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Nina Wilde & Eddie Chase #2
The Tomb of Hercules
AN ANCIENT WARRIOR.AN INCREDIBLE TREASURE.A LETHAL ENEMY.It’s the opportunity of a lifetime–the chance to prove that a tomb containing the remains of the legendary hero Hercules actually exists. If American archaeologist Nina Wilde can locate it, it will be the most important historical find ever unearthed. But as Nina and her ex-SAS bodyguard, Eddie Chase, begin their search, it’s clear that others want to find the tomb–and the unimaginable riches within–and will do anything to get there first. Who will find the tomb of Hercules first, and what fantastic treasure does it hold? From New York to Shanghai, from Switzerland to the diamond mines of Botswana, Nina and Eddie must stay one step ahead of their enemies in a race to solve a mystery as ancient as civilization itself. But when a beautiful woman from Eddie’s past joins the hunt, all the rules change–and in this life-and-death game, their next move may be the most dangerous one of all.
514 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2008
245 people are currently reading
3040 people want to read
About the author
Andy McDermott
59 books1,250 followersAndy 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 379 reviews
November 29, 2010
What do you call it when an author sets up a premise and promptly destroys it with a stupid sentence? There must be a term for it. Like ‘shitass?'
For example:
“the scientists were normally able to conduct their explorations with no interference from the outside world.
BUT NOT TONIGHT.”
Or this gem:
“It was not a place where anyone in his right mind would choose to be.
BUT SOMEONE WAS THERE.”
How about:
“The dart guns were designed to fire tranquilizers. But these were loaded with something else.
SOMETHING DEADLY.”
And:
“They were following a set path, meeting up to confirm that all was well before turning back along their patrol routes.
THEY WOULD NEVER MAKE IT.”
Yet:
“There didn’t seem to be any way Chase could rescue Sophia.
BUT HE STILL HAD TO TRY…”
Look. The guy has some interesting ideas that would make a good novel. But he doesn’t have an editor, or friends to proofread and tell him to cut out half the ludicrous moronic action sequences. Cut them because they are annoying, badly written and destroy whatever clever plot lines there might be, could be, should be—if he’d only shut up with the crap and write.
I suffered through his first book with hopes he would improve. Then I realized the second book could be combined with the first and make a pretty decent novel. After cutting at least half out of each. I mean come on… he flunked out of the Clive Cussler School. Never made it past ‘Controlled Action Scenes 101.’
I have a high tolerance for bottom of the horse stable writing when it comes to action adventure—I mean, you sort of know what you are going to get when you crack the cover. BUT NOT THIS TIME!
I am not a writer. Never will be. Never want to be. But I could scratch out better dialogue sitting in a well used port-a-potty on a hundred and five degree day with a severe hangover.
For example:
“the scientists were normally able to conduct their explorations with no interference from the outside world.
BUT NOT TONIGHT.”
Or this gem:
“It was not a place where anyone in his right mind would choose to be.
BUT SOMEONE WAS THERE.”
How about:
“The dart guns were designed to fire tranquilizers. But these were loaded with something else.
SOMETHING DEADLY.”
And:
“They were following a set path, meeting up to confirm that all was well before turning back along their patrol routes.
THEY WOULD NEVER MAKE IT.”
Yet:
“There didn’t seem to be any way Chase could rescue Sophia.
BUT HE STILL HAD TO TRY…”
Look. The guy has some interesting ideas that would make a good novel. But he doesn’t have an editor, or friends to proofread and tell him to cut out half the ludicrous moronic action sequences. Cut them because they are annoying, badly written and destroy whatever clever plot lines there might be, could be, should be—if he’d only shut up with the crap and write.
I suffered through his first book with hopes he would improve. Then I realized the second book could be combined with the first and make a pretty decent novel. After cutting at least half out of each. I mean come on… he flunked out of the Clive Cussler School. Never made it past ‘Controlled Action Scenes 101.’
I have a high tolerance for bottom of the horse stable writing when it comes to action adventure—I mean, you sort of know what you are going to get when you crack the cover. BUT NOT THIS TIME!
I am not a writer. Never will be. Never want to be. But I could scratch out better dialogue sitting in a well used port-a-potty on a hundred and five degree day with a severe hangover.
March 6, 2020
Nina Wilde & Eddie Chase #2: My one sentence review from 2008 said: "Globe trotting adventures in search of the Tomb of Hercules and trying to prevent a megalomaniac's plot to destabilise the word.".. to which I can add nothing. 4 out of 12.
June 5, 2012
It's like Dirk Pitt without the storytelling meets Matthew Reilly without the creative research. A decent book for reading on the beach and leaving behind for the next guy: an easy read and mindless brain candy; if you're in a hurry you can just read every other page and you won't lose the plot. As an actual book: disappointing. Weaknesses include thin plot, hackneyed writing, painful and resistive clichés (must every villain make the point that they're "not a James Bond villain"?, formulaic storytelling right out of grade 10 creative writing class, and, considering it's a follow up work to book two, character development is so bad they actually devolve rather than develop.
