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The Delphi Chronicle
The Delphi Chronicle Omnibus edition is the full Delphi Chronicle trilogy in one volme. It chronicles the saga of NY private eye Michael Derrigan, as he 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 story buried, & 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. A roller-coaster ride of a thriller, The Delphi Chronicle's unflinching & often disturbing twists and turns question the nature of reality & of the integrity of our governments in a post-modern world of lies, deceit & betrayal.
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Questions & Answers with bestselling author Russell Blake.
Question: The Delphi Chronicle posits a troubling & plausible conspiracy. Where did you get the idea?
Russell Blake: The idea stemmed from the title. I was originally going to call the trilogy The Pegasus File, & I'd conceptualized a cool cover, so I Googled it to confirm there weren't any other books with that name. The original conspiracy was much tamer than what I wound up with. I had the idea of a literary agent getting a manuscript detailing a shocking scheme, but I hadn't defined what it was, exactly. From that search came this conspiracy, & I have to admit I considered toning it down a lot, because it scared even me. So readers? This is fiction, OK? And U.S. government? No need to send a wet team after me. We all understand it's fictional. As in, an invention, not real. That's my official position. Readers can decide how plausible the invention is for themselves. Some will hate it, as it portrays the U.S. government in a negative light. Can't please everyone.
Q: How do your novels compare to the work of your peers?
RB: I think they're faster paced than most. I try to catapult readers through a series of twists & turns at such aggressive velocity they're left gasping by the end. And I dislike books where I can see the ending coming a third of the way through. Just hate that. I try to write racing, intelligent thrillers that don't pander & aren't formulaic. All have gotten raves, so I'm fooling at least some of the people most of the time...
Q: Part of Delphi unfolds in Mexico. Any particular reason?
RB: I live in Mexico. Have for almost a decade. Modern Mexico is very different than as portrayed by the U.S. media. Many parts are indistinguishable from medium sized cities in the U.S. Strip malls, high rises, melting-pot racial integration, etc. It's not cactus & sombreros. One of the things I find fascinating is how different it is than what my expectations were when I moved here, & I try to impart that. Most novels set in modern Mexico I've read are caricatures of the truth. Mission bells, white-garbed peasants, stereotypical characters. I try to imbue my fiction with reality, not a Hollywood portrayal based on a snapshot from the 1950s. I think readers will find that distinction interesting.
+++
Questions & Answers with bestselling author Russell Blake.
Question: The Delphi Chronicle posits a troubling & plausible conspiracy. Where did you get the idea?
Russell Blake: The idea stemmed from the title. I was originally going to call the trilogy The Pegasus File, & I'd conceptualized a cool cover, so I Googled it to confirm there weren't any other books with that name. The original conspiracy was much tamer than what I wound up with. I had the idea of a literary agent getting a manuscript detailing a shocking scheme, but I hadn't defined what it was, exactly. From that search came this conspiracy, & I have to admit I considered toning it down a lot, because it scared even me. So readers? This is fiction, OK? And U.S. government? No need to send a wet team after me. We all understand it's fictional. As in, an invention, not real. That's my official position. Readers can decide how plausible the invention is for themselves. Some will hate it, as it portrays the U.S. government in a negative light. Can't please everyone.
Q: How do your novels compare to the work of your peers?
RB: I think they're faster paced than most. I try to catapult readers through a series of twists & turns at such aggressive velocity they're left gasping by the end. And I dislike books where I can see the ending coming a third of the way through. Just hate that. I try to write racing, intelligent thrillers that don't pander & aren't formulaic. All have gotten raves, so I'm fooling at least some of the people most of the time...
Q: Part of Delphi unfolds in Mexico. Any particular reason?
