The Tomb of Hercules: A Novel [Mass Market Paperback]

Andy McDermott (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 27, 2009

AN ANCIENT WARRIOR.
AN INCREDIBLE TREASURE.
A LETHAL ENEMY.

It’s the opportunity of a lifetime–the chance to prove that a tomb containing the remains of the legendary hero Hercules actually exists. If American archaeologist Nina Wilde can locate it, it will be the most important historical find ever unearthed. But as Nina and her ex-SAS bodyguard, Eddie Chase, begin their search, it’s clear that others want to find the tomb–and the unimaginable riches within–and will do anything to get there first.

Who will find the tomb of Hercules first, and what fantastic treasure does it hold? From New York to Shanghai, from Switzerland to the diamond mines of Botswana, Nina and Eddie must stay one step ahead of their enemies in a race to solve a mystery as ancient as civilization itself. But when a beautiful woman from Eddie’s past joins the hunt, all the rules change–and in this life-and-death game, their next move may be the most dangerous one of all.

Editorial Reviews

Review

“Adventure stories don’t get much more epic than this!”—Daily Mirror, UK

About the Author

Andy McDermott is a former journalist and movie critic who now writes novels full time following the international success of his debut thriller, The Hunt For Atlantis, which has been sold around the world in over 20 languages to date. He lives in Bournemouth, England.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 512 pages
• Publisher: Bantam; Original edition (October 27, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0553592947
• ISBN-13: 978-0553592948
• Product Dimensions: 4.2 x 1.1 x 6.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (29 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #306,650 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Andy McDermott is the New York Times bestselling author of the Nina Wilde/Eddie Chase series of adventure thrillers, which have been sold in over 30 countries and 20 languages. To date, he has had seven hit novels published in his native UK, with an eighth due out in 2012. His first novel, The Hunt For Atlantis, was published in the US in September 2009, where it became his first of several New York Times bestsellers. It was followed by The Tomb Of Hercules, The Secret Of Excalibur and The Covenant Of Genesis. The Pyramid Of Doom (published internationally under the title The Cult Of Osiris) went on sale in the US and Canada in October 2010, followed by The Sacred Vault in 2011. His next book, Empire Of Gold, will be published in North America in September 2011.

Andy's novels have received critical acclaim for their epic globetrotting scope and non-stop thrills, described as "pulse-racing adventure" (Northern Echo) with action scenes that "explode off the page" (Daily Express), while Andy himself has been called "a new master of the genre" (Le Figaro) and "a writer of rare cinematic talent" (Daily Express).

A former journalist and movie critic, Andy was the editor of respected UK magazines like DVD Review and the iconoclastic film publication Hotdog. He is now a full-time author. Born in Halifax, England, he now lives in Bournemouth, England, where he is working on his ninth novel.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Where's the story?, January 19, 2009

By 

Simon Fuller - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Tomb of Hercules (Nina Wilde/Eddie Chase 2) (Paperback)

First thing I would like to say is that I loved hunt for atlantis. This book has more action but no story. Are they meant to be finding the tomb of Hercules? The actual search won't start until about 150 pages remain in this book. The first 400 pages is simply one action scene attached to another with a few pages in the middle to join them together. I love books with heaps of action but their needs to be a point to the action. I thought Chase was acting like a fool and I did not like him as much in this one. It is still a great read, and what you would expect but after reading the first one, I expected a little more. Can't wait for his next on though.

15 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Beach or holiday read, January 4, 2009

By 

N. Brett (Wiltshire, England) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Tomb of Hercules (Hardcover)

Well, lovers of Clive Cussler and Matthew Reilly will enjoy this, but I have to confess I am no longer a fan of either author. But this is less over the top then Reilly while having the same non stop action style, which is ideal if you want something fast paced that you don't need to think about.
Mainly an action novel with a high body count and lots of swearing, with a slight bit of romance as the two lead characters, Nina (smart beautiful archaeologist) and Eddie (wise cracking ex SAS) have one or two problems with their relationship.
Mindless but fun in it's own way, ideal for a holiday where you want something not taxing!

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars More like 4-and-a-half stars...nice follow-up to Atlantis, November 4, 2009

By 

Jeff Edwards "RadioJeff" (Twin Falls, Idaho) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: The Tomb of Hercules: A Novel (Mass Market Paperback)

I had heard for several months the comparison between Andy McDermott and Matthew Reilly--who is, in MY humble opinion the absolute KING of action/adventure novels. So after initially not being able to obtain any books due to them being available mostly overseas, they finally showed up locally and I took the plunge. While I still say that Reilly is the clear winner when it comes to sheer kinetic energy within the pages of ANY novel, Andy certainly is in a respectable 2nd place. Let me be clear: if you think Andy McDermott has plenty of action, then you obviously haven't read Reilly (and I encourage you to do so if that is the case).

Now...The Hunt For Atlantis was a VERY fun debut by an obviously talented and creative adventure author. In particular I enjoyed the mixture of comic relief in the middle of tense situations (provided mainly by Eddie, of course). I Was wondering after finishing Atlantis whether or not Andy could repeat that success or be stuck in a sophomore slump as many authors tend to get. While 'Hurcules' isn't quite as all-out compelling as the first book, I found the entertainment factor to be ratcheted just as high--along with plenty of action.

Some people have aversions to such adventure-drenched novels that feature mythic storylines...but I am NOT one of those people, thankfully. As a fan of Matthew Reilly, I think it rather obvious that the reality of our heroes escapes by razor-thin margins is not my yardstick for measuring if I like a book or not. As long as the author isn't trying to pass off some of the more outrageous types of actions scenes as 'based on fact', I honestly don't care how real or not it may be...I tend to be more concerned with whether or not I am entertained during the whole process, and with Andy McDermott, let me assure you I WAS.

Let me also say that I really enjoyed how Nina and Eddie played off one another. It was plainly obvious at the end of Atlantis that they were becoming more than just friends, and in Hercules that becomes even more so. The snarky attitude of Eddie in the heat of battle and facing impossible odds never ceases to put a smile on my face...enough so that I genuinely look forward to the next Nina & Eddie adventure, which have been available overseas for a long time now, but not in the states--at least not yet. I will be first in line when they do, I promise.

In short, Andy McDermott has quickly become another addition to my "Must Read" list, and while that may not mean anything to you, it certainly means something to me. Kudos Andy...now do something to get those other books available F-A-S-T-E-R, please!