Book Review- Andy McDermott- The Secret Vault

Andy McDermott- The Secret Vault (Bantam Books 2011) 3.5 Stars

When precious art begins to go missing from around the world, security is beefed up around the newly discovered Talonor Codex. Nina Wilde had discovered this journal when she found Atlantis. A gutsy robbery attempt begins Nina and Eddie’s race against the clock as they try to find the clues in the Codex that will lead to the mythical Vault of Shiva, before the villain does. As an ancient faith is twisted to suit someone’s needs, Nina must work with true followers to find the truth before it is too late.

These books always start off great, with an introduction that grabs your attention. That being said, it is also always followed by a boring section that could have been trimmed down. The whole wedding scene could have been cut, as it was just fluff. This one picked up quicker than many of the other books by him though, which I was happy with. It was very fast-paced and action-packed, something McDermott is really good at. The overall plot was pretty good as well, with several good twists, although it was not unpredictable. The final twist is setting up for the next book, that one was a bit of a surprise. The ending was really good, a great way to wrap things up. The realism was definitely a weak point once again, but it was counteracted by getting to see all kinds of cool places. The characters were also a strong point, although they can be a little cheesy at times. Overall this was a better book by this author.

For more of my reviews check out my website, www.tonypeters.webs.com.

Tony Peters

Kids on a Case: The Case of the Ten Grand Kidnapping

http://authortonypeters.blogspot.com/

Book Review- Andy McDermott- The Secret of Excalibur

Andy McDermott- The Secret of Excalibur (Bantam Books 2010) 2 Stars

When Nina Wilde’s friend is killed after revealing that he can track down Excalibur, she takes up the hunt. However a group of Russians seem to want more, so much more that they are willing to kill for it. Whoever wields the sword has the power of the Earth’s energy and can create a super weapon. Nina and Eddie must prevent the sword from being used as a weapon and stay alive in the process.

It took me quite awhile to get into this book. It started off pretty slow, but did manage to pick up the pace. It then was really action-packed and filled with unrealistic scenes that put the characters in situations they never could have gotten out of. The characters were shot and beaten to a pulp and yet carried on and won each situation. I also found the “earth energy” thing far-fetched and very hard to believe. The characters were fairly well done, which was a positive in this novel. I did also enjoy how it travelled the globe; I always love seeing various parts of the world in books. Overall I would not recommend this book as it just seemed to go from one unrealistic situation to the next.

For more of my reviews check out my website, www.tonypeters.webs.com.

Tony Peters

Kids on a Case: The Case of the Ten Grand Kidnapping

http://authortonypeters.blogspot.com/

Book Review- Andy McDermott- The Pyramid of Doom

Andy McDermott- The Pyramid of Doom (Bantam Books 2010) 3.25 Stars

Uncovering an ancient vault beneath the Great Sphinx is becoming a huge TV opportunity, but someone may be trying to beat the archaeologists to the prize. Macy Sharif, a student, has found out about their plan though and is now on the run for her life. Who does she run to but the shunned Nina Wilde and her ex-SAS husband. Together they are up against a rich cult who is on the hunt for an ancient secret behind death.

It took me quite a while to get into this book, kind of a slow start. I was hoping that it would have had a way better introduction that would get my attention right off the bat. Once it did pick up though it was quite intense and fast-paced. The plot was pretty good with some twists and turns, though none that I thought were fantastic. The characters were also pretty good with some depth to them. I did think that the bad guys were pretty stupid and gullible, so it would have been nice to see them be more of a challenge for Nina and her crew. I also thought that the plausibility was lacking and things just worked out a little too well. I also don’t understand how people could have gotten beaten up so much and still kept going on. Overall though it was an interesting read and it was good for a one-time pick.

For more of my reviews check out my website, www.tonypeters.webs.com.

Tony Peters

Kids on a Case: The Case of the Ten Grand Kidnapping

http://authortonypeters.blogspot.com/