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roseleaf24's review against another edition
4.0
I enjoyed the plot and the continuing storylines. I overall liked the characters and their growth a lot, too, but I was disappointed in Jumana's character. She seemed both inconsistent and flat.
carlacbarroso's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.0
spevensie's review
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
showell's review against another edition
4.0
Again, using this book as a stand-in for the entire series of Amelia Peabody mysteries. Elizabeth Peters was my companion of choice in 2005-2006 for airplane trips. If you want to read a lot of brain candy while pretending you're doing something literary, read the Amelia Peabody mysteries in the order in which Peters wrote them. Peters develops a lot as a writer over the course of writing these novels, and it's fascinating to watch her gain mastery over the craft. The first books can be grim reading at points, but the later novels are much smoother reads.
reemeyer's review
4.0
In a reading rut, so I went back to check in on Amelia Peabody, Emerson, Ramses and Nefret. This series is comfort food for me (after finishing this one, I went back and re-listened to the first book for the third time.)
This was the twistiest story yet, told in three parts with three separate mysteries, almost could have been three separate books (the first two mysteries at least.) I really enjoy the spy/WWI elements and the way old nemeses come back in new and surprising ways.
This was the twistiest story yet, told in three parts with three separate mysteries, almost could have been three separate books (the first two mysteries at least.) I really enjoy the spy/WWI elements and the way old nemeses come back in new and surprising ways.
seshat59's review against another edition
3.0
The Golden One is the first weak book in this series (in publication order). There are bright spots, but overall, the book suffers. It is divided into three disparate and very disjointed parts. Now it is an Amelia P. Emerson and family novel, and for that, there is always joy in the old characters and (some) new.
The year 1917 has just begun, and the Emersons are relocating to Egypt permanently until the Great War finally, if ever, ends, as unrestricted submarine warfare increasingly threatens civilian ships. Nefret continues to live in fear of Ramses taking on another undercover intelligence assignment, especially as the War drags on and innocents continue to suffer. How can Ramsss resist being drawn back in under those circumstances? But he does... until family obligations inexorably draw him to the hotbed that is Gaza. Where is Sethos, and has he gone rogue? Naturally, Amelia and Emerson can’t permit Ramses to go spying on his own, and they arrange to follow him, with Nefret of course. This all occurs in the Second Book, and it’s the strongest, most engaging part of the book. Blunders abound, and the Emersons bring their usual pluck and humor to the Great Game. Naturally, Sethos does show up, and his parts — as always — shine.
Books One and Three, alas, are the weak points. Jamil, party to the villain from Lord of the Silent is back, and he is probably the most uninspiring and ineffectual villain the Emersons have ever faced. He’s easily dealt with, leading into Book Two, and Book Three is all about Cyrus and a few tomb robbers.
Character-wise, Cyrus’s stepson Bertie is back and recovered from his appearance in the last book. He’s quite enjoyable, unlike Jumana, who I found annoying as anything. Amelia and Emerson continue as indomitable as ever, with no hint of age slowing them down.
The title of course references the Egyptian goddess Hathor, and I continue to enjoy how Peters has aligned all her characters with deities from the Egyptian pantheon over the course of various books. This is Nefret’s turn, and the blurb’s “secret” is easy to deduce but fun to follow.
So, overall, for a MPM book, it’s rather a blah read which means there are some amusing points, enjoyable time spent with characters but nothing to compare to earlier novels. But not every season’s adventure can be as riotous as others, I suppose.
Also, this has to be my least favorite first edition cover. So uninspiring.
The year 1917 has just begun, and the Emersons are relocating to Egypt permanently until the Great War finally, if ever, ends, as unrestricted submarine warfare increasingly threatens civilian ships. Nefret continues to live in fear of Ramses taking on another undercover intelligence assignment, especially as the War drags on and innocents continue to suffer. How can Ramsss resist being drawn back in under those circumstances? But he does... until family obligations inexorably draw him to the hotbed that is Gaza. Where is Sethos, and has he gone rogue? Naturally, Amelia and Emerson can’t permit Ramses to go spying on his own, and they arrange to follow him, with Nefret of course. This all occurs in the Second Book, and it’s the strongest, most engaging part of the book. Blunders abound, and the Emersons bring their usual pluck and humor to the Great Game. Naturally, Sethos does show up, and his parts — as always — shine.
Books One and Three, alas, are the weak points. Jamil, party to the villain from Lord of the Silent is back, and he is probably the most uninspiring and ineffectual villain the Emersons have ever faced. He’s easily dealt with, leading into Book Two, and Book Three is all about Cyrus and a few tomb robbers.
Character-wise, Cyrus’s stepson Bertie is back and recovered from his appearance in the last book. He’s quite enjoyable, unlike Jumana, who I found annoying as anything. Amelia and Emerson continue as indomitable as ever, with no hint of age slowing them down.
The title of course references the Egyptian goddess Hathor, and I continue to enjoy how Peters has aligned all her characters with deities from the Egyptian pantheon over the course of various books. This is Nefret’s turn, and the blurb’s “secret” is easy to deduce but fun to follow.
So, overall, for a MPM book, it’s rather a blah read which means there are some amusing points, enjoyable time spent with characters but nothing to compare to earlier novels. But not every season’s adventure can be as riotous as others, I suppose.
Also, this has to be my least favorite first edition cover. So uninspiring.
twowhoodles's review
4.0
Re read 2023 via audiobook. Really enjoyed how complex things are getting for everyone!
megancmahon's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
This may be another of my favourite Peabodys. It's got it all: fascinating archaeological discoveries, spying in the Middle East, Sethos. And some GREAT character movement - Sethos spends time with his family, Nefret gets pregnant!! And the next book is set up SO well.