Reviewer: Connie Payne
Title: The Panther & the Pyramid - Book 4 in the Egyptian series
Author: Bonnie Vanak
Publisher: Dorchester
ISBN: 0-8439-5755-7
Release Date: September 2006
Genre/Sub-genre: Historical Romamce
Year/Setting: 1896-England and Egypt
Overall Rating: 5.0
Sexual Content Rating: Sensual/Sexual
Language (Profanity) Content Rating: Mild
Violent Content Rating: Mild/Moderate
Bonnie's Website:
www.bonnievanak.com
Bonnie Vanak continues her Egyptian series with a touching story of two tortured souls.
Graham Tristan, Duke of Caldwell, has fought his inner demons all his life. As a little boy he watched, helpless, as his parents were killed on a caravan raid in Egypt. He was then taken captive by a desert tribe and faced horrors no child should have to face. All involved are now dead. Except for one. Graham plots his revenge.
It’s only been a short time since he was reunited with the brother he lost during the raid, returned to England, and taken over the family title. Now he has the perfect means and opportunity to bring about Al-Hamra’s downfall. And to find the other half of the treasure map Al-Hamra has. No matter the cost. And cost him it may. More than he ever knew he’d be willing to pay.
But first, before anything else, thinking it will quiet the inner demons, he has to prove something to himself. Something that ends up entwining his life with Jillian Quigley’s, which will either lead to his downfall or salvation.
Jillian has never had the perfect life. Far from it. And if she doesn’t do something to change the course of her life, it’s only going to get worse. The drastic "something" proves to be both a blessing and a curse leaving her future up in the air.
Living with her father had been torture, but it proves to be nothing compared to falling in love with a man whose secrets and scars are so deep there seems to be no hope for a future with him. This hurt is far greater than any she experienced with her father. And it’s not at an end yet, either.
The story takes us from London and its balls and Graham’s plots for revenge to the harsh and unforgiving deserts of Egypt. (Graham is sure he needs to find the legendary treasure, said to make your wishes come true, before Al-Hamra does in order to put his past to rest) And it takes Graham and Jillian on a long and torturous journey of self-discovery and healing.
Our glimpse of Graham and Jillian’s past is fed to us bit by bit. Enough for us to feel for and empathize with them, without making the reader feel the need to turn away or feel like a voyeur. Their journey together is intense and poignant and action-packed.
Everything, from the settings, to the characters, to the impetus of Graham and Jillian’s actions is a compelling blend, designed to draw the reader in and hold their attention. And it doesn’t let you down.
The Panther & the Pyramid is a richly told story of the healing power of love and forgiveness. You can’t walk away from this book without having had your emotions twisted and turned in some fashion or another.
In my opinion Ms. Vanak’s has outdone herself. She tells the heart-rending and sober tale with compassion and dignity as no other could.
Beautifully done, Bonnie.
Connie
Note: This book reads well on its own, but you may want to make sure and read the previous books in the series in order to keep up to speed on characters and plots from previous books as they are mentioned briefly from time to time.
Question or comment regarding the review or the book? Click here and let Connie know.
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