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The Relic Hunters #3
The Amber Secret
A vanished relic. A deadly prize.
The half-mad explorer Dante Caruso swears he’s found a fabled Russian relic called the Amber Room, and he’s attracting the wrong kind of attention. A ruthless team of Ukrainian relic hunters called R24 has kidnapped him and his family; they want to know where the Amber Room is—and they’ll spill blood to find it.
Nobody knows treasure hunting like Guy Bodie and his crew. But abduction is the last thing they expect. The R24 forces Guy, his treasure hunters, and Caruso at gunpoint to traverse the vast, unforgiving Tatra Mountains and find the Amber Room. If they fail, the R24 will end them. And if they run, the hunters will become the hunted.
Armed only with Caruso’s dubious instructions, Guy and his crew must find the Amber Room at all costs. Will they solve the deadly mystery of this long-lost relic, or will they die trying?
The half-mad explorer Dante Caruso swears he’s found a fabled Russian relic called the Amber Room, and he’s attracting the wrong kind of attention. A ruthless team of Ukrainian relic hunters called R24 has kidnapped him and his family; they want to know where the Amber Room is—and they’ll spill blood to find it.
Nobody knows treasure hunting like Guy Bodie and his crew. But abduction is the last thing they expect. The R24 forces Guy, his treasure hunters, and Caruso at gunpoint to traverse the vast, unforgiving Tatra Mountains and find the Amber Room. If they fail, the R24 will end them. And if they run, the hunters will become the hunted.
Armed only with Caruso’s dubious instructions, Guy and his crew must find the Amber Room at all costs. Will they solve the deadly mystery of this long-lost relic, or will they die trying?
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First published December 15, 2019
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About the author
David Leadbeater
90 books1,104 followersInternational bestselling author of twenty one thrillers, thirteen in the Matt Drake Action/Adventure series, also The Disavowed and Alicia Myles series'. All available for the Amazon Kindle.
Website - www.davidleadbeater.com
Reader of multiple genres. Husband. Father of two beautiful girls, aged 5 and 7. Joss Whedon fan.
Website - www.davidleadbeater.com
Reader of multiple genres. Husband. Father of two beautiful girls, aged 5 and 7. Joss Whedon fan.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
December 23, 2019
A welcome return to the Relic Hunters series, in this book we have Guy Brodie and his team abducted at gunpoint, flown to Europe, and ordered to help an archaeologist with dementia remember where he found one of history's most famous lost treasure's, the amber room.
As always the action is non-stop, with the team traversing high mountains, always looking for an escape, not only from the Russian loonies who have them now, but also the CIA, to whom the team is indebted to. This series is an excellent, escapist read, and I recommend it, alongside the author's Matt Drake series. A lot of fun.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
As always the action is non-stop, with the team traversing high mountains, always looking for an escape, not only from the Russian loonies who have them now, but also the CIA, to whom the team is indebted to. This series is an excellent, escapist read, and I recommend it, alongside the author's Matt Drake series. A lot of fun.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
December 20, 2019
The Amber Secret is the third instalment in the Relic Hunters series of action-packed archaeological thrillers and this is another superb addition to an original set of books. From the very beginning, you are swept up in a high stakes game of cat and mouse. I would definitely recommend reading the series chronologically as that way you get the most from them and see the recurring characters develop and evolve. The team are still rightfully devastated after unexpectedly losing a colleague in the previous instalment but have no time to sit around to grieve. Guy Brodie and his intrepid band of treasure hunters are kidnapped at gunpoint and transported overseas to Europe. The abductors instruct Guy and crew to lead them to the sought after, historically significant Amber Room. However, the archaeologist in charge of the search suffers from dementia and cannot quite remember where it was located. And so ensues a nail-bitingly tense rollercoaster ride of a thriller.
