Heres a review of the audiobook version of **[The Seventh Scroll]()** by WilburSmith specifically the CD version narrated by JamesFox. Ill cover strengths, weaknesses, and suitability for different listeners.
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## What works well
* The story itself is a strong treasurehunt adventure: in modern times two protagonists piece together clues to an ancient Egyptian tomb and face danger and betrayal. The setup taps nicely into exotic locales, historic intrigue, and action.
* For listeners who enjoy fastmoving plots with lots of twists and external threats, the narrative delivers plenty of keeping you wondering what happens next.
* As an audio format, the CD/cassette version of this novel provides a convenient way to consume the story (for long drives, commuting or when reading isnt easy).
* If you are already a fan of Smiths work, especially his Egyptian novels, this audiobook is a good pick to stay engaged without needing to pick up the printed book.
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## What to be aware of / what might not work for everyone
* The narration by JamesFox (for the CD/cassette version) appears to be a regional or older version, and in some listings it is described as abridged. That means the full book might not be represented in all versions; youll want to verify whether the set youre getting is unabridged.
* Some readers find that the books pacing dips in the middle: after a strong start, the momentum slackens, descriptive sections lengthen, and certain characters or plot threads feel less fully developed.
* The writing is somewhat heavy on description and scenesetting, which in audio format may feel slower or more deliberate. If you prefer lean, punchy prose, some parts may feel verbose.
* Characterisation is mixed: while the protagonists are engaging, some of the secondary characters can feel like tropes (e.g., the ruthless collector, the eccentric aristocrat) rather than deeply layered personalities.
* If the version you have is abridged, you may miss subplots or character depth present in the full printed novel which means the listening experience could feel slightly truncated.
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## 🎧 My verdict and listening tips
If I were to summarise:
* For **fans of adventure/historical thrillers** who dont mind a bit of extra description and some slower buildup, this audiobook version is a solid choice. The setting (Egypt, tombs, ancient clues) adds great flavour when heard.
* For **pure audio listeners**, check carefully that your version is unabridged. If its abridged, set expectations accordingly (shorter runtime, some material missing).
* If you prefer **fastpaced, minimalfluff narration**, you might want to advance a little more slowly: the first onethird moves briskly, but the middle sections may require more attention.
* Listening tips: Use the CD/cassette breaks (if present) as pausepoints. If the narration is by Fox, you may find some character voices distinct keep track of the cast of characters early. Also, if your edition does *not* clearly mark chapters or track breaks, I recommend listening in manageable chunks (e.g., 3040 minutes at a time) so you dont lose track of names/locations.
