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holl3640's review
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
1outside's review against another edition
5.0
The band of our favourite archaeologists is growing ever so bigger...and what a delight it is!
laurenjodi's review against another edition
3.0
The Hippopotamus Pool
3.5 Stars
The Emersons return to Egypt, this time with their son, Ramses, and ward, Nefret, in tow. A strange visit from a man claiming to know the whereabouts of an undiscovered royal tomb exposes the daring duo, their family and friends to various threats - jealous colleagues, nefarious criminals, and intrepid reporters. Will they survive the attacks, kidnappings and shenanigans to find Queen Tetisheri's tomb?
Series not: While each mystery in the series is a standalone, there are numerous recurring characters as well as references to people and events from previous installments as well as one or two ongoing story arcs. Thus, the books should be read in order.
As always, Elizabeth Peters's knowledge of ancient Egyptian history and mythology is unsurpassed, and it is a joy to learn of the details both large and small that she provides throughout the narrative. Moreover, the subtle contrast between the majesty of the Pharaohs lives (and deaths) and the suffering of everyday Egyptians during the Colonial setting of the series is impossible to ignore.
In terms of the characters, it is always amusing to watch Emerson and Peabody's interactions, and this time there is also the compelling character development for Ramses and Nefret, whose sibling rivalry provides interesting insight into their relationship. There are also appearances by Evelyn and Walter, the ever-faithful Reis, Abdullah, Cyrus Vandergelt, and the annoying yet rather helpful Kevin O'Connell amongst many others.
Once again, the mystery is the weakest element. There is just so much going on that it is difficult to keep track of all the parties involved and their differing/conflicting agendas. Nevertheless, the last few chapters are intense and exciting as all the plot points ultimately converge.
Overall, this is an entertaining series well worth the read for the characters despite the lackluster mysteries.
3.5 Stars
The Emersons return to Egypt, this time with their son, Ramses, and ward, Nefret, in tow. A strange visit from a man claiming to know the whereabouts of an undiscovered royal tomb exposes the daring duo, their family and friends to various threats - jealous colleagues, nefarious criminals, and intrepid reporters. Will they survive the attacks, kidnappings and shenanigans to find Queen Tetisheri's tomb?
Series not: While each mystery in the series is a standalone, there are numerous recurring characters as well as references to people and events from previous installments as well as one or two ongoing story arcs. Thus, the books should be read in order.
As always, Elizabeth Peters's knowledge of ancient Egyptian history and mythology is unsurpassed, and it is a joy to learn of the details both large and small that she provides throughout the narrative. Moreover, the subtle contrast between the majesty of the Pharaohs lives (and deaths) and the suffering of everyday Egyptians during the Colonial setting of the series is impossible to ignore.
In terms of the characters, it is always amusing to watch Emerson and Peabody's interactions, and this time there is also the compelling character development for Ramses and Nefret, whose sibling rivalry provides interesting insight into their relationship. There are also appearances by Evelyn and Walter, the ever-faithful Reis, Abdullah, Cyrus Vandergelt, and the annoying yet rather helpful Kevin O'Connell amongst many others.
Once again, the mystery is the weakest element. There is just so much going on that it is difficult to keep track of all the parties involved and their differing/conflicting agendas. Nevertheless, the last few chapters are intense and exciting as all the plot points ultimately converge.
Overall, this is an entertaining series well worth the read for the characters despite the lackluster mysteries.
gooberdawn's review against another edition
5.0
The characters in Elizabeth Peters books are just wonderful. Each character has a tenacious and colorful personality which adds true vigor & vitality to each & every story by this author. LOVE THEM. If you like Indiana Jones, you will LOVE these books.
matteo_of_eld's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
informative
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
ewil6681's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
virginiacjacobs's review against another edition
3.0
This book was typical Amelia Peabody. I've read enough of the series that the formula is beginning to get old for me. Nonetheless, this book was as well-written, delightful, and entertaining as one would expect from Elizabeth Peters.
redhairedashreads's review against another edition
3.0
3 stars - I liked it
Amelia and Emerson return to Egypt with Ramses and Nefret in tow for another year of excavating. This time to find an undisturbed royal tomb that is irresistible to tomb robbers and thieves.
This was another enjoyable adventure in Egypt with Amelia and her family. Like always, I really like Amelia and Emerson. These two are true partners and really love each other. I love seeing Emerson show his love for Amelia and try to protect her, but also allowing her to do her own thing. He truly is a great partner for her and a great father as well.
While I still find Ramses and Nefret a bit annoying, I did find them much better in this one. They are smart children and scrappy when necessary, which we see in this one, but are finally growing up some and starting to develop more of a personality. My favorite part of this book though was the return of Walter and Evelyn. These two have not been to Egypt since the first book when they meet, and it was great seeing them respark their careers in the field and repair their marriage.
The mystery in this one was enjoyable. I liked seeing Amelia and Emerson follow the clues to their assailants and enjoyed the archeology along the way. The tomb in this one was very interesting and was probably modeled off the tomb of Tutankhamun with the amount of grave goods that was in it. I did enjoy seeing Emerson being firm in his process in preserving and documenting his finds and how grumpy he gets when people try to rush him. I love seeing a dedication to preservation.
Overall, this was enjoyable. I look forward to seeing what shenanigans Amelia and her family get into next time.
Trigger Warnings: unexpected death of a child; grief; colonization; child abuse; kidnapping of a child;
issyjanejane's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0