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The Delphi Chronicle #1
The Manuscript
The Delphi Chronicle is a serial trilogy that chronicles the saga of NY private eye Michael Derrigan, as he unwittingly comes into possession of a manuscript that will change the world order if its secrets are aired. Clandestine factions of the U.S. government will do anything to keep the secrets buried, and a trail of butchery follows Derrigan as he races for his life in a chase that takes him from New York, to Mexico, to Havana. An epic roller-coaster ride of a thriller, The Delphi Chronicle's unflinching and often disturbing twists and turns question the nature of reality in a post-modern world of lies, deceit and betrayal.
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First published December 1, 2011
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
March 11, 2012
the story for this book is good... so far. the problem is it ends at a really weird spot.and it's not that i have a problem with series, I just like each book to have a good story arc with a climax and at least a little resolution. This book was only buildup. I felt like i had read only half or less than half of a book. It ends just where it gets interesting and the action should be starting. It makes me wonder what happens in the next books, but I don't know if i'm interested enough to buy them because i didn't get connected enough to the story.
July 16, 2012
The first of three parts, The Manuscript gets the series off to a good start. Looking forward to the continuation of the serial novel.
New readers be advised: This is NOT part of a "trilogy". There is nothing 'stand alone' about this. It is part one of a three part serial novel that requires all three parts to enjoy the work. Other reviewers have called it a trilogy in error.
New readers be advised: This is NOT part of a "trilogy". There is nothing 'stand alone' about this. It is part one of a three part serial novel that requires all three parts to enjoy the work. Other reviewers have called it a trilogy in error.
November 11, 2012
This book was well written, characters well developed and loaded with action and suspense. This is book one of a trilogy and I'm looking forward to reading books 2 and 3.
March 19, 2012
"The Delphi Chronicle" (Books 1-3) by Russell Blake is a great thriller that neatly balances action, suspense and intrigue with interesting characters that the reader quickly becomes invested in. Like Ludlum? You'll love Blake.
I must admit, I've never been much of a "black helicopters" conspiracy fan; having served 20+ years in the U.S. military I always took a dim view of ideas centered around our government being able to successfully run a large-scale extra-legal operation -- much less keep it secret for decades!
Having said that, I greatly enjoyed the premise of "The Delphi Chronicle," which involves a manuscript detailing what I came to call the Mother Of All Conspiracies. This manuscript outlines how governments, terrorist groups, Big Business and organized crime have worked together over many years to enrich and empower a select few. Unlike many stories built around conspiracies, "The Delphi Chronicle" doesn't labor over the hows and whys, but rather addresses the results of such a massive operation -- and the widespread damage that revealing it could bring.
After a brief and interesting overview of the bloody results of this grand conspiracy, the main narrative kicks off when a New York literary agent receives the manuscript anonymously. Former SEAL and security consultant Michael Derrigan gets drawn in when the agent's electronic copy of the manuscript mysteriously disappears. No spoilers, but trust me there are twists and turns aplenty.
The shadowy forces behind the conspiracy will stop at nothing to keep it from the public eye and the bodycount rises as Derrigan goes underground while trying to understand what and who he's dealing with. But this is no empty-calorie actioner. In fact, the evolution of Derrigan throughout the three books is one of the things I enjoyed most; the man you meet in Book 1 might not recognize the one at the end of Book 3.
Blake's clear prose rings with authority whether describing an action sequence or a Central American airport. So much so that I almost -- almost -- heard the sound of black helicopters while reading "The Delphi Chronicle." Almost. I wholeheartedly recommend this trilogy, and look forward to diving into more of Blake's novels.
I must admit, I've never been much of a "black helicopters" conspiracy fan; having served 20+ years in the U.S. military I always took a dim view of ideas centered around our government being able to successfully run a large-scale extra-legal operation -- much less keep it secret for decades!
Having said that, I greatly enjoyed the premise of "The Delphi Chronicle," which involves a manuscript detailing what I came to call the Mother Of All Conspiracies. This manuscript outlines how governments, terrorist groups, Big Business and organized crime have worked together over many years to enrich and empower a select few. Unlike many stories built around conspiracies, "The Delphi Chronicle" doesn't labor over the hows and whys, but rather addresses the results of such a massive operation -- and the widespread damage that revealing it could bring.
After a brief and interesting overview of the bloody results of this grand conspiracy, the main narrative kicks off when a New York literary agent receives the manuscript anonymously. Former SEAL and security consultant Michael Derrigan gets drawn in when the agent's electronic copy of the manuscript mysteriously disappears. No spoilers, but trust me there are twists and turns aplenty.
The shadowy forces behind the conspiracy will stop at nothing to keep it from the public eye and the bodycount rises as Derrigan goes underground while trying to understand what and who he's dealing with. But this is no empty-calorie actioner. In fact, the evolution of Derrigan throughout the three books is one of the things I enjoyed most; the man you meet in Book 1 might not recognize the one at the end of Book 3.
Blake's clear prose rings with authority whether describing an action sequence or a Central American airport. So much so that I almost -- almost -- heard the sound of black helicopters while reading "The Delphi Chronicle." Almost. I wholeheartedly recommend this trilogy, and look forward to diving into more of Blake's novels.
December 17, 2016
A Perfect Cliffhanger
Russell has presented "A Perfect Cliffhanger" and I think you will enjoy it as much as I have. The secrets had to stay silenced; the world could never know the truth – too much would be destroyed, too many of the country’s powerful would be humiliated and revealed to be monsters and thugs. Whatever it took, whatever the cost, that unthinkable outcome could never be allowed to happen. He would scorch the earth and crush whatever stood in his way, but the unspeakable realities of history would stay hidden. The ghosts of the past and the sins of necessity needed to stay buried, no matter what it took to keep them in the grave. It is obvious to me that when a writer sucks you in like Russell has in Book 1 you will seek out Book 2 of The Delphi Chronicle...
Russell has presented "A Perfect Cliffhanger" and I think you will enjoy it as much as I have. The secrets had to stay silenced; the world could never know the truth – too much would be destroyed, too many of the country’s powerful would be humiliated and revealed to be monsters and thugs. Whatever it took, whatever the cost, that unthinkable outcome could never be allowed to happen. He would scorch the earth and crush whatever stood in his way, but the unspeakable realities of history would stay hidden. The ghosts of the past and the sins of necessity needed to stay buried, no matter what it took to keep them in the grave. It is obvious to me that when a writer sucks you in like Russell has in Book 1 you will seek out Book 2 of The Delphi Chronicle...
June 20, 2025
What little there was of this first installment of this trilogy, was very good. It’s was a bit scary too! What little there was of what the manuscript talked about in the book seemed to me something that could possibly happen or could be happening right now. I don’t put anything past the people that are in power.
With that said, I found this little bit disturbing and like I said scary. I will read the rest of the trilogy but am upset that I can’t find the book at the library in paperback or as an ebook. So unless I want to join kindle unlimited and pay $11.99, purchase the paperback for $13.99, I will have to purchase the complete 3 parts of the ebook for $4.99. These are my options and I will need to make a decision if I want to read the rest of the story.
With that said, I found this little bit disturbing and like I said scary. I will read the rest of the trilogy but am upset that I can’t find the book at the library in paperback or as an ebook. So unless I want to join kindle unlimited and pay $11.99, purchase the paperback for $13.99, I will have to purchase the complete 3 parts of the ebook for $4.99. These are my options and I will need to make a decision if I want to read the rest of the story.
April 3, 2022
This has the makings of a really good book but as the first part of a three part story it finished so suddenly it ended up being very disappointing.
Parts 2 & 3 do not seem to be available as separate entities and the only thing you can get is the full omnibus. Given that I’ve already read part one why would I buy it again?
Unless I can get the other 2 pieces at a reasonable price looks like this will remain unfinished.
Parts 2 & 3 do not seem to be available as separate entities and the only thing you can get is the full omnibus. Given that I’ve already read part one why would I buy it again?
Unless I can get the other 2 pieces at a reasonable price looks like this will remain unfinished.
November 24, 2020
NOT A TRILOGY. This is one book divided into thirds. I feel 100% cheated. I have yet to decide if I care to read part two. If I do this book may bet a three star but again THIS IS NOT A BOOK. This is 10 chapters of an actual full length book. The ending of this book may have well happened in the middle of a sentence. RIDICULOUS.
May 13, 2018
Very good
Good story, fast moving with interesting characters. Plenty of action to keep me glued to the book. I did think that it was an odd place to leave the book ... On to Book 2!
Good story, fast moving with interesting characters. Plenty of action to keep me glued to the book. I did think that it was an odd place to leave the book ... On to Book 2!
September 16, 2020
Whoa. Had me from the start
I don’t generally read “detective” type novels, but this one is really good! I need to read the 2 nd one of the trilogy! Highly recommended!
I don’t generally read “detective” type novels, but this one is really good! I need to read the 2 nd one of the trilogy! Highly recommended!
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April 26, 2022In the cloud?
March 4, 2017
Interesting read although most characters were killed off and I felt there were certain story lines that were not finished.
February 23, 2017
Conspiracy Junkie
This is my second time reading this book and I enjoyed it even more than I did the first time!
This is my second time reading this book and I enjoyed it even more than I did the first time!
August 22, 2012
This author always writes a gripping story that drives me to read into the late hours. He is so talented in writing and telling his story boldly. This account begins with highlights from earlier events of assassination/murder. It moves forward in time and reveals a manuscript written years later that, as a PDF file, is attached to an e-mail sent to well known publisher, Abe Sarkins, from an anonymous person. Mysteriously, the e-mail and file disappear overnight from his computer; but he has made a paper copy of the file. He calls his friend and hopeful author, Michael Derrigan, who has his own business dealing with security and has several part-time talented consultants. Abe needs help to find that file on his computer because he knows he did not delete it. Michael meets with him and arranges for one of his techies to check out the computer the next day as Abe hands him the printed PDF file. Michael plans on scanning it back onto a disk. The next morning Abe is found dead in his apartment of an apparent heart attack. Needless to say, Michael now questions the death of Abe and reads the manuscript. He realizes that even his own life may be threatened. Read on to learn what those pages contain and who wants these facts hidden. Author Blake describes his characters very well pointing out their strengths and weaknesses. His story provokes thought about conspiracy theories and which are false and those that may be factual. He's a good analyst of how our world spins around power and greed. I highly recommend this story. Just make sure you have book 2, "The Delphi Chronicle (The Tortoise and The Hare) loaded up to get the rest of the story.
March 23, 2012
One of the things I was struck by when I began reading this was how well the description and character development are married to the speed and ease of reading. It’s one of the more interesting feelings to feel the weight of a world created by a fellow author but still flow through it like you would a short story. It’s a talent that’s rare and enticing for those wanting a quick read.
As a fan of Tom Clancy, I was intrigued by the layout and feasibility of the world created by Russell Blake where nothing is as it seems and the most powerful country in the world is among the most corrupt. The manuscript is woven together in a way that gives the reader the feel of realism while the certainty (or hope) that it’s a work of fiction.
The story opens with a series of murders, or assassinations happening at various parts of the world in the mid 1980’s and 90’s. After leaving the reader on sure footing as to the intent of the novel, we’re brought to modern day New York where we meet the head of a security firm, Michael Derrigan, as his offer to help a friend quickly descends into a flight for his life.
As a fan of Tom Clancy, I was intrigued by the layout and feasibility of the world created by Russell Blake where nothing is as it seems and the most powerful country in the world is among the most corrupt. The manuscript is woven together in a way that gives the reader the feel of realism while the certainty (or hope) that it’s a work of fiction.
The story opens with a series of murders, or assassinations happening at various parts of the world in the mid 1980’s and 90’s. After leaving the reader on sure footing as to the intent of the novel, we’re brought to modern day New York where we meet the head of a security firm, Michael Derrigan, as his offer to help a friend quickly descends into a flight for his life.
July 8, 2012
"The Manuscript", by Russell Blake, is the first book in a three book conspiracy/thriller trilogy.
The characters in the work are likeable and well fleshed out. I particularly liked the literary agent in the story, who kicks the story off by receiving the manuscript of the book’s title from a mysterious writer.
The author’s writing style is quick and to the point. He embellishes the action with enough descriptive writing to put the reader at the scene, but not so much that the imagination flags altogether.
The plot flows well and is easy to follow, with enough twists and point-of-view jumps to keep the reader on their toes. Blake’s skeptical viewpoint of the socio-economic power structure is very evident in the main theme.
The story halts rather abruptly, and the reader must then go on to the second book of the series to continue. Some may be put off by this strategy, but I can see the method in Blake’s madness.
All in all, I enjoyed the book, and am looking forward to completing the series to see what happens next.
