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The Origin Mystery #1
The Atlantis Gene
Length: 15 hrs and 44 mins
The greatest mystery of all time...the history of human origins...will be revealed.
Seventy thousand years ago, the human race almost went extinct. We survived, but no one knows how.
Until now.
The countdown to the next stage of human evolution is about to begin, and humanity might not survive this time.
The Immari are good at keeping secrets. For 2,000 years, they've hidden the truth about human evolution. They've also searched for an ancient enemy - a threat that could wipe out the human race. Now the search is over.
Off the coast of Antarctica, a research vessel discovers a mysterious structure buried deep in an iceberg. It has been there for thousands of years, and something is guarding it. As the Immari rush to execute their plan, a brilliant geneticist makes a discovery that could change everything.
Dr. Kate Warner moved to Jakarta, Indonesia to escape her past. She hasn't recovered from what happened to her, but she has made an incredible breakthrough: a cure for autism. Or so she thinks. What she has found is far more dangerous - for her and the entire human race. Her work could be the key to the next stage of human evolution. In the hands of the Immari, it would mean the end of humanity as we know it.
Agent David Vale has spent 10 years trying to stop the Immari. Now he's out of time. His informant is dead. His organization has been infiltrated. His enemy is hunting him. But when David receives a coded message related to the Immari attack, he risks everything to save the one person that can help him solve it: Dr. Kate Warner.
Together, Kate and David must race to unravel a global conspiracy and learn the truth about the Atlantis Gene...and human origins. Their journey takes them to the far corners of the globe and into the secrets of their pasts. The Immari are close on their heels and will stop at nothing to obtain Kate's research and force the next stage of human evolution - even if it means killing 99.9% of the world's population. David and Kate can stop them...if they can trust each other. And stay alive.
The greatest mystery of all time...the history of human origins...will be revealed.
Seventy thousand years ago, the human race almost went extinct. We survived, but no one knows how.
Until now.
The countdown to the next stage of human evolution is about to begin, and humanity might not survive this time.
The Immari are good at keeping secrets. For 2,000 years, they've hidden the truth about human evolution. They've also searched for an ancient enemy - a threat that could wipe out the human race. Now the search is over.
Off the coast of Antarctica, a research vessel discovers a mysterious structure buried deep in an iceberg. It has been there for thousands of years, and something is guarding it. As the Immari rush to execute their plan, a brilliant geneticist makes a discovery that could change everything.
Dr. Kate Warner moved to Jakarta, Indonesia to escape her past. She hasn't recovered from what happened to her, but she has made an incredible breakthrough: a cure for autism. Or so she thinks. What she has found is far more dangerous - for her and the entire human race. Her work could be the key to the next stage of human evolution. In the hands of the Immari, it would mean the end of humanity as we know it.
Agent David Vale has spent 10 years trying to stop the Immari. Now he's out of time. His informant is dead. His organization has been infiltrated. His enemy is hunting him. But when David receives a coded message related to the Immari attack, he risks everything to save the one person that can help him solve it: Dr. Kate Warner.
Together, Kate and David must race to unravel a global conspiracy and learn the truth about the Atlantis Gene...and human origins. Their journey takes them to the far corners of the globe and into the secrets of their pasts. The Immari are close on their heels and will stop at nothing to obtain Kate's research and force the next stage of human evolution - even if it means killing 99.9% of the world's population. David and Kate can stop them...if they can trust each other. And stay alive.
464 pages, Audible Audio
First published April 20, 2013
31667 people are currently reading
50906 people want to read
About the author
A.G. Riddle
21 books5,770 followersA.G. Riddle spent ten years starting internet companies before retiring to pursue his true passion: writing fiction.
His debut novel, The Atlantis Gene, is the first book in The Origin Mystery, the trilogy that has sold a million copies in the US, is being translated into 19 languages, and is in development at CBS Films to be a major motion picture. The trilogy will be in bookstores (in hardcover and paperback) around the world in 2015.
His recently released fourth novel, Departure, follows the survivors of a flight that takes off in 2014 and crash-lands in a changed world. The hardcover will be published by HarperCollins in the fall of 2015, and 20th Century Fox is developing the novel for a feature film.
Riddle grew up in a small town in the US (Boiling Springs, North Carolina) and graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill. During his sophomore year of college, he started his first company with a childhood friend. He currently lives in Florida with his wife, who endures his various idiosyncrasies in return for being the first to read his new novels.
No matter where he is, or what's going on, he tries his best to set aside time every day to answer emails and messages from readers. You can reach him at: ag@agriddle.com
** For a sneak peek at new novels, free stories, and more, join the email list at:
www.agriddle.com/email
If you don't want to miss any Riddle news, you can:
Like the A.G. Riddle Facebook page:
facebook.com/agriddle
Follow A.G. Riddle on Twitter:
twitter.com/riddlist
For more, please visit:
AGRiddle.com
* * *
His debut novel, The Atlantis Gene, is the first book in The Origin Mystery, the trilogy that has sold a million copies in the US, is being translated into 19 languages, and is in development at CBS Films to be a major motion picture. The trilogy will be in bookstores (in hardcover and paperback) around the world in 2015.
His recently released fourth novel, Departure, follows the survivors of a flight that takes off in 2014 and crash-lands in a changed world. The hardcover will be published by HarperCollins in the fall of 2015, and 20th Century Fox is developing the novel for a feature film.
Riddle grew up in a small town in the US (Boiling Springs, North Carolina) and graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill. During his sophomore year of college, he started his first company with a childhood friend. He currently lives in Florida with his wife, who endures his various idiosyncrasies in return for being the first to read his new novels.
No matter where he is, or what's going on, he tries his best to set aside time every day to answer emails and messages from readers. You can reach him at: ag@agriddle.com
** For a sneak peek at new novels, free stories, and more, join the email list at:
www.agriddle.com/email
If you don't want to miss any Riddle news, you can:
Like the A.G. Riddle Facebook page:
facebook.com/agriddle
Follow A.G. Riddle on Twitter:
twitter.com/riddlist
For more, please visit:
AGRiddle.com
* * *
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 4,900 reviews
March 13, 2014
A good plot badly written. I don't mean to be harsh but that's how it is. The book felt like reading a movie script instead of a novel. The scenes are too rushed at times, and the scenery abruptly changes, too fast (just like present day TV action series), and so many chapters just makes it more cluttered and confusing. Scenes are not clearly explained in my view, and it was very hard to visualize what was going on.
The story is a typical sci-fi and has nothing to offer out of the box. It is just a mish mash of everything (evil vs good, nazis, Atlanteans, super human race vs us petty homo-sapiens, a pretty and intelligent female doctor and a strong ex-military male lead, them falling in love together and so on....
The only reason i finished this book is because i usually try not to give up on any books without finishing them, especially when i have paid for them. It was at times a pain to read through it and that is never the case with a good book.
I would say, if you value your time, do not read this book. It would make a great movie, but is a bad book in my opinion.
The story is a typical sci-fi and has nothing to offer out of the box. It is just a mish mash of everything (evil vs good, nazis, Atlanteans, super human race vs us petty homo-sapiens, a pretty and intelligent female doctor and a strong ex-military male lead, them falling in love together and so on....
The only reason i finished this book is because i usually try not to give up on any books without finishing them, especially when i have paid for them. It was at times a pain to read through it and that is never the case with a good book.
I would say, if you value your time, do not read this book. It would make a great movie, but is a bad book in my opinion.
May 11, 2024
A Re-review!
My kindle says I read this book back in 2017, but I don’t know what happened to my review, so I’ll just review it again based on what I remember.
First, I’d like to say, I’ve read hundreds of books about WWII, the Holocaust and the Nazis. Until this book, I had never read any books about conspiracies and what not. Just never been interested.
Well, this book was recommended to me by somebody. I almost didn’t read it, but I gave it a chance and I loved it. I loved the action. The pacing was very fast. And I loved the relationship between the two main characters. I’m not usually into relationships, but I was rooting for them in every way.
