hitting an ancient artifact. He'll dive behind another lost treasure though while its riddled full of bullet holes!
Finally, the plot is classic thriller fodder. The world is on the brink of imminent doom! The arch-villain has the means and the will to destroy most of mankind with a highly virulent biological terror weapon! That's all well and good, but the more intricate plot included a lot of poorly developed secondary characters who seemed to change sides on a chapter by chapter basis. Despite all that, Blake continues to trust them. Also, his "love interest" is his motivation for risking his life countless times over, despite the fact that they've only known each other a week, two tops?? Possible maybe, but still a stretch. Damsels in distress have their place in novels though I suppose. :P
Bottom line: If you like thrillers having to do with archeology, don't mind clunky dialogue, and like all the female characters to be "blessed with subtle perfection" then this just might be the action novel for you! Read a few pages before buying it though, or better yet, support your local library!
Given 1 star or a rating of "bad".
December 27, 2018
How to describe Blood of Alexander by Tom Wilde? It is a modern day, high tech, caper, thriller, adventure, spy, crime novel. It is not really any of those things. It is a mashup of them all. The novel opens with our hero, Jonathan Blake, visiting the site of the Buddhas of Bamiyan. These 6th century statues were destroyed by the Taliban in early 2001. Our hero is here to purchase a stolen artifact from a local warlord and opium dealer. The scene is reminiscent of a classic James Bond opening. Complete with a double dealing arms dealer and a dramatic escape.
It turns out that our hero works for the Argo Foundation, a private organization that is dedicated to the preservation of historical artifacts. It does so through means both legal and extralegal. Blake is the prime operative on the less than legal side. His job is to find stolen artifacts and steal them from the thieves. This is not an altogether altruistic organization. They turn around and either gain the insurance money, or sell the item to private donors who will preserve the artifacts.
Unfortunately for our hero the US government learns of his abilities and forces him to help them track down a mysterious character named Vanya. Vanya is a villain right out of the James Bond playbook. He has seemingly unlimited financial resources, minions, his own private island, yacht, and helipad. He has a deadly female right hand. All he wants is to take over the world using secrets that he will find in the tomb of Alexander the Great.
The story unfolds very much like a James Bond film. Yes, this is the third time that I’ve mentioned Bond because the pacing, hero, and villains are all reminiscent of a James Bond film. The hero is constantly getting into impossible situations and escaping through improbable means. After a while you find yourself wait for the next moment of betrayal or amazing escape. There is also a little of Clive Cussler here because you have the expert in artifacts along with the slightly strained re-writing of history.
Over all the book is very enjoyable. The pacing is fast and the characters are fun if not overly developed. If you love James Bond movies from the early Roger Moore era then I think that you will find a lot to enjoy in this novel. I certainly hope that Wilde will write more of these books in the future.
It turns out that our hero works for the Argo Foundation, a private organization that is dedicated to the preservation of historical artifacts. It does so through means both legal and extralegal. Blake is the prime operative on the less than legal side. His job is to find stolen artifacts and steal them from the thieves. This is not an altogether altruistic organization. They turn around and either gain the insurance money, or sell the item to private donors who will preserve the artifacts.
Unfortunately for our hero the US government learns of his abilities and forces him to help them track down a mysterious character named Vanya. Vanya is a villain right out of the James Bond playbook. He has seemingly unlimited financial resources, minions, his own private island, yacht, and helipad. He has a deadly female right hand. All he wants is to take over the world using secrets that he will find in the tomb of Alexander the Great.
The story unfolds very much like a James Bond film. Yes, this is the third time that I’ve mentioned Bond because the pacing, hero, and villains are all reminiscent of a James Bond film. The hero is constantly getting into impossible situations and escaping through improbable means. After a while you find yourself wait for the next moment of betrayal or amazing escape. There is also a little of Clive Cussler here because you have the expert in artifacts along with the slightly strained re-writing of history.
Over all the book is very enjoyable. The pacing is fast and the characters are fun if not overly developed. If you love James Bond movies from the early Roger Moore era then I think that you will find a lot to enjoy in this novel. I certainly hope that Wilde will write more of these books in the future.
December 19, 2021
Definitely enjoyed this one. I haven’t read anything else by Tom Wilde, but would definitely consider it. The only thing I would wish for would be more details. If you ask me the subtle details are what bring the reader in and hold them close.
March 20, 2017
This book is a first for the author - Tom Wilde but you would not know it was so. Really fast paced with such a great plot and story that I want another book by him!
Once you start it you will not be able to put it down
regards
Ruth Anne Caukwell
My first inspirational book - 'Musings of a Blogger - Inspirational Thoughts for Your Life's Journey', (Published in 2016) is available through Balboa Press:-
http://bookstore.balboapress.com/Prod...
and Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Ruth-Anne-Cauk...
My website – http://ruthannecaukwell.com/
Once you start it you will not be able to put it down
regards
Ruth Anne Caukwell
My first inspirational book - 'Musings of a Blogger - Inspirational Thoughts for Your Life's Journey', (Published in 2016) is available through Balboa Press:-
http://bookstore.balboapress.com/Prod...
and Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Ruth-Anne-Cauk...
My website – http://ruthannecaukwell.com/
August 28, 2017
Fast paced and humorous. The only problem is that the Author could have made a series about Nicholas Blake's exploits but failed to do so.
February 26, 2021
An Excellent Book!
Brilliantly written, plotted, and exciting to follow from start to finish.
You will enjoy reading this book and be very glad you bought it!
Brilliantly written, plotted, and exciting to follow from start to finish.
You will enjoy reading this book and be very glad you bought it!
June 19, 2023
3.5 stars* definitely not my usual genre of books however I really did enjoy this book. It was like reading a crazy action movie. Blake is definitely a bad ass character w crazy skills.
December 31, 2016
If you liked Indiana Jones then you will probably enjoy this storyline. A good mystery romp!
April 26, 2014
Disclaimer: ARC copy from Netgalley.
The Blood of Alexander, by Tom Wilde, completely blew me away with how great it was. I am a huge fan of archaeological thrillers anyway, so I was looking forward to reading this one. What completely amazed me about this book was the rich back story the main character, Jonathan Blake, is given. First, he's an archaeological student, then he's a prisoner, and then he's a pirate - but for the good guys. What intrigued me about his character is that he does everything without trying to use guns. He keeps ordinary objects on him, like matches, lighter, a knife, paperclips, safety pins, a pen, etc. and literally MacGyvers his way into turning all of that into either weapons or the tools of his trade. He's absolutely amazing.
Tom Wilde doesn't disappoint on the locations either. From castles in Switzerland to hidden island lairs, this book has it all. The descriptions of the archaeological discoveries he finds are some of the most sought-after relics in the modern world, sadly lost to antiquity. The action in this book is some of the best I have ever read. He shoots antique pistols, kills people with pens, HALO jumps out of airplanes to scuba dive to hidden island lairs, and much more. The plot of the novel in three words? Save the world. Trite, I know, but still a good plot, and abreast with current events, with religious leaders trying to dictate politics. This is something that could happen, which is what makes it such a good novel, because all good novels to me have to have that element of "it could happen." This novel doesn't disappoint in that regard.
That being said, the only thing I was disappointed in was the way the book ended in the last couple of pages. Tom Wilde had the opportunity to take these novels in a completely different direction by changing the last couple of pages. I won't spoil it for you, but I wish he would have rewritten it so that he had agreed. However, it does not take away from the quality of the novel; that's more of my personal preference. I can't wait for the next one featuring Jonathan Blake!!
The Blood of Alexander, by Tom Wilde, completely blew me away with how great it was. I am a huge fan of archaeological thrillers anyway, so I was looking forward to reading this one. What completely amazed me about this book was the rich back story the main character, Jonathan Blake, is given. First, he's an archaeological student, then he's a prisoner, and then he's a pirate - but for the good guys. What intrigued me about his character is that he does everything without trying to use guns. He keeps ordinary objects on him, like matches, lighter, a knife, paperclips, safety pins, a pen, etc. and literally MacGyvers his way into turning all of that into either weapons or the tools of his trade. He's absolutely amazing.
Tom Wilde doesn't disappoint on the locations either. From castles in Switzerland to hidden island lairs, this book has it all. The descriptions of the archaeological discoveries he finds are some of the most sought-after relics in the modern world, sadly lost to antiquity. The action in this book is some of the best I have ever read. He shoots antique pistols, kills people with pens, HALO jumps out of airplanes to scuba dive to hidden island lairs, and much more. The plot of the novel in three words? Save the world. Trite, I know, but still a good plot, and abreast with current events, with religious leaders trying to dictate politics. This is something that could happen, which is what makes it such a good novel, because all good novels to me have to have that element of "it could happen." This novel doesn't disappoint in that regard.
That being said, the only thing I was disappointed in was the way the book ended in the last couple of pages. Tom Wilde had the opportunity to take these novels in a completely different direction by changing the last couple of pages. I won't spoil it for you, but I wish he would have rewritten it so that he had agreed. However, it does not take away from the quality of the novel; that's more of my personal preference. I can't wait for the next one featuring Jonathan Blake!!
October 26, 2014
I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Jonathan Blake stole antiquities from people his foundation believed had stolen them first. The U.S. government forced him to go on mission to authenticate a relic. He ended up in improbable circumstances trying to save himself and the agent, Caitlin, sent with him.
Let me start by saying the action was well written and it was engaging. This is why I am giving the book as high a rating as I am. I could very easily see this book made into a movie and I think if I had seen this on the screen I would not have spent enough time with these people to see the things I didn't like.
I think if Mr. Wilde had stuck with the original plot, where Blake was trying to find a lot of stolen art, I would have liked the story a lot more, but that was quickly discarded for plot number two. As I was reading the rendition for this part of the story I wondered if the author was serious or if it was an unbelievable explanation for the benefit of the main character. Then the third plot came along. I found it easier to swallow than the second, but the rest of the book fluctuated between plots two and three. I guess they could have been considered an extension of each other, but that seems like a lot of work.
The motivations within this book did trip me. Blake did everything he did because of the girl. Caitlin was not actually in that many chapters and when she did make an appearance she did not show a lot of personality. Her character was pretty flat and no depth. I didn't understand the unwavering devotion Blake felt towards her. The villain's motives had problems too. I have found when someone tries to write crazy they don't always do it well and when it is not done well it just feels disingenuous.
Jonathan Blake stole antiquities from people his foundation believed had stolen them first. The U.S. government forced him to go on mission to authenticate a relic. He ended up in improbable circumstances trying to save himself and the agent, Caitlin, sent with him.
Let me start by saying the action was well written and it was engaging. This is why I am giving the book as high a rating as I am. I could very easily see this book made into a movie and I think if I had seen this on the screen I would not have spent enough time with these people to see the things I didn't like.
I think if Mr. Wilde had stuck with the original plot, where Blake was trying to find a lot of stolen art, I would have liked the story a lot more, but that was quickly discarded for plot number two. As I was reading the rendition for this part of the story I wondered if the author was serious or if it was an unbelievable explanation for the benefit of the main character. Then the third plot came along. I found it easier to swallow than the second, but the rest of the book fluctuated between plots two and three. I guess they could have been considered an extension of each other, but that seems like a lot of work.
The motivations within this book did trip me. Blake did everything he did because of the girl. Caitlin was not actually in that many chapters and when she did make an appearance she did not show a lot of personality. Her character was pretty flat and no depth. I didn't understand the unwavering devotion Blake felt towards her. The villain's motives had problems too. I have found when someone tries to write crazy they don't always do it well and when it is not done well it just feels disingenuous.
March 31, 2014
The description of this book grabbed me immediately - I loved the Indiana Jones movies (except the last one, I mean, really, aliens?) it also reminded me a little of The DaVinci Code. Overall, this was an enjoyable debut novel.
Jonathan Blake was very likeable. He came from a pretty rough place and was given an amazing opportunity to reinvent himself. Some of his actions may not be exactly legal, but I guess you can justify that by saying it's for a good cause, although I did question why his skill set and training seemed to exceed James Bond's. It seemed a little extreme for his line of work, but it was fun to read.
Caitlin was an interesting character, but I was a little disappointed that she turned into the 'damsel in distress' and she and Jonathan seemed to develop a relationship pretty suddenly. It was also frustrating that all the female characters were described as beautiful and "blessed with subtle perfection" . Just a tad unrealistic, but maybe male readers could better appreciate this.
The ending lead me to believe this may become a series and I would be interested in reading more of Jonathan Blake. The pacing was great, the action sequences were the right length and frequency, and there were several twists along the way. If you enjoy thrillers with action and some history thrown in, this is your book.
This review is based on a digital ARC from the publisher through NetGalley.
Jonathan Blake was very likeable. He came from a pretty rough place and was given an amazing opportunity to reinvent himself. Some of his actions may not be exactly legal, but I guess you can justify that by saying it's for a good cause, although I did question why his skill set and training seemed to exceed James Bond's. It seemed a little extreme for his line of work, but it was fun to read.
Caitlin was an interesting character, but I was a little disappointed that she turned into the 'damsel in distress' and she and Jonathan seemed to develop a relationship pretty suddenly. It was also frustrating that all the female characters were described as beautiful and "blessed with subtle perfection" . Just a tad unrealistic, but maybe male readers could better appreciate this.
The ending lead me to believe this may become a series and I would be interested in reading more of Jonathan Blake. The pacing was great, the action sequences were the right length and frequency, and there were several twists along the way. If you enjoy thrillers with action and some history thrown in, this is your book.
This review is based on a digital ARC from the publisher through NetGalley.
May 5, 2014
Recieved in Goodreads Giveaway, thanks to Mr. Wilde/ publishers and Goodreads.
I haven't really read this style of genre before, but reading the synopses, it had me interested to give it a shot... it's good!
The lead character, Jonathan Blake is a likeable guy, a little misguided and human despite of all of his skills. He's also a funny smartass... I like him.
The novel is a mixed bag of action, adventure, history, 007, and modern Indiana Jones. I found it interesting and fun, with manageable chapters to end my reading sessions at.The end of each chapter had me wanting to read more, and the ending looks like it's open for a possible second one... I'll be keeping my eyes open.
I haven't really read this style of genre before, but reading the synopses, it had me interested to give it a shot... it's good!
The lead character, Jonathan Blake is a likeable guy, a little misguided and human despite of all of his skills. He's also a funny smartass... I like him.
The novel is a mixed bag of action, adventure, history, 007, and modern Indiana Jones. I found it interesting and fun, with manageable chapters to end my reading sessions at.The end of each chapter had me wanting to read more, and the ending looks like it's open for a possible second one... I'll be keeping my eyes open.
May 12, 2014
This was a fantastic book and I am so happy to have been able to read this through the Goodreads Firstreads program. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this novel and my biggest regret is that I let it sit on my nightstand for 2 weeks while I finished a far less entertaining novel. I would highly recommend this for a summer read. Whether at the beach or just a rainy day at home, the highly engaging characters, historical mystery and treasure hunt, evil villains, and a bit of romance will leave you wishing for a sequel. I hope we will be fortunate to read more of these characters in the near future as I can imagine many exciting new quests for them.
April 17, 2014
** Received free ARC through Goodreads First Reads **
I was quite impressed with the writing of Tom Wilde. The Blood of Alexander is an action packed mystery with a hint of romance. Jonathan Blake with his secret past and secret identity is quite the character.
Tom Wilde is great with descriptions. He makes it easy to picture the characters and surroundings and really immerse yourself in the story. Tom Wilde adds just enough truth to the story to make you questions whether it could really have happened.
I am looking forward to the future adventures of Jonathan Blake and the writing style of Tom Wilde.
I was quite impressed with the writing of Tom Wilde. The Blood of Alexander is an action packed mystery with a hint of romance. Jonathan Blake with his secret past and secret identity is quite the character.
Tom Wilde is great with descriptions. He makes it easy to picture the characters and surroundings and really immerse yourself in the story. Tom Wilde adds just enough truth to the story to make you questions whether it could really have happened.
I am looking forward to the future adventures of Jonathan Blake and the writing style of Tom Wilde.
August 10, 2014
The one dimensional characters basically work their way across the world destroying priceless historic sights in stupid needless explosions. And everyone in the book double crossed the main character and then un-double crosses him and he's is like "so your really on my side after all?" And everyone is like "yea I totally am! I just had to pretend that I was working for them and that's why I allowed them to almost murder you 9 times over , but yea I'm totally on your side...... Or am I?! "
I haven't rolled my eyes so much since I live with my parents. Huge annoying pointless pile of crap.
I haven't rolled my eyes so much since I live with my parents. Huge annoying pointless pile of crap.
December 31, 2015
Fun and pretty exciting, action-thriller, Indiana Jones as if written by Dan Brown... I should have liked this book a lot more than I did. It's pretty one-dimensional, but if you put that aside and have complete suspension of disbelief, you'll do fine. I'd read a chapter, then set aside to read like 4 other books, then read a chapter, then set it aside again. That's why it took me so long to read. I enjoyed it and would probably have liked it better if I watched it as a movie. Not great, but still fun.
May 9, 2014
Could have been better. It was fun to listen to an Indiana Jones / Jason Bourne character but far too often I found the character too abrasive and extremely lucky. The story really falls apart because the author never really goes into detail about other characters and how their back story relates back to main plot.
December 11, 2014
When i was reading this book, i was like:
in the beginning - that's cool!
in the middle - that's a piece of boring crap
in the end - that's just... okay.
The Blood of Alexander is a pulp with all of his signs - flat characters, poor "Dan Brown style" plot, poor style. But with some great jokes and scenes. So... that's just okay.
in the beginning - that's cool!
in the middle - that's a piece of boring crap
in the end - that's just... okay.
The Blood of Alexander is a pulp with all of his signs - flat characters, poor "Dan Brown style" plot, poor style. But with some great jokes and scenes. So... that's just okay.
August 3, 2015
If you are looking for a book about fascinating history, wild adventure and surprising twists like I was, this book is the one.
I really enjoyed how elements of Napoleon and Alexander the Greats history were weaved into the story, and also how you never knew what we were going to find next.
One of my new favourite books of all time for sure!
I really enjoyed how elements of Napoleon and Alexander the Greats history were weaved into the story, and also how you never knew what we were going to find next.
One of my new favourite books of all time for sure!
May 1, 2014
This was one of my most enjoyable reads in recent memory. I love the style and the dialogue. The story is Jame Rollins light, but the main character is kick-ass! I'm looking forward to more Jonathan Blake adventures.
May 15, 2014
A fun, escapist read when I needed one. Like Jerri, I would have liked to see the other characters developed a little better and I thought he fell for and risked a lot for Caitlin a little too fast. Hope the author follows up with the couple though.
June 17, 2014
A solid story, poorly told. Language was very stiff, plot convoluted and overly complex. The ending tied everything up Ina neat bow that hints at a sequel. A disappointment, especially considering the author endorsements.
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