The Eternal World

by Christopher Farnsworth

The author of the cult favorite President's Vampire series combines historical fiction with modern-day action, adventure, vengeance, and paranormal twists in this page turning thriller in the spirit of James Rollins, Brad Thor, and Douglas Preston

Five hundred years ago, a group of Spanish conquistadors searching for gold, led by a young and brilliant commander named Simon De Oliveras, land in the New World. What they find in the sunny and humid swamps of this uncharted land is a treasure far more valuable: the Fountain of Youth. The Spaniards slaughter the Utiza, the Native American tribe who guard the precious waters that will keep the conquistadors young for centuries. But one escapes: Shako, the chief’s fierce and beautiful daughter who swears to avenge her people?a blood promise that spans more than five centuries...

When the source of the fountain is destroyed in our own time, the loss threatens Simon and his men, and the powerful shadowy empire of wealth and influence they have built. For help, they turn to science, to David Robinton, a scientific prodigy who believes he is on the verge of the greatest medical breakthrough of all time. But as the centuries-old war between Shako and Simon reaches its final stages, David makes a horrifying discovery about his clients and the mysterious and exotic woman he loves. Now, the scientist must decide: is he a pawn in game of hunter and predator... or will he be its only winner?

Genres: Fiction, Fantasy, Science Fiction, Thriller, Historical Fiction, Adventure, Urban Fantasy

352 pages, Hardcover

First published August 4, 2015

About the author

Christopher Farnsworth is the author of FLASHMOB (one of Publishers Weekly's Best Books of 2017), KILLFILE, THE ETERNAL WORLD, and the PRESIDENT'S VAMPIRE series. A screenwriter and journalist, he lives in Los Angeles.

Reviews

[Reeda Booke · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book starts off when Spanish Conquistadors land on the shores of what is now, Florida, seeking treasures. While fighting off one of the tribes, Simon Olivera finds himself injured and near death before a woman named Shako, of the Uzita tribe finds him. She gives him some water which miraculously heals him, and Simon finds that her tribe guards the greatest treasure of all; the Fountain of Youth.

Simon soon betrays Shako and her whole village is put to death. Simon and the others gather enough of the water and off they go. It is now 500 years later, and Shako vows revenge. Simon has just hired a brilliant scientist to break the code of the Water so that they can make more, because you have to keep taking the Water to keep living longer and they are almost out.

I enjoyed this one very much. It was fast paced and kept me engages all the way to the end. I loved the bits of history about the Conquistadors and also the story of the men who got to live for so long. It brought up some interesting questions about immortality, but also about morality. Is being able to live for such a long time necessarily a good thing?


I won this book as part of the Goodreads Giveaway and I am glad I did. This one was a winner for me.

[Kathleen Minde · Rating 4 out of 5]

In author Christopher Farnsworth’s world, if a vampire can take a blood oath to protect the president of the United States, then, by God, the Fountain of Youth is not just a legend, it’s the premise for yet another entertaining book. The Eternal World, a standalone book, is a story of greed and revenge, altruism and love, and for good or bad, how the world could be forever changed by the fountain’s existence.

Five hundred years ago, a young conquistador, wounded in battle, is running through the jungle of the New World. As he lies dying in a cave near a pool of blue water, he feels the cool touch of a beautiful angel. Abrupt fast-forward to present day: a serial killer is hunting his next prey and finds himself the victim. Then, Dr. David Robinton, a man who dedicates his life to his lab and his research, finds himself being dumped by his girlfriend. So when he receives an offer from playboy and pharmaceutical giant, Simon Oliver, to join his company with multiple perks and an unlimited budget to research an anti-aging drug, the driven David cannot refuse.

But Simon Oliver is more than the womanizer and drunkard the paparazzi love to catch on film, he is a man with a very old secret and an ancient enemy. The beautiful Shako has been tracking Simon for many years and she is out for revenge. Her first scene in the book proves she is more than capable when it comes to dealing with murderous scum and it is possible she could easily destroy Simon’s world.

While David is driven to perfect a compound that will cure the body-ravaging effects of disease and old age, it appears that Simon also wants to save the world. But is he truly a compassionate billionaire or is he just a greedy megalomaniac? It doesn’t take much to put two and two together in this book. There are a few twists that are pretty good. There are some flashbacks that fill in the blanks, including a rather large expository segment concerning Simon and Shako. Some people call it an “info dump”, but, whatever, the book is still entertaining. However, the droll sense of humor that is found in the Nathaniel Cade series is sorely missing in The Eternal World. I miss that cantankerous old vampire.

No matter how much the readers need to suspend their disbelief, they will find this book to be a fast-paced and exciting read. I know I’ll recommend it to a few of my reading buddies. And, I know I’ll read Farnsworth’s next novel, vampire or not.

