What do you think?
Rate this book
The Secret of the Codex
Somewhere, buried deep underground, lies an ancient Secret…
When archaeology professor Kayla Harrington heads to Belize for the summer, she discovers a collection of Mayan hieroglyphs detailing stories of a powerful Secret. But when her colleague, Grady McGready, joins in the search, she begins to realize that there’s more to this secret—and to him—than she thought.
But secrets don’t stay hidden by chance…
As Kayla and Grady get closer to uncovering the Secret—and the power it promises—they, along with grad students Mandy and Justin, are thrust into the hands of a ruthless Clan determined to prevent the Secret from being released at all costs. Through deadly rainforests, raging rivers, and hidden passageways, the four embark on a journey to bring to light a Secret that has been hidden from the world for far too long.
Fans of Dan Brown and James Rollins will love this archaeological supernatural thriller with non-stop action that keeps you wanting more.
When archaeology professor Kayla Harrington heads to Belize for the summer, she discovers a collection of Mayan hieroglyphs detailing stories of a powerful Secret. But when her colleague, Grady McGready, joins in the search, she begins to realize that there’s more to this secret—and to him—than she thought.
But secrets don’t stay hidden by chance…
As Kayla and Grady get closer to uncovering the Secret—and the power it promises—they, along with grad students Mandy and Justin, are thrust into the hands of a ruthless Clan determined to prevent the Secret from being released at all costs. Through deadly rainforests, raging rivers, and hidden passageways, the four embark on a journey to bring to light a Secret that has been hidden from the world for far too long.
Fans of Dan Brown and James Rollins will love this archaeological supernatural thriller with non-stop action that keeps you wanting more.
498 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 12, 2019
16 people are currently reading
34 people want to read
About the author
Melissa Frey
6 books22 followersMelissa Frey is the author of the supernatural action-adventure Codex series, the Codex companion romance, Honestly Always You, and the non-fiction book How to Work from Home. When she’s not writing, her passion is helping fellow indie authors with writing, editing, and publishing their books and teaching them all about Show vs. Tell. You can find her online at melissafrey.com, connecting with readers and other authors on Instagram, and editing books and anything else she can get her hands on. She’s a new transplant to the Pacific Northwest and loves yoga, the mountains, super-dark chocolate, and her husband, Andrew.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
September 27, 2020
Wow! This was an epic read right from the start. I could totally see this book being made into a Netflix series. I vote for Jason Mamoa as Na-um!
The fantasy aspect and all the Indiana Jones style adventure had me flipping those pages to see what would happen next. I loved Kayla & Grady’s romance intertwined amongst all the drama too. Perfect!
A mind-blowing 5 stars! Can’t wait for book 2, The Prophecy of the Codex.
The fantasy aspect and all the Indiana Jones style adventure had me flipping those pages to see what would happen next. I loved Kayla & Grady’s romance intertwined amongst all the drama too. Perfect!
A mind-blowing 5 stars! Can’t wait for book 2, The Prophecy of the Codex.
November 3, 2020
Gave me flashbacks to the Indian Jones filled fantasies of my youth.
January 23, 2020
An exciting read from the beginning to the end!
When Kayla Harrington begins to discover the secret of the codex a journey of archeological adventures begins. As someone who was obsessed with Indiana Jones as a kid I couldn’t get enough of this story, the characters, romance and intrigue. Chapter after chapter of discoveries, plot twists and cliff hangers had me flipping the pages as quickly as I could read them. I’m excited to see where our characters journeys will take them next in this truly unique adventure.
When Kayla Harrington begins to discover the secret of the codex a journey of archeological adventures begins. As someone who was obsessed with Indiana Jones as a kid I couldn’t get enough of this story, the characters, romance and intrigue. Chapter after chapter of discoveries, plot twists and cliff hangers had me flipping the pages as quickly as I could read them. I’m excited to see where our characters journeys will take them next in this truly unique adventure.
June 8, 2020
This was a fun action-adventure story that takes us all over North and Central America! Woven with intrigue, romance, and Mayan magic, this is a unique story that crosses genres.
The multiple POV was written well and sets the series up nicely. I can't wait to see what happens to our American-academics-turned-earth-magic-users in the rest of the series, and where we'll go next. I love a story that takes us to new places!
A refreshing story that feels cinematic. A must-read!
The multiple POV was written well and sets the series up nicely. I can't wait to see what happens to our American-academics-turned-earth-magic-users in the rest of the series, and where we'll go next. I love a story that takes us to new places!
A refreshing story that feels cinematic. A must-read!
October 10, 2020
Firstly, I rate this book 5 stars because I think it is well deserved. There was much I loved about it. There were a few things that didn’t sit well with me, but I don’t believe those things should impact the star ratings as they are subjective. I am rating the quality of the writing and story as a whole.
This archeological thriller was indeed that - the adventure scenes during the character’s searches were super exciting. She did an awesome job at explaining the descriptions inside the caves, making it easy to visualize what the characters were up against.
I liked how the book took us all over... (I won’t give away too much!)
The overall concept of the book was neat. I liked the themes, all seeming to surround the idea of following one’s gut or instincts and the power of the subconscious mind. These sort of things are right up my alley, so that resonated with me and connected me more to the characters.
The romance felt a bit rushed; at times I found the dialogue reflecting more of a dramatic nature. There was a lot of telling with characters emotions which seemed to come about to me in surprise and at times a bit of confusion.
The deaths involved were only mildly addressed. One more specifically.
As a whole, I really enjoyed this book, it was a true pleasure to read. The fact that it is Melissa’s debut novel is astounding! Big props to her for writing this thrilling adventurous book. I look forward to book 2 in the series!
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in archeology, adventure and a bit of romance.
This archeological thriller was indeed that - the adventure scenes during the character’s searches were super exciting. She did an awesome job at explaining the descriptions inside the caves, making it easy to visualize what the characters were up against.
I liked how the book took us all over... (I won’t give away too much!)
The overall concept of the book was neat. I liked the themes, all seeming to surround the idea of following one’s gut or instincts and the power of the subconscious mind. These sort of things are right up my alley, so that resonated with me and connected me more to the characters.
The romance felt a bit rushed; at times I found the dialogue reflecting more of a dramatic nature. There was a lot of telling with characters emotions which seemed to come about to me in surprise and at times a bit of confusion.
The deaths involved were only mildly addressed. One more specifically.
As a whole, I really enjoyed this book, it was a true pleasure to read. The fact that it is Melissa’s debut novel is astounding! Big props to her for writing this thrilling adventurous book. I look forward to book 2 in the series!
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in archeology, adventure and a bit of romance.
November 29, 2020
Phenomenal
I’d heard so many good things about this book that I was nervous to read it. Thankfully it more than lived up to its reputation with a gripping, action-packed plot, complex and well-drawn characters, a dash of romance, and so much more. Kayla, Grady, Mandy, and Justin have been through so much and I can’t wait to see what happens next!
I’d heard so many good things about this book that I was nervous to read it. Thankfully it more than lived up to its reputation with a gripping, action-packed plot, complex and well-drawn characters, a dash of romance, and so much more. Kayla, Grady, Mandy, and Justin have been through so much and I can’t wait to see what happens next!
August 10, 2021
Melissa Frey's book is full of detail, worldbuilding, flawed characters, action, research, and more! You may be interested in the Codex mystery, but you'll stay for the characters: Mandy, Justin, Kayla, and Grady. The book kept me on my toes. I highly recommend this book!
April 16, 2022
4/5 ⭐️ ~ Review to Come...
February 23, 2021
The Secret of the Codex by Melissa Frey was one of the easiest and most fun adventures I have been on in a long time. I felt nostalgia and love for this book that I don’t even know how to explain.
4/5 stars
Our main character Kayla is a professor and archeologist about to leave for a dig. At the dig she meets Grady, and the two of them stumble on something bigger than they could ever imagine. When they’re kidnapped it’s college students Justin and Mandy to their rescue who are they brought into the world changing dynamic
This book was an adventure that I wasn’t ready for, but I thoroughly enjoyed. The action scenes were very easy to follow. The romance was one you want to cheer on. This book was so fun and so easy to read, I found myself wishing the first book wouldn’t end!
The villains were so well planned out, I ended up loving them as well, even though I wanted our main characters to prevail. This was just such a fun read!
This is the first book in what is planned to be a 4 book series, the first 2 books are out, with the third coming soon. I highly suggest you check it out as it’s such a good adventure to begin!
4/5 stars
Our main character Kayla is a professor and archeologist about to leave for a dig. At the dig she meets Grady, and the two of them stumble on something bigger than they could ever imagine. When they’re kidnapped it’s college students Justin and Mandy to their rescue who are they brought into the world changing dynamic
This book was an adventure that I wasn’t ready for, but I thoroughly enjoyed. The action scenes were very easy to follow. The romance was one you want to cheer on. This book was so fun and so easy to read, I found myself wishing the first book wouldn’t end!
The villains were so well planned out, I ended up loving them as well, even though I wanted our main characters to prevail. This was just such a fun read!
This is the first book in what is planned to be a 4 book series, the first 2 books are out, with the third coming soon. I highly suggest you check it out as it’s such a good adventure to begin!
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews