The Crypts of Eden

Eden Saga #1

by Rick Jones

In southeast Turkey where the heads of the four main rivers once met, a magnificent temple created 14,000 years ago is discovered beneath the desert floor. Believed to have been created by lost technology, it is quickly determined by a team of archeologists to be the centerpiece of Eden, a once illustrious civilization and the cradle of mankind. But what if Eden is not the Paradise texts make it out to be? What if it held dark secrets and unholy terrors instead? As Senior Archeologist Alyssa Moore and her team of experts discover the truth of man’s beginning, she realizes that the secrets of man’s true origins lie within the sacred tombs inside the temple. But the journey for the truth is not without its dangers or pitfalls . . . Something walks the warrens within.

For more Rick Jones, enjoy the Vatican Knights Series:
- The Vatican Knights
- Shepherd One
- The Iscariot Agenda
- Pandora's Ark
- The Bridge of Bones
- Crosses to Bear
- The Lost Cathedral
- Dark Advent
- Cabal

Genres: Fiction, Thriller, Adventure, Science Fiction Fantasy, Mystery, Action, Archaeology

286 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2012

About the author

Rick Jones was born and raised in the Boston area and moved to Las Vegas in the early eighties where he graduated from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas with a degree in English. Currently, he is employed with the state of Nevada in law enforcement, and enjoys traveling, especially to Rome and Vatican City where many of the settings for his novels take place.

Rick Jones is also an avid writer and the creator of the Vatican Knight series (VATICAN KNIGHTS, SHEPHERD ONE and The ISCARIOT AGENDA), and the psychological thriller, THE MAN WHO CAST TWO SHADOWS.

He lives in Las Vegas with his two mini schnauzers, Wrangler and Hobo.

Reviews

[Paul Burnette · Rating 3 out of 5]

a great plot, apparently careful research, and interesting characters fall prey to numerous faux-pas with language. Who wouldn't enjoy a novel involving a beautiful, intelligent, perceptive young woman archaeologist who's just lost her famous mentor and father as he found the mythical Eden. There's also a resourceful, struggling mature man who has lost his wife to over-dedication to his career. And he's been sent by the Pope, no less, to assassinate this young woman! And then there are the team of military mercenaries brought in to protect the ruthless multi-billionaire narcissist who's trying to manipulate everything so he can recover (read 'steal') all the best artifacts from the find. Who wouldn't want to read that book? I looked forward to it, but then there were in every chapter, sentences like this, "Her chin became gelatinous as her eyes moistened." Gelatinous? Really? Did the writer just mean her chin trembled? And then there's ". .. a person who never failed to cast a smile . . ." and "it's the only ring that moves in a clockwork direction." Why not 'clockwise?' And " . .. allow me to see what truly lie beyond." "Lay!! " And "Her eyes were quick to enamor until she saw the . . . collar." "Enamor?" Eyes can't be enamored, and enamored is an adjective in nearly every usage. By this time I'd truly run out of patience with the awkwardness of phrasing, word choices, and even verb tenses found on nearly every page! Were we writing with a thesaurus full of never-before-encountered larger words by our side? Is there an editor in the house?

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pulse Pounding, Exciting, Thrilling, Marvelous and Extraordinary!!!!!!
I have read several books that have centered around Eden and this book is by far the best and most original of them all. From beginning to end, it was a nonstop thrill ride of adventure and archeological discovery.
A team of archeologists discover a huge temple beneath the desert in southeastern Turkey. After translating many of the texts found in the temple they find references to Eden and continue deeper into the temple for days. They are attacked by something in the dark recesses of the structure and all but one are brutally and savagely killed. Montario is the only survivor and escapes with the notebook of the chief archeologist with the promise to deliver it to his daughter, Alyssa. Before he can make it to Alyssa he is detained by a rival treasure hunter(Obsidian Hall) and killed in order to obtain the notes made during the recent discovery. Using the notebook and it's info, Obsidian forces Alyssa to translate the writings and lead him and his group of mercenaries to the tomb.

I highly recommend this book to everyone that loves great suspense and thriller reads. You WILL NOT be disappointed in the least! I am looking forward to more books by Rick Jones.......

[Michael J OKeefe · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fatal Flaw

This had the potential to be a very good book but like the Vatican Knights series by the same author it is based on the premise of a homicidal pope who will send out a Vatican SWAT to kill innocent people. In fact, in this book the Vatican Knights refuse to kill an innocent women and the Pope has to find someone else to do the deed. Frankly it is insulting to the Catholic Church.

Also the book is full of typos and really needed a good edit with an emphasis on basic grammar.

