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Eden Black Archeological Thrillers #6

The Lotus Key: A pulse-pounding archaeological thriller

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AN ARTIFACT THAT PROMISES WORLD PEACE… BUT AT WHAT COST?Deep within Cambodia's Angkor Wat, a millennia-old secret is waiting to be unleashed—one powerful enough to build empires and now poised to destroy the world.

THE LOTUS KEY, a long-lost relic with the ability to control millions of minds, has resurfaced. As dark forces converge, its promise of absolute peace comes with an unthinkable the death of free will itself.

EDEN BLACK and her team are thrust into a deadly race across the treacherous Cambodian jungle, battling Khmer Rouge minefields, ancient traps, and ruthless mercenaries, all to stop the Lotus Key from falling into the wrong hands.

But as Eden uncovers the truth behind the artifact, she faces a devastating moral Can humanity’s freedom survive the allure of perfect control?


THE LOTUS KEY is a pulse-pounding archaeological thriller that will leave you breathless—and make you question everything you thought you knew about power, peace, and the future of humanity.

While these books have loads of conflict, chase scenes, fighting and suspense, there's no swearing, sex or gore.


What USA Today, New York Times, and Amazon Bestselling authors think of Luke Richardson's

“Luke Richardson writes stories the way artists were meant to, by immersing themselves in scenes so that the reader feels like they are in the room with the characters.”
ERNEST DEMPSEY

“Richardson redefines the genre, but in a VERY good way. Skip this one at your peril!”
NICK THACKER

"Are you’re a die-hard fan of Indiana Jones, check out Luke Richardson's work!”
MATT JAMES

“Luke Richardson puts you in the center of the action. Hold on tight!”
DAVID BERENS

“Richardson grabs you on the first page and never lets go - a fantastic story!”
ANDREW CLAWSON

“Luke Richardson has a unique way of transporting you to the locations in his books and dropping you right into the mess with his characters.”
TY HUTCHINSON

432 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 26, 2024

937 people are currently reading
259 people want to read

About the author

Luke Richardson

78 books210 followers
WANTED, adventure lovers for hazardous journey. Must be prepared for nail-biting action, constant danger, fear around every corner, with safe return doubtful.

If that sounds like your sort of thing, in your choice of books at least, then come with me...

Hey there, I’m Luke Richardson, and I’m applying for the job as your next favorite author!

As an Amazon bestselling author, I've had the honour of sharing my stories with readers all around the world. Whether you're a history buff, a travel addict, or just looking for a little excitement in your reading, my books are sure to keep you on the edge of your seat.

I write books that take you on a journey to foreign and exotic places, blending history, adventure, and suspense into a gripping tale.

In my books, you'll find yourself transported to places like the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt, the glitzy skyscrapers of Hong Kong, or the shady backstreets of Kathmandu in Nepal. But it's not just about the locations; my stories are also filled with fascinating characters, unexpected twists, and edge-of-your-seat action.

It was visiting India for the first time that actually made me want to start writing. The sun had just risen as we landed at Mumbai airport. The taxi journey that followed was one of the most incredible of my life. I watched the city unfold like a story. People washing, children playing, chickens, cows, goats, all beside an eight-lane motorway.

I love sharing my stories and am proud to say that my books have been well-received by readers and reviewers. One of the greatest compliments I get is when people say that my books transport them to a new place. Although people often comment on the loveable characters, intricate plots, and fast-paced storytelling too. And I'm always working hard to bring you even more thrilling adventures.

So, if you're looking for a page-turning read that will take you on a journey to far-off lands, look no further than my books. I guarantee you won't be disappointed!

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
Profile Image for Mark.
1,704 reviews
December 16, 2024
Book 6 in this addictive series and we find ourselves in Cambodia on the trial of the Lotus Key ( as always good and not boring history of the artefact is given and what powers it holds and also background of the Country we are in, all to set the atmosphere and to give insight )

Eden is back and even though has reluctantly given yoga a go is soon in the thrust of an adventure and as well as taking her role on the ‘Council’ ( a kinda UN but secret organisation that knows everything everyone else doesn’t ) seriously is soon emerged in this fast action story

As always it was great and as always I am amazed that an author can take something I have little interest in ie archeology and artefacts and make it so good, interesting and fun ( yep the humour is great ) that it has turned out to be one of my favourite series’

I have to mention Lavagne, a great character who is encased in his Paris apartment with a vast knowledge of Cambodia and its treasures yet has never been….he is a character that I see a bit of me in with his fussing and faffing around but if pushed will rise to an adventure!

Brilliant, again
Profile Image for Jackson Coppley.
Author 15 books55 followers
February 22, 2025
I discovered “The Ark Files” by accident. I was reviewing Amazon Ad customer selections for my novel, “The Code Hunters,” and found many readers also enjoyed “The Ark Files.” I had to read it, or more correctly, I listened to the audio version read by Claudia Campbell.

The plot centers around a secret manuscript that could potentially change the world. This novel is based on real archaeological finds, with some names slightly altered to blend fact and fiction.

The story follows Eden Black, a professional treasure hunter who finds herself embroiled in a dangerous mystery after her father’s death. As she investigates, she discovers that his death wasn’t an accident, but part of a pattern of deaths connected to an archaeological dig from twenty years ago.

The novel blends elements of archaeology, action, and suspense. My novels are dialog driven. Richardson’s are description driven, and I tip my hat to Richardson for his brilliant depiction of action scenes.

He shares my emphasis on settings in his stories. His travels allow him to envision exciting scenes, such as chase sequences in markets or action on rooftops in various locations around the world.

So, I agree with readers. If you like “The Code Hunters,” read “The Ark Files.”

BTW: “The Ark Files” is the first in a series of Eden Black adventures.


Profile Image for Allison Valentine.
676 reviews18 followers
December 23, 2024
Blow the bloody doors off!
Doesn't even comprehend what I want to say about this book, or even the series.
Luke Richardson has given me more shivers and jumped up shouting from my seat in this series than I care to talk about.
I can't express how much I love the Eden Black series.

In this adventure not only do the team come across something that even the ancient higher powers knew that they couldn't contain or control, it makes you think about everything, and I'm not just talking about yoga!

But there is always forces that want everything.

And so the story begins:

Someone from Anthea's past wants what is rightfully hers. Or so she believes.

How can the team figure out with so little to go on?

Enter one of the most annoying and adorable characters in the form of professor Lavigne.
Love his quirkiness and indecisiveness.

I truly love the banter between each of the characters.
Also the way the the author has made the countries come to life is superb to say the least.

I also have mention the author notes at the end of the book.
Please do take the time to read them.

It not only gives an insight to how much travel and research that he has done but also some very negative comments regarding the sometimes tongue in cheek references within the book.

Another superb read.
128 reviews2 followers
January 8, 2025
Review of the Lotus Key by Luke Richardson


One thing that thriller writer, Luke Richardson, knows how to do, is to build tension and to keep that tension alive until we feel that relief must come soon. Like all of Richardson's books, I absolutely love this one; it may even be my favorite so far.


Richardson writes that in 1218 in the city of Angkor, the new king contacted an old friend with an urgent request. The king then charged his friend with the disposal of the Lotus Key
as it had held its power over the people for too long. The task would not be easy.


Many years later, Eden Black is in a kayak, paddling her way through mangroves, guided by a man of ancestral importance who tells her that powerful forces are at work on the on the island and that not all those powerful forces are friendly ones. When they disembark and set foot on land, she finds that the guide is correct, that not all the forces are friendly, that evil exists there.


If you are a reader that likes adventure, mystery and a superbly written tale, you will like this book. I highly recommend it.


Fritzi Redgrave
Profile Image for Kimberlie Currier.
38 reviews1 follower
August 24, 2025
GREAT BOOK SERIES FOR FANS OF ARCHEOLOGICAL THRILLERS

I enjoy archeological thrillers, (though especially those related to Biblical and Christian history themes) and although this book does not specifically relate to those themes , Luke Richardson makes his books like he claims - to be "fun, exciting and bring joy to those who are open to them." He adds wonderful object lessons that cause us to think, and donates proceeds to worthy causes. I have been very sick many months and stuck in bed. These books make my heart beat faster and not only keep me entertained (as well as giving me worthy ideas of life and society to intellectually contemplate), but make me feel as well though I have been on an adventure myself, even though in reality I can't hardly do much at all and am stuck in my bed. That means a lot to me as my mind is constantly thinking and learning and yearning while my body has betrayed me. Thank you Luke. You have made at least my life better with your work, your research, your mind and imagination.
Profile Image for Michael  Keller.
942 reviews11 followers
March 15, 2025
Eden Black, Athena and Baxter chase a mysterious antagonist across Cambodia

In the temples around Angkor Wat they chase Mei-Ling Zhou as she attempts to recover the dangerous artifact known as the Lotus Key. Its powerful abilities lost among the ruins, Zhou (discovered to be Athena's long lost mother) seeks the artifacts ability to control minds and rule the world. Zhou and her minions must be stopped and the world-threatening Khmer device removed before she wreaks havoc on the world!
I love the authenticity the author lends to the story. While reading I actually felt the ancient history around Cambodia's most famous site - the temple complex known as Angkor Wat. It actually felt like I was following the famous archaeologist Eden Black into the depths of history to once more save the world from the unscrupulous enemy. Great characters following a convincing storyline as told by a master wordsmith lends much weight to a great read!
Profile Image for Theresa.
4,151 reviews16 followers
June 16, 2025
Angkor, Khmer Empire (Cambodia) 1218. The new King Indravarman asks his childhood friend Sothea to covertly remove a dangerous artifact from the temple and take it far away so it would never be found. But he leaves clues just in case.

Present time minus 5 years. A female prisoner named Raven Mo is secretly taken from Qincheng Prison near Beijing and hidden aboard a ship.

Paris, present time. Mei-Ling Zhao has been searching various archeological sites for specific information. The same information that Eden and her Council of Selene have been trying to keep hidden, but maybe it’s time to be proactive about everything.

Footnote: 1) Lavigne sounds like my husband. Always seeing or looking for the bad side of things which causes him not to see or enjoy the good.

Fave scenes: the drilling accident, getting the helicopter off the rig, traveling through the trees and Lavigne’s trick.
Profile Image for James Slater.
72 reviews
December 31, 2024
Eden Black and the rest of her team are enjoying some time off down in Cambodia when they receive a distress signal from an oil rig not far from their location. They head out immediately to try and see what help they can give. On the rig they find Total destruction and only one survivor. When they get back to the Balonia and debrief the survivor. They find out some very unsettling news. Someone has found and stolen an object of immense power. The Lotus Key. They begin a harrowing adventure to try and stop those who have stolen the key and are trying to use it in ways that it should not be used. If Eden and her team are unable to stop them then free will for everyone on Earth may be in peril….
92 reviews
January 6, 2025
I enjoyed The Lotus Key by Luke Richardson! It is an archaeological thriller that also quietly highlights issues of the day and brings up some existential questions. The Lotus Key highlights three of Richardson’s main group of characters in this series: Eden Black, Captain Baxter, and Athena, as they pursue an urgent mystery in Cambodia that could spell disaster for humanity if they are not successful. We get a look at Athena’s backstory, and how she came to be part of the ongoing work of the Balonia and the Council. The action is non-stop, and you won’t be able to stop reading. Be sure to read the Lotus Key! It will be much more fun if you have read the previous books in the series, but can also be read in its own. Bravo, Luke!!
Profile Image for Rosemary.
3,903 reviews71 followers
December 28, 2024
The Lotus Key - a review by Rosemary Kenny.

Luke Richardson triumphs again with this tale of treachery and derring-do in the jungles of Cambodia. The eponymous key is the prize sought by a determined megalomaniac, with a personal link to a member of Eden Black's team.
Throw a timid, hypochondriacal, French professor, obsessed with ancient artefacts, coded inscriptions and archaeology, into the mix with Eden, Athena and Baxter, and you have a guaranteed success of an adventure-thriller that will keep you gloriously entertained for many a delightful hour.
Get a copy of The Lotus Key today ...and buckle up for a wild ride!
Profile Image for Saundra Wright.
2,919 reviews13 followers
December 23, 2024
Another fantastic Eden Black thrilling adventure! This series is a bit hard to classify. It has elements of many different genres, thriller, archeological adventure, sci-fi and even paranormal. However, no matter the genre, the intense action and the phenomenal characters will keep you coming back for each new release!

Eden's adventures span the globe. This time venture to Southeast Asia in search of a mysterious artifact whose origin and age are unknown. It's a race against an unexpected enemy who would use it to control the people everywhere.
Profile Image for Claudete Takahashi.
2,672 reviews37 followers
December 28, 2024
In The Lotus Key Eden will learn a lot about her best friend and adventures partner Athena who'll become one of the main characters in the story. Her main persecutor, who is ruthless, is someone from her family, which was totally unexpected. There's an interesting and funny French character, Professor Lavigne, who'll prove to be a positive addition to the team. The story will show myths, strong religious beliefs, madness, cult following, lots of action and enchating descriptions of Asia. Loved it!
Looking forward to reading the next one in the series. I thank Mr. Richardson for this ARC.
118 reviews1 follower
March 23, 2025
The book is closer to 4 and a half than 5 stars.

Yes, it is another thriller. Not as fast paced as others that went before. There was quite a bit of moral navel gazing about human consciousness (which has still not been defined by scientists), free will and power hungry megalomaniacs. I liked the way the good guys escape from impossible situations (what an imagination) and the bad guys meet their end. And this time, one may have been put on ice to return to challenge Eden and her (now) family again.
3 reviews1 follower
August 21, 2025
Another great adventure with Eden Black

Book 6 gives you the fun bantering between Baxter and Eden, and you get to see and learn more about Athena pass. Eden's best friend and partner in crime, you will not go wrong with book 6 it keeps you at the edge of your seat,you will stay up late reading to 3:00 am in the morning. Luke Richardson can write fast-paced action and intrigue while giving you great characters that you fall in love with, I'm waiting patiently to December for book 7 can't wait to read it and see what kind of trouble Eden Black gets into.
14 reviews1 follower
February 5, 2025
Another Eden Black pageturner!

Make no mistake, Luke Richardson is a writer. He does a remarkable job of describing scenes, people, and locales. A testimony to his skill is that his writing always makes me read more about the legends and area he has his characters visit. I not only feel entertained, but more educated and enlightened by his books. Another great effort Luke!
Tom
4 reviews
February 18, 2025
No classic but highly entertaining

I thoroughly enjoy the Eden Black series with its mixture of truth and fiction.
They are easy reads and actual cause me to research the truth behind the stories which I enjoy as much and more so than the fiction. My only reason for 4 rather than 5 stars is that the stories are enjoyable but not highly remember able like say The Shining or Animal farm. But don't hesitate to give them a read.

Profile Image for Alyson .
13 reviews
February 20, 2025
Another great book

Yet another great Eden Black story, nice to learn more about Athena and her background, along with the main storyline, which is as usual, fast paced and difficult to put down. It will be hard to wait for the next book in the series, after reading the first few back to back, but I will definitely look forward to reading it when it's released.
Thanks for another great book.
1 review
Read
January 31, 2026
Enjoyed the adventure !!!

I find immense satisfaction in literary works that transport me to diverse global landscapes, challenging my perspectives and ultimately presenting a narrative where justice prevails and protagonists triumph over adversity. Such books not only broaden my understanding of different cultures and experiences but also provide a sense of hope and moral resolution through their storytelling.!



2,543 reviews6 followers
December 17, 2024
Eden Black keeps getting better and better! I really enjoyed the closer look at Athena’s past as well. I couldn’t put THE LOTUS KEY down! Nonstop action, lots of emotion, and lots of turning the page to see what comes next. Bravo!
I reviewed a free Advance Reader Copy of this book with no strings attached.
Profile Image for AR bee.
245 reviews5 followers
December 20, 2024
This book in the Eden Black series is set in Cambodia. Based on the artifact called the Lotus Key, the team follows clues to components of the artifact, trying to get ahead of a force that has intents to use the artifact to change human history to its own vision.

Great action, pace, and description of an uncommon thriller setting.
14 reviews
January 15, 2025
I wanted to be an archaeologist when I grew up but that didn't happen. These Eden Black books are the closest I will come to my dream! They are fast paced, in exotic places, and keep me up at night! If you want some excitement in your life, join Eden and Athena on their travels! I can't wait to real the rest of the series!
261 reviews3 followers
January 19, 2025
Angkor what????

Luke, you have an incredible imagination, and your “heroes” have a never ending source of energy to perform at high levels under great stress. The novel is like an eternal roller coaster ride, with perils at every turn. I am not sure that any human could have such stamina.

A story with plenty of action, and good overcoming evil. Well done Sir!
Profile Image for Lisa.
1,404 reviews8 followers
February 11, 2025
Peace for the world but at what cost?

Another thrilling adventure with Eden Black and her team in the jungles of Cambodia. I loved learning more about Athena's background and the fascinating history of that region and its people. These adventures help me to escape if only for a few hours from the current grim realities of the world and I thank Luke Richardson for them.
1,831 reviews13 followers
December 28, 2024
Eden Black leads a team into the Cambodian jungle to try to get a lost relic that can control minds. There are on a very dangerous mission. A deadly race against a number of obstacles to overcome. The novel is a heart pounding thriller with a lot of action.
Profile Image for Anja Peerdeman.
319 reviews2 followers
December 31, 2024
I’m always most excited when a new Eden Black novel is released, and The Lotus Key is once again a sure treat.

Eden and Baxter always make a great team, and some of the supporting characters made for an intriguing twist in the tale. Absolutely brilliant adventure !
119 reviews1 follower
January 4, 2025
Another hit from Luke Richardson.

Luke writes a fine blend of fact with fiction. Eden Black returns in yet another thriller that should not be missed. Also worth mentioning, that the lengthy authors note at the end of the book is well worth a read.
Profile Image for Sheila Coffey.
67 reviews
January 8, 2025
Wow, what a ride!

Here’s another thrilling adventure from Luke Richardson. I throughly enjoyed this installment of the series. There were quite a few sections that left me breathless. Thank you Luke for another hair-raising ride that, at times, left only seconds to survive.
8 reviews
January 16, 2025
Another blend of history, antiquities and adventure!

Am a big fan of this series. Love historical fiction especially when blended with archeology, antiquities and adventure. Keep writing more for your fans!
Profile Image for Nigel.
561 reviews7 followers
January 22, 2025
I really enjoyed this book as it did not follow the the normal script. We find out a lot more back story on Athena . The story its self was again quite different with a good narrative and lots of lovely twists and turns in the plot.
Profile Image for Liz  Cromwell.
37 reviews
January 24, 2025
another great book by Luke Richardson

I really love historical fiction and the Eden Black series never disappoints! I always feel compelled to further research the places visited in the book and the author is great at getting the reader to think “what if?”
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews

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