Atlantis Vortex

by Sultry Summers

Archaeologist Jessica Carter is confronted with just that adrenaline rush kind of question after discovering a small, ancient Egyptian pyramid in a most unlikely place. Lake Okeechobee, Florida. Cautious to keep her discovery a guarded topic and on a need to know basis with close colleagues, she faces a history-altering dilemma. As the excavation of what turns out to be a mysterious entrance progresses, Jessica becomes the nexus of a series of life-threatening incidents, each event more baffling than the last. The interventions that save her are equally bazar and the specter of a benevolent, familiar figure who appears and vanishes at will haunt her nights and eventually her days.
Xerxes, High Lord of Atlantis, has held her heart unconsciously captive since he rescued Jessica and her family several years earlier. At that time, Prince of Atlantis, he was forced to cloud the cast-o-ways’ memories to conceal his identity and that of the underwater civilization he is charged to protect. Having fallen in love with her, he has watched her ever since. Conflicted by her accidental discovery of the ancient but abandoned pyramid entrance to his underwater realm; Xerxes is forced to take drastic measures to protect the secrecy of his underwater world. He uses advanced Atlantean technology to bury the excavation and make it appear as if nature has destroyed the dig.
Jessica is resigned to the loss of her first big discovery. However, the treasure trove of recovered artifacts remains intact and safe. But the unusual squad of military security provided by the government is ordered to take possession by the authorities. And, even more mysterious, Jessica, a naval reservist officer, is recalled to active duty. Jessica fears her archaeological career is over. But given a clue as the walls fall in around her just before the collapse of her project, she is warned not to reveal the new facts by a mysterious caller. Feeling the clue will solve the enigma she has discovered, she pursues the lead in the days before reporting for active duty.
Counting on Jessica to follow the clue slipped to her, Xerxes intends to abduct her away to Atlantis to be his wife, therefore ensuring her silence. Though Jessica’s memory of him is locked in her subconscious, during the tumultuous first days in Atlantis and in the arms of the man who has haunted her dreams, her memory re-emerges. She realizes she has loved him since he saved her.
But a traitor schemes inside Xerxes council threatening Atlantis and putting Jessica’s life in deadly peril. The Lord of Atlantis is forced to decide between his priorities; secure his lordship against his traitorous councilor or save his wife. With help from his brother, the ruler of Pacifica, and an off-world ambassador, Xerxes risks all to save his underwater kingdom and rescue the only woman he loves from the traitor before it’s too late. Can he save them both?

360 pages, ebook

First published May 20, 2004

About the author

Writing as Sultry Summers I have published 20 books over about the same number of years while living in three different states. For the most part during that time I lived in Florida, enjoyed the heat, hiking through the savannahs, and snorkeling the reefs on the southern, east coast. Atlantis Vortex was written on the beaches near Jupiter Florida and if you read that exciting fun adventure in fantasy, science-fiction, and most of all romance you'll get a taste of that area. But now, I've moved north into the Appalachian mountains, more specifically, the Smoky Mountains just at the base of the Smoky Mountain Nat. Pk. and I love it! It's great to see the seasons change and inspiring. Possibly, that's why I have finally begun to write again. For three years I've suffered from a nasty writer's block. And I truly hope my fans haven't forgotten me. So, look forward to seeing some of my old books back out soon and yes, some new material too! Sultry's Back!

Reviews

[Suzanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jessica Carter, archeologist, has come upon what looks like the top of a pyramid off the shore of southern Florida. Her discovery is one of the doorways to Atlantis. Xerxes Kallias is the High Lord of Atlantis. Several years ago he rescued Jessica and her parents, clearing their minds of the event to ensure the secret of Atlantis' existence. When Jessica finds the pyramid Xerxes must take her to Atlantis before she shares her discovery. Since the moment Xerxes first met Jess, he fell in love with her. Jess fell in love too, she just doesn't remember. But she will.

[Francine \ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Atlantis Vortex is a refreshingly innovative story. Sultry Summers resurrected the fabled Atlantis into a high tech, underwater thriving community and integrates it with the present-day world. Characters are solid and their personalities remain consistent throughout the duration of the story. The way that she portrays the villain makes the reader want to hate him forever.

Writing with an extremely detailed style, there were points where details caused a lag in pacing, although the information provided was necessary to follow the multiple plot twists. The book concluded with a clean and fair ending. I believe regular readers of sci-fi romance would enjoy it.

Flames: 3

I was provided a copy of the book by BTS eMag for the purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review—all conclusions are my own responsibility

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Archaeologist Jessica Carter stumbles upon an ancient Egyptian pyramid in an unexpected location: Lake Okeechobee, Florida. As she delves into the excavation, Jessica faces life-threatening incidents and encounters a mysterious figure who appears and disappears at will. Little does she know that Xerxes, the High Lord of Atlantis, has been secretly watching over her since he saved her and her family years ago. With the discovery of the pyramid, Xerxes must protect the secrecy of his underwater realm, leading to drastic measures and the burial of the excavation site. Jessica, resigned to losing her discovery, finds herself recalled to active duty in the Navy. However, she receives a clue that could unravel the enigma she has uncovered, and she embarks on a pursuit while counting on Xerxes to guide her. As memories of her past with Xerxes resurface, Jessica realizes her love for him. But their happiness is threatened by a traitor within Xerxes' council, endangering Atlantis and Jessica's life. Xerxes must decide between securing his kingdom or saving his wife, with the help of his brother and an off-world ambassador. Will Xerxes be able to save both his underwater kingdom and the woman he loves from the treacherous plot?

I love a good Atlantis story! I would recommend it to fans of sci-fi romance who appreciate a blend of adventure and mythology. The writing style was very detailed at some points, however, the intricate details were essential for following the numerous plot twists. The book, while being slow at some points was en enjoyable read.

[Sultry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Atlantis Vortex is an erotic romance, high adventure with whirling mystery and intrigue. Secondary characters are as complex as the two main and add color to the on-going discovery of an ancient entrance to Atlantis by Archaeologist Jessica Carter. Xerxes Kallias, High Lord of Atlantis, supported by his undercover security forces pose as U.S. Marines to secure Jessica’s find and keep her safe.
Forced to combat a traitor in his midst in Atlantis, Xerxes has his hands full securing the ancient, hidden world while preparing to bring Jessica to his world to ensure her silence. With the upper-world closing in on Atlantis, a manic traitor planning sedition at any cost, and pagan Aztecs attempting to sacrifice his only love, Jessica, Xerxes manages to save her but must wait to bring her home to Atlantis.
Jessica, frustrated by the unexplained and strange events happening in her life vaguely remembers Xerxes from an encounter years before, but isn't sure who he is. When at last he kidnaps her to ensure her silence, claiming her as his wife she is furious, though her memory of him and his presence overwhelms her. She is sure he is the man she has dreamed of. But even in Atlantis she isn't safe, the traitor puts her life in jeopardy forcing Xerxes to choose between his kingdom and her life. Romance, love, high intrigue and life and death decisions bring this full length novel to an edge of your seat conclusion.