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Here are comments from our group of Advance Readers about Steve Berry's THE ALEXANDRIA LINK.
Donna from New Berlin, WI
Have you previously read a book by Steve Berry?
I have read THE THIRD SECRET, THE TEMPLAR LEGACY and THE AMBER ROOM --- all fantastic reads. I have also purchased THE ROMANOV PROPHECY.
What other suspense/thriller authors do you read?
Dean Koontz, Dan Brown, Patricia Cornwell, Jeffery Deaver, Linda Fairstein, Jefferson Bass, Stephen King, Iris Johansen, Jonathan Kellerman, Nate Kenyon, James Patterson, Kathy Reichs, Douglas Preston, Lincoln Child, John Saul, Peter Straub, Lisa Scottoline and others...
What did you think of THE ALEXANDRIA LINK?
I didn't think I would be able to finish it on time, but it was so tantalizing. I devoured every page faster than I thought I could read. It was thrilling and exciting, and I loved the whole fabulous adventure. The twists and turns are explosive. I would highly recommend this book. Once you read one of Steve Berry's books, you will be hooked. I look forward to every novel that will come from this author in the future.
Would you ever read a future book by Steve Berry?
Yes, as long as he continues to write, I will be an anxious fan. I got the chance to tell him exactly that when I met him in WI while he was promoting THE THIRD SECRET. I love his books and am thrilled to have met him.
Thank you for the opportunity to have read this advanced copy of THE ALEXANDRIA LINK.
Jonathan from Vienna, VA
Have you previously read a book by Steve Berry?
Yes, all of his published books.
What other suspense/thriller authors do you read?
Dan Brown, Phillip Kerr and David Baldacci.
What did you think of THE ALEXANDRIA LINK?
Great read. It’s an addicting thriller for those who like puzzles and adventure/suspense stories. The suspense is not as challenging or complex as others in this genre, but the story kept my interest. [This is fiction, but the underlying premise is based on a fringe theory.] As a Jew, I initially was offended by the book’s portrayal of both Israel in 1948 and the historical nature of the Bible. Now I understand what religious Christians thought about THE DA VINCI CODE. It’s still a captivating story.
Would you ever read a future book by Steve Berry?
Yes.
Peggy from Tilton, NH
Have you previously read a book by Steve Berry?
No.
What other suspense/thriller authors do you read?
I read a little of everything, but some of my favorites are Harlan Coben, Lee Child, Tami Hoag, John Grisham, Lisa Gardner, David Baldacci, Sandra Brown and Jeffery Deaver.
What did you think of THE ALEXANDRIA LINK?
I had never read any of Mr. Berry's books before this one and did not know if I would like it, but I really enjoyed THE ALEXANDRIA LINK. [I carried it around with me so I could read a little more whenever I had a free moment.] The main characters seemed very real and believable, and the exotic locations were very interesting. The plot twists kept my interest. An intelligent thriller.
Would you ever read a future book by Steve Berry?
I would definitely read another book by Mr. Berry. I have started to look for his previous novels as well. I bought THE ROMANOV PROPHECY to read next.
Rachael from Elizabeth, NJ
Have you previously read a book by Steve Berry?
No.
What other suspense/thriller authors do you read?
I enjoy reading Lisa Gardner, Tess Gerritsen, Harlan Coben, Allison Brennan and Robert Crais.
What did you think of THE ALEXANDRIA LINK?
I thought it was a great book and it kept my interest the entire time.
Would you ever read a future book by Steve Berry?
Yes.
Ronald from Dallas, TX
What did you think of THE ALEXANDRIA LINK?
In THE ALEXANDRIA LINK, Steve Berry continues to distinguish himself among the writers of contemporary espionage thrillers by his attention to historical details and facts, as well as his mastery of style required by this demanding genre. Unlike many of his contemporaries, Berry understands that the indispensable starting point is an interesting story or question, set in the context of real historical fact.
The ancient library at Alexandria was the repository for the ancient world’s history and learning; the font of the wisdom of the ancient world collected in one place. It is historical fact that it existed, and was used by scholars for centuries…and then its contents were lost. What happened to [this] ancient library? Was there information or knowledge in that library that, if known, would affect the world today? These intriguing questions serve as the fundamental historical predicate for THE ALEXANDRIA LINK.
Suppose the contents of the ancient library were secretly preserved; suppose part of the knowledge conclusively showed that the Old Testament, when translated from the Old Hebrew to Latin (Vulgate) and Greek, was intentionally and substantially altered; suppose the biblical promise (Promised Land) predicate for the establishment of the modern state of Israel was fabricated in the translation; suppose several groups (Israelis, Saudis, and others) now want to either expose/suppress information only preserved in the ancient library; suppose that retired agent Cotton Malone (the main character) is identified as having information that will lead to the contents of the ancient library; suppose Malone’s son is kidnapped; and suppose Malone finds out his son is not really his “son”. Cleverly, Berry combines these suppositions (and many more) into short action-packed chapters, interesting locales (Copenhagen, Vienna, London, Sinai, and more), well-paced plot lines, and characters that manifest human foibles as much as heroic action.
Not only is THE ALEXANDRIA LINK a well-written, well-plotted, interesting work of fiction, it is also well researched and grounded in unusual historical fact. From the roles of St. Jerome and St. Augustine to the detail of the Monastery of Santa Maria de Belem, Berry’s adroitness in weaving the story with historical facts and figures is a bonus. At the conclusion of the novel, Berry has added a “Writer’s Note” that details the accuracy of the locales, issues, and personages. I wish I had read it before I finished the story. Berry, although addressing complex issues and settings, has a clarity of style that is pleasing…one I prefer to that of Dan Brown, to whom Berry will undoubtedly be compared.
There are few criticisms that can be leveled at this very professional effort, and none that should deter any reader. However, there are a few nettlesome examples in which Berry seems to allow a character to go “out of character” in order to comment on analogies to current political issues and sentiments. Fortunately, these exchanges are both brief and few. Also, there is a strange piece of dialogue from a character identified as drinking a Diet Dr. Pepper, who observes, “Taste[s] just like the original, but no sugar.” Should the editor have reined in Berry the ad-man?
In summary, this is a good book, exciting and interesting to read, and grounded in much more historical fact than many books of this genre. I liked the characters. I hope the characters appear in future Berry books, which I will look forward to reading.
Wendy from Vernon Hills, IL
Have you previously read a book by Steve Berry?
I have read and enjoyed each of Steve Berry's books. I love the way they quickly grab your attention and curiosity.
What other suspense/thriller authors do you read?
I love suspense/thriller books. My favorite authors are Steve Berry, Daniel Silva, James Patterson, Vince Flynn, Dan Brown and Brad Thor.
What did you think of THE ALEXANDRIA LINK?
The concept of THE ALEXANDRIA LINK is quite unique. I love the idea of the lost Library and the Middle East issues that are raised.
Would you ever read a future book by Steve Berry?
I look forward to Steve Berry's next book in 2008.
Diane from Murfreesboro, TN
Have you previously read a book by Steve Berry?
Yes, THE ROMANOV PROPHECY. I would love to read more.
What other suspense/thriller authors do you read?
Mary Higgins Clark, Stephen King, James Patterson and Dean Koontz.
What did you think of THE ALEXANDRIA LINK?
It was great. It kept you hooked till the end. Too bad there were many times when I had to put it down, otherwise I am sure it wouldn't have been quite so easy.
Would you ever read a future book by Steve Berry?
Yes.
Tonya from Birmingham, AL
Have you previously read a book by Steve Berry?
No, this is the first.
What other suspense/thriller authors do you read?
Dan Brown and Scott Turow.
What did you think of THE ALEXANDRIA LINK?
I really liked it. It was quick moving and interesting. I think that anyone who liked THE DA VINCI CODE will like this book --- it had a lot of the same elements without as much religious controversy.
Would you ever read a future book by Steve Berry?
I plan to.
Diane from Murfreesboro, TN
Have you previously read a book by Steve Berry?
Yes, THE ROMANOV PROPHECY. I would love to read more.
What other suspense/thriller authors do you read?
Mary Higgins Clark, Stephen King, James Patterson and Dean Koontz.
What did you think of THE ALEXANDRIA LINK?
It was great --- it kept you hooked until the end. Too bad there were many times when I had to put it down. Otherwise, I am sure it wouldn't have been quite so easy.
Would you ever read a future book by Steve Berry?
Yes.
Gerri from Palos Heights IL
What other suspense/thriller authors do you read?
The other suspense/thriller authors I read are: the late Robert Ludlum (my favorite), Gayle Lynds, Jon Land, Nelson DeMille, James Patterson and Joseph Finder --- just to name a few.
What did you think of THE ALEXANDRIA LINK?
I've only read a few chapters due to late arrival, and I like the book already. It comes alive when Cotton Malone's son is kidnapped, his house is burned down, and his contact is killed. He holds the key to getting his son back, but doesn't know who he can trust all the way to the White House.
Would you ever read a future book by Steve Berry?
I would definitely read another book by Steve Berry. As a matter of fact, I purchased THE THIRD SECRET.
Hernan from New York, NY
Have you previously read a book by Steve Book?
Yes, I read THE AMBER ROOM. I bought the book mostly because Dan Brown provided a nice comment on the cover. The book had good mix of history, mystery and adventure; however, it lacked character development and failed to keep the suspense. I finished reading it, but more out of duty than anything else.
What other suspense/thriller authors do you read?
Dan Brown, Marcus Sakey, John Twelve Hawks and Raymond Khoury. Before Dan Brown, I read mostly the classics and a good deal of Latin American literature. I have been looking for a good read that can provide the thrills I felt while reading ANGELS & DEMONS and THE DA VINCI CODE.
What did you think of THE ALEXANDRIA LINK?
I really enjoyed THE ALEXANDRIA LINK. It really had me hooked, especially when Stephanie did not know who to believe or trust: The President (Davis), The Attorney General (Green), or Larry Daley. The same went for Malone's predicament; there were many players involved --- the Jews, Arabs, The Golden Fleece, The Guardians --- and I kept wondering who was backstabbing whom and [who could be trusted]. Sabre made a good villain and Henrik a great ally. It was a very good read with the right combination of mystery, suspense and a believable plot. There was enough history and art to feed my interest in those subjects. The effect that the outcome of the fictional plot could have on very real current events added a good deal to the enjoyment of the read.
Would you ever read a future book by Steve Berry?
Yes, I am intrigued by what the author revealed in the interview at the end of the book. A pairing between Malone and Witt will be a good combination for his next book. I do own a copy of THE TEMPLAR LEGACY, which I had never had the time to read, but will now be placed high in the priority list that I must read.
Tonya from Birmingham, AL
Have you previously read a book by Steve Berry?
No, this is the first.
What other suspense/thriller authors do you read?
Dan Brown and Scott Turow.
What did you think of THE ALEXANDRIA LINK?
I really liked it. It was quick moving and interesting. I think that anyone who liked THE DA VINCI CODE will like this book --- it had a lot of the same elements without as much religious controversy.
Would you ever read a future book by Steve Berry?
I plan to.
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