The Emerald Tablet by Meghan Wilson-Anastasios
Macmillan Australia, 2019. ISBN: 9781760552633. paperback, 401pgs.
(Age: 16+) Oh what an action packed adventure from start to finish!
I loved how I was taken on a journey through the adventures of the
two main characters, Essie and Dr. Benedict Hitchens. This was one
novel I really enjoyed reading. If you like historical fiction with
an archaeological feel, Meaghan Wilson Anastasios brings her second
novel in the Dr. Benedict Hitchens' series alive with a treasure
hunt for The Emerald Tablet. Wherever Benedict and Essie go,
danger follows them. This kept me reading into the late hours. I
found that there was an Indiana Jones or Lara Croft feel while
reading this adventure.
Anastasios takes us to the Suez Canal in 1956. The world is on the
brink of a nuclear war while also at the same time Benedict and
Essie are on a race against each other and other parties, on who
will to locate and unearth the secrets of The Emerald Tablet. If the
Tablet falls into the wrong hands it could mean the annihilation of
humankind. I was kept guessing on who the other parties were working
for: Nazis, Russians or villains that wanted to control the world.
And yes, the Tablet is a real artefact that I googled once I
finished reading.
I liked how both characters past kept coming up along the way to
haunt both and which made me understand who they were. I want to
learn more about them both and now am interested to read the first
book in the series. Throughout the book you could see how
Anastasios' knowledge as an archaeologist and working in
Mediterranean and Middle East made this novel come alive as she took
me on a journey through Turkey, Egypt, Israel and parts of Europe.
Oh, I nearly forgot. If I ever see the main villain Garve in real
life, I'm running. I do warn that there are few graphic sexual
activities mentioned. One of the main reasons I would say 16+ age
group.
If you are looking for a book with drama, action, history, love,
loss and greed, then I recommend this novel. I am so looking forward
to the next book in the series.
Maria Komninos