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The Metaxy Project
From the bestselling author of the Dominic Grey series comes a new novel that is part legal thriller, part psychological mystery, and 100% dark and riveting suspense . . . Rising above a hardscrabble childhood to become a star at one of Atlanta’s most prestigious law firms, Derek Miller is reliving The Great Gatsby in his own backyard. The spell is broken, however, when Derek’s investigation into the death of his mentor, a prominent psychologist, runs afoul of a mysterious government project involving research into psychic phenomena. As Derek digs deeper, convinced his mentor was murdered, he is plunged into a rabbit hole of government experiments, clandestine figures, and supposed paranormal events. His investigation also puts him at odds with shadowy forces deep within the corridors of power -- including those on the top floor of his own law firm. With his career in shambles, a warrant out for his arrest, and his life in jeopardy, Derek is running out of time to unravel the secrets surrounding his mentor’s research. And if he fails, it’s not just his own life that will be at risk, but the lives of those he holds most dear. From a theoretical physicist to a clairvoyant housewife to the charismatic pastor of a mega-church, from lavish Southern mansions to desperate urban wasteland, Derek’s investigation turns into a race for survival that hinges on one thing finding, and stopping, the most powerful psychic the world has ever seen.
- GenresParanormalMystery
390 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 4, 2014
16 people are currently reading
342 people want to read
About the author
Layton Green
21 books428 followersLayton Green is a bestselling author who loves to tell powerful, edge-of-your-seat stories across a range of genres, including mystery & thriller, suspense, horror, and fantasy (and often blending them together). He is the author of the Dominic Grey series, the Blackwood Saga, the Genesis Trilogy, and other works of fiction. Layton's work has been nominated for numerous awards (including a rare three-time finalist for an International Thriller Writers award), optioned for film, published in multiple languages, and has reached #1 on many genre lists.
In addition to writing, Layton attended law school in New Orleans and was a practicing attorney for ten very long years. He has also been an intern for the United Nations, an ESL teacher in Central America, a bartender in London, a seller of cheap knives on the streets of Brixton, a door to door phone book deliverer in Florida, and the list goes downhill from there.
Layton lives with his family in Southern California. You can visit him on Facebook, Goodreads, or on his website (www.laytongreen.com).
In addition to writing, Layton attended law school in New Orleans and was a practicing attorney for ten very long years. He has also been an intern for the United Nations, an ESL teacher in Central America, a bartender in London, a seller of cheap knives on the streets of Brixton, a door to door phone book deliverer in Florida, and the list goes downhill from there.
Layton lives with his family in Southern California. You can visit him on Facebook, Goodreads, or on his website (www.laytongreen.com).
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
July 10, 2014
THE METAXY PROJECT is a standalone thriller from the author of the Dominic Grey novels. This book defies the pigeonholes of just a mystery or just a paranormal story, because it is so much more. Told from the perspective of Derek Miller – a man who grew up dirt poor and through hard work and mentoring has been accepted at one of the most prominent law firms in Atlanta. When Derek’s mentor dies, he feels compelled to look into the incident. This ends up taking Derek down the rabbit hole of conspiracy theories, governmental experimentation, and psychic occurrences. The forces he’s up against will stop at nothing to destroy Derek so he cannot find the truth. Without knowing who to trust, Derek’s now in a race to save more than just himself. THE METAXY PROJECT is multilayered and spellbinding with rich psychological and emotional depths. All the characters, not just Derek, are three-dimensional and you’ll get to see them evolve throughout the story. Based on a chilling, but not implausible, concept, THE METAXY PROJECT will worm its way into your very soul. Mr. Green’s work shows new facets with each new book. You won’t be disappointed!
April 22, 2014
I was thrilled to get an email from Layton Green with info on his latest book, The Metaxy Project, a standalone (nothing to do with the Dominic Grey series) and, would I like a copy. Yes, I replied, well there were a few more words than that in the email of course, I was excited and honoured. A couple of days later, I received my copy. I quickly finished the book I was reading and loaded my new book onto my kindle and started to read. I had no idea what to expect, there was no information on amazon, goodreads, etc but as I am a fan of the Dominic Grey series I knew I couldn´t go wrong. The book starts out with plenty of background information on Derek, the main character and with some information on other characters also. Written in the first person, with Derek as the narrator, I felt as if he was actually talking to me as if I were part of the book. There flashbacks as you read on, or should I say flash forwards, as the main part of the book is written in the past with the occasional chapter in the present. Then the flashbacks catch up and things make more sense.
As you turn the pages, the characters are developed some more and the story gets mysterious, making you want to turn more pages.
My favourite part is when Derek and Cam visit the LaLaurie Hospital. Nice. The book speeds up towards the end and is difficult to put down. The ending is nicely summed up and is a well edited book.
Thanks Layton for the chance to read this new book.
As you turn the pages, the characters are developed some more and the story gets mysterious, making you want to turn more pages.
My favourite part is when Derek and Cam visit the LaLaurie Hospital. Nice. The book speeds up towards the end and is difficult to put down. The ending is nicely summed up and is a well edited book.
Thanks Layton for the chance to read this new book.
May 6, 2014
I received an early release copy of the electronic version of this book from Layton Green with a request for a review. I am a big fan of Layton's Dominic Grey series, so I was curious to see something from Layton outside of his comfort zone. I have to say that this was as good as (and if you like psychological thrillers/conspiracy theories, maybe even better than) the Grey series. In the same vein as Dean Koontz and James Patterson, but better written (no offense to Mr. Koontz and Mr. Patterson - I am a big fan of both), Layton provides a fast paced thriller that recalls the classic thrillers of days past.
Layton provides a damaged lead character in Derek Miller, who is almost Hemingwayian, in his self-destructive tendencies. A heavy drinker with major trust issues, Miller is a very intriguing lead character, whose inner story is almost as intriguing as the overall story. Despite his flaws, Miller's good intentions and ability to rise about his issues makes Miller one of the more interesting lead characters I have read about in a good long while. Think of a likable Nick Dunne from Gone Girl - very smart, handsome, has his internal conflicts, but without the smarmy attitude.
As to the overall story, Layton has once again proved himself to be a master storyteller. Layton's ability to set the scene and mood are excellent and Layton does a great job of making Atlanta a real part of the story. As with all great thrillers and conspiracy theory books, the Metaxy Project will keep you up late at night reading that "one more chapter."
Layton provides a damaged lead character in Derek Miller, who is almost Hemingwayian, in his self-destructive tendencies. A heavy drinker with major trust issues, Miller is a very intriguing lead character, whose inner story is almost as intriguing as the overall story. Despite his flaws, Miller's good intentions and ability to rise about his issues makes Miller one of the more interesting lead characters I have read about in a good long while. Think of a likable Nick Dunne from Gone Girl - very smart, handsome, has his internal conflicts, but without the smarmy attitude.
As to the overall story, Layton has once again proved himself to be a master storyteller. Layton's ability to set the scene and mood are excellent and Layton does a great job of making Atlanta a real part of the story. As with all great thrillers and conspiracy theory books, the Metaxy Project will keep you up late at night reading that "one more chapter."
December 19, 2014
3.5 stars
This is the fourth book by Layton that I've read and he just gets better and better. I was excited when he emailed and asked if I was interested in reviewing. Layton writes tense, insightful, thrilling mysteries that with the paranormal, the occult, and questions of faith, belief, and the human capacity for good and evil. They aren't quick or easy reads, as they're mysteries with depth. Layton makes you think.
This book also makes you think as Layton tackles, death, grief, revenge, what is science, paranormal phenomena, racism, classism, and touches on poverty all wrapped in a thriller that takes over an extended period of time but never slacks. Layton still has difficulty writing strong believable women who are more than decorative or just a love interest but he made some progress with that in this book. Both Cameron and Gemma are love interests and not as well developed as the main character Derek but both have more depth and purpose to the story than women in Layton's previous novels.
I've seen some reviews that compare Layton to Dan Brown and while on the surface there are similarities, Brown is lemon meringue and Layton is roast beef; Layton has more depth and better characterization. The story is strong and gripping, with secondary characters who are mostly well-fleshed out if a bit stereotypical, and keeps you guessing until the end as to how it will end.
This is the fourth book by Layton that I've read and he just gets better and better. I was excited when he emailed and asked if I was interested in reviewing. Layton writes tense, insightful, thrilling mysteries that with the paranormal, the occult, and questions of faith, belief, and the human capacity for good and evil. They aren't quick or easy reads, as they're mysteries with depth. Layton makes you think.
This book also makes you think as Layton tackles, death, grief, revenge, what is science, paranormal phenomena, racism, classism, and touches on poverty all wrapped in a thriller that takes over an extended period of time but never slacks. Layton still has difficulty writing strong believable women who are more than decorative or just a love interest but he made some progress with that in this book. Both Cameron and Gemma are love interests and not as well developed as the main character Derek but both have more depth and purpose to the story than women in Layton's previous novels.