PLOT SPOILER: After being thwarted in her plot to nuke NYC, our villain shows up at the door the next day? With a dart gun? That is conveniently armed with a secret toxin? And she also happens to bring along two doses of antidote? Really??? All that's missing is Superman making the Earth spin backwards to make everything turn out alright. And what is Eddie - Wolverine??? I do a weekend of yard work and can't get out of bed on Monday. Über-Eddie takes multiple gunshot and knife wounds, beatings, high falls and at least two concussions in what, four days? Yet he just keeps bouncing right back up with that cheeky British mouth of his.
Premise: good. Story: bad. The only thing worse is that I bought all four books at once and my overdeveloped sense of order and thoroughness compells me to read them all. . .
Kill me, please.
PLOT SPOILER: After being thwarted in her plot to nuke NYC, our villain shows up at the door the next day? With a dart gun? That is conveniently armed with a secret toxin? And she also happens to bring along two doses of antidote? Really??? All that's missing is Superman making the Earth spin backwards to make everything turn out alright. And what is Eddie - Wolverine??? I do a weekend of yard work and can't get out of bed on Monday. Über-Eddie takes multiple gunshot and knife wounds, beatings, high falls and at least two concussions in what, four days? Yet he just keeps bouncing right back up with that cheeky British mouth of his.
Premise: good. Story: bad. The only thing worse is that I bought all four books at once and my overdeveloped sense of order and thoroughness compells me to read them all. . .
Kill me, please.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 28, 2022
While the treasure hunting part is still really fun, there’s just way too much focus on the romantic conflicts. Both on the squabbling couple and Eddie’s ex-wife. His ex-wife is also a bit of an annoying character. The weakest book in the series for me.
June 9, 2025
A whole lot of action in this one.
May 20, 2022
3.5 stars
RTC
Happy Reading!!
RTC
Happy Reading!!
March 3, 2012
Okay, so I know how I talked up this series after reading the 1st one. Granted, the genre is super-cliche but I thought Hunt for Atlantis was even good enough to get 5-stars. Why? Because that was an entertaining novel. McDermott apparently did not realize what made the first novel good because almost all of that gets lost here.
The Hercules stuff is good and this is where the book redeems itself a bit. But the problem is that it's not even really the main plot of the book! I won't get into the role it plays in the story but all I have to say is that you almost feel as if the title "The Tomb of Hercules" is a lie to what this book is really about. The action, while always fun when doled out in decent amounts, is extremely exaggerated and prolonged in this novel. It takes the fun out of it and the scenes overall less memorable. Botswana was cool, but after four chapters the action really needs to start drawing to a close.
The other thing that made me have to roll my eyes while reading this book was the dialogue. To put it simply, the characters sound like asses who aren't at all aware of what's going on around them. The epitome of this is when Eddie and Nina are running away from the Botswana Army and some other enemies but decide to hold up and talk about their RELATIONSHIP. I mean, you gotta be kidding me! This sequel features the two bitching at each other for almost the whole adventure, and at the most ridiculous moments. I could've seen this happening in Book 8 or 9 maybe, but I didn't feel like I knew the characters well enough yet to really give a shit.
I won't get started about the cheesy references either. All I gotta say is that it really seems silly to have characters make statements like they're surprised they're living out the genre, like how the villains keep noting that they seem like Bond villains. Well...duh. It's like if Harry Potter had stopped his duel with Voldemort to comment "Wow, this is as epic as Return of the Jedi!" Ridiculous.
It's a bummer because it looks like this series gets more interesting down the road. Maybe I'll read the third sometime, but it probably won't be soon.
The Hercules stuff is good and this is where the book redeems itself a bit. But the problem is that it's not even really the main plot of the book! I won't get into the role it plays in the story but all I have to say is that you almost feel as if the title "The Tomb of Hercules" is a lie to what this book is really about. The action, while always fun when doled out in decent amounts, is extremely exaggerated and prolonged in this novel. It takes the fun out of it and the scenes overall less memorable. Botswana was cool, but after four chapters the action really needs to start drawing to a close.
The other thing that made me have to roll my eyes while reading this book was the dialogue. To put it simply, the characters sound like asses who aren't at all aware of what's going on around them. The epitome of this is when Eddie and Nina are running away from the Botswana Army and some other enemies but decide to hold up and talk about their RELATIONSHIP. I mean, you gotta be kidding me! This sequel features the two bitching at each other for almost the whole adventure, and at the most ridiculous moments. I could've seen this happening in Book 8 or 9 maybe, but I didn't feel like I knew the characters well enough yet to really give a shit.
I won't get started about the cheesy references either. All I gotta say is that it really seems silly to have characters make statements like they're surprised they're living out the genre, like how the villains keep noting that they seem like Bond villains. Well...duh. It's like if Harry Potter had stopped his duel with Voldemort to comment "Wow, this is as epic as Return of the Jedi!" Ridiculous.
It's a bummer because it looks like this series gets more interesting down the road. Maybe I'll read the third sometime, but it probably won't be soon.
August 25, 2014
Ooooookkkkaaayyyy...... This is an action thriller that really didnt have enough action to thrill me.
I read the first book in this series where Eddie and Nina set out to find Atlantis. This seems to have gone so well and been so successful that our writer decided that a search for another mythical place was in order and would be a great idea.
Except of course that things don't go a lot differently in this book than they did in the first.
Well they don't go that differently except for the addition of an annoying, nagging, bothersome angsty romance. We get the return of old love and the green eyed monster (that's jealousy for those of you lucky enough not to have read enough romances to know that). The book is filled...that's FILLED with angsty, emotional pointless conversations with our protagonists taking poy shots at each other.
Come here, come here, come here...get away, get away, get away.... Chase, go through trapped place (sort of ala Indiana Jones) have a hostage situation....rinse repeat.
Ad nauseam.
If it's for you enjoy. I got through it, this one may be my last Wilde/Chase novel. Can't recommend it.
I read the first book in this series where Eddie and Nina set out to find Atlantis. This seems to have gone so well and been so successful that our writer decided that a search for another mythical place was in order and would be a great idea.
Except of course that things don't go a lot differently in this book than they did in the first.
Well they don't go that differently except for the addition of an annoying, nagging, bothersome angsty romance. We get the return of old love and the green eyed monster (that's jealousy for those of you lucky enough not to have read enough romances to know that). The book is filled...that's FILLED with angsty, emotional pointless conversations with our protagonists taking poy shots at each other.
Come here, come here, come here...get away, get away, get away.... Chase, go through trapped place (sort of ala Indiana Jones) have a hostage situation....rinse repeat.
Ad nauseam.
If it's for you enjoy. I got through it, this one may be my last Wilde/Chase novel. Can't recommend it.
January 31, 2021
Andy McDermott could write an entire series about grass growing and I would devour it. This series has instantly become my favorite series of all time. Only on book 2 I am beyond excited for the other 13 (soon to be 14) other books. Every time I finish one of these novels I want to relive the adventures of Nina Wilde and Eddie Chase. Action, adventure, very well researched history and mythology, travel, comedy, drama, suspense, James Bond-type villains, and so much more told in an effortlessly great writing style.
I love that this series can have cheesy moments to it, but in no way is the plot predictable. Andy McDermott seriously teaches me so much through this fiction, and I love that you can learn tons about history and myth just by reading this amazing adventure series. I could not recommend this series enough!
I love that this series can have cheesy moments to it, but in no way is the plot predictable. Andy McDermott seriously teaches me so much through this fiction, and I love that you can learn tons about history and myth just by reading this amazing adventure series. I could not recommend this series enough!
December 10, 2020
In many ways this book betters the first, but it’s a very close run thing
All the action and adventure of the first book, but delves deeper into the personalities of the main characters
It’s a big thumbs up from me!!
All the action and adventure of the first book, but delves deeper into the personalities of the main characters
It’s a big thumbs up from me!!
December 29, 2019
My first McDermott. Action packed from the first chapter itself. But THE COUPLE IS ANNOYING! Fight, fight, fight is all they do from the first few pages until the end. What the heck! What has their relationship got to do with the quest? Why do the book needs such fillers? At some part, I felt like gagging or slapping either Nina or Eddie. Get on with the adventure, man! Thank God, the storyline, the villains, the other characters in the book saved the story. A 3 because of Nina and Eddie. If they had gotten killed, I would have given it a 5!
July 27, 2020
Fluent writing combined with fast-moving action. Perfect holiday reading. 600 pages should just last for 2 weeks reading by the side of the pool with a glass in one hand, book in the other and a sunhat perched on your noodle. The writer has a fascination for introducing the McGuffin (if you don't know see The Master, Alfred Hitchcock) when the hero and heroine are hanging on the end of a rope over a cliff.
April 6, 2020
I am on page 256 of Andy McDermott's "The Tomb of Hercules" and I am giving up. I expected an archeological adventure with quests and a treasure hunt, instead I got 200+ pages of people jumping out of top floor windows, dodging thousands of bullets, karate chopping dozens of thugs and crushing tanks with mining trucks 😃 Ridiculously unbelievable crap. It's like Alex Rider and James Bond rolled in one. By page 100 I was hoping Nina and Eddie would die already and be done with it!
December 22, 2016
I picked up a copy of this over-the-top adventure novel at a book swap, and read it on a long plane trip. Suffice to say that it kept be sufficiently entertained that I hardly noticed the discomfort of the cramped seats, screaming babies, and overly-enthusiastic air conditioning on my budget airline.
This book is apparently a sequel to McDermott's THE HUNT FOR ATLANTIS, which I have not read. In that book, archeologist Nina Wilde and her bodyguard/boyfriend Eddie Chase uncover the lost world of the sunken city and foil a plot for world domination. As THE TOMB OF HERCULES begins, Nina has been promoted to a position of power and influence in a UN archeological heritage organization, as sort of a consolation prize for the fact that her discovery of Atlantis must be kept secret. Nina's increased prominence and wealth puts a strain on her relationship with Eddie, a proletarian Brit formerly employed as a special operative. That strain increases when Eddie's glamorous and cultured ex-wife Sophia shows up at a UN function.
Nina is working on a new project--deciphering the cryptic lost commentaries of Plato in order to find the legendary Tomb of Hercules. She wants to make her mark in her profession. However, there are many other people who are seeking the tomb, for far less noble reasons.
Nina and Eddie are kidnapped and tortured. Again and again, in increasingly outrageous action scenes, they cheat death to escape the clutches of the ever-changing ranks of villains. Again and again, they plunge back into the fray, trying to thwart the evil-doers and/or to save one another.
The book is totally implausible, but huge fun, a tongue-in-cheek reprise of every cliche in every James Bond tale. McDermott does a good job describing the various settings for Nina's and Eddie's trials. The action unrolls almost like a film. The snarky dialogue works really well, too.
When I first started the book, I was rolling my eyes at its excesses, but I have to admit it pulled me in. By the final scene (involving a nuke set to destroy New York City in a matter of minutes), I didn't really want it to end.
THE TOMB OF HERCULES is a great choice if you're looking for quite well-written escapism and subtle humor. Just what you need to distract you from the miseries of modern air travel!
This book is apparently a sequel to McDermott's THE HUNT FOR ATLANTIS, which I have not read. In that book, archeologist Nina Wilde and her bodyguard/boyfriend Eddie Chase uncover the lost world of the sunken city and foil a plot for world domination. As THE TOMB OF HERCULES begins, Nina has been promoted to a position of power and influence in a UN archeological heritage organization, as sort of a consolation prize for the fact that her discovery of Atlantis must be kept secret. Nina's increased prominence and wealth puts a strain on her relationship with Eddie, a proletarian Brit formerly employed as a special operative. That strain increases when Eddie's glamorous and cultured ex-wife Sophia shows up at a UN function.
Nina is working on a new project--deciphering the cryptic lost commentaries of Plato in order to find the legendary Tomb of Hercules. She wants to make her mark in her profession. However, there are many other people who are seeking the tomb, for far less noble reasons.
Nina and Eddie are kidnapped and tortured. Again and again, in increasingly outrageous action scenes, they cheat death to escape the clutches of the ever-changing ranks of villains. Again and again, they plunge back into the fray, trying to thwart the evil-doers and/or to save one another.
The book is totally implausible, but huge fun, a tongue-in-cheek reprise of every cliche in every James Bond tale. McDermott does a good job describing the various settings for Nina's and Eddie's trials. The action unrolls almost like a film. The snarky dialogue works really well, too.
When I first started the book, I was rolling my eyes at its excesses, but I have to admit it pulled me in. By the final scene (involving a nuke set to destroy New York City in a matter of minutes), I didn't really want it to end.
THE TOMB OF HERCULES is a great choice if you're looking for quite well-written escapism and subtle humor. Just what you need to distract you from the miseries of modern air travel!
February 7, 2017
I like the series. It seems very promising. I'm not too sure about my feelings for the MC's. This series reminds me somewhat of the hunters series by Chris Kuzneski.
November 15, 2009
Fun read… If you like James Bond or India Jones you’ll enjoy these books… This is book 2 and I highly recommend reading the book 1 first which is The Hunt for Atlantis. Though this book does stand alone, reading the first book will give the read a better understanding of the lead character's relationships.
January 13, 2019
The book was full of action, great character building, and mystery. However, I found it a little dull after reading book one: The Hunt For Atlantis
Most of "The Tomb of Hercules" gave me a sense of dejavue. I probably wouldn't read it again.
Most of "The Tomb of Hercules" gave me a sense of dejavue. I probably wouldn't read it again.
January 20, 2025
La Tumba de Hercules de Andy McDermott🇬🇷🏛️
Si te toca hacer un regalo a alguien que te cae mal en un angelito de la oficina, ¡ESTE ES TU REGALO PERFECTO!👍🏼
¿POR QUÉ HACES UN LIBRO CON UNA PREMISA TAN INTERESANTE Y LO CONVIERTES EN LA PEOR EXPERIENCIA DE LECTURA?😡 Ok, voy con la sinopsis… Nina Wilde, una arqueóloga con un don para descubrir tesoros legendarios, y Eddie Chase, su compañero de aventuras, emprenden una búsqueda para encontrar la tumba perdida de Hércules. Lo que debería ser una travesía llena de misterios mitológicos y arqueológicos se transforma en una carrera contra villanos genéricos y situaciones cargadas de acción exagerada, alejándose del potencial que la premisa prometía.
💬 Lo que me gustó:
- La idea de explorar la tumba de Hércules tenía un potencial enorme. El concepto inicial es interesante, y los pocos momentos que se acercan a la arqueología logran captar algo de emoción.
- Ya, eso fue todo.
❌ Lo que no me gustó:
• Aunque el libro promete una trama basada en arqueología y mitología, apenas los menciona.
• Acción repetitiva y ABSURDA.
• Nina y Eddie carecen de profundidad emocional, y su relación parece más un añadido que algo que enriquezca la historia.
• ¡ES ABURRIDISIMO!❌ Aunque suena irónico para un libro cargado de acción, la narrativa se siente pesada y monótona.
La Tumba de Hércules es un libro que desperdicia su premisa en una trama saturada de acción sin sentido y con poca atención a los detalles que podrían haber hecho la historia inolvidable.
En resumen, NO LO LEAN.
General Rate: 0/5⭐️
Si te toca hacer un regalo a alguien que te cae mal en un angelito de la oficina, ¡ESTE ES TU REGALO PERFECTO!👍🏼
¿POR QUÉ HACES UN LIBRO CON UNA PREMISA TAN INTERESANTE Y LO CONVIERTES EN LA PEOR EXPERIENCIA DE LECTURA?😡 Ok, voy con la sinopsis… Nina Wilde, una arqueóloga con un don para descubrir tesoros legendarios, y Eddie Chase, su compañero de aventuras, emprenden una búsqueda para encontrar la tumba perdida de Hércules. Lo que debería ser una travesía llena de misterios mitológicos y arqueológicos se transforma en una carrera contra villanos genéricos y situaciones cargadas de acción exagerada, alejándose del potencial que la premisa prometía.
💬 Lo que me gustó:
- La idea de explorar la tumba de Hércules tenía un potencial enorme. El concepto inicial es interesante, y los pocos momentos que se acercan a la arqueología logran captar algo de emoción.
- Ya, eso fue todo.
❌ Lo que no me gustó:
• Aunque el libro promete una trama basada en arqueología y mitología, apenas los menciona.
• Acción repetitiva y ABSURDA.
• Nina y Eddie carecen de profundidad emocional, y su relación parece más un añadido que algo que enriquezca la historia.
• ¡ES ABURRIDISIMO!❌ Aunque suena irónico para un libro cargado de acción, la narrativa se siente pesada y monótona.
La Tumba de Hércules es un libro que desperdicia su premisa en una trama saturada de acción sin sentido y con poca atención a los detalles que podrían haber hecho la historia inolvidable.
En resumen, NO LO LEAN.
General Rate: 0/5⭐️
June 26, 2020
Got this because it's 2nd in series and I just HAVE to read the series in order. The first book was really good, so why not?
The plot on the back of the book is VERY misleading. This took place 1 & 1/2 yrs after they discovered Atlantis. Things have changed and Nina is now in a "paper pusher" job versus out on the field. Eddie and Nina are apparently having a hard time adjusting to normal life relationship and things are almost to the point of dissolution..... When in comes in a beautiful "lady" of British "royalty" that also happens to be from Eddie's past.
The next several chapters (and practically the entire book!) is now focused on Eddie saving the (not so mysterious) women, Eddie and Nina getting chased by bad guys and almost being killed, Eddie and Nina fighting, surviving, Eddie going back to save the women and OH! Surprise!! They finally go searching for and find the tomb of Hercules and Eddie and Nina almost die again.
So maybe 5(??) Chapters if dedicated to the whole searching and finding the tomb of Hercules.. and we're back chasing after our (not so) mysterious lady, Edie and Nina almost dying , =saving the world and almost dying again... oh and they do make up finally.
REALLY sucked the whole idea of The tomb of Hercules! Should have been titled Eddie and Nina's Relationship challenge or something....
Finished reading it because, oh well why not, but it sure was a challenge. I hope the Excalibur story will be better.
The plot on the back of the book is VERY misleading. This took place 1 & 1/2 yrs after they discovered Atlantis. Things have changed and Nina is now in a "paper pusher" job versus out on the field. Eddie and Nina are apparently having a hard time adjusting to normal life relationship and things are almost to the point of dissolution..... When in comes in a beautiful "lady" of British "royalty" that also happens to be from Eddie's past.
The next several chapters (and practically the entire book!) is now focused on Eddie saving the (not so mysterious) women, Eddie and Nina getting chased by bad guys and almost being killed, Eddie and Nina fighting, surviving, Eddie going back to save the women and OH! Surprise!! They finally go searching for and find the tomb of Hercules and Eddie and Nina almost die again.
So maybe 5(??) Chapters if dedicated to the whole searching and finding the tomb of Hercules.. and we're back chasing after our (not so) mysterious lady, Edie and Nina almost dying , =saving the world and almost dying again... oh and they do make up finally.
REALLY sucked the whole idea of The tomb of Hercules! Should have been titled Eddie and Nina's Relationship challenge or something....
Finished reading it because, oh well why not, but it sure was a challenge. I hope the Excalibur story will be better.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 24, 2018
After the discovery and destruction of Atlantis, Nina now works for a higher organisation and the plan to find the tomb of Hercules. The bad guys are those of James Bond, the action of Ben Hope.
There are twists and turns to the plot, as welcome as it is well written. The intensity is high (sometimes too high, there's no pause for breath), and interestingly large parts of the plot center on relationship difficulties that appear and are worked through. This largely works well, making the far fetched plot and action more plausible, but the "Fuck You" argument that takes up a third of a chapter was taking it a little too far.
The notes it is left on definitely leave you wanting the next in the series.
There are twists and turns to the plot, as welcome as it is well written. The intensity is high (sometimes too high, there's no pause for breath), and interestingly large parts of the plot center on relationship difficulties that appear and are worked through. This largely works well, making the far fetched plot and action more plausible, but the "Fuck You" argument that takes up a third of a chapter was taking it a little too far.
The notes it is left on definitely leave you wanting the next in the series.
February 16, 2021
A light and pleasant read, full of action-packed scenes in various parts of the globe. I liked it less than the previous two books from this series that I've read as:
a) the focus on history and Indiana-Jonesing (yes, from now on it's a word) was much smaller,
b) it was a bit too Bondy (also a word) - though that has been hilariously lampshaded a couple of times,
c) the main characters acted like total jerks or schoolchildren for the first 2/3 of the book.
