The Alexandria Link

A Novel

By: Steve Berry

Narrated by: Scott Brick

Cotton Malone retired from the high-risk world of elite operatives for the U.S. State Department to lead the low-key life of a rare-book dealer. But his quiet existence is shattered when he receives an anonymous e-mail: " You have something I want. You're the only person on earth who knows where to find it. If I don't hear from you, you will be childless." His horrified ex-wife confirms that their teenage son has been kidnapped. When Malone's bookshop is burned to the ground, it becomes clear that those responsible will stop at nothing to get what they want: the lost library of Alexandria.

A cradle of historical, philosophical, literary, scientific, and religious ideas, the ancient library of Alexandria was unparalleled in the world. But 1,500 years ago, it vanished into the mists of myth and legend.

Now a cartel of wealthy international moguls is desperate to breach the library's hallowed halls, and only Malone possesses the information they need to succeed.

Pursued by a lethal mercenary, Malone crosses the globe in search of answers. His quest will lead him to England and Portugal, to the highest levels of the American government, and to a shattering outcome that will have worldwide repercussions.

©2007 Steve Berry (P)2007 Random House Inc.

Critic reviews

"Berry [makes] intriguing use of ancient history, and the action certainly zooms along." (Booklist)

Better than Templar

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes. Berry moves the action along by covering three duos before coming together at the end.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Alexandria Link?

George Hadad resurfacing.

What about Scott Brick’s performance did you like?

Average

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Murder for knowledge

Fun, thrilling and definitely worth the credit!

What made the experience of listening to The Alexandria Link the most enjoyable?

Scott Brick's rendition of Malone's ex wife Pam ;)

What did you like best about this story?

Without wanting to give away too many spoilers - I just loved the whole sub-plot playing out between Malone and his ex wife. It really added humor and levity to a great suspense novel.

Which scene was your favorite?

Without a doubt: The scene on the ground on the Sinai peninsula. Before the parachute comes off. Listeners will have no doubt what I am talking about when they reach that point!

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Yes, the scene in Hadad's appartment at the beginning of the book. I won't say too much, as it would be a spoiler.

Any additional comments?

Though this is the second book in the series, this was the first Malone novel I discovered years ago in an airport on my way on vacation. It founded my love of the series, and as such I am sure some of my fondness for this particular story is somewhat related to that. That said, it remains one of my favorite Malone stories, and I found its plot resolution very satisfying on all levels. It made me want to read (and now listen to) more!

great story...but disappointing

This is such a good story, and SO well written, it is easy to get lost in it. I was REALLLY disappointed in the end though. I wish Steve Berry would not have written what I see as a complete "cop out". too bad.

Great Sequel

Very much enjoy Steve Berry's novels. Love the integration of fact and fiction. Novel is fast passed with lots of twists and turns. At the end of part 2 there is an interview with Steve Berry about the book and also a section discussing which places/events/people were real and which were fictional. Great Book!

Disappointing. I lost much of my respect for Berry

What did you like best about The Alexandria Link? What did you like least?

Great character development, intrigue and suspense. Typical Berry style that I have always loved. Well researched- to a point. However, much of what is treated as fact with regard to the integrity of the Bible is far from what most theologians would be able to stomach. Libraries of well- documented sources were completely ignored. And too much credence placed on an obscure author from whom Berry built much of the storyline. Instead of being enjoyable, it was a tedious read.I'm not sure that I will waste time or money on another Steve Berry book after this one.

What could Steve Berry have done to make this a more enjoyable book for you?

The story would have been more believable if he had stayed closer to fact. The nonsense about the disconnect of the scriptures from the truth was too much to handle.

What about Scott Brick’s performance did you like?

Absolutely great.

Do you think The Alexandria Link needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

No. Let it die.

E Book Hooked

I have listened to five of Steve Berry's books, unfortunately I didn't find this one up to the level of the others. Scott has a sound reading performance, but the material was not as good as lets say the Paris Vendetta or my favorite the Charlemagne Pursuit. If this is your first book by Steve, I'd start with another.

Fun historical thriller

The book and performance are wonderful. Author style reminds me of James Rollins. Only negative is the chapter divisions in the audiobook seem randomly placed and are far fewer in number than the book (maybe there’s some limit for chapter breaks from the CD era?).

Entertaining

These are my types of novels and I highly enjoyed it but I think it kind of dragged out towards the end but because the history and context of the book I will still give it 4 stars and not 3.

Really Good Listen

I am truly a Steve Berry fan and love the fact that his books are so full of interesting facts and fiction. He seems to research the daylights out of everything and it pays off. Lots of twists and turns, high voltage action, wonderful characters, and a terrific main character, Cotton Malone. Make sure you listen to the very end for the author's notes..........very interesting! Very good listen especially with Scott Brick as the performer.

Worth the credit.

Interesting, suspenseful, outstanding narration, relevant to current events

Incorporates a topic I was not very knowledgeable about with a geopolitical matter that remains relevant years after the book was published. I found there was the right amount of explanation for the historical context to make sense of the plot but not too much to feel like a textbook or non-fiction. Compared to his first book in the series, was also able to learn more about Cotton’s personal life. Although the Knight’s Templar introduces some of the characters, it’s not necessary to have read the Knight’s Templar to be able to follow, in my opinion. The author very cleverly weaved through the complex web of players without without wasting time with excessive dialogue or losing me along the way. Overall, would highly recommend this book. Finished it in about 10 days and look forward to reading his next thriller in the series!