An interesting story in which the battle of good and evil is fought against the backdrop of Egypt's ancient monuments.I really enjoyed the story. Stewart makes an intricate mix of religion, myth and history with fantasy and magical elements, and I thought it worked quite well. I like the way in which he uses theory about religion and myth to complement the story.The story is fast-paced and well written. I very much liked the characters and how they develop, choosing different sides in the course of the novel. The connections between the different characters and groups are sometimes complex, but this also means that the story stays interesting until the end, and makes it much more intriguing than a simple 'good vs. bad' type of story.I'm looking forward to reading more of the author's work. For as long as she can remember, Samiya has walked in darkness. She has never understood the reason behind her mother's having given her away at such a young age. All she ever wanted was the woman's love, to know that she meant something to her, once and for all. Yet that hope died the moment her mother left her in the hands of cult intent on wreaking havoc on the world itself.Raised to do the cult's bidding, Samiya has never questioned her destiny. She is evil, after all, a certainty that becomes clear when the Pharoah orders her to partake of a prophecy surrounding Osiris and several of the other gods. While she's not sure as to whether she can truly fulfill the task she's been given, she knows she needs to do everything possible in the hopes of surviving to see another day.As the minutes go by, and the days begin to blend into one another, Samiya soon realizes that she's neck deep in the heart of a conspiracy she never truly knew existed. Warring factions are determined to get their hands on Osiris' legacy. One side wants it for the greater good, and the other is intent on cloaking the world in eternal darkness. Unsure as to which side she should be on, she does the only thing she can do - survive.If she's to set all wrongs to right, she'll need to fulfill her destiny. Granted, she's not exactly sure as to what she really needs to do as time goes by. The rules have changed, something she's not quite happy with. Never-the-less, she's intent on doing everything she can to make sure she comes out on top before the darkness tries to claim her, once and for all.Michael has crafted a tale where it's complex characters and the situations they find themselves leave you wondering as to whether one or all of them will ever achieve their goals. We have the beautiful Samiya, who is eager to please in the hopes of finally achieving the bounty she's been promised. Then there's David who isn't quite sure as to what he's supposed to do. Led by his determination, he stumbles upon a world he doesn't quite understand. Lastly, we have Faris, a loyal companion, touched by the Void, whose only wish is to learn and serve those who've given him a bed to sleep in, and food to fill his belly with. Together, the three embark on separate journeys that will ultimately lead them across each other's path. A journey that may prove to be their undoing in the long run. A truly thought-provoking, it's definitely one you'll want to read, time and again.
What do You think about 24 Bones (2013)?
Well written, interesting concept, just didn't do it for me.
—Serendipity
Very intriguing and a rather interesting story.
—kcooper
