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The Atlantis Deception
A German property developer revels in the belief he has discovered the key to unleashing the weapon responsible for sinking Atlantis.
Dr John Hunter is the only archaeologist brave enough to risk all and validate the mysterious find. The decision leads the maverick academic on a journey from the headquarters of a clandestine organisation in England, to a lost city in the heart of the Brazilian Rainforest, before climaxing inside a chamber hidden deep beneath the sands of Egypt.
Pioneering theory is spliced by epic battles, daring escapes, and elaborate schemes aimed at unravelling a secret history hidden from humanity for the past twelve thousand years.
Dr John Hunter is the only archaeologist brave enough to risk all and validate the mysterious find. The decision leads the maverick academic on a journey from the headquarters of a clandestine organisation in England, to a lost city in the heart of the Brazilian Rainforest, before climaxing inside a chamber hidden deep beneath the sands of Egypt.
Pioneering theory is spliced by epic battles, daring escapes, and elaborate schemes aimed at unravelling a secret history hidden from humanity for the past twelve thousand years.
- GenresFiction
341 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 25, 2018
68 people are currently reading
94 people want to read
About the author
Mark H. Jackson
1 book78 followersMark is a qualified solicitor who splits his time between protecting the rights of academics, writing thriller fiction and raising five super children. He studied Archaeology and Ancient History at the University of Birmingham with a nod towards alternative theory, focusing on the relationship of Giza complex to the stars; portolan maps; and the origins of civilisation and religion. It was within this flame the plots for his future novels were born.
Mark’s writing career extends back over a decade and his diverse portfolio includes three novels, a number of short stories and even a six-part sitcom. Long listed for the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award, prior to publication he was a featured author on the popular writing website, Wattpad, and his work was used at the 2014 San Diego Comic-Con to promote the US Network TV show, DIG. Up to now Mark has considered writing as a creative outlet for the myriad of characters and ideas roaming about his head. The time has come to tease them out of hiding and breathe a little life into their lungs.
The Atlantis Deception was published by Unbound in 2018 and succeeded in achieving number one position in its category on Amazon. Mark is currently working on book 3 in the John Hunter series which is pencilled for a release in late 2022.
Mark’s writing career extends back over a decade and his diverse portfolio includes three novels, a number of short stories and even a six-part sitcom. Long listed for the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award, prior to publication he was a featured author on the popular writing website, Wattpad, and his work was used at the 2014 San Diego Comic-Con to promote the US Network TV show, DIG. Up to now Mark has considered writing as a creative outlet for the myriad of characters and ideas roaming about his head. The time has come to tease them out of hiding and breathe a little life into their lungs.
The Atlantis Deception was published by Unbound in 2018 and succeeded in achieving number one position in its category on Amazon. Mark is currently working on book 3 in the John Hunter series which is pencilled for a release in late 2022.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
October 31, 2018
I really enjoyed this book, which I read in a single sitting - gripped from beginning to end. It's a great mix of conspiracy, adventure and exotic locations - think Indiana Jones crossed with Foucault's Pendulum. A pacy read that draws to a satisfying conclusion - very assured for a first novel. Recommended!
February 2, 2019
This Indiana Jones style adventure novel is well written with engaging characters that pop off the page. I would have given this entertaining and thrilling narrative five stars if it hadn't been for the ending which I personally found disappointing.
December 29, 2018
Can this legend be true? Dr John Hunter knows that his fellow archaeologists see him as a joke especially after looking for Atlantis and not finding it but he was hoping that they would believe him about the body that was found in the bog. John knows that there is something very important about the find but he has no way of proving. But that all changes when Hans Hoffman finds him and offers him all the resources that he needs. But something is off here but John is too excited knowing that he can find the answers that he is looking for.
Just when he thought things were going somewhere he gets a big shock, his ex Inma has been hired to be part of the team but John can't trust her she sold him out. But there are big problems to worry about as there is a group out there that wants what John has and they will stop at nothing to get it. Who can John trust as everyone wants to find this weapon that destroyed Atlantis? His old friend George gets tangled up in the mess as well and luckily he has the skills to help them find the answers.
