William Dietrich (1) (1951–)

While The Rosetta Key lacked the novelty that I encountered with the previous Ethan Gage book, Napoleon's Pyramids, it is at least heartening to know that the first book wasn't a flash in the pan, and that it likely won't be a mistake for me to invest more time in the rest of the series. The novel is a great mix of Indiana Jones-style treasure hunting adventure in the early 19th century (well, 1799) and Sharpe-style historical fiction (I felt I learned a fair bit about Napoleon's campaign in show more Egypt, particularly the massacre at Jaffa and the siege of Acre), with a dash (alas, not enough) of Flashman-esque flair.

The story sometimes hits against its limiters with a bump (one or two story beats seem forced, as did the use of electricity in the final fight scene) and some of the content can't bear the load (the Astiza relationship was beginning to look a little played-out, and while I enjoyed it in Napoleon's Pyramids I'm glad it seems to end here). Nevertheless, it's more than capable in its writing, pace and characterisation and, when allied to some personal idiosyncrasies I can't help but fall for (I love treasure hunts, lost artefacts, hidden cities, as well as adventure fiction and anything that gives even a whiff of the peerless Flashman), I find myself enjoying every minute I've spent in Gage's company. It won't be for everyone, but I've found a series here that suits me to a tee. As a casual read, this hits the spot for me. show less

Nick Brynner is the school nerd, genuinely enjoying school work and a bit socially awkward. He and his mom are struggling financially, though, and if he wants to go to college, getting a scholarship would really help. With the help of a surprisingly long-term substitute teacher, Mr. Faunas, he sets to work on a research project for History Day.

As part of that project, he's going to visit an abandoned fort in Puget Sound, which has been off limits for almost a century. There are strange show more stories about people disappearing there, and mysterious forces, but that's ridiculous--isn't it?

Nick reaches the island, finds the remains of the fort, and after sketching a map of the place, investigates a staircase down into the ground, finds a locked door, finds the key...

He wakes up lying on the grass, and meets a girl, who introduces herself as Eleanor Terrell, and soon they are on an alien spaceship talking to a Xu, who has a little assignment for them. A game of sorts. The Xu think humans are too destructive, and Nick and Eleanor are going to be sent back to the time of our earliest human ancestors, genetic Adam & Eve, fifty thousand years ago. It will be up to them to decide if they deserve to be saved and the history we know preserved, or if there should be a Reset--the elimination of genetic Adam & Eve to allow another gene line, or even another species, to rule Earth.

Nick and Eleanor are both smart and thoughtful and, in their different ways, tough. Dietrich does a great job of showing us the African savanna fifty thousand years ago through Nick's eyes, and letting Nick really wrestle with the moral, practical, and personal issues raised by the challenge and threat of the Xu. I also find Dietrich's early homo sapiens plausible and interesting, though they may not be 100% accurate. (Our knowledge about them is advancing fast enough that it's quickly moving target.)

I'll further note, for those who notice such things, that yes, Dietrich does know that genetic Adam and genetic Eve weren't contemporaries; he's put them together for the sake of the story, and acknowledges that in an afterword.

All in all, this is a fun, interesting, and moderately thoughtful book. Recommended.

I received a free electronic galley of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. show less

Sometimes a book just fits you well and, as you read it, it carries all its minor flaws before it and makes them insignificant. Napoleon's Pyramids by William Dietrich was, for me, such a book – though it won't be that way for everyone.

My interest was piqued by the novel's resemblance to George MacDonald Fraser's Flashman novels, which hold probably the strongest claim to being my favourite books. And while Dietrich's protagonist Ethan Gage can't hold a candle to Harry Flashman (Dietrich show more does try, bless him, but doesn't have Fraser's genius or devilry), there's nothing wrong with a hearty imitator when you've already worn out your copies of the masters. Dietrich provides a game mix of exotic adventure, historical mischief and a sober heart that, if not filling the void left by the Flashman Papers, at least makes its yawning dimensions seem less forbidding. Napoleon's Pyramids was thoroughly enjoyable.

The book also satisfied one of my other regular cravings: treasure quests, lost artefacts and historical mysteries – even adding a bit of Indiana Jones-style dungeon-delving and puzzle-solving to really flutter its eyelids at me. Indeed, the protagonist Ethan Gage is more Robert Langdon than Harry Flashman, and I found myself impressed by the depth of thought and research Dietrich put into creating a plausible artefact mystery and treasure hunt around the Great Pyramid in Napoleon's time. I couldn't help but get carried along.

I realise this isn't a great or useful review, focusing as it does solely on my own predilections when it comes to casual fiction. Love of this book will be completely subjective: it is capably written, solidly plotted and with some winsome scenes of action and pathos, but in truth that assessment is only reassurance to a reader who is already interested in the book's makeup and wants to know if it's worth it. If you like those stellar, mischievous historical adventures à la Flashman, and/or the Indiana Jones/Da Vinci Code-style artefact-hunting and treasure-questing, Dietrich's novel is worth being on your list – and maybe even near the top. The other books in this series will soon be finding their way onto mine. show less

Dakota Cipher – Bringin' it Home, Norseman-style

The continuing adventures of Ethan Gage continue to impress and excite. After tackling Egyptian mysticism, ancient relics and secret societies connected with the Great Pyramid, Jerusalem and other historic sites in Napoleon's Pyramids and The Rosetta Key, I didn't think it possible for another sequel to be as exciting – especially one that took place in boring old America. But I was so wrong.

More than the simple enjoyment of spending time show more with old friends, like Jefferson, Naploeon, and Lewis and Clark, The Dakota Cipher brings it all home, managing to infuse the unexplored American frontier with the same mystery and exotic intrigue Dietrich worked into the previous Ethan Gage novels. This time, the Templars still make an indirect appearance, but it's all about the Vikings here, as Gage teams up with a Norseman on a quest to the American interior looking for the ancient Norse artifact, the hammer of Thor himself. Working from an actual historical basis, of Nordic rune stones discovered in Minnesota dating back to before the time of Columbus, The Dakota Cipher leads us on an adventure of discovery. And along the way we can expect even more of Gage's signature humor and wit, bad luck and womanizing that we've come to love. Thoroughly enjoyable, right through the electrifying conclusion. show less