The Secret of Excalibur

Nina Wilde & Eddie Chase #3

by Andy McDermott

The third brilliant adventure thriller featuring archaeologist Nina Wilde, in which Nina must find Excalibur, King Arthur's beloved sword. Said to make whoever holds it unstoppable in battle, the sword Excalibur has been coveted across the ages, and thought lost for over a thousand years. With a cryptic message to archaeologist Nina Wilde, this may be about to change. Historian Bernd Rust believes he can locate Excalibur...and that the sword is the key to harnessing an incredible source of energy. Nina is sceptical -- until she and Rust are attacked by mercenaries determined to steal his research. Nina and her boyfriend, ex-SAS soldier Eddie Chase, are soon propelled into a deadly race to find Excalibur. From the deserts ofSyria to the arctic wastes of Russia, Nina and Chase must battle a merciless enemy who plans to use the sword's powers to plunge the world into a new era of war...

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

506 pages, Paperback

First published November 12, 2008

About the author

Andy McDermott was born in Halifax, West Yorkshire, and now lives in Bournemouth. As a journalist and magazine editor, amongst other titles he edited DVD Review and the iconoclastic film publication Hotdog. Andy is now a full-time writer.

Reviews

[Patrick Gibson · Rating 1 out of 5]

Should I comment on a book I didn’t finish? Oh, why the hell not.

I like brainless over-the-top action adventure stories. I’ve been reading Clive Cussler since he went down with the Titanic. I have a low threshold for stupid and don’t mind settling in for a tall tale whopper or two now and again.

That is why in a fit of madness I bought three Andy McDermott books at the same time. Flea market special: $5 for all. I made it through the first two (Atlantis & Hercules) by default. I couldn’t believe the first book was so awful and figured the second had to be better. Most writers improve. Andy didn’t.

That left me with this book just sitting there on the coffee table… baiting me, taunting. After all, I had invested $1.66 and I felt I should get something in return. Perhaps I should have put the money towards a root canal—woulda been more fun. The book’s pretty awful. I could almost forgive the sophomoric writing if some of the ideas and plot devices were interesting. But no he recycled every thriller writer in print. Badly. Andy, oh Andy, you should witch to comic books; that is were your audience is. Keep the writing at a seventh grade level and crank them out.

[Thibault Busschots · Rating 4 out of 5]

This feels like we’re back on the same level as the first book. It’s a blistering pace with over the top action scenes aplenty and fascinating treasure hunting locations.

[Leslie Stokes · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have long been a fan of Arthurian legend, so I thought this mystery of trying to find Excalibur was neat. Unfortunately, the sword was found halfway through the book, and the rest of the story was devoted to Nina and Chase being pursued by people who wanted to take the sword. Too many descriptions of weapons and secret hideouts. I would have preferred more of the story be devoted to the clues and historic secrets that led to the finding of Excalibur.

[Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

And the non-stop action adventure continues. I love this series. One thing though, if you're looking for a deep novel, you won't find it here, this is pure unadulterated thrill ride.

Seriously, this is nothing more than an action movie in book form. It's easy to see who the bad guy is from almost the very beginning, the twists and turns are usually expected, but I'm glad to say that the final twist was one I didn't see coming at all. I really liked this book, I really like this series.

I know I said it above, but if you're reading this series for a deeper understanding of the world that came before us, the deeper cultures of the previous societies and for a meaningful insight into the world as we know it; you're reading it for the wrong reason. The reason I love this series is because things blow up, especially helicopters. There should be a memorial made for all the helicopters lost to the hands of Andy McDermott because he really likes to blow them up, constantly. If I ever meet Andy McDermott and he invites me on a helicopter ride I am turning him down.

Um... I thought the book was very good. Action, adventure, excitement, betrayal, everything I've come to suspect from Andy McDermott.

I've already started the next book, and I look forward to many more pointless explosions to come.

[Gawelleb · Rating 3 out of 5]

Comme le tome précédent, j’ai adoré jusqu’au dernier quart... au bout d’un moment je me lasse des rebondissements à répétition.

[Sven · Rating 3 out of 5]

Andy McDermott is een Britse auteur en journalist. De serie rond Nina Wilde en Eddie Chase zijn de meest gekende verhalen die uit zijn hand voortgevloeid zijn.
Het Geheim Van Excalibur (2008) is het derde deel in deze reeks.
Historicus Berndt Rust contacteerde Nina Wilde met de melding dat hij de vermoedelijke locatie vastgesteld had van Excalibur, het mythische zwaard van Koning Arthur. Nina geloofd hem niet direct totdat ze ternauwernood ontsnapt aan een aanslag. Ze zoekt de hulp van Eddie Chase en samen vertrekken ze op een bloedstollende race tegen de klok die hen van de woestijnen in Syrië tot aan de Russische ijsvlaktes brengt.
Het duurde even tegen dat ik me echt volledig kon overgeven aan het verhaal. Het sleurde me niet echt mee. Toen de spanning opgedreven werd kon ik me meer en meer overgeven aan de gebeurtenissen.
Wat zeer goed is aan dit boek is dat tussen de acties door niet vergeten wordt dat de personages ook gevoelsmensen zijn. Zo schuwt McDermott niet om jaloezie een plaats in zijn verhaal te bieden.
Het plot neemt op een bepaald moment voor één personage een scherpe bocht , die kort daarna terug omgegooid wordt waardoor je als lezer plots niet meer weet wat je met dat personage aan moet.
Dit hielp enorm om me toch nog in het verhaal te houden tot aan het einde.
Het slot bevat heel goeie elementen, onverwachte bondgenootschappen, en genoeg spanning om de trage start goed te maken.
Conclusie
Een traag startend verhaal met personages die onderling veel gevoel uitstralen naar elkaar. Spanning die opgebouwd wordt, en net op tijd losgelaten wordt om de lezer toch nog in het verhaal te sleuren.

Engels


Andy McDermott is a British author and journalist. The series around Nina Wilde and Eddie Chase are the most famous stories that have come from his hand.
The Secret Of Excalibur (2008) is the third part in this series.
Historian Berndt Rust contacted Nina Wilde to report that he had identified the probable location of Excalibur, King Arthur's mythical sword. Nina doesn't immediately believe him until she narrowly escapes an attack. Seeking the help of Eddie Chase, they set out on a blood-curdling race against time that takes them from the deserts of Syria to the Russian icy plains.
It took a while before I could really fully surrender to the story. It didn't really drag me along. As the tension increased, I was able to surrender more and more to the events.
What is very good about this book is that between the actions it is not forgotten that the characters are also feeling people. McDermott, for example, does not shy away from offering jealousy a place in his story.
At a certain point the plot takes a sharp turn for one character, which shortly afterwards is reversed so that you as a reader suddenly do not know what to do with that character.
This helped a lot to keep me in the story until the end.
The slot contains some really good elements, unexpected alliances, and enough tension to make up for the slow start.
Conclusion
A slow starting story with characters who mutually radiate a lot of feeling to each other. Tension that builds up, and is released just in time to drag the reader into the story.

[Mark Muckerman · Rating 3 out of 5]

After savaging The Tomb of Hercules, I must be fair and say that Excalibur is a profound improvement. Better character dialogue (though still weak and cliched), more balanced plot development and pacing, less absolutely ludicrous flights of fancy and requirements for an absolute suspension of disbelief, and also less hateful bickering between Chase & Nina. While I'm sure in the author's mind it's a necessary view into the relationship development, the actual writing in Hercules was so shallow and extreme in emotion and invective that it became offputting, and in fact disctracted from the story.

While I still stand by my commentary that the writing is not at a level of Cussler or Reilly, I will chalk book 2 up to the Sophomore slump, and give McDermott credit for obvious improvements and maturation in writing style and substance.

In short: a better story, better writing, and better character development and interaction than his prior effort, and a more entertaining read.

[Helen · Rating 2 out of 5]

One star because it is actually well written and readable, and another because the author is from Halifax.

I expected this to be cheesy, and probably sexist, but it was much worse than I thought it would be. The action sequences are daft and go beyond ridiculous, but that wouldn't bother me too much if the humour weren't so juvenile.

The main protagonist Eddie has zero personality and his supposedly super smart fiancee Nina giggles her way through the book.

Still, I managed to read it to the end and there were fun moments when the history of King Arthur and the swords were brought into it.

[Pablo Viana · Rating 4 out of 5]

De esos thrillers de aventuras que empiezan fuerte y no paran hasta el final aunque a este señor se le va la pinza a veces.
Mezcla muy bien historia, acción y ciencia, con ese toque de misterio que recuerda a las películas de Indiana Jones o a los libros de Clive Cussler.
El ritmo es rápido, con muchas persecuciones, tiroteos y descubrimientos imposibles. Hay momentos algo exagerados, pero eso forma parte del encanto: uno sabe a lo que viene, y el libro cumple.
Los protagonistas funcionan bien, sobre todo Nina y Eddie, que tienen buena química y ese humor que hace más ligera la lectura. La parte histórica sobre Excalibur y la energía que esconde detrás me ha parecido original, aunque algunas explicaciones científicas son un poco locas, pero entretenidas.
No es una novela profunda ni pretende serlo: es pura evasión, perfecta para desconectar y pasar un buen rato.