It did have it's good moments though, the aforementioned action scenes. Oh, and Sophia. She was simply hilarious.
a) the focus on history and Indiana-Jonesing (yes, from now on it's a word) was much smaller,
b) it was a bit too Bondy (also a word) - though that has been hilariously lampshaded a couple of times,
c) the main characters acted like total jerks or schoolchildren for the first 2/3 of the book.
It did have it's good moments though, the aforementioned action scenes. Oh, and Sophia. She was simply hilarious.
December 21, 2017
Honestly, didn't finish this book, but am sending it and the rest of the series back to the library. I like the premise of the books, but one main character has begun to irritate me. So back they go. I have many more books on the shelf waiting to be read.
July 4, 2024
Eddie dawg. Like fr bro. Get ur shit together.
Also, Sophia predictable AF
Also, Sophia predictable AF
October 5, 2018
Fun bit of fluff with more car chases than interesting historical mysteries. Definitely not my favorite techno-thriller series, but there are so few these days that I'm willing to forgive this one its failings.
September 1, 2020
It could've gone with less arguing from the main characters but the book had a lot of good action. I'm going to start the next book
August 20, 2023
Not exactly a masterpiece. But a fun and dumb book. Good holiday/kickback reading.
One to revisit and review after over a decade since I initially read it.
One to revisit and review after over a decade since I initially read it.
July 14, 2015
3.5 stars really.
I enjoyed McDermott's previous novel (and rather successful debut) enough to give it 4 stars. Was it perfect? No. Though, for a first novel (and one that had, in general, such positive reviews), it was decently written and entertaining enough for me to give the next McDermott novel a shot. Plus as authors mature and hone their craft, their writing and pacing and development should continue to grow.
Unfortunately, The Tomb of Hercules does the exact opposite. Whether is was the pressure to deliver another rousing tale of Nina and Eddie, or the dreaded "sophomore slump" that plagues so many authors, this book failed to grab me or really impress me as much as I expected.
Perhaps it was the over-the-top, cliched-as-hell, overused action movie cliches and the utterly unbelievable situations the characters somehow managed to escape from nearly every moment. Maybe it was the constant badgering arguments of Nina and Eddie that quickly became old and annoying (not to mention ridiculously contrived and unrealistic). It could be the title, which (minor spoiler warning) has very little to do with the actual story...the tomb of Hercules itself doesn't even show up until like page 320 or so. Even worse the cast of supporting characters, from the good guys to the bad, were so cookie-cutter, James Bond-esque, I found myself rolling my eyes throughout the entire story. Seriously, it was as if McDermott took every single villain from every single 007 movie and mashed them all up into one person who he tried to play out through 3 separate supposed antagonists. Yeah, that sounds a little confusing, I know, but believe me, you'll get confused too when yet another bad guy shows up and acts just like the previous one.
Of course there were some good things too. McDermott still manages to excel at writing some damn fine action sequences. I think I compared him to Matt Reliiy in my review of The Hunt for Atlantis, and I still feel that's a fairly apt description. The book tops out at 483 pages, and like before, nearly 95% of them are packed full of exciting things like car chases in giant dumptrucks, running from booby traps, traveling underwater in a supersonic submarine, explosions, gunshots, death, etc.
There's no doubt the book is pretty much a testosterone fueled joyride, which, for the most part, I enjoyed. I just wish McDermott would have focused more on getting better, rather than trying to juggle too many plot points at once.
I enjoyed McDermott's previous novel (and rather successful debut) enough to give it 4 stars. Was it perfect? No. Though, for a first novel (and one that had, in general, such positive reviews), it was decently written and entertaining enough for me to give the next McDermott novel a shot. Plus as authors mature and hone their craft, their writing and pacing and development should continue to grow.
Unfortunately, The Tomb of Hercules does the exact opposite. Whether is was the pressure to deliver another rousing tale of Nina and Eddie, or the dreaded "sophomore slump" that plagues so many authors, this book failed to grab me or really impress me as much as I expected.
Perhaps it was the over-the-top, cliched-as-hell, overused action movie cliches and the utterly unbelievable situations the characters somehow managed to escape from nearly every moment. Maybe it was the constant badgering arguments of Nina and Eddie that quickly became old and annoying (not to mention ridiculously contrived and unrealistic). It could be the title, which (minor spoiler warning) has very little to do with the actual story...the tomb of Hercules itself doesn't even show up until like page 320 or so. Even worse the cast of supporting characters, from the good guys to the bad, were so cookie-cutter, James Bond-esque, I found myself rolling my eyes throughout the entire story. Seriously, it was as if McDermott took every single villain from every single 007 movie and mashed them all up into one person who he tried to play out through 3 separate supposed antagonists. Yeah, that sounds a little confusing, I know, but believe me, you'll get confused too when yet another bad guy shows up and acts just like the previous one.
Of course there were some good things too. McDermott still manages to excel at writing some damn fine action sequences. I think I compared him to Matt Reliiy in my review of The Hunt for Atlantis, and I still feel that's a fairly apt description. The book tops out at 483 pages, and like before, nearly 95% of them are packed full of exciting things like car chases in giant dumptrucks, running from booby traps, traveling underwater in a supersonic submarine, explosions, gunshots, death, etc.
There's no doubt the book is pretty much a testosterone fueled joyride, which, for the most part, I enjoyed. I just wish McDermott would have focused more on getting better, rather than trying to juggle too many plot points at once.
November 6, 2012
Don't be fooled by two things: 1) That the titular Tomb of Hercules plays much of a part in proceedings and 2) That Andy McDermott's sequel to the rip-roaring 'The Hunt for Atlantis' is nearly as exciting or blissfully fun. This reads more like an epilogue to that story stretched out to 600 pages, with McDermott choosing to focus way way too much on James Bond-esque outlandish spy-fi action beats than actually telling a truly interesting, history-weaving narrative as in the previous book. The fact he frequently has his characters quipping how 'Bondian' everything is may be his way of tipping the hat, but it's also indicative of the problem.
A major factor why 'The Tomb of Hercules' is disappointing however lies in Nina & Chase, who far from being an engaging chalk/cheese dynamic in their introductory novel, are here relegated to a pair of immature, irritating, squabbling teenagers for a sizeable proportion of the book. At first it's intriguing and a logical forwarding of their characters - by halfway in, you just want to bang their heads together. I'm sure that's the reaction McDermott wanted but it doesn't exactly make for enjoyable reading. Equally, it's hard to really get behind Sophia Blackwood as a villain - her motives are so obtuse, so convenient and indeed ridiculous, it becomes hard to really develop her beyond 1D, despite McDermott's efforts; rather than love to hate her, she just annoyed me. One twist too many grates after a while too - villains crop up and then disappear, plots are hatched and then overlaid, and McDermott seems the only way he can forward the plot with vigour is by having one of his leads routinely kidnapped. As I say though, the criminally small amount of time devoted to Hercules is the real con - the historical elements are just trappings, in reality this is an overblown espionage thriller and, well, we didn't quite sign up for that did we? And much as McDermott throws a few fun characters at us (Mac, Alderley), and a quite fantastic, sprawling action sequence in Botswana, it all just feels a little strained and watered down.
Not a great follow-up, then. 'The Tomb of Hercules' is ridiculous, loud, crude and aware of how fabulously daft it is, while McDermott is no great writer but a burgeoning supremo at making pages fly. Yet, it's not nearly as fun as the first time around - Nina/Chase, you deserve better.
A major factor why 'The Tomb of Hercules' is disappointing however lies in Nina & Chase, who far from being an engaging chalk/cheese dynamic in their introductory novel, are here relegated to a pair of immature, irritating, squabbling teenagers for a sizeable proportion of the book. At first it's intriguing and a logical forwarding of their characters - by halfway in, you just want to bang their heads together. I'm sure that's the reaction McDermott wanted but it doesn't exactly make for enjoyable reading. Equally, it's hard to really get behind Sophia Blackwood as a villain - her motives are so obtuse, so convenient and indeed ridiculous, it becomes hard to really develop her beyond 1D, despite McDermott's efforts; rather than love to hate her, she just annoyed me. One twist too many grates after a while too - villains crop up and then disappear, plots are hatched and then overlaid, and McDermott seems the only way he can forward the plot with vigour is by having one of his leads routinely kidnapped. As I say though, the criminally small amount of time devoted to Hercules is the real con - the historical elements are just trappings, in reality this is an overblown espionage thriller and, well, we didn't quite sign up for that did we? And much as McDermott throws a few fun characters at us (Mac, Alderley), and a quite fantastic, sprawling action sequence in Botswana, it all just feels a little strained and watered down.
Not a great follow-up, then. 'The Tomb of Hercules' is ridiculous, loud, crude and aware of how fabulously daft it is, while McDermott is no great writer but a burgeoning supremo at making pages fly. Yet, it's not nearly as fun as the first time around - Nina/Chase, you deserve better.
May 29, 2019
I have mixed feelings about this book. It was definitely entertaining, and I enjoy Eddie and Nina as characters. Some parts felt kind of cheesy and corny, and the action wasn't as well described as I would like. Admittedly some of the action scenes were pretty great. Others did nothing for me. I feel like the first book was a much stronger book. This book has villains that are campy but really evil and mean as well. As far as the overall story, that was fairly satisfying, with some really neat twists that I didn't expect at all.
Nina and Eddie's relationship is in a rocky place in this book. They have grown apart as Nina's job has taken on a more administrative role that keeps her out of the field and doing a lot of schmoozing. Eddie's not happy. He's a man of action, and as Nina's bodyguard, he's not doing much guarding. He doesn't feel like Nina respects him or even likes him. When his ex-wife asks for his help, he's ripe for her overtures, and that leads to a lot of trouble.
I get a real kick out of Eddie. He's very authentic and seems like a great guy to know. He's going to keep it real all the time.
I did like that the storyline relies heavily on the dynamics of Eddie's present relationship with Nina and his past relationship with his ex-wife Sophia. I did think his treatment of Nina was very harsh, although he did have some reasons for how he felt about things. To be honest, I was never fond of Sophia. I'll leave it at that. I like Nina a lot and I think she's really good for Eddie. I didn't like that they were fighting at all.
As far as the Hercules' Tomb search, it felt too much like an afterthought and was rather anticlimatic. I wanted more of this aspect, and I was hoping for a supernatural twist, me being me.
I am probably judging this book harshly because I started it shortly after I read the latest Agent X book, which I think is one of the best thriller/suspense/action series out now. However, I do think this book had a lot of room for improvement. Having said that, I'm excited to continue the series, because I really like Eddie and Nina as a couple and as characters.
Overall rating: 3.5/5.0 stars
Nina and Eddie's relationship is in a rocky place in this book. They have grown apart as Nina's job has taken on a more administrative role that keeps her out of the field and doing a lot of schmoozing. Eddie's not happy. He's a man of action, and as Nina's bodyguard, he's not doing much guarding. He doesn't feel like Nina respects him or even likes him. When his ex-wife asks for his help, he's ripe for her overtures, and that leads to a lot of trouble.
I get a real kick out of Eddie. He's very authentic and seems like a great guy to know. He's going to keep it real all the time.
I did like that the storyline relies heavily on the dynamics of Eddie's present relationship with Nina and his past relationship with his ex-wife Sophia. I did think his treatment of Nina was very harsh, although he did have some reasons for how he felt about things. To be honest, I was never fond of Sophia. I'll leave it at that. I like Nina a lot and I think she's really good for Eddie. I didn't like that they were fighting at all.
As far as the Hercules' Tomb search, it felt too much like an afterthought and was rather anticlimatic. I wanted more of this aspect, and I was hoping for a supernatural twist, me being me.
I am probably judging this book harshly because I started it shortly after I read the latest Agent X book, which I think is one of the best thriller/suspense/action series out now. However, I do think this book had a lot of room for improvement. Having said that, I'm excited to continue the series, because I really like Eddie and Nina as a couple and as characters.
Overall rating: 3.5/5.0 stars
December 28, 2009
Sebagai anggota jaduler di GRI, nama Hercules tentu punya daya tarik sendiri. Setelah memendam rasa sekian lama, akhirnya acara diskon di GI membuyarkan puasa beli buku yang sudah dicanangkan! Puasa batal demi buku ini... dan beberapa teman-temannya he he he
Bayangan cerita seru seperti yang sering ditayangkan di tv (sebelum Xina...)ternyata tidak ditemukan di buku ini! Sejak lembar pertama dibuka, isinya penuh dengan adegan perkelahian, tembak-menembak, kejar-mengejar, penghianatan, tentunya dengan bumbu cinta segi sekian (saking banyaknya yang terlihat. Sementara tokoh Herculesnya malah hanya dibahas sedikit. Paling hanya seputar tugas-tugas yang dilakukannya,dimana tugas-tugas tersebut jika diartikan secara harafiah akan menjadi pembuka jalan menuju ke makam Hercules yang penuh dengan harta.
Setiap lembar, memuat saya harus menahan napas karena ikut merasakan ketegangan yang ada, untung tidak salah urat! Walau isinya penuh dengan aksi yang pasti seru jika di filmkan, namun ada juga beberapa bagian yang membuat saya terharu dan tertawa. Adegan lucunya adalah ketika salah satu tokoh wanita, menggunakan sepatu hak tingginya untuk melawan pengejarnya. Di kaki wanita cantik itu, sepatu hak tinggi itu menjadi senjata mematikan!
Jangan-jangan..., sitokoh terinspirasi dengan kasus yang pernah melanda pesinetron kita sehubungan dengan sepatu hak tinggi. Dimana khabarnya, sepatu hak tinggi si cantik dipergunakan untuk memukul kepala kekasih orang yang tidak disukainya.
Heubat yah.....! ini namanya efisiensi!
Dandan keren dapat...., keamanan diri juga dapat!
Belajar pake hak tinggi ah.... *mimpiON*
Bayangan cerita seru seperti yang sering ditayangkan di tv (sebelum Xina...)ternyata tidak ditemukan di buku ini! Sejak lembar pertama dibuka, isinya penuh dengan adegan perkelahian, tembak-menembak, kejar-mengejar, penghianatan, tentunya dengan bumbu cinta segi sekian (saking banyaknya yang terlihat. Sementara tokoh Herculesnya malah hanya dibahas sedikit. Paling hanya seputar tugas-tugas yang dilakukannya,dimana tugas-tugas tersebut jika diartikan secara harafiah akan menjadi pembuka jalan menuju ke makam Hercules yang penuh dengan harta.
Setiap lembar, memuat saya harus menahan napas karena ikut merasakan ketegangan yang ada, untung tidak salah urat! Walau isinya penuh dengan aksi yang pasti seru jika di filmkan, namun ada juga beberapa bagian yang membuat saya terharu dan tertawa. Adegan lucunya adalah ketika salah satu tokoh wanita, menggunakan sepatu hak tingginya untuk melawan pengejarnya. Di kaki wanita cantik itu, sepatu hak tinggi itu menjadi senjata mematikan!
Jangan-jangan..., sitokoh terinspirasi dengan kasus yang pernah melanda pesinetron kita sehubungan dengan sepatu hak tinggi. Dimana khabarnya, sepatu hak tinggi si cantik dipergunakan untuk memukul kepala kekasih orang yang tidak disukainya.
Heubat yah.....! ini namanya efisiensi!
Dandan keren dapat...., keamanan diri juga dapat!
Belajar pake hak tinggi ah.... *mimpiON*
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