Status
Available
Series
Publication
New York : HarperCollins Pub., 2007.
Description
"A frothy, swashbuckling tale of high adventure....Escapist fiction at its ultimate." --Seattle Times "It has a plot as satisfying as an Indiana Jones film and offers enough historical knowledge to render the reader a fascinating raconteur on the topics of ancient Egypt and Napoleon Bonaparte." --USA Today A Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, author William Dietrich introduces readers to the globe-trotting American adventurer Ethan Gage in Napoleon's Pyramids--an ingenious, swashbuckling yarn whose action-packed pages nearly turn themselves. The first book in Dietrich's fabulously fun New York Times bestselling series, Napoleon's Pyramids follows the irrepressible Gage--a brother in spirit to George MacDonald Fraser's Flashman--as he travels with Napoleon's expedition across the burning Egyptian desert in an attempt to solve a 6,000 year old riddle with the help of a mysterious medallion. Here is superior adventure fiction in the spirit of Jack London, Robert Lewis Stevenson, and H. Rider Haggard, and fans of their acclaimed successors--James Rollins, David Liss, Steve Berry, Kate Mosse--will certainly want to get to know Ethan Gage. … (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member bcquinnsmom
I truly hope someone picks this up as a movie option. What a refreshing book! It's a fun read with lots of adventure, a hero for whom you find yourself rooting, and there's a bit of a mystery as well. It's a good, old-fashioned swashbuckling read and I really enjoyed it. I would recommend it to
Here's a bit of the show: (don't worry; no spoilers!)
The hero of this tale is one Ethan Gage, an American apprentice to Benjamin Franklin, who is in France just after the French Revolution. Napoleon is about to make sail for Egypt in an attempt to add more territory to the map of France, so this puts the year at around 1798. Gage finds himself a part of the expedition out of sheer bad luck: he wins a rather unique medallion in a card game, in which there seems to be a lot of interest. In fact, people are trying to kill him for it; when that fails, they frame him for murder. He is rescued when he is offered a position as savant with Napoleon's forces, and off they go to Egypt. But those who would have the medallion follow him across the ocean, trying everything they can to get it.
Here's another thing: the novel is filled with history, to the point where I found myself looking up Napoleon's expedition to Egypt, as well as information on the great pyramids at Giza. The author weaves it in very well with the story of Ethan Gage, so that you're actually learning something while you're reading. I have to tell you that I've been listening to another novel which is also historical fiction, and the author tries to do the same thing but it doesn't come off as smoothly as Dietrich's work. The history here is not an in-your-face kind of thing; it just fits. The book is very well done, and although at some points while you're reading you'll think to yourself "hey, I think I've seen this or something like it in a movie," well, it's okay.
Please don't listen to anyone who puts this book in the DaVinci Code camp; not similar, not even close. I don't know why people need to do this, because this book stands well enough on its own without having to be lumped in with another. I liked Ethan Gage, and I liked the good, old-fashioned fun adventure of the story.
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everyone; that's how incredibly good this book is.Here's a bit of the show: (don't worry; no spoilers!)
The hero of this tale is one Ethan Gage, an American apprentice to Benjamin Franklin, who is in France just after the French Revolution. Napoleon is about to make sail for Egypt in an attempt to add more territory to the map of France, so this puts the year at around 1798. Gage finds himself a part of the expedition out of sheer bad luck: he wins a rather unique medallion in a card game, in which there seems to be a lot of interest. In fact, people are trying to kill him for it; when that fails, they frame him for murder. He is rescued when he is offered a position as savant with Napoleon's forces, and off they go to Egypt. But those who would have the medallion follow him across the ocean, trying everything they can to get it.
Here's another thing: the novel is filled with history, to the point where I found myself looking up Napoleon's expedition to Egypt, as well as information on the great pyramids at Giza. The author weaves it in very well with the story of Ethan Gage, so that you're actually learning something while you're reading. I have to tell you that I've been listening to another novel which is also historical fiction, and the author tries to do the same thing but it doesn't come off as smoothly as Dietrich's work. The history here is not an in-your-face kind of thing; it just fits. The book is very well done, and although at some points while you're reading you'll think to yourself "hey, I think I've seen this or something like it in a movie," well, it's okay.
Please don't listen to anyone who puts this book in the DaVinci Code camp; not similar, not even close. I don't know why people need to do this, because this book stands well enough on its own without having to be lumped in with another. I liked Ethan Gage, and I liked the good, old-fashioned fun adventure of the story.
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LibraryThing member Iudita
This book definately had an Indiana Jones quality to it. It was fast paced and exciting but it lacked any real depth.I didn't find it overly interesting but it was fun.
LibraryThing member fromkin
I've got to admit that while reading "Napoleon's Pyramids," I enjoyed the adventure. It wasn't until I had a chance to think about the book that I realized it was a mess, a pastiche of ethnic stereotypes, Indiana Jones scenes (right down to step-on-the-right-blocks-or-calamity-will-follow), a
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muddle of mathematics and Egyptology, and even - wait for it - a call to search for the Ark of the Covenant. OK, the book reads along at a fast clip, with sex, murder, spies, gypsies, sinister Masons, noble Masons, Napoleon, Nelson, sea battles, artillery battles, Mameluke charges, French lines and squares, boat chases up the Nile, a sultry Egyptian priestess, noble Arabs, sinister Arabs, noble Frenchmen, sinister Frenchmen, hot-air balloons, hidden tunnels within the Great Pyramid, treasure, curses, etc. And, of course, an American hero. Dietrich keeps it going. And, he writes beautiful descriptions of geography and geology. So, while it's an enjoyable read, on reflection it's a guilty pleasure. Save this one for the beach, where you can identify with the desert for a while. Show Less
LibraryThing member whitewavedarling
There were times in the first half when it was easy to put this book down, and then remember to come back to it some great while later having read some other works in the meantime. It does pick up a ways in, but this may have to do with my interest as Egypt as much as any change in style or plot.
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It is an adventure novel, but still the plot tends to move slowly at points in the first half, and the first person narrator often left me feeling somewhat detached from the story. This may be because he's supposed to be scientifically minded, but his detatchment from his subject let me rather outside of the story as well. I feel sure that that's what allowed me to continue wander away from this volume, to the extent that it was a goal of my spring break to "finally finish it". It was a pleasant surprise though since everything seems to pick up and become more engaging once the expedition discussed finally reaches what's to be the main subjectmatter--Egypt. For a reader who's fascinated with Egypt and the Pyramids, this ended up being a welcome read full of the atmosphere I'd originally hoped for. If you're used to James Rollins, it is slow as adventure reads go--perhaps more of a cross of Rollins and the Davinci Code (though I haven't read it yet--I'm going off rumor here), but in the end I'm glad to have made the trip. It may be a while before I pick up Dietrich again, but I will go back to him, I imagine to venture farther with the narrator explored here since this seems as if it may be leading into a sequel. Show Less
LibraryThing member dougwood57
William Dietrich delivers a good historical adventure story that feels like it falls short of its potential. Dietrich introduces Ethan Gage, an American and former aide to Ben Franklin. As the book opens Gage is back in Paris just before Bonaparte hatches his plan to invade Egypt. Gage wins an
Gage seeks the meaning behind the medallion. In the company of the real-life men of science, like Jomard, Conté, and Monge, he learns about Free Masonry, Fibonacci Sequence, and Pascal’s triangles. But Dietrich only whets the reader’s appetite on these topics, any one of which could form the basis for a fine piece of historical fiction. Instead, Dietrich follows the lure of Egyptology and the quest for eternal life. Gage retains enough skepticism about the more far-fetched claims for the powers of the god Thoth, to keep the story from slipping entirely away into silliness.
Dietrich excels when describing the initial invasion of Egypt, the disastrous (for Napoleon) Battle at Abukir Bay, and the ill-advised march across the desert and up the Nile. The scenes with Bonaparte are especially interesting. Dietrich’s attention to historical detail is impressive in numerous settings.
The thrilling climax is reminiscent of nothing so much as Indiana Jones . It’s fun, heart-pounding, and improbable, but reminded me of how the book fell short of its promise.
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odd-looking medallion in a game of chance. No sooner does Gage have the artifact in his possession than the world collapses on his head – repeatedly. He flees to Marseilles with the aid of Sir Sydney Smith and a band of gypsies. From there he joins the troop of savants whom Napoleon takes with him to Egypt.Gage seeks the meaning behind the medallion. In the company of the real-life men of science, like Jomard, Conté, and Monge, he learns about Free Masonry, Fibonacci Sequence, and Pascal’s triangles. But Dietrich only whets the reader’s appetite on these topics, any one of which could form the basis for a fine piece of historical fiction. Instead, Dietrich follows the lure of Egyptology and the quest for eternal life. Gage retains enough skepticism about the more far-fetched claims for the powers of the god Thoth, to keep the story from slipping entirely away into silliness.
Dietrich excels when describing the initial invasion of Egypt, the disastrous (for Napoleon) Battle at Abukir Bay, and the ill-advised march across the desert and up the Nile. The scenes with Bonaparte are especially interesting. Dietrich’s attention to historical detail is impressive in numerous settings.
The thrilling climax is reminiscent of nothing so much as Indiana Jones . It’s fun, heart-pounding, and improbable, but reminded me of how the book fell short of its promise.
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LibraryThing member Zare
After winning mysterious medallion in a game of cards, Ethan Gage finds himself in big troubles. Although he is facing grave dangers he pushes on to find out what secrets medallion holds.
This is a pure adventure novel (in pure Indiana Jones way :)). Lots of pretty women, dark villains and strange
If you are interested in reading a fast paced and funny book and spend few hours in such activity :) then I recommend this book wholeheartedly. Alas if you are looking for a book that is serious – and if you consider Indiana Jones and likes to be childish – then skip this one.
Recommended.
This is a pure adventure novel (in pure Indiana Jones way :)). Lots of pretty women, dark villains and strange
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allies – all packed up in a historical context of Napoleon’s invasion of Egypt.If you are interested in reading a fast paced and funny book and spend few hours in such activity :) then I recommend this book wholeheartedly. Alas if you are looking for a book that is serious – and if you consider Indiana Jones and likes to be childish – then skip this one.
Recommended.
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LibraryThing member lexxa83
I have to say I read about 1/3 of this book and then returned it to the library. I was hoping for something along the lines of the DaVinci Code, and this book just did not deliver. The writing and characters was ok, but there wasn't enough intrigue and mystery to suck the reader into the plot and
I was hoping that this series would be as engrossing as everything put out by Dan Brown, but no such luck :-( It is unlikely that I will be reading the rest of the books in this series.
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keep the pages turning in anticipation of learning more. In fact it was super.duper.ridiculously.SLOW. I read for over a week and all the main character managed to do was to win a medallion while gambling, run from the law, find some gypsy's and finally get on Napoleons boat. Except, instead of that being like a 20 page set up to get the reader to the action, it was more like 120 pages of boooooooring. I was hoping that this series would be as engrossing as everything put out by Dan Brown, but no such luck :-( It is unlikely that I will be reading the rest of the books in this series.
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LibraryThing member brian_irons
It was a little slow going at first but a solid read all in all. I would definately read William Dietrich.
LibraryThing member kamas716
It's a fun little romp. Historical fiction about Napoleon meets Indiana Jones and National Treasure. There are plenty of true facts, and even more fantasy. If you aren't looking for something deep, this could be a could choice.
LibraryThing member cbl_tn
When American Ethan Gage wins an unusual medallion in a card game, little does he think what adventure it will bring. The medallion is covered in many of the symbols of freemasonry. Gage's quest to unravel its meaning takes him to Egypt with Napoleon's army. Gage must stay a step ahead of various
This book seems like a cross between an Aubrey and Maturin naval adventure and The Da Vinci Code. This resulted in some problems with pacing, as Gage's quest to solve the puzzle of the medallion and its symbols keeps getting interrupted by battles. I felt like I had seen a lot of the scenes in a movie – probably one or more of the Indiana Jones films. I think I would have enjoyed this more as a movie since the action, costumes, and scenery might distract me from picking at the problems with the plot.
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pursuers who want to possess the medallion and its secrets.This book seems like a cross between an Aubrey and Maturin naval adventure and The Da Vinci Code. This resulted in some problems with pacing, as Gage's quest to solve the puzzle of the medallion and its symbols keeps getting interrupted by battles. I felt like I had seen a lot of the scenes in a movie – probably one or more of the Indiana Jones films. I think I would have enjoyed this more as a movie since the action, costumes, and scenery might distract me from picking at the problems with the plot.
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LibraryThing member trishaj
I enjoyed the history in this novel. What I could have done without was Dietrich's tendency to write sentences upon paragraphs upon pages at a time about Napoleon's character and motives. At times, it felt like I was reading a history textbook instead of a historical novel. Still, I liked it enough
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that I want to read the second book in the series to see what kind of trouble Ethan Gage gets himself into next. Show Less
LibraryThing member mamzel
An 18th century Indiana Jones, Ethan Gage is an American who wins an intriguing medallion in a card game. Then everyone seems to want the medallion and will do anything to get it, including murder. He spends that night with a prostitute who turns up murdered the next day so now he is wanted for
Just like Indiana Jones, he escapes one life-threatening event after another, falls in love with a sultry Egyptian woman, and finds the hidden entrance minutes before the evil doers who are chasing him.
There is a lot of historical information in this story. The reader is put in the middle of the invasion of Egypt and the Battle of the Nile as Admiral Nelson tries to destroy the French fleet. It certainly is a terrific setting for an adventure story.
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murder. He escapes by joining a gypsy caravan who take him to a port where his adventures continue. He ends up joining Bonaparte's expedition to Egypt with his group of savants. Bonaparte is after an artifact of immense power to help him obtain his goal of taking over Europe. These savants are mathematicians and scientists who will discover a way into the pyramids and recover this artifact. Gage is holding the key.Just like Indiana Jones, he escapes one life-threatening event after another, falls in love with a sultry Egyptian woman, and finds the hidden entrance minutes before the evil doers who are chasing him.
There is a lot of historical information in this story. The reader is put in the middle of the invasion of Egypt and the Battle of the Nile as Admiral Nelson tries to destroy the French fleet. It certainly is a terrific setting for an adventure story.
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LibraryThing member SABINELM
GREAT STORY
LibraryThing member Shaundra7210
The start of the book was hard for me to get into, a bit slow. Once the main characters were in egypt the story started to get interesting. By the end of the book I was iching to read the second. Well writen considering some to the inventive details.
LibraryThing member VictoriaJZ
Enjoyed it, about a period I knew little about so go good to read it.