The Third Gate

A Novel

By: Lincoln Child

Narrated by: Johnathan McClain

Length: 9 hrs and 35 mins

Publisher's summary

Under the direction of famed explorer Porter Stone, an archaeological team is secretly attempting to locate the tomb of an ancient pharaoh who was unlike any other in history. Stone believes he has found the burial chamber of King Narmer, the near mythical god-king who united upper and lower Egypt in 3200 B.C., and the archaeologist has reason to believe that the greatest prize of all - Narmer's crown - might be buried with him. No crown of an Egyptian king has ever been discovered, and Narmer's is the elusive crown of the two Egypts, supposedly possessed of awesome powers.

The dig itself is located in one of the most forbidding places on Earth - the Sudd, a nearly impassable swamp in northern Sudan. Amid the nightmarish, disorienting tangle of mud and dead vegetation, a series of harrowing and inexplicable occurrences are causing people on the expedition to fear a centuries - old curse. With a monumental discovery in reach, Professor Jeremy Logan is brought onto the project to investigate. What he finds will raise new questions... and alarm.

In the hands of master storyteller Lincoln Child, The Third Gate breaks new ground and introduces a fascinating new protagonist to the thriller world.

©2012 Lincoln Child (P)2012 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

"Lincoln Child's novels are thrilling and tantalizing." (Vince Flynn)

"Bestseller Child ( Terminal Freeze) more than succeeds in making a mummy's curse terrifying in this superb supernatural thriller.... Child evokes fear through understatement...Readers will hope to see more of [lead character] Logan in a sequel." ( Publishers Weekly)

"Ample gadgetry, New Age soul-shifting, and pyrotechnics sufficient to employ a stable of stuntmen when brought to film: Child's newest is the sort of thing to delight all those who got wrapped up in The Mummy. Think, a Dan Brown-ian adventure amongst Pharaohs ready with a pocket full of curses." ( Kirkus)

What if?

Once again, a master story teller. He takes a couple of "what ifs" and weaves a story that absolutely captivates you.

In today's medical abilities, the threshold of life and death are constantly being pushed. Child takes that further and makes us ponder if it is always wise to play at being a god.

Many of us are fascinated with Egypt and the times of the pharaohs. This story develops an idea of maybe the leaders would not have been pleased with our searching and looting their burials. Maybe there is a revenge that can be taken.

This was the first book of Child's I had read. This is the second time I have read it. The fascination did not fade and was well worth it. Excellently written story. I know I will read this again and again.

Fun, but a bit ridiculous

Is there anything you would change about this book?

Yes: the channeled ancient Egyptian spirit wouldn’t speak King James English.

How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable?

See above. Also, the whole business with the extended near-death experience was rather odd theologically. The story doesn’t seem to reflect a coherent cosmology.

Which character – as performed by Johnathan McClain – was your favorite?

None of them really stood out from any other.

Was The Third Gate worth the listening time?

Yes; I enjoyed the story and I don’t regret listening to the book. I won’t listen a second time, though.

Any additional comments?

Child cleverly one-ups Dan Brown by having his “enigmologist” hold down a day job as a history professor.

Excellent performance!

The narrator brought this story to life! The story was a 'page turner'. Excellent book! Excellent narration!

Great story but so-so ending

I love Lincoln Child and Egyptology so I was excited about this listen. The narration was very good and the background history and story buildup were great but the ending was only so-so, so I can only rate it 4 out of 5. I'd still recommend it for any Lincoln Child fans and/or anyone interested in Ancient Egypt and modern archeology.

A new tack on an interesting topic.

Very interesting and thought provoking story. I enjoyed the book and will listen to/read others by this author.

Brings Alive the Egyptian Digs

I normally do not enjoy stories about the Pharaohs of Egyptian and their burial tombs. This book is an exception to that rule. The main character who is a cross between a medium and a mind-reader contributes to the tone of the story. Although it is an impossible story line, the author makes it completely believable. I decided there is something to the stories of "crossing over" in ancient Egypt. Although not particularly historical in nature, this book does expose some of the greed of tomb robbers WITH CONSEQUENCES. I highly recommend this book to all mystery enthusiasts.

Interesting, but fails to launch

I thought it was interesting, but it never felt like it took off to me. I kept waiting for the real story to start, to get to know the characters, but it just felt a bit flat. It's not bad, but not Child's best work by far.

Solid story -scary but also thought-provoking.

What did you love best about The Third Gate?

It set up a story that seemed predictable but ended up being a little unexpected.

What did you like best about this story?

I never exactly knew what was coming next, but the descriptions were vivid.

What about Johnathan McClain’s performance did you like?

His delivery was clean but not distracting from the story. Actually? I forgot to think about who was talking and just enjoyed the story. That's something.

Not up to Mr. Child's usual standards

What did you like best about The Third Gate? What did you like least?

The plot and the historical interweaving of fact and supposition

How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable?

An epilogue. A less predictable ending, better narrator scot brick obviously and characters that were likable. Really felt nothing for them except the Egyptologist. No one else was mildly compelling. It really deserves 2 stars but I just couldn't be cruel. The story idea was brilliant. Execution. No so much

Would you listen to another book narrated by Johnathan McClain?

No

If this book were a movie would you go see it?

Probably. To see how they butcher it like they did Relic. THAT was unforgivable.

Any additional comments?

I want to like it so badly I over looked a lot of absurdities and I love Child's books. No a waste of time but more like a snack than a full meal.

He does it again another great story

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

What can I say Mr Child continues to entertain on an informative level as well as suspenseful. Keep up the good work and please give us another Gideon.Ha Dennis

Have you listened to any of Johnathan McClain’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

He does a good job of reading and I would listen to him again

Any additional comments?

We are truck drivers who listen to audio books and like to be both entertained and expand our intellect while at work. Great combo if you do both Dennis