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The Artifact: Science Fiction Thriller
๐๐ฎ๐ซ๐ข๐๐ ๐ฌ๐๐๐ซ๐๐ญ๐ฌ. ๐
๐๐๐๐ฅ๐๐ฌ๐ฌ ๐ค๐ข๐ฅ๐ฅ๐๐ซ๐ฌ. ๐๐ง๐ ๐ ๐ซ๐๐ฅ๐ข๐ ๐ญ๐ก๐๐ญ ๐ฐ๐๐ฌ ๐ง๐๐ฏ๐๐ซ ๐ฆ๐๐๐ง๐ญ ๐ญ๐จ ๐๐ ๐๐จ๐ฎ๐ง๐.
Deep beneath the Pyramid of the Sun, archaeologist Charles Bowen and his protรฉgรฉ Marcus Brown uncover an artifact that ๐ณ๐ฆ๐ธ๐ณ๐ช๐ต๐ฆ๐ด ๐ฉ๐ช๐ด๐ต๐ฐ๐ณ๐บโand paints a target on their backs. Within hours, killers strike. Charles is dead. Marcus is on the run. Hunted by the FBI, shadowy operatives, and the Mexican authorities, Marcus must unravel the truth about the relicโand the ๐ด๐ฆ๐ค๐ณ๐ฆ๐ต it holds about his own past. Because some discoveries werenโt meant to be unearthed.
๐๐ง๐ ๐ฌ๐จ๐ฆ๐ ๐ฌ๐๐๐ซ๐๐ญ๐ฌ ๐ฐ๐ข๐ฅ๐ฅ ๐ค๐ข๐ฅ๐ฅ ๐ญ๐จ ๐ฌ๐ญ๐๐ฒ ๐๐ฎ๐ซ๐ข๐๐.
Deep beneath the Pyramid of the Sun, archaeologist Charles Bowen and his protรฉgรฉ Marcus Brown uncover an artifact that ๐ณ๐ฆ๐ธ๐ณ๐ช๐ต๐ฆ๐ด ๐ฉ๐ช๐ด๐ต๐ฐ๐ณ๐บโand paints a target on their backs. Within hours, killers strike. Charles is dead. Marcus is on the run. Hunted by the FBI, shadowy operatives, and the Mexican authorities, Marcus must unravel the truth about the relicโand the ๐ด๐ฆ๐ค๐ณ๐ฆ๐ต it holds about his own past. Because some discoveries werenโt meant to be unearthed.
๐๐ง๐ ๐ฌ๐จ๐ฆ๐ ๐ฌ๐๐๐ซ๐๐ญ๐ฌ ๐ฐ๐ข๐ฅ๐ฅ ๐ค๐ข๐ฅ๐ฅ ๐ญ๐จ ๐ฌ๐ญ๐๐ฒ ๐๐ฎ๐ซ๐ข๐๐.
350 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 21, 2025
232 people are currently reading
22 people want to read
About the author
Joshua T. Calvert
57ย books263ย followersJoshua T. Calvert has traveled the world--on foot, by Jeep, by bicycle, by motorcycle, and lots of other ways besides. As you might imagine, he's seen many things most people never see - including an Iranian prison cell, from the inside! In Kyrgyzstan, he fared slightly better, narrowly avoiding being kidnapped for ransom. Skydiver, scuba diver, martial artist, adventurer - his goal is to experience everything possible, and then make it real to you in his books. And he's made a good run of it so far: in the Philippines, he did police training on multiple types of firearms (despite being no fan of guns himself); dove in Asian waters among sharks and shipwrecks; and patrolled with Sumatran jungle rangers.
That's what defines Calvert's approach to method writing: pushing himself beyond his own limits, to experience first-hand what his characters experience, to make your immersion in his stories as deep as it can be.
For Ganymede Rises, after a slight detour with some smugglers in the deserts of Uzbekistan and the steppes of Mongolia, he traveled by dogsled and snowshoe to the Arctic Circle to experience first-hand what it's like to be utterly isolated in the coldest place on Earth. For his book The Fossil, he sat with professional pilots in flight simulators for Airbus A320 and Boeing 737 aircraft to learn what it's like to fly a passenger jet. His latest adventure: a parabolic flight with European Space Agency astronauts, to experience zero-gravity. All so he can describe it to you, in his own words.
