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Nick Caine #1
Temple of the Jaguar
Nick Caine is a part-time archaeologist and full-time antiquities thief—a looter. And a very good one, too. So good that he catches the attention of the beautiful Marie Da Vinci, who offers him the chance of a lifetime: to locate the legendary Ciudad Blanca. The lost White City. A city purportedly filled with riches beyond belief.
Against his better judgment, Nick agrees to help...and soon finds himself on a trail into the unknown. And close behind is someone who will stop at nothing to beat them to the prize. Nick Caine, of course, has a few surprises up his sleeve. After all, he's no ordinarily looter.
Against his better judgment, Nick agrees to help...and soon finds himself on a trail into the unknown. And close behind is someone who will stop at nothing to beat them to the prize. Nick Caine, of course, has a few surprises up his sleeve. After all, he's no ordinarily looter.
130 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 25, 2012
239 people are currently reading
416 people want to read
About the author
J.R. Rain
686 books1,727 followersJ.R. Rain is the author of 110 novels and counting. He lives on an island in the Pacific Northwest, where he's hard at work on his next novel... and fighting off sparkly vampires.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
January 13, 2018
Can the protagonist make the story? Temple of the Jaguar proves that, yes, it can! Nick Caine is one of the best characters I’ve come across in a long time. Imagine if Han Solo and Indiana Jones’ love child had another love child with Allan Quatermain and Axel Foley’s love child. That would be Nick Caine. He is snarky, sarcastic and trouble follows him wherever he goes.
The story itself wasn’t perfect: a few typos, a couple of sentences I had to read over to get what was being said. Nick Caine made up for all of this. Temple of the Jaguar was just a whole lot of fun.
*4.5 Stars
The story itself wasn’t perfect: a few typos, a couple of sentences I had to read over to get what was being said. Nick Caine made up for all of this. Temple of the Jaguar was just a whole lot of fun.
*4.5 Stars
February 26, 2015
I liked this story, and it had a lot of good ideas in it, but I feel as though it was written in a pace that was too fast pace for the idea of the story and it could have been built upon. For a story about finding a hidden treasure of gold that had fallen into myth, I expected a longer journey for the characters. After you as the reader find out that Marie's father had been working on deciphering a tablet for ten years, you would think that the journey would take longer than a day to complete, which is how the timeline was portrayed to me. I believe that the story could have been expanded into a stronger and lengthier story. There were also a few things that were confusing to me, one of them being that I feel that the reader is led to believe that Marie's father had never found the treasure, only the tablet leading the characters to it, but once they do find the treasure, there are three bags that had supposedly left by Marie's father. How did they get there if no one had been there before? Small things like that took away a little credibility to the story. However, I do recommend it. It's a fun and quick read if you're looking to enjoy a new story. I do plan on starting the next book in the series soon.
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August 19, 2020
I listen to audiobook of this book and it was good. But too short and fast. Dont like female MC , she is kind of dumb.
June 17, 2015
This book is a quick read at 60 pages. It has lots of action to keep it interesting, but there isn't a lot of plot and character development. This would be a good book for an afternoon by the pool or the beach. I will probably read the next book to evaluate whether or not I would continue the series...
February 7, 2017
What a fun book, very fast read if you are wanting something that has adventure! Full review to be posted on The Cubicle Escapee.
March 8, 2021
I kind of liked the blurb on this one so I went for it. It is a fairly decent adventure story somewhat in the style of Indiana Jones although Cain is no Indiana Jones. That has to be said.
It is a fairly short novella, about 130 pages, so it is a quick read. The book blurb describes the story pretty well. It’s rather simple and straightforward. Caine is approached by this girl, Marie Da Vinci, who convinces him to go and search for the lost white city. Bad guys follows them of course and the path to the city does, not surprisingly, offer quite a few surprises as well.
The book is a classic adventure/mystery/action story. The main protagonist, his sidekick and the girl are quite likable characters and their interactions have the right amount of sharp tongue for me. The bad guys, well we actually do not really get to make their acquaintance since they only show up towards the very end and for only a brief moment of time.