[Henry · Rating 1 out of 5]

Just a Hollywood fast action script

Cardboard characters, a James Bond villain even with sharks swimming on his yacht's pool, a hot, young scientist girl, a handsome spy hero, that's OK, but giving the genre, the novel never make us wonder, never ask questions or make us think, like the DaVinci Code, or similar copies, it lack philosophy and reflection, or history and science, must had been hard to put any essence between one action scene and the next.

[Robin Wicker · Rating 3 out of 5]

Archaeological thriller is a wild ride

This book follows a known formula: hidden artifacts; buried tomb; beautiful woman; a handsome Navy Sea ( all romances have to have one of these); villain trying to steal treasure; extra-hideous maneating monsters. That about covers it. But at least it wasn't the least bit boring. Go ahead and read it.

[Janice Davies · Rating 2 out of 5]

An interesting idea. All fiction is just that; something that has been made up. However fantastic the plot may be I strongly believe that it has to be believable within the context of the plot. I found that I had to stretch credibility too far to feel like reading the next two books in the series. Pity< I had high hopes at the start.

[Keith S · Rating 1 out of 5]

Paper-thin characters, ridiculously cartoon-ish villains, and extremely weak plot development. The climax in the temple was completely glossed over. Good idea for a story but poorly written.

[Katie Holder · Rating 1 out of 5]

I'm adding this one to my did not finish shelf (which contains very few books). On the Kindle version, I was 12% complete when I shelved it.

This book sounded like a great idea, but didn't grab me at all. The intro to the characters were fairly flat. Normally, I push past that and give the books some time to speed up, but...

This author badly needs an editor. In the 12% that I read, there were multiple issues with grammar and usage. It truly seems like the author had a thesaurus beside him and decided to swap out some words to make himself sound smarter. Corporal does not equal corporeal.

The writing was flat - "show, don't tell" seems cliche and overused in reviews, but this book is a clear case where the author failed at showing anything. "He was lifted off his feet and over the man's head; as the stars above him came closer, he was then tossed outward, the world becoming a terrifying spiral as he pinwheeled his arms and legs to the surface below."

There were several sections at the very beginning where the author italicized thoughts of two characters - but there was no way to tell which character had the thought.

Overall, another author that has the seeds of greatness with the story, but falls flat because they didn't invest in an editor. I won't be continuing any of this author's series or picking up any other books by him.

[Theresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Alyssa Moore’s father mysteriously dies after finding Eden, she is determined to retrace his footsteps and find out what happened to his expedition. But a ruthless multi-billionaire wants to find it first and the Vatican is determined to stop both of them.

Lots of great action surrounding a fictional theory of mankind’s beginnings. At least it doesn’t have us coming from apes. The number puzzle stumped me.

Footnote: 1) When I was first looking for this book I found out it is also called ‘The Tombs of Eden’. Confused me for a while.

Fave scenes: Leviticus turning down Savage, 6th Journal entry, Alyssa & the camels and the results of Aussie’s number choice.

[Kent Archie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I generally like this class of books. There is an ancient mystery that has to be solved at great peril.
But I couldn't really follow how the site they found is related to the Biblical Eden. Kind of like the DaVinci Code, the church has a secret that must be kept hidden from all humanity forever.
But instead of just destroying all the evidence and clues, they try to make them hard to follow.
Security through obscurity is never a wise plan.
There is a monster in this book that I found completely unbelievable.

[Mark Nabholz · Rating 2 out of 5]

Oh my...

Well this book is blessed with an intriguing plot line, it is without doubt one of the poorest edited, sloppiest written books I have encountered yet in electronic publishing. In short, it needs a complete re-write by a competent author.

[Calvin Kleinmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Better Than Indiana Jones

The Vatican, archeologists, an assassin, a megalomaniac, and ancient, ancient, really ancient history. Oh, and man-eating monsters. What more could you want?

[Joe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable book that moved along with a rapid pace. Plenty of action. If you're a fan of the Vatican Knights series, you'd enjoy this as well from Rick Jones.

[Karen Grant · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun story. If you are a fan of Matthew Reilly this is a book for you. Thoroughly enjoyed it.

[Vivek Agarwal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book

[Robbie Hogue]

Gre

Great read. Couldn't put it down.😀 The best book I have read this year. I will be ordering his other books.

[Dr Robert S Cull · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spell binding

On the edge of my seat throughout the entire book. A book which resist being put down. I highly recommend it.

[Philip Spick · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quite a different read.

An Indiana Jones kind of story. Not the best I have read but enjoyable entertainment. Have bought the second one to see where it leads and will let you know.

[Susan Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sitting on edge of seat!

Plenty of action! Some unexpected turns. Couldn't put book down! Well written and understandable. almost hated to finish the book 🙂

[Daleios · Rating 3 out of 5]

**SPOILER ALERT**

***** - Enjoyed & Would Read Again
**** - Enjoyed
*** - Not Bad
** - Didn't Like
* - Didn't finish

Disclaimer: Even though this review is open for everyone to see due to the nature of GoodReads. Please note that this review / notes are just for my own personal use and shouldn't be taken as a genuine review

THE WORLD

THE CHARACTERS

Prof Moor: Elissas father

Elissa:main character

Monterio: Dr moors assistant

Noah: Dr moors partner, a 2nd father figure to Elissa

Obsidian hall: rich, evil, antiquities collector

John savage: works for the Pope, ex military, assassin

Leviticus: soldier for the Vatican

Pope leo: Pope

Red: mercenary

Aussi: mercenary

THE STORY .

Her father discovers and underground system which is Eden. He and his full team get killed by something lurking in the tunnels but Monterio manages to escape and gets back to civilisation.

Elissa is told by Noah about her father discovery and she puts plans in place to go and confirm her father's discovery.

Meanwhile Obsidian Hall gets wind what she is doing and wants the secrets and treasures buried there for himself. He and his thugs go and kill Monterio after he tells them where to find Elissa.

The Vatican also get to know about her father's discovery and the Pope knows the secret of what lies within Eden and so sends John savage to kill Elissa before what is in there gets released and potentially prints the church to its knees

Obsidian Hall eventually find Elissa and through Noah they go with them on what Elissa thinks as protection duty, little does she know that he plans to kill them all as soon as they enter Eden.

They get there and after some friction between the group and the mercenaries they go into the tunnels where one of the men gets attacked by a giant lizard type creature before its killed by a huge amount of gunfire.

They work their way deeper and deeper into the underground pyramid solving indiana Jones type riddles and problems where if they were to fail the ceilings would cave in and spikes appear from the ground with moving walls etc.

On there way down several of the people die, including 2 of the mercs where John takes their knives and later uses them to defeat the remaining mercenaries. When they come to the end of the trail they find the centre of Eden that holds the bodies of a man and woman type creatures which don't look entirely human.

Elissa and John manage to escape down a drainage hole and hall manages to swipe one of the bodies while one of the giant lizard creatures is eating the last mercenary.

He sits on his luxury yaught admiring his prize when savage turns up and sinks his boat where Hall is then eaten by his own sharks.

John takes the body to Elissa so she can do dna tests and price that they are actually aliens. Instead she takes the body and goes and buries it where no one can ever find it so that she can keep her faith.

MY THOUGHTS

Mysteries, suspense, action, monsters and an alternative creation story.

The book sounds like it's right up my street and to start with its not disappointing. I thought the creatures were a little bit of a let down to be honest. I was expecting something a little more fantasy maybe viscous, ancient monstrous sentinels protecting Eden rather than just overgrown lizards.

[Jamey Goodyear · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Crypts of Eden is an archaeological adventure thriller. This is the first book in a new series, The Eden Saga, by Rick Jones. I’m looking forward to more in this series.

How much have you thought about Eden? Have you wondered where it is, if it even exists? Archaeologists have found a temple they believe to be 14,000 years old. They also believe it is in the spot where Eden was said to be. A team goes to investigate and only one person makes it out alive. Alyssa Moore is going to take another team into the temple. She has to. Her father was the leader of the first team and died trying to prove his theory. She is determined to fulfill her father’s dream of finding Eden.

When news of the find reaches the world it draws the interest of the Vatican. The Pope has secrets to hide and one of the secrets has to do with this temple. He has a tough decision to make. The news also reaches the ears of one Obsidian Hall (yes, really), the man secretly funding the dig. He is a rich man with a great interest in archaeological items of value. He lives on a huge yacht where he keeps his collection. Hiring some mercenaries he insinuates himself and his mercs into the 2nd team.

The temple is a marvelous wonder of precise measurements and geometric shapes, and etchings on all the well buffed walls. But there are also hidden dangers, puzzles to solve and something in the dark hunting them.

I enjoyed this story. It moves along and quickly captures the interest of the reader. The puzzles are presented in such a way that the reader has the opportunity to try to figure out the answers before our intrepid explorers give us the answer. I actually believe I identified with the Vatican representative which is kind of weird because I’ve in no way had the experiences he has had. I recommend this book to those who like adventure, thrills, and archaeology.

[D.J. Weaver · Rating 4 out of 5]

Professor Jonathan Moore has searched for this for years, but now that he’s found it, he’s also found its sinister secret. Too bad he won’t be able to tell his archeologist daughter, Alyssa, of the find of all time. No… he will never get to tell a single soul, because he and his entire team save for one, are gruesomely murdered by something sinister and unworldly, lurking in the temple. The professor gives his log book to his assistant to take back to Alyssa just before he dies and this will set Alyssa on a search for the seat of all humankind.

Eden—hidden for millennia, the beginnings of man. The most important find in the history of religion. Alyssa Moore, John Savage, and their team must survive while searching for the tombs at the center of the subterranean Temple of Eden. But they are being stalked by massive, unholy guardians of the tombs. Will they survive and can they decipher the secrets of The Tombs of Eden in time?

Rick Jones has penned a hair-raising thriller with a twist, and just the brand of action-packed, non-stop writing I enjoy best. He has taken an awesome story, added a couple of emotionally-charged, result-oriented protagonists, a few really bad guys, and topped the whole thing off with a large quantity of whatever is lurking in the dark temple, brutally and savagely killing off the cast of characters.

“The Tombs of Eden” is Rick’s fourth novel and first of this series. He is presently working on the second in the series, “The Menagerie,” and I, for one, can’t wait to read more from him in the future. Kudos!
Four and a half spiders for Tombs Of Eden.

Reviewed by: DJ Weaver (WebbWeaver Reviews) co-author of “Cruelty To Innocents” and “Collecting Innocents,” for Suspense Magazine

[melinda bostic · Rating 5 out of 5]

This

Book keeps you on edge from being to end every chapter holds your interest. I would read any book the author wrote.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alyssa Moore is an archaeologist who is trying to complete her father's quest to find the Garden of Eden ... and a whole lot of people want to stop her.

Set in the Turkish desert, "The Tombs of Eden" is both a political thriller and a look at the dark side of religion, as most of the forces trying to prevent Moore from achieving her goal are affiliated with one church or another.

Of course, the tale would not be complete without some prehistoric critter roaming the archaeological dig. Think Jurassic Park meets The Da Vinci Code and you'll have a pretty clear idea of what I mean.

Overall, I enjoyed the book with all of its twists and turns. Some of the villains felt a little two-dimensional to me, but that may be a matter of taste.

[pdarnold · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the STORY. Lots of action, exotic locations, mystery, supernaturally long lived lizard like creatures, archaeology, tombs, conspiracy, ex-military mercenaries, good vs. evil, suspense, etc. A bit of an Indiana Jones meets Rambo and bumps into Dan Brown theme going on.

The not so good, punctuation and missing words. Several places in the book I did a double take and thought I somehow missed reading something. Not the case, there were places where the next word or words that should have completed the sentence were just missing. At least that is how it appeared in my eBook. Another pass through by a good editor would have been a great help! If your a stickler about proper editing, punctuation and grammar then this book could prove to be an annoyance. If you can get beyond that, then this book is a fun read.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

All know that the discovery of Eden would be a great historical and religious discovery. But who would think that archeologists, an obsessed collector, and powers of the Vatican would collide? Add in a temple full if riddles, dangerous traps, and an ancient monster killer, you have the ingredients of a good adventure thriller. My main problem comes at the end with one particular character and an escape that doesn't work when you put the pieces together. I felt like the author was reaching to get the novel completed.

[Rhonda J · Rating 5 out of 5]

Watch out for that Critter!

This was a great novel. I loved all the action! Pow! Zap! In every minute something was happening. All of the characters were were really good or exceptionally annoying. The most annoying was the Pope who "did not walk by faith., but leaned to his own understanding." This book was so interesting it kept me reading late into the night . Overall I highly recommend this book.

[Stephen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book, a lost temple, monsters in the dark, a secret agent of the Vatican, a ruthless antique collector, and hired mercs. Throw them all together on a quest to find the mythical Eden and you have a recipe for a good book and disaster for the characters. It was a good read, and I'm looking forward to checking out more from this author.

[Stephen · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story focuses around finding the secrets of Eden. A lost complex/city in the Turkish Desert inhabited by a prehistoric animal with a penchant for fresh meat. While the explorers work in the complex, the animals begin to take out members of the party until the mercenary security team are mostly picked off. Things devolve as the evil of the expedition financier is revealed.

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

Once again, the Vatican is pitted against a madman when archaeologists discover what they think is the original Garden of Eden. Add some booby traps and a herd of primeval reptiles who have survived for millennia in total darkness, and a definite challenge emerges. Is it truly Eden, and, if so, can the site be stabilized and documented? Inquiring minds want to know.