[Ricky · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been waiting for a long time for another Christopher Farnsworth book - and while this isn't the Nathaniel Cade continuation I've been really dying to read, this standalone thriller, based on the same Fountain of Youth legend that inspired the fourth Pirates of the Caribbean movie, is a nice little piece of wild and crazy action to tide us Cade fans over. It makes all the sense in the world that the Spanish explorers who discovered the Fountain of Youth have made themselves a neat little immortal business empire over time, an empire now in jeopardy because their precious Water is now in limited supply. Nice little metaphor for the world's considerable dependence on oil and pharmaceuticals, isn't it? Best of all, the book's a slow burn, in that you know what the premise is based on the dust jacket, but the plot takes its sweet time to set the backstory up, in small doses every so often.

Overall, it's a good book. But I still really hope we get the fourth Cade book soon, because that one's gonna knock my socks off, of that I'm certain.

[Sherri Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was fortunate enough to win this book as part of the Goodreads FIRST READ giveaway.

Let me start by saying that I RARELY give books "five" stars - but this book certainly deserved it, in my opinion. I won't review with any "spoilers" as its really a book I would recommend you to read for yourself.

I WILL say that I was a bit nervous going into reading this book as I LOVED Christopher Farnsworth's President's Vampire series and was reluctant to want to read anything other than that by the same author. My fears were COMPLETELY unfounded.

This story seemed to have it all - history/mystery/paranormal - and if you are a reader of ANY of these genres, I can't recommend this book high enough! You won't be disappointed. The story flows and the writing style is so easy to read and get lost in.

I LOVED this book that I received from Goodreads FIRST READ and I HIGHLY, HIGHLY recommend to all those who love exciting, well-written fiction!!

[Sarah Smithers · Rating 1 out of 5]

Let me start by saying I loved this author's President's Vampire series...

But while reading this I couldn't shake my idea that the author was now just fucking with me. With each new revelation or plot twist I got the distinct impression I was supposed to yell, Fuck No! and give up in disgust.

Characters motivations were just absurd. The whole premise was stupid. The people themselves were just moronic.

Besides the 1 out of 5 stars for the book in toto, I have some new categories that I feel I have to add..

3.5 out of 5 Middle Fingers of Fuck You to the female gender. Hookers, strippers and the only female who isn't is abso-fucking-lutely gorgeous, AND a total nympho!, to this random dude. Even when families are being slaughtered, we have to hear about their breasts..

4 out of 5 Guns to My Head of Stupidity for the stpuidest rationalizations for how the whole pool and council and tribe and drug thing work. You should have noticed that whole problem when the idea was kicking around in your brain and thrown it out. The characters were equally stupid, and I never could figure out why everybody thought this one guy was so damn special when he was such an idiot all the time.

[Carolyn Guerrero · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's pretty hard to put this book down once you get started.

The Eternal World: A Novel is a fast paced novel involving Spanish conquistadors and the quest for eternal life. This book involves action sequences, romance, and scientific dialogue in a story about what it might be like to live forever and want to change the world.

Thanks to the GoodReads First Reads program for this book!

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you really enjoy some tough philosophical questions and morally grey characters in your realistic sci-fi, this is the one for you.

Had to knock it down a star though because the people you're supposed to be rooting for aren't very likeable. There's pretty much no character arcs for anybody unless you read the epilogue, and even then it's a little thin.

Other than that, it's a very intriguing premise with plenty of turns throughout, definitely recommend.

[Albert · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Eternal World by Christopher Farnsworth is a departure from his popular The President's Vampire series but delivers the same action and suspense you will find in his previous novels. This science fiction thriller is sure to be a favorite of Farnsworth's growing legions of fans!

Spanning the centuries between the discovery of the New World to modern day, The Eternal World is a thrilling novel of the desire for everlasting life and the life you lead with it.

In their search for gold, Spanish conquistadors land in what is now modern day Florida, searching for treasures. What they find instead goes far beyond their wildest dreams. One of them, Simon De Oliveras, becomes separated from the group and lays dying. He is saved by a young native woman who cares for him and gives him water to drink. From her care he grows well and stronger and he believes, after time, even younger. It is the water she gives him that is speeding his recovery. Together they begin a life far from all others. But Simon deceives her and finds the source of the water. When Simon is captured by the other Conquistadors he is branded a deserter and to save himself gives away the location of the village of the native tribes. Claiming that there is treasure among them. The young woman who cared for him watches as the Conquistadors attack and torture her village, believing that there is treasure among them. She watches as they rape the women, toss the children into fire and kill all the men. Torturing them to find treasure. Only Simon did not tell them what the true treasure is and as the majority of his crew perish, Simon takes only a handful to the secret place where the fountain of youth is hidden.

The native girl, Shako, who watched her people slaughtered survives. She vows to avenge her people. Taking some of the water for herself, she begins a centuries long vendetta against her former lover Simon.

As the remaining cadre of Conquistadors live through the centuries they find themselves hunted by Shako. But unknown to them there is an even greater enemy on the horizon. One they had thought they had cheated.

Time. Over time, the supply of water is running out. Now it is up to Simon to find a new source. But what he decides is even more outrageous. Instead, through modern science, he decides he will create the new source.

David Robinton is a scientist with a passion to heal. Watching his little sister die to the ravages of disease, he has dedicated his life to finding the answer. The miracle formula that will heal mankind. When Simon approaches him, David is at first skeptical until he watches a man healed in front of him. Without telling him how, Simon offers David the opportunity to replicate the cure. David leaps at the chance but who is the beautiful woman who follows him. And who exactly is Simon and what are his intentions. Slowly David begins to learn that the truth he is shown is only the tip of what the reality he is facing is to be. Slowly, the web of death and murder circle David as he searches for the answers to Eternal Life.

Farnsworth has written a terrific novel of fantasy and science. This will remind some of Michael Crichton and the morals of what science should and could accomplish. The Fountain of Youth is legend and obsession that has plagued mankind since the beginning of our days. Every culture has its own tale of it. Farnsworth tells his with the reality of presenting this one simple fact, not whether or not eternal life is attainable but should it be. Given the the gift of eternal life, what becomes of man when he no longer has to answer to a higher power. What becomes of his morality and his justice. If you cannot die, then what do you to fear?

A terrific thriller!

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an Advanced Reader copy of this book and am so glad I did! Even though this isn't a President's Vampire novel, I still was unable to put this book down and read it in one day.

What if the Fountain of Youth actually existed and early Spanish conquistadors found it? The author uses that premise and shows us what lengths they will go to so they can remain the powerful men they have become. What happens if the supply of the water runs out? A scientist looking for a cure for cancer tries to replicate the formula. While he may be thinking it is a noble cause and will be used to cure everyone, it brings up the question of how a drug like that would ultimately be used. Would it be made available to everyone or only a select few who were in positions of power and could afford it? Pick up this book and get ready for a wild and thought provoking journey.

[Deborah Dumm · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book as a giveaway from Goodreads. This genre is usually not the type I read but I read it and thoroughly enjoyed it. It would be great if the fountain of youth existed in a way. I highly recommend this book to everyone.

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Books like this are one of the reasons I like book club suggestions. I never ever would have chosen to read this book, and yet once the story got really going I was immersed. What do you get when you cross history, the fountain of youth and scientific research? You get a case of unusual characters with dark secrets, revenge and a story that spans half a millennium.

What I liked is that it dabbled in several styles. There was biotech - but not so detailed at a level that it bored me. There was violence - but that wasn't the main focus so it wasn't overdone or distracting. There was double-crossing a bit of a mystery, and a bit of a thriller but not over the top. A little romance but definitely not a romance story.

An enjoyable fast moving read, especially for those who are interested in what if science takes the human genome just a little too far.

[Mely · Rating 4 out of 5]

Had it not been for my book club, I would have never picked this book up. It was a enjoyable read, but not too surprisingly considering it had some elements that I enjoy in books. Some of the historical elements went a little over my head, especially when it came to war and politics. I'm just not really drawn to that subject matter. However, I thought the rest of the book was easy to read and captivating. I enjoyed the medical/sci-fi aspects and the dual timeline. I thought the characters were enjoyable, even the villains.

[Yvonne]

DNF for now. This didn't hold my attention at all.

[Doug · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely a guilty pleasure read - violent, sexy, and fast-paced with intriguing insights into immortality.

[Darren · Rating 3 out of 5]

There were parts of the book that I liked a lot, but I didn't really like any of the characters.

[Neyly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Science fiction mixed with action (and a touch of U.S. history) makes for an easy-to-read and easy-to-like weekend book.

Recommend: Well, I've now read and liked all Christopher Farnsworth books. If he writes another, then I'll read it too. So, yes. However, if you're looking for something deep, i.e. literary fiction, you might want to forgo this one or put it on your maybe-later shelf.

[Tabitha · Rating 5 out of 5]

(I won this book as part of Good Read's first to read program.)
This is a really fascinating book. Combing the story of the Fountain of Youth and the possibility of a medical breakthrough in creating one, this novel blends history, myth, science, and suspense in a impossible to put down story. The main character, David, has just landed a to-good-to-be-true job working for Conquest Biotech recreating a miracle solution that reverses aging. On top of this amazing job, with a very large salary and more, he starts dating a beautiful woman who doesn't mind his habit of not emerging from his lab for days on end. The third person view switches between the main players in a 500-year-old game David has no idea he just became part of. The blend of myth and science combined with the insight into the different characters creates a mesmerizing story I highly recommend. I really enjoy science and went to college for Biotechnology; the science that is discussed is explained enough that lack of prior knowledge shouldn't detract from the over-all story.

[Timothy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the first book by Christopher Farnsworth that i have read. I know my good friend, Jason Frost loves this guy and has been a big fan since his first book, Blood Oath. The Eternal World was great fun! Imagine almost 500 year old conquistadors heading a billion dollar biotech company which is trying to reformulate the water from the Fountain of Youth which they are running out of. A brilliant young researcher who just might pull it off and a beautiful native woman whose great mistake was saving the life of one of the conquistadors with the Water those many years and is now seeking the deaths of those responsible for murdering her whole clan and stealing the Water.
The novel weaves a fast paced and compelling story about one of the most enduring myths of this continent. Farnsworth seamlessly handles the modern day story with flashbacks to the arrival of the Spanish in Florida and their brutal treatment of the indigenous people.
The book has a wonderfully exciting and satisfying conclusion, but I would recommend it for readers 18 and up due to language and adult content.

[Bill Sullivan · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Eternal World by Christopher Farnsworth was on my to read list when I heard about it. I then got lucky enough to win a copy from Goodreads. I have enjoyed his previous works and I was not disappointed with this one.
This is a story of the Fountain of Youth and a group of Spanish Conquistadors in the modern world. When the water is running out they turn to a driven researcher to duplicate the formula and extend their lives. Against them is a mysterious woman who is the last member of her tribe who showed the Spanish leader the healing water.
The plot is easy to follow and Farnsworth does have some nice twists that keep the reader guessing what is to come.
What I think I enjoyed most was the subtle moral implications of an extended life and how it could change a person.
Nice job Chris.

[Suzanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

What if a small band of Conquistadores in the late 16th Century had found the Fountain of Youth after all? This fast, light book plays with this notion of death denied across five centuries. The author enjoys sharing how the men have spent their extra time and leads the reader to wonder if more youth is actually a good thing. The story really hits its stride in the current era when such a premium is placed on not aging. This is a fun book: the mysteries are mild, the action is fast and the science takes a back seat to the fantasy. Best of all it offers a good time for the reader. I received this book from the publisher through eidelweiss in exchange for a review.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

So far I've really liked every book that Christopher Farnsworth has written and when I won an Advanced Reader's Edition of the Eternal World I wasn't disappointed. I found the story very fascinating and it kept me engaged throughout. I found myself actually arguing out loud with some of the characters and felt really sorry for another one. I was also satisfied with the way it ended. If a book is getting me to interact with it in that way and to care about what happens to the characters, then it's a winner.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really, more like 4.7 stars. This book was a fast, fun read. Absolutely loved it. I had been a bit bummed about having to wait for the next President's Vampire book, but this detour was TOTALLY WORTH IT !!! Farnsworth is so good at giving fun, action-packed rides that have just enough depth to make them interesting and even a little thought-provoking, without getting too serious/technical and ruining the escapism. I'm continually shocked that no one is turning his books into movies. It seems such a natural progression. Now, how about that next Cade story? :-)

[Eileen · Rating 4 out of 5]

If there's one book to read this year The Eternal World is it!! Spaniards arrive on the shores of FL. One Conquistador (Simon) at death's door, is given the key to eternal life by Shako, the chief's daughter - they call it Water. Betraying her trust her entire village is slaughtered. 500 years have passed and Simon hires David Robinton to recreate Water. Meanwhile Shako- is seeking revenge for the villagers death.
Once you start this you are NOT going to want to put it down!

[Marge · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so fortunate to win the ARE for this book. Just finished it today. What a rollicking ride between worlds past and present. I am thrilled to recommend this book to Everyone! It's a DON'T MISS !

[Bob Reiss · Rating 4 out of 5]

A bit of a change in direction for Farnsworth, but a strong novel with a fascinating premise. Liked the historic aspects and strong characters. Tom Perkins did a good job narrating, handling some interesting characters.

[Francis Barel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pretty awesome novel! It has all the suspense and entertainment of a Nathaniel Cade novel, with the added questions on eternal life, the price of doing something good with your life, and some great action beats.
Highly recommended !

[Candace · Rating 2 out of 5]

The premise of this novel was intriguing, but for me, it just didn’t deliver. It felt like one hundred movies I’ve already seen. Nothing deep or thoughtful, nothing original, and no real surprises. Competently written, I guess, but fairly boring.

[Farrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really like his no nonsense, picture painting, storytelling. Very different from his presidential vampire series. Just as engaging but very different.

[Brendan · Rating 5 out of 5]

another excellent read from Christopher Farnsworth.

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

A new take on the fountain of youth myth, unique, entertaining, and fun.