The Egyptian Elixir

The Unofficial Chronicles of John Grissom, Book 2

By: Page Zaplendam

Narrated by: Michael Langan

Length: 2 hrs and 29 mins

Publisher's summary

It's not everyday that someone attempts to murder the Foreign Secretary on the floor of parliament.

Vampire turned Runner, John Grissom, is a founding member of Bow Street's new clandestine investigative division, Odd Crimes. He finds himself witnessing an assassination attempt on the Foreign Secretary. He then discovers London's most notorious purveyor of stolen goods at the bottom of it.

Being a vampire certainly helps in his new investigative position, but the elusive fence and the Egyptian elixir may prove his undoing. Join Grissom and his fellow Odd Crimes Runners as they unravel a continent spanning conspiracy that could result in the enslavement of England to Napoleon if they don't prevail.

©2017 Page Zaplendam (P)2023 Page Zaplendam

The Egyptian elixir

This was a fun follow up to book one. I like the relationship between Grissom and Van Helsing. Narration by Michael Langan was well done. I was given this book free for an honest review.

A Captivating Adventure Unveiled

Within the realm of auditory literary tapestries, there occasionally emerges a rare gem that accomplishes the formidable task of transporting its audience across temporal boundaries, into distinct realms, and toward heightened pinnacles of exhilaration. "The Egyptian Elixir," the second opus within the Unofficial Chronicles of John Grissom series, stands as an exemplar of this category. Penned by the consummate hand of Page Zaplendam and eloquently vocalized by the mellifluous Michael Langan, this audiobook unfolds as a mesmerizing sojourn through the enigmatic universe of Gothic Regency Vampyres and their clandestine inquiries.

At the nucleus of this captivating narrative resides John Grissom, a vampire turned Runner of consequential import, entwined within Bow Street's nascent, furtive inquisition arm, christened Odd Crimes. The saga's genesis is marked by an audacious endeavor upon the life of the Foreign Secretary—etched within the very chambers of parliament—a deed that serves as a clarion call for an exhilarating chronicle. As Grissom, an ocular witness to the aforesaid assassination attempt, peers beneath the veneer of the incident, a labyrinthine skein of clandestine machinations unfurls, leading him to the enclaves of London's most notorioius trafficker in purloined treasures. Yet, the tenebrous orchestration conceals manifold layers, with the enigmatic Egyptian elixir pulsating at its epicenter.

Michael Langan's narration serves as a veritable masterclass, transporting listeners through the labyrinthine thoroughfares of London and its peripherals. Langan's artistry lies not solely within his vocal aptitude, but in the emotive cadence that he imparts to each character, breathing vivacity into the narrative milieu. This auditory rendition transforms into an immersive experience, wherein distinct personas, resonating emotions, and breathless suspensions flourish under Langan's adept tutelage. The listener is regaled with the intricate choreography of Regency-era dialogues, the suspense-laden colloquy, and the crescendo of heart-pounding escapades, all captured in eloquent auditory hues.

"The Egyptian Elixir" effulgently marries elements of multifarious predilections, forging a harmonious amalgamation. The audiobook adroitly coalesces dimly lit alleyways with opulent abodes, enigmatic codes with enshrouded cabals, and antiquated horror with adrenaline-soaked exploits. It is an auditory sojourn that transports the connoisseur to an ambience where the allure of Penny Dreadful is wed to the panache of classical narrative ingenuity, yielding an exquisite blend of visceral intrigue and electrifying perambulations. The audiobook indulges those with an inclination toward the macabre, whilst judiciously eschewing gratuitous morbidity, thereby achieving a harmonious equilibrium.

Page Zaplendam, the luminary architect of this captivating tome, endeavors to expand upon the foundation meticulously laid in the series' inaugural installment. "The Egyptian Elixir" crystallizes as a magnum opus, wherein Zaplendam adroitly weaves a tapestry that spans continents, imperiling the very sovereignty of the English realm. The narrative tableau is replete with characters, both novel and established, imbued with a fecund vivacity and a compelling arc of evolution. John Grissom emerges as the paragon of honor, an entity beset with a duality of nature, imposing restraint upon himself by imbibing bovine hemoglobin. He crystallizes the quintessence of the internal schism between potency and morality, fashioning him as a protagonist replete with endearing qualities.

The dynamic interplay between John Grissom and his compatriot, Van Helsing, constitutes an additional layer of finesse. Their Regency-era dialogues, ensconced in an aura of camaraderie, proffer an intellectually gratifying engagement, whether dissecting the intricacies of the matter at hand or navigating the maelstrom of their existential jeopardy. Their shared chemistry galvanizes the narrative, encapsulating the listener within their repartee.

In summation, "The Egyptian Elixir" stands as a superlative exemplar of the transcendental potency of storytelling, imbued with an aural sheen of unparalleled execution. Page Zaplendam's narrative acumen, deftly complemented by Michael Langan's eloquent rendition, coalesce into an auditory opus of extraordinary stature. This Gothic Regency Vampyre odyssey ensnares the senses from the incipient syllable to the denouement, enshrouding the auditor in an ephemeral realm where enigmas fester in obscurity and exploits burgeon in every corner. For the aficionado yearning for an auditory enterprise that seamlessly interlaces historical ambience, preternatural enigma, and adrenaline-infused action, "The Egyptian Elixir" stands as an unassailable triumph, deserving an indelible niche within the discerning audiophile's repertoire.