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    The Alexandria Link: A Novel
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    The Alexandria Link: A Novel
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    The Alexandria Link: A Novel
    Audiobook17 hours

    The Alexandria Link: A Novel

    Written by Steve Berry

    Narrated by Scott Brick

    3.5/5

    ()

    Currently unavailable

    Currently unavailable

    About this audiobook

    BONUS FEATURE: Exclusive interview with the author

    Cotton Malone retired from the high-risk world of elite operatives for the U.S. Justice 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. Go get it. You have 72 hours. If I don't hear from you, you will be childless." His horrified ex-wife confirms that the threat is real: Their teenage son has been kidnapped. When Malone's Copenhagen bookshop is burned to the ground, it becomes brutally clear that those responsible will stop at nothing to get what they want. And what they want is nothing less than the lost Library of Alexandria.

    A cradle of ideas-historical, philosophical, literary, scientific, and religious-the Library of Alexandria was unparalleled in the world. But fifteen hundred years ago, it vanished into the mists of myth and legend-its vast bounty of wisdom coveted ever since by scholars, fortune hunters, and those who believe its untold secrets hold the key to ultimate power.

    Now a cartel of wealthy international moguls, bent on altering the course of history, is desperate to breach the library's hallowed halls-and only Malone possesses the information they need to succeed. At stake is an explosive ancient document with the potential not only to change the destiny of the Middle East but to shake the world's three major religions to their very foundations.

    Pursued by a lethal mercenary, Malone crosses the globe in search of answers. His quest will lead him to England and Portugal, even to the highest levels of American government-and the shattering outcome, deep in the Sinai desert, will have worldwide repercussions.
    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherPenguin Random House Audio
    Release dateJan 30, 2007
    ISBN9780739342312
    Unavailable
    The Alexandria Link: A Novel
    Author

    Steve Berry

    Steve and Phil were founder members of the TV Cream nostalgia website and have written several books on popular culture.

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    Reviews for The Alexandria Link

    3.5/5

    667 ratings52 reviews

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    • 5/5
      This is a cracking good read. A good mixture of code breaking, a hunt for the Library of Alexandria, historical backdrop of the Old Testament and Middle East rivalries, as well as good interaction of the characters. If anything I think I enjoyed this more than the first one in the series. Will definitely be continuing in the series.
    • 3/5
      A good read. Fairly standard "action thriller involving the guy guys trying to beat the bad guys to the ancient mystery" thing, but well done. Existing Steve Berry fans, or fans of Scott Mariani or Chris Kuzneski, won't be disappointed. Rather complex story with lots of twists and turns - sometimes it's a little hard to keep track of who's who.
    • 4/5
      A search for the Library of Alexandria leads Malone, his ex-wife, and an assortment of other characters to many locations. I enjoyed this book, although I confess that at times I found it hard to follow. I am not sure I ever did figure out who was "bad" and who was "good" because so many of the characters seemed to be acting in an almost double agent mode. Various US government officials are involved also, including the President and the VP. I enjoyed the author's notes in the end and was interested in finding out what locations/artwork were real, although I had already looked up some of it on my own.
    • 4/5
      Good series, looking forward to the next book! I recommend!
    • 4/5
      Cotton Malone's ex-wife Pam surprises him with the news that his 15-year-old son, Gary, has been kidnapped. The only way they will release Gary is if Malone tells them where he's hidden George Haddad, the man who might know where to find the lost Library of Alexandria. The deadly kidnapper follows Malone and Pam, hoping to find the library. Meanwhile, a mysterious group of world leaders and financiers known as the Order of the Golden Fleece try to manipulate the Alexandria knowledge to gain more power and wealth for themselves. Back in Washington DC, colleagues of Malone's are facing their own threats, many which seem to be coming from America's highest political offices.

      Mixed into the search for the Library is a theory that involves whether the accepted translations of the Old and New Testaments are correct. Did the story of the Bible really take place in Saudi Arabia instead of Palestine? If this theory can be proven it could upset the current world order and disrupt the global balance of power.

      The author incorporates fascinating tidbits of history to create stories that are well-constructed page-turners. You don't need to know too much history to become intrigued with the fascinating historical trivia and mysteries of the past. There's lots of action and an engaging plot. It was difficult to put the book down once I got involved in the story. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series.

    • 4/5
      I love Steve Berry's books.
    • 5/5
      i really loved this book. it was quite interesting. a bit like the davinci code meets a spy novel. it delt with the 12 lost tribes and the theories about the land promised to abraham and issac and where it really should be compared to where it is. also showing that if we had the alexandria library we could prove that. it was based around a fictional story of murder and intrigue. if you're interested in any of that it is a fun read.
    • 4/5
      Very good book. The research was most interesting, adding to information which I have read over the years. Some aspects were predictable, and I was really annoyed with Cotton's wife, but still, a good read.
    • 4/5
      This was an interesting conspiracy around the incorrect translation and falsification of the Old Testament leading to the fact that Israel is actually in the wrong place today. The side characters are getting more attention and development in this second book, including Cotton's son. I'm really enjoying this series and I had a hard time putting this one down during the second half of the book.
    • 5/5
      The Alexandria Link is the 2nd book in the Cotton Malone series. After uncovering The Templar Legacy, Cotton - along with his friends Henrik and Stephanie, as well as his ex-wife Pam and son Gary – is on the hunt for the lost Library of Alexandria. Of course, what search for something of such historical significance would be complete without a couple of governments, a few bad guys and a cartel of wealthy international moguls chasing you throughout?Cotton and Pam are brought into the search after their son is abducted. Cotton receives an email threatening his son’s life if information he has is not turned over in 72 hours. It is Cotton’s knowledge of an event 5 years ago that the kidnappers are after and are willing to do whatever they have to in order to get it from Cotton.I rated the 1st book in the series, The Templar Legacy, 3.75 stars. This book was a much better read. There was better action, a stronger plot and characters who were much more likable this time around. There was a good balance between historical fact and fiction.Rating: 4.5 stars
    • 5/5
      [The Alexandria Link] by Steve BerryCotton Malone Series Book#24.5&#9733'sFrom The Book: Cotton Malone retired from the high-risk world of elite operatives for the U.S. Justice 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. Go get it. You have 72 hours. If I don’t hear from you, you will be childless.” His horrified ex-wife confirms that the threat is real: Their teenage son has been kidnapped. When Malone’s Copenhagen bookshop is burned to the ground, it becomes brutally clear that those responsible will stop at nothing to get what they want. And what they want is nothing less than the lost Library of Alexandria.My Thoughts:Great story with loads of action and excitement. Is it 100% accurate? No.. and for those that are looking for that element it can be found in your library under the category of "Non-Fiction". Is some of it accurate? Yes. The author has taken some fact and some historical real people and mixed the combination in with just enough of his rich imagination to create a fast-paced, work that will keep the reader on the edge of their seat and guessing until the very climatic end. If you wish to read this series start with Book #1 [The Templar's Legacy]. Not that one has anything to do with the other, but you will better understand the working relationship of some of the major characters.
    • 3/5
      This second book rattled on a bit. It really didn't resolve Cotton and Pam's relationship and the background info was still a bit sketchy on the other recurring characters. I have the next two ready to go so we will have to wait and see.  
    • 5/5
      Book DescriptionCotton Malone retired from the high-risk world of elite operatives for the U.S. Justice 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. Go get it. You have 72 hours. If I don’t hear from you, you will be childless.” His horrified ex-wife confirms that the threat is real: Their teenage son has been kidnapped. When Malone’s Copenhagen bookshop is burned to the ground, it becomes brutally clear that those responsible will stop at nothing to get what they want. And what they want is nothing less than the lost Library of Alexandria.My ReviewThis is book 2 of The Cotton Malone series and I would have to say that it is my favorite. This book had it all - history mixed with religion and suspense. It was a fast moving plot with great characters and never a dull moment that kept the pages turning fast. I loved the short chapters with lots of cliffhangers that Steve Berry does so masterfully. Lots of twists and turns with surprises in the end make for very adventurous read. I'm now looking forward to the next Cotton Malone read and I would highly recommend this series to those who love fast-paced adventure with history and religion mixed in.
    • 5/5
      Great plot, great characters, and I loved the way this book explored the history of the great religions of the world. I think this is the best of the Berry books I have read so far, and I am looking forward to upcoming Cotton Malone books.
    • 3/5
      "The Alexandria Link" is the second in the Cotton Malone series, and it starts off right where the first one left off -- in Cotton's bookshop with his ex-wife on the doorstep.

      It wasn't really the mystery in this story that kept the pace. Yes, Cotton and his ex are off to find the Library of Alexandria, or rather, what was saved from the Library prior to all its various sackings and burnings at the hands of people who, frankly, didn't have a healthy respect for knowledge. But I digress.

      The main force in the story is all the various twists and turns. You have NO idea who to trust and only a basic idea of who NOT to trust. And it does not congeal until the very end.

      I'm not going to say I read this in a day, but I definitely wanted to spend more time with it than I had. It could have been a little faster paced, and I am not sure that the payoff delivered, but it was still a pleasant read.

      If you like thrillers with an air of conspiracy theory in them, it is definitely worthwhile. If you think stuff like that is lame, avoid it.
    • 3/5
      The Alexandria Link represents Steve Berry's first attempt at a serial novel. The Templar Legacy was an action-adventure novel involving the secrets of a long-underground order of Templars. Berry once again goes back in history, this time to the great Library of Alexandria. Using a mixture of actual history and plausible fiction, our hero, Cotton Malone, once again is chasing clues to an ancient treasure.Berry made it a point to flesh out the character of Cotton Malone in this novel. His ex-wife and her child (that the boy isn't his was a prime cause to their separation) both play prominent roles. However, at times, their inclusion seems forced, as does another "follow the clues" plot. I didn't enjoy this nearly as much as I did the first book in the series, and will take a break before reading the next. In an interview after the book, Berry says the next few books will focus on other featured characters in Malone's circle. Hopefully their stories prove a little more interesting.That said, I wish the book was a little more compelling. The loss of the Library of Alexandria was one of the biggest travesties of mankind. Whether documents contained therein would be powerful enough to change the course of modern history (the premise of this book) I'm a bit skeptical...then again, Saudi Arabia raised towns and prohibits archeological expeditions in sensitive areas suggest Berry is not too far off base.
    • 2/5
      The story was promising and in fairness to the author,this book was a result of a lot of research, creativity, imagination, and effort. The locations were interesting since most of them were in Europe, where great architecture stands, a lot of landmarks' descriptive writing was impressive. The complex plots and subplots in the story are tangled in a mess, no one is whom they seem, but some characters got the chance to develop, with a little background here and there. Given the things I stated above, I wasn't really pulled in the story. I still felt like an observer.
    • 4/5
      A secret group of Guardians protect the secrets and treasures of a hidden library of ancient scrolls and documents. A little bit like "Da Vinci Code" with spies, two-faced government officials, and violence. A good blend of all these pieces.
    • 4/5
      This was fun! Once again, Steve Berry did an excellent job of turning his reasearch into a gripping tale of human relationships, greed, power, and wealth. In this particular book, there are re-occuring characters, which makes the relationships more interesting. The big question for this book is the hotly debated question of the 'truth' of the old testament and what the revelation (either as truth or as an interpretation of truth based on the time of writing and politics) may mean on a global scale.
    • 1/5
      I struggled my way to page 196 of this Dan Brown wanna be. It's unnecessarily complex and contains a series of totally un-engaging and unbelievable characters. It's not enough to have a religiously inspired intrigue: you have to have a plot and some characters to care about if you want people to read 527 pages.
    • 2/5
      I abandoned this book at about the 60% mark. As far as I can tell, there wasn't anything glaringly wrong with the book. Political intrigue just isn't my cuppa tea.

      At the latest twist in the twist that twisted the twist, I decided that I really didn't care if the Vice President was undermining the President and the Attorney General was (figuratively) in bed with both the "Zionists" and the Palestinians and was there a mole and apparently "good guys" don't have to sleep which is a good thing because someone's always trying to shoot them but maybe they aren't really the good guys after all.

      Yeah. That's about how much sense it made to me. The concept of finding the Library of Alexandria is something I could really sink my teeth into, but this book isn't the one that's going to get my imagination fired up.

      The reader of this audio book was okay, though I think his talents could have been better used. There are a LOT of accents to be read. He does most of them fairly well, but sometimes has problems maintaining them. At one point or another, whether the character is from Georgia USA or from Denmark, they're going to end up sounding like a Kiwi - even if it's for just one sentence. It's hard to maintain that many accents. Add to that the reader's attempt to differentiate characters by giving them a nasal or otherwise recognizable speech style - he gave it a good shot, but I would have preferred that he let me do the accents/speech styles in my head, rather than be jarred when they weren't consistent.
    • 3/5
      I was initially enthralled with the book, but the writing unfortunately broke down. It became more Raiders of the Lost Ark and Dirk Pitt rather than the potential it started out with. I got lost and disinterested in the Washington DC storyline -- it really didn't lend to what I saw should have been the focus. Would have been much better if the government angle was kept to more of a minimum like in the Altman Code.There was in my mind a lot of cut and paste when it came to historical biblical personalities -- sort of like the author wanted to fit it in but really didn't want to write about it.
    • 3/5
      Good read! Lot's of plot twists. Lot's of interesting background and research.
    • 5/5
      i really loved this book. it was quite interesting. a bit like the davinci code meets a spy novel. it delt with the 12 lost tribes and the theories about the land promised to abraham and issac and where it really should be compared to where it is. also showing that if we had the alexandria library we could prove that. it was based around a fictional story of murder and intrigue. if you're interested in any of that it is a fun read.
    • 4/5
      An interesting thriller where Berry takes you to the quest of the lost library of Alexandria.An engaging and informative thriller.
    • 5/5
      In my opinion this is Steves last really great book. All of his books are well written and fun to read but his first 5 are my favorite. I'm still waiting for his next blockbuster. 
    • 5/5
      Cotton Malone is great as usual. Great read.
    • 3/5
      The Alexandria Link brings to us the story of the Alexandria Library, a legendary library lost to the mayhem and destruction caused by historical and political unrest, which has been preserved by a group of people known as the Guardians. We come across Cotton Malone, a government agent, who journeys from England, Spain, United States and then to the Sinai Desert in search for a document, a "link", which if revealed could put the entirety of the modern world in jeopardy.Rich in details, but lacking in depth at times, Steve Berry has written a wonderfully descriptive and adventurous novel that is a quick-paced, tense thriller. Although historically some of the facts seem distorted, ultimately, as a work of fiction it is a book worth a read if you are a fan of historical fiction and thrillers.
    • 3/5
      We listened to this on the drive to the mountains. Interesting hypotheses, okay but not great writing. We both agreed that since the book took place in some really nice locales, it would have been enhanced had there been actual descriptions of Copenhagen, Lisbon, London, DC and the mid east. To me, that makes a book much more vibrant and interesting.
    • 4/5
      Good thriller. Cotton Malone is paid a visit by his hysterical ex-wife who tells him that their son has been kidnapped and that he has something the kidnappers want. What follows is a fast-paced thriller that involves the search for the Library of Alexandria, a hero's quest, plenty of people running around shooting other people or getting shot at themselves, the US government, the Israeli and Saudi governments, a plot to assassinate the US President (but who are the traitors?), a group of international power tycoons who are members of the Order of the Fleece, and an interesting angle on some theories about the Bible and where Abraham's descendants are supposed to have been. Add to the above, lots of political intrigue so that you don't know who to trust from one chapter to another, and you have a boiling page turner.