The characters in the work are likeable and well fleshed out. I particularly liked the literary agent in the story, who kicks the story off by receiving the manuscript of the book’s title from a mysterious writer.
The author’s writing style is quick and to the point. He embellishes the action with enough descriptive writing to put the reader at the scene, but not so much that the imagination flags altogether.
The plot flows well and is easy to follow, with enough twists and point-of-view jumps to keep the reader on their toes. Blake’s skeptical viewpoint of the socio-economic power structure is very evident in the main theme.
The story halts rather abruptly, and the reader must then go on to the second book of the series to continue. Some may be put off by this strategy, but I can see the method in Blake’s madness.
All in all, I enjoyed the book, and am looking forward to completing the series to see what happens next.
July 18, 2012
This is a really quick read and made me go ahead and buy the last 2 books in the trilogy. This book focuses on a literary agent getting a mystery email attachment with an explosive story...if it indeed real. But someone doesn't Sanford that manuscript out there because it will cause disastrous effects on the global community. The email mysteriously disappears and Michael Carrigan is called into help find it. Michael is an ex -navy Seal who now does security contracting. Once he has the printed manuscript in his hands people start dying and it looks like some very high powered people want it kept under wraps. Michael realizes the danger he is in when the members of his team and employees of the literary agent's start dropping like flies. Michael decides to go underground and try to stay one step ahead of those who want him dead. 3 stars with a higher potential if the author keeps up the adrenalin and fast paced writing style.
November 23, 2012
If you enjoy political thrillers then this is a must read. This story brought to life all my worst thoughts and fears about the government and how corrupt it truly is. I know this is a work of fiction, but I would not be surprised if the government did do any of the things this author writes about.
Great story with such well developed characters and plot. The main character, Michael, who is ex-military and operates a security company, is asked to help out a literary agent friend. Michael becomes embroiled in a government conspiracy regarding a missing manuscript after his friend is murdered. If this manuscript becomes public knowledge, America would discover how corrupt the government is and exactly what the "War on Drugs" is really about. The government does not want this to happen and will kill everyone they think may have knowledge of it.
I can't wait to read the next book in this story to see what happens next.
Great story with such well developed characters and plot. The main character, Michael, who is ex-military and operates a security company, is asked to help out a literary agent friend. Michael becomes embroiled in a government conspiracy regarding a missing manuscript after his friend is murdered. If this manuscript becomes public knowledge, America would discover how corrupt the government is and exactly what the "War on Drugs" is really about. The government does not want this to happen and will kill everyone they think may have knowledge of it.
I can't wait to read the next book in this story to see what happens next.
March 12, 2012
Russell Blake has a masterpiece here. The book overflows with fear, mystery, murder- all eloquently put. It is most definitely a page turner. But most importantly it will make you stop and think. Mr. Blake claims the book is fiction. However he readily admits that
“ it is almost impossible to verify with complete certainty what is fiction when examining the world of covert operations and intelligence agencies.”
The book is driven by an extremely conceivable conspiracy. All of the dirty secrets have been documented in a manuscript. Our unlucky hero finds himself in the possession of this manuscript. He is now the target of a powerful group that will not allow this to become public. Innocent people are killed in the quest to retrieve this manuscript. Will our hero make it out of this alive?
“ it is almost impossible to verify with complete certainty what is fiction when examining the world of covert operations and intelligence agencies.”
The book is driven by an extremely conceivable conspiracy. All of the dirty secrets have been documented in a manuscript. Our unlucky hero finds himself in the possession of this manuscript. He is now the target of a powerful group that will not allow this to become public. Innocent people are killed in the quest to retrieve this manuscript. Will our hero make it out of this alive?
March 5, 2013
Social Media - twitter in particular is a great place to meet lots of interesting authors. Mr. Blake is no exception.
The Delphi Chronicle - The Manuscript is full of action and intrigue.
Michael Derrigan becomes entangled with government entities that wish a manuscript and anyone who has read it to disappear permanently. The reason, well, you'll have to read the book to find that out.
I loved Mr. Blake's story and kept reading to find out what would happen next. The only problem I had was that by the end of this book, I wanted to know more. I guess I'll have to get the next books in the series.
Warning, this book contains adult language.
The Delphi Chronicle - The Manuscript is full of action and intrigue.
Michael Derrigan becomes entangled with government entities that wish a manuscript and anyone who has read it to disappear permanently. The reason, well, you'll have to read the book to find that out.
I loved Mr. Blake's story and kept reading to find out what would happen next. The only problem I had was that by the end of this book, I wanted to know more. I guess I'll have to get the next books in the series.
Warning, this book contains adult language.
March 25, 2012
A private security provider and sould be author is called to the office of his literary agent to try and recover an email with an attached manuscript. The agent has printed out the file but needs the e-mail to try to find out the authors name. Even with the help of a computer whiz they cannot recover the e-mail and they are now being threatened by someone trying to recover the manuscript and eliminating anyone who might have seen it. A decent read, but an abrupt ending although it is listed as Book 1. Guess I will have to find Book 2 now.
April 2, 2012
A cracking start
I greatly enjoyed the first book in " The Delphi Chronicles Trilogy"
It is fast paced, well written and really seems to do a great job in setting up the rest of the storyline.
The hero is quite an interesting character. A special forces operative, like many heroes of thrillers but he is one that actually seems human and not the super powered killing machines that they usually are in these types of books.
The villainous characters were pretty interesting and the conspiracy elements were intriguing.
I greatly enjoyed the first book in " The Delphi Chronicles Trilogy"
It is fast paced, well written and really seems to do a great job in setting up the rest of the storyline.
The hero is quite an interesting character. A special forces operative, like many heroes of thrillers but he is one that actually seems human and not the super powered killing machines that they usually are in these types of books.
The villainous characters were pretty interesting and the conspiracy elements were intriguing.
April 12, 2013
I only try to read series in which each book reads like a separate story, with a definite resolution. I wish I had known that this book was a partial novel, but the "sequels" are available so I suppose I can't gripe too much about a freebie. I don't think I've ever encountered a thriller regarding a literary agent before so this was a novelty. The conspiracy theory and political plot line made for an intriguing story. This was a good, quick read and I'm tempted to buy the next installments.
December 31, 2011
After an exceptional year with multiple five star novels, Russell Blake once again gives his readers a fantastic thrill ride. The Delphi Chronicle, Blake's second trilogy, is one of the best conspiracy theory novels I've read. From New York, to Mexico, to Cuba, readers are treated to a break-neck speed book that is impossible to put down.
The only question now is will Blake outdo him self in 2012? I have no doubt he will.
The only question now is will Blake outdo him self in 2012? I have no doubt he will.
February 4, 2012
What a great read! I love a good Conspiracy Theory story and this is definitely one of the best I've read. After reading a few chapters I went online and ordered Book 2 and 3. There's so much more I'd like to say about the story but I don't want to reveal all the twists, turns and surprises. Let me just say... this is a thrill ride you don't want to miss.
February 23, 2012
Ends in the middle and leaves you hanging! I guess I should have known that - though I think it's a misnomer to label this Book 1. It's the first several chapters of a larger work. It ends at a point that is in no way, shape or form an ending. All that said, I'm hooked and have already purchased "Books" 2 & 3.
May 26, 2015
This was a fun and quick read. Getting the next couple of books shortly. The book moves quickly and there are lots of questions left. I will say that the storyline is pretty simple and without knowing what's in the manuscript, it does make this pretty hard to believe. We'll see though - I still enjoyed it.
February 20, 2013
At first I was disappointed that this was a series. But I got into the story right away. The characters are her believable. I felt bad tor some of the supporting character's tragic endings. Our protagonist, Michael has a good head on his shoulders. He parlays his instincts for survival into an incredible read. I must read the following books to see how this tale concludes.
May 6, 2013
I certainly read through this book quickly. it was a gripping story. excellent thread in the storyline with believable characters and plot. The whole thing is well written, perhaps a little too much conspiracy theory information towards the middle, felt like a lecture for moment. The author certainly has thought this concept through and connected all the dots, perhaps it really is true!
February 23, 2016
Diappontment
What a bummer! A great story that kept me reading, but this story ends anti-cliimatically, meaning there is no ending. He might as well have ended it after the first or second chapter. It leaves you hanging. It ends leaving you saying WTF! I thought for sure there would be a book 2 but if there is, I can't find it.
What a bummer! A great story that kept me reading, but this story ends anti-cliimatically, meaning there is no ending. He might as well have ended it after the first or second chapter. It leaves you hanging. It ends leaving you saying WTF! I thought for sure there would be a book 2 but if there is, I can't find it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews