Collection
Publication
William Morrow (2004), Edition: 1, 416 pages
Description
A lost journal of Amelia Peabody has been miraculously recovered: a chronicle from one of the "missing years" -- 1907-1908 -- shedding light on an already exceptional career...and an unexpected terror. Ousted from their most recent archaeological dig and banned forever from the Valley of the Kings, the Emersons are spending a quiet summer at home in Kent, England, when a mysterious messenger arrives. Claiming to be the teenage brother of their dear friend Tarek, he brings troubling news of a strange malady that has struck down Tarek's heir and conveys his brother's urgent need for help only the Emersons can provide. The family sets off in secret for the mountain fortress from which they narrowly escaped ten years before. The Emersons are unaware that deception and treachery are leading them onward into a nest of vipers -- where a dreadful fate may await. For young Ramses, forced to keep his growing love for the beautiful Nefret secret, temptation along the way may prove his ultimate undoing. And a dark past and grim obligation has ensnared Nefret once again, as she is helpless to save those she loves most from the prison of the Lost Oasis. Rich with suspense, surprises, unforgettable characters, and the intoxicating atmosphere that has earned her the coveted title of Grand Master two times over, the remarkable Elizabeth Peters proves once again that, in the world of historical adventure fiction, she is truly without peer.… (more)
Media reviews
Peters has set GUARDIAN OF THE HORIZON in 1907, predating her previous historical novel by more than a decade... , the device revitalizes Amelia, allowing the daring explorer and her manly husband, Radcliffe Emerson (honored in Egypt as ''the Father of Curses''), to go tearing across the Sudan
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desert on a mission fraught with danger. Show Less
User reviews
LibraryThing member Darla
I absolutely love this series, and I get the new books as soon as they're released in hardcover, but for some reason, they've been languishing in my TBR pile. I even, shockingly, found this one signed at my local BX.
Interestingly, a lot of people who are fans of the series disliked this book, so I
Guardian of the Horizon does go back ten years in the series timeline, filling in some blanks. The Emersons go back to the lost oasis where they first found Nefret (in The Last Camel Died at Noon), to help Tarek, whom they'd left in charge. He does indeed need their help, but not in the way the messenger sent to retrieve them said he did, and they're all in danger again.
Sethos shows up, as does an arms dealer and his slave/confederate Daria, with whom Ramses imagines himself in love.
I say "imagines," because Ramses is just 20 here, and the only relationship development we see is that Daria is beautiful and needs rescuing/protection--an irresistible combination for a young man, particularly since Ramses admits he's in love with Nefret.
Lemme 'splain: Nefret is everything Ramses wants, but doesn't think he can have. She's intelligent, brave, and honorable, as well as beautiful... and she thinks of him as a sibling. And she doesn't need him. Then along comes Daria, who's also beautiful, but she's not anywhere near as intimidating, he doesn't have to worry about losing her friendship if she doesn't respond to his advances, and she's in need of rescue.
Of course he falls for her, and of course it's not really love, even if it does feel something like it.
A little pause here while I rant about romantic conventions in literature. Romantic heroes are forever turning celibate from the moment they meet The One. They're impotent with any other woman, even if they've only just glimpsed The One across a crowded room. Convention would have Ramses pining away--for all he knows, for the rest of his life. Good grief. I say kudos to Ramses for trying to get on with his life.
Anyway. I loved Guardian of the Horizon. Going back in time to before Ramses and Nefret were happy and more-or-less settled was nice. I enjoyed the angst knowing that things would all work out in the end. The Lost Oasis was a nice setting to revisit, and it was fun seeing Sethos in his dual role as heroic villain/villanous hero again.
Interestingly, a lot of people who are fans of the series disliked this book, so I
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turned to Amazon reviews to figure out why. It seems that there are two major complaints: 1) it leaps backward 10 years in the series timeline, and 2) Ramses *gasp* has a love interest other than Nefret! *shock* *dismay* *palpitations*Guardian of the Horizon does go back ten years in the series timeline, filling in some blanks. The Emersons go back to the lost oasis where they first found Nefret (in The Last Camel Died at Noon), to help Tarek, whom they'd left in charge. He does indeed need their help, but not in the way the messenger sent to retrieve them said he did, and they're all in danger again.
Sethos shows up, as does an arms dealer and his slave/confederate Daria, with whom Ramses imagines himself in love.
I say "imagines," because Ramses is just 20 here, and the only relationship development we see is that Daria is beautiful and needs rescuing/protection--an irresistible combination for a young man, particularly since Ramses admits he's in love with Nefret.
Lemme 'splain: Nefret is everything Ramses wants, but doesn't think he can have. She's intelligent, brave, and honorable, as well as beautiful... and she thinks of him as a sibling. And she doesn't need him. Then along comes Daria, who's also beautiful, but she's not anywhere near as intimidating, he doesn't have to worry about losing her friendship if she doesn't respond to his advances, and she's in need of rescue.
Of course he falls for her, and of course it's not really love, even if it does feel something like it.
A little pause here while I rant about romantic conventions in literature. Romantic heroes are forever turning celibate from the moment they meet The One. They're impotent with any other woman, even if they've only just glimpsed The One across a crowded room. Convention would have Ramses pining away--for all he knows, for the rest of his life. Good grief. I say kudos to Ramses for trying to get on with his life.
Anyway. I loved Guardian of the Horizon. Going back in time to before Ramses and Nefret were happy and more-or-less settled was nice. I enjoyed the angst knowing that things would all work out in the end. The Lost Oasis was a nice setting to revisit, and it was fun seeing Sethos in his dual role as heroic villain/villanous hero again.
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LibraryThing member tjsjohanna
Unlike some of the novels in this series that seem to ramble a bit, this story is tight and focused. There's plenty of twists and turns but what makes it a pleasurable read is all the interaction between the characters - particularly Ramses and Nefret. It was kind of nice to see Nefret in a more
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vulnerable light since she is always tough and in control all the time. Show Less
LibraryThing member librisissimo
Engaging romp through "ancient Egypt". In the style of a cinematic romantic comedy.
LibraryThing member witchyrichy
I usually listen to these books so I missed Barbara Rosenblatt's interpretation of Emerson's grumpy cough and Amelia's quick one liners. But I enjoyed it none the less.
LibraryThing member riverwillow
This book is set in 1907 more than 10 years before the events of its predecessor. Ramses, just 20, but already desperately in love with Nefret, is planning to continue his studies n in Germany to try and escape his feelings for her, but his plans are thwarted when they are recalled to the Holy
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Mountain in order to help Prince Tarek, whose son is dangerously ill. Its nice to read about an adventure which has been hinted at in the previous books, although knowing subsequent events does mean that there isn't any sense of jeopardy, even when Sethos puts in an appearance. Other than that though there are the usual spills and thrills, the 'magnificent musculature of Emerson's chest', murder, mayhem and parasols doesn't disappoint. Show Less
LibraryThing member bookwoman247
This adventure of the Emerson family was written out of chronological order in order to fill in a gap left in the story of Nefret and the Lost Oasis. It takes place in the year 1907 - 1908.
When the Emersons are summoned to come to the aid of their good friend, Tarek, King of the Kingdom of the
When they arrive, they soon find that their suspicions were warrranted. Tarek has been usurped by one who has no right to claim the throne. The usurper plans to use Nefret and the Emersons to solidify his position.
I've been reading the Amelia Peabody books in order, and was thrown off a bit at first by the out-of-synch chronology. I was soon caught up in the story, though, so that quickly ceased to be a problem, and I quite enjoyed it.
When the Emersons are summoned to come to the aid of their good friend, Tarek, King of the Kingdom of the
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Hidden Mountain, they do not hesitate to return to Sudan to come to his aid, though they are suspicious of the messenger.When they arrive, they soon find that their suspicions were warrranted. Tarek has been usurped by one who has no right to claim the throne. The usurper plans to use Nefret and the Emersons to solidify his position.
I've been reading the Amelia Peabody books in order, and was thrown off a bit at first by the out-of-synch chronology. I was soon caught up in the story, though, so that quickly ceased to be a problem, and I quite enjoyed it.
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LibraryThing member Condorena
These books enter a new dimension with the readings of Barbara Rosenblatt. She brings such wonderful characterizations to the people in the book you can imagine them as completely real. Some times I am so eager to find out what comes next I am tempted to turn to the written version but I have
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learned to desist. It is not the same. Show Less
LibraryThing member astrologerjenny
Amelia Peabody is a great character and one of my all-time favorite women in detective fiction. She's tough and funny and she's got really good politics for her early twentieth-century setting. There's always great respect and appreciation for the history and culture of Egypt.
But after all a while,
But after all a while,
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all her adventures start to sound the same. This one throws in all the usual suspects, including the Master Criminal. It's fun, it's escapist, but it's pretty forgettable. Show Less
LibraryThing member astrologerjenny
Amelia Peabody is a great character and one of my all-time favorite women in detective fiction. She's tough and funny and she's got really good politics for her early twentieth-century setting. There's always great respect and appreciation for the history and culture of Egypt.
But after all a while,
But after all a while,
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all her adventures start to sound the same. This one throws in all the usual suspects, including the Master Criminal. It's fun, it's escapist, but it's pretty forgettable. Show Less
LibraryThing member Waianuhea
I love this series! It's light and entertaining, if a little formulaic. The characters are fun, even if they are a little two dimensional. Great books for a lazy summer day or when you're looking for an "easy" book to read. Kind of like light Agatha Cristie Egyptian mystery.
LibraryThing member pussreboots
While I found Guardian of the Horizon one of the better recent books in the series and closer to the charms and cheekiness of the earliest books, I still don't like Ramses. Why did Peters let this series become the Ramses Adventure serial? The end of chapter 11 made me put the book down for a good
So for the good bits version -- the tongue and cheek jabs at the state of Egyptology in the early 20th centure were delightful to read. I've noticed in recent Egyptology books/movies (ever since Stargate) that Budge has gone from demigod to pariah and this book takes the pariah stance. I really must find a biography of him to make up my own mind.
Then there's the extreme silliness of Sethos -- another character that I'm not sure the series needs but I tolerate him. He's sort of there to poke fun at the dastardly villains of books from the turn of the 20th century. He's just there for the "Scooby Doo" ending although it would be fun to just once have a different villain.
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half hour of eewing. I don't want to know about Ramses love life. I'd rather he be seen and not heard. He's never been a well written or likeable character but had fortunately been nicely toned down for most of this book. I just wish that Peters had resisted the urge to write those "document H" fragments. The series is written from Amelia's POV and it should remain that way. Nothing is accomplished from those smoochies with Daria unless to spawn a "son of Ramses" book in the future. I shudder at the thought.So for the good bits version -- the tongue and cheek jabs at the state of Egyptology in the early 20th centure were delightful to read. I've noticed in recent Egyptology books/movies (ever since Stargate) that Budge has gone from demigod to pariah and this book takes the pariah stance. I really must find a biography of him to make up my own mind.
Then there's the extreme silliness of Sethos -- another character that I'm not sure the series needs but I tolerate him. He's sort of there to poke fun at the dastardly villains of books from the turn of the 20th century. He's just there for the "Scooby Doo" ending although it would be fun to just once have a different villain.
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LibraryThing member AltheaAnn
This is the third in this series I've read - I read #1 and #2 and then suddenly skipped to #16.
I do feel like Peters made a significant effort to make sure that the reader doesn't have to read all the previous entries, however, that made for a LOT of backstory-catching-up at the outset of the
However, once it finally got moving, it was a fun, light adventure involving a journey to return to visit a lost tribe in the Egyptian desert. Plots, double-crossing rogues and colorful characters abound. It's sometimes a bit silly, but Peters' extensive knowledge of Egyptology really helps her create the atmosphere of 19th-century Egypt with both accuracy and an obvious affection.
I do feel like Peters made a significant effort to make sure that the reader doesn't have to read all the previous entries, however, that made for a LOT of backstory-catching-up at the outset of the
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book. It was very slow to get started.However, once it finally got moving, it was a fun, light adventure involving a journey to return to visit a lost tribe in the Egyptian desert. Plots, double-crossing rogues and colorful characters abound. It's sometimes a bit silly, but Peters' extensive knowledge of Egyptology really helps her create the atmosphere of 19th-century Egypt with both accuracy and an obvious affection.
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LibraryThing member christinejoseph
Very English novel — study Egypt find trouble along the way
Readers have long wondered what befell the Emerson clan during the years before the Great War. Now, at last, the silence is broken and the truth revealed of a perilous journey to a secret and mysterious place hidden deep in the heart of
Readers have long wondered what befell the Emerson clan during the years before the Great War. Now, at last, the silence is broken and the truth revealed of a perilous journey to a secret and mysterious place hidden deep in the heart of
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the unforgiving desert. An adventure prompted by loyalty to an endangered friend -- and spurred on by lies and treachery -- it leads Amelia Peabody and her intrepid family into a nest of vipers lying in wait at a remote mountain fortress. And when a dark past and a shocking mystery are ultimately discovered, a loved one may be lost forever. Show Less
LibraryThing member Auntie-Nanuuq
ZERO Stars
Slogging through....this tedious over written long winded story. I really do not believe that all the minute detail is necessary. I could give a fig that Amelia insists on washing all Beasts of Burden before riding them or using them on an expedition, or that camels are especially
More to follow..... I am skipping portions, because this is boring me.....
From Buddy Read thread: I started one of these: It is so tedious...... TMI, just get to the frolicking story already!
What an.....awful, dilettantish, trite, erudite & Utterly Predictable story. When you KNOW the person you have invited to your home is an outright dubious person and can not provide proof of who they are or satisfactorily defend their actions, then why would you follow that person into the desert, especially an remote oasis that the world knows nothing of?
I stopped @ Chapter Nine. Such snobbishness..... I didn't even like the characters.
Slogging through....this tedious over written long winded story. I really do not believe that all the minute detail is necessary. I could give a fig that Amelia insists on washing all Beasts of Burden before riding them or using them on an expedition, or that camels are especially
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difficult because they move, fold & kick.More to follow..... I am skipping portions, because this is boring me.....
From Buddy Read thread: I started one of these: It is so tedious...... TMI, just get to the frolicking story already!
What an.....awful, dilettantish, trite, erudite & Utterly Predictable story. When you KNOW the person you have invited to your home is an outright dubious person and can not provide proof of who they are or satisfactorily defend their actions, then why would you follow that person into the desert, especially an remote oasis that the world knows nothing of?
I stopped @ Chapter Nine. Such snobbishness..... I didn't even like the characters.
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LibraryThing member hopeevey
I am positive I listened to the unabridged audiobook at some point, but I cannot remember when, and for some reason never logged it here. I generally object to abridged books, but am glad I listened to this one - the abridgment minimized the parts of this book that got so very much on my nerves.
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The plot dragged the characters, rather than being driven by them. I suppose that's not surprising, since the characters weren't quite themselves. It's not a terrible installment in the annals of the Peabody Emersons, but not one that shines, either. Show Less
LibraryThing member themulhern
I enjoyed this a good deal, and couldn't keep track of the plot to save my life. Barbara Rosenblatt is a great reader.
LibraryThing member kmartin802
The Emersons head back to the Lost Oasis first visited in The Last Camel Died at Noon when a messenger arrives saying that Tarek and his young son are very ill and in need of medical attention. But planning a secret expedition is not an easy thing.
The Emersons need to fool rival archaeologists,
When they arrive at the lost city, they learn that their guide has misled them. There has been a coup which has removed Tarek from his throne and Tarek has survived to go off and be with his faction. But neither side in the conflict has enough forces to defeat the other.
The usurper has plans for Nefret which involve her being taken from the Emersons and forced to work for him to cement his legitimacy. But the Emersons aren't going to let that happen. Nor are they going to let either side start a war which will kill many on both sides. They are going to use their heroic status and reputations to make things go their way.
When Amelia learns that Sethos has his hand in the events, she keeps this news from Emerson but finds a way for Sethos to help her with her plans.
This was another excellent adventure in the Amelia Peabody series. I also enjoyed the parts of the story that were from Manuscript H.
The Emersons need to fool rival archaeologists,
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the military, and assorted treasure hunters on their way to the hidden city. But there are just so many suspicious characters surrounding their expedition. Ramses rescues Daria who is the property of a big game hunter who wants to know where the treasure is. He falls for her but she has her own agenda. When they arrive at the lost city, they learn that their guide has misled them. There has been a coup which has removed Tarek from his throne and Tarek has survived to go off and be with his faction. But neither side in the conflict has enough forces to defeat the other.
The usurper has plans for Nefret which involve her being taken from the Emersons and forced to work for him to cement his legitimacy. But the Emersons aren't going to let that happen. Nor are they going to let either side start a war which will kill many on both sides. They are going to use their heroic status and reputations to make things go their way.
When Amelia learns that Sethos has his hand in the events, she keeps this news from Emerson but finds a way for Sethos to help her with her plans.
This was another excellent adventure in the Amelia Peabody series. I also enjoyed the parts of the story that were from Manuscript H.
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Subjects
Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
2004-03-30
Physical description
416 p.; 6.13 inches
ISBN
0066214718 / 9780066214719
Similar in this library
Pages
416