Since the dawn of civilization, a hidden hand has gripped mankind. Operating in darkness with limitless wealth and power, this ancient Shadow Caste has controlled every major event in human history—mass migrations, revolutions, plagues, even two world wars. But now these ancient “caretakers” want to change the global experiment. Civilization is too successful, they believe, and our overpopulation threatens the existence of all life on earth. Their solution? To cull humanity’s ever-growing herd. They’ve tried it before—slashing our numbers with wars and pandemics, even propping up murderous dictators to gauge the results—but the new scale of death they desire far exceeds even their unlimited resources. What this cult seeks is supernatural intervention. And they think they may have found it in a collection of ancient stones, hidden by time and faded from memory, that together can ignite a global cataclysm to kill billions in moments. Luckily, former secret agent turned adventurer Sean Wyatt has no intention of letting this secret global cabal commit genocide. Armed to the teeth and racing across the world to stop this disaster, Wyatt and his crew will fight to the death so that, finally, humanity can live free. From the first chapter, USA Today best-selling author Ernest Dempsey grabs you and never lets go. This latest novel in the fan-favorite Sean Wyatt series will keep you guessing until the end and leave you wondering: Is this just fiction? Or could we actually face a similar dark future?
Ernest Dempsey is a huge fan of action/adventure thrillers and science fiction.
He has been creating stories since he was in high school but never published a book until 2010, long after the days of high school were gone.
His action & adventure books come from a lineage similar to Clive Cussler, Dan Brown, Steve Berry, and James Rollins. While his science fiction novels are full of influence from Suzanne Collins' The Hunger Games, The Matrix movie, and Gladiator directed by Ridley Scott.
He is quickly becoming one of the hottest fiction authors in the book world.
I have been a fan of Ernest Dempsey for quite a while now, and think that he is one of the best action/adventure authors out there and definitely stands comparison with writers like Clive Cussler. All aspects of Dempsey's writing are excellent but for me his two strongest points are his characters and his storyline creation, this book is quite compelling in that it contains all the main characters from all his series, including those written in collaboration with his nephew, for me that was quite a treat and a very clever piece of writing, I believe that this is something that he has never done before and seems appropriate for his milestone 20th book in this series. The storyline is pretty epic concerning a secret group who are tasked with protecting humanity and control everything that happens, unfortunately their view of what is best for humanity involves 'culling' the population as they consider that there are just too many people, and they are on the cusp of realizing a lethal weapon that will exterminate a huge percentage of the earth's population. Needless to say Sean and his team don't think that this is a good idea, and are going all out to prevent the weapon being used. There has obviously been a lot of research carried out in preparation for this book, and I really like that it made me question whether or not there really is some overarching organization 'pulling the strings' of this planet's affairs. Of course there are the usual caveats with all books of this genre about requiring a certain suspension of belief about the abilities of the main characters and their ability to overcome seemingly overwhelming odds without getting so much as a hair out of place. But despite this, the action sequences are some of the best that I have read. So, if you are looking to find a first class example of this genre, then this book is highly recommended, in my view it will take something very special to top it. I received an advance copy of this book from the author and I know that this review is very positive but I can assure you that I would have written exactly the same if I had paid for the book, Mr Dempsey does not require reviews in return for his advance copies, but I am more than happy to voluntarily write this honest review.
Ernest Dempsey is back with 20th book in his Sean Wyatt series Ernie is a writer friend of mine that I found my accident and fell in love.
Sean is really a man of trades, military, worked for an elite government agency that was a secret.
Plague...(think Covid - not it’s name) and there are signs that there coming a destruction by a overt group that has around and organized since the sine of the Khan.
Population control - too many people put a strain on resources - suddenly there is a Pandemic - thin the herd out. But they also manipulate who dies. The way to control a sustainable earth is by elimination by those that have valued place in society
Sean and the gang are the the answer. They are the best of the best.
Kinds of reminds me of life since outbreak of CoVID-19.
The fate of the world hangs in the Balance. Only Sean, Tommy, and his crew can stop the mass killing through a plague.
Loving every twist and turn. Always trying who to figure who is the enemy.
This may be one of their biggest challenges. I have no doubt that Sean and the gang will haunt those who senselessly kill for crowed control. People have to be killed ever so often to allow a enough food for the chosen. Shows a total lack of human value.
I truly pains me to have to put my book down.
If you haven’t read Ernest Dempsey’s. Sean Wyatt series ....get moving . As a true bibliophile you must start with book 1.
From the beginning secret combinations have been built up to get power and gain. The ancient overruling combination is the Shadow Caste and they have controlled every major event in human history.
Now they believe that overpopulation is once again threatening civilization and that something must be done to reduce the numbers to a sustainable level. They have been looking for centuries for items that may activate a super weapon that could achieve their goal.
The adventure begins with an archaeological dig that uncovers an artifact with a clue to where the last missing item is located. Shadow Caste’s arrogance and evil will stop at nothing to obtain this power, including betrayal and murder of anyone in their way.
Sean and Tommy are asked to help protect Kevin Clark and solve the puzzle of the artifact’s clue. As things start happening and more help is needed, all of the other characters are skillfully added into the story to assist in saving each other and in stopping the Shadow Caste from mass murder.
There are so many twists and turns as the story unfolds and familiar characters are brought in to help, that you will find it hard to put the book down.
I believe you will enjoy this great adventure as you tag along. I know I did!!
I am delighted to have found this author. With a style of writing of his own, he gave me a great alternative to Andy McDermott, James Rollins and those other fantastic authors that can write action-packed edge of the seat thrillers. I enjoyed this one immensely as it provided an incredibly plausible concept that most would categorize as conspiracy theories. Not only was it immensely entertaining, it portrayed a handful of extremely likeable characters as well as another handful of terribly detestable ones. It was thoroughly enjoyable and for anyone who has an open mind, it is a great thrill-ride.
Version française
Je suis ravi d'avoir trouvé cet auteur. Avec un style d'écriture différent, il est une excellente alternative à Andy McDermott, James Rollins et ces autres auteurs fantastiques qui peuvent écrire des thrillers bourrés d'action. J'ai énormément apprécié celui-ci car il fournissait un concept incroyablement plausible que la plupart qualifieraient de théories du complot. Non seulement c'était extrêmement divertissant, mais il dépeint une poignée de personnages très sympathiques ainsi qu'une autre poignée de personnages terriblement détestables. C'était très agréable et pour tous ceux qui ont l'esprit ouvert, c'est un super manège à sensations fortes.
This latest Sean Wyatt thriller is the best example of Mr. Dempsey’s writing – he has crafted a story from so many characters and different themes that it really shouldn’t work as well as it does. Every one of his characters from each of his various story lines is present in this story and each play an integral part in driving this story forward. Along with lots of archeological content, he has woven conspiracy theories that are as old as time in some cases in to make this story one that refuses to let the reader put it down. Sean, Tommy, and Adrianna are my favorite thriller characters, but now when you add Dax, Emily, June, the Kids, and that actual kids I’m not sure if I can ever be satisfied with future stories that don’t have every one of these “people” present. I received an Advance Reader Copy of The Milestone Protocol and chose to provide this review.
I've read virtually all Dempsey's books, for sure all in the Sean Wyatt series, and love them. But, the Milestone Protocol (Sean Wyatt #20) by Ernest Dempsey is his best! This book is amazing! The regular characters evolve and become better and better. The archaeology is just fascinating. The plot is quite complex and filled with surprises. After thoroughly enjoying the story to the end, there are two more valuable sections. 1) A Hidden Chapter which provides relevant story action/follow-up which is enlightening. By moving it to after the end of the story, it does not clutter up the main story. 2) My favorite section is Dempsey's Fact VS Fiction which he uses to let the reader know what is real/true vs fiction created by his fertile imagination. I sure wish all authors would do that for their inquisitive readers!
Dempsey has taken this book to a new level, I need an extra star to portray how much I loved this one. The 20th book in the series brings all our old favourite character together and introduces a few new ones in an epic race to save humanity.
As each of the opening chapters bring more of the people we know into the mix you just know this is going to be good and it takes everyone to pull together to foil the latest attempt at world domination.
As usual the story takes on twists and turns, there is betrayal as long time friends turn out to be not so friendly and new friends that I am sure we wil see again, in fact some already have their own series of books to enjoy.
All in all the best so far and worth more than the 5 starts I have to give.
Wow! I think I have a new favorite Sean Wyatt book. I really enjoyed this. When I saw the cast of characters I was a little concerned thinking things would get jumbled and we would have trouble keeping everyone straight. Silly thought. Everyone meshed together totally. Great plot line that tied lots of things together. As expected, lots of action. Great characters. Thank you, Mr. Dempsey. I have a short list of writers that I drop everything for when they come out with a new book, even if I am in the middle of someone else’s book. I have added you to that list. Highly recommended.
Secret societies, deception, murder, theft and everyone is involved. Adrianna learns through her father and master that their duty is to keep watch on the Secret Society and keep them from accomplishing it's objevtive, eliminating a third of the population. Sean, Adrianna, Tommy, Tara, Alex , Emily, June, Dak and an exe society member, Niki all end up in the North Pole to stop the destruction. Great job. Thank you.
I think this is one of the best IAA adventures so far. New characters are introduced and possibly become part of the team. I always enjoy the section showing what is true and what is the author's imagination. I like his ability to use little known (or well known) places in his books.
The best yet of Sean Wyatt series. Sean,Tommy & the gang are back and the story bursts out of the gate with a plot that grabs you and doesn’t let go. In a race to stop the cult trying to cleanse the world it’s all hands on deck with some interesting characters. I Dempsey’s got me hooked ‘nn
As usual, Ernest gives us an excellent story. As the plot unfolded I never saw it coming. He weaves the web of his story very intricately, drawing us ever deeper into where he wants us to go. The family may be growing....you'll have to read to form your own opinion.
The prologue made me how it's inclusion served as an introduction to the storyline. This raised curiosity continued throughout to the end. Haven't read the prior books but will start to. Like that there was continuity between main characters which added depth and drew me in.
Sean Wyatt the next Super man This is the second time reading this series for me. I enjoy the characters but find their capabilities to be a little excessive. Mr. Dempsey tells a good tale that keeps you wanting to keep reading to the finish. Lots of action and intrigue
Note: if you have not read any previous book in this series, you will not understand all the references to these other stories. What a thriller, featuring Sean Wyatt, Adriana Villa and the rest of his characters all in one fabulous story that will keep you guessing as to what comes next. Non-stop action.
Combining characters introduced in earlier books, and other book series, the combined IAA force takes on an ultimate task to prevent global population destruction.
I really liked how the blending of plot and the newly formed teams worked together to solve issues.
A good story and well paced. For any author however, using the same characters to go through similar discovery, trapped and escape alive routines can become a difficult plot line to repeat well. Ernest does it well with ever more inventive schemes but I don't feel I could read more of a similar line. I hope he comes up with new adventures to enjoy.
If you like stories of intrigue and adventure, you've come to the right place. Fast paced with so many twists and turns you may need Dramamine. Once you start reading, be prepared to finish it. I couldn't put it down!
My gosh he sure does it making it thrilling. Couldn’t put it down. I can’t get over he really had it all figured out from the first book! It took in the all characters in previous books. I’m a sean Wyatt fan. Don’t know how he is going to do it in future books!
I love the imaginative of the storyline of this book which is almost believable. Also the reference to the current pandemic which fits in with the plot of the main tale.
Great read, the twist keep on coming. Great way to tie up all the lose ends in the other stories up tell now. Can't wait for the next adventure to begin.
This book is truly outstanding it keeps you on the edge of your seat. You don’t want to put the book down it has you sweating at times as you can almost live with in the story. You hate to finish the book,wishing it was another chapter or so.
I really enjoyed this adventure. I even believe that portions of this story could possibly be true. With what is happening in our country and the rest of the world today, our lives are stranger than fiction. Enjoy a good adventure by reading this book
I really loved reading this archeological thriller. As with all of Ernest Dempsey's books, the storyline is awesome, The characters are very interesting, and there is a lot of action and a few twists. This is a great read.
This book was great! I loved how all the characters from Ernest’s books showed up in this novel. The action is amazing, and the story line grabbed my interest and kept it throughout. Great read,
I love The Milestone Protocol! Sean Wyatt books are always so exciting! Glad you added new characters to look forward to in future books. It was nice to get background on Adriana and more backround on Sean and Tommy.
This book was superb! It had all the characters from Mr. Dempsey's books! I loved how it intertwined Dak Harper with Sean Wyatt the kids, and Adrianna. I have enjoyed this entire series and will go back and read all the Dak Harper books now.
The Sean Wyatt series has been very enjoyable. This book is also good accept the wild theories seemed quite fake to me. I think it could have been explained much better. But the bottom line is it was very enjoyable read
I found this series with Sean Watt very well written and exciting. The archeology and mysterious trails keep me going and I look forward to the next books in this series . I recommend this book to everyone.
The first 20% was all over the place and I felt like not having read the Alex and Tara books I was lost. Frankly I called the bad guy early on and the other one. The only surprise was one of the female characters not being bad. The middle section was good.