Guardian of the horizon
Ratings6
Average rating4.2
15
Ratings6
Average rating4.2
A hitherto lost journal of the indomitable Amelia Peabody has been miraculously recovered: a chronicle from one of the "missing years" -- 1907-1908 -- shedding new light on an already exceptional career, a remarkable family . . . and an unexpected terror.Ousted from their most recent archaeological dig and banned forever from the Valley of the Kings, the Emersons are spending a quiet summer at home in Kent, England, when a mysterious messenger arrives. Claiming to be the teenage brother of their dear friend Tarek, prince of the mysterious Lost Oasis, the charismatic herald brings troubling news of a strange malady that has struck down Tarek's heir and conveys his brother's urgent need for help only the Emersons can provide.Driven by loyalty -- and a fear that the evil forces opposing Tarek's rule will now exploit the royal heir's grave illness -- the family sets off in secret for the land time forgot -- a mountain fortress from which they narrowly escaped ten years before. Braving the treacherous desert climate on a trek fraught with danger at every turning, guided only by a crumbling map, the Emersons are unaware that deception is leading them onward into a nest of vipers -- where a dreadful fate may await. For young Ramses, forced to keep his growing love for the beautiful Nefret secret, temptation along the way may prove his ultimate undoing. And a dark past and grim obligation have ensnared Nefret once again, as she is helpless to save those she loves most from the prison of the Lost Oasis.Guardian of the Horizon is rich with suspense, surprises, unforgettable characters, and the intoxicating atmosphere that has earned its author the coveted title of Grand Master two times over. The remarkable Elizabeth Peters proves once again that, in the world of historical adventure fiction, she is truly without peer.
Reviews with the most likes.
This was a follow up to The Last Camel Died at Noon and went back in time quite a few years. I liked it better than the first one at the Oasis, mostly because it required less explanation, and because of all the action and suspense.
However, it was tough having to return to angsty Ramses making melodramatic statements and decisions. I genuinely cannot understand how he could claim to be madly in love with Nefret on one hand, then sleep with another woman and claim to be in love with her too, all the while Nefret has been kidnapped, held against her will, and brainwashed. Obviously I know they end up together, since I am reading them in order of publication. But, why does he think Nefret could never love him? I have a theory about why all of that had to happen plot-wise, but we'll see.
Other than that, it was enjoyable. I particularly liked Sethos's appearance, though, as usual, it left me wanting more. Especially since this is before he becomes part of the family. And learning more about Nefret being torn between two worlds was a highlight. It should have taken center stage.
Featured Series
19 primary booksAmelia Peabody is a 19-book series with 19 primary works first released in 1975 with contributions by Elizabeth Peters and Joan Hess.