[Joe Geesin · Rating 5 out of 5]

When myths and legends become reality, history gets rewritten. And that's exactly what happens here as Nina and Eddie chase Excalibur. From ancient texts to Russian underhand tactics, a dead scientist and a quadruple agent. Lots of twists and turns, Earth Energy or a Weapon, all leading to a play-off between Russia and the US. Senior US involvement is hinted at in the final chapter, making for a subplot to bolster the next in the series. Which I'm now looking forward to.

[Noel نوال · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Buggeration and fuckery."
~Eddie Chase
Once again I'm loving this series more and more with every installment. The 'Nina Wilde and Eddie Chase' series is the perfect escapist novels for me to turn to whenever things get overwhelming with school, work, and life. Andy McDermott always does an amazing job with his research of legend, lore, and history and weaves the most entertaining stories. I'm always hesitant with some archeological thriller stories, because some authors disappointingly portray racist stereotypes and white saviorism in their stories. However, Andy McDermott is no such author, and with every installment each of the secondary and background characters from all over Nina and Eddie's international travels get more fleshed out and make guest appearances throughout the series.
Between the comedy, the adventure, the globe trotting, the lore, the history, and the dialogue this series has quickly become my favorite of all time.

[Patrick Hayes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Archaeologist Nina Wilde and fiance Eddie Chase are visiting his family in the UK when they're approached by DARPA and the CIA to investigate a killing that may go to King Arthur's sword Excalibur. It does, and some Russian killers are also on the search for it. With a new ally, the pair are zipping all across the globe to clues about the sword, dashing some history as mythology, while some mythology may have some truths.

Fun, fast pasted read with plenty of action of the classic James Bond variety, with a solid dash of Indiana Jones as well. Once character changes sides a bit too often for me, but I enjoy Nina and Eddie, even if they're constantly arguing over their past and future as a married couple.

[Bookish Barbarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eddie and Nina’s adventure was enjoyable and fun. It was nice to learn more about Eddie’s past.

It was a lovely palate cleanse and a story that didn’t take long to devour and genuinely had me chuckling in some parts.

[Jeffrey Lyons · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this one several years ago after I discovered the excitement of Andy McDermott's writing and the Nina Wilde/Eddie Chase characters.

This one sort of hearkens back to the first book when Nina discovered Atlantis. In this one, we learn that Nina has the ability to summon some sort of earth energy to help control Excaliber. I guess it is sort of like the old Arthurian myth that whomever can remove the sword from the stone is the true born King of England. Although Nina would be a Queen but that's besides the point. So yeah, there is an element of fantasy in this and many of McDermott's books.

The two of them dodge many bullets and make it through some of the most painful falls, accidents, fights, etc. Though they do bicker a lot. It's part of the charm. But that is to be expected from this series. And almost all of these Wilde/Chase books are page turners. Really FAST page turners. They make me laugh. They make me out of breath! They entertain me to the nth degree. And I can get through them in 2-3 days and usually stay up past my bedtime waiting to see what happens.

Highly recommended for people who want to read a lot of action and suspend their belief in reality for a few days.

[Annette Gisby · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not as good as the first in the series, the one about Atlantis, but still entertaining and a fast read.

[Kristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

My new favourite curse, courtesy of Eddie Chase: "Buggeration & Fuckery!" It made me laugh out loud every time Eddie said it in this book [I listened to this as an audio book] and the story gave him plenty of opportunities to use it - this was the perfect action/thriller, and I am still absolutely loving Nina and Eddie and their continuing archaeological adventures!

Some of the other reviewers have complained about the unbelievability of these books, and to that I say: that's the whole point of reading an action/thriller! Me? If I wanted reality, I'd read non-fiction, but as someone who instantly fell in love with Indiana Jones from the second I met him, I am perfectly fine with a fictional hero like Eddie Chase doing stuff no REAL secret agent could probably pull off and still survive [although one just never knows what real secret agents are capable of - that's why they're SECRET, after all!].

This book, and in fact the whole series so far is just a big bucket of rip-roaring, no-holds-barred action and excitement. Is it escapist? Yup! Is it implausible? Maybe, don' care! This story is fast-paced, interesting, and filled with lots of exotic locations. The story is exciting, engaging, and interesting, especially if archaeology is your thing [it's definitely mine!] and then, there's the humour!

I absolutely love a book that makes me laugh out loud, and this whole series has done that consistently. The tongue-in-cheek, sarcastic way Eddie, and to a lesser extent, Nina react to the often insane things that happen to them provides a really fun and funny counter-point to the high drama of the action in the plot, and helps to break up the tension in the life-and-death stuff. Personally, I love that that! I laughed out lough a LOT listening to this book. Most of that was the author's writing which is clever and snappy, but some of the credit has to go to the narrator, who absolutely NAILED both Eddie's accent and his black humour personality!

The story in this book was an especially enjoyable one for me, as I am a fan of Arthurian legends, so the search for Excalibur was something I would be predisposed to be all-in for. Fortunately, the author knows his characters, and, I suspect, his audience. Is this a formula series? Yes, it is. But it's a formula that works! I know what to expect when I pick up a book in this series, and I enjoy what it delivers. I enjoy these books as exciting, escapist thrill-rides, with a side of sarcastic humour, and I absolutely intend to continue with this series!

[Ryan Burt · Rating 4 out of 5]

1) Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

2) Genre: Adventure

3) Synopsis: Excalibur used to be the most powerful weapon of its time and can help create the most powerful weapon of today. Nina and Eddie race to find it to stop it from being used for bad.

4) Feelings: This is the third book in the Nina Wilde & Eddie Chase series. All these books have a bit of the unbelievable in them. It is sort of like watching a James Bond movie. You just go in expecting action and adventure and try not to worry about believability. Still I love the ideas and items that Nina and Eddie need to find.

5) Final recommendation: I have liked all three of these books. If you liked the first to pick this book right up. It is fun and entertaining. Eddie was a little whiney in it but I forgave him in the end.

Ryan James Burt
Husband, Father, and Writer
http://ryanjamesburt.wordpress.com/

[C Joy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not exactly familiar with all things Arthurian or Monty Python, but I still read on knowing I was in for a ride, and I wasn't disappointed.

It started with a tame setting, Nina about to meet Eddie's family, until a persuasive colleague of her parents' met her in Bournemouth. The action was nonstop after that, lots of murders, senseless deaths, it was an eye-opener for Chase - how far would one risk his life for a piece of old thing? In this novel's setting, it was a significant historical find, and as always Nina disproves myth, turning it into truth.

As long as they're alive, there's hope. The author's plot was a little rusty since I smelled something fishy about a generous benefactor. I hope the next novel is unpredictable.

[Vaelin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Largely a story of two very different halves....the second half far less enjoyable and became a bit of a struggle to finish in the end

Im a big fan of Clive Cussler and James Rollins and tried this one as McDermott is regularly mentioned in the same breath as several of the adventure titans, however I didn't enjoy this anywhere near as much as the aforementioned authors works.

The bickering between Wilde and Chase was mildly humorous at first and then became like nails down a chalkboard by the end.....I haven't read any of the Fargo series by Cussler but now I'm very curious to see how that series stacks up to this one as it also involves a couple as the adventure team.

I may have a look at another one in this series like Valhalla Prophecy but it won't be anytime soon

[Enzo · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have always liked the Chase & Wilde adventures. I wish Goodreads would allow HALF points I would have given it a 3.5. Reading about famous myths is even better. Excalibur carries a lot of stories attached that help the story. Couldn't help it had to watch "Excalibur" the 1981 film. I just wished McDermott would dedicate more time to the Arthurian legends to give more body to that part of the story instead of the non-stop action/adventure. All in all a good read.

Recommended to Action/Adventure fans, Arthurian legends and Mythology fans.

[Philip Cook · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a non-stop action ride from start to finish. It is the third book in the series for Nina and Chase. As with all of McDermot's book's it is a fast action ride. This book is not a deep thinker but is rather a fast action thrill ride that take a Robert Ludlum basis and adds a twist of ancient legends. If you have already read this series and enjoyed it check out Matt Reilly he has a great series with Jack West Jr.

[Santiago Oleas · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is Andy McDermott's third book and at this point it seems like he's following a template and just switches out the legend and location but the story seems to be the same. If you have read the first two and are thinking of picking up this one, take a break before reading it so that you do not feel like you've seen it all before.

[Ignacio Senao f · Rating 3 out of 5]

La clásica aventura sin complicaciones del autor ni para el lector. Todas las coincidencias del mundo suceden, la mayor suerte y llegar a los sitios y besar el santo. Pero la gracia del protagonista y que las aventuras Indianojonista siempre molan, hace una lectura de usar y tirar que cumple su función mientras la lees.

[Michael Davies · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is James Bond the Andy Mcdermott way, full of action and quirky one liners but not so sophisticated, and the character's tend to get a bit more then a bruis.
If you like action movies then you will enjoy his books. An quick easy read.

[Janey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed the different locations that Eddie and Nina travelled to on their adventures to discover Excaliber. Especially liked the bit about the awful Imax cinema in Bournemouth (now thankfully demolished) and the car chase through Bournemouth Gardens which was good fun.

[Adam Hummel · Rating 2 out of 5]

I've had enough of this series. Just a series of long chase sequences with a smattering of history here and there. Has even stopped satisfying my desire to read an action novel now and then. There's much better out there

[Mia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Silly over the top action-adventure, but I'm really enjoying the series!

[Phyllis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really liked this book.Have never ready anything by this author before. Am going to read the others in his series.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book, at times it even had me laughing, another great read.

[Marelize Le · Rating 3 out of 5]

Seriously bad ending!!!