The Alexander Cipher

Daniel Knox, Book 1

By: Will Adams

Narrated by: David Colacci

Length: 12 hrs and 16 mins

Publisher's summary

Egyptologist Daniel Knox's lifelong fascination with Alexander the Great and his tomb, a fabled wonder of the ancient world, could be the death of him. After construction workers excavating in Alexandria expose a catacomb dating back to ancient times, Knox eagerly sneaks in to scout the cavernous and dusty site. Among the relics he finds clues that may solve one of the world's greatest mysteries: the last resting place of Alexander the Great. An unconquerable warrior king, Alexander was the single most powerful man on the planet and thought to be a god.

Now, nearly 2,500 years later, the discovery of his tomb, seemingly lost forever, is within reach, triggering a deadly hunt for one of the greatest treasures of all time. Knox is not the only seeker; others are after the prize, and they would kill to win it.

In the spirit of the great adventure-thrillers by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child, Clive Cussler, Raymond Khoury, and Steve Berry, The Alexander Cipher is a rip-roaring ride through history, archaeology, and the great deserts of Egypt.

©2009 Will Adams (P)2010 Tantor

Critic reviews

“A razor-edged thriller that delves deeply into crumbling tombs and ancient secrets. Explosively paced and tautly told.” (James Rollins)

"This is a hugely entertaining thriller, very much in the vein of Matthew Reilly: an adroit mixture of action, character, and history." ( Booklist)

"A plausible, fun heist-thriller that compels the [listener] to wonder, What if?" ( Library Journal)

Alexander was great!

If you could sum up The Alexander Cipher in three words, what would they be?

intriguing, complex, enjoyable

What did you like best about this story?

I enjoyed the setting being in Egypt, and the hunt for a forgotten tomb.

What does David Colacci bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

The narration was interesting, giving a good flavor to each character.

Great story. Average production.

I really enjoyed the style and scope of this story. The history was interesting and the characters well written. the narrator, David Colacci, was really good. My biggest issue was that the book switches characters throughout, which is fine, but there was zero break between them. You had to focus hard because otherwise the character you were listening to is suddenly 800 miles away and switched genders. I would have loved a solid Three second break between shifts. Aside from that issue I really enjoyed the book.

Wow.

I loved this! i was a little unsure at first, but i fell under the narrator's spell soon after the first chapter.

Great Pace, good historical account & nice action

I wasn't expecting a lot from this one for some reason and just wanted something different after doing te Ender's Game Trilogy. This was a pleasant surprise. Great Historical backstory, good character's and well read. I will purchase more will adams in the future.

If you like Clive Cussler because of the historical aspects more than the action itself, you will like this book. It has action, but more history. I actually learned a lot about macedonia that I did not know.

Definitely recommend.

Archeological Adventure

Yes, I enjoyed the story and thought David Colacci did a good job of bringing Daniel Knox and the supporting cast to life. I thought hte premise was really neat. Finding Alexander's Tomb and the history behind it was well done and I thought the descriptions were good, but there were some plot lines that didn't get fully fleshed out. One man's daughter has a plot line that doesn't get resolved. I do enjoy the fact that there is no supernatural elements brought in. It makes the story more believeable in this setting. I enjoy fantasy, but this story didn't require it and it was made better for it. I thought it was a little weak with some of the other characters who were chasing Knox and some of Knox's allies didn't seem all that real. Some of it was a little too convienent. But like a summer movie, I had fun and want to hear the next chapter in the Daniel Knox saga, even though this adventure didn't WOW me, it was still fun. It also helps, that I like Egyptian Lore and the idea of treasure hunting and archeology along the lines of Indiana Jones, Nathan Drake, Dirk Pitt etc.

Histrionical education is a highlight

Just a bit much on the narrow escapes, otherwise good story and performance. Excellent educational experience and good plot organization.

Channeling Steve Berry and Indiana Jones

While this historically based novel does include many learning opportunities, and the plot is acceptable, it is not as good or as gripping as the similar books by Steve Berry.

My other complaint was that the American protagonist used too much British phraseology to believe he was an American. Even though voiced with an American accent, he constantly used words such as "sodding", "bollocks", saying he was "keen" on something, and calling his friends "mates". It interferes with the credibility of the character. Other than that, the plot was the requisite discovery of millennia-old riches lost to history. Not very original, but not a bad read.

The reason I gave it 4 stars was that it did include some interesting historical facts, making it not a complete fantasy.

A great thriller, excellent

I really did enjoy this book right from the start. The characters are excellent, the pace never bogs down, the book is very well written and the history woven into the story is terrific. The book reminds me of work that was done in an earlier time when the story and the setting was brought to life and you were transported to the place where the action was happening. I look forward to the next book written by Will Adams.

Fast Paced Fun "Read"

For me its always fun to get a fast paced story while I learn something interesting - makes you want to check how much is based on historic fact. I was not disappointed. The narration is excellent. Look forward to more from this author.

Great Pace, good historical account & nice action

I wasn't expecting a lot from this one for some reason and just wanted something different after doing te Ender's Game Trilogy. This was a pleasant surprise. Great Historical backstory, good character's and well read. I will purchase more will adams in the future.

If you like Clive Cussler because of the historical aspects more than the action itself, you will like this book. It has action, but more history. I actually learned a lot about macedonia that I did not know.

Definitely recommend.