Manta

by Mark Simmons

Heron Island—an idyllic coral cay on Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. Danny Devantier is often heard saying he has one of the ten best jobs in the world—living and working there as senior marine park ranger for the National Parks Service. Then he makes a startling life-changing discovery hidden inside a piece of rusting metal on the floor of the coral lagoon. Before he can unravel the mystery of his finding, Danny needs to deal with the pressing matter of a poaching operation that threatens to destroy the surrounding reefs in the marine park if it gets a foothold.

But the marine life is not the only thing under threat; the people involved in this poaching operation are callous, twisted and utterly ruthless.

Jade Bryson is a young research scientist based on Heron Island. She has devoted her career to studying the giant manta rays that, much like her, are beautiful and exotic creatures that are most at home amongst the natural wonders of the Great Barrier Reef. Jade’s deep love, compassion and admiration for the mantas are evident in all aspects of her research—but these enigmatic animals, in spite of their charisma, are under threat.

Wealthy South African-born Swiss adventurer Andre Pillans and his daughter Bettina have travelled to Heron Island to search for a missing World War II tramp steamer off the Queensland coast, hoping to uncover the secrets of a sunken treasure in gold that lies buried with the crew. They have no idea just how life-changing this trip will prove to be, for their entire family.

As Danny sets up a project to try to catch the poachers, Jade takes the first tentative steps towards re-establishing a relationship with her estranged businessman father, ex-diamond smuggler Joe Connelly—a relationship that will be cruelly cut short. Meanwhile, on the other side of the world, a century-old deposit in the safety deposit box of a Swiss bank by diamond magnate Cecil Rhodes awaits its rightful heir.

Against the peaceful backdrop of the splendour and majesty of the world’s greatest living reef, a battle rages for the conservation of an unprotected species. Loves are spawned and lost, friendships are forged, and old scores are settled brutally.

Lives united on Heron Island through a deep love and respect for marine life and the ocean will in due course return to this idyllic setting, and ultimately to the ocean, to be reunited eternally.

393 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 20, 2011

Reviews

[Liora Ellington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Manta swept me away to the vibrant and perilous world of Heron Island, where the beauty of the Great Barrier Reef meets high-stakes adventure. Mark Simmons masterfully balances breathtaking descriptions of marine life with thrilling suspense, as Danny and Jade navigate poachers, hidden treasures, and personal challenges. I was captivated by the rich detail and the way the story weaves human drama with conservation themes, the urgency to protect the reef feels real and pressing. The characters are compelling, especially Jade, whose passion for manta rays and the ocean adds heart to the adventure. I found myself deeply invested in both the mystery and the emotional journeys of the people involved.

[Paul Kensington · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was drawn to Manta because of its environmental theme, but what surprised me was the emotional depth and moral complexity of the story. Simmons masterfully intertwines adventure, science, and human vulnerability. The setting of the Great Barrier Reef almost becomes a character in itself alive, endangered, and magnificent. I admired how the novel highlighted the bond between people and the natural world without losing its sense of excitement. Our Union Square Reading Group found it both entertaining and enlightening, sparking a real conversation about how storytelling can inspire awareness and change.

[David Mathew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mark Simmons has crafted something truly special with Manta. I loved the balance between high-stakes adventure and heartfelt human stories. The conflict between poachers and conservationists felt incredibly real, and the way Danny’s journey unfolds kept me turning pages. During our discussion at Union Square Reading Group, several of us said it reminded us of old-school adventure fiction but with a modern environmental conscience. Highly recommended.

[JeffreyC.Jacobs Organizer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn’t expect Manta to affect me as deeply as it did. The beauty of the Great Barrier Reef is described so vividly that it almost feels like another character in the story. Jade’s compassion for the manta rays, combined with the tension of the poaching plot, kept me emotionally invested. Mark Simmons writes with sincerity and purpose. Reading this with the Union Square Reading Group reminded me why I love thoughtful, meaningful fiction.

[Kevin R · Rating 5 out of 5]

Manta isn’t just a novel it’s a sensory experience. The coral reefs, the sea life, the danger lurking beneath the surface everything feels tangible. I loved how the author intertwined multiple storylines without losing focus. Danny and Jade’s paths crossing felt natural and powerful. Reading it with Union Square Reading Group added extra meaning; it sparked a rich discussion about our relationship with nature and responsibility toward the planet.

[Kevin R · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a thrilling, heartfelt story. Manta offers mystery, adventure, and compassion all at once. Danny’s discovery beneath the lagoon had me hooked immediately, but it was the emotional journeys that stayed with me. The writing style reminded me of classic environmental thrillers, yet the tone felt entirely fresh. The Union Square Reading Group had strong reactions in the best way. We’ll be talking about this book for months.

[Ron Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading Manta felt like being transported underwater — it’s that immersive. I was moved by Jade’s emotional arc and the way the story ties human greed to the fragility of nature. Simmons writes with empathy and awareness. Our Union Square Reading Group found ourselves discussing not only the story but the larger message about conservation. It’s rare for a book to entertain and enlighten in equal measure.

[Chloe A · Rating 5 out of 5]

Few novels capture the ocean’s beauty like Manta does. I could practically feel the salt spray and hear the waves as I read. Jade’s passion for the manta rays and her struggle to reconnect with her father brought real emotional depth to the story. It’s both thrilling and deeply moving. Our Union Square Reading Group adored it and had one of our most heartfelt discussions yet. Five stars from me.

[Kendra Leni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Manta pulled me in from page one. The reef scenes were breathtaking and the mystery twist worked perfectly. A refreshing, heartfelt story.

[Savannah Blake · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful writing and a deep message about the ocean’s fragility. Jade’s story really touched me.

[Tobias Roth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I felt like I was diving beside the characters. Such vibrant detail! A perfect club pick.

[Viraj P · Rating 5 out of 5]

Manta is beautifully cinematic. Our group loved discussing its themes of loss and renewal.

[Caroline Nguyen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well-researched and engaging. You can feel the author’s respect for marine life.