Indiana Jones and the Dance of the Giants by Rob Macgregor
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Book Reviews of Indiana Jones and the Dance of the Giants
Book Review: The Dance of the Giants
Summary: 4 Stars
Indiana Jones and the Dance of the Giants is the second of twelve Indiana Jones novels published in the 1990s. This series, officially licensed by Lucasfilm, is inspired by the Indiana Jones character who first appeared in 1981 with the movie Raiders of the Lost Ark. Rob MacGregor authored the first six books including The Dance of the Giants. Martin Caidin wrote the seventh and eighth books, and Max McCoy wrote the last four.
This book opens in 1925 and Indy is teaching archaeology classes at the University of London. Deirdre Campbell, one of his students, wants to conduct a research project on the existence of Merlin. Merlin is one of many legendary figures affiliated with King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. Adrian Powell (a power hungry member of Parliament and one who seeks to revive the druids) is aware of this research project. Thus begins an exciting journey across Scotland and England that culminates with druid ceremonies and an eclipse at the mysterious ruins of Stonehenge.
I did like this book as it was a good balance of mystery, action, romance, history, and adventure. I learned about the Tower of London, Stonehenge, Merlin, the druids, and haggis. This book makes reference to the events from The Peril at Delphi (the first book in the series). Thus, the Indiana Jones books are best read in order as they are part of a series. In conclusion, The Dance of the Giants is an entertaining book and captures the spirit of adventure that characterizes Indiana Jones.
Book Review: "A Little More Like a Bond Novel"
Summary: 4 Stars
After the "Peril at Delphi" I was unsure about whether or not to continue on with the series but I am VERY glad that I did. "Dance of the Giants" reads more like a James Bond novel (Ian Fleming) than an Indiana Jones story but in the case of this book it works to its advantage. This book has enough mystery and action to satisy any fan of the genre but more importantly it wil tickle the fancy of fans of "Indy."
This book starts after Indiana has graduated and gotten is first teaching job in London. Oh, before I forget...you may want ot read the first book (Peril at Delphi) because alot of the story carries over and the artifact from the first book is used as a part of the plot for this book. The characters are all new save for Indys college friend Jack Shannon and the ever faithful Marcus brody who is only mentioned. My favorite of these new characters is a forgeful old man named Dr. Milford who is friends with Indy's father and Marcus Brody. He frequently slips into old English during conversation and often drifts into his own world but he does have a great nack of showing up just at the right time.
My recommendation is to pick up this novel but it might be a good idea to read the first one (Peril at Delphi) but check and see if your local library has it so you don't end up with buyers remorse. But after that you can sit back and turn on the scores of John Williams whil you settle in for a fun read.
Book Review: For Indy Lovers Only!
Summary: 4 Stars
There's an entire series of Indiana Jones titles that sprang up to fill the void between "Last Crusade" and 2007's as-yet-untitled Indy 4.
Rob McGregor is the principle author of most of these stories (other titles were written by noted Sci-Fi author Martin Caidin and Max McCoy.) Rob's entrée to the series was when he wrote the novelization for "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade."
Rob's writing strives mightily to capture the feel and, not as successfully, the scientific thinking of the era. While Rob's characterizations of Indiana Jones faithfully follows the movie persona, his reliance on overly complicated scripts sometimes distracts the reader. Another irritant is his reliance on the miraculous (and, so far, consistent) sudden appearance of a new character, Jack Shannon, to rescue Indy from whatever predicament he's landed himself in.
However, the formula is by it's very nature limiting and McGregor works as well in it as can be expected. For the True Believers in the Indy mythos, this series performs yeoman-like work in a field bereft of competitors.
At least until Indy 4 - of course!
Book Review: Better than the last one, at least.
Summary: 4 Stars
This is the eighth Indy book I have read, and it's definitely more interesting than MacGreggor's last book, Indiana Jones and the peril at Delphi. The move to England, for one thing, is a welcome change of setting, and the inclusion of Merlin is another adventurous element. Not bad at all.Book Review: A pretty good adventure novel
Summary: 4 Stars
Overall this is a well written and pleasingly paced novel. It supplies the reader with a good dose of Indy's cleverness and charm while creating a mostly engrossing journey. It does drag in parts but overall this a good addition to the Indy universe.