Passage Graves

by Madyson Rush

Archeologist David Hyden is hell-bent to disprove his Biblical archeologist father’s religious theories. After his father is found dead at the center of Stonehenge with a strange glowing spiral engraved into his palm, David decides to challenge his father’s theory that Maeshowe—a passage grave ruin in Stenness, Scotland—possesses metaphysical powers. However, the morning after his arrival in Stenness, David wakes to find everyone else in town is dead.

NATO pathologist Brynne Thatcher is trained to recognize the subtle features of subsonic death, a unique forte and her only leg-up in a career dominated by men. Sound is the ideal weapon: an indiscriminate killer that leaves almost no trace upon its victims. She is testing an acoustic cannon in the grasslands a short distance from Stenness. Thatcher is certain her weapon caused the Stenness massacre, but all bets are off when she pinpoints Maeshowe as the source of deadly noise. The ruin erupts with low-frequency sound every 77 hours. Each explosion is larger and deadlier than the last. The only clues to stopping Maeshowe are the spiral petroglyph glowing inside its central chamber and the lone survivor, David.

Investigating the connection between the two glowing spiral symbols, Thatcher and David uncover Brenton’s most bizarre theory: There are four locks and four keys lost throughout antiquity. Any man who finds a matching lock and key will gain one of the powers of the Four Horsemen of Apocalypse (Conqueror, War, Plague, and Death). Displacement of a key awakened the passage grave. Unless the “key” is placed into the petroglyph “lock,” the ruin will kill every living thing.

Finding the key won’t be easy. A clandestine brotherhood known as the Abaddon is sworn to protect the keys. As Maeshowe’s eruption spreads across northern Europe, the leadership of the Abaddon crumbles. A new leader of the dark society seeks to become Conqueror, and a race to the Apocalypse begins.

Genres: Thriller, Mystery, Adventure, Ebooks, Action, Fiction

348 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 1, 2013

About the author

Madyson Rush wasn't born, she was adopted. She attributes her writing ability to her adoptive mother because early home life arguments were always settled by abiding her mother's motto "use your words." Rush isn't British, but she would like to be. When she reads the Bible, her voice sounds British in her head. She is the winner of her 5th and 6th grade elementary school's prestigious "Young Author" award.

In her free time, Rush enjoys practicing her autograph and crashing Mary Kay parties. Her dream is to be on an airplane sitting next to someone reading one of her books. When she is feeling sad, she writes sad poems. When she is feeling happy, she writes sad poems. She likes supermodels and asparagus, after all, they are both quite similar.

Rush's bibliography includes books in multiple genres:

~ TECHNO-THRILLERS ("Passage Graves" series)

~ YA FICTION (look for her upcoming debut of "Psi Series", as well as "Project Blue Book" and "Pickle"

~ LITERARY FICTION ("Stillpoint" and "The Devil's Gate")

~ CHILDREN'S PICTURE BOOKS ("Terrible Things You Can Do with the Letter B", "What the Phobia?" and "While You Were Away"

Some of her most popular quotes:

"Mildred had eyes like a near-sighted hawk; if anything took place three inches from her face she knew about it."
-Pickle

"Two roads diverged in a wood, and I--I took the one that went around in circles into the Eye of Mordor, which smelled strangely like natural gas and was guarded by giant spiders, rodents of usual size, and this emaciated naked guy who kept going on and on about his precious."
-Stillpoint

Reviews

[Wendy Bird · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED Passage Graves! This one kept me up way too late at night reading just one more chapter. The plot was well-thought and fast-paced. The story was full of adventure and intrigue. I loved picturing the settings of Stonehenge and other ancient ruins in Great Britain. The writing style was easy to read, with natural dialogue and not too much description (I enjoy being able to fill some things in with my imagination). There was great chemistry between the two main characters, David Hyden and Brynne Thatcher. The ending was satisfying, yet the story was left open for a sequel. I'm excited to read what's next from Madyson Rush.

[Astephens22 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really recommend this book from what I think is a very promising first-time author. There's plenty of action, all revolving around themes of technology, religion, and history. I don't often take a chance on new ebooks, but this was definitely worth it.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book gripped me from the very first page. I couldn't wait to see what was going to happen next. I particularly loved the dialogue. It didn't feel scripted at all, and that made the characters so much easier to love- or hate!

[Shannon Bird · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this in two days! Could not put it down. With such descriptive writing by the author I felt like I was on location! Loved the mystery and thrilling action. The plot had twists and turns that kept my mind alert and active. What I liked about the main characters was that they were human...no solid white hats but still honorable. I am so anxious to read the next book in the series! Madyson Rush is really on to something here and is a terrific writer!!

[Ami Chancellor-Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a sucker for apocalyptic novels, particularly when the horsemen are included. This book didn't disappoint.

I am fascinated at the use of the passage graves as a means of sonic "weaponry". I liked the majority of the characters -- even the more unsavory ones. That said I wish there were more information on the back story, and character descriptions in some areas.

My biggest disappointment with this book is that the sequel / rest of this series isn't out yet.

[Gretchen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love the book. It's a page turner! Can't wait to read more by Madyson.

