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Artifact Manor #1
Pendant of God
A dying tech entrepreneur. A team of skilled treasure hunters. And a mystical artifact with the power to heal… or to destroy.
To save his dying friend, Gabriel Dunne, professional novelist and clandestine treasure hunter, embarks on a global adventure to locate the Pendant of God, a mystical artifact believed to be imbued with the power of The Almighty himself. But when the pendant falls into the wrong hands, it’s up to Gabriel and his team to recover it before the power within tears the Earth apart, annihilating all life as we know it.
Will Gabriel retrieve the pendant in time to save his friend? Can he and his team stave off the end of the world? Or will the pendant’s power be unleashed, consuming the known universe in a blaze of untold destruction?
To save his dying friend, Gabriel Dunne, professional novelist and clandestine treasure hunter, embarks on a global adventure to locate the Pendant of God, a mystical artifact believed to be imbued with the power of The Almighty himself. But when the pendant falls into the wrong hands, it’s up to Gabriel and his team to recover it before the power within tears the Earth apart, annihilating all life as we know it.
Will Gabriel retrieve the pendant in time to save his friend? Can he and his team stave off the end of the world? Or will the pendant’s power be unleashed, consuming the known universe in a blaze of untold destruction?
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Published November 1, 2023
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40 people want to read
About the author
Christopher Gorham Calvin
14 books10 followersChristopher Gorham Calvin writes “blockbusters with heart” - high-intensity thrillers that combine Hollywood-scale action, adventure, and suspense with the emotional impact of character-centric dramas.
Drawing inspiration from authors such as Michael Crichton and Dean Koontz, and filmmakers such as Steven Spielberg and James Cameron, he has authored the techno-thriller series The Shortcake Trilogy, supernatural suspense Chance Hotel series, and action/adventure Artifact Manor series.
Drawing inspiration from authors such as Michael Crichton and Dean Koontz, and filmmakers such as Steven Spielberg and James Cameron, he has authored the techno-thriller series The Shortcake Trilogy, supernatural suspense Chance Hotel series, and action/adventure Artifact Manor series.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
July 14, 2023
The Pendant of God is one of the best suspense thrillers I have read in recent years. It ticks all the boxes for an action-packed, immersive, edge-of-the-seat, nail-biting yarn full of intrigue and skulduggery.
Here readers will meet Gabriel Dunne, an Indiana Jones archetype, who writes novels but is also a clandestine treasure hunter. He embarks on a mission the likes of which he has never experienced before: to help an old friend find an ancient artifact that he believes will cure his terminal cancer. Dubbed the Pendant of God, it is believed to have the power to grant health and wealth to whoever possesses it. Following ancient clues, Dunne and his crack team traverse deserts and caves and encounter deadly challenges along the way. Their task in finding it isn't made easier when the US military and a rival team get involved.
The novel's long length isn't a deal-breaker for me as the fast-paced events, actions and cliffhangers in the plot keep the momentum going like a breeze. A thrilling read indeed.
I received the ARC for free from BookSirens and I'm leaving this review voluntarily.
Here readers will meet Gabriel Dunne, an Indiana Jones archetype, who writes novels but is also a clandestine treasure hunter. He embarks on a mission the likes of which he has never experienced before: to help an old friend find an ancient artifact that he believes will cure his terminal cancer. Dubbed the Pendant of God, it is believed to have the power to grant health and wealth to whoever possesses it. Following ancient clues, Dunne and his crack team traverse deserts and caves and encounter deadly challenges along the way. Their task in finding it isn't made easier when the US military and a rival team get involved.
The novel's long length isn't a deal-breaker for me as the fast-paced events, actions and cliffhangers in the plot keep the momentum going like a breeze. A thrilling read indeed.
I received the ARC for free from BookSirens and I'm leaving this review voluntarily.
June 15, 2023
Wow! What a ride… can I give this book 6/5 stars??? I was captured by the characters and storyline from the very beginning and even though this is quite a long book, I finished it in 2 days because I couldn’t put it down. I loved how a lot of this book was based on trust for each of the members in their team and that it all came down to trust in the end. The Indiana Jones scenes didn’t really seem to be necessary to the story, but I sure did enjoy reading them anyway and my heart rate was accelerating with each new challenge that the team faced. I loved the interactions between everyone inTeam Dunne and as this is book 1 of The Artifact Manor and I can’t wait to read more. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 14, 2023
This book falls into a category I refer to as a “religious artifact” thriller. Gabriel Dunne is a successful author, who has used his writing success to quietly subsidize his passion for treasure hunting. When he is approached by an old friend willing to finance an expedition to find an artifact that he claims would heal his terminal cancer, Dunne gives his hesitant commitment, knowing that others would gladly take his friend’s money without being honest about the extreme odds against finding the fabled Pendant of God, let alone the likelihood that the tales of the miraculous abilities of it may be just that - tales.
The short chapters kept the story moving, with a “cliffhanger” nearly every other chapter. While the pace of the story was helped by the short chapters, I felt as if there was not as much time committed to the characters themselves. I got a “big picture” profile of Dunne, and the friend who hires Dunne and his team, but many other characters were mostly superficial. The author did a nice job of presenting the religious faith of those who believe in the Pendant of God without being condescending toward that faith, even if it was not shared by those searching for it. If you are looking for a rollicking adventure that would go great with a bucket of popcorn, this delivers.
I received an advance review copy for free from BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The short chapters kept the story moving, with a “cliffhanger” nearly every other chapter. While the pace of the story was helped by the short chapters, I felt as if there was not as much time committed to the characters themselves. I got a “big picture” profile of Dunne, and the friend who hires Dunne and his team, but many other characters were mostly superficial. The author did a nice job of presenting the religious faith of those who believe in the Pendant of God without being condescending toward that faith, even if it was not shared by those searching for it. If you are looking for a rollicking adventure that would go great with a bucket of popcorn, this delivers.
I received an advance review copy for free from BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 30, 2023
Pendant of God by Christopher Gorham Calvin is a thrilling adventure ride into the search for a religious artifact that is supposed to heal the ones that medical science has left behind. Gabriel Dunne is a successful author but more importantly, a successful treasure hunter, hence the reason for the visit from someone from his past, someone with a great need of the pendant of God's healing properties.
i found the book very entertaining, the pace lively and moving well. the characters were likable yet i felt they could have been fleshed out a bit more. while the plot was enjoyable, there were no surprises and for that reason, i gave four stars instead of five.
i found the book very entertaining, the pace lively and moving well. the characters were likable yet i felt they could have been fleshed out a bit more. while the plot was enjoyable, there were no surprises and for that reason, i gave four stars instead of five.
July 24, 2023
This book made it to my top 5 books. The first two pages had me hooked, and I never looked back. The book's flow made you want to get to the next part and I found myself saying "How did they get here" or "No way. . . what's next!". The chemistry of the characters where well thought out and they complemented each other, making them family. I hated reading the last page as I knew the adventure was ending. When I read the last sentence, I missed the characters. The story will leave you wanting more!!
February 17, 2024
This book had really over the top reviews and I had high expectations. It was a good story but not "the best suspense thriller" as another review indicated. It was okay but I could put it down and having finished it on a trip where I couldn't enter this review for a few weeks, I'm having trouble remembering much about it other than the gist. Is it my age or was it the "excitement" of the story?
July 22, 2024
I thought that this was a pretty good read. A well paced and engaging story, did not take itself too seriously. The mysticism element of the story was okay and did not overwhelm the story. Once any sense of reality was set aside (which you must to enjoy most thrillers) then this page turner was quite entertaining.
July 1, 2023
Fantastic read! I really appreciate the amount of detail and character dynamics the author put into this. Hefty read, but worth every second. Captivating, engaging and I am absolutely thrilled to know there is more to come from this very talented author!
June 27, 2023
An absolutely wonderful read!
November 12, 2023
un peu long mais satisfait de la lecture
L’implication des militaires des le début est bizarre, (style d’ou sortent-ils ceux la)
je ne sais pas si je vais lire le numéro 2
L’implication des militaires des le début est bizarre, (style d’ou sortent-ils ceux la)
je ne sais pas si je vais lire le numéro 2
December 2, 2024
Easy to read, well written, good character development, cool settings, non-stop action. Lots of deception and mystery. Unpredictable. Just a cool story. The only downfall is that it's a tad bit long. But, there were no slow parts to it, so it made the story flow smoothly. Look forward to reading more by this author.
February 27, 2025
A Worthwhile Read
The storyline keeps you involved and has some great twists and turns. Glad I found this book. It was definitely a treat
The storyline keeps you involved and has some great twists and turns. Glad I found this book. It was definitely a treat
March 8, 2025
Wow
Thank you, Mr Calvin.
What a wonderful book.
I loved this tale.
It most definitely deserves to be a Movie.
Thank you, Mr Calvin.
What a wonderful book.
I loved this tale.
It most definitely deserves to be a Movie.
March 25, 2025
Non-stop action from start to finish! Looking forward to book 2.
November 5, 2025
"Pendant of God: The Artifact Manor" by Christopher Gorham Calvin is an enthralling and captivating fantasy novel that takes readers on a thrilling adventure filled with magic, mystery, and a quest for ancient artifacts. With its well-crafted world-building and intriguing plot, this book is sure to delight fans of the fantasy genre.
The story revolves around Gabriel Dunne, a talented novelist and skilled treasure hunter. Gabriel's life takes a dramatic turn when he stumbles upon a mysterious pendant with extraordinary powers. Drawn into the enigmatic Artifact Manor, an elusive place where ancient artifacts of immense significance are safeguarded, Gabriel finds himself thrust into a perilous quest that will test his skills, intellect, and determination to the limit.
Christopher Gorham Calvin demonstrates exceptional talent in creating a vivid and imaginative world. The descriptions of the Artifact Manor and its surroundings are rich and detailed, immersing readers in a realm of magic and history. From the shadowy chambers to the ancient corridors, every element of the manor is meticulously crafted, adding a sense of authenticity and wonder to the narrative.
Gabriel Dunne is a compelling protagonist with a fascinating background as a novelist. Calvin expertly weaves Gabriel's literary skills into his treasure hunting endeavors, infusing the story with a sense of artistry and intellectual curiosity. As Gabriel unravels the secrets of the Artifact Manor, readers are taken on a gripping journey, full of suspense, surprises, and intricate puzzles waiting to be solved.
The pacing of the novel is well-executed, balancing action-packed sequences with introspective moments that deepen the emotional connection to Gabriel and the other characters. Calvin's writing style is fluid and accessible, effortlessly transporting readers into the heart of the story. The author's attention to detail and ability to create palpable tension keep readers engrossed from start to finish.
While Gabriel Dunne is undoubtedly the central figure, the supporting characters in "Pendant of God" play significant roles in the unfolding of the story. Each character brings a unique set of skills, motives, and secrets that add depth and complexity to the overall narrative. However, it would have been even more captivating if the author had further delved into the backstories and motivations of these secondary characters. Exploring their personal journeys and relationships with Gabriel could have added additional layers of intrigue and emotional investment. Hence, I am giving this book four star rating.
In conclusion, "Pendant of God: The Artifact Manor - Book 1" is a thrilling and immersive fantasy novel that will transport readers to a world of adventure and ancient mysteries. Christopher Gorham Calvin's imaginative world-building, combined with Gabriel Dunne's captivating character and the intricately woven plot, make for an engaging reading experience. Readers will be left eagerly anticipating the next installment, eager to uncover more secrets and unravel the enigmatic nature of the Artifact Manor.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The story revolves around Gabriel Dunne, a talented novelist and skilled treasure hunter. Gabriel's life takes a dramatic turn when he stumbles upon a mysterious pendant with extraordinary powers. Drawn into the enigmatic Artifact Manor, an elusive place where ancient artifacts of immense significance are safeguarded, Gabriel finds himself thrust into a perilous quest that will test his skills, intellect, and determination to the limit.
Christopher Gorham Calvin demonstrates exceptional talent in creating a vivid and imaginative world. The descriptions of the Artifact Manor and its surroundings are rich and detailed, immersing readers in a realm of magic and history. From the shadowy chambers to the ancient corridors, every element of the manor is meticulously crafted, adding a sense of authenticity and wonder to the narrative.
Gabriel Dunne is a compelling protagonist with a fascinating background as a novelist. Calvin expertly weaves Gabriel's literary skills into his treasure hunting endeavors, infusing the story with a sense of artistry and intellectual curiosity. As Gabriel unravels the secrets of the Artifact Manor, readers are taken on a gripping journey, full of suspense, surprises, and intricate puzzles waiting to be solved.
The pacing of the novel is well-executed, balancing action-packed sequences with introspective moments that deepen the emotional connection to Gabriel and the other characters. Calvin's writing style is fluid and accessible, effortlessly transporting readers into the heart of the story. The author's attention to detail and ability to create palpable tension keep readers engrossed from start to finish.
While Gabriel Dunne is undoubtedly the central figure, the supporting characters in "Pendant of God" play significant roles in the unfolding of the story. Each character brings a unique set of skills, motives, and secrets that add depth and complexity to the overall narrative. However, it would have been even more captivating if the author had further delved into the backstories and motivations of these secondary characters. Exploring their personal journeys and relationships with Gabriel could have added additional layers of intrigue and emotional investment. Hence, I am giving this book four star rating.
In conclusion, "Pendant of God: The Artifact Manor - Book 1" is a thrilling and immersive fantasy novel that will transport readers to a world of adventure and ancient mysteries. Christopher Gorham Calvin's imaginative world-building, combined with Gabriel Dunne's captivating character and the intricately woven plot, make for an engaging reading experience. Readers will be left eagerly anticipating the next installment, eager to uncover more secrets and unravel the enigmatic nature of the Artifact Manor.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews