Review: 3* for basic theme; 1* for presentation
Rating: 2 out of 5
Date: 07 20, 2014
The Ancient DNA, e-book by John Lambrakis is a fantasy that combines taking and applying DNA samples, use of nuclear energy, a mysterious bank robbery, mythology and an associated `love story' in a novel of extreme fantasy.Pericles Dorian, a graduate of Athens University with a degree in Physics and Biology and a Master's degree in Genetics from an English University, now works for a Greek Biology Research Foundation. Assigned to clean up an old library that has been undisturbed for years, he discovers an old volume entitled "Dr. Ery's Last Experiments" which contains instructions on three strange uses of DNA - combining the DNA of a firefly and a rose, an eagle and a horse and a third of unpredictable, possibly perilous results. The idea of successfully combining the first intrigues him as a possible gift for his fiancé, Eliza, daughter of a wealthy family and a graduate Archeologist. The second combination would require her help and from here the story moves further into fantasy with involvement of several others associated with the project, his friend Nigel, a scientist working with sub-nuclear energy projects, various members of Greek mythology, and the  occurrence of a mysterious robbery of The Common European Bank.The combination of plots is a bit confusing but the author basically has an engaging fantasy theme that provides a certain degree of interest. Unfortunately however, he has overestimated his comprehension of the English language and has employed words and sentences in unusual patterns that would garner kudos in "The Bulwer-Lytton Fiction Contest". AND my comments are not meant to be derogatory in any manner. I simply am stating that it is most unfortunate that the basic theme of this book has been hampered by the lack of editorial aid.