RB: I live in Mexico. Have for almost a decade. Modern Mexico is very different than as portrayed by the U.S. media. Many parts are indistinguishable from medium sized cities in the U.S. Strip malls, high rises, melting-pot racial integration, etc. It's not cactus & sombreros. One of the things I find fascinating is how different it is than what my expectations were when I moved here, & I try to impart that. Most novels set in modern Mexico I've read are caricatures of the truth. Mission bells, white-garbed peasants, stereotypical characters. I try to imbue my fiction with reality, not a Hollywood portrayal based on a snapshot from the 1950s. I think readers will find that distinction interesting.
- GenresThriller
354 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 28, 2012
117 people are currently reading
81 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
April 2, 2015
I love it. But, it could have been better if some heads really roll not just Sid. I feel like Sid just the tip of iceberg. Cannot wait to read another book from Mr Blake
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 9, 2023
This review is for the Omnibus edition which contains all three books in the Delphi series.
The first book was great! It held my attention and switched pretty regularly between the protagonist's perspective and others, providing some interesting insight. Blake did a good job of pushing the story ever forward and it was difficult to put the book down. Unfortunately, it all went downhill after book one.
Book two was almost entirely from the protagonist's perspective and read like an endless series of his travel plans, down to the minutiae of bus schedules and details that were simply irrelevant and did nothing for the story as he ran from the killers. I started skim-reading it and was grateful for the few chapters I ran across that were from alternative perspectives. The end of book two could not come soon enough. I wasn't sure if I wanted to continue reading it or not, but I had the omnibus edition and pushed onwards with the hope it would get more interesting in the third book.
It did not.
The third book recovered a little bit of the intrigue and interest that was ever present in book one, but ultimately turned out to be a disappointment and had no big revelations to offer. The series could have been greatly improved by saving some of the information from book one for later. Furthermore, a major character death at the end of book three was absolutely preposterous. The character in question would simply not have been vulnerable in the manner in which they were killed. I threw my kindle on the couch in anger at the end of book three and immediately had to vent my frustrations with the series to my partner.
The first book was great! It held my attention and switched pretty regularly between the protagonist's perspective and others, providing some interesting insight. Blake did a good job of pushing the story ever forward and it was difficult to put the book down. Unfortunately, it all went downhill after book one.
Book two was almost entirely from the protagonist's perspective and read like an endless series of his travel plans, down to the minutiae of bus schedules and details that were simply irrelevant and did nothing for the story as he ran from the killers. I started skim-reading it and was grateful for the few chapters I ran across that were from alternative perspectives. The end of book two could not come soon enough. I wasn't sure if I wanted to continue reading it or not, but I had the omnibus edition and pushed onwards with the hope it would get more interesting in the third book.
It did not.
The third book recovered a little bit of the intrigue and interest that was ever present in book one, but ultimately turned out to be a disappointment and had no big revelations to offer. The series could have been greatly improved by saving some of the information from book one for later. Furthermore, a major character death at the end of book three was absolutely preposterous. The character in question would simply not have been vulnerable in the manner in which they were killed. I threw my kindle on the couch in anger at the end of book three and immediately had to vent my frustrations with the series to my partner.
June 22, 2019
Enjoyable
I could not stop reading. Over the top suspense and action. Brilliantly written and makes you wonder once again how much we really take for granted. You will want to read
Everything Russell Blake has penned. I know that I am on my way to reading all. I known that I will be sad when finished. Please excuse typos and grammatical errors in review. Iphone makes it easy for me to make mistakes. Just wanted you to know how much I have fallen in love with his work.
I could not stop reading. Over the top suspense and action. Brilliantly written and makes you wonder once again how much we really take for granted. You will want to read
Everything Russell Blake has penned. I know that I am on my way to reading all. I known that I will be sad when finished. Please excuse typos and grammatical errors in review. Iphone makes it easy for me to make mistakes. Just wanted you to know how much I have fallen in love with his work.
October 20, 2018
Fantastic read.
