Archipelago

by E. William Podojil

Following a tragic event, The Herb Society, along with Lukas and Taylor are unwittingly pulled into Baptiste’s twisted plan to not only find a lost continent but unlock the secrets to a precious material that is only found near an archipelago he believes to be the remainder of this sunken world. Baptiste knows this material is more precious than all the gold in the world and he has big plans for it. When The Herb Society discovers Pierre Baptiste’s nefarious agenda, they unlock a global conspiracy led by the world’s rich and powerful that would completely alter civilization to their advantage for generations to come. Now The Herb Society ladies, Lukas, Taylor, Tory and her boyfriend, Pepe are thrust into the plot and must fight the forces of nature and evil to save mankind from an unimaginable future. But will they be able to stop Pierre and his clever friends from initiating the countdown to an apocalypse?

287 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 7, 2025

About the author

E. William Podojil is an international business executive and novelist. He has traveled extensively and visited over sixty countries while living in Europe and the United States. Podojil works as an executive business advisor, and strategist while also pursuing his love of storytelling and writing. Podojil's first novel, The Tenth Man, was published in 2004. His second novel, The Poseidon Project, was released in August, 2024 by The Wild Rose Press, and is the first in The Herb Society Mysteries, a series of adventure thrillers. His novels and other writing are showcased on his website www.ewpodojil.com. Here he also writes a personal blog with humorous stories of his life and travels with his husband and three sons. He and his family currently reside in Northeast Ohio.

Reviews

[Candace Pequigney · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wild ride! Absolutely loved the adventure. There’s one point in the book where Molly says “I don’t know why I’m laughing but this all seems like a crazy dream. You can’t make this shit up!” That’s kinda how I felt reading it, never knowing what was coming in the next page.

This book really makes you think about the current world we live in and what could be possible. Especially with advancing technologies and corrupt politicians and millionaires/billionaires. Eeek.

Can’t wait for the next book!

[Country Mama · Rating 5 out of 5]

Archipleago is a thriller by E.William Podojil. The story opens with a bang and as a reader you want to read more and find out what happened to John for Molly's sake. I really thought the writing was well done and is engaging for the book readers. There is a gay couple in the book, so if you have triggers on that be aware. The story itself is interesting about the mysterious material that is found near an Archipelago and the man who wants to use it for good and bad, Baptiste. And that ending, I was so happy for Taylor!

[Reader Views · Rating 4 out of 5]

E. William Podojil’s “Archipelago,” part of The Herb Society Mysteries series, combines suspense, adventure, and family dynamics in a story that explores resilience and redemption. The setting is the lush backdrop of French Polynesia, where the narrative invites readers into a layered tale of intrigue, betrayal, and rediscovery.

The story follows Molly Halloran, who is a former CIA operative and a resilient widow. She takes a journey to honor her late husband, John, while adjusting to her new role as the CEO of Phoenix Equities. Her life intertwines with her son Lukas, along with other vibrant characters who must confront personal and external challenges.

Podojil’s storytelling and descriptions are evocative. The use of vivid imagery helps readers to immerse in the majestic landscapes of Bora Bora and the mystery surrounding Pierre Baptiste’s technologically advanced yacht, Juventus. The author juxtaposes serene island life with high-stakes tension in corporate politics, which creates an engaging duality that hooks readers.

The beating heart of this book is its characters. Molly’s strength and her vulnerability make her relatable. Lukas and his husband Taylor, provide a fresh representation that adds depth and dimension to the narrative. Podojil handles the exploration of love, grief, and ambition with such finesse, that it creates characters who resonate across a wide age and background.

Another highlight is the pacing. The plot is brisk but also balances those introspective moments in between scenes. The tense sequences such as the ambush at Molly’s home and the darker intrigues aboard Juventus, unfold with cinematic quality that will keep readers wanting more. The technical aspects of “Archipelago” are also noteworthy. The blend of cutting-edge technology with timeless themes like family and legacy gives the book a modern, thought-provoking edge.

While the novel’s scope is ambitious, some readers may feel that certain subplots need deeper exploration, like Baptiste’s mysterious experiments. Additionally, the occasional reliance on exposition over dialogue or action may slow down the immersive experience for some readers.

Fans of suspenseful family dramas with a touch of espionage and adventure will love “Archipelago.” Readers who appreciate strong female leads, LGBTQ+ representation, and lush settings will find much to enjoy here.

“Archipelago” by E. William Podojil is a thought-provoking addition to The Herb Society Mysteries, offering an escapist adventure that is as emotionally satisfying as it is thrilling. Podojil has penned a work that is sure to captivate a diverse audience of mystery and drama enthusiasts.

[N.N. Heaven · Rating 5 out of 5]

Archipelago by E. William Podojil is a clever, fast-paced adventure that (to me) reads like a cross between The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel and a classic James Bond film. It’s packed with intrigue, globe-trotting action, and a wonderful cast of seasoned, well-rounded individuals who prove that age is no obstacle to excitement.

The story kicks off with a strong start and quickly pulls you into a world of sunken continents, ancient secrets, and shadowy conspiracies. The group is warm, witty, and full of personality—Molly was my favorite. Each character brings something special to the table, and their camaraderie adds real charm to the high-stakes plot. I also loved the witty one-liners from the older ladies—so realistic and spot-on! Their banter had me laughing out loud and truly brought the group to life.

The villain, Pierre Baptiste, brings all the Bond-style flair you'd hope for—dramatic, grandiose, and just this side of theatrical. While the pace dips a bit during his lengthy monologues, it’s done with a wink, and when the others make digs at him, it had me chuckling out loud.

The final chapters fly by, with nonstop action and clever twists that kept me turning the pages late into the night. And for readers intrigued by real-world mysteries like the Georgia Guidestones or whispers of secret societies, this plot delivers just enough realism to be thrilling—goosebumps and all.

Archipelago is a smart, spirited, and entertaining read. It’s a joy to follow characters who aren’t your typical action heroes but who prove they’re every bit as bold and brilliant. I can't wait to see where the next adventure leads!

My Rating: 5 stars

Reviewed by: Lana

This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/po...

[Patrick Field · Rating 5 out of 5]

E.William Podojil’s latest novel Archipelago is a wild ride through the terrain of future tech and the frightening reality that it can be controlled by the mega-rich for the most nefarious of purposes: to control the world. In addition to this overriding theme, Podojil also weaves in characters that not only epitomize the classic hero/heroine but are highly likable and relatable.

Molly Holloran, a former CIA operative, is tough as nails in the corporate world but she is also a loving mother that cares deeply about her family. I especially loved the way she embraces her son, Lukas Pastore-Halloran, his husband Taylor Pastore-Halloran and their daughter Tory Pastore-Halloran, without hesitation. Many disaffected LGBTQ+ readers dream of this kind of parent and it’s been a long time coming that these kinds of families be included in modern sci-fi thrillers.

Pierre Baptiste calls to mind the colorful master criminals in Fleming’s James Bond novels. It is not hard to imagine his impossibly pinched face making overt facial gestures as he delivers delicious, over-the-top bon mots about the world order. I appreciated Baptiste’s comparison of the modern worldview to the mythological Olympian ideal, and Podojil’s use of the rare gay myth of Ganymede and Zeus in particular.

I recommend Podojil’s novel to any reader that enjoys a well-researched commentary on the perils of indulging in utopian like ideals without properly vetting all the possible dangers that can lead to a dystopian outcome. A lesson that present real-world leaders should heed before…

[Kathy Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Archipelago is unlike any book I've ever read. The plot takes off from page one with a level of suspense and intensity that sweeps you into a world with advanced technologies that most readers would find fascinating but frightful, as well. Enter the "floating palace" of Juventus, a unique vessel fueled with molten salt reactors; an emission-free clean energy source, that is the setting for the majority of the plot. The 900 foot "floating palace of speed, luxury, technology, exploration and Avant Garde design" becomes the center of what unfolds as a malevolent plot by the anti-hero billionaire owner of Juventus, Pierre Baptiste. The characters we've come to know from THE POSEIDON PROJECT are held against their will on the vessel as the purpose of their presence reveals itself one step at a time.
It's impossible to not be caught up in the twists and turns as well as the very impressive command the author exhibits about futuristic "yachts" built to withstand nuclear war, pandemics, or a civil apocalypse. The setting in French Polynesia, the string of islands Mr. Baptiste owns, the power of the moonstone rocks that unlock eternal youth sitting below the water all contribute to one very entertaining, thought-provoking book. As one enthusiastic reader, I was left wondering whether the basic premise could very well happen one day. That we have E. W. Podojil writing a novel that makes one pause is the joy of this book.

[Ag · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book with the beautiful, dreamy color is the one of life, death, and resurrection, as the characters deal with the consequences of their actions, including the controversial use of moonstone for potential rejuvenation. It intertwines personal relationships and ethical dilemmas, showing the very real tension between scientific ambition and moral responsibility set on a backdrop of natural disasters and human conflict.

[Jill Jemmett · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story had a bunch of twists and turns. The direction of the story kept changing, from what I thought would be a crime thriller to a story with some science fiction and fantasy. The science aspects were interesting, but it seemed a little far fetched at times. The story was fast paced and intense, which kept me excited to read it!

Archipelago is a fast paced thriller.

Content warnings: death, gun violence, heart attack, tsunami, earthquake

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a mesmerizing and thought-provoking read that expertly blends elements of adventure, philosophy, and human emotion just as Podojil's first book in the series (The Poseidon Project)also did. Podojil’s intricate world-building and profound character development make the reader feel deeply connected to the characters’ journeys, both physical and emotional. The story's exploration of identity, connection, and the human condition resonates with the reader. His detailed depiction of both the setting and the technology make it easy to imagine yourself there. With both books in the series, I can immediately and easily see them as movies! I highly recommend this book (as well as Poseidon!)