REVIEW: The Alexander Cipher by Will Adams

The Alexander Cipher by Will Adams

Underwater archaeologist, Daniel Knox, has upset the wrong people and is now on the run throughout Egypt. While hiding out with an old friend, Daniel learns of an excavation site that may hold a clue as to where Alexander the Great's gold lays buried. Soon after, Daniel and a cast of others are racing against each other to solve the mystery of the 'Alexander Cipher'.

While I found the long passages of historical fact somewhat distracting, the intense action and suspensful twists kept me turning pages, anxious to know what would happen next. There was perhaps more coarse-language than I'm comfortable with, but I still had a hard time putting this book down.

I think Mr. Adams has done an excellent job in his debut work of fiction, and I will be watching for more by him.

Rated: A-

REVIEW: Mosquito by Roma Tearne

Mosquito by Roma Tearne

After writer Theo Samarajeeva loses his wife, he moves from England back to his home in Sri Lanka.

Just as his grief threatens to undo Theo, Nulani Mendis - a young artist - arrives on his veranda, and begins to draw him. After a time, Nulani's presence starts to heal Theo, and their friendship blossoms into something more.

But the civil war in Sri Lanka steps in and interferes. And, the reader is drawn further into the story, wondering how Nulani and Theo's newfound relationship could possibly survive.

I am absolutely amazed that this is the author's first book! It is beautifully written with flowing prose and vivid description. From the first pages, I was drawn into the story, feeling the humidity, hearing the buzz of the mosquitos and the lap of the waves on the seashore, and seeing the jungle foliage. Ms. Tearne has made Sri Lanka and its people come to life on the pages.

I found it incredibly hard to put this book down, so immersed was I in the story. I will most likely reread it in the future, as its depth is sure to have kept certain things hidden until a later time.

I look forward to reading more by this author!

Rated: B+