- Title: The Emerald Tablet
- Series: Legends of Amun Ra, Book 1
- Author: Joshua Silverman
- Format: Paperback 408 pages
- Publisher: Enchanted Forest Press
- Published: September 13, 2012
- Genre: Sci-fi, History, Mythology
- ISBN 13: 978-0985207038
- ISBN 10: 0985207035
- Source: Gifted for Review
- Buy: The Book Depository|Amazon|Kindle
In an apple core (The Bookworm’s version of a nutshell)
A mix of Egyptian and Greek mythology brings about a colourful landscape coupled with interesting characters who are not what they seem. An adventurous ride through history and fantasy.
Summary
Leoros doesn't have many friends. As the son of a scientist and
archeologist, he is constantly on the move.
But when his parents
make
a startling discovery in Egypt, his world is turned upside down.
Do you wish you could have the power of a god? Would you use it
for good or for evil?
When an archaeologist discovers the mythic Emerald Tablet buried beneath
Egypt’s desert, her son decodes the ancient text leading him to a distant
world.
On that world, a slave girl begins a journey
towards a destiny she cannot imagine. But when an ancient foe rises from
the ashes, they will be brought together by forces neither understands.
Leoros, who dreams of being like the heroes in the comic books, must
fight to unlock the secrets of the universe to save a people he never
knew existed.
Atlantia, whose bloody visions wake her in the night,
senses the darkness coming.
Together they will face an enemy with the
power of dark energy, lose a mentor to the assassin's blade, and be
betrayed by someone they trust. Their fight for the future is just
beginning, and before it is over, a final sacrifice must be made. When
the darkness comes, will they stand and fight or will they join it?
There is darkness in everyone.
My Thoughts
It seems like there have been a lot of mythology books and movies in the market recently. And The Emerald Tablet is but a new addition to that growing list. The Emerald Tablet is like reading a combination of the Percy Jackson series, Harry Potter and even parts of The Mummy movies all rolled into one but with a twist. It was interesting how the author added his own interests in comic books into the book. His research of the Greek and Egyptian myths is so extensive that sometimes he piles on too much information at certain parts of the book. Those bits made the reading process slower as you try to take in all the history involved.
I found the cities interesting and fresh but lacking in substance and would have liked more depth and time to explore them. The only area that was properly developed was the Temple of Amun, which was truly a fantasy to live in. Being a story about Greek mythology, we are taken into the clouds and the world beyond. Those scenes were realistic and lovingly created.
One of the strengths of this book lies in its characters, from the first turn of the page we are introduced to one of them, exactly who I cannot tell you for the sake of not spoiling the secret. The Emerald Tablet is full of complex characters and each battle with who they really are inside. All the characters are unique in their own way and really represent the thin balance between good and bad. The book touches on slavery and equality and how just having someone who has faith in you can make you so much stronger as a person.
Everything is a matter of perspective.
Unfortunately, I think that this book would have been stronger had it been edited better. Besides a number of various errors, some parts of the book did not flow smoothly for me. As someone who reads books practically word for word, I spotted quite a few too many errors for me to properly enjoy the book. There was quite a bit of repetition in the book as well, which to me was unnecessary as anyone reading the book would already know what was going on.
The ending was a bit of an anti-climax with the characters facing uncertain futures. While I do believe that the author intends on bringing back some of the characters somehow, the way it was done fell short for me, leaving me wanting a glimpse of hope of their survival. A more dramatic ending would have been nicer but it seemed like the author just wanted to leave the story with a proper ending. It felt like this could actually be taken as a stand-alone book rather than it having a major cliffhanger which I prefer in a long book series.
This book series could be a potential big budget mythological book-to-movie blockbuster that needs to have a few corners ironed out and some bits reinforced, but is almost there. I hope the author makes the rest of the series more concise and it could become quite a hit.
Give Joshua Silverman a Buzz
WARNING: There are some consensual sex scenes in this book along with some brutal torture. Parental guidance is advised.
Disclosure: I was sent the book for review but was not compensated financially or otherwise. Everything mentioned are my
own thoughts based on my experience.
