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Alec Devlin #1
The Eye of the Serpent
This book is set in Egypt in the year 1923. Fifteen-year-old Alec Devlin is on his way to the Valley of the Kings. Accompanied by his faithful valet, Coates, Alec is to spend his summer holidays working on his Uncle Will's archaeological dig. It's not the first time he's spent his summer this way ...but this year things are different. Uncle Will and his young assistant, Tom Hinton, have recently made an amazing discovery - an ancient tomb hidden deep below the earth. But only hours after opening its doors, Uncle Will falls mysteriously ill and Tom seems to have disappeared without trace. Together with Ethan Wade, the young American soldier of fortune who is managing the dig in Uncle Will's absence, and a pretty French woman called Madeleine Duval, Alec sets about unravelling the tomb's mysteries.It features seemingly harmless animals that have turned into rabid killers; long dead mummies are rising from their tombs; the spirit of a powerful High Priest is claiming the bodies of the living as his living hosts; and together Alec and Ethan must confront a terror that has waited three thousand years to be reborn.
320 pages, Paperback
First published September 16, 2008
2 people are currently reading
42 people want to read
About the author
Philip Caveney
69 books61 followersPhilip Caveney was born in North Wales in 1951. The son of an RAF officer, he spent much of his childhood travelling the length and breadth of Britain and spent several years in Malaysia and Singapore.
He attended the Kelsterton College Of Art where he obtained a diploma in Graphic Design. Whilst there, he became drummer (and latterly vocalist) with rock band, Hieronymus Bosch.
After leaving college, he worked extensively in theatre both in London and Wales and wrote the lyrics for rock adaptations of The Workhouse Donkey and Oscar Wilde’s Salome.
His first novel, The Sins Of Rachel Ellis, was published in 1976.
Published Works for Adults
The Sins Of Rachel Ellis: St Martin’s Press/ Robert Hale/Berkeley Press. ‘a spine chilling debut.’ – Doubleday Book Club magazine
Tiger Tiger – ‘ St Martin’s Press/Granada ‘…an intriguing tale of rivalry and honour ‘– Flintshire Chronicle
The Tarantula Stone – Granada - ‘breathtaking action.’ Kirkus
Cursery Rhymes Cornerhouse Books– ‘wickedly funny’ – City Life
Speak No Evil – Headline/Headline Review/ ‘cracking summer reading.’ City Life
Black Wolf – Headline/ Headline Review/ nominated for WH Smith Thumping Good Read award.
Strip Jack Naked – Headline/Headline Review - ‘a triumphant thriller’ - Evening Post
Slayground – Headline/Headline Review ‘,,, breakneck pace’ – Daily Mirror
Skin Flicks – Headline/headline Review – ‘Caveney uses the central image with considerable skill’ – Sunday Times
Burn Down Easy – Headline/Headline Review – ‘the fiction equivalent of standing on Semtex’ – Pure Fiction
Bad To The Bone – Headline/ Headline Review ’10 little Indians on speed!’ Tangled web
1999 – Headline/Headline Review ‘more than just a return to form.’ City Life
Love Bites – Xlibris – ‘a frighteningly funny read!’ Tregolwyn reviews.
Published works for Children
Cursery Rhymes(with Bob Seal) (Cornerhouse Books)
Sebastian Darke - Prince Of Fools (2007) (Random House)
Sebastian Darke: Prince of Pirates (2008) (Random House)
Coming soon…
Sebastian Dark: Prince of Explorers (2009) (Random House)
Alec Devlin: The Eye of The Serpent (2008) (Random House)
Alec Devlin: The Kingdom of the Skull (2009) (Random House)
He wrote the screenplay for the short film Dream Factory, directed by Philip Davenport and has recently written his first full-length screenplay The Sick House for director Curtis Radclyffe.
He is also an advertising copywriter and has been the co-ordinator for the Manchester Writers Workshop for over twenty five years.
He attended the Kelsterton College Of Art where he obtained a diploma in Graphic Design. Whilst there, he became drummer (and latterly vocalist) with rock band, Hieronymus Bosch.
After leaving college, he worked extensively in theatre both in London and Wales and wrote the lyrics for rock adaptations of The Workhouse Donkey and Oscar Wilde’s Salome.
His first novel, The Sins Of Rachel Ellis, was published in 1976.
Published Works for Adults
The Sins Of Rachel Ellis: St Martin’s Press/ Robert Hale/Berkeley Press. ‘a spine chilling debut.’ – Doubleday Book Club magazine
Tiger Tiger – ‘ St Martin’s Press/Granada ‘…an intriguing tale of rivalry and honour ‘– Flintshire Chronicle
The Tarantula Stone – Granada - ‘breathtaking action.’ Kirkus
Cursery Rhymes Cornerhouse Books– ‘wickedly funny’ – City Life
Speak No Evil – Headline/Headline Review/ ‘cracking summer reading.’ City Life
Black Wolf – Headline/ Headline Review/ nominated for WH Smith Thumping Good Read award.
Strip Jack Naked – Headline/Headline Review - ‘a triumphant thriller’ - Evening Post
Slayground – Headline/Headline Review ‘,,, breakneck pace’ – Daily Mirror
Skin Flicks – Headline/headline Review – ‘Caveney uses the central image with considerable skill’ – Sunday Times
Burn Down Easy – Headline/Headline Review – ‘the fiction equivalent of standing on Semtex’ – Pure Fiction
Bad To The Bone – Headline/ Headline Review ’10 little Indians on speed!’ Tangled web
1999 – Headline/Headline Review ‘more than just a return to form.’ City Life
Love Bites – Xlibris – ‘a frighteningly funny read!’ Tregolwyn reviews.
Published works for Children
Cursery Rhymes(with Bob Seal) (Cornerhouse Books)
Sebastian Darke - Prince Of Fools (2007) (Random House)
Sebastian Darke: Prince of Pirates (2008) (Random House)
Coming soon…
Sebastian Dark: Prince of Explorers (2009) (Random House)
Alec Devlin: The Eye of The Serpent (2008) (Random House)
Alec Devlin: The Kingdom of the Skull (2009) (Random House)
He wrote the screenplay for the short film Dream Factory, directed by Philip Davenport and has recently written his first full-length screenplay The Sick House for director Curtis Radclyffe.
He is also an advertising copywriter and has been the co-ordinator for the Manchester Writers Workshop for over twenty five years.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
December 26, 2023
There are many terms, names and phrases which come to mind after reading this book: Indian Jones, Lon Chaney Jr., Christopher Lee, Sidney Greenstreet, mummies, pharaonic curses, magical sandstorms, King Tut. Sadly one word missing from the list is originality. A book for the undemanding reader, one who puts escapism above everything else. And don't be worried about giving it to a young reader, the fear factor would only disturb a cosseted child frightened by a fluffy kitten jumping on to his lap unexpectedly.
There is cartoon horror: ravenous scarab beetles, a vengeful shape-shifting high priest, angry bats and hyenas and, of course, a selection of re-animated mummies in various states of decay. There is a reasonably effective boy hero, though he is often overshadowed by the adults around him, including a tough American - why American? I suppose because Indiana Jones was American and that is who he imitates; a young French female archaeologist who also pilots her own aircraft and, needless to say, is the one who gets captured by the resuscitated priest; a Jeeves-like valet who is supposed to have a strong Yorkshire accent but it rarely surfaces in the dialogue; and a variety of minor allies and small time enemies.
As an adventure it's OK. I'm not sure I would rely too much on the occasional historical factoids. Did the ancient Egyptian religion really include human sacrifice for instance? And the high priest Sonchis insists one of his old retainers - in mummy form - was called Selim which, as far as I am aware, is an Arabic name. But never mind. None of it is serious and if you like your adventure with a touch of violence, or perhaps that should be the other way round, minimal characterisation, and a hero who will never be defeated whatever the odds, then this is right up your street.
There is cartoon horror: ravenous scarab beetles, a vengeful shape-shifting high priest, angry bats and hyenas and, of course, a selection of re-animated mummies in various states of decay. There is a reasonably effective boy hero, though he is often overshadowed by the adults around him, including a tough American - why American? I suppose because Indiana Jones was American and that is who he imitates; a young French female archaeologist who also pilots her own aircraft and, needless to say, is the one who gets captured by the resuscitated priest; a Jeeves-like valet who is supposed to have a strong Yorkshire accent but it rarely surfaces in the dialogue; and a variety of minor allies and small time enemies.
As an adventure it's OK. I'm not sure I would rely too much on the occasional historical factoids. Did the ancient Egyptian religion really include human sacrifice for instance? And the high priest Sonchis insists one of his old retainers - in mummy form - was called Selim which, as far as I am aware, is an Arabic name. But never mind. None of it is serious and if you like your adventure with a touch of violence, or perhaps that should be the other way round, minimal characterisation, and a hero who will never be defeated whatever the odds, then this is right up your street.
