Tuesday, January 6, 2015

Review: Temple of the Gods by Andy Mcdermott (Wilde & Chase, #8)

Atlantis and it's whereabouts have always been a curious case for the taking. Not to forget the long lost excavations, the urban legends and the buried myths associated with the city. Author Andy Mcdermott in his book "The Temple of the Gods" takes on the wild chase with Wilde & Chase respectively to uncover the mystery behind Atlantis. So will Atlantis be courteous or will it lure away the readers? Let's find out. 

Nina Wilde’s life is falling apart. The archaeologist’s husband Eddie Chase is falsely accused of murder. The ex-SAS soldier is on the run while Nina searches for the origin of three strange statues stolen from her before Eddie’s disappearance. She begins to suspect that they are related to the lost civilization of Atlantis, she realizes that this is bigger than she expected. Eddie seeks the help of a mysterious benefactor, but this puts him in direct conflict with his wife’s own search. Nina heads to Japan to meet an industrialist who has gotten his hands on the statues through the black market. She doesn't know that Eddie is already on his way. When they meet, they will begin a chain reaction that will have devastating consequences for the world.



First look at the title and the book and one can associate history with the ruins and remains in the cover image. The title speaks volumes about the book. The blurb talks about Wilde & Chase's latest exploits and the pains to be in tune with the latest developments. The blurb is a scarce source of what to expect out of the humongous book. It really veils the original purpose. 

The story is the latest adventure of Wilde & Chase where both of them are victims of circumstances. Eddie's on the run and Nina's maintaining a fake calm. The object of headache is by far the most alluring mysteries of the Atlantis excavation. But there is repulsion from unknown quarters and soon they are mixed amidst action where it all comes down to life and death. So is Atlantis playing mind games with the duo? Will they be able to repel the rebels? Will there be glory or free fall? 

The duo returns and returns to blind spots. There's purpose, but there's no clarity, there's mystery yet it entails them on a rough path of obscurity and there's blood and past involved but it keeps them at bay. The ruthless action, suspense and unforgiving enemies forge the climb of the famous duo. The book promises historical revelations with Atlantis at the forefront and in a manner of speaking delivers some juicy insights too. The book at length goes on the turn into an action adventure, which executes the bulk of the story in a flash. There's a methodical dissertation of the story line drawing from the past, present and the future which convenes the imaginative brutal journey. The drama is at hilt which is never short of madness. 

The downside of the book is it's personal vendetta becomes a primary driver for the plot which leads to scarcity in the historical angle. Atlantis and it's mentions go missing in the middle portions of the book. A lot of unnecessary action eats out the meaty chunks and leaves scarred impressions. The book could have been toned down by a 100 pages to make it more meaningful rather than going in for filmy showdowns. 

All in all the book is a mixed bag. An adventure with unsettling history is promised, but the promise is not kept in the long run. There's a certain precision with action which is exciting but there's a pale historical revelation which mars the entire hype and hoopla. It builds and sustains momentum for most of the part but it fails to reproach the correct track when needed to. It's not an entirely hate story, has some measure of sense yet far away from glory. 

RATINGS: 

3 OUT OF 5   

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