Archeologists struggle for their lives when things go wrong on an expedition to Mexico's Yucatan region.
Rikki Breitenberg is an archeologist in charge of the first team of American documenters allowed by the Mexican government to explore newly discovered Mayan ruins in the Yucatan. However, shortly after their arrival in Mexico, things go awry. Treacherous jungle, inclement weather and dangerous wildlife are only the beginning.
When Rikki and her team run afoul of members of an ancient cult devoted to the worship of a bloodthirsty god, things take a terrifying turn for the worse. During their struggle for survival, the team makes a startling discovery that may rewrite the whole of human history. Will they survive to bring their amazing find back to civilization?
Excerpt
“How much farther?” Constance asked, leaning over to see the small display.
Rikki studied the screen briefly, frowning at what she saw. “It looks to me as if we’re moving away from the site.”
“What?” Constance asked, leaning closer. “You’re right. It looks like we’re veering steadily away from it at an angle.”
Rikki heard anger rising in the other woman’s tone as she spoke. She held up a hand for silence and turned to call for Alamar.
“Si?” the guide asked as he stood and started toward her.
Holding up the GPS, Rikki said, “This red triangle here is the site of the ruins we’re here to explore. That’s where we’re supposed to be going.” She held the unit closer to him and went on. “This green dot shows our present location. It looks like we’re moving away the site, not toward it.”
Alamar peered critically at the little screen for a moment before laughing happily. “You rely too much on your technology and not enough on personal knowledge. You see, due to the position of the bridge we crossed and due to the position of the one we have yet to cross, the one I told you about earlier, we are forced to take a…how it is said? A less-than-direct route? Is that right?”
Rikki nodded, waiting for him to continue.
“Were we to ford rivers, rather than using bridges, we would be taking a straighter path. But it is not good to go into the water.” His grin grew as he added, “As you have seen, the crocodiles like the water. Because of them, we must use bridges. Because of the placement of the bridges, we are taking this less-direct route, but we will get there.”
Shaking her head, Rikki held up the GPS unit again, pointing at several tiny markers displayed on the screen. “No,” she said, “there are bridges marked here. Why aren’t we using those?”
“Is the bridge we crossed earlier on your little machine?”
Rikki glanced at the display. “No.”
Alamar nodded, looking as if he had expected that response. “There are many small bridges built by locals in this area. Most will not, I think, show up on your device. By making use of them, we can avoid harder country and get where we are going more quickly than if we used the bridges marked there.” He pointed at the GPS. “We could take that route, but that it would be longer because of the slower pace we’d be forced into. You are in a hurry; I try to get you there quick as I know how.” His grin grew larger still as he reiterated, “You rely too much on your technology.”
Still smiling, Alamar turned his back on her and trudged through the mud, returning to the porters. Rikki stared after him. She considered arguing further, but spared herself the exercise in futility.
“I don’t believe a word of what he just told you,” Constance said quietly.
“Neither do I,” Rikki agreed, still staring after the guide.
“What do we do?” Constance asked. “Should you radio Titus? You’re to contact him periodically with progress reports, anyway.”
Sighing, unsure, Rikki turned to face her. “Help me keep an eye on him; on all of them.” She took in Peter, Oscar, Hank and Sean with her gaze. “All of you, keep an eye out for anything odd, all right?”
I was asked to read and review this book which I agreed to, even though I wasn’t sure I would like it. How wrong I was! This is a novel of pure action and adventure. There was never a dull moment, even for a minute.
Rikki Breitenberg has been granted the right by the Mexican government to explore a recently discovered ruin. The ruin is located in Quintana Roo, Yucatan. Along with her team, Sean Rowden, Constance Tharpe, Hank Keesee, Oscar Wiltshire and Peter Stokely and her guide, Alamar, Rikki sets off for a long arduous journey through the jungle. They face days of walking through overgrown jungle filled with dangerous animals, insects, snakes and who knows what else. The sun shines one minute, and it is followed by torrential rain soon after. They journey over bridges that would scare Indiana Jones, never mind mere humans.
Part of the reason Rikki has agreed to this venture was her broken engagement to her fiancé of six years. Convinced that this expedition would take her mind off her recent problems, she has no way of knowing the true danger she faces.
On their way to the ruins she realizes that, according to her GPS, they are going in the wrong direction, but according to Alamar, he is taking them the safest way possible. And even after Alamar informs Rikki, there are rumors of a cult who follow the demon ruler of the Mayan Underworld Yum Cimil, they still venture forth. Little by little, the group begins to distrust the guide, but instead of turning back or demanding they change direction, they allow him to lead them like a lamb to the slaughter.
It doesn't take long before Alamar's true intent and betrayal becomes clear, he is a follower of Yum Cimil, who takes nightly sacrifices, and guess who his next sacrifices are? But if that is not bad enough, they make a discovery in the tunnel they are hiding in that will change science and history forever. What do they discover? What difference can it make if they are all dead?
The author does such an amazing job of telling about the trip through the jungle, that at times you feel you are there. I always knew I was not one for trekking through jungle, but now I wonder how anyone in their right mind can do it. If anyone has a thought about visiting the jungle, reading this book could very well change their mind that is how realistic it is. All the characters are fighters except for Sean, who is a whiner and complainer.
This book was my first introduction to the action/adventure genre, but if all of them are like this it won't be my last. There was no stop in the action, and if you are into good action this is the book for you.
Reviewed By: Linda Tonis
Member of the Paranormal Romance Review Team
Quintana Roo, Yucatan
Lysabira rated it 5 of 5 stars
I really loved this book. It was a page turner i couldn't put down. The story is a gripping tale of adventure, betrayal, love and fight for survival. Once you start you won't be able to stop reading. I would recommend it to adult readers though as it gets cruel and bloody at times. Still it was a great read i would recommend to any interested reader. Can't wait for more from this author. Keep going, Scott. Thanks for a wonderful and entertaining read.
Quintana Roo, Yucatan
Rhomy rated it 4 of 5 stars
I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
This is not my type of book, the genre I mean, but definitely it was great.
A classic adventure story. With some intrigues and mysteries set in Mexico.
It starts with a group of Archaeologists that go investigate some ruins.
The description of their way through the forest it thorough and it feels so real (though I’ve never been in Yucatan but… that’s how I imagine a wild place to be lol).
The beginning was a little complicated for me, so many characters introduced at once but that is absolutely forgotten once you really get into the story.
They have some Mexican guides that appear to be awesome but you know the saying: “not everything that shines is gold” so keep an eye on them and prepare for schemes and betrayal. The story unfolds at a fast pace and is action packed.
The scenery is perfectly created, characters well built and the plot is different and fascinating, I couldn’t put it down.
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