Helpful Score: 2
I am not a Patterson fan. Ive started reading a handful of his books hoping to find one that would make his popularity make sense to me. I usually only make it a few chapters before the writing style completely turns off my brain. To date I have only finished two of his books, both received 2-stars from me. That being said, I was beyond excited when I heard this book was coming out. I, like many, am fascinated by ancient Egypt, particularly King Tut and the discovery of his tomb by Howard Carter. Since I have such passion for the subject matter, I figured even Pattersons annoying writing style couldnt get in the way of my enjoyment.
Strike one
A Nonfiction Thriller. It says so right on the books cover. How is a fictionalized account of the alleged murder of King Tut non-fiction? It isnt. Its Historical Fiction and should have been labeled as such. Im really upset with Hachette Book Group for allowing that. Its misleading and straight up inaccurate.
Strike two
I wouldnt mind the novel jumping around in time if it had been well- written. The very beginning with Patterson talking to his editor, though, was enough to put me off. Hello? Ego much?
Written in three parts: present day James Patterson and Martin Dugard research the Boy King. Really? Do I really need to witness the creative process of James Patterson? And where is a bibliography listing the supposed research? Any non-fiction account worth its salt would at least site a few sources. Howard Carters discovery of the tomb The story of Howard Carter and how he came to discover the most famous tomb ever. King Tut A fictionalized (sorry, a nonfictionalized thrilling) account of Ancient Egypt and King Tut.
Strike Three
Juvenile writing. I would have considered this simple writing in sixth grade. I cannot figure out why so many people like it. Take your 2-pages per chapter, 100 chapter simpleton ass and stop using co-writers to write your 1000 books a year.
Conclusion
Was King Tut murdered? Who knows.
Strike one
A Nonfiction Thriller. It says so right on the books cover. How is a fictionalized account of the alleged murder of King Tut non-fiction? It isnt. Its Historical Fiction and should have been labeled as such. Im really upset with Hachette Book Group for allowing that. Its misleading and straight up inaccurate.
Strike two
I wouldnt mind the novel jumping around in time if it had been well- written. The very beginning with Patterson talking to his editor, though, was enough to put me off. Hello? Ego much?
Written in three parts: present day James Patterson and Martin Dugard research the Boy King. Really? Do I really need to witness the creative process of James Patterson? And where is a bibliography listing the supposed research? Any non-fiction account worth its salt would at least site a few sources. Howard Carters discovery of the tomb The story of Howard Carter and how he came to discover the most famous tomb ever. King Tut A fictionalized (sorry, a nonfictionalized thrilling) account of Ancient Egypt and King Tut.
Strike Three
Juvenile writing. I would have considered this simple writing in sixth grade. I cannot figure out why so many people like it. Take your 2-pages per chapter, 100 chapter simpleton ass and stop using co-writers to write your 1000 books a year.
Conclusion
Was King Tut murdered? Who knows.
Usually a BIG fan of JP and always fascinated by Egyptology - so sorry to say this one was a bit of a mess. Three stories at once that were poorly meshed. Like notes on index cards with words trying to pull thinks together. One bit that did succeed was the love story.
This is an interesting account as to how King Tut may have met his death at the age of 19, as told by that master story teller, James Patterson. The description of life in ancient Egypt among the ruling class is expertly woven into the tale of murder. In addition to the murder, we learn about the dedication, to the point of obsession, of Howard Carter, the famous Egyptologist who discovered King Tut's tomb. A great story....