[Spookylady · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great story about ancient artifacts, differences between science and religion and the seemingly unbridgeable gap between a father and son's beliefs - or non-beliefs - in both. A bit of science fiction and archaeology mixed together with great characters and a neat mystery story.

[Birgit · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved it. Bible archaeology, Armageddon imminent, and a lot of shady and not so shady (really? ;) )characters clouding your decision on who's good and evil... I understand this is the first volume in a series, and I am definitely going to try and put my hand on the second one. Can't wait to see how this is continuing.
Main characters are well developped, love the style, very fluid and tension building, this is definitely a story that I found hard to interrupt (by going to sleep for example).

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, but I was not expecting this story-- even after reading the reviews! This is a story of modern day technology, Stonehenge history, greed and power. It is very well written, with good dialog, and some amazingly strange characters.

I recommend this book to those that like the thrill of a Stonehenge story and how those sights in Scotland, Wales, and the UK in general. I gave it 4 stars and eagerly await the sequel.

[Christina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Slow start for me, but after a couple chapters, I was hooked!

[Kim Snyder · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was enjoyable

I like a fast story for sure. This was easy to read till about 3/4 of the way. I feel that the only female character would of had a better backbone than she did. The story at the beginning you get a good idea of what is going on. What bother me was at the very end what happens. I guess they were looking another seal maybe? More bad guys looking for the key for yet another tombs? Who could be a second Chosen one?

[Teddi Shorten · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice

Liked it a lot. A different point of view from the rest of the end of the world ones. Nice

[Charles Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Holy Sound Effects Batman!

Madyson Rush can write a wild and crazy plot, with surprisingly gritty characters. There is a mix of realistic situations and total fantasy.

[Ray Campbell · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are ancient religious monuments that are connected through space and time allowing passage between them. They are also at the heart of a network through which the horsemen of the apocalypse can be summoned or held back. Someone has messed with the system and a pair of unlikely heroes stumble onto the truth - adventure ensues.

I enjoyed reading this. The characters are entertaining, the dialog and action all move and engage. There is some cool technology, a somewhat military aspect, a religious overtone and a creepy organization hovering over everything. My issue is with the endings. Apparently Rush intends this as the first in a series. The book has a clear, decisive ending, it just doesn't answer all the questions. My guess is that this was a discounted Kindle download because Rush is looking to hook us and keep enough open that we will look for the sequel.

My issue with writers writing for their own sequel sales is that the book automatically becomes a groan. This or that plot twist, character death or survival didn't make sense and must only be there to facilitate a sequel. I like it better when the book is the book and the characters and story are good enough that I want more. It's also acceptable to write a 7 part fantasy that is a single epic that will require 7 volumes. Typically, the reader knows this going in. I had no idea Rush was writing a series until he mentions it in his closing notes. Again, mixed feelings, I enjoyed reading and may stumble on the sequel, but I hate that the answer to all outstanding issues is: look for the next installment.

[Stephen · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was not quite what I was expecting. I was looking forward to some kind of Indiana Jones, Hiram Bingham, archaeology adventure. It came close in so many ways. However, it took a left turn and became some kind of Revelations religious four horsemen of the apocalypse pseudo-spiritual adventure with elements of magic that you'd look for in Harry Potter. I don't read that junk for a reason. It's mindless. The premise of this book was good, but the execution was poor. If the author had gone more into the Hebrew element and/or the Kabbala it might have been worth the read. As it is, I got another book read for my 2015 Goodreads Reading Challenge.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thought Provoking

Thought Provoking

Mysterious and intriguing. The what if possibilities make this novel a little more than just fiction. Just how many interpretations can people glean from the Bible. Are translations literal or metaphorically? Will there be an apocalypse and if so when and how? Symbolism abounds and take the journey of this novel on an interesting quest. Well written and worthy of reading.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an exiting read - surprising since free downloads often are not that good. This one is worth buying. I am not sure I liked the ending, but it hints of possible additional books.

There are indications of the end of the world, complete with the four horseman referenced in the Bible. Do the characters believe or are they strictly scientists?

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finished reading this yesterday and found it good. Interesting plot and characters, but at times I found it confusing, keeping track of who was doing what and why. Not to mention not enough background story for all that was going on in the book.

[Phil Lawless · Rating 3 out of 5]

Odd book, not very well written. There are probably sequels planned, because a lot of loose ends were not tied up. There was a credibility problem with sites in UK, mid- East, and Central America being reached too quickly.

[✿ ♥ Heather ♥ ✿]

Non detective thriller

[Vicky Tripp · Rating 2 out of 5]

Didn't hold my attention. Easy read but didn't like format.

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Intriguing mystery surrounding mythology of passage graves. Quick read.

[J. · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars

[Mernie58 · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am torn -over all it was pretty good but it didn't always hold me.

[Vykki · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was one of those books that drag you in and won't let go. This book had all kinds of twists and turns. It had strong characters. I hope this author keeps writing.

[Gavin · Rating 1 out of 5]

Book was kind of OK... but I just got confused in the beginning and decided I didn't care enough about the characters to then go back and re-read and work out who was who and why

[Coralyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an interesting angle to base a story on based on existing historical elements, etc. Different and enjoyable.

[Ken Weinert]

False