In southern Greece in 2004, a close-knit group of archaeologists searches for the buried traces of a formidable ancient power. A student running from a failed marriage and family, Ben Mercer is a latecomer to their ranks, drawn to the charisma of the group’s members—to the double-edged friendship of Jason, the unsettling beauty of Natsuko and Eleschen, and the menace of Max and Eberhard. But Ben is far too eager to join the excavation project, and there is more to the group’s dangerous games and dynamic than he understands. And there are things that should always remain hidden.
My Thoughts:
Just from reading the synopsis I thought this sounded like an interesting book that I would enjoy. I'm sad to report that it wasn't the case. I now realize that I have no interest in Ancient Greece, Gods, or Ben (the main character). This book was too involved in the inner workings of an archaeological dig site, using terminology that went over my head. I found that I did not care about Ben, his life, or his misery. The authors lack of quotation marks for dialogue turned me off and the pacing was slow. That being said, this book may still be interesting to someone who has an affinity for Ancient Greece. I feel bad that I didn't really enjoy this book, so I thought I would leave you with more positive thoughts of this novel.
“Resonant with classical myth, this is a rich, rewarding story of the outsider—the existential loner searching for his place in the world.”
— Daily Mail (London)
“[Hill’s] prose contains many vivid traces of his poetry. . . . Exquisite and arresting images. . . . Hill’s eye for detail is superb and he never confuses relevance with truth. . . . This is a wonderful novel: elegant yet savage, restrained yet full-throttled, illuminated by the sort of brilliance that leaves you short of breath.”
— Daily Telegraph (London)
Thank you to TLC for asking me to be a part of this book tour
** I was not comp
ensated for my review.Cute kitty courtesy of Caribou's Mom.