Downloaded this book from multiple plane trips while on a business junket. Held my attention thoroughly. The author does a fantastic job of blending espionage with colorful characters that the reader actually cares about. Believable plot and storyline particularly in today's political climate.
Downloaded this book from multiple plane trips while on a business junket. Held my attention thoroughly. The author does a fantastic job of blending espionage with colorful characters that the reader actually cares about. Believable plot and storyline particularly in today's political climate.
July 9, 2020
I can not recommend this novel any higher than “THIS IS A MUST READ.”
While reading it I would stop every few chapters and call or text friends saying,
“I have a story that you absolutely have to read.”
So far my referrals number is 31 and sure to increase exponentially.
While reading it I would stop every few chapters and call or text friends saying,
“I have a story that you absolutely have to read.”
So far my referrals number is 31 and sure to increase exponentially.
September 20, 2020
Truly entertaining...
I enjoyed this book from beginning to end. The writer was very good at explaining all the ins and outs of this story. I would suggest reading this book to anyone who enjoys a good adventure.
I enjoyed this book from beginning to end. The writer was very good at explaining all the ins and outs of this story. I would suggest reading this book to anyone who enjoys a good adventure.
October 24, 2020
Excellent
Mr.Blake has an exceptional talent for creating the best characters and storylines which many I am sure are more truth then fiction but of course that is just my humble opinion.
Mr.Blake has an exceptional talent for creating the best characters and storylines which many I am sure are more truth then fiction but of course that is just my humble opinion.
January 24, 2017
Russell Blake is one of my favorite authors and I enjoy the fast-paced, rootin'-tootin' action of his books. This omnibus is right up there with his others - great, light and fun reading!
January 24, 2017
Thrilling!
It had been a long time since I read the Delphi Chronicle, but I picked up where I left off. Michael is a PI with limited resources and a black bag unit on his case that has to use his wit to survive after getting ahold of a document that damns the American government. From stops to Vegas and Mexico all the way to Cuba, Michael fights his shadow war against a group hell-bent on keeping old skeletons in the closet. I enjoyed literally everything about this title. I'm gonna read it again.
It had been a long time since I read the Delphi Chronicle, but I picked up where I left off. Michael is a PI with limited resources and a black bag unit on his case that has to use his wit to survive after getting ahold of a document that damns the American government. From stops to Vegas and Mexico all the way to Cuba, Michael fights his shadow war against a group hell-bent on keeping old skeletons in the closet. I enjoyed literally everything about this title. I'm gonna read it again.
May 22, 2015
I read the full Omnibus version so I got three parts in one.
This series started a little slow but soon picked up.
The more interesting aspects are to be found in the last book of the trilogy that covers some interesting and obviously well researched details on how powerful people can manipulate nations. It was worth the read just for this coverage.
This series started a little slow but soon picked up.
The more interesting aspects are to be found in the last book of the trilogy that covers some interesting and obviously well researched details on how powerful people can manipulate nations. It was worth the read just for this coverage.
September 14, 2015
Great story!
This story was written with great skill! It made me uncomfortable because the details and research seemed too close to reality to be fiction. Add to that the author's character development of the main characters and you have a fun, uncomfortably realistic, action-packed thriller.
This story was written with great skill! It made me uncomfortable because the details and research seemed too close to reality to be fiction. Add to that the author's character development of the main characters and you have a fun, uncomfortably realistic, action-packed thriller.
January 23, 2016
A Field Trip Through Central America
Though a decently interesting premise initially teases the reader into the first few chapters the rest of the book is mostly a third rate guide first across the U.S. and then around Central America. Too many meals, hotel rooms, bus rides and various neighborhoods. Was barely able to finish a very weak and unsatisfying ending.
Though a decently interesting premise initially teases the reader into the first few chapters the rest of the book is mostly a third rate guide first across the U.S. and then around Central America. Too many meals, hotel rooms, bus rides and various neighborhoods. Was barely able to finish a very weak and unsatisfying ending.
April 8, 2016
Absolutely fantastic story that might be happening today. A powerful central government with a shadow group with no control over it. Once the line is unknowingly crossed, there is not going back. All you can do is draw on all the skills you possess and try to stay alive. I highly recommend this 3 part thriller. You will not be disappointed.
June 25, 2015
I consider any book that takes me to a place and circumstances I'll never visit myself a very good read. This was one of those books. Holy geez, but Blake knows a rough and tumble world I enjoy visiting from a distance.
May 26, 2015
Not to accurate
A navy seal would never be alone. He has current and former seals that he would have contacted for assistance. Especially being near Coronado. Plus he acted real dumb for a seal.
A navy seal would never be alone. He has current and former seals that he would have contacted for assistance. Especially being near Coronado. Plus he acted real dumb for a seal.
June 11, 2015
A collection of conspiracies
Most of these stories have been floating around out there for years and Blake has done a good job of fitting them all together in one compelling adventure.
Most of these stories have been floating around out there for years and Blake has done a good job of fitting them all together in one compelling adventure.
June 17, 2015
Started out for the first 100 pages or so and was really promising. Horribly boring the rest of the way. Too much ranting and raving about government corruption, deception, and criminality that was just way over the top. Not worth a look.
July 5, 2015
Very good read
Exciting story that explores past and near current events. Cleverly ties them to US government scandals of the last 50 years. Loses a little steam towards the end but well worth reading.
Exciting story that explores past and near current events. Cleverly ties them to US government scandals of the last 50 years. Loses a little steam towards the end but well worth reading.
January 1, 2016
Excellent read, a real page Turner.
Excellent read a real page Turner. Fast paced, interesting read, just hope most of it was Not true. Will look forward to another one of his books.
Excellent read a real page Turner. Fast paced, interesting read, just hope most of it was Not true. Will look forward to another one of his books.
February 14, 2016
Good saga
The story and characters are compelling. A shadow government that's done everything wrong for years. A security expert who's thrown into a situation way over his head. Worth the read
The story and characters are compelling. A shadow government that's done everything wrong for years. A security expert who's thrown into a situation way over his head. Worth the read
April 2, 2016
Believable
Excellent writing, not just another story about a super human Seal. The contents are very believable and a lot at those events did happen. Makes you want to question your own government and ask yourself what is real and what isn't. Overall an excellent read.
Excellent writing, not just another story about a super human Seal. The contents are very believable and a lot at those events did happen. Makes you want to question your own government and ask yourself what is real and what isn't. Overall an excellent read.
September 25, 2014
Fast paced and so interesting.
April 5, 2015
This is the first Russell Blake book I had trouble getting into. Even after I got into it, the middle dragged until the conclusion.
June 9, 2015
Conspiracy fiction at it's best!
Well I sure hope it's fiction:-) A good read. I highly recommend it. It starts a little slow and before you know it your hooked.
Well I sure hope it's fiction:-) A good read. I highly recommend it. It starts a little slow and before you know it your hooked.
July 29, 2015
Not my favorite
The beginning is fast paced, interesting and you can't put it down. It then hits the brakes with too much boring narrative. The ending was completely unsatisfying.
The beginning is fast paced, interesting and you can't put it down. It then hits the brakes with too much boring narrative. The ending was completely unsatisfying.
September 27, 2015
If you enjoy a good conspiracy, read this book.
April 18, 2016
Slow to start with but the action accelerated.
Slow to start with but the action accelerated. I'm going to try Blake again and see if there is a better read.
Slow to start with but the action accelerated. I'm going to try Blake again and see if there is a better read.
November 30, 2016
A page turner
Poinient and thought provoking. It makes you reexamine history and it's fallout. Is it a work of fiction or an expose of the truth our society since Ike?
Poinient and thought provoking. It makes you reexamine history and it's fallout. Is it a work of fiction or an expose of the truth our society since Ike?
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews