If you like archaeologists, lost treasures, and ex- military guys with lots of guns, THE DEATH RELIC may be your perfect novel. Author Chris Kuzneski starts with a historical mystery, adds government agents and criminals, then brings in a top-notch team of scientists and soldiers to figure it out.
The main characters -- former soldiers Jonathon Payne and David Jones and Christian archaeologist Maria Pelati -- are smart and likeable, with enough edge to keep them interesting. The bad guys -- both today and in the distant past -- are vicious. The mystery is well thought out and the way the puzzle pieces are revealed allows you to play along with the gang as they race against time to find a missing professor and a legendary prize.
I must mention that Kuzneski is very detailed. For the most part, I found that it helps me visualize the scenes and understand the significance of the locations and situations, and I enjoy learning about history and different place. Some readers may find the history of a Pittsburgh shopping center or a Mexican plaza a little tedious. Just be aware that most times, it's important to the story.
Kuzneski has written eight books starring Payne and Jones. THE DEATH RELIC is in the middle somewhere, and I've never read any of the others, but I'd certainly like to. This is a smart action-adventure story that's intriguing to the end. I highly recommend it.
From the Mayan pyramids of Chichen Itza to the Caribbean
ruins of Tulum, many lives will be lost while searching for
The Death Relic...
Little remains of the Aztec and Mayan civilizations after
being vanquished by the Spanish Empire. From the ashes of
their cities emerged a unified legend: their conquerors
possessed a mysterious artifact so powerfulβso deadlyβthat
it was known as the Death Relic. Despite its infamy, little
else is known about the object, which was lost long ago.
When archaeologist Maria Pelatiβs research team disappears
in the YucatΓ‘n Peninsula, she enlists Jonathon Payne and
David Jones to find them. As they embark on their perilous
mission, they realize that Mariaβs research could be the key
to solving one of the darkest mysteries of the New World and
unearthing the secret of the Death Relic.
No excerpt available.
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