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Benedict Hitchens #1
The Honourable Thief
'Achilles? Because...?'
'Obsession of mine. Half man, half god - and his own worst enemy.
My kind of man.' He laughed.
Istanbul, Turkey 1955
Benedict Hitchens, once a world-renowned archaeologist, is now a discredited - but still rather charming - shell of his former self.
Once full of optimism and adventure, his determination to prove that Achilles was a real historical figure led him to his greatest love, Karina, on the island of Crete and to his greatest downfall, following the disappearance of an enigmatic stranger, Eris.
He has one last chance to restore his reputation, solve the mystery of Eris and prove his Achilles theory. But it is full of risk, and possibly fatal consequences...
In her breakout novel, Meaghan Wilson Anastasios weaves an action-packed tale of honour, passion, heroes and thieves across an epic backdrop of history.
'Obsession of mine. Half man, half god - and his own worst enemy.
My kind of man.' He laughed.
Istanbul, Turkey 1955
Benedict Hitchens, once a world-renowned archaeologist, is now a discredited - but still rather charming - shell of his former self.
Once full of optimism and adventure, his determination to prove that Achilles was a real historical figure led him to his greatest love, Karina, on the island of Crete and to his greatest downfall, following the disappearance of an enigmatic stranger, Eris.
He has one last chance to restore his reputation, solve the mystery of Eris and prove his Achilles theory. But it is full of risk, and possibly fatal consequences...
In her breakout novel, Meaghan Wilson Anastasios weaves an action-packed tale of honour, passion, heroes and thieves across an epic backdrop of history.
448 pages, Paperback
Published July 31, 2018
15 people are currently reading
163 people want to read
About the author
Meaghan Wilson Anastasios
6 books23 followersOn paper, Meaghan Wilson Anastasios is a reformed archaeologist, historian, university lecturer, and art auctioneer with a PhD in art history and cultural economics (yes, really) who has segued her chequered past into a career as an author and screenwriter. With highlights including exploring a Turkish ghost town with Russell Crowe, and making Sam Neill eat walrus meat, she hasn’t regretted her career change.
Meaghan’s books include the best-selling adaptation of Russell Crowe’s directorial debut, The Water Diviner; her novels, The Honourable Thief and The Emerald Tablet; and the bestselling non-fiction book, The Pacific: In the Footsteps of Captain Cook.
Meaghan’s latest novel, Sunday Reilly is All Out of F*cks to Give, is a funny, sweary holiday read about a woman of a certain age who upends her life and heads off to the Greek Islands. It’s a departure for Meaghan because she’s also all out of f*cks to give.
Meaghan lives in Melbourne with her screenwriter husband, putting paid to the conventional wisdom that creative couples are a recipe for disaster. With two children who look to be joining them on the professional creative rollercoaster, plus a dog and three cats including the famous Aurora, life in Meaghan’s household is never dull.
Meaghan’s books include the best-selling adaptation of Russell Crowe’s directorial debut, The Water Diviner; her novels, The Honourable Thief and The Emerald Tablet; and the bestselling non-fiction book, The Pacific: In the Footsteps of Captain Cook.
Meaghan’s latest novel, Sunday Reilly is All Out of F*cks to Give, is a funny, sweary holiday read about a woman of a certain age who upends her life and heads off to the Greek Islands. It’s a departure for Meaghan because she’s also all out of f*cks to give.
Meaghan lives in Melbourne with her screenwriter husband, putting paid to the conventional wisdom that creative couples are a recipe for disaster. With two children who look to be joining them on the professional creative rollercoaster, plus a dog and three cats including the famous Aurora, life in Meaghan’s household is never dull.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
August 16, 2018
4.5 Stars upped to 5.
www.theburgeoningbookshelf.blogspot.com
Move over Indiana Jones.
Dr Benedict Hitchens renowned archaeologist’s life ambition is to find the final resting place of Achilles and prove his theory that Achilles was a real person.
Ben is tall, blond with rakish good looks. Hearts will be broken on his journey.
I dare you not to fall for this broken ant-hero! I know I did.
Wherever Ben goes trouble soon follows and at times even his credibility starts to be questioned leaving his career in tatters. Ben is forever searching for the next big discovery. He makes some bad decisions and runs with his heart rather than his head.
The story moves around from 1955 back to 1938, pre war Greece with the threat of war looming over the quiet Greek island, with flashback of the years between. This style of narration may be off putting to some although as the story progresses the date changes become easier to adapt to.
This moderately paced adventure drama lends itself to both the Historical Fiction genre with the inclusion of the effects of war and the German invasion on the small Greek island, with Ben joining the Resistance Movement, and the tumultuous history between Turkey and Greece and Contemporary Fiction genre as Anastasios describes the people, their way of life and the vivid village street celebrations and feasts. Don’t pass this up just because you don’t read historical fiction.
I would love to see this on the big screen it has all the elements of a Hollywood hit.
The Honourable Thief is an epic adventure of love and loss, greed and cunning, obsession and danger.
The story although fictional was inspired by real events.
www.theburgeoningbookshelf.blogspot.com
Move over Indiana Jones.
Dr Benedict Hitchens renowned archaeologist’s life ambition is to find the final resting place of Achilles and prove his theory that Achilles was a real person.
Ben is tall, blond with rakish good looks. Hearts will be broken on his journey.
I dare you not to fall for this broken ant-hero! I know I did.
Wherever Ben goes trouble soon follows and at times even his credibility starts to be questioned leaving his career in tatters. Ben is forever searching for the next big discovery. He makes some bad decisions and runs with his heart rather than his head.
The story moves around from 1955 back to 1938, pre war Greece with the threat of war looming over the quiet Greek island, with flashback of the years between. This style of narration may be off putting to some although as the story progresses the date changes become easier to adapt to.
This moderately paced adventure drama lends itself to both the Historical Fiction genre with the inclusion of the effects of war and the German invasion on the small Greek island, with Ben joining the Resistance Movement, and the tumultuous history between Turkey and Greece and Contemporary Fiction genre as Anastasios describes the people, their way of life and the vivid village street celebrations and feasts. Don’t pass this up just because you don’t read historical fiction.
I would love to see this on the big screen it has all the elements of a Hollywood hit.
The Honourable Thief is an epic adventure of love and loss, greed and cunning, obsession and danger.
The story although fictional was inspired by real events.
September 28, 2018
Turkey 1955, and Ilhan had spied the American couple heading toward his little shop. The glee he felt when he saw the wealthy tourists filled him with delight. His sales pitch was cunning; he befriended the Americans, found what it was they were interested in and the game was on. It was when he was at the height of the game that a man burst his way into the shop, accusing Ilhan and startling the tourists…
Benedict Hitchens was an archaeologist, but a shell of his former self. His search to authenticate Achilles on the island of Crete and his meeting of the lovely Eris was to be the beginning of the end for Ben. But was it? His friendship with Ilhan; their poor decisions – Ben was an exceptionally flawed character. But he was also passionate and a taker of risks.
The Honourable Thief by Aussie author Meaghan Wilson Anastasios is extremely hard to review. I found it hard to get into; the continual chopping from one time-frame to another disorientated me and stopped the flow of the story. Set in 1955 but going back as far as 1938, it did jump around a lot. Ben was a hard character to like; however, I did like Ilhan with his mischievous and cunning asides. I also love the cover – cleverly done with the shield in the centre to immediately catch the eye. For fans of archaeology, historical fiction and fictional stories based on fact, The Honourable Thief could interest you. Recommended.
With thanks to Pan Macmillan AU for my ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
Benedict Hitchens was an archaeologist, but a shell of his former self. His search to authenticate Achilles on the island of Crete and his meeting of the lovely Eris was to be the beginning of the end for Ben. But was it? His friendship with Ilhan; their poor decisions – Ben was an exceptionally flawed character. But he was also passionate and a taker of risks.
The Honourable Thief by Aussie author Meaghan Wilson Anastasios is extremely hard to review. I found it hard to get into; the continual chopping from one time-frame to another disorientated me and stopped the flow of the story. Set in 1955 but going back as far as 1938, it did jump around a lot. Ben was a hard character to like; however, I did like Ilhan with his mischievous and cunning asides. I also love the cover – cleverly done with the shield in the centre to immediately catch the eye. For fans of archaeology, historical fiction and fictional stories based on fact, The Honourable Thief could interest you. Recommended.
With thanks to Pan Macmillan AU for my ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
May 15, 2019
The Honourable Thief tells the story of Benedict Hitchens, a world renowned archaeologist who makes some bad choices and ends up discredited. In his search to prove that Achilles was a real historical figure and not just a myth he gives the author the opportunity to demonstrate her knowledge of archaeology and mythology which she does extremely well. I learned a lot!
However I did struggle with the telling of Ben's story which was constantly dipping backwards and forwards in time. I found this very distracting. I also found myself unable to like him although I am pretty sure I was supposed to. In fact I was frequently cross with him for the dumb choices he made.
An interesting read but not a great one.
However I did struggle with the telling of Ben's story which was constantly dipping backwards and forwards in time. I found this very distracting. I also found myself unable to like him although I am pretty sure I was supposed to. In fact I was frequently cross with him for the dumb choices he made.
An interesting read but not a great one.
August 3, 2018
3.5 Stars
Disgraced archaeologist Benedict Hitchens attempts to salvage his extremely damaged reputation quite a lot in this historical action/adventure by Aussie Author Meaghan Wilson Anastasios. Dr Hitchens gets himself involved in some archaeological dealings that are not entirely 'above board', and finds himself on the wrong side of the Turkish authorities. Then, following a spontaneous decision to accompany a beautiful woman off a train to inspect her families ancient artefacts, things get even worse when the beautiful woman, and the artefacts, disappear without a trace. Can he figure out what happened to her and retain any of his professional reputation? And through his adventures, can he prove his long held theory that Achilles was a real man?
I have to start off my review with a comment on the cover. I LOVE IT! It is just gorgeous! I love the gold theme and the shield. It definitely captures the atmosphere of the novel.
The book is set in Turkey and Greece predominantly and jumps back and forth in time up to the 1950's. It gives an interesting insight into the world of archaeology in a time and culture that I have not thought to read about before. The Turkish culture and the impact of the Second World War on the Greek island of Crete were especially interesting.
I enjoyed Benedict's obsession with Achilles and his mission to prove that he was real. I learned a bit about Greek mythology throughout this book!
It took me a while to get used to the writing and the shifts in date and time. I was a little confused in the beginning, and it wasn't until the story began to take form that it became much easier to follow the timeline and events, and the whole thing took shape.
Now I feel I have to talk about Benedict... I had a lot of trouble warming to him. I disliked his personality, his manner, and his decisions at just about every turn. It was hard for me to cheer him on most of the time. He did have some upstanding moments though that I enjoyed, especially in the earlier times in Crete.
There were some good twists and turns, although I felt that there were not quite enough characters to choose from to make some of the twists entirely surprising. I found the ending quite abrupt, but am wondering if that's because there is a second story in the works??
There was some lovely romance in the story, although it was hard for me to get swept up in the romance because I didn't understand some of Benedict's motivations at times. There were also some good action scenes, a touch of violence, driving fast in dodgy cars, and some Indiana-Jones-style discoveries.
Would I recommend An Honourable Thief?
If you are a fan of historical fiction, perhaps a touch of greek mythology, a not all together likeable hero, and some action/adventure then it was an enjoyable read. It did take me a while to get into, but I'm glad I stuck with it and enjoyed it overall.
Massive thanks to Pan Macmillan for an advanced copy of The Honourable Thief in exchange for an honest review.
For more reviews check out my
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Disgraced archaeologist Benedict Hitchens attempts to salvage his extremely damaged reputation quite a lot in this historical action/adventure by Aussie Author Meaghan Wilson Anastasios. Dr Hitchens gets himself involved in some archaeological dealings that are not entirely 'above board', and finds himself on the wrong side of the Turkish authorities. Then, following a spontaneous decision to accompany a beautiful woman off a train to inspect her families ancient artefacts, things get even worse when the beautiful woman, and the artefacts, disappear without a trace. Can he figure out what happened to her and retain any of his professional reputation? And through his adventures, can he prove his long held theory that Achilles was a real man?
I have to start off my review with a comment on the cover. I LOVE IT! It is just gorgeous! I love the gold theme and the shield. It definitely captures the atmosphere of the novel.
The book is set in Turkey and Greece predominantly and jumps back and forth in time up to the 1950's. It gives an interesting insight into the world of archaeology in a time and culture that I have not thought to read about before. The Turkish culture and the impact of the Second World War on the Greek island of Crete were especially interesting.
I enjoyed Benedict's obsession with Achilles and his mission to prove that he was real. I learned a bit about Greek mythology throughout this book!
It took me a while to get used to the writing and the shifts in date and time. I was a little confused in the beginning, and it wasn't until the story began to take form that it became much easier to follow the timeline and events, and the whole thing took shape.
Now I feel I have to talk about Benedict... I had a lot of trouble warming to him. I disliked his personality, his manner, and his decisions at just about every turn. It was hard for me to cheer him on most of the time. He did have some upstanding moments though that I enjoyed, especially in the earlier times in Crete.
There were some good twists and turns, although I felt that there were not quite enough characters to choose from to make some of the twists entirely surprising. I found the ending quite abrupt, but am wondering if that's because there is a second story in the works??
There was some lovely romance in the story, although it was hard for me to get swept up in the romance because I didn't understand some of Benedict's motivations at times. There were also some good action scenes, a touch of violence, driving fast in dodgy cars, and some Indiana-Jones-style discoveries.
Would I recommend An Honourable Thief?
If you are a fan of historical fiction, perhaps a touch of greek mythology, a not all together likeable hero, and some action/adventure then it was an enjoyable read. It did take me a while to get into, but I'm glad I stuck with it and enjoyed it overall.
Massive thanks to Pan Macmillan for an advanced copy of The Honourable Thief in exchange for an honest review.
For more reviews check out my
Blog
August 6, 2018
*https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com
The Honourable Thief, written by Meaghan Wilson Anastasios who is best known as the co-author of The Water Diviner, is a historical adventure for fans of archaeology and classic mythology. Set in the preceding years and following after World War II, it tracks the risky undertakings of Benedict Hitchens, a once respected archaeologist, now in disgrace, in his determined quest to uncover the truth behind the myth of Achilles.
Benedict Hitchens is a man with an obsession. This archaeologist is out to prove that Achilles, previously only known as a myth, really did exist. The problem is Benedict has been discredited and no one will back his theory. However, Benedict refuses to give up or give in. Armed with plenty of determination and enthusiasm, he embarks on an adventure that will take him across the Mediterranean region. It is an adventure that involves also involves solving the disappearance of a figure known as Eris. Benedict must work to prove his Achilles theory, help close the Eris mystery and avoid the risks that seem to be headed his way. It is a perilous but essential pathway that Benedict must follow.
With a promotional tagline that states, ‘Dan Brown meets Indiana Jones in this action packed historical adventure by bestselling co-author of The Water Diviner’, I was immediately intrigued by this quite different from the norm sounding novel. Although I am not a fan of Dan Brown, Indiana Jones draws some nostalgic appeal and I did enjoy The Water Diviner. I was keen to see how the author of The Honourable Thief, Meghan Wilson Anastasios would present on her own, as this is her first individual release. Overall, I found The Honourable Thief an engaging and complex adventure style novel, which is also marks a departure from the books I usually read.
A good place to begin in giving an overview The Honourable Thief would be to start with the lead, Benedict Hitchens. Benedict is an archaeologist, a line of work I personally find very interesting. I was keen to learn more about this fascinating field of work. I was immediately intrigued by Benedict, both in his career and personal life issues. He is a rather hard to like, but he is undoubtedly a single-minded and determined soul. Benedict’s journey throughout the novel is a colourful one, filled with fixation, love, passion, hope, redemption, and plenty of moments of peril. I am confident that Benedict is the type of lead that will hold widespread appeal, despite his flaws.
The narrative approach employed by Meghan Wilson Anastasios in The Honourable Thief is quite complicated and I found it took some time for me to get adjusted to the writing style employed by the author. The different time frames and narrative divisions definitely challenged me! But, once you have the upper hand on the narrative threads and adopt some persistence, it does start to fall into place. The pace is constant and the action continues in a forward motion, along with a good lashing of narrative twists. I am sure this will pull in those Dan Brown, Matthew Reilly and Indiana Jones adventure fans! There is an unexpected twist that comes up at the last minute in this novel, which will challenge readers further.
The Honourable Thief has a fantastic setting. Anastasios provides a vivid provocation of Turkey, Crete and surrounds. These parts provided for some smooth reading material. The central theory test over the existence of Achilles provided plenty of speculation, along with the disappearance of the mysterious Eris. History buffs, particular those with a strong interest in ancient history, will be sure to lap up the descriptions of geography, culture, history and classic mythology. The extent to which Anastasios has researched her main subject matter deserves applause.
Meghan Wilson Anastasios presents a rich and historically infused action, crossed with a high adventure novel. A problematic lead, with a strong desire to solve an age old theory, ensures the events of the novel travel in a forward motion. The archaeology elements incorporated within the book makes The Honourable Thief a solid piece of investigative fiction. Readers have plenty to draw from in The Honourable Thief, it is an original and bracing novel.
I wish to thank Pan Macmillan for providing me with a free copy of this book for review purposes.
The Honourable Thief is book #89 of the Australian Women Writers Challenge
The Honourable Thief, written by Meaghan Wilson Anastasios who is best known as the co-author of The Water Diviner, is a historical adventure for fans of archaeology and classic mythology. Set in the preceding years and following after World War II, it tracks the risky undertakings of Benedict Hitchens, a once respected archaeologist, now in disgrace, in his determined quest to uncover the truth behind the myth of Achilles.
Benedict Hitchens is a man with an obsession. This archaeologist is out to prove that Achilles, previously only known as a myth, really did exist. The problem is Benedict has been discredited and no one will back his theory. However, Benedict refuses to give up or give in. Armed with plenty of determination and enthusiasm, he embarks on an adventure that will take him across the Mediterranean region. It is an adventure that involves also involves solving the disappearance of a figure known as Eris. Benedict must work to prove his Achilles theory, help close the Eris mystery and avoid the risks that seem to be headed his way. It is a perilous but essential pathway that Benedict must follow.
With a promotional tagline that states, ‘Dan Brown meets Indiana Jones in this action packed historical adventure by bestselling co-author of The Water Diviner’, I was immediately intrigued by this quite different from the norm sounding novel. Although I am not a fan of Dan Brown, Indiana Jones draws some nostalgic appeal and I did enjoy The Water Diviner. I was keen to see how the author of The Honourable Thief, Meghan Wilson Anastasios would present on her own, as this is her first individual release. Overall, I found The Honourable Thief an engaging and complex adventure style novel, which is also marks a departure from the books I usually read.
A good place to begin in giving an overview The Honourable Thief would be to start with the lead, Benedict Hitchens. Benedict is an archaeologist, a line of work I personally find very interesting. I was keen to learn more about this fascinating field of work. I was immediately intrigued by Benedict, both in his career and personal life issues. He is a rather hard to like, but he is undoubtedly a single-minded and determined soul. Benedict’s journey throughout the novel is a colourful one, filled with fixation, love, passion, hope, redemption, and plenty of moments of peril. I am confident that Benedict is the type of lead that will hold widespread appeal, despite his flaws.
The narrative approach employed by Meghan Wilson Anastasios in The Honourable Thief is quite complicated and I found it took some time for me to get adjusted to the writing style employed by the author. The different time frames and narrative divisions definitely challenged me! But, once you have the upper hand on the narrative threads and adopt some persistence, it does start to fall into place. The pace is constant and the action continues in a forward motion, along with a good lashing of narrative twists. I am sure this will pull in those Dan Brown, Matthew Reilly and Indiana Jones adventure fans! There is an unexpected twist that comes up at the last minute in this novel, which will challenge readers further.
The Honourable Thief has a fantastic setting. Anastasios provides a vivid provocation of Turkey, Crete and surrounds. These parts provided for some smooth reading material. The central theory test over the existence of Achilles provided plenty of speculation, along with the disappearance of the mysterious Eris. History buffs, particular those with a strong interest in ancient history, will be sure to lap up the descriptions of geography, culture, history and classic mythology. The extent to which Anastasios has researched her main subject matter deserves applause.
Meghan Wilson Anastasios presents a rich and historically infused action, crossed with a high adventure novel. A problematic lead, with a strong desire to solve an age old theory, ensures the events of the novel travel in a forward motion. The archaeology elements incorporated within the book makes The Honourable Thief a solid piece of investigative fiction. Readers have plenty to draw from in The Honourable Thief, it is an original and bracing novel.
I wish to thank Pan Macmillan for providing me with a free copy of this book for review purposes.
The Honourable Thief is book #89 of the Australian Women Writers Challenge
September 21, 2018
"The Honourable Thief" is an impeccably written novel that comes to life as you life as you turn the pages. I was shocked to learn that this was in fact the authors (Meaghan Wilson Anastasios) first solo novel.
This book is written in marvellous descriptive detail that really brings the settings, surrounds, artefacts and characters to the forefront of your minds eye. The dialogue of both minor and major characters is absolutely on point as well and you can really hear the varying accents, tones and emotions of the diverse cast of characters.
The story follows the life and ventures of Benedict Hitchens who is an extremely well written and complex character that deviates from the common cookie cutter protagonist. I really liked the chapters where the flashbacks to Benedicts past in Crete. The shifts back and forth in the stories timeline kept the story engaging during the some what slow paced first half of the book and gave invaluable insight into Bens character an psyche.
As good as Meaghans writing was I felt the plot advanced fairly slowly and felt quite predictable which is ok as it seemed fairly deliberate with plenty of foreshadowing of upcoming plot twists given for the reader paying attention. What disappointed me most were the abrupt "endings" to both the stories that took place in "The Honourable Thief".
In particular I felt the ending to Bens back story in Crete was quite anti-climactic and wished it had been executed in a more dramatic manor. Also I would of loved an entire chapter about the aftermath of what takes place there. The ending to the main story was also felt quite abrupt and left me feeling a little unfulfilled as there are loose ends that really need to be tied up. I suspect and hope this means that Meaghan has a sequel in the works I can already see where the story would be going thematically and it could give us a more of a look at "Abaddon, The Angel of Abyss".
If there is a sequel I will be first in line buy it and delve back into Meaghans immersive writing and follow Benedicts exploits.
TLDR; I rate "The Honourable Thief" 4/5 stars. It is one of the most well written novels I have read however has some plot weaknesses.
This book is written in marvellous descriptive detail that really brings the settings, surrounds, artefacts and characters to the forefront of your minds eye. The dialogue of both minor and major characters is absolutely on point as well and you can really hear the varying accents, tones and emotions of the diverse cast of characters.
The story follows the life and ventures of Benedict Hitchens who is an extremely well written and complex character that deviates from the common cookie cutter protagonist. I really liked the chapters where the flashbacks to Benedicts past in Crete. The shifts back and forth in the stories timeline kept the story engaging during the some what slow paced first half of the book and gave invaluable insight into Bens character an psyche.
As good as Meaghans writing was I felt the plot advanced fairly slowly and felt quite predictable which is ok as it seemed fairly deliberate with plenty of foreshadowing of upcoming plot twists given for the reader paying attention. What disappointed me most were the abrupt "endings" to both the stories that took place in "The Honourable Thief".
In particular I felt the ending to Bens back story in Crete was quite anti-climactic and wished it had been executed in a more dramatic manor. Also I would of loved an entire chapter about the aftermath of what takes place there. The ending to the main story was also felt quite abrupt and left me feeling a little unfulfilled as there are loose ends that really need to be tied up. I suspect and hope this means that Meaghan has a sequel in the works I can already see where the story would be going thematically and it could give us a more of a look at "Abaddon, The Angel of Abyss".
If there is a sequel I will be first in line buy it and delve back into Meaghans immersive writing and follow Benedicts exploits.
TLDR; I rate "The Honourable Thief" 4/5 stars. It is one of the most well written novels I have read however has some plot weaknesses.
November 7, 2018
I was looking forward to a rollicking adventure, in the ilk of Indiana Jones. I didn't get it. I really wanted to like this book and I really tried but it just wasn't for me. The writing was boring and I just didn't care enough to find out what happened in the end. Too many other good books waiting.
August 18, 2018
I received a copy of this book from Pan Macmillian Australia in exchange for an honest review; and this does not impact my thoughts on the book.
I absolutely loved this! Historical fiction has always been one of my favourite genres, and reading this book reminds me of why I love the genre.
When it’s done well, historical fiction feels to me like time travel, taking me back to a whole new time, or sometimes even several, allowing me to picture what life would have been like in these ancient civilizations, and joining in the main characters’ quest to find any trace of Achilles. The belief in the existence of anything can be universal, but I felt Ben’s passion and longing and interest in Achilles deep in my core! When Ben was talking about Achilles, I was hanging on to every word!
Thrown into the mix is an enigmatic stranger named Eris, who I really never knew if I could trust, so it was fun playing detective on the side, trying to figure out if she had a secret agenda or anything like that, but I’ll conclude talking about her by saying she is one of the most curious and intriguing characters I’ve ever come across! I am still thinking several things about her, and I have questions! So I’m exceptionally happy there will be a subsequent book where she features (I chatted with the author over on instagram, and she teased about a sequel).
I loved the time jumps in this book, learning about Benedict’s early days in Greece, meeting the beautiful Karina, and facing the tragedies of war. I felt like throughout this book, I was feeling Ben’s emotions, his conflicting feelings about Eris, and of course that endless curiosity about Achilles.
Yet, as the present and past collided, I found myself longing to know what had happened throughout and loved those moments where things were revealed! Utterly vivid and awe inspiring and I could feel the richness of the Greek history embedded in the prose!
This book honestly felt like such a satisfying journey throughout, I recommend this to anyone wanting to learn more about ancient history or to anyone who loves a great historical fiction book!
I absolutely loved this! Historical fiction has always been one of my favourite genres, and reading this book reminds me of why I love the genre.
When it’s done well, historical fiction feels to me like time travel, taking me back to a whole new time, or sometimes even several, allowing me to picture what life would have been like in these ancient civilizations, and joining in the main characters’ quest to find any trace of Achilles. The belief in the existence of anything can be universal, but I felt Ben’s passion and longing and interest in Achilles deep in my core! When Ben was talking about Achilles, I was hanging on to every word!
Thrown into the mix is an enigmatic stranger named Eris, who I really never knew if I could trust, so it was fun playing detective on the side, trying to figure out if she had a secret agenda or anything like that, but I’ll conclude talking about her by saying she is one of the most curious and intriguing characters I’ve ever come across! I am still thinking several things about her, and I have questions! So I’m exceptionally happy there will be a subsequent book where she features (I chatted with the author over on instagram, and she teased about a sequel).
I loved the time jumps in this book, learning about Benedict’s early days in Greece, meeting the beautiful Karina, and facing the tragedies of war. I felt like throughout this book, I was feeling Ben’s emotions, his conflicting feelings about Eris, and of course that endless curiosity about Achilles.
Yet, as the present and past collided, I found myself longing to know what had happened throughout and loved those moments where things were revealed! Utterly vivid and awe inspiring and I could feel the richness of the Greek history embedded in the prose!
This book honestly felt like such a satisfying journey throughout, I recommend this to anyone wanting to learn more about ancient history or to anyone who loves a great historical fiction book!
February 18, 2019
I loved this book from start to finish.
Benedict Hitchens is the seriously damaged hero of this book, one you cannot help but loving.
Set in 1955 in Turkey with flash backs to 1938, this book has everything, history, drama, action and a little fantasy.
This is a fantastic book that I had trouble putting down.
While the story in this novel is resolved, there is clearly an opening for a second book. I really do hope we will be seeing Benedict Hitchens again.
Benedict Hitchens is the seriously damaged hero of this book, one you cannot help but loving.
Set in 1955 in Turkey with flash backs to 1938, this book has everything, history, drama, action and a little fantasy.
This is a fantastic book that I had trouble putting down.
While the story in this novel is resolved, there is clearly an opening for a second book. I really do hope we will be seeing Benedict Hitchens again.
February 8, 2022
I couldn't get into the story with this book, and found Mr Hitchens a thoroughly unlikable character. As a consequence I really didn't care what happened to him. Read about 100 pages.
September 24, 2018
I’m not quite sure how to start with this book. Firstly….I think the idea is good. Benedict Hitchens is an archeologist of some skill, knowledgable of the best areas to dig. He has made many amazing discoveries and is often the source of jealousy from colleagues who are less successful. But now his credibility is shot after he made the decision to follow a woman off a train to her home to see her vast array of antiquities. The woman and the collection vanished and although Benedict had sketched and described them, there were no photographs. He has little knowledge of the woman and the police (and journalists, and the world) seem to regard it as little more than a desperate fantasy in order to help his claim that Achilles was real, rather than mythical. Benedict needs to find that woman again, restore his name and credibility and prove his findings.
But unfortunately there were quite a few things that I struggled with, reading this book. Firstly, I found the constant jumping back and forth in time confusing and unnecessary. A lot of the jumps back and forth are very small gaps in time and it just served to pull me out of the story and then I’d have to refocus. I know that a non-linear narrative can work but for me, if it’s jolting you out of the story constantly and if the time frames are in the same place and honestly, not that far apart then it’s not really worth it or necessary. I think I’d just have preferred to meet present-day disgraced Benedict and then go back in time to show how he got to that state. Rather than leaping back and forth almost constantly over the course of the novel. Also it took me quite a while to really pick up the threads of the plot because of this constant jumping and it was 100p in and I still wasn’t really sure what was happening and when the story was going to actually get going.
Benedict himself. He seems to have lived a pretty interesting life. He’s American, from money, but he shunned the family expectations to study archeology at university in England (Oxford I think?) and he’s been quite successful even though this book shows that he’s also not above a bit of underhanded cheating in order to further his own game. I’m honestly not sure if the reader is supposed to like him. Sometimes I think he’s being presented as this loveable larrikin down on his luck – or an attempt at that. But although I found him intelligent and determined, I didn’t really like him as a character. For someone who is so intelligent, he does do some very questionable things and he thinks far too often with parts of his anatomy not really designed for thinking. I found a lot of the attitudes more modern than I was expecting for 1950s Turkey and Benedict finds no lack of female company despite his mourning for his wife, the apparent love of his life.
Once the story did get going for me, I quite enjoyed the search for credibility of Benedict’s Achilles theory. I don’t know a lot about mythology, or ancient civilisations, they’re something I enjoy reading about in fiction but my factual knowledge is definitely lacking. However the detail in this was very thorough and felt authentic and I really liked the Greek and Turkish settings. The digs felt very realistic and the idea of competing for glory and important finds was very believable. Benedict had seemed a very ‘lucky’ person, making numerous finds using his skill and a sort of sixth sense for where to dig before his fall from grace and it seemed that a lot of those who had been jealous took a bit of pleasure in his downfall. And to be honest, it’s not really that difficult to discredit Benedict and he doesn’t too himself too many favours afterwards, drowning in alcohol. I was really curious to see what had actually happened to Eris and why on earth she’d allowed him back to her home to see this amazing collection and where it was all going. As the book built towards answers, the pace was actually quite well done and the archeological detail impressive.
So all in all, this was a bit of a mixed bag I’m afraid. Lots of potential and some exciting parts but the first part of the book was a struggle for me and the constant jumping in the narrative was frustrating.
***A copy of this book was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review***
But unfortunately there were quite a few things that I struggled with, reading this book. Firstly, I found the constant jumping back and forth in time confusing and unnecessary. A lot of the jumps back and forth are very small gaps in time and it just served to pull me out of the story and then I’d have to refocus. I know that a non-linear narrative can work but for me, if it’s jolting you out of the story constantly and if the time frames are in the same place and honestly, not that far apart then it’s not really worth it or necessary. I think I’d just have preferred to meet present-day disgraced Benedict and then go back in time to show how he got to that state. Rather than leaping back and forth almost constantly over the course of the novel. Also it took me quite a while to really pick up the threads of the plot because of this constant jumping and it was 100p in and I still wasn’t really sure what was happening and when the story was going to actually get going.
Benedict himself. He seems to have lived a pretty interesting life. He’s American, from money, but he shunned the family expectations to study archeology at university in England (Oxford I think?) and he’s been quite successful even though this book shows that he’s also not above a bit of underhanded cheating in order to further his own game. I’m honestly not sure if the reader is supposed to like him. Sometimes I think he’s being presented as this loveable larrikin down on his luck – or an attempt at that. But although I found him intelligent and determined, I didn’t really like him as a character. For someone who is so intelligent, he does do some very questionable things and he thinks far too often with parts of his anatomy not really designed for thinking. I found a lot of the attitudes more modern than I was expecting for 1950s Turkey and Benedict finds no lack of female company despite his mourning for his wife, the apparent love of his life.
Once the story did get going for me, I quite enjoyed the search for credibility of Benedict’s Achilles theory. I don’t know a lot about mythology, or ancient civilisations, they’re something I enjoy reading about in fiction but my factual knowledge is definitely lacking. However the detail in this was very thorough and felt authentic and I really liked the Greek and Turkish settings. The digs felt very realistic and the idea of competing for glory and important finds was very believable. Benedict had seemed a very ‘lucky’ person, making numerous finds using his skill and a sort of sixth sense for where to dig before his fall from grace and it seemed that a lot of those who had been jealous took a bit of pleasure in his downfall. And to be honest, it’s not really that difficult to discredit Benedict and he doesn’t too himself too many favours afterwards, drowning in alcohol. I was really curious to see what had actually happened to Eris and why on earth she’d allowed him back to her home to see this amazing collection and where it was all going. As the book built towards answers, the pace was actually quite well done and the archeological detail impressive.
So all in all, this was a bit of a mixed bag I’m afraid. Lots of potential and some exciting parts but the first part of the book was a struggle for me and the constant jumping in the narrative was frustrating.
***A copy of this book was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review***
October 17, 2018
This book was sent to me by the publisher for my honest review.
I love the idea of a treasure hunt, so this book sparked my interest based on that. There were aspects that really enjoyed and others not so much. I felt that the switching backwards and forwards from past to present did add some confusion at times. While I appreciate the author did this to add to Ben’s backstory, I found that it detracted from the main plot, so much so that I was flicking ahead to see how long before the chapter was over.
I was really interested in the archaeological side of the book and found the concept of Achilles being an actual person and not a mythological one very interesting. When I finished the book I found myself Googling all sorts of things Achilles. So while some character building parts felt unnecessary, the main plot kept me captivated.
I love the idea of a treasure hunt, so this book sparked my interest based on that. There were aspects that really enjoyed and others not so much. I felt that the switching backwards and forwards from past to present did add some confusion at times. While I appreciate the author did this to add to Ben’s backstory, I found that it detracted from the main plot, so much so that I was flicking ahead to see how long before the chapter was over.
I was really interested in the archaeological side of the book and found the concept of Achilles being an actual person and not a mythological one very interesting. When I finished the book I found myself Googling all sorts of things Achilles. So while some character building parts felt unnecessary, the main plot kept me captivated.
December 2, 2018
The structure of this novel turns it into demanding reading. It chops backwards and forwards across multiple time frames, designed to show the reader how Benedict Hitchens is brought low, but in actual fact disrupting the flow of the story. The time frames bring with them a number of plot strands with issues that did not always resolve.
The final chapters of the novel read like an episode from an Indiana Jones movie and for me did not sit comfortably with the Benedict Hitchens I met in the first part of the novel. And then the final element of where Achilles' shield ends up is just pure foolishness.
The final chapters of the novel read like an episode from an Indiana Jones movie and for me did not sit comfortably with the Benedict Hitchens I met in the first part of the novel. And then the final element of where Achilles' shield ends up is just pure foolishness.
August 2, 2018
I received a copy of The Honourable Thief from Pan Macmillan Australian.
In her first solo novel, Australian Meaghan Anastasios has produced a deeply compelling historical drama that combines a thriller storyline with an archaeological investigation into one fun and invigorating narrative.
In 1955, world-renowned archaeologist and war hero Benedict Hitchens has been living a life of academic exile in Istanbul. His promising archaeological career and professional reputation were destroyed after a chance encounter with the mysterious Eris, who held a horde of ancient treasures that validated the legends of the Iliad. When Eris and her treasures suddenly disappear, Ben’s attempts to find her result in suspicion from the authorities and disbelief from the world at large. His only tangible proof of the encounter is a small tablet that hints at the existence of Achilles, Ben’s archaeological obsession.
Now, Ben embarks on an ambitious plan to flush out the people responsible for Eris’s disappearance, hoping to bring her to justice and salvage his life and reputation. The clues that he uncovers take him on a quest to find the tomb of Achilles, travelling through Greece, London and Turkey in order to locate one of the world’s greatest treasures. However, a shadowy group is manipulating Ben at every turn. Can Ben find the Achilles’s tomb before the ghosts of his past catch up with him?
Click link for full review:
https://unseenlibrary.com/2018/08/02/...
An abridged version of this review ran in the Canberra Weekly on 2 August 2018:
https://unseenlibrary.com/2018/08/02/...
Or visit my blog at:
https://unseenlibrary.com/
In her first solo novel, Australian Meaghan Anastasios has produced a deeply compelling historical drama that combines a thriller storyline with an archaeological investigation into one fun and invigorating narrative.
In 1955, world-renowned archaeologist and war hero Benedict Hitchens has been living a life of academic exile in Istanbul. His promising archaeological career and professional reputation were destroyed after a chance encounter with the mysterious Eris, who held a horde of ancient treasures that validated the legends of the Iliad. When Eris and her treasures suddenly disappear, Ben’s attempts to find her result in suspicion from the authorities and disbelief from the world at large. His only tangible proof of the encounter is a small tablet that hints at the existence of Achilles, Ben’s archaeological obsession.
Now, Ben embarks on an ambitious plan to flush out the people responsible for Eris’s disappearance, hoping to bring her to justice and salvage his life and reputation. The clues that he uncovers take him on a quest to find the tomb of Achilles, travelling through Greece, London and Turkey in order to locate one of the world’s greatest treasures. However, a shadowy group is manipulating Ben at every turn. Can Ben find the Achilles’s tomb before the ghosts of his past catch up with him?
Click link for full review:
https://unseenlibrary.com/2018/08/02/...
An abridged version of this review ran in the Canberra Weekly on 2 August 2018:
https://unseenlibrary.com/2018/08/02/...
Or visit my blog at:
https://unseenlibrary.com/
May 19, 2020
I'm still debating between rating 3 or 3.5 stars so I'll settle with 3 for now.
This is definitely a mix of Dan Brown and Indiana Jones. (To be precise probably 90% Dan Brown and 10% Indiana Jones), for the majority of the book it felt more like a World War II novel that an adventure story. It definitely got more interesting at the end
There was some elements of the plot that I thought were straight up unnecessary,
I really enjoyed that Benedict was an unlikeable protagonist.
this review is a mess but yeah I own the sequel and will be reading it later this year hopefully.
This is definitely a mix of Dan Brown and Indiana Jones. (To be precise probably 90% Dan Brown and 10% Indiana Jones), for the majority of the book it felt more like a World War II novel that an adventure story. It definitely got more interesting at the end
There was some elements of the plot that I thought were straight up unnecessary,
I really enjoyed that Benedict was an unlikeable protagonist.
this review is a mess but yeah I own the sequel and will be reading it later this year hopefully.
September 15, 2018
I picked this up at the airport leaving Melbourne last weekend and there have been a few late nights since because I found it so hard to put down.
Meaghan has weaved history and imagination into a captivating and enjoyable tale. The disgraced archaeologist, Benedict Hitchens, is described as “rather charming”. His gullibility and obsession with finding Achilles seems to make him a character you can both relate to but admire. His character is smudged by single mindedness at times that leaves a trail of destruction. You don’t know whether hate or love him, admire or pity him.
It was great to see the very strong and courageous, but grounded, female character of Karina woven into the story.
I love historical fiction and this was just the mix of reality and escapism I needed. I am so glad I picked it up and recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical fiction.
My only criticism would be that I did find it hard at first to move between the past, future and present style in Part 1. However, once I hit Part 2, I couldn’t put the book down.
Meaghan has weaved history and imagination into a captivating and enjoyable tale. The disgraced archaeologist, Benedict Hitchens, is described as “rather charming”. His gullibility and obsession with finding Achilles seems to make him a character you can both relate to but admire. His character is smudged by single mindedness at times that leaves a trail of destruction. You don’t know whether hate or love him, admire or pity him.
It was great to see the very strong and courageous, but grounded, female character of Karina woven into the story.
I love historical fiction and this was just the mix of reality and escapism I needed. I am so glad I picked it up and recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical fiction.
My only criticism would be that I did find it hard at first to move between the past, future and present style in Part 1. However, once I hit Part 2, I couldn’t put the book down.
November 21, 2018
American Ben made some mistakes while working as an archeologist in Turkey. He ruffled some feathers and made an agreement to “redirect” some of the finds into the black market. The latter being one of his worst mistakes.
Earlier, while completing his thesis in Greece he fell in love and became a local. The appearance of a second non-local, a French man, into the small town in the early years of the war (WWII) was a bad sign, if only the locals could see it. This man caused turmoil for Ben and his family and the war shaped a new man in Ben. Perhaps this is why he made bad decisions later in Turkey.
His biggest mistake, following a girl, finding a great archeological find and his passion for Achilles. Years of disrespect, police attention, the reappearance of the French man and an inability to return to his Greek family in his shame, can Ben survive all and get back his reputation?
A great story that bounces back and forth through time in a way I found easy enough to follow. History, passion, trouble and a good ending, although not what I had hoped for.
Earlier, while completing his thesis in Greece he fell in love and became a local. The appearance of a second non-local, a French man, into the small town in the early years of the war (WWII) was a bad sign, if only the locals could see it. This man caused turmoil for Ben and his family and the war shaped a new man in Ben. Perhaps this is why he made bad decisions later in Turkey.
His biggest mistake, following a girl, finding a great archeological find and his passion for Achilles. Years of disrespect, police attention, the reappearance of the French man and an inability to return to his Greek family in his shame, can Ben survive all and get back his reputation?
A great story that bounces back and forth through time in a way I found easy enough to follow. History, passion, trouble and a good ending, although not what I had hoped for.
November 10, 2018
Yeah look, this took me a while to read; however that was solely because I had essays and exams for Uni. For The first 200 pages or so, I honestly wondered how I would rate the thing, then suddenly from my perspective the writing style tightened up no end, and I became invested in the characters. Being an ancient history nerd I loved the speculation pertaining to the actuality of the Trojan war. Nonetheless I am also a fan of Indiana Jones, and the character of Benedict Hitchens is somewhat reminiscent of him, albeit an incredibly flawed version.
The author hints that this is the first of an on going series, and for that I am glad. I was able to ascertain an improvement in her style, and if the first half of the book was as good as the second, I would have given her five stars. I definitely recommend this.
The author hints that this is the first of an on going series, and for that I am glad. I was able to ascertain an improvement in her style, and if the first half of the book was as good as the second, I would have given her five stars. I definitely recommend this.
August 28, 2019
I came across this book after hearing an interview with author, Meaghan Wilson Anastasios on the So You Want to Be a Writer podcast and becoming intrigued as to her background in archaeology. She manages to convey a world of information deftly and set up complex characters who navigate the interesting space.
While the back and forth of the story from past to present was a touch disorienting at times, by the end I thought it was a well-conceived plot and the loose ends were tied up well. Brutal at times (which sadly seems to be a representation of the reality of the German invasion) it is hard not to become despondent for Benedict, but he manages to be a complicated character of strength despite all his woes (and poor decisions).
Worth a read if you are interested in the Iliad, archaeology or a well-paced read with a slightly academic twist.
While the back and forth of the story from past to present was a touch disorienting at times, by the end I thought it was a well-conceived plot and the loose ends were tied up well. Brutal at times (which sadly seems to be a representation of the reality of the German invasion) it is hard not to become despondent for Benedict, but he manages to be a complicated character of strength despite all his woes (and poor decisions).
Worth a read if you are interested in the Iliad, archaeology or a well-paced read with a slightly academic twist.
June 28, 2019
If you put together Dan Brown, David Baldacci, and Ken Follett, you get this page-turning read from a brilliant story-telling talent! From the first page, the reader is totally absorbed by the story of an archaeologist turned thief through a series of ‘unfortunate events’ all the while trying to obsessively prove his theory that Achilles and the events told in Homer’s The Illiad actually happened. We follow the story through chapters that jump back and forth through time from just before WWII to the late 50’s and from Greece to Turkey and Crete. I found the history of this area fascinating as I had only ever studied the Ancient History of this area at school. I also found the descriptions of an archaeologist’s life and challenges during that time very interesting.
September 11, 2019
Adventure/thriller that brings to mind Indiana Jones or National Treasure, this book follows the story of disgraced archaeologist Benedict Hitchens in his search for the real tomb of Achilles. The book goes back and forth into his past as we follow the story of how Ben went from the top of his profession to a public disgrace for thieving artifacts from sites. Ben's determination to prove the hero of the Iliad is more than myth as we are taken on an adventure through Greece, Turkey and London. The author herself was a former archaeologist and she has a thorough knowledge of history. Loved this book and the broken man of a main character. Can't wait to read his next adventure in book 2.
October 11, 2019
I was incredibly interested in this which I received from Beauty and Lace as I am particularly interested in archaeology but I found it over written and too wordy with a combination of believable and "what the ???" The archaeology is fascinating but the incredible fantasy of some of the book spoils it to a large extent. I found the book to be a few hundred pages longer than I felt necessary. Had the book stayed with the archaeology more and the areas I felt were totally false it would have been good.
The sequel is very much better.
The sequel is very much better.
December 10, 2018
I wanted to enjoy this book because it was set in some of my favourite places - Crete, Lesvos, Istanbul. But I didn't. Maybe because the hero didn't appeal. Maybe because the way the story was told, switching time. Maybe because some of the big emotional moments happened off stage. Maybe because of how the sources have been used and not really integrated properly. Perhaps I'm just not attracted to Indiana Jones type stories.
July 24, 2019
The plot should be quite a page turner but some of the writing left me cringing and I almost didn’t finish. Worst of all was the main character’s immaturity and emotional range: his rage/fury were ever present and were red, black, icy, boiling, blind, overwhelming, etc etc on page after page. Sometimes in barely separated paragraphs. Where was the editor? This could have been a much better book.
September 2, 2022
An interesting story, with the authors own background lending to the authenticity of the settings and the story. Ben, the key protagonist is a bit crooked, a bit broken, and driven to prove his theory on the history of Achilles.
A bit of mystery and adventure, a grueling time during the war on Crete and a treasure. Add some bad people and you have a story. I enjoyed the story and it is well written. Recommended
A bit of mystery and adventure, a grueling time during the war on Crete and a treasure. Add some bad people and you have a story. I enjoyed the story and it is well written. Recommended
April 27, 2025
This book was enjoyable enough in its Indiana Jones-esque way. The thing that threw me for a loop were its more detailed than expected sex scenes. There are only a few, and I’m not a prude, they just seem out of place in this type of novel (not in context to the story, which made it fine by me). Aside from that, the story has its villains, its twists (excellent by the way) and a plot that trots along and could have used more action. Overall, can still easily recommend it!
April 24, 2019
A historical thriller about 20th century archaeologists? What's not to love! The hunt for a mythical figure's tomb was not as well worked as a Dan Brown or Matthew Reilly novel might be, but the redemption plot for Benedict Hitchens, as well as the author's obvious love for the two countries of the Aegean, held the story together.
August 4, 2019
If the rather overdone similes can be ignored and the Mills and Boon style scenes of intimacy this is a good old ripping yarn. The protagonist is an interesting one and his travails keep the reader turning the pages.
Something for archaeologists here too, a little influenced by Indian Jones et al, overall worthwhile.
Something for archaeologists here too, a little influenced by Indian Jones et al, overall worthwhile.
January 7, 2022
A historical adventure for those who are fans of archaeology. This book is well written and the vivid descriptions take you to Europe before and around WWII.
The main character is like Indiana Jones. Benedict Hitchens is a lovable rogue caught up in his obsessions with Troy and the hero Achilles. Travel from Istanbul to Crete and enjoy the adventure!
The main character is like Indiana Jones. Benedict Hitchens is a lovable rogue caught up in his obsessions with Troy and the hero Achilles. Travel from Istanbul to Crete and enjoy the adventure!
January 9, 2019
A bit of a cross between Indiana Jones and Jack West pieces. Set in Crete and Turkey mainly - from WW2 to mid 50s. Good insight into life in Cretan village before during and post Nazi occupation and the trade in smuggling artefacts. The Achilles link somewhat far fetched, but a good yarn!
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