John knows that things aren't going to end well for them as they have no idea who to trust as the Order has not given John much choice as to who he can turn to and Hoffman has shown his true colours. Can John save his friends from certain death? And will he find what he has always believed?
A great adventure full of surprises. Who doesn't love reading about Atlantis and what really happened to it. I really like John as doesn't give up on his friends even when everything is against him and he never gives up looking for answers. A really good solid read. I was lucky enough to receive a copy via Netgalley & the publishing house in exchange for my honest review.
Just when he thought things were going somewhere he gets a big shock, his ex Inma has been hired to be part of the team but John can't trust her she sold him out. But there are big problems to worry about as there is a group out there that wants what John has and they will stop at nothing to get it. Who can John trust as everyone wants to find this weapon that destroyed Atlantis? His old friend George gets tangled up in the mess as well and luckily he has the skills to help them find the answers.
John knows that things aren't going to end well for them as they have no idea who to trust as the Order has not given John much choice as to who he can turn to and Hoffman has shown his true colours. Can John save his friends from certain death? And will he find what he has always believed?
A great adventure full of surprises. Who doesn't love reading about Atlantis and what really happened to it. I really like John as doesn't give up on his friends even when everything is against him and he never gives up looking for answers. A really good solid read. I was lucky enough to receive a copy via Netgalley & the publishing house in exchange for my honest review.
February 26, 2019
Review of the three chapter sample via Amazon:
Though, not a whole lot to write a review about, I found the writing to be engaging and well written; mirroring language style by Michael Crichton to a degree without the heavy scientific terms. I was very much drawn in by that. The dialogue between characters is well performed in that you definitely get the feel of academics conversing versus evening chatter over a few drinks. I did have a few struggles with the sample though. Our main character does not receive a description...no hair color, attire, body language, or even hints at his build or stature. It makes it difficult to envision our lead. This issue is also present in character body-language information. It'd be nice to know how someone is presenting themselves without the guess work via dialogue, because there is a lot of dialogue. Descriptions of settings are quick and movement from one location to the next seems abreviated in order to move into more character voicing. Even small notations about the environment throughout each chapter would be welcome; examples being how stuffy the auditorium was, or the dig site having an earthy smell (hinting about chapter three's conflict regarding the site). Without these environmental notes and giving the reader moments to breathe between dialogue, I feel the chapters are reduced to mere paragraphs as opposed to full enriching chapters. I also feel that these missing elements rush us through without providing the reader a chance to settle into this world. I marked this 4 stars because I do want to read more of the story, which intrigues me, but without the depth of environmental information I feel I am reading a screenplay more than a novel.
Though, not a whole lot to write a review about, I found the writing to be engaging and well written; mirroring language style by Michael Crichton to a degree without the heavy scientific terms. I was very much drawn in by that. The dialogue between characters is well performed in that you definitely get the feel of academics conversing versus evening chatter over a few drinks. I did have a few struggles with the sample though. Our main character does not receive a description...no hair color, attire, body language, or even hints at his build or stature. It makes it difficult to envision our lead. This issue is also present in character body-language information. It'd be nice to know how someone is presenting themselves without the guess work via dialogue, because there is a lot of dialogue. Descriptions of settings are quick and movement from one location to the next seems abreviated in order to move into more character voicing. Even small notations about the environment throughout each chapter would be welcome; examples being how stuffy the auditorium was, or the dig site having an earthy smell (hinting about chapter three's conflict regarding the site). Without these environmental notes and giving the reader moments to breathe between dialogue, I feel the chapters are reduced to mere paragraphs as opposed to full enriching chapters. I also feel that these missing elements rush us through without providing the reader a chance to settle into this world. I marked this 4 stars because I do want to read more of the story, which intrigues me, but without the depth of environmental information I feel I am reading a screenplay more than a novel.
June 23, 2019
"The Atlantis Deception" eBook was published in 2018 and was written by Mark H. Jackson (https://markhjackson.com). This is Mr. Jackson's first novel.
I received an ARC of this novel through https://www.netgalley.com in return for a fair and honest review. I categorize this novel as ‘R’ because it contains scenes of Violence. The story is set in contemporary England, Brazil, and Egypt. The primary character is archaeologist, Dr. John Hunter.
Hunter has been ostracised by the archaeological community for his theories about Atlantis. Because of his interest in Atlantis, he becomes involved with a secret group in the UK. He travels to the Brazilian rain forest then to the desert of Egypt following the trail to Atlantis. He and his friends find themselves in one harrowing situation after another, caught between two different secret groups.
I thought that the 6.5+ hours I spent reading this 288-page thriller were interesting. While the basic plot is fine, I am not a fan of the implementation. The story jumps or skips in places and I am not a big fan of the characters. The cover art is OK, but could be tied more closely to the story. I give this novel a 2.8 (rounded up to a 3) out of 5.
Further book reviews I have written can be accessed at https://johnpurvis.wordpress.com/blog/.
I received an ARC of this novel through https://www.netgalley.com in return for a fair and honest review. I categorize this novel as ‘R’ because it contains scenes of Violence. The story is set in contemporary England, Brazil, and Egypt. The primary character is archaeologist, Dr. John Hunter.
Hunter has been ostracised by the archaeological community for his theories about Atlantis. Because of his interest in Atlantis, he becomes involved with a secret group in the UK. He travels to the Brazilian rain forest then to the desert of Egypt following the trail to Atlantis. He and his friends find themselves in one harrowing situation after another, caught between two different secret groups.
I thought that the 6.5+ hours I spent reading this 288-page thriller were interesting. While the basic plot is fine, I am not a fan of the implementation. The story jumps or skips in places and I am not a big fan of the characters. The cover art is OK, but could be tied more closely to the story. I give this novel a 2.8 (rounded up to a 3) out of 5.
Further book reviews I have written can be accessed at https://johnpurvis.wordpress.com/blog/.
May 23, 2019
Thrilling: in the manner of a Saturday morning serial, that is. John Hunter, *The Atlantis Deception's hero, is in the grand tradition of those in the Saturday serials in the cinema - or if you're a little younger - Saturday morning television before Tiswas. Mark Jackson manages the action set-pieces and cliff-hangers in a deft and compelling fashion. The love-interest is spiky-sparky and the light relief provided by George Goodheart is funny too.
The alternative-theory historical and archaeological exposition is pretty much seamless, in as much as I didn't feel like I was in a lecture at some University I'd never have got into. A massive bonus this, because it's one of the reasons The Atlantis Deception was so long on my to-be-read pile, (sorry Mark!) As it is, I really do wish I'd picked it up sooner, I found this book to be much better than anything by Clive Cussler, for example.
A good twist at the end which I didn't see coming. Thoroughly recommended if you want a more modern H. Rider Haggard. I'll read a sequel, for sure.
The alternative-theory historical and archaeological exposition is pretty much seamless, in as much as I didn't feel like I was in a lecture at some University I'd never have got into. A massive bonus this, because it's one of the reasons The Atlantis Deception was so long on my to-be-read pile, (sorry Mark!) As it is, I really do wish I'd picked it up sooner, I found this book to be much better than anything by Clive Cussler, for example.
A good twist at the end which I didn't see coming. Thoroughly recommended if you want a more modern H. Rider Haggard. I'll read a sequel, for sure.
January 21, 2019
I don’t really know where to start with this novel. Overall, I thought the story itself was intriguing. It had a lot of interesting elements and kept me guessing throughout. However, with that being said some of the twists and turns seemed over the top and even excessive. The villain being a nazi seemed straight out of an Indiana Jones movie and while shocking didn’t really contribute to the storyline or enhance the story. When I read I specially don’t look to far into things and Over analyze controversial topics. To the contrary, I actually seek these types of books because I think they make for interesting reads. However, the religion aspect seemed forced. Maybe I didn’t truely understand the meaning but it just didn’t mesh well with the book as a whole.
Thanks to Mark H. Jackson and unbound digital for providing me with an advanced reading copy.
Thanks to Mark H. Jackson and unbound digital for providing me with an advanced reading copy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 14, 2019
Very enjoyable thriller from an author that may, some day, develop into the next Steve Berry or James Rollins. This thriller takes on a common theme, Atlantis, but gives it a new twist that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the end. If you are like me and love a good balance of fact and fiction in your thriller/mysteries then this book is for you. I stopped more than once to go look up something mentioned to confirm if it was true and was not disappointed when I found that it was. I will keep an eye out for more books from Mark Jackson and hope that this isn't the last I see of Hunter, George and Inma.
July 27, 2020
Perfection at its finest
I have read a lot of novels trying to find this, adventure at its finest, the great amazing feeling of
the tomb raiders huntig treasures around the world, going into deep tropical jungles, with car chasings, gun fights, pyramids and even crazy nazi foes, anciente secret societies, old parchments, everything is here, this is amazing, for me it was reliving the same feeling I had as a twelve years old boy watching Indiana Jones for the first time.
This is about fun, but with quite a powerful philosophical message at the end. Think about a mix of Indiana Jones, James Bond, and Uncharted, I'm looking forward for the rest of books of the author.
I have read a lot of novels trying to find this, adventure at its finest, the great amazing feeling of
the tomb raiders huntig treasures around the world, going into deep tropical jungles, with car chasings, gun fights, pyramids and even crazy nazi foes, anciente secret societies, old parchments, everything is here, this is amazing, for me it was reliving the same feeling I had as a twelve years old boy watching Indiana Jones for the first time.
This is about fun, but with quite a powerful philosophical message at the end. Think about a mix of Indiana Jones, James Bond, and Uncharted, I'm looking forward for the rest of books of the author.
April 2, 2019
Really wanted to like this more but found the plot to be just too simplistic and the characters just one dimensional. Somehow the hero ALWAYS easily figures out what the right answer is or can fight his way out of a situation. Was hoping for more Atlantis lore to be woven in but there's not enough of it and it all takes place in modern times. After about half way I forcing myself to finish it but not enjoying it.
March 2, 2019
A rollercoaster of present day historical fiction
With more twists and turns than a country road this was a great read. Everything based in real world history from across the globe and with a cast of fully fleshed out protagonists and antagonists that you are rooting for one chapter and then hoping for their downfall in the next. Can't wait for the next in the series!
With more twists and turns than a country road this was a great read. Everything based in real world history from across the globe and with a cast of fully fleshed out protagonists and antagonists that you are rooting for one chapter and then hoping for their downfall in the next. Can't wait for the next in the series!
March 15, 2019
Great read. Jumps around a little but not hard to follow, a lot like a tv show. This would make a good movie. Many of the scenes are described just enough and not to much, that's the way it should be. This author is a talented writer and keeps you turning the pages. I expected something different in the end but was fine with how it went. You will like this book.
March 22, 2019
Having bought this book because I thought the blurb sounded a good adventure, I was pleasantly surprised at the story. It was fast paced and kept me enjoying the thought put into the narrative, another twist on the Atlantis theme. Once finished I looked to see if there was another in the series, not yet, but I have put Mark Jackson on my list of authors to read.
March 27, 2019
It was entertaining until the bit end ...
It was entertaining until the bit end where the story just went haywire and basically down the drain. Felt this author just got lost at the end and basically copied the premise of a better known literary work and just dumped and rushed the ending. Nothing that made sense, truly.
It was entertaining until the bit end where the story just went haywire and basically down the drain. Felt this author just got lost at the end and basically copied the premise of a better known literary work and just dumped and rushed the ending. Nothing that made sense, truly.
April 13, 2019
A real trope of romp
Everyone should occasionally take time to savor the unexpected enjoyment of an unintended spoof that provides honest belly laughs. This conspiracy noir does the trick. But be careful. If you put it down, you may not pick it back up. The accidental humor runs a bit thin by the end of this one.
Everyone should occasionally take time to savor the unexpected enjoyment of an unintended spoof that provides honest belly laughs. This conspiracy noir does the trick. But be careful. If you put it down, you may not pick it back up. The accidental humor runs a bit thin by the end of this one.
April 17, 2019
Excellent Read
I found the link with Himmler and his grandson fascinating at times it was difficult to decide whether the badges really were.
The link with Atlantis, the Lost City of Z, and the Egyptian links made an enjoyable, tense, action packed thrller.
I can't wait for Mark Jackson's next novel
I found the link with Himmler and his grandson fascinating at times it was difficult to decide whether the badges really were.
The link with Atlantis, the Lost City of Z, and the Egyptian links made an enjoyable, tense, action packed thrller.
I can't wait for Mark Jackson's next novel
December 20, 2018
An entertaining and fun to read book! It's a mix of Don Brown and Indiana Jones.
I liked how the plot developed and the well written characters.
It’s a page turner I read in one setting and couldn’t put it down.
Recommended!
Many thanks to Unbound and Netgalley for this ARC
I liked how the plot developed and the well written characters.
It’s a page turner I read in one setting and couldn’t put it down.
Recommended!
Many thanks to Unbound and Netgalley for this ARC
February 16, 2019
Great read end to end! The storyline was engaging and coherent as was the character mix. The initial impression of an Indiana Jones knock off soon faded as I got into the first few chapters of this highly engaging read.
June 23, 2019
Waste of time for those of us looking for a good archeology read.
Don't waste your time if you really want to read about an archaeology thriller. Just lots of wasted space in the book.
Don't waste your time if you really want to read about an archaeology thriller. Just lots of wasted space in the book.
September 9, 2019
Great Read!
This was a great read!! Full of intrigue and action. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in archeology and religion. I especially like how fast pase it is. I was never bored!
This was a great read!! Full of intrigue and action. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in archeology and religion. I especially like how fast pase it is. I was never bored!
May 10, 2021
Ok I will keep this brief. This book has it all & is simply fantastic. It is well written, has great characters, action, weaves a fun believable story, has plot twist & keeps you turning the page. This book is hands down the best book I have read during the Pandemic.
Thanks,
SPP
Thanks,
SPP
November 6, 2018
Excellent debut for the genre. Good plotting and great characters. I really enjoyed the link back to the Nazis but I won't give away any spoilers :)
December 16, 2018
Amazing
I couldn't put this book down, it's exciting ,educational and breathtaking. Well written . I thoroughly enjoyed it. Definitely worth reading.
I couldn't put this book down, it's exciting ,educational and breathtaking. Well written . I thoroughly enjoyed it. Definitely worth reading.
March 8, 2019
A different take
Couple of nice tropes, one with the origins of the book's villains and the second a new take on the 'technology' of Atlantis, makes for an interesting and fun read.
Couple of nice tropes, one with the origins of the book's villains and the second a new take on the 'technology' of Atlantis, makes for an interesting and fun read.
February 12, 2019
Interesting ...
A new take on Atlantean tail. Good storyline. Enjoyed the book very much. Will the adventures of Dr. Hunter continue?
A new take on Atlantean tail. Good storyline. Enjoyed the book very much. Will the adventures of Dr. Hunter continue?
February 24, 2019
Great book. Fast pace with twists and turns that aren't expected. Nice blending of ancient myths and historic sites. It's worth the read.
February 5, 2020
Good read the ending a Surprise! But plausible. Would like to have had a different ending!
Not a quick ending to close the story. . . . . . . . . . . . .
Not a quick ending to close the story. . . . . . . . . . . . .
May 24, 2020
A great adventure! Totally enjoyable story.
July 27, 2020
Guilty pleasure.
Pure action and adventure, I love the book from start to finish, but where could I find other novel by this author?
Pure action and adventure, I love the book from start to finish, but where could I find other novel by this author?
January 20, 2021
Atlantaen Thwory
Fun. Indiana Jones meets the face on Mars. Well not quite, but a fun well researched tale. The only flaw is the number of villains.
Fun. Indiana Jones meets the face on Mars. Well not quite, but a fun well researched tale. The only flaw is the number of villains.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews