Book #3 from the series: Harry Fox 🎧Listening Length = 9 hours and 36 minutes
Perfect for fans of Indiana Jones! Harry Fox has a knack for hunting down lost relics, but his latest mission — to track down a mysterious ancient weapon — puts him in the crosshairs of a dangerous group. With the fate of humanity hanging in the balance, Harry must find the weapon before it falls into the wrong hands…
A Celtic Queen. A ruthless zealot. The terrifying relic that will change the world.
Two thousand years ago the Celtic Queen Boudica waged war against the Roman army. She nearly won, though history cannot explain why.
When Harry Fox uncovers lost documents from Aristotle and Emperor Nero, he learns Queen Boudica used an unearthly weapon to nearly topple Nero's army. And this weapon may still exist.
But Harry isn't the only one hunting for Boudica's relic. A religious zealot with millions of followers is chasing Harry on a path left by a desperate Roman general. A path that winds across Europe and leads to the truth behind Boudica's terrible power.
This is a race he cannot lose, for Boudica's relic threatens all of humanity - unless Harry gets it first.
Andrew Clawson is from Pennsylvania and fervently hopes the Pirates win a World Series in his lifetime.
He is currently writing two series.
The Harry Fox archaeological adventure series involves a Pakistani-American who chases artifacts for the Italian mob. He’s a man caught between two worlds, uncovering history’s greatest treasures while carving out his place in the world.
The Parker Chase series follows a daring banker who unravels forgotten historical mysteries while outpacing modern villains intent on using the past for their own nefarious purposes.
The TURN novels reveal the exploits of a former American big-game hunter turned conservationist who battles to save his adopted African homeland from being ripped apart by greed and violence.
Andrew lives near Pittsburgh with his wife, two young children and a rescued black cat.
In the realm of historical thrillers, Andrew Clawson's "The Celtic Quest" stands as a testament to the genre's enduring appeal. Narrated with compelling gravitas by John Pirhalla, the audiobook weaves a tale that is both a homage to the past and a thrilling chase across contemporary Europe.
**Narrative and Performance
At the heart of this audiobook is the story of Harry Fox, a character who embodies the quintessential treasure hunter - part historian, part adventurer, and wholly engaging. Clawson's narrative, brought to life by Pirhalla's narration, is a rich tapestry that blends historical fact with imaginative fiction. The story's pacing is masterful, with Pirhalla's voice guiding listeners through tense moments of discovery and heart-pounding action sequences.
Pirhalla's narration is a highlight, his voice lending a sense of urgency and authenticity to the tale. His ability to convey the different characters' personalities and emotions adds depth to the listening experience, making the characters resonate with the audience.
**Plot and Historical Elements
"The Celtic Quest" centers around the enigmatic figure of Boudica, the Celtic Queen who nearly defeated the Roman army two millennia ago. Clawson's choice of this lesser-known historical figure is inspired, providing a fresh perspective on the ancient world. The plot hinges on the mystery of Boudica's near-victory, attributed in the story to a powerful relic with the potential to change the course of history.
The narrative is a race against time, as Harry Fox uncovers documents from Aristotle and Emperor Nero that hint at the existence of this relic. The stakes are high, with a religious zealot and his legion of followers also in pursuit of the artifact. The quest leads Fox across Europe, following clues left by a desperate Roman general, and ultimately to the truth behind Boudica's power.
**Themes and Relevance
Clawson's work is more than just a historical thriller; it is a reflection on the power of history and its impact on the present. The quest for Boudica's relic serves as a metaphor for the search for knowledge and the lengths to which individuals will go to obtain it. The novel also touches on themes of power, belief, and the consequences of wielding forces beyond our understanding.
In an age where the line between fact and fiction is increasingly blurred, "The Celtic Quest" challenges listeners to consider the importance of history and the lessons it offers. The audiobook is a reminder that the past is not just a series of events to be studied but a living, breathing entity that continues to shape our world.
**Conclusion
Andrew Clawson's "The Celtic Quest," narrated by John Pirhalla, is a triumph of the historical thriller genre. It is a story that captivates and educates, taking the listener on a journey through time and across continents. The audiobook is a must-listen for fans of Indiana Jones and similar adventure tales, offering a blend of historical intrigue and modern-day suspense that is both thought-provoking and thoroughly entertaining.
IN A WORLD... where ancient secrets refuse to stay buried...
ANDREW CLAWSON returns with the third explosive installment of the Harry Fox series:
🍀 THE CELTIC QUEST 🍀 “Relics, Rivalries, and Religious vengeance.… and historically questionable.”
THE MACGUFFIN: A CELTIC RELIC WITH GODLIKE RUMORS An ancient Celtic artifact has resurfaced, rumored to hold knowledge and power once wielded by druids and Celtic Queen Boudica. But this isn’t just a museum piece, it could upend centuries of religious belief. Naturally, everyone wants it... especially the wrong people.
When a mysterious manuscript resurfaces connecting Emperor Nero and Celtic Queen Boudica, Harry Fox—Brooklyn-born historian, reluctant rogue, and part-time mob contractor—is dragged back into a globe-spanning quest. But this time, he’s not just up against thieves and hitmen.
Typically, our protagonists are trying to outrun a secondary force, this time, it’s the vengeful son of a prominent evangelical pastor, who has resurrected modern Druidism and is hellbent on using the artifact to destroy his father’s legacy... and religion itself.
This thrilling installment brings together once again Sara Hamed—archaeologist, realist, possible ex... again; Joey Morello—mobster financier with boss-daddy issues; Agent Nora Doyle—federal watchdog with cuffs and questions; Rose Leroux—the fence; and Stefan Rudovic—Albanian relic hunter, still the worst.
Fast-paced, lore-heavy, and full of wit, Clawson delivers sharp dialogue, clever twists, and smart historical suspense. Celtic Quest keeps the stakes high and the clues obscure, with Harry once again playing Indiana Jones in a morally compromised world.
And just when you think it’s over...
Clawson leaves us with more temptation to read the following novels, with many unanswered questions relating to Harry’s mother and Joey’s future with the Italian mob.
As a member of the Advance Readers Team, I read this last month and thoroughly enjoyed it. This was a fast paced book with twists and turns that I have come to expect and love. My ideal book is one where we continue to see the characters from previous novels and watch as they develop. This book leaves me wanting more and this novel, like others before it, is set in a place I have visited myself and this really brings the book to life for me. Blending historical fiction with the author's own imagination is a perfect blend and the story line is quite believable. Harry Fox is a very likable character and I look forward to seeing where his next adventure leads him and Sara. Book 4 in the series, The Achilles Legend, is scheduled for the end of the year, and I for one will be anxious to get my hands on it.
61 A.D.: Roman Britain. Emperor Nero in battle against Boudica, Celtic Queen of the Iceni.
Harry Fox has discovered that the Egyptian amulet that his father gave him is connected to scarabs that Cleopatra and Mark Antony gave as gifts two thousand years ago. In the process of buying an artifact that would give them further info about the amulet, Harry also acquires an ancient book: an account of a story told by Aristotle about his time living with the Celts.
Footnote: 1) Like Harry says I believe trust has to be earned, not just given.
2) If I were General Quintas and told to hide something where nobody would find it, I’d get on a boat and throw in into the sea
Fave scenes: Nora helping Harry in the hidden room, the boy selling the purses, pushing the rock over and cliff diving.
This was another one of those books that I am fortunate enough to belong to the author's Advance Review Team. So in addition to being able to read and enjoy Clawson's books before the rest of the reading public, the members of the Advance Review Team are given an opportunity to help shape or to perfect the novel.
I really enjoyed how the author is able to blur the lines between fact and fiction, as I found the story to be one that readers of action-filled novels would enjoy.
I would rate this book a solid four stars out of five.
As with all reviews, this is just my five cents worth.
Thoroughly enjoyed the 3rd episode of Harry Fox! For any readers new to Andrew he has a penchant for pulling a mystery from history that twists and turns throughout many locations. The detail and description of the settings are really enjoyable. Factor the intrigue and you have a GREAT story. Love the reference to other characters from other books. Without offering spoilers, I see turmoil in Harry’s future because of the enormity of the changes he faces. Can’t wait to read about the next adventure.
So much going on. Sara and Harry are together again working on Harry's latest acquisition with the Morello blessing. Stefan has become power hungry and has probably caused a war on the streets for the Canas. The son of a prominent evangelical pastor wants to show his father whose really the prominent church leader, as well as the world. Said pastor is following Harry and Sara because he wants that artifact. Lots of action. Plenty of "I didn't see that coming". Great job. Thank you. By the way I love the author's notes.
See my notes, I feel the author doesn't do his research very well, which is frustrating if you know more about the subject than he does.
Also, I think he is a little sexist, and I don't use that term very often, but I felt some of this stuff was both silly, (I don't think women when they are shocked place their hand over their mouth or when thinking place their hand to their chin. REALLY? Bad direction) and very inaccurate, he needs to understand the difference between 'horribly abused' and 'rape'! Big difference in a woman's mind.
I enjoy this genre that blends the past / archeology with preset day mystery / suspense. CLAWSON does a good job at writing such tales even if he depends a lot on 'chance findings' that everyone else has overlooked for centuries and his hero Harry just happens to make. CLAWSON is after all 'just making it up as he goes along' = the definition of fiction! I've enjoyed all three of the Harry Fox books and look forward to the next.
so many secrets were brought to light in this book. I really enjoyed the complexity of the artifact chase in this one. druids are mysterious. The details of their religion are not known to most people so one can not tell what part is made up for this story. Maybe Druidism is a valid thing to believe. it makes as much sense as any of the practiced religions of this time. I want more Harry adventures.
As usual, Harry gets himself into heaps of trouble. The Albanian bad guys cause more than their share of trouble, complicating matters, and Harry manages to find a trail from Aristotle to Nero, to the British Isles, a Roman centurion named Quintus, and with some ancient and modern Druids tossed into the mix, Andrew Clawson has created yet another great read! A+ Bravo!
As you read you wonder who’s side he is on the good guy or the bad but give him a reason to follow a quest he’s on the side of truth, Sara is doubting Harry right through this story all she sees is dead body’s and people after them but excitement is always there Vincent his boss and Joey his best friend oh and then there is Nora the police detective. This story is a page turner I loved every bit of the ride. Recommend
These Harry Fox books are a lot of fun to read. Dastardly villains, somewhat murky good guys, intelligent and resourceful women, international quests, creative thinking and interesting bits of history along with a couple characters you just aren’t quite sure about. I’m looking forward to Book 4 in December.
Harry goes to buy an ancient necklaces and finds an equally old Greek manuscript . As a police raid happens while he is there he looks to find an escape. This leads to another quest with Sara. One she ties together . The author manages to build a story of Druids and Romans into present day. Very interesting , and dangerous .
Another good adventure with Harry Fox. This time he's in pursuit of a relic with awesome power from the time of Boudica. He is accompanied by Sara who is still not sure which side of the law he is on and pursued by the rival mob and a religious manic. A couple of big cliff hangers in the last chapter hopefully setting up the next book or books.
Thoroughly enjoyable third entry in the Harry Fox series. Lots is happening and changes aren't just coming, they are here by the end of the book. This book had no trouble keeping my attention and I'm really looking forward to the pending release of the next book in the series.
This book had plenty of action and of course the character development was greatly improved from the previous book. Can hardly wait to read the next book in this series!
I very much enjoyed the storyline; ancient history mixed in with a fast paced murder mystery. The subliminal relationships between the characters felt as those they were real people with real human relationships.
I chose this rating because I find Andrew Clausen books so interesting. I don't know how he comes up with the ideas for his books but I really enjoy reading them.
I like the way the characters follow the ancient clues to uncover long lost artifacts. I sometimes find the infusion of the gangster families to be a bit overwhelming and disruptive to the story line. I do plan to complete the series to see what Harry can discover about his mother and his amulet.
Another super brilliant action packed read from start to finish, you won’t want to put it down. I received this arc for free and I wanted to leave an honest review.