That's what defines Calvert's approach to method writing: pushing himself beyond his own limits, to experience first-hand what his characters experience, to make your immersion in his stories as deep as it can be.
For Ganymede Rises, after a slight detour with some smugglers in the deserts of Uzbekistan and the steppes of Mongolia, he traveled by dogsled and snowshoe to the Arctic Circle to experience first-hand what it's like to be utterly isolated in the coldest place on Earth. For his book The Fossil, he sat with professional pilots in flight simulators for Airbus A320 and Boeing 737 aircraft to learn what it's like to fly a passenger jet. His latest adventure: a parabolic flight with European Space Agency astronauts, to experience zero-gravity. All so he can describe it to you, in his own words.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
December 6, 2025
At the end of The Artifact, the author explains that the story he penned is his "first foray into the thriller genre." I'm happy to testify that Mr. Calvert did a great job crafting a story full of non-stop action that is full of thrills. The tension in this tale is on full blast as the characters are placed into situations that seem impossible to get out of. It is also full of twists and turns for all three principal characters, two of whom are the chief point-of-view characters.
Along with being a thriller, it is also a science fiction story, but the sci-fi is on the lighter side.
I enjoyed this story, and it should appeal to a wide audience. At 340 pages, it is a fast read, and the action moves the story ahead at a good pace.
A group of four people from the United States are performing archeological studies at the Pyramid of the Sun at Teotihuacan in Mexico. After making an astonishing discovery of an artifact in an unknown chamber of the pyramid, the team is attacked by unknown assailants. One of the team, Marcus, watches from a distance as three of his colleagues, including the group leader, are brutally murdered. Marcus panics and leaves the site to avoid suffering the same fate. Now, he has to make his way over 1700 miles to Tijuana, where he intends to cross the border with the artifact. Unfortunately, in his haste, Marcus has left his passport, identification, and money behind in his haste to leave, no doubt a perilous journey.
Meanwhile, the Mexican authorities begin an investigation into the heinous crime, aided by two American FBI special agents who are seeking Marcus and the crystalline artifact.
There are many strange circumstances surrounding the object found in the pyramid, and it seems everyone wants to get their hands on it, and Marcus is in constant danger.
So, what is it about the artifact that makes it an object of interest to the Mexican authorities, the FBI, and a dangerous group of covert operators? It appears some things are better left unfound.
The three principal characters of The Artifact are well-developed and believable. We get to know them through much of the story with reveals here and there in the narrative, and through their dialog.
Marcus is a graduate student working on a master's degree at Stanford University. He is invited to the Pyramid of the Sun by his teacher and degree supervisor, Dr. Charles Bowen, a prominent and controversial archaeologist. Marcus has no training in survival under pursuit and has to survive by his wits and sheer dumb luck throughout this tale. It isn't an easy journey for him, and because of some choices he makes, it also isn't easy for those who want to save him.
That would include the Special Agents, Maya Wilson and Thor Dejeune. These two make an unlikely pair because they are such polar opposites. Both are well trained and experienced agents. While Maya is driven by emotions, Thor is driven by logic. Maya is a bit of a mess, and Thor is neat and organized. Their strengths, however, complement each other as they work to understand the mystery. Their dialog is often humorous as they pick at each other, but it isn't difficult to see that they actually respect each other.
The artifact itself is a great MacGuffin that drives the story forward and keeps it focused where it needs to be. We get a few hints as to the nature of the object of everyone's desire, but not very many deep secrets, which the author is holding for the sequel.
I enjoyed everything in this tale of conspiracy and intrigue, but my favorite plot point was the portrayal of the people of Mexico Marcus encountered along his journey of peril. Often in film, television, and books, the people of foreign countries are vilified. The police are all corrupt and cruel, and the people a character may encounter are villains who are out to do evil against innocent tourists. That is not the case in this story, and I applaud the author for his portrayal of the people of Mexico. Yes, there are evil people in the story, but there are also good people. In one scene, I was caught out expecting something to happen that never did, and the outcome was exactly the opposite of what I expected. I found this a refreshing turn of events and a test of my own intrinsic biases thanks to the influence of American media.
The theme that stood out to me the most was that of conspiracy and misinformation surrounding the artifact itself. With so many different entities trying to get their hands on this, either to expose or conceal whatever information the crystal may contain, makes for a great setup for the sequel where, hopefully, all will be revealed. The artifact is surrounded by unknowns that promise a great payoff by the end of the two-volume epic.
My takeaway from The Artifact illustrates how mysteries and secrets can drive people to great lengths. Information is knowledge, and it can be both informative and dangerous at the same time.
Joshua T. Calvert is a well-traveled and intelligent writer. Everything I have read from him so far has been entertaining. The Artifact is no exception. The first volume of the story serves to introduce the major players and the object of their quest. It does so wrapped in a well-written and entertaining tale that unfolds in the mind's eye smoothly and efficiently. This thriller includes elements of science fiction, but is not dominated by the genre, so I think it would be a good story for readers who enjoy a good intrigue. It is gritty at times, but has a sense of humor, too.
Along with being a thriller, it is also a science fiction story, but the sci-fi is on the lighter side.
I enjoyed this story, and it should appeal to a wide audience. At 340 pages, it is a fast read, and the action moves the story ahead at a good pace.
A group of four people from the United States are performing archeological studies at the Pyramid of the Sun at Teotihuacan in Mexico. After making an astonishing discovery of an artifact in an unknown chamber of the pyramid, the team is attacked by unknown assailants. One of the team, Marcus, watches from a distance as three of his colleagues, including the group leader, are brutally murdered. Marcus panics and leaves the site to avoid suffering the same fate. Now, he has to make his way over 1700 miles to Tijuana, where he intends to cross the border with the artifact. Unfortunately, in his haste, Marcus has left his passport, identification, and money behind in his haste to leave, no doubt a perilous journey.
Meanwhile, the Mexican authorities begin an investigation into the heinous crime, aided by two American FBI special agents who are seeking Marcus and the crystalline artifact.
There are many strange circumstances surrounding the object found in the pyramid, and it seems everyone wants to get their hands on it, and Marcus is in constant danger.
So, what is it about the artifact that makes it an object of interest to the Mexican authorities, the FBI, and a dangerous group of covert operators? It appears some things are better left unfound.
The three principal characters of The Artifact are well-developed and believable. We get to know them through much of the story with reveals here and there in the narrative, and through their dialog.
Marcus is a graduate student working on a master's degree at Stanford University. He is invited to the Pyramid of the Sun by his teacher and degree supervisor, Dr. Charles Bowen, a prominent and controversial archaeologist. Marcus has no training in survival under pursuit and has to survive by his wits and sheer dumb luck throughout this tale. It isn't an easy journey for him, and because of some choices he makes, it also isn't easy for those who want to save him.
That would include the Special Agents, Maya Wilson and Thor Dejeune. These two make an unlikely pair because they are such polar opposites. Both are well trained and experienced agents. While Maya is driven by emotions, Thor is driven by logic. Maya is a bit of a mess, and Thor is neat and organized. Their strengths, however, complement each other as they work to understand the mystery. Their dialog is often humorous as they pick at each other, but it isn't difficult to see that they actually respect each other.
The artifact itself is a great MacGuffin that drives the story forward and keeps it focused where it needs to be. We get a few hints as to the nature of the object of everyone's desire, but not very many deep secrets, which the author is holding for the sequel.
I enjoyed everything in this tale of conspiracy and intrigue, but my favorite plot point was the portrayal of the people of Mexico Marcus encountered along his journey of peril. Often in film, television, and books, the people of foreign countries are vilified. The police are all corrupt and cruel, and the people a character may encounter are villains who are out to do evil against innocent tourists. That is not the case in this story, and I applaud the author for his portrayal of the people of Mexico. Yes, there are evil people in the story, but there are also good people. In one scene, I was caught out expecting something to happen that never did, and the outcome was exactly the opposite of what I expected. I found this a refreshing turn of events and a test of my own intrinsic biases thanks to the influence of American media.
The theme that stood out to me the most was that of conspiracy and misinformation surrounding the artifact itself. With so many different entities trying to get their hands on this, either to expose or conceal whatever information the crystal may contain, makes for a great setup for the sequel where, hopefully, all will be revealed. The artifact is surrounded by unknowns that promise a great payoff by the end of the two-volume epic.
My takeaway from The Artifact illustrates how mysteries and secrets can drive people to great lengths. Information is knowledge, and it can be both informative and dangerous at the same time.
Joshua T. Calvert is a well-traveled and intelligent writer. Everything I have read from him so far has been entertaining. The Artifact is no exception. The first volume of the story serves to introduce the major players and the object of their quest. It does so wrapped in a well-written and entertaining tale that unfolds in the mind's eye smoothly and efficiently. This thriller includes elements of science fiction, but is not dominated by the genre, so I think it would be a good story for readers who enjoy a good intrigue. It is gritty at times, but has a sense of humor, too.
July 23, 2025
An absolute blast that keeps you guessing!
The Artifact is the 1st part of a 2 part thriller series, is a seriously wild ride that keeps you guessing from beginning to end! Once again, Calvert has created a masterpiece of modern fiction, and as a first foray into writing something more thriller than sci-fi, its an unqualified success. The characters are some of the best written in recent books, especially Marcus, who might be the most relatable character in a thriller that I'm aware of, and Thor, whose neurodiversity is presented as much more advantage than liability. Maya is a standout character as well, determined to do right by Marcus, regardless of cost. The Duo of Maya and Thor are a great yin/yang of a partnership. I couldn't have enjoyed the book more! There is just enough science to keep the sci-fi reader addicted, while the twist filled non-stop action will keep thriller aficionados up late into the night! 5/5 well earned stars! The Artifact will appeal to a huge cross section of readers and I can't recommend it highly enough!
The Artifact is the 1st part of a 2 part thriller series, is a seriously wild ride that keeps you guessing from beginning to end! Once again, Calvert has created a masterpiece of modern fiction, and as a first foray into writing something more thriller than sci-fi, its an unqualified success. The characters are some of the best written in recent books, especially Marcus, who might be the most relatable character in a thriller that I'm aware of, and Thor, whose neurodiversity is presented as much more advantage than liability. Maya is a standout character as well, determined to do right by Marcus, regardless of cost. The Duo of Maya and Thor are a great yin/yang of a partnership. I couldn't have enjoyed the book more! There is just enough science to keep the sci-fi reader addicted, while the twist filled non-stop action will keep thriller aficionados up late into the night! 5/5 well earned stars! The Artifact will appeal to a huge cross section of readers and I can't recommend it highly enough!
August 24, 2025
Great book
This was a very thrilling, fast moving and suspenseful book from the start. I couldn't put it down. A large cast of characters and a great cast. It was so interesting that I loved reading it. I recommend reading this to all that love fiction and lots of action.
This was a very thrilling, fast moving and suspenseful book from the start. I couldn't put it down. A large cast of characters and a great cast. It was so interesting that I loved reading it. I recommend reading this to all that love fiction and lots of action.
September 16, 2025
Quite interesting
Didn't know what to expect for this first attempt at a "thriller." Turned out to be quite good. The three principles are well drawn and developed. Time to now look for volume 2.
Didn't know what to expect for this first attempt at a "thriller." Turned out to be quite good. The three principles are well drawn and developed. Time to now look for volume 2.
August 7, 2025
drivel
A poorly written, illogical, mess of a novel. At $1.99 still way overpriced. Donโt waste your money or time on this โthriller.โ
A poorly written, illogical, mess of a novel. At $1.99 still way overpriced. Donโt waste your money or time on this โthriller.โ
August 10, 2025
unfinished book
This wasnโt listed as a series, and it ended without explaining anything at all, jus set up the next unwritten book
This wasnโt listed as a series, and it ended without explaining anything at all, jus set up the next unwritten book
September 25, 2025
Great book!
Great book. I have read several of his other books and they never fail to please. Being an aspiring author myself, Mr. Calvert never fails to deliver a good story.
Great book. I have read several of his other books and they never fail to please. Being an aspiring author myself, Mr. Calvert never fails to deliver a good story.
August 19, 2025
Loved it!
Awesome read. Looking for the sequel as I'm typing this review. Love finding authors I've never heard of before and really get into their stories.
Awesome read. Looking for the sequel as I'm typing this review. Love finding authors I've never heard of before and really get into their stories.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews