The Alexandria Link

A Novel

By: Steve Berry

Narrated by: Scott Brick

Length: 17 hrs and 20 mins

Publisher's summary

Cotton Malone retired from the high-risk world of elite operatives for the U.S. State Department to lead the low-key life of a rare-book dealer. But his quiet existence is shattered when he receives an anonymous e-mail: " You have something I want. You're the only person on earth who knows where to find it. If I don't hear from you, you will be childless." His horrified ex-wife confirms that their teenage son has been kidnapped. When Malone's bookshop is burned to the ground, it becomes clear that those responsible will stop at nothing to get what they want: the lost library of Alexandria.

A cradle of historical, philosophical, literary, scientific, and religious ideas, the ancient library of Alexandria was unparalleled in the world. But 1,500 years ago, it vanished into the mists of myth and legend.

Now a cartel of wealthy international moguls is desperate to breach the library's hallowed halls, and only Malone possesses the information they need to succeed.

Pursued by a lethal mercenary, Malone crosses the globe in search of answers. His quest will lead him to England and Portugal, to the highest levels of the American government, and to a shattering outcome that will have worldwide repercussions.

©2007 Steve Berry (P)2007 Random House Inc.

Critic reviews

"Berry [makes] intriguing use of ancient history, and the action certainly zooms along." (Booklist)

Creative author.

I found this and the previous offering of this author that I took in to be imaginative. Both were fast paced and expanded my boundaries of expectation. For edgy treatment of speculative subjects, have a go at one of Berry's books. He is creative. But once in a while you may find you asking "really buddy."

Awesome!!!

I love historical fiction;-) Well written, well researched, adventurous, twisty and multi-sided. Worth every moment! Scott Brick….well…he just has that amazing voice;-)

Good storytelling

Barry’s writing craft is great. This story was a little too far fetched. It was entertaining, but not internally credible.

The narrator....

Would you consider the audio edition of The Alexandria Link to be better than the print version?

The print version could be used to hit me over the head and it would still be better than listening to Brick.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Alexandria Link?

Hadad not being hadead!

What three words best describe Scott Brick’s performance?

Obnoxious. Unnecessary. Loud.

Great story but too long

I respect Steve Barry’s research and keen interest in the subject of Middle East and biblical history. However I would’ve enjoyed the book far more if it would’ve been about 200 pages or less. It was a good mystery novel with too much detailed background.

Learning about the past through stories by stories

Scott Brick brings characters to life. Makes them real through he tone, cadence and love of reading to share and teach. Even though I'm older than Scott, i would have loved to have him as an instructor in just about any subject. Years ago if someone was ADD or ADDHD, they were called either lazy or stupid. Through people like Scott Brick we would have found our calling sooner in life. More would have finished high school or college.
Thank you Scott for helping me realize I do like to read and a real interest in learing.


really enjoyed learning about the characters, this makes them everyday people trying to live ethical lives even when it's easier to the social acceptable reaction.
all the while learing about the past through stories from stories. Some factual some embellished to make it fun, and interesting.
if we were taught history in this format we may be able to keep from repeating it over and over.

Fiction but not so fictional

The book approached the subject of the big two religions and their predecessor from a literary interpretive view point. It is for the person who thinks and not one who is susceptible to institutional dogmas. A fun book.

Excellent adventure story!

Thoroughly enjoyed this adventure novel! The author cleverly brings the reader into all action sequences AND also gives us the background and history needed to know why the characters think and react like they do. I will look for more Steve Berry novels!

Good story, just hang in there.

It seemed like a slow start. Twisted and complicated. I knew from the first book, to hang in there. It all comes together.
I really like the narrator.

good read

The author includes lots of plot twist to keep the reader guessing. Narration is easy to listen to.