If you enjoy non-stop action, thrills and danger lurking around every corner then this is a superb pick; it's very much the type of book you read to escape and it's a lot of fun. This is an absorbing adventure and if you have read Mr Leadbeater's thrillers before you know he can be trusted to bring a lot of excitement and drama. Although it is not a character-driven story that certainly doesn't mean the author neglected the character development and the cast is an interesting one. The protagonists are described well with the antagonists being quite mysterious but I feel that was the author's intention rather than apathy. The Amber Secret is by far the best book in the series so far, and I look forward to the upcoming instalments. A highly entertaining read. Many thanks to Amazon Publishing UK for an ARC.
If you enjoy non-stop action, thrills and danger lurking around every corner then this is a superb pick; it's very much the type of book you read to escape and it's a lot of fun. This is an absorbing adventure and if you have read Mr Leadbeater's thrillers before you know he can be trusted to bring a lot of excitement and drama. Although it is not a character-driven story that certainly doesn't mean the author neglected the character development and the cast is an interesting one. The protagonists are described well with the antagonists being quite mysterious but I feel that was the author's intention rather than apathy. The Amber Secret is by far the best book in the series so far, and I look forward to the upcoming instalments. A highly entertaining read. Many thanks to Amazon Publishing UK for an ARC.
August 12, 2024
Great read, loved it
November 13, 2019
After a devastating loss in the previous volume, Brodie and his band of treasure hunters (and CIA handler) are kidnapped by bad guys to help them find the famous Amber Room. They have help from an explorer who’s suffering from dementia. He thinks that he found the treasure but doesn’t remember where. The plot is not bad, I just didn’t enjoy it as much as their hunt of Atlantis because, in my opinion, the characters talk too much about their feelings. It’s normal, considering how they lost someone, but I read these books for the action and it’s strange how the author takes such pains to humanize the good guys while the baddies are more one-dimensional. I also didn’t like the fearful beasts that chase them in the mountains. I know it’s stupid, no one complains about Little Red Riding Hood but every time that wolves are portraited as evil, vicious human killers, I don’t like it. Other than these personal issues, the rest of the story is entertaining and held my interest.
I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased. Thank you, Amazon Publishing UK!
I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased. Thank you, Amazon Publishing UK!
January 15, 2020
Loved it
A fast-paced, adventure-packed, non-stop fight for survival, balanced with a great team dynamic of real characters. With treasure. Loved it.
A fast-paced, adventure-packed, non-stop fight for survival, balanced with a great team dynamic of real characters. With treasure. Loved it.
July 29, 2023
More like 4.5 stars!
January 6, 2020
The Amber Secret (The Relic Hunters Book 3) - a review by Rosemary Kenny
The existence of the Russian Amber Room, it's theft from the Palace by Germany's Nazi Regime and its subsequent disappearance is well known to history, as is the worldwide looting of national treasures from other countries, during the last War years under Adolf Hitler.In The Amber Secret, book 3 in David Leadbeater's The Relic Hunters Series, MC Guy Brodie, a treasure hunter working for the CIA has a team of ex-veterans and others with 'particular' skills are contacted by a dementia-struck explorer who claims to have first-hand knowledge of the Room's whereabouts - if he can only remember where it is and what clues he left himself as an aide-memoire.
Naturally, no good adventure would be complete without a rival gang of ruthless mercenaries, determined to take advantage of Dante's knowledge and his new associates' assistance in locating the priceless treasure and take his wife and child hostage against his co-operation. Who will win the prize that so many covet?Get your copy of The Amber Secret (The Relic Hunters Book 3) by David Leadbeater to find out - it's sure to give you a real taste for treasure hunting - in print!
The existence of the Russian Amber Room, it's theft from the Palace by Germany's Nazi Regime and its subsequent disappearance is well known to history, as is the worldwide looting of national treasures from other countries, during the last War years under Adolf Hitler.In The Amber Secret, book 3 in David Leadbeater's The Relic Hunters Series, MC Guy Brodie, a treasure hunter working for the CIA has a team of ex-veterans and others with 'particular' skills are contacted by a dementia-struck explorer who claims to have first-hand knowledge of the Room's whereabouts - if he can only remember where it is and what clues he left himself as an aide-memoire.
Naturally, no good adventure would be complete without a rival gang of ruthless mercenaries, determined to take advantage of Dante's knowledge and his new associates' assistance in locating the priceless treasure and take his wife and child hostage against his co-operation. Who will win the prize that so many covet?Get your copy of The Amber Secret (The Relic Hunters Book 3) by David Leadbeater to find out - it's sure to give you a real taste for treasure hunting - in print!
November 11, 2019
Guy and the gang are back for mayhem! They are still reeling from the loss of one of their own but they have to move on, their CIA Masters won't let them mourn for ever. They now have 2 enemies after them. The Bratva want them dead for stealing an artifact revered by their recently deceased head. The other group want the items as a means to an end - Getting Guy and his team to pull of an impossible mission of their own - finding the Amber Room!
Going off the seriously addled recollection of the eccentric and mentally ill Dante Caruso, Guy and the gang have to piece together the trail leading to the fabled Amber Room. But can they find it and keep all of the team alive at the same time?
The Ukrainian relic hunters, R24, are bloodthirsty to say the least! I feel so sorry for Dante. He knows what he has discovered but his illness just robs him of all cognisant thought. I have finally got into the rhythm of these books, which are a bit like Matthew Reilly's books, they read like a movie!
Lots going on to keep you intersted and more flashes of the "forever gang" - I'm really hoping that the team either find them or they come across them during their "jobs"! Great book!
Going off the seriously addled recollection of the eccentric and mentally ill Dante Caruso, Guy and the gang have to piece together the trail leading to the fabled Amber Room. But can they find it and keep all of the team alive at the same time?
The Ukrainian relic hunters, R24, are bloodthirsty to say the least! I feel so sorry for Dante. He knows what he has discovered but his illness just robs him of all cognisant thought. I have finally got into the rhythm of these books, which are a bit like Matthew Reilly's books, they read like a movie!
Lots going on to keep you intersted and more flashes of the "forever gang" - I'm really hoping that the team either find them or they come across them during their "jobs"! Great book!
November 21, 2019
Some days don't turn out how you plan them.
This is the third book in the series and will be available to everyone on December 15, 2019. As this book builds upon the previous two, I recommend reading the series in order. However, if you are sensitive to violence and adult language, perhaps the series is not for you.
Guy Bodie and his team were wrapping up some issues from their previous adventure when some unexpected events took them overseas. Fighting the weather and time, the team must locate a treasure that has been lost for decades, The Amber Room. Meanwhile, they wonder if their guide is taking them on a "wild goose chase".
The stakes are high and the adventure is even more daring than any of the previous books. Kudos to David Leadbeater for making it the best one yet. I suspect more books are on their way and I look forward to reading it.
Thanks Thomas and Mercer for allowing NetGalley to share this advanced copy with me. I enjoyed providing my honest thoughts with others.
This is the third book in the series and will be available to everyone on December 15, 2019. As this book builds upon the previous two, I recommend reading the series in order. However, if you are sensitive to violence and adult language, perhaps the series is not for you.
Guy Bodie and his team were wrapping up some issues from their previous adventure when some unexpected events took them overseas. Fighting the weather and time, the team must locate a treasure that has been lost for decades, The Amber Room. Meanwhile, they wonder if their guide is taking them on a "wild goose chase".
The stakes are high and the adventure is even more daring than any of the previous books. Kudos to David Leadbeater for making it the best one yet. I suspect more books are on their way and I look forward to reading it.
Thanks Thomas and Mercer for allowing NetGalley to share this advanced copy with me. I enjoyed providing my honest thoughts with others.
December 14, 2019
Some days don't turn out how you plan them.
This is the third book in the series and will be available to everyone on December 15, 2019. As this book builds upon the previous two, I recommend reading the series in order. However, if you are sensitive to violence and adult language, perhaps the series is not for you.
Guy Bodie and his team were wrapping up some issues from their previous adventure when some unexpected events took them overseas. Fighting the weather and time, the team must locate a treasure that has been lost for decades, The Amber Room. Meanwhile, they wonder if their guide is taking them on a "wild goose chase".
The stakes are high and the adventure is even more daring than any of the previous books. Kudos to David Leadbeater for making it the best one yet. I suspect more books are on their way and I look forward to reading it.
Thanks Thomas and Mercer for allowing NetGalley to share this advanced copy with me. I enjoyed providing my honest thoughts with others.
This is the third book in the series and will be available to everyone on December 15, 2019. As this book builds upon the previous two, I recommend reading the series in order. However, if you are sensitive to violence and adult language, perhaps the series is not for you.
Guy Bodie and his team were wrapping up some issues from their previous adventure when some unexpected events took them overseas. Fighting the weather and time, the team must locate a treasure that has been lost for decades, The Amber Room. Meanwhile, they wonder if their guide is taking them on a "wild goose chase".
The stakes are high and the adventure is even more daring than any of the previous books. Kudos to David Leadbeater for making it the best one yet. I suspect more books are on their way and I look forward to reading it.
Thanks Thomas and Mercer for allowing NetGalley to share this advanced copy with me. I enjoyed providing my honest thoughts with others.
October 20, 2024
These stories seem to get better with each new one. Guy Bodie and his team, minus Eli Cross, are still working to pay off their debt to the CIA. First, though, they have unfinished business with the local Bratva. Once this is sorted, they feel they can move on.
Just as Bodie and his team are leaving, they're abducted by another team of hunters, and are forced to locate an old wartime stash of treasure---the Amber Room. Their trek is littered with violence, fear and pain, with no obvious way for Team Bodie to escape their captors.
The action continues, with both sides trying to assume the advantage, until, at the end of the narrative, one of Bodie's people manages to tip the balance in their favour.
It's good that, in these stories, the good guys don't have all the good luck. As a general real life isn't like that, so it's good that fiction mirrors this fact.
Just as Bodie and his team are leaving, they're abducted by another team of hunters, and are forced to locate an old wartime stash of treasure---the Amber Room. Their trek is littered with violence, fear and pain, with no obvious way for Team Bodie to escape their captors.
The action continues, with both sides trying to assume the advantage, until, at the end of the narrative, one of Bodie's people manages to tip the balance in their favour.
It's good that, in these stories, the good guys don't have all the good luck. As a general real life isn't like that, so it's good that fiction mirrors this fact.
August 23, 2021
During WWII the Nazis stole the fabulous legendary Amber Room in St. Peterburg, Russia, a chamber whose walls were covered in hundreds of pounds of amber and other precious metals and gems. Fleeing to Konigsberg from the Russians, the Nazis hid it somewhere and has never been found. Until a peasant man with dementia announces on the internet that he’s found it.
Heidi assigns Brodie and his relic hunters to find it, but they all end up captured by R24 a group of ruthless relic smugglers who want it for themselves and don’t care how they do.
Footnote: 1) Knowing the value of just one small lump of amber costs today, the value of the amount of amber used to build this is staggering.
Fave scenes: Brodie remembering his childhood friends quest through the woods, Brodie using his white teeth to distant the guard, Caruso walking away and Nina’s last minute save.
Heidi assigns Brodie and his relic hunters to find it, but they all end up captured by R24 a group of ruthless relic smugglers who want it for themselves and don’t care how they do.
Footnote: 1) Knowing the value of just one small lump of amber costs today, the value of the amount of amber used to build this is staggering.
Fave scenes: Brodie remembering his childhood friends quest through the woods, Brodie using his white teeth to distant the guard, Caruso walking away and Nina’s last minute save.
October 10, 2022
This isn’t a bad book but there were a bunch of things that overall irritated me enough to drag down the rating. I will highlight a couple:
* While some might like this part of the story, I found Bodie’s obsession with the Forever Gang tiring.
* At one point, Bodie thinks something to the effect that this could be the greatest discovery ever. And I am saying to myself “Dude, you just discovered frickin Atlantis like a month ago”.
* There are some other plot related things but I’ll avoid those to keep this pretty spoiler free.
* While some might like this part of the story, I found Bodie’s obsession with the Forever Gang tiring.
* At one point, Bodie thinks something to the effect that this could be the greatest discovery ever. And I am saying to myself “Dude, you just discovered frickin Atlantis like a month ago”.
* There are some other plot related things but I’ll avoid those to keep this pretty spoiler free.
August 5, 2021
Third in the series
The relic hunters are again thrown into a deadly search this time with a guide suffering from dimenchia and held hostage by a Russian group R24. They are still reeling from the loss of their teammate at the end of the last book. Still action packed but the mourning runs through the story and is a little distracting. Lots of twists and turns and a surprise ending
The relic hunters are again thrown into a deadly search this time with a guide suffering from dimenchia and held hostage by a Russian group R24. They are still reeling from the loss of their teammate at the end of the last book. Still action packed but the mourning runs through the story and is a little distracting. Lots of twists and turns and a surprise ending
May 22, 2022
Good read
The Amber room is a fascinating mystery based on real events,there are many theories on what became of the Amber Room and no one really knows at least no one that's telling , but this book is a good story of what might have happened ,worth a read just for a bit of escapism from normal life,gave 4 stars not 5 because a book has to be exceptional to rate 5 but I would recommend this to my friends👍👍👍👍
The Amber room is a fascinating mystery based on real events,there are many theories on what became of the Amber Room and no one really knows at least no one that's telling , but this book is a good story of what might have happened ,worth a read just for a bit of escapism from normal life,gave 4 stars not 5 because a book has to be exceptional to rate 5 but I would recommend this to my friends👍👍👍👍
June 7, 2022
A thrill ride
David Leadbeater never disappoints with nonstop action adventure. His relic hunter team is intense, focused, driven, and loyal. Brody is the perfect mixture of all the talents the team possess as a whole. The fact that know his limitations and respects each member’s unique abilities makes him a likable leader. He is also a leader with a heart. His flaws make him authentic. I look forward to more hunting adventures.
David Leadbeater never disappoints with nonstop action adventure. His relic hunter team is intense, focused, driven, and loyal. Brody is the perfect mixture of all the talents the team possess as a whole. The fact that know his limitations and respects each member’s unique abilities makes him a likable leader. He is also a leader with a heart. His flaws make him authentic. I look forward to more hunting adventures.
January 9, 2024
The 3rd book in the Relic Hunters Series was very interesting. I had vague knowledge of the Amber Room but this book peaked my interest in learning a bit more about it. After the devastating loss of Cross in the last book there is a lot more processing of emotions. Guy kept bringing up the Forever Gang, which I have mixed feelings about. It provides some backstory but also got a bit repetitive. Overall the story was fast paced and unique with the guide with dementia.
December 28, 2019
Incredible
David takes a great team still reeling from their last enter and throws them into new action. Taking the history of the Nazi stolen, Russian amber room and weaving it into a magnificent story of discovery throughout the pages makes for great read. It is not for the faint of heart! Highly recommend this action filled adventure! Get it now!
David takes a great team still reeling from their last enter and throws them into new action. Taking the history of the Nazi stolen, Russian amber room and weaving it into a magnificent story of discovery throughout the pages makes for great read. It is not for the faint of heart! Highly recommend this action filled adventure! Get it now!
February 9, 2020
Thankyou to NetGalley, Amazon Publishing UK and the author, David Leadbeater, for the opportunity to read a digital copy of The Amber Secret in exchange for an honest and unbiased opinion.
I really enjoyed reading this book and the series.
The storyline was well written with plenty of action and intrigue. I certainly can't wait for more. 3.5 stars.
Worth a read
I really enjoyed reading this book and the series.
The storyline was well written with plenty of action and intrigue. I certainly can't wait for more. 3.5 stars.
Worth a read
November 23, 2020
This is the third in the series of artefact hunters and I thought it was the weakest of the lot. I liked the story but didn't like that they were following the clues under duress. It brought a tension to the story that I didn't enjoy.
I will still read more of the series as I like the characters.
I will still read more of the series as I like the characters.
June 30, 2023
great read
Love how the relic hunters work as a team and a family protecting each other.
How they reflect and more the kids of a member but work toward a future.
Also interesting to see three enemy groups working apart and then two working together.
Enemy of my enemy is my friend kind of affair.
Love how the relic hunters work as a team and a family protecting each other.
How they reflect and more the kids of a member but work toward a future.
Also interesting to see three enemy groups working apart and then two working together.
Enemy of my enemy is my friend kind of affair.
November 26, 2019
This author is a pretty solid bet if you like gritty adventures. If you don't like violence his books may not be for you. Otherwise, this has lots of action, interesting characters, and an engaging plot.
I really appreciate the copy for review!
I really appreciate the copy for review!
December 16, 2019
Goodreads Kindle Copy Win
A gritty thriller which will keep you mesmerized as the pages quickly disappear. Fans of the Relic Hunter series will enjoy the continuing journey. It will make you want more to read. It will take you on a wild ride.
A gritty thriller which will keep you mesmerized as the pages quickly disappear. Fans of the Relic Hunter series will enjoy the continuing journey. It will make you want more to read. It will take you on a wild ride.
December 29, 2019
Wish the 4th was already written
Can't wait for the fourth book in this series. Lots of intrigue and action. The poor relic hunters have to start going for the kill sometimes, before the bad guys figure out they won't kill until there is no choice.
Can't wait for the fourth book in this series. Lots of intrigue and action. The poor relic hunters have to start going for the kill sometimes, before the bad guys figure out they won't kill until there is no choice.
December 30, 2019
Predictable but fun
This is a tried and tested formula and to a certain extent it works. However to choose the still undiscovered Amber room makes it a little less plausible.A fictitious treasure would have been more believable
This is a tried and tested formula and to a certain extent it works. However to choose the still undiscovered Amber room makes it a little less plausible.A fictitious treasure would have been more believable
January 19, 2020
Absolutely brilliant
Thoroughly enjoyed these books full of adventure and fights but also about nine blood family bonds and what you would actually do to help and support a family through events that have many ways they could turn out.
Thoroughly enjoyed these books full of adventure and fights but also about nine blood family bonds and what you would actually do to help and support a family through events that have many ways they could turn out.
January 23, 2020
Another instalment in the Relic Hunters series, I love David Leadbeater books and they stay just as good as the last!
The Amber Secret carries the torch excellently and is action packed, fast paced and filled with adventuring as always! Great characters too! Thanks to Net Galley for the Arc.
The Amber Secret carries the torch excellently and is action packed, fast paced and filled with adventuring as always! Great characters too! Thanks to Net Galley for the Arc.
February 17, 2020
These Relic Hunter books are a lot of fun and largely unpredictable in the way they'll go. Good writing with no sexual situations and not a lot of F bombs (there are a few sprinkled here and there - that's the reason for the four star rating). Overall, very enjoyable and well written.
March 25, 2020
Great storyline
Yet again the author brings his characters to life and makes you feel that no matter what is thrown at them they will survive,because they are a team that always looks after each other and get results.
Yet again the author brings his characters to life and makes you feel that no matter what is thrown at them they will survive,because they are a team that always looks after each other and get results.
July 6, 2020
Guy Bodie and the team are back. After sorting things with the Bratva, they find themselves kidnapped by the mysterious R24 and searching for the Amber Room, missing since the end of the war. Good book, but the kidnapping element, was a bit too far fetched!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews