I don't think that I have ever read a novel that kicks off so fast and never lets up for 390 pages. I needed to put it down in order to catch my breath.
This was my first introduction to Matthew Reilly, thanks to Duffbert. First impression: Matthew, stop with all of the exclamation points, italics, and sentences that begin with ". . ." and end with ". . ." to show importance. I got it after the first few times. After that, it grew tiresome.
The novel starts with premise that the Great Pyramid at Giza was once topped by a Golden Capstone, a device that is needed every 4,500 years when an event called the Tartarus Rotation occurs. When the Capstone in in place, at the proper time, a ritual can be performed that will allow a country to rule the Earth for 1,000 years or for world peace during that time. The problem is that the Capstone was divided into seven pieces by Alexander the Great, and hidden among the Seven Wonders of the World. There are three competing factions vying for the pieces of the Capstone, the US, Europe, and a small contingent of nine countries. Our hero, Jack West, is a member of the small contingent of nations, and a representative of Australia.
The action is non-stop. The characters, that are led by Jack West, always find themselves competing directly with either one of the other factions or against both at the same time. In every event, one of the characters rises to the occasion to get the other eight out of deadly trouble.
While this book may not be considered great literature, it makes for a fun read. I would recommend this book as typical summer reading or to pass the time while travelling. It requires very little analysis on the part of the reader (in fact, too much thinking may take away from the enjoyment).
Link: 7 Deadly Wonders by Matthew Reilly
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