The Emerald Tablet by Meghan Wilson-Anastasios

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Macmillan Australia, 2019. ISBN: 9781760552633. paperback, 401pgs.
(Age: 16+) Oh what an action packed adventure from start to finish! I loved how I was taken on a journey through the adventures of the two main characters, Essie and Dr. Benedict Hitchens. This was one novel I really enjoyed reading. If you like historical fiction with an archaeological feel, Meaghan Wilson Anastasios brings her second novel in the Dr. Benedict Hitchens' series alive with a treasure hunt for The Emerald Tablet. Wherever Benedict and Essie go, danger follows them. This kept me reading into the late hours. I found that there was an Indiana Jones or Lara Croft feel while reading this adventure.
Anastasios takes us to the Suez Canal in 1956. The world is on the brink of a nuclear war while also at the same time Benedict and Essie are on a race against each other and other parties, on who will to locate and unearth the secrets of The Emerald Tablet. If the Tablet falls into the wrong hands it could mean the annihilation of humankind. I was kept guessing on who the other parties were working for: Nazis, Russians or villains that wanted to control the world. And yes, the Tablet is a real artefact that I googled once I finished reading.
I liked how both characters past kept coming up along the way to haunt both and which made me understand who they were. I want to learn more about them both and now am interested to read the first book in the series. Throughout the book you could see how Anastasios' knowledge as an archaeologist and working in Mediterranean and Middle East made this novel come alive as she took me on a journey through Turkey, Egypt, Israel and parts of Europe. Oh, I nearly forgot. If I ever see the main villain Garve in real life, I'm running. I do warn that there are few graphic sexual activities mentioned. One of the main reasons I would say 16+ age group.
If you are looking for a book with drama, action, history, love, loss and greed, then I recommend this novel. I am so looking forward to the next book in the series.
Maria Komninos

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