I've seen some reviews that compare Layton to Dan Brown and while on the surface there are similarities, Brown is lemon meringue and Layton is roast beef; Layton has more depth and better characterization. The story is strong and gripping, with secondary characters who are mostly well-fleshed out if a bit stereotypical, and keeps you guessing until the end as to how it will end.
September 9, 2014
Hold on to your seat when you read this tale of influential lawyers and the opulence, muddy politics and a wasteland forgotten. Layton Green filled this story with a vivid assessment of Atlanta today – you can feel the thick humid air, and hear the heavy drawls, spill across the page. The paranormal and its power, misused by the government in a distorted effort, is a new slant to typical supernatural tale. Humans are the real monsters in this story. The reader is also shown the power of a great mentor, and how one person can make a difference. An entertaining and thought provoking read.
May 9, 2014
I love everything Layton writes. That is all.
March 11, 2015
I enjoyed this metaphysical/paranormal thriller, though at one point it was so spooky, I almost quit reading. Glad I read on....
July 25, 2014
Layton Green is an author that I discovered when he reached out to me about reviewing a new series he was writing, the Dominic Grey series. That series now has three titles (The Summoner, The Egyptian, and The Diabolist), and I found them to be a delicious combination of well-paced action and interesting information about cults, the occult, and the psychology surrounding them.
Green is back with a new stand alone novel, The Metaxy Project. Like his previous books, Green explores the supernatural from the point of view of a skeptic. In this case, the skeptic is a young man named Derek Miller, a poor kid from the wrong side of the tracks who had the good fortune to start a friendship with a rich kid from an influential family. When his friend is killed in a car accident, his father (a wealthy, well-known professor and researcher) takes Derek under his wing and helps him get into and through law school. Derek is just at the beginning of his career, and he has scored a plum job as an associate at a "biglaw" firm. But when the professor is murdered, Derek is drawn into the search for the killer. He discovers a super-secret government project related to the supernatural. The government was experimenting with telekinesis, telepathy, and remote viewing in an effort to weaponize them. Derek puts his life and sanity in danger to bring down the conspiracy and avenge his dead mentor.
This is going to be a strange connection, but Derek reminded me very much of the main character from the USA series Suits. Both are young, down-and-out kids who are given a break by powerful men; both are whip smart and underestimated by those around them; both are prone to pretty women in distress.That's pretty much where the similarities end, but it did make me like Derek's character pretty much from the beginning, since I like that show so well.
As a skeptic myself, one of the things that I like about Green's writing is that he tries to make some connection between seemingly inexplicable phenomenon and actual science. While the story in The Metaxy Project is very definitely in the realm of fantasy, it is not such a stretch, even for a confirmed atheist and realist like myself, to go along with the events of the plot. Green's work is reminiscent of James Rollin's books, only smarter. Whereas I sometimes read Rollin's stories with a good deal of eye-rolling at some of the more fantastical plot points, Green's stories sweep me up completely as a combination of reality and possibility. While I certainly don't believe that things like mediums and ESP are evidence of some larger force at work, who's to say that science won't someday have an explanation for the seemingly supernatural experiences people have reported experiencing over the decades.
Green is back with a new stand alone novel, The Metaxy Project. Like his previous books, Green explores the supernatural from the point of view of a skeptic. In this case, the skeptic is a young man named Derek Miller, a poor kid from the wrong side of the tracks who had the good fortune to start a friendship with a rich kid from an influential family. When his friend is killed in a car accident, his father (a wealthy, well-known professor and researcher) takes Derek under his wing and helps him get into and through law school. Derek is just at the beginning of his career, and he has scored a plum job as an associate at a "biglaw" firm. But when the professor is murdered, Derek is drawn into the search for the killer. He discovers a super-secret government project related to the supernatural. The government was experimenting with telekinesis, telepathy, and remote viewing in an effort to weaponize them. Derek puts his life and sanity in danger to bring down the conspiracy and avenge his dead mentor.
This is going to be a strange connection, but Derek reminded me very much of the main character from the USA series Suits. Both are young, down-and-out kids who are given a break by powerful men; both are whip smart and underestimated by those around them; both are prone to pretty women in distress.That's pretty much where the similarities end, but it did make me like Derek's character pretty much from the beginning, since I like that show so well.
As a skeptic myself, one of the things that I like about Green's writing is that he tries to make some connection between seemingly inexplicable phenomenon and actual science. While the story in The Metaxy Project is very definitely in the realm of fantasy, it is not such a stretch, even for a confirmed atheist and realist like myself, to go along with the events of the plot. Green's work is reminiscent of James Rollin's books, only smarter. Whereas I sometimes read Rollin's stories with a good deal of eye-rolling at some of the more fantastical plot points, Green's stories sweep me up completely as a combination of reality and possibility. While I certainly don't believe that things like mediums and ESP are evidence of some larger force at work, who's to say that science won't someday have an explanation for the seemingly supernatural experiences people have reported experiencing over the decades.
May 6, 2014
I was lucky enough to see an advance copy of The Metaxy Project from Layton Green, and I was not disappointed in his foray into standalone thrillers not associated with his fantastic Dominic Grey/Viktor Radek series.
From the beginning, this book is far more emotionally deep than his previous published works -- and that's not to say that the action is lessened or the plot less gripping than his other novels, but rather to say that this novel's touchstone is the emotional development of the characters while they go through the non-stop activity of investigating the death of the main character's mentor. It's a chilling look at growing up poor (and how that affects different races), being a well-paid professional in today's modern circles of hedonism and backbiting, finding a connection with a significant other, the ability of the government and the military to research and subvert science and pseudoscience, and the limits of the mind to alter the world around us. And it's got such an active plot that the reader is not bogged down in how emotionally intense the novel is, yet somewhere along the way the reader realizes that he is so emotionally connected with the main character and his friends that when bad things happen to them, the reader winces. That is the mark of a great writer: someone who can tell a good story while subtly making you love his characters.
While it's told in the first person from the point of view of the central character, Layton does such a good job of describing that character's surroundings and neighbors that the reader is not limited in forming emotional attachments just to that character. The supporting characters (some of whom play major roles) have just as much depth and ethos as the narrator, and have almost as much plot-driven action happen to them as the narrator does. It's a book that is at times nerve-wracking, at times horrifying, at times scary, and at times comedic, but it is always believable and always a story that is impossible for the reader to put down.
I can no longer talk about Layton Green as "maturing" or "finding his voice" -- he found his ability to write multiple books ago. Now I can talk about his writing as being as good or better than the NY Times bestselling authors out there. He truly is one of my favorite mystery/thriller authors out there, and I can't recommend him, or this book, highly enough.
From the beginning, this book is far more emotionally deep than his previous published works -- and that's not to say that the action is lessened or the plot less gripping than his other novels, but rather to say that this novel's touchstone is the emotional development of the characters while they go through the non-stop activity of investigating the death of the main character's mentor. It's a chilling look at growing up poor (and how that affects different races), being a well-paid professional in today's modern circles of hedonism and backbiting, finding a connection with a significant other, the ability of the government and the military to research and subvert science and pseudoscience, and the limits of the mind to alter the world around us. And it's got such an active plot that the reader is not bogged down in how emotionally intense the novel is, yet somewhere along the way the reader realizes that he is so emotionally connected with the main character and his friends that when bad things happen to them, the reader winces. That is the mark of a great writer: someone who can tell a good story while subtly making you love his characters.
While it's told in the first person from the point of view of the central character, Layton does such a good job of describing that character's surroundings and neighbors that the reader is not limited in forming emotional attachments just to that character. The supporting characters (some of whom play major roles) have just as much depth and ethos as the narrator, and have almost as much plot-driven action happen to them as the narrator does. It's a book that is at times nerve-wracking, at times horrifying, at times scary, and at times comedic, but it is always believable and always a story that is impossible for the reader to put down.
I can no longer talk about Layton Green as "maturing" or "finding his voice" -- he found his ability to write multiple books ago. Now I can talk about his writing as being as good or better than the NY Times bestselling authors out there. He truly is one of my favorite mystery/thriller authors out there, and I can't recommend him, or this book, highly enough.
June 30, 2014
This is the first book I have read by Layton Green and I enjoyed it a lot. The only thrillers I have read are by John Grisham and The Metaxy Project was very different from his books.
It took me a while to get into the book because of school work but once into the story it was pretty interested and a little creepy at times. By the middle of the book I could only read it during the day not at night. Having said that it probably isn't that creepy I'm just a wimp.
I liked Derek as a character and I also found the characters in the likable - however they all had pretty limited emotions. I didn't fine the story too complicated - despite it obviously being for an adult audiences it was written well and clearly and did not lose sight of certain characters or theories to make the story more confusing later on in the book.
The ending was not that great and there were no big turns or twists but it was satisfying to say the least. I was not expecting the girl to come in and her 'powers' were believable and put into context well.
I did enjoy reading the book, maybe if I had read more thrillers I would have a stronger opinion but to me it was pretty good - better than I thought and worth reading if you have the time.
It took me a while to get into the book because of school work but once into the story it was pretty interested and a little creepy at times. By the middle of the book I could only read it during the day not at night. Having said that it probably isn't that creepy I'm just a wimp.
I liked Derek as a character and I also found the characters in the likable - however they all had pretty limited emotions. I didn't fine the story too complicated - despite it obviously being for an adult audiences it was written well and clearly and did not lose sight of certain characters or theories to make the story more confusing later on in the book.
The ending was not that great and there were no big turns or twists but it was satisfying to say the least. I was not expecting the girl to come in and her 'powers' were believable and put into context well.
I did enjoy reading the book, maybe if I had read more thrillers I would have a stronger opinion but to me it was pretty good - better than I thought and worth reading if you have the time.
August 22, 2014
I was lucky enough to receive this book from the author; this was the first time I have read Layton Green. I will read more Layton Green and look forward to his Dominic Grey and Viktor Redek series.
The Metaxy Project is a great book that makes the paranormal and agnostic faith tangible to the reader.
Layton Green takes time to flesh out the characters in the first quarter of the book. The details at time became tedious and I thought, "Man, I should not have chosen this book, and the author wants me to review it." Layton Green's use of cliche stilted the voice of his characters; the dialogue at times was melodramatic and made me cringe. However the author's use of dialogue improved as the action took flight.
Green does a great job at setting up these believable characters in unbelievable circumstances. I could feel the stress that Gemma felt in providing for her sick child, and became enraptured with her character.
The setting of Atlanta is described expertly and one can envision the complexity of the monstrous city. The author knows Atlanta and can show the reader its various facets.
I had a hard time, in fact, putting the book down during the chilling climax. I will read more Layton Green.
The Metaxy Project is a great book that makes the paranormal and agnostic faith tangible to the reader.
Layton Green takes time to flesh out the characters in the first quarter of the book. The details at time became tedious and I thought, "Man, I should not have chosen this book, and the author wants me to review it." Layton Green's use of cliche stilted the voice of his characters; the dialogue at times was melodramatic and made me cringe. However the author's use of dialogue improved as the action took flight.
Green does a great job at setting up these believable characters in unbelievable circumstances. I could feel the stress that Gemma felt in providing for her sick child, and became enraptured with her character.
The setting of Atlanta is described expertly and one can envision the complexity of the monstrous city. The author knows Atlanta and can show the reader its various facets.
I had a hard time, in fact, putting the book down during the chilling climax. I will read more Layton Green.
August 28, 2015
A thriller departing from the stories of Dominic Grey . . .
I became a fan of Layton Green through the Dominic Grey stories, so I figured I would check this one out. Unfortunately, this one did not appeal to me as much, but that was mostly personal preference - the writing is solid, and the story well told, it just wasn't a story in which I had as much interest. Still, I would recommend it to fans of thrillers, especially those that have a mild supernatural element (psychic phenomena are referenced in this one).
I became a fan of Layton Green through the Dominic Grey stories, so I figured I would check this one out. Unfortunately, this one did not appeal to me as much, but that was mostly personal preference - the writing is solid, and the story well told, it just wasn't a story in which I had as much interest. Still, I would recommend it to fans of thrillers, especially those that have a mild supernatural element (psychic phenomena are referenced in this one).
April 9, 2016
Excellent! Layton Green is unbelievably talented. This book is so good. It contained everything I wanted in a story to transport my mind away from my everyday worries and into another world. It also allowed me to appreciate all that I have & am. What more can we ask from a brilliant work of fiction?!
May 3, 2015
Rating: 4.5
This mystery includes a nice blend of legal thriller and paranormal activity.
I found this to be a medium-paced thriller and enjoyed following the main character as he learned about paranormal related people and events in this story.
Got me thinking of themes of power and control.
This mystery includes a nice blend of legal thriller and paranormal activity.
I found this to be a medium-paced thriller and enjoyed following the main character as he learned about paranormal related people and events in this story.
Got me thinking of themes of power and control.
July 5, 2014
New to reading Layton Green. Enjoyed this book from beginning to end.
November 11, 2014
Another brilliant mystery by Layton Green - one of the best new writers I've read in years! I cannot recommend his work enough!
April 12, 2015
Loved it!
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews