Member Reviews
While "The Atlantis Cipher" isn’t quite a standalone (as the second in a series), it can be safely read on it’s own: there weren’t too many annoying references to the first book that made the second one unreadable and that’s actually something I appreciate, particularly with adventure/thriller novels, which is what I would classify this book as. It has been a WHILE since I read an adventure novel, I think the last one may have been a Clive Cussler earlier this year or late last year (?). Who even knows. I did feel like this was a fun book to read. The action was fairly fast-paced, and while the dialogue and plot changes did feel a little choppy at times, overall it was a thoroughly enjoyable and fairly quick read. I will say, I was NOT prepared for the surprise plot twist at the end and I didn’t appreciate it at all. The frown, it was fierce. And just the way it happened…. rude. Not manners at all. And while I’m pretty sure Atlantis is unlikely to come up again in other books of this series, the author has written a ton of adventure novels and I will probably (one day, in that distant and foggy future when I actually have time to do so) have a look at a few more of them because I really like adventure novels that involve mythology. It’s a thing. But I’m even happier when Atlantis is one of those mythologies. That’s happy-making. |
A super-entertaining thriller in the vein of James Rollins that doesn’t let go from the very beginning. This is the second book in a series, so I was missing the whole setup, even if it was easy to catch up. Guy Bodie heads a team of relic thieves. Heidi Moneymaker from the CIA is blackmailing them into working for her as relic hunters. That’s all you need to know because the author recaps the main characteristics and relationships of the team without falling into repetition. The plot is a nice combination of non-stop action, chases and bad guys, but adding a historical background and picturesque locations around the world. I was impressed by the weapon-handling skills of the well-trained gang, which is a pet-peeve that can turn off my concentration, when a character calls a pistol the wrong name or uses a safety catch that doesn’t exist in that model. My least-favorite part was some silly behavior from one character who should know better, and Bodie’s insistence to just wound super-duper bad guys who are ready to kill him with their bare hands. I also would have loved to see more of the ending… I don’t know how to say it without spoiling the conclusion but I felt like the action ended too soon. I will be adding this series to my list of addictive reads. I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased. Thank you, NetGalley/Amazon Publishing UK! |
Anthony P, Reviewer
Five ancient statues discovered in Brazil, match four others found in the Azores. CIA operative Heidi Moneymaker knows of only one team for the job to getting the secrets from the statues. She calls on Guy Bodie and his band of relic thieves to discover the secrets. They start on a hunt for Atlantis, uncovering secret after secret as they go. Fast paced and a fun read. I enjoyed the book. |
douglas g, Reviewer
I had looked forward to the second in the series following Bodie and the team of relic hunters. I wasn’t disappointed. Fast paced, escapism. Similar in style to Matt Drake series it’s an action packed cinematic style adventure. Think Mission Impossible. The characters have developed further from the 1st book as have their back stories. The team travel the world pursued by evil villains as they hunt clues to the discovery of ancient relics. Bring on the next in the series! |
As the second book in the series, this book picks up a short time after the first one. The relic hunters have a personal mission that they are on when CIA operative, Heidi Moneymaker calls them in on a new case. Not wishing to totally give up on their mission, two members stay on task and the other three join Agent Moneymaker. This leads to some friction not only with the operative but also the new case. While some of the characters may come like children needing supervision, when it comes right down to it, they know their job and are really good at what they do. This can be true with real life people, so I'd say Mr. Leadbeater has done a wonderful job in that respect. I really enjoyed the overall story. There's one aspect that I'm not happy with but to explain why here would give too much away. Warning: This book contains violence as well as adult language and situations. Thank you Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for providing the advance reader's copy which I have voluntarily read and given my honest opinion above. |
"The Atlantis Cypher" eBook was published in 2018 (September) and was written by David Leadbeater (https://www.davidleadbeater.com). Mr. Leadbeater has published more than 25 novels. This is the second in his "Relic Hunters" series. I categorize this novel as ‘R’ because it contains scenes of Violence and Mature Language. The story is set in the modern day. The primary character is elite thief Guy Bodie. Bodie and his crew are called upon once again by CIA agent Heidi Moneymaker. They are tasked with finding a lost civilization, the fabled Atlantis. Not only must they battle those tasked with keeping the relics hidden, but they must also contend with both Chinese and Bratva elements also seeking the lost city. Will they be able to find Atlantis first and keep the powerful secrets thought to be found there from being misused? I thoroughly enjoyed the 7+ hours I spent reading this 288 page thriller. While the plot seems a little far-fetched, I do like the team that the author has created. It is a fun, mindless adventure. The cover art is OK. I give this novel a 5 out of 5. Further book reviews I have written can be accessed at https://johnpurvis.wordpress.com/blog/. My book reviews are also published on Goodreads (https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/31181778-john-purvis). |
Peter M, Reviewer
Enjoyable but perhaps a bit far fetched to be considerable believable or even possible. None the less I thought it was well written and easy to read. |
Maria D, Reviewer
This is the second in the Relic Hunter series and follows on from the previous book. This book continues the fast paced action of chasing down ancient relics, this time from the lost city of Atlantis, before they are taken and their secrets unlocked by Chinese Special Forces or the Bratva.. The characters are developed more here and build up from the first book so there is a better understanding of their histories and how they have come together. Great story and already looking forward to the next. |
An easy read with good characters and decent twists. I have to say I think I would have benefited from reading earlier Relic Hunter books as it took some concentration to remember who was who which was a bit draining but once up to speed, the solid plot carried me easily through to an excellent ending. |
Reviewer 483838
This was an interesting and fun book. What if clues were found pointing to the original Atlantis? Quite a ride as the heroes/artifact thieves battle numerous groups trying to follow the same trail. Reads like the earlier Clive Cussler works. |
Another riveting read from David Leadbeater! This is the second book in the Relic Hunters series and finds Guy Brodie and his team of relic hunters still working with the CIA, this time on the trail of Atlantis itself. Two sets of statues from are found in archaeological digs on different continents, however the sets are identical and date back to a time when this should not have been possible. Brodie and his team, with the help of an uptight historian, soon decipher the messages left on the statues and find themselves following the clues around the world. Things aren't that easy though, there are several other interested parties intent not only on finding Atlantis for themselves, but destroying everyone that gets in their way. I found this book to be a rollicking adventure as we follow our intrepid heroes around the world, through thick and thin. I read through it very quickly, as I couldn't wait to solve the clues! Plus the easy camaraderie of the team always brings a smile. A great, fun read, recommended for all lovers of adventure novels. My thanks to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. |
Samantha p, Reviewer
This is the second in a series of books about Guy Brodie and his team of relic thieves who work for the CIA. Ancient statues have been discovered in South America hinting at the existence of Atlantis. The CIA agent Heidi Moneymaker instructs Brodie and his team to follow the clues. Also interested in Atlantis are the Chinese and the Bratva. The characters are developing in this book and its a fun, fast moving read. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series. |
Another action packed entry in The Relic Hunter's series.. Great story, good character development and plenty of action in this fast-paced paced thriller. |
James B, Reviewer
Fantastic follow up to the first book in this series - very coherent throughout - lots of teasers for future story threads I am sure. David is a master of his craft - looking forward to book 3! “I received a free advance copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my unbiased review” |
Emille W, Reviewer
This the second book in the series sees the team chasing clues left on statues found in South America. Not having read the previous book in the series, I had no preconceived notions about the characters but found that the story was written well enough so that it did not deter from the story. An enjoyable romp through history and across the globe, there was sufficient description of places and people to keep the reader engaged without overwhelming, allowing the plot to progress at a good pace. Overall a thoroughly enjoyable read. I received an advanced copy of this book which I choose to leave a review for. |
Thankyou to NetGalley, Amazon Publishing UK and David Leadbeater for the opportunity to read this book. This is the second book in the Relic Hunters series. I really enjoyed it. It was fast paced and easy to read. The plot grabs your interest. Definitely well worth a read if you like your adventure stories to be action packed |
2nd book of his I’ve read. Really enjoyed both. Fast paced and easy to read. Highly recommend reading all his books. |
Trevor D, Reviewer
Second outing for the Relic Hunters, see's them on the hunt for Atlantis. This is a good book, that continues to grow the characters as they scramble around trying to stay ahead of the Chinese and the Bratva. The main characters are starting to bed in now, as the team dynamic settles. |
Valerie J, Reviewer
I enjoyed this as much as the first book in the series. It's fast paced and lots of adventure, and danger. The beginning is a bit slow but when you get past that, boom it's non-stop action. |
Five statues in darkest South America are exact matches to 4 statues which were found in the Azores. Separated by 4000 miles, how on earth can they be connected? With the Russian Mafia after them, former allies colluding against them and a shaky contract with the CIA, Bodie and the gang are truly up against it! Atlantis has been a myth which lured many into treacherous waters but will the team make it out alive? Heidi continues to struggle with the balance between CIA operative and mum. Bodie feels abandoned by his father figure/mentor and for some reason the Russian Bratva are lusting for his death. But this time the team are not untouched by tragedy, and it really tugged at the heartstrings. There is also a new "intern" on the team who, in my head, is like a female Sheldon from Big Bang Theory! They are again traipsing all over the globe on the hunt for clues. This did have a tighter story than the original book and there are fewer constant reminders to the reader of each team members talents. I did feel the ending was a bit rushed and there are many open threads that need dealt. I'd continue with this series. 3.75 stars really! |