January 22, 2015
When Philip Caveney came into my advertising his books I think was really intrigued by the curse and really wanted to read the book.But when I got it I was a bit let down.
The story is about a group of archaeologist who discover an evil being hidden in an Egyptian crypt and realise it in to the world.Alex Devlin the main character goes to the site and begins to notice strange things happening around the dig and embarks on the mission to rid the world of this evil being.
I think the main reason I wanted to read this book is because I assumed it would be a bit like Percy Jackson,but it's not.My main reason for way I didn't enjoy the book was a bit rushed.I thought that if the book was longer Philp Caveney could of build up some suspension.For example if it was longer Alex could of gone through a phase where he truly believed that the evil could not be defeted.
The story is about a group of archaeologist who discover an evil being hidden in an Egyptian crypt and realise it in to the world.Alex Devlin the main character goes to the site and begins to notice strange things happening around the dig and embarks on the mission to rid the world of this evil being.
I think the main reason I wanted to read this book is because I assumed it would be a bit like Percy Jackson,but it's not.My main reason for way I didn't enjoy the book was a bit rushed.I thought that if the book was longer Philp Caveney could of build up some suspension.For example if it was longer Alex could of gone through a phase where he truly believed that the evil could not be defeted.
March 7, 2013
The eye of the serpent is a really good book.. it is based on a 15 year old who has a interest in anciet artifacts.. he is the nephew of one of the greatest archaeologists of that generation,while he is in school doing his studies, his uncle has disappeard.None of his team mates have herd from him ever since he supposedly found Ahrkenantan, one of the greatest kings that ruled the land many centuries ago.also his nephew is sent on a trip to find him. But what he doesnt know that it sends him on a dangerous journey in the land of Egypt.
August 15, 2017
Not bad. I do enjoy the supernatural genre. It's below my reading level but I have had it on my shelf for a very long time, and I've been meaning to read it for AGES (well, I've been meaning to read a lot of the books on my shelf for ages).
I didn't realise it was the first of a series, but seeing as it was the first, that's okay. There are a few forced happenings, and I found myself on a few occasions thinking "That couldn't have worked." or misunderstanding the physical setup of what was going on.
But on the whole it was enjoyable and I was glad to have a read of some Egyptian mythology based fiction that didn't require sexy obsessions over Egyptian princesses or priestesses.
I'm sure it would do fine for a younger audience.
I didn't realise it was the first of a series, but seeing as it was the first, that's okay. There are a few forced happenings, and I found myself on a few occasions thinking "That couldn't have worked." or misunderstanding the physical setup of what was going on.
But on the whole it was enjoyable and I was glad to have a read of some Egyptian mythology based fiction that didn't require sexy obsessions over Egyptian princesses or priestesses.
I'm sure it would do fine for a younger audience.
February 5, 2023
Honestly, this book is a little undiscovered gem.
The plot is predictable for the most part and hardly original, but the characters are fun and assertive and all get to tell their part of the story, keeping the pace hopping and dynamic and overall just a great read.
Very Young Indiana Jones meets The Mummy, which was exactly what I'd hoped for.
Would definitely recommend!
The plot is predictable for the most part and hardly original, but the characters are fun and assertive and all get to tell their part of the story, keeping the pace hopping and dynamic and overall just a great read.
Very Young Indiana Jones meets The Mummy, which was exactly what I'd hoped for.
Would definitely recommend!
November 6, 2014
Η πρώτη περιπέτεια του Άλεκ Ντέβλιν είναι ένα πραγματικά καταπληκτικό βιβλίο και το κομμάτι της αφήγησης από τον Philip Caveney βοήθησε στο να γίνει γρήγορα ένας από τους αγαπημένους μου συγγραφείς. Και τι απόλαυση ήταν η ανάγνωση του. Ευχάριστα διαφορετικό από τα βιβλία του της σειράς Sebastian Darke αλλά με εξίσου πλούσιο και απίστευτο καστ χαρακτήρων αλλά και πλοκή που δεν σε αφήνει να ανασάνεις ούτε για ένα δευτερόλεπτο .
Ο Άλεκ Ντέβλιν είναι ένας δεκαπεντάχρονος νεαρός επίδοξος αρχαιολόγος που πηγαίνει «να ενταχθεί» στην ομάδα ανασκαφής του θείου του στην Κοιλάδα των Βασιλέων στην Αίγυπτο για ακόμα ένα καλοκαίρι. Η ομάδα είναι αισιόδοξη και όλοι πιστεύουν ότι βρήκαν το χαμένο τάφο του μεγάλου Φαραώ. Κάτι που γρήγορα επιβεβαιώνεται από τον θείο του έναν από τους κορυφαίους αρχαιολόγους της εποχής του. Αλλά από τη στιγμή που ο Alec φτάνει εκεί , τίποτα δεν είναι όπως περίμενε ο θείος του , Γουίλιαμ , έχει υποστεί νευρικό κλονισμό και ο συνάδελφός και βοηθός του, Τομ , έχει εξαφανιστεί χωρίς να αφήσει κανένα ίχνος. Τότε μια αρχαία κατάρα αρχίζει να διεκδικεί περισσότερα μέλη της ομάδας με περίεργους τρόπους. Πλέον είναι στο χέρι του Άλεκ και του νέου του φίλου , του Αμερικανού Ήθαν Ουέιντ , να λύσει το μυστήριο, πριν να είναι πολύ αργά .
Ο Philip Caveney με το Sebastian Darke έδειξε ότι ξέρει πραγματικά πώς να εξισορροπήσει δράση , χιούμορ αλλά και την ανάπτυξη χαρακτήρων. Πως να καταφέρνει να κρατήσει το ενδιαφέρον μέχρι το τέλος του κάθε μυθιστορήματος του. Σε αυτό το βιβλίο θα τα καταφέρει και πάλι. Αυτή τη φορά μέσα από αρχαίες κατάρες , υπερφυσικές δυνάμεις και πολλούς εχθρούς. Θα καταφέρει να δημιουργήσει μια νέα εφηβική σειρά , ένα βιβλίο όπου οι νέοι ( και οι παλιοί ) αναγνώστες θα λατρέψουν! Και αν στο «νοικοκυριό» σας λατρεύετε τον Indiana Jones , ετοιμαστείτε να ταξιδέψετε ακόμα πιο μακρυά με τον Άλεκ Ντέβλιν και να ζήστε την απόλυτη απόλαυση.
Κυκλοφορεί από τις εκδόσεις Χρυσαλλίδα!
Ο Άλεκ Ντέβλιν είναι ένας δεκαπεντάχρονος νεαρός επίδοξος αρχαιολόγος που πηγαίνει «να ενταχθεί» στην ομάδα ανασκαφής του θείου του στην Κοιλάδα των Βασιλέων στην Αίγυπτο για ακόμα ένα καλοκαίρι. Η ομάδα είναι αισιόδοξη και όλοι πιστεύουν ότι βρήκαν το χαμένο τάφο του μεγάλου Φαραώ. Κάτι που γρήγορα επιβεβαιώνεται από τον θείο του έναν από τους κορυφαίους αρχαιολόγους της εποχής του. Αλλά από τη στιγμή που ο Alec φτάνει εκεί , τίποτα δεν είναι όπως περίμενε ο θείος του , Γουίλιαμ , έχει υποστεί νευρικό κλονισμό και ο συνάδελφός και βοηθός του, Τομ , έχει εξαφανιστεί χωρίς να αφήσει κανένα ίχνος. Τότε μια αρχαία κατάρα αρχίζει να διεκδικεί περισσότερα μέλη της ομάδας με περίεργους τρόπους. Πλέον είναι στο χέρι του Άλεκ και του νέου του φίλου , του Αμερικανού Ήθαν Ουέιντ , να λύσει το μυστήριο, πριν να είναι πολύ αργά .
Ο Philip Caveney με το Sebastian Darke έδειξε ότι ξέρει πραγματικά πώς να εξισορροπήσει δράση , χιούμορ αλλά και την ανάπτυξη χαρακτήρων. Πως να καταφέρνει να κρατήσει το ενδιαφέρον μέχρι το τέλος του κάθε μυθιστορήματος του. Σε αυτό το βιβλίο θα τα καταφέρει και πάλι. Αυτή τη φορά μέσα από αρχαίες κατάρες , υπερφυσικές δυνάμεις και πολλούς εχθρούς. Θα καταφέρει να δημιουργήσει μια νέα εφηβική σειρά , ένα βιβλίο όπου οι νέοι ( και οι παλιοί ) αναγνώστες θα λατρέψουν! Και αν στο «νοικοκυριό» σας λατρεύετε τον Indiana Jones , ετοιμαστείτε να ταξιδέψετε ακόμα πιο μακρυά με τον Άλεκ Ντέβλιν και να ζήστε την απόλυτη απόλαυση.
Κυκλοφορεί από τις εκδόσεις Χρυσαλλίδα!
April 20, 2017
Pure escapism...wonderful!
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews