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Jade Ihara Adventures #1
Oracle
Sometimes, knowing the future is not enough…. For more than a millennium, the Oracle of Delphi guided kings and conquerors with stunningly accurate visions of the future. But, with the rise of a new God, the Oracle faded from memory. Now, the power of the Oracle is about change the world once more.
While excavating a previously uncharted passage beneath the ancient city of Teotihuacan, archaeologist Jade Ihara makes a startling discovery: enormous stone spheres, arranged to resemble a model of the solar system, slowly orbiting a golden sun. Even more fantastic, when Jade attempts to move one of the spheres, she catches a glimpse of the future…a premonition that will save her life and launch her into a desperate race to unlock the mysterious secret of the oracular orbs. Jade is accompanied by her old friend, former Navy SEAL Pete “Professor” Chapman, and pursued by a relentless secret society intent on burying the secret of the Oracle forever.
Return to the world of the Dane Maddock Adventures in the first book of a thrilling new series, as Jade crosses the globe in pursuit of the secret of the Oracle.
Praise for Oracle!
"I'll admit it. I am totally exhausted after finishing Oracle, the latest Jade Ihara page-turner by David Wood and Sean Ellis. What an adventure! I kept asking myself how the co-authors came up with all this fantastic stuff. This is a great read that provides lots of action, and thoughtful insight as well, into strange realms that are sometimes best left unexplored."
Paul Kemprecos, author of Cool Blue Tomb and the NUMA Files
While excavating a previously uncharted passage beneath the ancient city of Teotihuacan, archaeologist Jade Ihara makes a startling discovery: enormous stone spheres, arranged to resemble a model of the solar system, slowly orbiting a golden sun. Even more fantastic, when Jade attempts to move one of the spheres, she catches a glimpse of the future…a premonition that will save her life and launch her into a desperate race to unlock the mysterious secret of the oracular orbs. Jade is accompanied by her old friend, former Navy SEAL Pete “Professor” Chapman, and pursued by a relentless secret society intent on burying the secret of the Oracle forever.
Return to the world of the Dane Maddock Adventures in the first book of a thrilling new series, as Jade crosses the globe in pursuit of the secret of the Oracle.
Praise for Oracle!
"I'll admit it. I am totally exhausted after finishing Oracle, the latest Jade Ihara page-turner by David Wood and Sean Ellis. What an adventure! I kept asking myself how the co-authors came up with all this fantastic stuff. This is a great read that provides lots of action, and thoughtful insight as well, into strange realms that are sometimes best left unexplored."
Paul Kemprecos, author of Cool Blue Tomb and the NUMA Files
328 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 21, 2014
55 people are currently reading
160 people want to read
About the author
David Wood
100 books309 followersDavid Wood is the USA Today bestselling author of the Dane Maddock Adventures and many other titles and series. He also writes Science Fiction under the pen name Finn Gray and fantasy as David Debord. He is also a book reviewer, podcaster, and a member of International Thriller Writers and The Horror Writers Association. David and his family live in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Visit him online at www.davidwoodweb.com.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
January 28, 2021
Oracle
Jade Ihara Adventures Book 1
By: David Wood, Sean Ellis
Narrated by: Jeffrey Kafer
This is a free Audible I received from freeaudiblecodes and the review is voluntary.
This book reminded me of a Lara Croft book. There are mysterious orbs that, when touched, show possible futures. Jade and the Professor are almost killed several times while just investigating sites or trying to get information. There are organizations that want to keep the artifacts secret and some want to keep them for themselves.
It's a wild ride across the world chasing clues and being chased. The science too is amazing. Dark matter, theoretically physics, time warping, and more! Such fun!
Between the action, the adventure, the mysterious artifacts, well, to me it added up to a big book of fun!
I felt it was like another version of Tomb Raider but with a smarter Lara and she has a intelligent sidekick, the Professor.
Oracle is a fast-paced, action, adventure book with mysterious forces at play! Great characters and terrific narration!
Jade Ihara Adventures Book 1
By: David Wood, Sean Ellis
Narrated by: Jeffrey Kafer
This is a free Audible I received from freeaudiblecodes and the review is voluntary.
This book reminded me of a Lara Croft book. There are mysterious orbs that, when touched, show possible futures. Jade and the Professor are almost killed several times while just investigating sites or trying to get information. There are organizations that want to keep the artifacts secret and some want to keep them for themselves.
It's a wild ride across the world chasing clues and being chased. The science too is amazing. Dark matter, theoretically physics, time warping, and more! Such fun!
Between the action, the adventure, the mysterious artifacts, well, to me it added up to a big book of fun!
I felt it was like another version of Tomb Raider but with a smarter Lara and she has a intelligent sidekick, the Professor.
Oracle is a fast-paced, action, adventure book with mysterious forces at play! Great characters and terrific narration!
October 18, 2018
Oh man, I feel pretty shitty about not liking this book, since it's from a small press, and I like to be supportive. But after this initial hundred page glow, this just did not resonate with me, not just in a not for me way, but in a this book needs help way.
I'll admit it: I picked this book up because I love Tomb Raider. I've been a serious fan since I was a teeny tot. My family had TR1 loaded on our computer (this was back when there was just ONE FAMILY COMPUTER in the whole house), and everyone would cluster in to watch my dad play the game. Lara Croft was basically my child superhero, and I've played through almost all the games, some multiple times. My first experience chatting with people online was on a Tomb Raider fan website. All this to say that I'm a Lara Croft fan through and through, and if some piece of media decides to springboard off that rich legacy, I'll definitely check it out, with the earnest hope that it will live up to the awesomeness that is the Tomb Raider franchise. Case in point: the horror movie As Above, So Below. I went into that movie blind, realized what it was up to within the first five minutes, then spent the rest of the movie grinning maniacally at my computer screen. I'm not the type of person to get mad about "appropriating a franchise." For me, more is more when it comes to Tomb Raider, so I went into this ready to be wowed.
And maybe you're thinking, hey, wait, but this book is a Jade Ihara adventure! It says so on the cover, dumbass! Well, you're not wrong... But look at the picture on that cover. Look at her image, the pose, the background. Then flip to page 31. "The man flashed a disarming smile and stepped away from the Jeep, extending a hand. 'And you must be Lara Croft, Tomb Raider.' 'Wow. Never heard that one before.' Strike one, thought Jade." The authors know EXACTLY what they're doing, so don't even start with that argument.
So here's the ugly: this book needs serious editing. There are many, many, many sentences that are not working, whether that is because of missing words or punctuation, fragments, run-ons, etc. Internal monologue missing italics, so that the reader is sporadically thrown into a first POV. The prose has a "blinding you with detail" feel--lots of tech and science mumbo-jumbo tossed in to sound fancy. I'd really encourage the authors to do some long, hard thinking about how to bring their third POV closer, since the characters feel super distant. Nix all verbs of the head. ("Thought," "remembered," "pondered," etc.) More attention to these details would make the manuscript vastly more readable.
But the more disappointing thing to me was the characterization. The female characters in this book, Jade being principle, are simply not well thought-out. The book promises a badass female archaeologist! Yet we get stuck with Jade, whose main characterization hinges on a past romance from previous books in the series. Normally I'm not one to harp specifically about female characterization--I'm not that onboard with Bechdel test, for example--but there is nothing of depth here, save for her inner sadness about this failed relationship with a character not even present in the book. I can't connect with her; yes, she loves archaeology, but whyyyyyy? And then, perhaps to hide this lack of depth, the authors decided to make her over-the-top snarky--but for seemingly no reason. This is a MAJOR pet peeve of mine, which I find especially prevalent in TV and film writing. (Superhero movies being some of the worst offenders.) You have a weak female character? Cover that shit up with stupid one liners and a hearty dose of bitchiness! It's lazy writing.
So suffice it to say that I'm mega disappointed by this book, especially since I picked it up looking for something fun and different. I'm a book person who knows a few things about the industry--I know how difficult publishing is, and especially with a smaller, non-traditionally published book, a bad review or two can sink the boat. (Not that I assign my reviews that much weight! Not by far!!!) But I have to stay true to my real opinions, and I cannot recommend this book. :(
I'll admit it: I picked this book up because I love Tomb Raider. I've been a serious fan since I was a teeny tot. My family had TR1 loaded on our computer (this was back when there was just ONE FAMILY COMPUTER in the whole house), and everyone would cluster in to watch my dad play the game. Lara Croft was basically my child superhero, and I've played through almost all the games, some multiple times. My first experience chatting with people online was on a Tomb Raider fan website. All this to say that I'm a Lara Croft fan through and through, and if some piece of media decides to springboard off that rich legacy, I'll definitely check it out, with the earnest hope that it will live up to the awesomeness that is the Tomb Raider franchise. Case in point: the horror movie As Above, So Below. I went into that movie blind, realized what it was up to within the first five minutes, then spent the rest of the movie grinning maniacally at my computer screen. I'm not the type of person to get mad about "appropriating a franchise." For me, more is more when it comes to Tomb Raider, so I went into this ready to be wowed.
And maybe you're thinking, hey, wait, but this book is a Jade Ihara adventure! It says so on the cover, dumbass! Well, you're not wrong... But look at the picture on that cover. Look at her image, the pose, the background. Then flip to page 31. "The man flashed a disarming smile and stepped away from the Jeep, extending a hand. 'And you must be Lara Croft, Tomb Raider.' 'Wow. Never heard that one before.' Strike one, thought Jade." The authors know EXACTLY what they're doing, so don't even start with that argument.
So here's the ugly: this book needs serious editing. There are many, many, many sentences that are not working, whether that is because of missing words or punctuation, fragments, run-ons, etc. Internal monologue missing italics, so that the reader is sporadically thrown into a first POV. The prose has a "blinding you with detail" feel--lots of tech and science mumbo-jumbo tossed in to sound fancy. I'd really encourage the authors to do some long, hard thinking about how to bring their third POV closer, since the characters feel super distant. Nix all verbs of the head. ("Thought," "remembered," "pondered," etc.) More attention to these details would make the manuscript vastly more readable.
But the more disappointing thing to me was the characterization. The female characters in this book, Jade being principle, are simply not well thought-out. The book promises a badass female archaeologist! Yet we get stuck with Jade, whose main characterization hinges on a past romance from previous books in the series. Normally I'm not one to harp specifically about female characterization--I'm not that onboard with Bechdel test, for example--but there is nothing of depth here, save for her inner sadness about this failed relationship with a character not even present in the book. I can't connect with her; yes, she loves archaeology, but whyyyyyy? And then, perhaps to hide this lack of depth, the authors decided to make her over-the-top snarky--but for seemingly no reason. This is a MAJOR pet peeve of mine, which I find especially prevalent in TV and film writing. (Superhero movies being some of the worst offenders.) You have a weak female character? Cover that shit up with stupid one liners and a hearty dose of bitchiness! It's lazy writing.
So suffice it to say that I'm mega disappointed by this book, especially since I picked it up looking for something fun and different. I'm a book person who knows a few things about the industry--I know how difficult publishing is, and especially with a smaller, non-traditionally published book, a bad review or two can sink the boat. (Not that I assign my reviews that much weight! Not by far!!!) But I have to stay true to my real opinions, and I cannot recommend this book. :(
September 24, 2018
I really enjoyed this book, it was a great start to the series. It was a nice mix of Lara Croft meets Indiana Jones and the plot line played out nicely. I enjoyed most of the characters although some were so similar that I got them confused and had to go over the material again. I was annoyed that the character “Professor” was way too smart and could seemingly do no wrong. Even when he was wrong he was right. But that didn’t take away from my enjoyment of the story, really.
This book was given to me for free at my request for my voluntary and unbiased review.
This book was given to me for free at my request for my voluntary and unbiased review.
September 24, 2014
I really didn’t like the character of Jade Ihara in the Maddock stories, so I was a little unsure as to, whether or not I would like this book. I was very surprised because I really enjoyed the book, I lost precious sleep because I just didn’t want to put the book down. As, you come to expect from this writing duo, it is a high octane, fast-paced adventure. Jade is a fun, character with a no nonsense attitude, she gets the job done and if that means kicking some butt, well then, so be it. There are just enough references to the Maddock adventures that you know it’s part of that universe and I found the little nods to past adventures brought a smile to my face. I had a couple of real laugh out loud moments. I am really pleased that this is the beginning of a new series and that the author set-up hasn’t changed for the next book. If Oracle is anything to go by, the next book is going to be a must read for adventure fans.
I don’t think you need to have read the Maddock Adventures in order to read this book, yes, there are a few nuggets of information from those books but nothing that makes you feel that you need to read them to enjoy this book. If anything, I think it would encourage you to pick up the other series and see who this Maddock guy is that is referenced.
I don’t think you need to have read the Maddock Adventures in order to read this book, yes, there are a few nuggets of information from those books but nothing that makes you feel that you need to read them to enjoy this book. If anything, I think it would encourage you to pick up the other series and see who this Maddock guy is that is referenced.
October 3, 2014
We first met Jade Ihara and Pete Chapman, the Professor, in the Bones and Maddock series. It is wonderful to see Jade and the Professor in their own adventure. Jade, an archaeologist, discovers very large stone spheres that are set in the position of the planets orbiting the sun when exploring a passageway beneath an ancient city. Not everyone is thrilled that has made this discovery and their is an attempt on her life and those with her.
The story links us back to the Oracle of Delphi which gave predictions of the furture. Thrown into the mix of the story is the moon stone in which by touching it you can see how things may happen. May is the key word here.
Oracle is a great start for a new series. Adventure, science, history and betrayal. All the ingredients needed for a high octane ride.
The story links us back to the Oracle of Delphi which gave predictions of the furture. Thrown into the mix of the story is the moon stone in which by touching it you can see how things may happen. May is the key word here.
Oracle is a great start for a new series. Adventure, science, history and betrayal. All the ingredients needed for a high octane ride.
November 1, 2014
Good read.
fast pace. could not put it down once I started reading. his writing seems to be getting better. I would recommend it to friends.
fast pace. could not put it down once I started reading. his writing seems to be getting better. I would recommend it to friends.
October 3, 2018
This review is based on an audio-book that I received. It is an honest review and the complimentary receipt of it in no way affected my review or rating.
'Oracle' by David Wood is the story of Jade Ihara and in a smaller part Pete Chapman. This is audio-book 1 in " Jade Ihara Adventures' Series.
This series has 3 books what are written by 2 different authors together (David Wood and Sean Ellis). This audio-book is about 8 hours and 59 minutes long that does have a semi closed end.
The story 'Oracle' is set in a world created in Dane Maddock Adventures series. I didn't know this when I volunteered to review the book. I saw it was the first in a new series that caught my attention and wanted to listen to it.
I had no problems picking up with this book and Jade's adventures. Actually, I'm kind of curious about her past with Maddock because we do get glimpses of missions and her live with Maddock.
The narrator, Jeffrey Kafer has a nice voice. He is easy to listen to. I always need to get used to someone voice, but in his case it didnt take long. His pronunciation is very good. The sound quality is also good. His voice is clear and with pacing that makes the story easy understand and follow.
Jeffrey doesn't do drastic different voices for each character but subtle ones that you get to know as you listen to the story, more with personality expressions for each character. Jeffrey Kafer's acting skills brought the characters to life.
I had a very difficult time to get into the story. I think I listened to the first part like 4 times.
But when I was in. I was totally absorbed by it. I really enjoyed this book, it is a great start to the series.
I found it very refreshing the way the story takes history and twists it with a touch of science explaining to give it a magical feel, turning the history around to make educated deductions.
This book is a nice mix of Lara Croft meets Indiana Jones and the plot line played out nicely. I enjoyed most of the characters. But I need to get a feel for Jade. This took a bit.
Jade Ihara is back at doing what she enjoys, working in her field of expertise on an archaeological dig. None of the craziness that comes with the treasure hunting as she had with her ex, Dane Maddock.
However, when the site opens to a mysterious room in a pyramid to find a working solar system, things take a turn.
Jade and her friends are now on the run to find and stay alive from the Norfolk Group, a group of people working to remove the supernatural entities from the world to prevent any other disasters from occurring.
Jade goes on an expedition to find the missing moon stone from the working solar system, that leads her to think through a few magically touched times of history and where those places happened. Then to the biggest mysterious site of current times. Jade is working hard to find and save the stone surrounded with dark matter, but others will make her have to make a difficult decision.
There is lots of mythical thinking with history and science here. Both are used to bring the characters to their conclusions on where to head next in their search. Things get a bit technical, and I don't understand it 100% all the time, but I get the drift and know what's going on. The characters are specialists in their field, so they do come across that way. But at times it's mind baffling.
There are different groups working in the world that searches for powerful items like what Jade is finding in this story. The Dominion is a dangerous group that Maddock's crew has tangled with. Maddock and his crew joined the Myrmidons to stop the Dominion, and Jade didn't want to join.
So she went on her own. Jade and Professor come up against a new group, the Norfolk Group. They are who Jade has to work against in this book, and who are determined to eliminate any and all powerful items from the world to prevent destruction.
We get the story through Jade's eyes, but at times we get to see things through Professor's eyes along with a few other characters. Our main characters we spend much of the book with are Jade, Professor, Paul Dorion, and Hodges.
Jade is who the series is focused on. She's a strong woman but has a few things she's still working through personally, and she's doing it. By the end of the book, I feel she's made a huge step in the right direction.
Professor, he is a great companion through the story for Jade. He knows her corks and works with her where others get frustrated with her control. He complements Jade nicely.
Paul Dorion is one that is here because of his scientific knowledge. He is important at the dig site, and important through the story. We grow fond of him and start to see him as a great part of the team. Hodges, well Hodges is the eyes on the other side of things.
So, if you feel like reading a story about Lara Croft meets Indiana Jones , you should give 'Oracle' a 'Jade Ihara Adventures' a try. You won't regret it. You might even learn some history parts.
I received this audio-book in exchange for an honest review.
'Oracle' by David Wood is the story of Jade Ihara and in a smaller part Pete Chapman. This is audio-book 1 in " Jade Ihara Adventures' Series.
This series has 3 books what are written by 2 different authors together (David Wood and Sean Ellis). This audio-book is about 8 hours and 59 minutes long that does have a semi closed end.
The story 'Oracle' is set in a world created in Dane Maddock Adventures series. I didn't know this when I volunteered to review the book. I saw it was the first in a new series that caught my attention and wanted to listen to it.
I had no problems picking up with this book and Jade's adventures. Actually, I'm kind of curious about her past with Maddock because we do get glimpses of missions and her live with Maddock.
The narrator, Jeffrey Kafer has a nice voice. He is easy to listen to. I always need to get used to someone voice, but in his case it didnt take long. His pronunciation is very good. The sound quality is also good. His voice is clear and with pacing that makes the story easy understand and follow.
Jeffrey doesn't do drastic different voices for each character but subtle ones that you get to know as you listen to the story, more with personality expressions for each character. Jeffrey Kafer's acting skills brought the characters to life.
I had a very difficult time to get into the story. I think I listened to the first part like 4 times.
But when I was in. I was totally absorbed by it. I really enjoyed this book, it is a great start to the series.
I found it very refreshing the way the story takes history and twists it with a touch of science explaining to give it a magical feel, turning the history around to make educated deductions.
This book is a nice mix of Lara Croft meets Indiana Jones and the plot line played out nicely. I enjoyed most of the characters. But I need to get a feel for Jade. This took a bit.
Jade Ihara is back at doing what she enjoys, working in her field of expertise on an archaeological dig. None of the craziness that comes with the treasure hunting as she had with her ex, Dane Maddock.
However, when the site opens to a mysterious room in a pyramid to find a working solar system, things take a turn.
Jade and her friends are now on the run to find and stay alive from the Norfolk Group, a group of people working to remove the supernatural entities from the world to prevent any other disasters from occurring.
Jade goes on an expedition to find the missing moon stone from the working solar system, that leads her to think through a few magically touched times of history and where those places happened. Then to the biggest mysterious site of current times. Jade is working hard to find and save the stone surrounded with dark matter, but others will make her have to make a difficult decision.
There is lots of mythical thinking with history and science here. Both are used to bring the characters to their conclusions on where to head next in their search. Things get a bit technical, and I don't understand it 100% all the time, but I get the drift and know what's going on. The characters are specialists in their field, so they do come across that way. But at times it's mind baffling.
There are different groups working in the world that searches for powerful items like what Jade is finding in this story. The Dominion is a dangerous group that Maddock's crew has tangled with. Maddock and his crew joined the Myrmidons to stop the Dominion, and Jade didn't want to join.
So she went on her own. Jade and Professor come up against a new group, the Norfolk Group. They are who Jade has to work against in this book, and who are determined to eliminate any and all powerful items from the world to prevent destruction.
We get the story through Jade's eyes, but at times we get to see things through Professor's eyes along with a few other characters. Our main characters we spend much of the book with are Jade, Professor, Paul Dorion, and Hodges.
Jade is who the series is focused on. She's a strong woman but has a few things she's still working through personally, and she's doing it. By the end of the book, I feel she's made a huge step in the right direction.
Professor, he is a great companion through the story for Jade. He knows her corks and works with her where others get frustrated with her control. He complements Jade nicely.
Paul Dorion is one that is here because of his scientific knowledge. He is important at the dig site, and important through the story. We grow fond of him and start to see him as a great part of the team. Hodges, well Hodges is the eyes on the other side of things.
So, if you feel like reading a story about Lara Croft meets Indiana Jones , you should give 'Oracle' a 'Jade Ihara Adventures' a try. You won't regret it. You might even learn some history parts.
I received this audio-book in exchange for an honest review.
October 5, 2018
( Format : Audiobook )
"For a physicist, there is no such thing as the future."
A very intriguing opening to the book, with two conflicting reminiscences from one Gill Parez in 1593, each wondering what his life would have been like had he made a different choice about four years before, really excited this reader into thinking that this book would be something really special. And this feeling continued for another few chapters. before returning to a more conventional digging-into -the-past-for-lost-objects-of-power type of adventure book. It was an exciting read, absolutely packed with frenetic action, an Indiana Jones on steroids, and that was just the second protagonist!
The main story centres around Jade O'Hara, an archaeologist, whose main expertise is in pre-Columbian American cultures, hired to excavate a tunnel into the Pyramid of the Sun which had preceded the Aztecs, who took it over, by many hundreds of years. Almost nothing was known about the builders. With her was ex-SEAL, Peter 'Professor' Chapman (amongst others), a man she had known before and had hoped not to meet again since he had been a close friend of Jade's one time lover, Dane Maddock. The relationship had ended badly, for her, at least, and she still was filled with the what-ifs of their time together. This reader had not read any of the books in which they appeared together but this did not in any way affect the understanding of Oracle, although it explains the initial feeling of entering a series where other books have gone before.
One aspect which was very enjoyable, if sometimes difficult to understand, was a mix of the ancient cultures with very current scientific ideas of quantum mechanics and time itself, as explained by another of the team, Paul. It allowed for some very strange occurrences. Narrated by Jeffrey Matter, the story hurtled along, his easy to listen to voice moving in pace with the action with good intonation and articulation, and even his accents for different nationalities were quite acceptable. A good performance which drew this reader to the end and left me wanting more.
"For a physicist, there is no such thing as the future."
A very intriguing opening to the book, with two conflicting reminiscences from one Gill Parez in 1593, each wondering what his life would have been like had he made a different choice about four years before, really excited this reader into thinking that this book would be something really special. And this feeling continued for another few chapters. before returning to a more conventional digging-into -the-past-for-lost-objects-of-power type of adventure book. It was an exciting read, absolutely packed with frenetic action, an Indiana Jones on steroids, and that was just the second protagonist!
The main story centres around Jade O'Hara, an archaeologist, whose main expertise is in pre-Columbian American cultures, hired to excavate a tunnel into the Pyramid of the Sun which had preceded the Aztecs, who took it over, by many hundreds of years. Almost nothing was known about the builders. With her was ex-SEAL, Peter 'Professor' Chapman (amongst others), a man she had known before and had hoped not to meet again since he had been a close friend of Jade's one time lover, Dane Maddock. The relationship had ended badly, for her, at least, and she still was filled with the what-ifs of their time together. This reader had not read any of the books in which they appeared together but this did not in any way affect the understanding of Oracle, although it explains the initial feeling of entering a series where other books have gone before.
One aspect which was very enjoyable, if sometimes difficult to understand, was a mix of the ancient cultures with very current scientific ideas of quantum mechanics and time itself, as explained by another of the team, Paul. It allowed for some very strange occurrences. Narrated by Jeffrey Matter, the story hurtled along, his easy to listen to voice moving in pace with the action with good intonation and articulation, and even his accents for different nationalities were quite acceptable. A good performance which drew this reader to the end and left me wanting more.
September 25, 2019
Indiana Jade and the Oracle of Delphi...
Oracle (Jade Ihara Adventures Book 1) by David Wood & Sean Ellis and narrated by Jeffrey Kafer is for those who love have a love of adventure and science. 4 stars for story. 5 stars for narration.
Jade and her associates stumble upon the Oracle of Delphi resulting in a cat and mouse game as everyone wants it for their own reasons. The summary does a great job, but other things to expect: betrayal, threats, cult, religious element (not preachy), Greek mythology, rich villains, knowledge, a love interest, and more. Chances are you will learn something while listening to this adventure. The only bad? Sometimes it was a little slow going and sometimes Jade was not easy to connect with. When it picked up the pace, it really picked up the pace. I found it engaging enough to want to check out the next book, but wonder if I should be reading the Dane Maddox series first so I don’t miss out on those connections/info that is referenced per other reviews.
“The threat you saw was rarely the one that killed you.”
The narrator, Jeffrey Kafer, did a good job. No complaints.
Overall I recommend, especially if you’re looking for something to appeal to your inner nerd.
“I was given this book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.”
Oracle (Jade Ihara Adventures Book 1) by David Wood & Sean Ellis and narrated by Jeffrey Kafer is for those who love have a love of adventure and science. 4 stars for story. 5 stars for narration.
Jade and her associates stumble upon the Oracle of Delphi resulting in a cat and mouse game as everyone wants it for their own reasons. The summary does a great job, but other things to expect: betrayal, threats, cult, religious element (not preachy), Greek mythology, rich villains, knowledge, a love interest, and more. Chances are you will learn something while listening to this adventure. The only bad? Sometimes it was a little slow going and sometimes Jade was not easy to connect with. When it picked up the pace, it really picked up the pace. I found it engaging enough to want to check out the next book, but wonder if I should be reading the Dane Maddox series first so I don’t miss out on those connections/info that is referenced per other reviews.
“The threat you saw was rarely the one that killed you.”
The narrator, Jeffrey Kafer, did a good job. No complaints.
Overall I recommend, especially if you’re looking for something to appeal to your inner nerd.
“I was given this book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.”
January 15, 2021
I give this book two stars and I'm a fan of David Wood and his books are usually four stars at least. However, the Jade Ihara is a most unlikable heroine. She pouts and bullies her way through the story and treats most people she deals with like crap. She continues to lament her failed relationship
with Dane Maddock and doesn't have a problem with treating other people like dogs because of it. My next book with Ms. Ihara is the "Changeling" hopefully maybe the title is referring to the main character becoming more human.
with Dane Maddock and doesn't have a problem with treating other people like dogs because of it. My next book with Ms. Ihara is the "Changeling" hopefully maybe the title is referring to the main character becoming more human.
September 29, 2019
Audiobook review: Oracle is a cross between an Indiana Jones, Tomb Raider, & National Treasure movie; all have smart people after the thrill thrall of an ancient archeological object at great risk of their personal wellbeing. The team searches for a sphere thought to provide a remarkable gift. The characters are believable and interesting. Looking forward to the next! I received a free copy of this audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
January 10, 2020
Excitement, adventure, archeological finds (not historically real ones, it’s a novel) and all well told. Enjoyable read if you can let go of what you think you know is reality!
November 22, 2015
I found it interesting the way the story takes history and twists it with a touch of science explaining to give it a magical feel, turning the history around to make educated deductions.
****FULL REVIEW****
*This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of AudiobookBlast dot com, at my request.
Jade Ihara is back at doing what she enjoys, working in her field of expertise on an archaeological dig. None of the craziness that comes with the treasure hunting as she had with her ex, Dane Maddock. However, when the site opens to a mysterious room in a pyramid to find a working solar system, things take a turn. Jade and her friends are now on the run to find and stay alive from the Norfolk Group, a group of people working to remove the supernatural entities from the world to prevent any other disasters from occurring. Jade goes on an expedition to find the missing moon stone from the working solar system, that leads her to think through a few magically touched times of history and where those places happened. Then to the biggest mysterious site of current times. Jade is working hard to find and save the stone surrounded with dark matter, but others will make her have to make a difficult decision.
I've listened to Jeffrey before, and could listen to him speak on going. Jeffrey has something with his voice, tone, that hooks me each time I listen to him. He doesn't do drastic different voices for each character but subtle ones that you get to know as you listen to the story, more with personality expressions for each character. His voice is clear and with pacing that makes the story easy understand and follow.
This story is set in a world created in Dane Maddock Adventures series. I didn't know this when I volunteered to review the book. I saw it was the first in a new series that caught my attention and wanted to read (listen) to it. There is personal and personal business that is addressed at the beginning to tie yet separate this book from the Dane Maddock series. I had no problems picking up with this book and Jade's adventures. Actually, I'm kind of curious about her past with Maddock because we do get glimpses of missions and her live with Maddock, and went looking for those books too.
There is lots of mythical thinking with history and science here. Both are used to bring the characters to their conclusions on where to head next in their search. Things get a bit technical, and I don't understand it 100% all the time, but I get the drift and know what's going on. The characters are specialists in their field, so they do come across that way. But at times it's mind baffling.
There are different groups working in the world that searches for powerful items like what Jade is finding in this story. The Dominion is a dangerous group that Maddock's crew has tangled with. Maddock and his crew joined the Myrmidons to stop the Dominion, and Jade didn't want to join. So she went on her own. Jade and Professor come up against a new group, the Norfolk Group. They are who Jade has to work against in this book, and who are determined to eliminate any and all powerful items from the world to prevent destruction.
We get the story through Jade's eyes, but at times we get to see things through Professor's eyes along with a few other characters. Our main characters we spend much of the book with are Jade, Professor, Paul Dorion, and Hodges. Jade is who the series is focused on. She's a strong woman but has a few things she's still working through personally, and she's doing it. By the end of the book, I feel she's made a huge step in the right direction. Professor, I do enjoy Professor. He's a great companion through the story for Jade. He knows her corks and works with her where others get frustrated with her control. He complements Jade nicely, and I have hopes for the man. Paul Dorion is one that is here because of his scientific knowledge. He is important at the dig site, and important through the story. We grow found of him and start to see him as a great part of the team. Hodges, well Hodges is the eyes on the other side of things.
I found it interesting the way the story takes history and twists it with a touch of science explaining to give it a magical feel, turning the history around to make educated deductions. As I listened to this story I thought that fans of J.F. Penn might enjoy the adrenaline rush of danger as "they" run from different organizations, all wanting the powerful artifacts for different reasons. This is very similar with a bit more science mixed in with the mythical history.
****FULL REVIEW****
*This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of AudiobookBlast dot com, at my request.
Jade Ihara is back at doing what she enjoys, working in her field of expertise on an archaeological dig. None of the craziness that comes with the treasure hunting as she had with her ex, Dane Maddock. However, when the site opens to a mysterious room in a pyramid to find a working solar system, things take a turn. Jade and her friends are now on the run to find and stay alive from the Norfolk Group, a group of people working to remove the supernatural entities from the world to prevent any other disasters from occurring. Jade goes on an expedition to find the missing moon stone from the working solar system, that leads her to think through a few magically touched times of history and where those places happened. Then to the biggest mysterious site of current times. Jade is working hard to find and save the stone surrounded with dark matter, but others will make her have to make a difficult decision.
I've listened to Jeffrey before, and could listen to him speak on going. Jeffrey has something with his voice, tone, that hooks me each time I listen to him. He doesn't do drastic different voices for each character but subtle ones that you get to know as you listen to the story, more with personality expressions for each character. His voice is clear and with pacing that makes the story easy understand and follow.
This story is set in a world created in Dane Maddock Adventures series. I didn't know this when I volunteered to review the book. I saw it was the first in a new series that caught my attention and wanted to read (listen) to it. There is personal and personal business that is addressed at the beginning to tie yet separate this book from the Dane Maddock series. I had no problems picking up with this book and Jade's adventures. Actually, I'm kind of curious about her past with Maddock because we do get glimpses of missions and her live with Maddock, and went looking for those books too.
There is lots of mythical thinking with history and science here. Both are used to bring the characters to their conclusions on where to head next in their search. Things get a bit technical, and I don't understand it 100% all the time, but I get the drift and know what's going on. The characters are specialists in their field, so they do come across that way. But at times it's mind baffling.
There are different groups working in the world that searches for powerful items like what Jade is finding in this story. The Dominion is a dangerous group that Maddock's crew has tangled with. Maddock and his crew joined the Myrmidons to stop the Dominion, and Jade didn't want to join. So she went on her own. Jade and Professor come up against a new group, the Norfolk Group. They are who Jade has to work against in this book, and who are determined to eliminate any and all powerful items from the world to prevent destruction.
We get the story through Jade's eyes, but at times we get to see things through Professor's eyes along with a few other characters. Our main characters we spend much of the book with are Jade, Professor, Paul Dorion, and Hodges. Jade is who the series is focused on. She's a strong woman but has a few things she's still working through personally, and she's doing it. By the end of the book, I feel she's made a huge step in the right direction. Professor, I do enjoy Professor. He's a great companion through the story for Jade. He knows her corks and works with her where others get frustrated with her control. He complements Jade nicely, and I have hopes for the man. Paul Dorion is one that is here because of his scientific knowledge. He is important at the dig site, and important through the story. We grow found of him and start to see him as a great part of the team. Hodges, well Hodges is the eyes on the other side of things.
I found it interesting the way the story takes history and twists it with a touch of science explaining to give it a magical feel, turning the history around to make educated deductions. As I listened to this story I thought that fans of J.F. Penn might enjoy the adrenaline rush of danger as "they" run from different organizations, all wanting the powerful artifacts for different reasons. This is very similar with a bit more science mixed in with the mythical history.
October 4, 2016
They Came, They survived, They Didn't Give Up (Audiobook)
My first experience with both David Wood and Sean Ellis has been enjoyable. This is a book that combines mythology, history, adventure, mystery, thriller, and archaeology.
Oracle is well thought out and the authors have the understanding that multiple talents are required to make a story feel more real. I totally agree with another reviewer that the story line develops organically and is not forced, especially the relationship between Jade Ihara and Pete Chapman (Professor).
Jeffrey Kafer did an great job narrating. He gave each character not only an unique voice but also an unique personality and did a great job with the snark (aka sarcasm).
I was initially unaware that this is a spin off series from the Dane Maddock books written by David Wood, but based on other reviews I am glad I didn't start there as many were not fond of the Jade character. But that being said the 1st of that series is now in my wish list.
My first experience with both David Wood and Sean Ellis has been enjoyable. This is a book that combines mythology, history, adventure, mystery, thriller, and archaeology.
Oracle is well thought out and the authors have the understanding that multiple talents are required to make a story feel more real. I totally agree with another reviewer that the story line develops organically and is not forced, especially the relationship between Jade Ihara and Pete Chapman (Professor).
Jeffrey Kafer did an great job narrating. He gave each character not only an unique voice but also an unique personality and did a great job with the snark (aka sarcasm).
I was initially unaware that this is a spin off series from the Dane Maddock books written by David Wood, but based on other reviews I am glad I didn't start there as many were not fond of the Jade character. But that being said the 1st of that series is now in my wish list.
June 29, 2016
The archaeologist, the physicist, and the ex-SEAL work together against the misguided and vengeful former colleague, several very wealthy and greedy villains and their mercenaries, an artifact thief and more to find the truth about a side effect of dark matter. Since the authors are David Wood and Sean Ellis, you can bet the farm that there is an abundance of action, adventure, unexpected plot twists, and lots of verifiable learning opportunities. See publisher's blurb for more clues.
I read the audio version of this one, and still like Jeffrey Kafer's no nonsense delivery and vocal range.
I received this book on request for free in exchange for honest review from an author, publisher, or narrator courtesy of AudioBookBOOM.
I read the audio version of this one, and still like Jeffrey Kafer's no nonsense delivery and vocal range.
I received this book on request for free in exchange for honest review from an author, publisher, or narrator courtesy of AudioBookBOOM.
October 25, 2015
I've not read anything by Wood before, but I enjoy an archaeology thriller. The writing started off very cool and interesting; the characters were introduced well. The complex plot line was introduced organically and didn't feel like a data dump on the reader. However, the story started to lose me a bit with the dark matter stuff. Not because it was complicated, but because it started to sound unrealistic.
I listened the audio version and I thought Jeffrey Kafer did a good job narrating. His pacing was good and he put just enough inflection into it to make the story interesting.
**I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.**
I listened the audio version and I thought Jeffrey Kafer did a good job narrating. His pacing was good and he put just enough inflection into it to make the story interesting.
**I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.**
September 28, 2014
This is an OK story. There is a fair amount of action, mostly shoot-outs, but the story bogs down with long discussions about "dark energy" theory and references to a past romance of the heroine, Jade Ihara. The story has a fairly reasonable ending, with just enough loose ends to indicate an on-going series.
July 12, 2015
Even though I was not a fan of the Jade Ihara character I like David Wood and Sean Ellis' writing enough to give this a chance. Am I glad I did. And even though I am still on the fence about wether I like her character I definitely like the Professor and the story was once again full of action with an intriguing storyline.
January 14, 2017
A good,fast paced listen narrated nicely by Jeffrey Kafer. Jade is an archeologist.A discovery beneath a temple brings odd domes to light. The Oracle at Delphi is making a comeback.I was given this book free by the author,narrator or publisher.
April 13, 2015
Great new series. For those that enjoy a good adventure novel this is fun read.
We first met Jade Ihara in the Dane and Bones series.
We first met Jade Ihara in the Dane and Bones series.
October 20, 2015
Review
This is one of David Wood's better exciting books. It was interesting and kept my interest all the way through I think others will find this book a good read.
This is one of David Wood's better exciting books. It was interesting and kept my interest all the way through I think others will find this book a good read.
August 6, 2016
Exciting
The plot is full of excitement and mystery. If I could just like Jade, I would really enjoy this series. ..
The plot is full of excitement and mystery. If I could just like Jade, I would really enjoy this series. ..
November 17, 2014
A great read. Plenty of action and well written. Fast paced and great character development.
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