The book took me to many places. I’m not just talking about the traveling to the different countries, but about the many emotional places I traveled. I found myself biting my nails as I followed David and Kate around the world, while they attempted to uncover the origin of humanity on earth.
I love this book so much I will definitely read the next book in this series.
And definitely give it five stars. ✨✨✨✨✨
My kindle says I read this book back in 2017, but I don’t know what happened to my review, so I’ll just review it again based on what I remember.
First, I’d like to say, I’ve read hundreds of books about WWII, the Holocaust and the Nazis. Until this book, I had never read any books about conspiracies and what not. Just never been interested.
Well, this book was recommended to me by somebody. I almost didn’t read it, but I gave it a chance and I loved it. I loved the action. The pacing was very fast. And I loved the relationship between the two main characters. I’m not usually into relationships, but I was rooting for them in every way.
The book took me to many places. I’m not just talking about the traveling to the different countries, but about the many emotional places I traveled. I found myself biting my nails as I followed David and Kate around the world, while they attempted to uncover the origin of humanity on earth.
I love this book so much I will definitely read the next book in this series.
And definitely give it five stars. ✨✨✨✨✨
August 24, 2016
Overly Complicated
Lately, I've had pretty good luck with exploring different genres. Unfortunately, this book missed the mark for me. Listening to the audiobook was a confusing endeavor, despite the fact that the narration was actually pretty good. There was just way too much going on with this story.
'The Atlantis Gene' was a very complex Sci-Fi story with a plethora of characters. Every time I thought I had a good grasp of who everyone was, and what their motives were, something new would come to light and I'd be lost again. From ancient civilizations and evolutionary theories, to conspiracy theories and religious mysticism, this book tried to tackle every possible angle. Somewhere along the way, it just became too much to keep up with.
Adding to the confusion, the story seemed to jump from person, place and time, with no clear transition. One minute I was listening to the description of a present-day expedition in Antarctica, and the next I was hearing about WWII Nazi experiments. I spent most of my time completely lost.
If you're a fan of Sci-Fi/Action movies, this might be the type of story you'd enjoy. The flow of the story and writing style seemed awkward to me. However, this isn't my preferred genre, so I'm probably not the best judge. At the end of the day, this one didn't do anything for me.
Lately, I've had pretty good luck with exploring different genres. Unfortunately, this book missed the mark for me. Listening to the audiobook was a confusing endeavor, despite the fact that the narration was actually pretty good. There was just way too much going on with this story.
'The Atlantis Gene' was a very complex Sci-Fi story with a plethora of characters. Every time I thought I had a good grasp of who everyone was, and what their motives were, something new would come to light and I'd be lost again. From ancient civilizations and evolutionary theories, to conspiracy theories and religious mysticism, this book tried to tackle every possible angle. Somewhere along the way, it just became too much to keep up with.
Adding to the confusion, the story seemed to jump from person, place and time, with no clear transition. One minute I was listening to the description of a present-day expedition in Antarctica, and the next I was hearing about WWII Nazi experiments. I spent most of my time completely lost.
If you're a fan of Sci-Fi/Action movies, this might be the type of story you'd enjoy. The flow of the story and writing style seemed awkward to me. However, this isn't my preferred genre, so I'm probably not the best judge. At the end of the day, this one didn't do anything for me.
February 24, 2014
I deserve an award for being able to finish this book. Honestly.
The plot had everything to attract me: genetic experiments, Greek myths and lost cities, evil Nazi conspiracies, even references to my own country. Yet, for the life of me, I cannot figure out how an author could accumulate all these fantastic ideas and deliver such a horrible story.
At numerous times, all I wanted to do was stop reading and delete the book from my kindle, but I kept going, hoping the author would redeem himself and give me something to cheer for. Alas, that moment never came, and I was left a very dissatisfied reader.
It's beyond sad because the plot was genuinely very promising. If only the execution was as good *sighs*
The plot had everything to attract me: genetic experiments, Greek myths and lost cities, evil Nazi conspiracies, even references to my own country. Yet, for the life of me, I cannot figure out how an author could accumulate all these fantastic ideas and deliver such a horrible story.
At numerous times, all I wanted to do was stop reading and delete the book from my kindle, but I kept going, hoping the author would redeem himself and give me something to cheer for. Alas, that moment never came, and I was left a very dissatisfied reader.
It's beyond sad because the plot was genuinely very promising. If only the execution was as good *sighs*
December 16, 2013
This book has a promising *suggestion* of a plot, which is why I gave it two starts. I gave up on it 38% in. It is written like a cheap action movie, not like a book, and feels as if Mr. Riddle never had any beta readers for this story. The author try to throw everything but the kitchen sink at you: Atlantis, aliens, secret brotherhoods and conspiracies, codes, ultimate good and ultimate evil, Nazis, and the list goes on.
It seems Mr. Riddle was inspired by Dan Brown, but even Dan Brown started out simple, with few characters, which is not the case here. You will find dozen of one-chapter characters that are there just to die, and others that are as shallow as a sheet of paper Mr. Riddle probably didn't even use to plan them out. The women can't do anything besides be helpless, look pretty, and swoon as soon as the "right" man shows up. Ugh. I read porn where women had more character than in here. There's plenty of explosions and "heroism" which will make your eyes roll up so high they'd fall back into your skull (there is even a scene were the protagonist woman character has a dream in which the hero IS a knight, literally)
There IS a story to salvage here, somewhere, and I hope Mr. Riddle works on his story and re-releases it. As for now, there's too much ambition and far too little story.
It seems Mr. Riddle was inspired by Dan Brown, but even Dan Brown started out simple, with few characters, which is not the case here. You will find dozen of one-chapter characters that are there just to die, and others that are as shallow as a sheet of paper Mr. Riddle probably didn't even use to plan them out. The women can't do anything besides be helpless, look pretty, and swoon as soon as the "right" man shows up. Ugh. I read porn where women had more character than in here. There's plenty of explosions and "heroism" which will make your eyes roll up so high they'd fall back into your skull (there is even a scene were the protagonist woman character has a dream in which the hero IS a knight, literally)
There IS a story to salvage here, somewhere, and I hope Mr. Riddle works on his story and re-releases it. As for now, there's too much ambition and far too little story.
May 14, 2013
The Atlantis Gene drew me in from the start. This book is extremely fast-paced, almost like watching a movie. Great story line and characters. I especially loved the character development of Kate and David. I think the book does a good job of revealing back story without over doing it. A lot of books I read get bogged down in details and I lose interest but not this book.
I caught myself looking up details from the book and found the author's website to have a great fact vs fiction section (atlantisgene.com). Loved all the scientific elements (evolution, genetics, clinical trials) and also interesting historical details. The author clearly did his research.
The spy elements in the book maintain the action and excitement. Each chapter ends on a high note. There are numerous layers to this book but the author is able to mesh everything together in a thought provoking way. What appear to be minor details at the time reappear throughout the story linking the present with the past.
This book will appeal to a variety of readers. As a female reader, I was interested to see if the author appealed to a larger group and was pleasantly surprised. He even threw in a little romance.
I love to travel so the foreign locations were an added bonus.
The Atlantis Gene will definitely have you thinking long after you put it down. I'm looking forward to The Atlantis Plague!
I caught myself looking up details from the book and found the author's website to have a great fact vs fiction section (atlantisgene.com). Loved all the scientific elements (evolution, genetics, clinical trials) and also interesting historical details. The author clearly did his research.
The spy elements in the book maintain the action and excitement. Each chapter ends on a high note. There are numerous layers to this book but the author is able to mesh everything together in a thought provoking way. What appear to be minor details at the time reappear throughout the story linking the present with the past.
This book will appeal to a variety of readers. As a female reader, I was interested to see if the author appealed to a larger group and was pleasantly surprised. He even threw in a little romance.
I love to travel so the foreign locations were an added bonus.
The Atlantis Gene will definitely have you thinking long after you put it down. I'm looking forward to The Atlantis Plague!
March 11, 2014
I can count on one hand the number of books I willfully put down before finishing, and this is one of them. I honestly tried (and even got through 73%, according to my Kindle), but it just got more painful. The plot is painfully contrived to the point where it seems the author just tosses in mystery and science fiction cliches and hopes they stick (Atlantis and aliens and evil corporations and Nazis and the list goes on), without any effort to weave them into the story.
The writing is cringe-worthy. Explanations of legitimate scientific concepts are laughably bad (I found parts of the Wikipedia article on Spanish flu dropped directly into the characters' dialogue), and the author goes way overboard with cliches (count the number of times you see the phrase 'brain wiring'). The story is seemingly just a series of cheap action scenes wired together with some token dialogue, sort of the literary equivalent of a Michael Bay movie. This isn't a criticism of popular fiction - I enjoy the John Grishams and Tom Clancys of the world as much as the next guy - but I could find nothing redeeming in this book.
The writing is cringe-worthy. Explanations of legitimate scientific concepts are laughably bad (I found parts of the Wikipedia article on Spanish flu dropped directly into the characters' dialogue), and the author goes way overboard with cliches (count the number of times you see the phrase 'brain wiring'). The story is seemingly just a series of cheap action scenes wired together with some token dialogue, sort of the literary equivalent of a Michael Bay movie. This isn't a criticism of popular fiction - I enjoy the John Grishams and Tom Clancys of the world as much as the next guy - but I could find nothing redeeming in this book.
August 12, 2019
This book has everything. Almost literally. Nazis,time travel, Atlantis, a mystical spear that was used to stab Jesus, secret portals that let you walk from Gibralter to Antarctica, space monkeys, miniature nuclear weapons that can be created in days and placed in a 5 year old's backpack, world wide plagues, neanderthals, genetic engineering, gun fights, love stories, crazy plot twists, the Spanish flu, magical potions that cure all wounds and ills, characters with massive Freudian complexes, lost loves, World War 1 AND World War II, a secret society that has lasted since the dawn of time, super spies, betrayals, noble deaths, a toss away sex scene, autistic Indonesian kids in peril, hot air balloon escapes from mountain top monasteries with mystical ninja monks. I am not kidding, there is virtually no genre that goes untouched here. At one point, I almost expected Pope John Paul and Jesse James to pull out matching Lugers to keep the Kaiser from escaping in a Vulcan space ship with a horde of infected Nicaraguan mosquitoes that he would take back in time in order to inflict the Crusaders with malaria which would delay the dawn of the Renaissance and prevent Leonardo Da Vinci from creating the blueprint that the Wright brother eventually would use to invent the first airplane. Maybe in the sequel.
Anyway, this was the author's first book and the fact that the book was so incredibly ridiculous did not prevent it from being an enjoyable read. The writing is pretty simple and at times amateurish (especially the dialogue), but the book has a good pace and the fact is all of the different genres are stereotyped for a reason: nazis make great villains, time travel, Atlantis etc. are fun to read about and magic potions that cure bullet wounds, are a nice device to let your hero get shot a few times and still plausibly beat up the bad guy in the end. Nice job A.G. Riddle in putting all this together and working so hard to tie things up. Lots of places for the characters to explain what they are doing, what they have done and what they are about to do for the benefit of the heroes and the reader. I especially appreciated the little summary chapter near the end where you go through the roster of characters and remind us who everyone actually is.
Anyway, this was the author's first book and the fact that the book was so incredibly ridiculous did not prevent it from being an enjoyable read. The writing is pretty simple and at times amateurish (especially the dialogue), but the book has a good pace and the fact is all of the different genres are stereotyped for a reason: nazis make great villains, time travel, Atlantis etc. are fun to read about and magic potions that cure bullet wounds, are a nice device to let your hero get shot a few times and still plausibly beat up the bad guy in the end. Nice job A.G. Riddle in putting all this together and working so hard to tie things up. Lots of places for the characters to explain what they are doing, what they have done and what they are about to do for the benefit of the heroes and the reader. I especially appreciated the little summary chapter near the end where you go through the roster of characters and remind us who everyone actually is.
March 6, 2016
No, no, no. Don't be misled by four thousand five star reviews on Amazon. Don’t do it. Don't read this book unless...
Unless you thought the Da Vinci Code is a prime example of Great Literature and unless you're a devout follower of the History Channel's Crazy Hair Guy. The Atlantis Gene takes about a hundred plot bits - everything from Indiana Jones-type evil Nazis to 9-11 and Roswell to James Bond spies cross and double crosses, plus the Biblical Flood, Atlantis, eugenics, an Ebola-like flu, ancient alien influences and a Tibetan monastery ( Holy Shangri-La, Batman!) and chops them up in a giant plot blender. There's also tapestry depicting humanity's future, black goo that cures everything, autism research, people who age way slower than the rest of us, and a diary that holds secrets. But wait, there's more! Just too, too much more.
What isn't evident is an editor. On page 66 "She...ran a hand through her blond hair" and on the next page "He ran his hand through his hair." Page 87 has "Kate ran a hand through her hair" and on the next page "Kate brushed her hair back." All this unruly hair action. Somebody get these people a comb!
You'll also find some expendable good guy who solves the first major puzzle, transfers a couple millions dollars as instructed, creates his own secret message AND destroys the computer with evidence - all in time to be fatally shot. This is followed by a lovely description of how he looks down at the bullet holes in his chest and the blood flowing from his mouth. UGGH. Then Our Hero, after going all Rambo on a gang of warrior bad guys, snaps the last one's neck and then stays on the floor gazing at the ceiling and considers two flies chasing each other. Right. Me, I'd go crack open a Bud.
Here are incredible moments of foresight. The first time of too many that David saves Kate (think 'Come wit me if you wahnt to leeve,’) he convinces her by saying only a good guy would ask her to get in his vehicle, that a bad guy would just grab her and put a bag over her head. Guess what. About two minutes later a certified bad guy will grab her and put a bag over her head.
The book is long, but the chapters are short and they get shorter, down to a couple paragraphs, toward the end. I enjoy science fiction and will gladly surrender my disbelief if an author creates a world worth the effort. In this one the hero super-agent David has several million in secret accounts, a secret hideaway with a bomb shelter, a secret mini yacht, and a stashed secret plane which he and the intrepid blond scientist (who requires repeated rescuing) fly into China, crash land, and gain access to a super-secret installation where hapless Chinese are being murdered daily in dozens by dastardly evil doers.
I’m happy that the author can write his books because everyone should follow his/her dream. I’m just sorry to have read this one.
Unless you thought the Da Vinci Code is a prime example of Great Literature and unless you're a devout follower of the History Channel's Crazy Hair Guy. The Atlantis Gene takes about a hundred plot bits - everything from Indiana Jones-type evil Nazis to 9-11 and Roswell to James Bond spies cross and double crosses, plus the Biblical Flood, Atlantis, eugenics, an Ebola-like flu, ancient alien influences and a Tibetan monastery ( Holy Shangri-La, Batman!) and chops them up in a giant plot blender. There's also tapestry depicting humanity's future, black goo that cures everything, autism research, people who age way slower than the rest of us, and a diary that holds secrets. But wait, there's more! Just too, too much more.
What isn't evident is an editor. On page 66 "She...ran a hand through her blond hair" and on the next page "He ran his hand through his hair." Page 87 has "Kate ran a hand through her hair" and on the next page "Kate brushed her hair back." All this unruly hair action. Somebody get these people a comb!
You'll also find some expendable good guy who solves the first major puzzle, transfers a couple millions dollars as instructed, creates his own secret message AND destroys the computer with evidence - all in time to be fatally shot. This is followed by a lovely description of how he looks down at the bullet holes in his chest and the blood flowing from his mouth. UGGH. Then Our Hero, after going all Rambo on a gang of warrior bad guys, snaps the last one's neck and then stays on the floor gazing at the ceiling and considers two flies chasing each other. Right. Me, I'd go crack open a Bud.
Here are incredible moments of foresight. The first time of too many that David saves Kate (think 'Come wit me if you wahnt to leeve,’) he convinces her by saying only a good guy would ask her to get in his vehicle, that a bad guy would just grab her and put a bag over her head. Guess what. About two minutes later a certified bad guy will grab her and put a bag over her head.
The book is long, but the chapters are short and they get shorter, down to a couple paragraphs, toward the end. I enjoy science fiction and will gladly surrender my disbelief if an author creates a world worth the effort. In this one the hero super-agent David has several million in secret accounts, a secret hideaway with a bomb shelter, a secret mini yacht, and a stashed secret plane which he and the intrepid blond scientist (who requires repeated rescuing) fly into China, crash land, and gain access to a super-secret installation where hapless Chinese are being murdered daily in dozens by dastardly evil doers.
I’m happy that the author can write his books because everyone should follow his/her dream. I’m just sorry to have read this one.
January 8, 2025
“The Atlantis Gene’ was self-published in 2013 and was author A.G. Riddle’s first book. The book has sold over a million copies and at the time of this review, has over 50,000 ratings on Amazon. You cannot deny that it’s a self-published success story and A.G. Riddle has gone on to write nine other novels and has sold over five million copies.
I enjoyed this book, yes - it’s choppy, cliché ridden, and action-heavy, but it was pure fun. To me, it’s Clive Cussler meets Dan Brown - two authors who will never be held as literary intellects, but both are successful and write highly entertaining stories. You can debate their talents all you want, but, like Stephen King, you cannot debate their popularity or raw sales numbers. For me, this book never lost my attention, and at times, became a movie in my head. That’s success in my humble opinion. I’ll read more of Riddle’s books.
This book has three to four plot lines and switches back and forth like a whipsaw. This is managed with extremely short chapters, so you never really lose your place in any of the storylines. We switch exotic locations like an Indiana Jones movie. Riddle really threw in the kitchen sink in this first book of a trilogy. It has research expeditions, lost Nazi subs, genetics, historical catastrophes, a 9/11 conspiracy, secret societies, genetic manipulation, the Atlantis myth, a pandemic, and even an explanation of the “The Great Leap Forward.”
Five ice-encrusted stars for this fast-paced, action packed science fiction thriller. Congrats to underdog A.G. Riddle for his entertaining self-published works and well-deserved commercial success.
I enjoyed this book, yes - it’s choppy, cliché ridden, and action-heavy, but it was pure fun. To me, it’s Clive Cussler meets Dan Brown - two authors who will never be held as literary intellects, but both are successful and write highly entertaining stories. You can debate their talents all you want, but, like Stephen King, you cannot debate their popularity or raw sales numbers. For me, this book never lost my attention, and at times, became a movie in my head. That’s success in my humble opinion. I’ll read more of Riddle’s books.
This book has three to four plot lines and switches back and forth like a whipsaw. This is managed with extremely short chapters, so you never really lose your place in any of the storylines. We switch exotic locations like an Indiana Jones movie. Riddle really threw in the kitchen sink in this first book of a trilogy. It has research expeditions, lost Nazi subs, genetics, historical catastrophes, a 9/11 conspiracy, secret societies, genetic manipulation, the Atlantis myth, a pandemic, and even an explanation of the “The Great Leap Forward.”
Five ice-encrusted stars for this fast-paced, action packed science fiction thriller. Congrats to underdog A.G. Riddle for his entertaining self-published works and well-deserved commercial success.
October 23, 2013
Brilliant. 489 pages of times when I stayed up until 2 in the morning with my eyes glued to my Kindle screen. 489 pages of when I'd be at work and frantically wanting to fangirl and wondering if anyone could see how excited I was.
That's when you know a novel has captivated you with its story. I stumbled upon the book on Amazon, read the description, and thought, "Hm. A sci-fi novel with its own creation theory that involves Atlantis? This must be good." Every minute I had, every break I gained, I read page after page. The story takes the point of view of third person but each short chapter is separated into the third person point of view of the specific character, thus, weaving the entire story together. Most of the story progression was made through what each character saw or said. Up until the last 20% of the novel, someone would see something another did in one chapter while the next chapter takes up from that person's point of view. I enjoyed this very much.
I am attempting not to spoil the book and still give a good review so excuse me if my words become a tad confusing. The novel involves the lost city of Atlantis that no doubt all of us has heard about. This idea of a lost city interweaves itself into the main plot of the question, "Where did humans come from?" then onto the characters whose lives were drastically changed by the mystery surrounding how their species came to be. Often I would attempt to predict the plot and many times, ended up sitting at my desk at work with my hands to my face hiding my shocked demeanor.
For readers that love sci-fi with a tiny hint of romance enough to make them go, "Aww!" and not gag, The Atlantis Gene is the perfect companion to the creative mind.. Or when you're alone.. In bed. Wanting relief from a long day. What.
[Review originally posted on my blog: www.disarrayedcreativity.me]
That's when you know a novel has captivated you with its story. I stumbled upon the book on Amazon, read the description, and thought, "Hm. A sci-fi novel with its own creation theory that involves Atlantis? This must be good." Every minute I had, every break I gained, I read page after page. The story takes the point of view of third person but each short chapter is separated into the third person point of view of the specific character, thus, weaving the entire story together. Most of the story progression was made through what each character saw or said. Up until the last 20% of the novel, someone would see something another did in one chapter while the next chapter takes up from that person's point of view. I enjoyed this very much.
I am attempting not to spoil the book and still give a good review so excuse me if my words become a tad confusing. The novel involves the lost city of Atlantis that no doubt all of us has heard about. This idea of a lost city interweaves itself into the main plot of the question, "Where did humans come from?" then onto the characters whose lives were drastically changed by the mystery surrounding how their species came to be. Often I would attempt to predict the plot and many times, ended up sitting at my desk at work with my hands to my face hiding my shocked demeanor.
For readers that love sci-fi with a tiny hint of romance enough to make them go, "Aww!" and not gag, The Atlantis Gene is the perfect companion to the creative mind.. Or when you're alone.. In bed. Wanting relief from a long day. What.
[Review originally posted on my blog: www.disarrayedcreativity.me]
August 7, 2017
The Atlantis Gene (The Origin Mystery #1) by A.G. Riddle is a very interesting read. I got the audible version from the library. It had so many side stories going and I thought sure it would finally come together at the end but it did to some degree but the rest will be in the next books. I was hoping that more of the story would be in this book about what the secret would be about. I might continue the next books but I was a bit disappoint that this didn't have more. This was very action packed, full of intrigue but the stuff I was interested in will probably be in later books. It hinted at it briefly in here. So, I did enjoy it and it is worth the read just wanted it to stretch some of the good stuff in more of this book. :)
May 24, 2018
Full review now up!
All of the ingredients used to make up The Atlantis Gene story worked really well for my tastes. While I do enjoy reading in the thriller genre, it's not one that I visit a lot. A.G. Riddle has convinced me I need to start clearing my calendar a little more often for this genre.
The basis of this story is one that peaked my interest, even before reading the synopsis of the book. The origin of humanity. Where did we come from? How did we evolve to how we are today? These are questions all of us have asked ourselves from time to time. Riddle's take on this subject is done with a very clever mix of secret societies, medical research, and ancient civilizations.
The pace of this story is pretty quick throughout. By quick, I mean a lot of the chapters are 2 to 3 pages then switching back to another POV. There is well over 100 chapters in the book, and the book is under 500 pages, so you can do the math. There is a section regarding a diary that did drag out a little, but that was the only slow section. It is a vital part of the story, so drag may not be the appropriate word. Just slower than the other sections of the story.
The characters were well developed and realistic. They each had flaws and made their fair share of mistakes. To be honest, I was more invested in the story than the characters, so for me this was a mix between character and plot driven. I believe I just approached it differently due to the subject it involved. But, you may see it differently than I do.
I had high hopes for The Atlantis Gene, and it didn't let me down. I can see why it is a million copy bestseller. I believe all readers can find something in this book they can relate to. I certainly did!
4 stars ****
All of the ingredients used to make up The Atlantis Gene story worked really well for my tastes. While I do enjoy reading in the thriller genre, it's not one that I visit a lot. A.G. Riddle has convinced me I need to start clearing my calendar a little more often for this genre.
The basis of this story is one that peaked my interest, even before reading the synopsis of the book. The origin of humanity. Where did we come from? How did we evolve to how we are today? These are questions all of us have asked ourselves from time to time. Riddle's take on this subject is done with a very clever mix of secret societies, medical research, and ancient civilizations.
The pace of this story is pretty quick throughout. By quick, I mean a lot of the chapters are 2 to 3 pages then switching back to another POV. There is well over 100 chapters in the book, and the book is under 500 pages, so you can do the math. There is a section regarding a diary that did drag out a little, but that was the only slow section. It is a vital part of the story, so drag may not be the appropriate word. Just slower than the other sections of the story.
The characters were well developed and realistic. They each had flaws and made their fair share of mistakes. To be honest, I was more invested in the story than the characters, so for me this was a mix between character and plot driven. I believe I just approached it differently due to the subject it involved. But, you may see it differently than I do.
I had high hopes for The Atlantis Gene, and it didn't let me down. I can see why it is a million copy bestseller. I believe all readers can find something in this book they can relate to. I certainly did!
4 stars ****
August 11, 2013
The first word that came to mind after finishing this novel was "Ambitious".
Perhaps a bit too amibitious. There were many sub-plots requiring a set of characters or at least name changes for the characters. There were interesting people (the boy in the monastery) who were brought in, seemed pleasant, and then forgotten. Then there was the main trunk of the story line....or was it? And we see all these tubes with Atlanteans, but we fail to have any description of what they look like.
So....while I thoroughly enjoyed the novel in many contexts, my advice to this first-time novelist would be to simplify. There was way too much going on.
The Immari themselves were not believable from an economic point of view. Worthless in 1947...or nearly so... to a major world player hoodwinking China for it's research facility, the CIA, the Brits, Russia? Ummmm. And 9-11 thrown in?
It was really too much.
Simplify.
I gave this novel a 4-star rating, primarily because the editing and storytelling was in concise, clear, grammatically correct prose. Thank you for that. And also because it was a first novel. Had this been an established writer, it probably would have earned 3 stars.
Perhaps a bit too amibitious. There were many sub-plots requiring a set of characters or at least name changes for the characters. There were interesting people (the boy in the monastery) who were brought in, seemed pleasant, and then forgotten. Then there was the main trunk of the story line....or was it? And we see all these tubes with Atlanteans, but we fail to have any description of what they look like.
So....while I thoroughly enjoyed the novel in many contexts, my advice to this first-time novelist would be to simplify. There was way too much going on.
The Immari themselves were not believable from an economic point of view. Worthless in 1947...or nearly so... to a major world player hoodwinking China for it's research facility, the CIA, the Brits, Russia? Ummmm. And 9-11 thrown in?
It was really too much.
Simplify.
I gave this novel a 4-star rating, primarily because the editing and storytelling was in concise, clear, grammatically correct prose. Thank you for that. And also because it was a first novel. Had this been an established writer, it probably would have earned 3 stars.
May 23, 2018
Interesting but not what I expected at all
I love the cover of this book! Wow! I thought by looking at it I would be treated to a children's fun fantasy tale but that was certainly not the case. This is an interesting African tale with very deep dark aspects of life highlighted throughout the story. Only a couple of quick happy moments, very fleeting, and the rest is very dark and depressing. Death, slavery, capture, slave boats, treatment of slaves, superstition of the church of witches and how they beat and killed them. The constant loss of family and friends, home, culture, name, language, etc. Deep and moving book hidden in a fable. Hard to read all at one time. The book ended abruptly, my only complaint.
I love the cover of this book! Wow! I thought by looking at it I would be treated to a children's fun fantasy tale but that was certainly not the case. This is an interesting African tale with very deep dark aspects of life highlighted throughout the story. Only a couple of quick happy moments, very fleeting, and the rest is very dark and depressing. Death, slavery, capture, slave boats, treatment of slaves, superstition of the church of witches and how they beat and killed them. The constant loss of family and friends, home, culture, name, language, etc. Deep and moving book hidden in a fable. Hard to read all at one time. The book ended abruptly, my only complaint.
November 16, 2015
The Origin Mystery trilogy is four stars or near to it. The whole is greater than the sum of the parts. I read all three books before writing the reviews, and I gave the first book in the series, The Atlantis Gene four stars. There is something for everyone in this trilogy. Imagine Robin Cook, Frederick Forsyth, Michael Crichton and Ursula K. Le Guin getting together to spin a yarn.
The trilogy has its flaws, so I'd qualify the recommendation by stating it's for readers of the science fiction and thriller genres. This is the debut novel of an indie author, but it was good enough to be purchased by CBS Films and for the author to be picked up by HarperCollins for his next novel. I was very entertained by non-stop action, conspiracies, factions, and conundrums throughout the book. There are terrorists, secret agents, geneticists and double agents. I thought The Atlantis Gene was a medical thriller at first. Then it was an espionage novel. Then historical fiction, or is it a medical disaster story, or a political thriller. Wait an alien artifact! Is it a science fiction novel?
This is a complex story. Although we are primarily concerned with Dr Kate Warner and agent David Vale, there are lots of characters, lots of factions, and lots of settings, perhaps too many. The story moves so quickly, there isn't enough time for character development, a problem that will come back to haunt the author and reader in later parts of the trilogy.
The protagonists are trying to untie a Gordian knot of intrigue and secrets that goes back hundreds, possibly thousands of years. It may actually answer "where did man come from," and "what is the meaning of life." The real payoff comes as A.G. Riddle ties together seeming disparate science and historical facts to theories woven into the storyline. He does it with such ease, despite anachronistic and plausibility flaws, the story becomes that much more believable.
If you love complex plots, non-stop action, tangled conspiracies, and long stories, this trilogy is for you. This first book is a thrill-ride, but it sets the stage for even bigger things to come. If you are looking for something simple and straightforward, you aren't going to enjoy this trilogy with its complex cast of characters and stories within stories.
Truth is stranger than fiction...
http://www.agriddle.com/Atlantis-Gene...
The author's website for the facts versus the fiction for the history and science used in The Atlantis Gene
The trilogy has its flaws, so I'd qualify the recommendation by stating it's for readers of the science fiction and thriller genres. This is the debut novel of an indie author, but it was good enough to be purchased by CBS Films and for the author to be picked up by HarperCollins for his next novel. I was very entertained by non-stop action, conspiracies, factions, and conundrums throughout the book. There are terrorists, secret agents, geneticists and double agents. I thought The Atlantis Gene was a medical thriller at first. Then it was an espionage novel. Then historical fiction, or is it a medical disaster story, or a political thriller. Wait an alien artifact! Is it a science fiction novel?
This is a complex story. Although we are primarily concerned with Dr Kate Warner and agent David Vale, there are lots of characters, lots of factions, and lots of settings, perhaps too many. The story moves so quickly, there isn't enough time for character development, a problem that will come back to haunt the author and reader in later parts of the trilogy.
The protagonists are trying to untie a Gordian knot of intrigue and secrets that goes back hundreds, possibly thousands of years. It may actually answer "where did man come from," and "what is the meaning of life." The real payoff comes as A.G. Riddle ties together seeming disparate science and historical facts to theories woven into the storyline. He does it with such ease, despite anachronistic and plausibility flaws, the story becomes that much more believable.
If you love complex plots, non-stop action, tangled conspiracies, and long stories, this trilogy is for you. This first book is a thrill-ride, but it sets the stage for even bigger things to come. If you are looking for something simple and straightforward, you aren't going to enjoy this trilogy with its complex cast of characters and stories within stories.
Truth is stranger than fiction...
http://www.agriddle.com/Atlantis-Gene...
The author's website for the facts versus the fiction for the history and science used in The Atlantis Gene
Read
August 14, 2013I will not insult any reader of this DNF review by not disclosing the fact that I simply could not connect with this book and the style in which it was written. Thus, I did not finish it and after only 50 pages decided to put it down. So I will not offer any serious critique other than a rationale as to why I did not connect with it. If you find this annoying, i agree with you, yet as my least favorite saying goes: it is what it is (totally lame, because we all know it is what it is until its not and then it's something utterly different, hence, a completely useless saying).
Honestly, I felt rushed and did not fully understand the landscape of the many different settings the author takes us to in such a brief number of pages. Other than a setting which is listed next to the chapter number, there was inadequate language offered to create a meaningful visual of where the characters are in space and time. We are instead ushered quite quickly to conversations between characters of different organizations which aim to reveal (much too quickly) the plot of this book. Which I have to say is intriguing. But the devil is in the details, which most authors seem to err on the side of too much and readers get bogged down in a hundred page description of some weapon (Clancy comes to mind here). Conversely, this book offers too little in the way of details to help us (the reader) give a shit about what's actually happening. Apologies, but I'll move on to something worth my time. This was not it.
Honestly, I felt rushed and did not fully understand the landscape of the many different settings the author takes us to in such a brief number of pages. Other than a setting which is listed next to the chapter number, there was inadequate language offered to create a meaningful visual of where the characters are in space and time. We are instead ushered quite quickly to conversations between characters of different organizations which aim to reveal (much too quickly) the plot of this book. Which I have to say is intriguing. But the devil is in the details, which most authors seem to err on the side of too much and readers get bogged down in a hundred page description of some weapon (Clancy comes to mind here). Conversely, this book offers too little in the way of details to help us (the reader) give a shit about what's actually happening. Apologies, but I'll move on to something worth my time. This was not it.
May 9, 2020
DNF... I found the constant wandering of the plot difficult to follow which throws off the momentum. Characters are standard issue rather than unique. Just isn't the kind of book I prefer.
May 13, 2013
Author A.G. Riddle inaugural novel starts out pretty fast. Make that somewhat insanely fast. He throws things at the reader in rapid succession. But stick with it and pay attention. Comprehension will dawn. The characters begin to make sense and A.G. revisits everything. Every little plot twist gets attention. All the elements he packs into the beginning of the mystery will make sense. The grand scheme begins to make a little too much sense, making me wonder if there isn't some kind of Immari organization manipulating everything from international politics to economic markets. Hmmmm. Hero David Vale is a badass. But he's an unlucky badass, always getting thumped somehow. The baddies, especially Dorian Sloane, is intense and a remarkable opponent. He's smart and seemingly has the upper hand at every turn. Kate Warner isn't some wallflower either. She doesn't just scream when the going gets tough. It took me a week to read this, and I had to put it down occasionally because I just couldn't take the pace. And I love this type of novel. If you're looking for a thriller with a bit of sci-fi angle, this is definitely worth considering.
May 31, 2017
Definitely not the level of techno-thriller as say a Lincoln Child, James Rollins, or Michael Crichton but okay for what it is. The book was interesting enough to keep me reading but ultimately failed to satisfy me as a book by one of the others who I mentioned. I think it was due to the fact that the chapters we're so short and the action seemed to jump around from one storyline to the next much too quickly. I never got a chance to become invested in any of the characters or what was going on with them. Not special enough in my opinion to warrant continuing with the series.
September 6, 2025
3 Medical Mystery Thriller Stars
This is a new-to-me author, the audible narrator is pretty good - better than average, and the story not bad to begin with.....preface: scientists on a research vessel discover a mysterious structure buried deep in an iceberg off the coast of Antarctica...whoa....a Nazi sub in the iceburg! Fade out...
Chapter One -fade in...Kate Warner, PhD is working with a cohort of children at her lab in Jakarta who are afflicted with autism. Research is underway to develope an "autism vaccine"......but not so fast. There just may be an evolutionary etiology!
Similar in style to the novels of Robin Cook, the writing is brisk, without being hurried, clinical without being cold, and peppered with enough medical jargon to make you feel smart without reaching for a dictionary every five minutes. The dialogue is serviceable, plot takes precedence, and the more implausible twists feel forgivable in the moment.
Until about the 60% point when the protagonists' (Kate Warner-autism researcher & David Vale- mercenary?) escapades have left the interesting, and somewhat credible, realm of Medical Thriller and approach OTT territory in a "Bond, James Bond" sort of way........unbelievable. but fun entertainment none the less. Kate & David are so very likable and the villains so very despicable!
The experience was much like attending a saturday movie matinee......fun and fleeting. As much as I'm happy to have listened to this while knitting more turnip hats: https://www.goodreads.com/photo/user/...
but won't be continuing with the series 🧚♀️🙋🏼.
This is a new-to-me author, the audible narrator is pretty good - better than average, and the story not bad to begin with.....preface: scientists on a research vessel discover a mysterious structure buried deep in an iceberg off the coast of Antarctica...whoa....a Nazi sub in the iceburg! Fade out...
Chapter One -fade in...Kate Warner, PhD is working with a cohort of children at her lab in Jakarta who are afflicted with autism. Research is underway to develope an "autism vaccine"......but not so fast. There just may be an evolutionary etiology!
Similar in style to the novels of Robin Cook, the writing is brisk, without being hurried, clinical without being cold, and peppered with enough medical jargon to make you feel smart without reaching for a dictionary every five minutes. The dialogue is serviceable, plot takes precedence, and the more implausible twists feel forgivable in the moment.
Until about the 60% point when the protagonists' (Kate Warner-autism researcher & David Vale- mercenary?) escapades have left the interesting, and somewhat credible, realm of Medical Thriller and approach OTT territory in a "Bond, James Bond" sort of way........unbelievable. but fun entertainment none the less. Kate & David are so very likable and the villains so very despicable!
The experience was much like attending a saturday movie matinee......fun and fleeting. As much as I'm happy to have listened to this while knitting more turnip hats: https://www.goodreads.com/photo/user/...
but won't be continuing with the series 🧚♀️🙋🏼.
December 9, 2021
The story is actually brilliant, full of mystery, time travelling, and another take on mankind's origins. I believe that the film rights have been bought and I will gladly go and see it.
The only thing about the audiobook is that I felt the narrator's tone was wrong throughout, joyous and upbeat in crucial and dramatic moments, taking from the atmosphere of this great story. Maybe that was on purpose...
The only thing about the audiobook is that I felt the narrator's tone was wrong throughout, joyous and upbeat in crucial and dramatic moments, taking from the atmosphere of this great story. Maybe that was on purpose...
November 24, 2015
The Origin Mystery trilogy is four stars or near to it. The whole is greater than the sum of the parts. I read all three books before writing the reviews, and I gave the first book in the series, The Atlantis Gene four stars. There is something for everyone in this trilogy. Imagine Robin Cook, Frederick Forsyth, Michael Crichton and Ursula K. Le Guin getting together to spin a yarn.
The trilogy has its flaws, so I'd qualify the recommendation by stating it's for readers of the science fiction and thriller genres. This is the debut novel of an indie author, but it was good enough to be purchased by CBS Films and for the author to be picked up by HarperCollins for his next novel. I was very entertained by non-stop action, conspiracies, factions, and conundrums throughout the book. There are terrorists, secret agents, geneticists and double agents. I thought The Atlantis Gene was a medical thriller at first. Then it was an espionage novel. Then historical fiction, or is it a medical disaster story, or a political thriller. Wait an alien artifact! Is it a science fiction novel?
This is a complex story. Although we are primarily concerned with Dr Kate Warner and agent David Vale, there are lots of characters, lots of factions, and lots of settings, perhaps too many. The story moves so quickly, there isn't enough time for character development, a problem that will come back to haunt the author and reader in later parts of the trilogy.
The protagonists are trying to untie a Gordian knot of intrigue and secrets that goes back hundreds, possibly thousands of years. It may actually answer "where did man come from," and "what is the meaning of life." The real payoff comes as A.G. Riddle ties together seeming disparate science and historical facts to theories woven into the storyline. He does it with such ease, despite anachronistic and plausibility flaws, the story becomes that much more believable.
If you love complex plots, non-stop action, tangled conspiracies, and long stories, this trilogy is for you. This first book is a thrill-ride, but it sets the stage for even bigger things to come. If you are looking for something simple and straightforward, you aren't going to enjoy this trilogy with its complex cast of characters and stories within stories.
Truth is stranger than fiction...
http://www.agriddle.com/Atlantis-Gene...
The author's website for the facts versus the fiction for the history and science used in The Atlantis Gene
The trilogy has its flaws, so I'd qualify the recommendation by stating it's for readers of the science fiction and thriller genres. This is the debut novel of an indie author, but it was good enough to be purchased by CBS Films and for the author to be picked up by HarperCollins for his next novel. I was very entertained by non-stop action, conspiracies, factions, and conundrums throughout the book. There are terrorists, secret agents, geneticists and double agents. I thought The Atlantis Gene was a medical thriller at first. Then it was an espionage novel. Then historical fiction, or is it a medical disaster story, or a political thriller. Wait an alien artifact! Is it a science fiction novel?
This is a complex story. Although we are primarily concerned with Dr Kate Warner and agent David Vale, there are lots of characters, lots of factions, and lots of settings, perhaps too many. The story moves so quickly, there isn't enough time for character development, a problem that will come back to haunt the author and reader in later parts of the trilogy.
The protagonists are trying to untie a Gordian knot of intrigue and secrets that goes back hundreds, possibly thousands of years. It may actually answer "where did man come from," and "what is the meaning of life." The real payoff comes as A.G. Riddle ties together seeming disparate science and historical facts to theories woven into the storyline. He does it with such ease, despite anachronistic and plausibility flaws, the story becomes that much more believable.
If you love complex plots, non-stop action, tangled conspiracies, and long stories, this trilogy is for you. This first book is a thrill-ride, but it sets the stage for even bigger things to come. If you are looking for something simple and straightforward, you aren't going to enjoy this trilogy with its complex cast of characters and stories within stories.
Truth is stranger than fiction...
http://www.agriddle.com/Atlantis-Gene...
The author's website for the facts versus the fiction for the history and science used in The Atlantis Gene
April 20, 2015
BRILLIANTLY addictive thriller. Can't wait for the follow ups and a full review will follow when I get to catching up over the next few days.
May 8, 2014
Really simple, plot incomprehensible
Really simple, plot incomprehensible
Thankfully I didnt pay a cent for this, but I did waste my monthlly Amazon Prime freebie loaner book for the month on it. This book is poorly done on every level. period. It's poorly written, it stereotypes Indonesians, Chinese...it jumps around from page to page with no rhyme or reason. I made it to 25 percent, but knew after a couple chapters that I was wasting my time.
I have no earthly idea how so many have given 5 stars to this drivel. My advice when checking out a book is to read the one and two star reviews. They typically give a more reasoned review. Seriously... 5 stars? Tolkein, Asimov... they rate five. Books like this??? A few years ago they'd never have made it if not self published ... forgive the rant...back to the book...dont bother.
Really simple, plot incomprehensible
Thankfully I didnt pay a cent for this, but I did waste my monthlly Amazon Prime freebie loaner book for the month on it. This book is poorly done on every level. period. It's poorly written, it stereotypes Indonesians, Chinese...it jumps around from page to page with no rhyme or reason. I made it to 25 percent, but knew after a couple chapters that I was wasting my time.
I have no earthly idea how so many have given 5 stars to this drivel. My advice when checking out a book is to read the one and two star reviews. They typically give a more reasoned review. Seriously... 5 stars? Tolkein, Asimov... they rate five. Books like this??? A few years ago they'd never have made it if not self published ... forgive the rant...back to the book...dont bother.
August 2, 2013
I borrowed this book for free using the Kindle Lending Library. While I gave this book 1 star, I think this author has potential. The overall concept was ok, but the work just felt unpolished. The sci-fi aspects were well explained, and the plot was fast paced, but the dialogue was cringe worthy. I think in an effort to explain the science but keep the pace moving the author sacrificed character development. My main problem with the book is I couldn't care less what happened to any of the people.
March 25, 2023
This book was fast paced and full of intrigue. I love books where the main characters are saving the world, never sure who they can trust, but plowing forward and full of determination and bravery. I loved the idea of Atlantis, the plague (which seems so similar to a certain pandemic, especially the reference to a cytokine storm causing the real damage to people), the Nazis, and the conspiracies. An exciting, rip roaring tale with evil, and bravery, and of course, some people who just misplaced their allegiance. I will definitely move on to the next in the series. Such a great book!!
August 6, 2019
Intriguing premise and I was very excited to start this series. Half way through, things became confusing -- too much going on and took the fun away. Returned book 2.
July 29, 2016
Man! An amazing book I couldn't put down (and at 488 pages that's a long thrill ride).
A little bit sci-fi, a little bit mystery, suspense, thriller, and even historical fiction - it's all here and not only kept me on the edge of my seat but kept me guessing where it was going.
This story has some of the most ruthless villains (or are they?) and the author is ruthless in his own way too, not afraid to kill off one character after another just as you get to know them.
Don't really understand some of the two star criticism on this one. It is extremely well written, there are no typos or grammar mistakes, and it is very well researched. Kudos if as I understand it this is a first novel by A G Riddle. Some people seemed to object to the wide ranging subject matter (duh ??) that's exactly what makes it so good. Every time you think you know where the story is going it jerks you back to 1917, or 50,000 BC, and back to the present with all kinds of interesting facts and theories. Loved every page of it.
All in all a fascinating book and as much as I hate book series, I will buy the next one.
A little bit sci-fi, a little bit mystery, suspense, thriller, and even historical fiction - it's all here and not only kept me on the edge of my seat but kept me guessing where it was going.
This story has some of the most ruthless villains (or are they?) and the author is ruthless in his own way too, not afraid to kill off one character after another just as you get to know them.
Don't really understand some of the two star criticism on this one. It is extremely well written, there are no typos or grammar mistakes, and it is very well researched. Kudos if as I understand it this is a first novel by A G Riddle. Some people seemed to object to the wide ranging subject matter (duh ??) that's exactly what makes it so good. Every time you think you know where the story is going it jerks you back to 1917, or 50,000 BC, and back to the present with all kinds of interesting facts and theories. Loved every page of it.
All in all a fascinating book and as much as I hate book series, I will buy the next one.
December 12, 2020
This book...
To say it's a bad book is a true thing, but somehow calling it a "bad book" just doesn't do it justice. It's like saying the Grand Canyon is a just a big hole in the ground. That's /true/, but that goes nowhere near the raw beauty, the sense of deep time it took to form, or the power of the Colorado River to create it. Somehow calling it a hole in the ground misses out on the very nature of the experience. The Atlantis Gene is so bad it may be an attack on the act of reading, and maybe even the entire human project of using the written word to communicate.
There are the obvious surface faults: it's profoundly sexist (forget it passing the Bechdel Test, it's never even /heard/ of it) and racist (there's a simpering Tibetan character -- inexplicably named Milo -- who would shame Stepin Fetchin as he bows and scrapes to the Anglo characters). Half the characters change names about 2/3 of the way through the story so you spend the last third of the book having to check who's who; unfortunately any idea of characterization which might help the reader figure out who's who is completely alien to the author, who seems to think character is determined solely by past trauma. Rather than defining personality by, say, actions or dialogue, each character's past is dropped on the reader by a series of clunky pro-forma info-dump narration. The effect is like torture porn: something like watching the characters in Walking Dead go through trauma after trauma but without any reason to care about the characters going through it or even the ability for audiences to figure out who's who. And none of this suffering has a point -- no one is different at the end of the book than at the beginning.
When the author does attempt, and then fails at, to create character, the only tool he uses are cliches so hackneyed they literally made me groan. The hero (I guess you'd call him the hero: he kidnaps the female lead and kills dozens of people throughout the plot in between being wounded an improbable amount of times; he's not a protagonist because he never starts any actions) whose name, essentially, is Heathcliff, was wounded as a first responder during 9/11; you don't really hear from again until after he's made the transition from fireman to CIA operative (as is so commonly done) to working for international secret society. The female character dutifully and inexplicably -- unless you discount Stockholm Syndrome, but that would be more logical than anything else that transpires -- falls in love with her kidnapper. The female character, by the way, never once shows any initiative and whose primary occupation is child-care, first of children in a medical study, then of the "hero."
And to top off the most hoariest old cliches, the Antagonist is, literally, a Nazi. Because in a sprawling chasm of duelling ancient conspiracies, Atlantean high tech and pop-science gene therapy, you can't just be bad. You have to be Nazi bad, apparently. And if the plot audibly creaks to include the Third Reich both in the backstory and the main plot, well, you're clearly not paying attention to the Unceasing Action the author clearly prides himself on.
It's odd that the novel focuses so much on violence to the characters, because it's language that takes all the real abuse in the book. The author simply has no appreciation of language as such. There's no poetry in the language of the characters or style in the narration. Riddle uses language like a felon uses a cosh: bluntly, to accost the reader.
And he's able to use the form of the novel just as competently as he does language. The real success of the novel's format -- the reason it's had staying power over centuries -- is that its length allows a (competent) author to delve deeply into the psychology or inner life of the characters. Chapters extend over dozens of pages so the reader can learn the background of a character's unique experience, hear their unique inner voice and appreciate the subtleties of their actions as they relate to others. As mentioned above, The Atlantis Gene has none of these things. Consequently, the chapters are about page and a half each. There are many "chapters" no more than a half- or even quarter-page long. This barely allows the author to communicate the simple actions of the plot, so there is virtually no complication or in-depth investigation of anything. If I was charitable, I'd suggest this was an authorial attempt to create pace or mood.
I'm not charitable. But the tiny little chapters point at a far more obvious conceptual problem at the heart of this book. Riddle's chapters aren't chapters. They're scenes (bad scenes, lots of bad scenes) because Riddle doesn't want to write a novel. Or any type of book. It wants to be an action movie, but the author on his own had no means to make a film. So he cranked out a screenplay with a few more stage directions than average. Unfortunately, he's no better a screenwriter or playwright than novelist, so the book suffers from being neither fish nor fowl, crippled by an author who doesn't want and doesn't know how to deal with the format he's chosen. This book was doomed from the get-go.
But Riddle -- allegedly, anyway, self-publishing allows you to throw around words like "best seller" or "soon to be on movie screens" with nothing to back those up -- got his wish. Somebody, presumably a rich illiterate with a chip on his shoulder for every other sentient being in the world, bought the movie rights to this and the two sequels (sequels I cannot bring myself to read), so we'll all soon have the opportunity to see this dreck on the silver screen. And it would take the talent of a Nick Cage or Stephen Segal to flail through the wooden dialogue and general lack of character motivation The Atlantis Gene suffers from. The idea of that film is a far bigger threat hanging over its audience than anything the characters have to deal with.
To say it's a bad book is a true thing, but somehow calling it a "bad book" just doesn't do it justice. It's like saying the Grand Canyon is a just a big hole in the ground. That's /true/, but that goes nowhere near the raw beauty, the sense of deep time it took to form, or the power of the Colorado River to create it. Somehow calling it a hole in the ground misses out on the very nature of the experience. The Atlantis Gene is so bad it may be an attack on the act of reading, and maybe even the entire human project of using the written word to communicate.
There are the obvious surface faults: it's profoundly sexist (forget it passing the Bechdel Test, it's never even /heard/ of it) and racist (there's a simpering Tibetan character -- inexplicably named Milo -- who would shame Stepin Fetchin as he bows and scrapes to the Anglo characters). Half the characters change names about 2/3 of the way through the story so you spend the last third of the book having to check who's who; unfortunately any idea of characterization which might help the reader figure out who's who is completely alien to the author, who seems to think character is determined solely by past trauma. Rather than defining personality by, say, actions or dialogue, each character's past is dropped on the reader by a series of clunky pro-forma info-dump narration. The effect is like torture porn: something like watching the characters in Walking Dead go through trauma after trauma but without any reason to care about the characters going through it or even the ability for audiences to figure out who's who. And none of this suffering has a point -- no one is different at the end of the book than at the beginning.
When the author does attempt, and then fails at, to create character, the only tool he uses are cliches so hackneyed they literally made me groan. The hero (I guess you'd call him the hero: he kidnaps the female lead and kills dozens of people throughout the plot in between being wounded an improbable amount of times; he's not a protagonist because he never starts any actions) whose name, essentially, is Heathcliff, was wounded as a first responder during 9/11; you don't really hear from again until after he's made the transition from fireman to CIA operative (as is so commonly done) to working for international secret society. The female character dutifully and inexplicably -- unless you discount Stockholm Syndrome, but that would be more logical than anything else that transpires -- falls in love with her kidnapper. The female character, by the way, never once shows any initiative and whose primary occupation is child-care, first of children in a medical study, then of the "hero."
And to top off the most hoariest old cliches, the Antagonist is, literally, a Nazi. Because in a sprawling chasm of duelling ancient conspiracies, Atlantean high tech and pop-science gene therapy, you can't just be bad. You have to be Nazi bad, apparently. And if the plot audibly creaks to include the Third Reich both in the backstory and the main plot, well, you're clearly not paying attention to the Unceasing Action the author clearly prides himself on.
It's odd that the novel focuses so much on violence to the characters, because it's language that takes all the real abuse in the book. The author simply has no appreciation of language as such. There's no poetry in the language of the characters or style in the narration. Riddle uses language like a felon uses a cosh: bluntly, to accost the reader.
And he's able to use the form of the novel just as competently as he does language. The real success of the novel's format -- the reason it's had staying power over centuries -- is that its length allows a (competent) author to delve deeply into the psychology or inner life of the characters. Chapters extend over dozens of pages so the reader can learn the background of a character's unique experience, hear their unique inner voice and appreciate the subtleties of their actions as they relate to others. As mentioned above, The Atlantis Gene has none of these things. Consequently, the chapters are about page and a half each. There are many "chapters" no more than a half- or even quarter-page long. This barely allows the author to communicate the simple actions of the plot, so there is virtually no complication or in-depth investigation of anything. If I was charitable, I'd suggest this was an authorial attempt to create pace or mood.
I'm not charitable. But the tiny little chapters point at a far more obvious conceptual problem at the heart of this book. Riddle's chapters aren't chapters. They're scenes (bad scenes, lots of bad scenes) because Riddle doesn't want to write a novel. Or any type of book. It wants to be an action movie, but the author on his own had no means to make a film. So he cranked out a screenplay with a few more stage directions than average. Unfortunately, he's no better a screenwriter or playwright than novelist, so the book suffers from being neither fish nor fowl, crippled by an author who doesn't want and doesn't know how to deal with the format he's chosen. This book was doomed from the get-go.
But Riddle -- allegedly, anyway, self-publishing allows you to throw around words like "best seller" or "soon to be on movie screens" with nothing to back those up -- got his wish. Somebody, presumably a rich illiterate with a chip on his shoulder for every other sentient being in the world, bought the movie rights to this and the two sequels (sequels I cannot bring myself to read), so we'll all soon have the opportunity to see this dreck on the silver screen. And it would take the talent of a Nick Cage or Stephen Segal to flail through the wooden dialogue and general lack of character motivation The Atlantis Gene suffers from. The idea of that film is a far bigger threat hanging over its audience than anything the characters have to deal with.
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