The Covenant of Genesis: A Novel (Nina Wilde and Eddie Chase)

It doesn't take long once you begin an Andy McDermott novel before the action starts--and once in motion, as we all remember from science--an object in motion tends to STAY in motion...and in the capable hands of Mr. McDermott, it RARELY lets up...EVER. The only author I can think of that stacks up favorably action-wise is Matthew Reilly--and believe me when I say a Reilly novel packs in more action in 100 pages than you'll find in ALL of Mr. McDermott's books COMBINED...but that's a debate for another review (but its TRUE). Long story short: you'll find a LOT of Indiana Jones-type adventure and action within the pages of anything by Andy McDermott. Some criticise these books because they follow a 'pattern' or 'formula'...which it DOES, almost to a fault--almost. I am perfectly fine with formulaic novels, really I am. Clive Cussler has followed that plan for 40 years to absolutely amazing success, and he isn't the only author to do so--nor will he be the last. One may wonder why it is that the main characters, Nina and Eddie manage to pretty much ALWAYS be dead-center of some near international incident which in some way or another will (eventually) change events as we know it for almost all citizens of planet earth--but thats what happens, book after entertaining book. Again, if you are put off by novels that utilize formula's, you may wanna give this one a pass...otherwise, sit back and buckle-in for a thrillfest that is nothing if not FUN. Right off the coast of Indonesia, an amazing discovery is made: evidence of a civilization that pre-dates ANY previous known culture by as much as 100,000 YEARS. Big news indeed. Funny thing about Nina and her discoveries, they seem to almost ALWAYS be known in advance by SOME shadow organization, group or individual--who as part of the 'formula' that continues here, wants to keep the discovery either for themselves or out of the hands of ANYONE else entirely. While I am not a globe-trotting individual, thanks to Andy McDermott, I certainly feel like I am as each of his books takes us to amazing locations. From the hottest desert to the coldest frozen areas of the earth, one thing you cannot say about these novels: they don't sit quietly, nor do they play well with others. I cite as an example the expenditure of ammunition, 'nuff said. While we can to some degree predict what will happen next, we don't necessarily know the full details about what that twist will take (read and you'll understand). Why is it this group wants to keep Nina's incredible discovery not just secret, but erased from existence? Finding out what each 'secret' happens to be is all part of the action-oriented journey we get to undertake alongside Nina & Eddie. The humor exhibited by Eddie--sometimes during extreme firefights--reminds me of Schwarzenegger's short quips during his acting days. Some may be put off by this show of inappropriate humor, but personally I LOVE it...it reminds me of, well, me. NOT that I find myself in even r

Following the dangerous escapades of their search for The Secret of Excalibur, archeologists Nina Wilde and Eddie Chase are engaged. However, though they should be euphoric, Nina is despondent. She made a major discovery that would have changed our knowledge of history only to be attacked with her crew murdered and the artifact lost. Heartbroken, she also is suspended from her position at the U.N.`s International Heritage Agency while a rival was named director. At the same time that the Covenant of Genesis wants a certain artifact destroyed, Eddie travels to Guantomino Bay to pick up the remains of his late former wife Sophia, who was incarcerated there following The Tomb of Hercules adventures. In spite of their troubles compounded by President Dalton, they find clues to a discovery of biblical magnitude. So once again throwing caution to the wind and eluding assassins, Eddie and Nina begin their latest quest. As always over the top but entertaining fun as the lead couple seek a special artifact while being chased by the title goons. Fast-paced even when Nina is under investigation for her activity and Eddie is in Gitmo, fans will relish the run through the Outback, the U.N., and a seeming zillion points in between as killers chase the wild pair around the globe. Harriet Klausner

For those who are wondering whether or not to get this book from the UK (since as of this review it's not available in the US), it is worth the time & money to get it from eBay or from a source of your choosing. While I will admit that I didn't enjoy this as much as I did the previous ones, it's still well worth buying. And again, it'd make for one heck of a movie or tv show. This volume finds Nina in some hot water. Not only was she attacked at the scene of another huge discovery, but all of the evidence from the scene was seemingly destroyed. She was also hoping to become the director of her group but has discovered that one of her biggest rivals has been given the position instead. Now she's been suspended without pay as she faces an inquiry into her past actions. Meanwhile Eddie has to go to Guantanamo Bay (where his ex-Sophia was jailed shortly after the events in `The Tomb of Hercules') & collect his now deceased wife's belongings. After the discovery of a memory card containing the only remaining clues to another undiscovered treasure, Nina & Eddie figure that they've got nothing to lose. All things considered, a lot goes on in this book. Not only do you have the reemergence of a threat, but you also have President Dalton beginning his attempts to get the revenge that he'd promised previously in the series. On top of all of that, the historical treasure du jour promises to be something of biblical proportions. All in all, it should make for a spectacular read. I just didn't get into this one as much as I did the previous ones for some reason. I'm starting to think that it might be partially because this is pretty much the same formula as the previous novels. Luckily a bit of the dynamic is changing. I liked that Nina is actually starting to be called out on some of her actions in the previous books via her rival & throughout the book. Yes, Nina is the good guy, but she also causes quite a bit of collateral damage in the form of coworker deaths. At some point over four books it kind of needs to be addressed in some form since it is such a change from her initial state. This book had a very transitional feel to it- I have a feeling that I'll find some things being different in the next book because of the events in this one- and those changes will make for an interesting new direction! Bottom line- I really liked this book. It's not the strongest of McDermott's books so far, but it's still highly enjoyable. If you've liked his previous books, you'll like this one. I just recommend that any new readers start from the beginning as this book finds many previous plot lines coming to fruition.

I really liked this book. It is #4 in the series and i must admit that i loved the other three better than this one, but i think i expected too much as Excalabar (book #3) was amazing!!! You don't need to read the others to understand this one, but i recomend that you do. Alantas and Excalabar are my fav's!

I find his writing a little to actiony at times but I really liked this book just like all the rest and look forward to his next one.