Most of the book is spent solving the mystery of finding the path to this lost city and to overcome the perils that they find on this path. There are some fantasy elements creeping into the story in the form of various, rather unfriendly, animals that they discover during the quest. Animals which you wont find in any encyclopedia for animals that I know of at least.
I like that both Caine and Marie are fairly kickass characters. What I don’t like is that they are somewhat uneven. Sometimes Marie is quite on top off things and sometimes not so much without any real reason. Also, Cain is certainly no Indiana Jones. His skills could do with a bit of a boost. Oftentimes it was Marie running the show. Also, how the f… do you forget that you’re carrying a Bowie knife for Christ sake? And once he remembered it why keep harping about how it was his favorite knife bla bla etc etc every time he needed it?
Another thing that irked me a lot was that they where so poorly prepared. Next to no equipment, no reserve flashlights for example, and so on and so forth. A dropped phone became a big disaster.
Anyway, it was a nice little novella and I did enjoy it. It is a short and easy read. I will probably pick up a few more books in this series.
It is a fairly short novella, about 130 pages, so it is a quick read. The book blurb describes the story pretty well. It’s rather simple and straightforward. Caine is approached by this girl, Marie Da Vinci, who convinces him to go and search for the lost white city. Bad guys follows them of course and the path to the city does, not surprisingly, offer quite a few surprises as well.
The book is a classic adventure/mystery/action story. The main protagonist, his sidekick and the girl are quite likable characters and their interactions have the right amount of sharp tongue for me. The bad guys, well we actually do not really get to make their acquaintance since they only show up towards the very end and for only a brief moment of time.
Most of the book is spent solving the mystery of finding the path to this lost city and to overcome the perils that they find on this path. There are some fantasy elements creeping into the story in the form of various, rather unfriendly, animals that they discover during the quest. Animals which you wont find in any encyclopedia for animals that I know of at least.
I like that both Caine and Marie are fairly kickass characters. What I don’t like is that they are somewhat uneven. Sometimes Marie is quite on top off things and sometimes not so much without any real reason. Also, Cain is certainly no Indiana Jones. His skills could do with a bit of a boost. Oftentimes it was Marie running the show. Also, how the f… do you forget that you’re carrying a Bowie knife for Christ sake? And once he remembered it why keep harping about how it was his favorite knife bla bla etc etc every time he needed it?
Another thing that irked me a lot was that they where so poorly prepared. Next to no equipment, no reserve flashlights for example, and so on and so forth. A dropped phone became a big disaster.
Anyway, it was a nice little novella and I did enjoy it. It is a short and easy read. I will probably pick up a few more books in this series.
July 17, 2023
Nick Caine, and his assistant Ishi are ‘creative archeologists’ or looters with a conscious. Marie Da Vinci hires them to guide her into the Honduras jungle following her archologist father’s translated map to find the Mayan city of Ciudad Blanca. But they have to hurry to beat her murderous uncle to get there.
Nick is an enjoyable character in a short little story with a few interesting moments and details. But the bumbling character interactions and problems seem almost childish. And it needs better editing: duplicate info, stuff out of order and badly thought-out situations. Made for awkward reading. Plus, I started to wonder why Marie bothered to bring Nick along and how Nick ever survived while he was put looting.
Now I like Young Adult books but this seemed like it was having growing pains and was just too awkward and messed up for me to want to continue the series.
Fave scenes: Nick dealing with Juan over the knife and climbing down the handholds
Nick is an enjoyable character in a short little story with a few interesting moments and details. But the bumbling character interactions and problems seem almost childish. And it needs better editing: duplicate info, stuff out of order and badly thought-out situations. Made for awkward reading. Plus, I started to wonder why Marie bothered to bring Nick along and how Nick ever survived while he was put looting.
Now I like Young Adult books but this seemed like it was having growing pains and was just too awkward and messed up for me to want to continue the series.
Fave scenes: Nick dealing with Juan over the knife and climbing down the handholds
May 20, 2023
Wham Bam Thank You Ma’am
This started out as a promising and entertaining adventure with a bit of romance thrown into the mix, but it missed the mark for me.
The promised adventure was suddenly upon us and then over just as quickly. The action scenes weren’t believable and seemed far fetched, with the fierce creatures and bad guys barely putting up any kind of fight.
The romance was hinted at but never really developed during the story, yet at the end the two walk away into the sunset like a couple in a well established relationship.
Overall parts of the story were good but lacked depth or substance.
This started out as a promising and entertaining adventure with a bit of romance thrown into the mix, but it missed the mark for me.
The promised adventure was suddenly upon us and then over just as quickly. The action scenes weren’t believable and seemed far fetched, with the fierce creatures and bad guys barely putting up any kind of fight.
The romance was hinted at but never really developed during the story, yet at the end the two walk away into the sunset like a couple in a well established relationship.
Overall parts of the story were good but lacked depth or substance.
May 1, 2018
There's jungle adventure, treasure hunting, lost relic and some Indiana Jones type, main character, but something was missing for me to like it more than I did. Maybe the short length of novel prevented the author to pull me in completely... Otherwise the pacing is fast and perfect, the writing is clean and simple and the action is plenty. I like the novel and there is enough here for me to read more about Nick Caine adventures.
September 10, 2019
3 1/2 stars. This is fast paced and a fast read. Think Indiana Jones on a quest in South America, wait a minute, we already had that in the beginning of Raiders of the Lost Arc. Well that incident just a little expanded and some other small changes. Lots of fun.
January 11, 2021
This was a good story line but the book felt rushed. It’s almost as if the authors were trying to write a promo for a film. The story could’ve been developed so much more. Still, 3 stars just because I like reading this type of adventures.
December 18, 2023
Nick Caine Adventure 1, Great book!! it was fun if a little short, which kind of makes it good, not too in depth and a quick fast read. Maybe a little lacking in detail, but definitely a series I will come back to, the next book is already in my wish list.
September 5, 2017
I've enjoyed other books by J.R. Rain and am pleased this is no exception. I look forward to reading the next in theNick Caine series.
September 7, 2018
Great idea just not very well written.
October 13, 2018
Once again I have found a good book in this story. I found it hard to put it down until the end.
November 6, 2018
Quick read
Quick story full of corny Indiana Jones style entertainment. This type of story isn't normally my cup of tea, but it was entertaining.
Quick story full of corny Indiana Jones style entertainment. This type of story isn't normally my cup of tea, but it was entertaining.
July 19, 2019
Interesting book, but the lack of editing/proofreading was very distracting.
June 9, 2020
I was aware going into this book that it was a novella. It lived up to its description, short and to the point with a bit of humour thrown in amongst the action. Nice quick read for a summer day.
September 4, 2021
Meow wht a bit at!
It was a great story a little log would have been nice, by as always j.r. ain ha a winner😆
It was a great story a little log would have been nice, by as always j.r. ain ha a winner😆
March 30, 2025
A quick read. Just one main character to carry the story. Secondary characters were not very strong. The story was good
January 1, 2017
Not what I expected
I expected a lot more, but my high expectations usually get the best of me. I thought the premise of the book was interesting, and I knew it would be a light read, but it was WAY too light. There were tons of one-liners, awkward phrasing, and an unsatisfactory ending. Also, there were some parts of the story that went way beyond my suspension of belief, which I can usually suspend quite well. The story ended just when it felt like it was getting started. I won't read any more in this series, but Aiden James' Judas Chronicles series looks a bit more promising.
I expected a lot more, but my high expectations usually get the best of me. I thought the premise of the book was interesting, and I knew it would be a light read, but it was WAY too light. There were tons of one-liners, awkward phrasing, and an unsatisfactory ending. Also, there were some parts of the story that went way beyond my suspension of belief, which I can usually suspend quite well. The story ended just when it felt like it was getting started. I won't read any more in this series, but Aiden James' Judas Chronicles series looks a bit more promising.
February 8, 2014
I am a huge fan of both Aiden James and J.R. Rain, so to say that I was excited to read this book is being modest!
Nick Caine is a Looter. He searches for and gets treasures and artifacts that are hard to find. He is also a Looter with a conscience and does not always charge for the things that he finds. One day he receives a message to meet with a Marie Da Vinci. So he bites and goes to meet her to see what she wants. Nick has sworn off women so imagine his shock at his attraction to Marie.
Marie's father has been murdered and she wishes to continue with his work and get the treasure that he had found years ago in the legendary Ciudad Blanca. Unfortunately her Uncle is very untrustworthy and he is also after the treasure. Marie needs Nicks help. Nick reluctantly agrees. Something he soon starts to regret.
Marie is headstrong and quick to snap. First attitude of the trip, when she found out that Nick's partner Ishi was coming along. Something she quickly got over. The way to the treasure is a treacherous one and Marie shows that she has a very reckless side in this quest. They come across at least three unimaginably horrible beasts that Nick has to battle.
The finally find the treasure which unfortunately results in a showdown with Marie's Uncle who Nick has an unfortunate past with. It will definitely take some quick thinking on Nicks part for them to get out of the situation alive...
I LOVED this book! Two of my favorite authors in one book. You can't beat that.. I definitely recommend this book.
Nick Caine is a Looter. He searches for and gets treasures and artifacts that are hard to find. He is also a Looter with a conscience and does not always charge for the things that he finds. One day he receives a message to meet with a Marie Da Vinci. So he bites and goes to meet her to see what she wants. Nick has sworn off women so imagine his shock at his attraction to Marie.
Marie's father has been murdered and she wishes to continue with his work and get the treasure that he had found years ago in the legendary Ciudad Blanca. Unfortunately her Uncle is very untrustworthy and he is also after the treasure. Marie needs Nicks help. Nick reluctantly agrees. Something he soon starts to regret.
Marie is headstrong and quick to snap. First attitude of the trip, when she found out that Nick's partner Ishi was coming along. Something she quickly got over. The way to the treasure is a treacherous one and Marie shows that she has a very reckless side in this quest. They come across at least three unimaginably horrible beasts that Nick has to battle.
The finally find the treasure which unfortunately results in a showdown with Marie's Uncle who Nick has an unfortunate past with. It will definitely take some quick thinking on Nicks part for them to get out of the situation alive...
I LOVED this book! Two of my favorite authors in one book. You can't beat that.. I definitely recommend this book.
October 26, 2013
I am a huge fan of both Aiden James and J.R. Rain, so to say that I was excited to read this book is being modest!
Nick Caine is a Looter. He searches for and gets treasures and artifacts that are hard to find. He is also a Looter with a conscience and does not always charge for the things that he finds. One day he receives a message to meet with a Marie Da Vinci. So he bites and goes to meet her to see what she wants. Nick has sworn off women so imagine his shock at his attraction to Marie.
Marie's father has been murdered and she wishes to continue with his work and get the treasure that he had found years ago in the legendary Ciudad Blanca. Unfortunately her Uncle is very untrustworthy and he is also after the treasure. Marie needs Nicks help. Nick reluctantly agrees. Something he soon starts to regret.
Marie is headstrong and quick to snap. First attitude of the trip, when she found out that Nick's partner Ishi was coming along. Something she quickly got over. The way to the treasure is a treacherous one and Marie shows that she has a very reckless side in this quest. They come across at least three unimaginably horrible beasts that Nick has to battle.
The finally find the treasure which unfortunately results in a showdown with Marie's Uncle who Nick has an unfortunate past with. It will definitely take some quick thinking on Nicks part for them to get out of the situation alive...
I LOVED this book! Two of my favorite authors in one book. You can't beat that.. I definitely recommend this book!
Nick Caine is a Looter. He searches for and gets treasures and artifacts that are hard to find. He is also a Looter with a conscience and does not always charge for the things that he finds. One day he receives a message to meet with a Marie Da Vinci. So he bites and goes to meet her to see what she wants. Nick has sworn off women so imagine his shock at his attraction to Marie.
Marie's father has been murdered and she wishes to continue with his work and get the treasure that he had found years ago in the legendary Ciudad Blanca. Unfortunately her Uncle is very untrustworthy and he is also after the treasure. Marie needs Nicks help. Nick reluctantly agrees. Something he soon starts to regret.
Marie is headstrong and quick to snap. First attitude of the trip, when she found out that Nick's partner Ishi was coming along. Something she quickly got over. The way to the treasure is a treacherous one and Marie shows that she has a very reckless side in this quest. They come across at least three unimaginably horrible beasts that Nick has to battle.
The finally find the treasure which unfortunately results in a showdown with Marie's Uncle who Nick has an unfortunate past with. It will definitely take some quick thinking on Nicks part for them to get out of the situation alive...
I LOVED this book! Two of my favorite authors in one book. You can't beat that.. I definitely recommend this book!
August 10, 2014
Wise cracks, One liners and hidden treasures.
This read was a lot of fun. Nick Cainer, a smart arsed, tomb raider with a loyal side kick in the employ of a super hot woman of the world, every bit a match for Nick. Go off on a spur of the moment, to raid the Temple of the Jaguar, fighting off monsters and beasts, navigating caves and subterranean rivers on the way to discovering treasures beyond imagination. Too easy, right? Enter Maria's evil uncle Leo and his henchmen. How do they get through all this?
This read was a lot of fun. Nick Cainer, a smart arsed, tomb raider with a loyal side kick in the employ of a super hot woman of the world, every bit a match for Nick. Go off on a spur of the moment, to raid the Temple of the Jaguar, fighting off monsters and beasts, navigating caves and subterranean rivers on the way to discovering treasures beyond imagination. Too easy, right? Enter Maria's evil uncle Leo and his henchmen. How do they get through all this?
October 27, 2015
Wiseassery, badassery, and snarky as can be! Just the perfect length for subway rides and other boring things, unlike the 600 page tomes that leave you feeling lost when you pick them up again after work or whatever.
Nick Caine is too much fun as a looter/archaeologist who sometimes gets it right and has some interesting tricks up his sleeve. His foil in this episode is almost as snarky and devious as he, and together they are sure to give a fine case of the gigglesnorts!
Bought as Whispersync on the cheap courtesy of BookGorilla.
Nick Caine is too much fun as a looter/archaeologist who sometimes gets it right and has some interesting tricks up his sleeve. His foil in this episode is almost as snarky and devious as he, and together they are sure to give a fine case of the gigglesnorts!
Bought as Whispersync on the cheap courtesy of BookGorilla.
March 14, 2016
This is an interesting book and concept. However, I am not sure what is missing, but I definitely feel as if there is a tapping hole, either in the plot, characters, or writing. Usually after a Rain book, I am steeped in the Rain world, the characters have become my friends, and I am satisfied with accompanying them on the adventure. But I am underwhelmed with the adventure and characters. I will read the sequel in order to verify my feelings. I bought this book through Amazon prime ebooks.
March 18, 2013
Quick read that is best described as an Indiana Jones knock off and a poor one at that. There were moments when I found myself liking the central character Nick Caine but they were few and far between. The story was juvenile and in need of editing. Whicker instead of wicker, really? A real disappointment after The Lost Ark. Not recommended.
March 13, 2013
This is a good introduction to a new set of characters led by Nick Caine, Set in the Amazon jungle in search of a lost city and it's horde of treasure it could be seen as in the same vein as Indianna Jones, but the characters develop well and there seems a lot of scope for more adventures around the world, certainly will be reading the next installment .
January 4, 2015
It started out very well, and I enjoyed the characters and the plot. It just finished a lot sooner than I'd expected. It felt like the book would do very well as the first part of a much longer one, with a bit more of a quest to find the treasure, rather than it being as straightforward as it was. However, in between Andy McDermott books its definitely worth a read.
February 21, 2015
So take two of my fave authors and what do you get??
BRILLIANCE that is what..
I hated Nick Caine at the start of this read..
I did not like him very much at all but I became invested in him and by the end of this book I was falling for him and his plight..
Wonderful adventure story which was extremely easy to read..
BRILLIANCE that is what..
I hated Nick Caine at the start of this read..
I did not like him very much at all but I became invested in him and by the end of this book I was falling for him and his plight..
Wonderful adventure story which was extremely easy to read..
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews