Title: The Wheel of Darkness
Author: Douglas Preston
First published August 28, 2007
388 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780446580281 (ISBN10: 0446580287)
Rating: 3.96
Overview
In the thrilling novel, The Wheel of Darkness by Douglas Preston, an ancient and powerful relic vanishes from a secluded monastery in Tibet, and it’s up to the intrepid Aloysius Pendergast to track it down. Tasked with the dangerous mission, Pendergast and his partner, Constance, embark on a perilous journey aboard the maiden voyage of the Britannia, a luxurious ocean liner with a dark secret.
As they traverse the treacherous waters of the Atlantic, they soon find themselves facing unimaginable horrors and a sinister force that threatens to consume them. Will Pendergast and Constance be able to uncover the truth and retrieve the artifact before it’s too late?
Find out in The Wheel of Darkness.
About the Author
Douglas Preston was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts, in 1956, and grew up in Wellesley, a boring suburb. He was expelled from private nursery school and attended public schools and the Cambridge School of Weston.
In his early life, he lost a fingertip and two front teeth in accidents with his brother Richard. With Richard and their little brother David, they roamed the suburbs of Wellesley making rockets and incendiary devices from comic books or chemistry sets.
They became local celebrities and appeared in the “Police Notes” section of The Wellesley Townsman.
After being rejected by Stanford University, Preston attended Pomona College in California, where he studied various subjects before settling down to English literature. He began his career at the American Museum of Natural History in New York as an editor, writer, and eventually manager of publications, which resulted in the non-fiction book Dinosaurs in the Attic.
During his time at the museum, he met Lincoln Child, and together they wrote the thriller Relic.
In 1986, Preston moved to Santa Fe to write full time, and he achieved small success with the publication of Cities of Gold, a non-fiction book about Coronado’s search for the Seven Cities of Cibola. He has since published several more non-fiction books and a novel entitled Jennie.
In the early 1990s, Preston and Child teamed up to write suspense novels such as Riptide and Thunderhead. Relic was released as a motion picture by Paramount in 1997.
Preston continues his writing career by contributing regularly to The New Yorker and other magazines.
Preston and his brother Richard are currently producing a television miniseries for ABC and Mandalay Entertainment.
Editoral Review
The Wheel of Darkness by Douglas Preston is a thrilling adventure novel that follows the story of FBI Agent Pendergast and archaeologist Constance Green. The book was first published on August 28, 2007 and has since gained popularity among fans of the mystery and suspense genre.
Douglas Preston, the co-author of the bestselling Pendergast series, is known for his captivating storytelling and attention to detail. In The Wheel of Darkness, he takes his readers on a journey through the dark and mysterious world of Tibetan Buddhist monasteries, where Pendergast and Green find themselves amidst a deadly game of power and betrayal.
Set in the majestic Himalayas, the story takes place aboard a luxurious ocean liner, where the monks have boarded with a mysterious and ominous artifact. Following a series of bizarre deaths on the ship, Pendergast and Green find themselves at the center of a sinister plot that involves the artifact and a deadly cult that will stop at nothing to secure it.
The Wheel of Darkness is a masterful work of fiction that stands out in its genre for its vivid and evocative description of setting, character development, and plot. The authors use of historical facts and cultural traditions adds an interesting layer to the story, making it both entertaining and informative.
Preston is particularly skilled at creating complex characters that are interesting and multidimensional. Pendergast, the protagonist, is a compelling figure who is both enigmatic and charismatic.
Green, on the other hand, is a strong-willed and intelligent character who provides an excellent foil to Pendergast. The book is also well structured, with a fast-paced plot that keeps the reader engaged throughout.
The authors use of suspenseful moments and plot twists creates an atmosphere of tension and unease that adds to the overall thrill of the story. However, the book is not without its flaws.
At times, the plot can feel contrived, and the characters can appear stereotypical. Additionally, the book may not appeal to readers who are not fans of the mystery and suspense genre.
Despite these limitations, The Wheel of Darkness is a must-read for fans of the Pendergast series and anyone who enjoys a well-crafted adventure story. The book is not only a captivating read but also offers insights into ancient Buddhist monasteries and their practices.
All in all, The Wheel of Darkness is a thrilling and engaging story that is well worth the read. It receives a 4/5 rating for its excellent storytelling and expertly crafted plot.