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First Descent: A Holiday Thriller of Myth, Magic, and Hidden Legends
Not yet published
Expected 9 Dec 25Legends aren’t made—they’re unlocked.
Eighteen years ago, eccentric geologist Virgil Landowski vanished during an ill-fated Arctic expedition searching for a mythical cave said to hold red diamonds. All he left behind was a strange geode and a son who grew up believing his father’s quest was madness.
Now, Nick Landowski is content to live his life as a blue-collar mine foreman—until an accident cracks open his father’s geode and reveals a hidden key. That discovery pulls him into a harrowing journey spanning both modern and ancient worlds, where enemies close in at every turn.
Along the way, Nick uncovers a link connecting the secret Coke formula to powers older than winter itself— and a revelation that could threaten the survival of Christmas.
Perfect for fans of James Rollins, Lincoln Child, and R.A. Salvatore, The First Descent is a high-stakes contemporary fantasy adventure where heists, hidden legends, and holiday myths collide.
“Following in the steps of modern hybrid masters like Doug Preston and James Rollins, Mike Pace’s The First Descent is a blistering blend of the traditional thriller with just the right measure of fantasy. A wildly imaginative tale distinguished by a masterful plot, pitch-perfect pacing, and unforgettable characters we can't wait to meet again, The First Descent is not to be missed!" - Jon Land, New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author
Eighteen years ago, eccentric geologist Virgil Landowski vanished during an ill-fated Arctic expedition searching for a mythical cave said to hold red diamonds. All he left behind was a strange geode and a son who grew up believing his father’s quest was madness.
Now, Nick Landowski is content to live his life as a blue-collar mine foreman—until an accident cracks open his father’s geode and reveals a hidden key. That discovery pulls him into a harrowing journey spanning both modern and ancient worlds, where enemies close in at every turn.
Along the way, Nick uncovers a link connecting the secret Coke formula to powers older than winter itself— and a revelation that could threaten the survival of Christmas.
Perfect for fans of James Rollins, Lincoln Child, and R.A. Salvatore, The First Descent is a high-stakes contemporary fantasy adventure where heists, hidden legends, and holiday myths collide.
“Following in the steps of modern hybrid masters like Doug Preston and James Rollins, Mike Pace’s The First Descent is a blistering blend of the traditional thriller with just the right measure of fantasy. A wildly imaginative tale distinguished by a masterful plot, pitch-perfect pacing, and unforgettable characters we can't wait to meet again, The First Descent is not to be missed!" - Jon Land, New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author
443 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication December 9, 2025
About the author
Mike Pace
9 books68 followersNo matter what path thriller author Mike Pace has walked, it’s always been with a story to tell.One of Mike’s earliest memories is helping to write the fourth grade Christmas play at his Pittsburgh elementary school.
Born in Pittsburgh, Mike attended the University of Illinois on an art scholarship, and graduated with a BFA degree.
Mike has written for the stage and screen. The Washington Post called one of his plays “engaging … entertaining and … witty.” He wrote and directed a short film that was accepted into film festivals in Kansas City and Portland.
He’s a member of the International Thriller Writers and the Maryland Writers Association. He’s a strong believer in community responsibility, having served as president of his local school board.
Born in Pittsburgh, Mike attended the University of Illinois on an art scholarship, and graduated with a BFA degree.
Mike has written for the stage and screen. The Washington Post called one of his plays “engaging … entertaining and … witty.” He wrote and directed a short film that was accepted into film festivals in Kansas City and Portland.
He’s a member of the International Thriller Writers and the Maryland Writers Association. He’s a strong believer in community responsibility, having served as president of his local school board.
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Displaying 1 of 1 review
November 30, 2025
The First Descent starts off feeling like a grounded mystery about a son trying to understand the legacy his missing father left behind… and then suddenly you’re in time-traveling, diamond-cave, Norse-myth territory, and honestly I wasn’t mad about it.
Nick is such an easy protagonist to follow.. he's an "every man" character. He's capable and kind of haunted, but not in an annoying way. When that geode cracks open and reveals something impossible, the story really takes off. I loved the modern mining setting, and I really loved how quickly everything escalates into ancient, magical amulets, and a threat tied to winter itself.
Overall the ride is genuinely fun. The action is fast, the mythology is huge, and the Santa-origin thread was way more gritty and interesting than I expected.
The main characters have great chemistry, the friendship moments add heart, and the worldbuilding (while chaotic) has this “go big or go home” energy that I respect.
If you like adventurous, genre-blending stories that feel like thrillers smashed into fantasy, this one is a great time!
Nick is such an easy protagonist to follow.. he's an "every man" character. He's capable and kind of haunted, but not in an annoying way. When that geode cracks open and reveals something impossible, the story really takes off. I loved the modern mining setting, and I really loved how quickly everything escalates into ancient, magical amulets, and a threat tied to winter itself.
Overall the ride is genuinely fun. The action is fast, the mythology is huge, and the Santa-origin thread was way more gritty and interesting than I expected.
The main characters have great chemistry, the friendship moments add heart, and the worldbuilding (while chaotic) has this “go big or go home” energy that I respect.
If you like adventurous, genre-blending stories that feel like thrillers smashed into fantasy, this one is a great time!
Displaying 1 of 1 review