The Mayan Betrayal

Ethan Frost Archaeological thriller #2

by Lex Faulkner

The next BRAND NEW action-packed Ethan Frost archaeological thriller.

Perfect for fans of Ernest Dempsey and Luke Richardson.

A call for help. A Mayan relic buried for centuries. A betrayal that echoes through history.

In the 16th century, the Spanish conquistadors arrived in the Yucatan and pushed into the jungle to subdue the ancient Mayan civilisation. There, they found themselves face to face with a proud and fierce warrior culture. And they heard legends of a sacred relic whose divine power had sustained the Maya for millennia. Then, all signs of its existence were lost.

In present-day New York City, former Delta Force operator and heir to Frost Industries, Ethan Frost is approached by the philanthropist Benjamin Hawthorne to locate his daughter Emily, who was leading an archaeological expedition in the Yucatan until all contact with her team was suddenly lost.

As Ethan and his skilled team of researchers and former military specialists – collectively known as ARC - make the long and arduous journey into the unforgiving jungle, they soon find themselves caught in a conspiracy that ends up testing Ethan's trust in the people closest to him, and whose purpose reaches back through history to a deadly Mayan mystery.

Genres: Thriller

320 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 15, 2026

About the author

Lex Faulkner is the Amazon bestselling author of the Andrew Sterling action-adventure series and the Ethan Frost archaeological thriller series. His novels have consistently ranked in the Top 10 Amazon Rankings for their individual categories, and they have been enjoyed by thousands of readers the world over.

Lex's novels combine historical facts with contemporary fiction, weaving together compelling stories that take the reader on fast-paced journeys back through time and across continents in a way that echoes the author's own favourite genres – archaeological and historical thrillers, mystery novels and military action thrillers. The result is page-turning books in the vein of Indiana Jones, Jason Bourne and James Bond. His novels can be read independently of each other and in any order.

Lex has travelled extensively in Southeast Asia, Europe, Africa and Japan and speaks several languages.

He now lives in London and is currently working on his next novel.

Reviews

[Stephen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to the publishers and netgalley for a free copy in return for an open and honest review.

Enjoyed this book in the line of relic thrillers where the group are sent to search for their sponsors daughter in search of a mayan dagger. Fast paced double crossing thriller.

[Jan Mawdesley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mexico and the Mayan civilization are the focus for book two in the Ethan Frost Archaeological Thriller series from Lex Faulkner, The Mayan Betrayal
It is 1031BC and the seasonal rains have not fallen over the land for some time, bringing great worry to the people of Chichen Itza. The sinkholes are now at dangerously low levels, the crops are failing and the people are losing faith in Balam Ajaw, their reigning King. The High Priests have been commanded to prepare a sacrifice for the Gods to appease them.
A special sacrificial Dagger, Tijax Xibalba, is used for these occasions and it is this dagger that has caused Ethan Frost and his team of specialists to take up a commission to not only try and recover the dagger, but also to discover what has happened to a team of Archaeologists lead by Benjamin Hawthorn’s daughter, a man who is a friend of Victor Stanhope the CEO of Frost Industries.
It is not long after the team arrive in the small town of Piste, Mexico they begin to realise something is not quiet right, and as they set out on their trek, they realise that there is far more to what is going on than they were told. Their guide Raul seems to be very casual about the fact his cousin Pablo Fuentes is missing, along with the rest of the Archaeological team; he seems more like a tour guide than a local tracker.
As it turns out they were not wrong, nothing is right about what is unfolding and it also appears that Ethan Frost seems to be the target; someone wants him dead! But who and why makes a cliffhanger of a story in every aspect.
Lex Faulkener has once again created an engrossing adventure mystery based on the Mayan civilization, their incredibly detailed records, brilliance at timekeeping, celestial navigation, culture and history, as to solve more than one murder, first they have to understand the intricacies of the Mayans and their civilization.
Filled with amazing ‘gadgets’, a cliffhanger of a plot and the mysteries of an ancient civilization The Mayan Betrayal is a must read for all fans of well researched and constructed thrillers.

[Yvonne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 2nd book in the Ethan Frost Archaeological Thriller series, and it is another fabulous story. Ethan is asked to look into a missing daughter; her father is an influential man and is good friends with Ethan and helps run the Frost Industries business. Ethan, rather than deal with the business, has found himself leading a Delta Squad of experts in their fields to search for and return ancient artefacts.

In this story, Ethan and company are heading to South America, looking for an artefact as well as the missing woman. He and his team head to the Yucatan region, where there is a lot of history, myth, rumour, and danger.

Once again, the author has created a thrilling as well as informative story that has roots in fact, history and archaeology. Mixing these in with a modern-day setting and with the addition of powerful people, corruption, and conspiracy. The author brings back the team from the previous book, which, I must add, was also very good, and brings their skills to the forefront as they try to discover the truth.

If you like action-packed, adventure, treasure hunt style thrillers, then this is one to have your eye on. It is good from start to finish, and it is one I would definitely recommend.

[gillian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant

Thoroughly enjoyed this second book in this new series from this accomplished author. He has a talent for combining historical facts into page turning stories. This is similar to his previous genre but has its own Q that brings high-tech gadgets for his characters. Looking forward to seeing what comes next.
If you enjoy history with a touch of Jason Bourne, with a background of Bruce Wayne and the technology from Q in bond then I would advise you to dive into these books. I would recommend reading them in order, I'm off to pre order the next one.

[Mark Gibson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Search for the Mayan dagger

Book 2 in the series is another hit. Action-packed, edge of your seat excitement. Archeological thriller at its best. I’ve always been interested in the Mayans. Faulkner gives the reader excellent descriptions of not only the glyphs that the Mayans used, but also the calendar that the Mayans used. The detail with which he describes the calendar wheels. It’s quite interesting and must’ve taken quite a bit of research to come up with. All in all I think you’ll enjoy this book. I know I did.

[VickydpBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ex-Delta Ethan Frost leads his team into the Yucatán jungle to find a missing expedition—uncovering ancient Mayan secrets, a lost relic, and a modern conspiracy full of double-crosses.

Fast-paced, vivid jungle setting, solid historical detail, nonstop action, sharp twists.
Straightforward plot; character depth takes backseat to pace.

Perfect for fans of Indiana Jones-style adventure—exciting, escapist, and tightly plotted.

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

First and foremost, a large thank you to NetGalley, Lex Faulkner, and Boldwood Books for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.

Lex Faulkner proves once again that he has all the ingredients for a thriller series worth following. After tearing through the first Ethan Frost novel, I jumped into this second instalment hoping for the same adrenaline-fuelled experience and Faulkner absolutely delivered. Blending ancient Mayan lore, dangerous treasure hunters, and relentless action, this novel keeps the tension high from beginning to end.

Ethan Frost and the ARC team are still reeling from the fallout of their previous mission when a wealthy philanthropist asks them to head to Guatemala in search of his missing daughter. Emily Hawthorne disappeared while hunting for a mysterious Mayan artefact, alongside a team whose vanishing eerily mirrors the fate of Spanish explorers centuries earlier. From there, the novel launches into a dangerous expedition packed with hidden agendas, ancient secrets, and enemies lurking in every shadow.

Faulkner excels at combining historical intrigue with modern thriller elements. The Mayan backdrop adds depth and atmosphere, while the steady stream of discoveries keeps the narrative moving at a sharp pace. There is a strong educational component woven throughout the story, though it never overshadows the action. Instead, it enriches the experience and makes the danger surrounding the artefact feel all the more real.

What makes this series stand out is the strength of its characters. Ethan Frost continues to evolve into a compelling protagonist, carrying emotional baggage while still leading with determination and intelligence. The ARC team dynamic works well and the supporting cast adds plenty of flavour to the story. Each character serves a purpose and helps build a world that feels larger with every chapter.

Faulkner also understands the importance of unpredictability in a thriller. Twists arrive at just the right moments and the story never becomes overly comfortable or formulaic. There is always another revelation, another threat, or another secret waiting to emerge. The deeper the team ventures into Guatemala, the more intense and dangerous things become.

This is exactly the kind of thriller series that is easy to get hooked on. Action-packed, clever, atmospheric, and filled with intriguing historical elements, Lex Faulkner continues to build something special with Ethan Frost and the ARC team. I am already eager to see where the next adventure leads.

Kudos, Mr. Faulkner, for another great piece that kept me hooked!

Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at: http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/

[Meg Pearson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley, Lex Faulkner, and Boldwood Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Lex Faulkner proves once again that he knows exactly how to craft an action-packed thriller that keeps readers completely hooked. After flying through the first Ethan Frost novel, I went into The Mayan Betrayal hoping for another adrenaline-fueled adventure, and Faulkner absolutely delivered.

This installment blends ancient Mayan lore, dangerous treasure hunters, hidden conspiracies, and nonstop action into a story that never lets up. Ethan Frost and the ARC team are still dealing with the fallout from their previous mission when philanthropist Benjamin Hawthorne asks them to travel deep into Guatemala to find his missing daughter, Emily. What begins as a rescue mission quickly turns into something far more dangerous as the team uncovers eerie connections to vanished Spanish explorers, a legendary Mayan relic, and secrets buried for centuries.

One of the strongest aspects of this book is how well Faulkner balances historical intrigue with modern thriller elements. The Mayan backdrop adds so much atmosphere and depth to the story, and it’s clear a lot of research went into the history and mythology woven throughout the plot. The educational details never slow the pacing down though — instead they make the stakes feel even more real and immersive.

Ethan Frost continues to grow into a fantastic protagonist. He carries emotional scars and personal baggage while still remaining intelligent, determined, and easy to root for. The ARC team dynamic is another huge highlight of this series. Every member contributes something meaningful, and the camaraderie between them makes the story feel bigger and richer with every book.

Faulkner also understands exactly how to keep a thriller unpredictable. Just when things seem under control, another twist, betrayal, or revelation changes the direction of the story. The deeper Ethan and his team venture into the Guatemalan jungle, the more intense and dangerous everything becomes. The pacing is sharp, the action scenes are cinematic, and the tension stays high all the way through the final pages.

This is exactly the kind of thriller series that is easy to get addicted to — clever, atmospheric, action-packed, and layered with fascinating historical mysteries. Lex Faulkner is building something special with Ethan Frost and the ARC team, and I’m already excited to see where the next adventure takes them.

Kudos to Mr. Faulkner for another thrilling read that kept me turning pages late into the night!

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Mayan Betrayal by Lex Faulkner is a thriller, different in some ways. Ethan Frost is a multi-millionaire who has a deep interest in archeology as well as deep pockets with which to fuel that interest. He had recently put together a business, ARC which was made up of him and four additional members: Sophie, a researcher; Scarlett, a computer hacker; Luke, another Delta Force retiree, like him; and Mitch, the best pilot ever. He had the advantage of having his father’s company and its research and development department to supply him with the most up-to-date weapons and gadgets. He was on his way to see his father’s friend, the man who had taken the reins when his father and mother had died in a helicopter crash several years earlier. Stanhope had a favor to ask, for a friend of this. Since it was related to archeology he took the meeting, despite misgivings. The man convinced him to become involved in the hunt for a missing team hunting for a priceless, obsidian, Mayan knife.

His team voted to pursue this mission. It turned out to be more difficult than anticipated, in part because of interference from members of a cartel. It was violent, and unrelenting for the several days they were in Mexico. They missed death by a hare’s breath more than once. But, they saw things no one had seen for hundreds, maybe thousands of years. Scarlett made discoveries that made it less confusing but more horrifying than one might have anticipated before it all began. The characters were interesting, each an expert in their own ways. The story was thrilling and interesting. Plenty of history. Plenty of last-minute decision making. Terrific read.

I was invited to read The Mayan Betrayal by Boldwood Books. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Negalley #BoldwoodBooks #LexFaulkner #TheMayanBetrayal

[Louise Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 2 of Ethan Frost

In the sixteenth century, the Spanish conquistadors arrived in the Yucatan and pushed into the jungle to subdue the ancient Mayan civilisation. There. they found themselves face to face with a fierce warrior culture. And they heard of a sacred relic whose divine power had sustained the Maya for Millennia. Then all signs of existence were lost.

In present-day New York City, former Delta Force operator and heir to the Frost Industries,
Ethan Frost is approached by the philanthropist Benjamin Hawthorne to locate his daughter Emily, who was leading an archaeological expedition in the Yucatan until all contact was suddenly lost.

This is an action-packed and thrilling read. I liked the first Ethan Frost novel - The Golden Spinx - so I was delighted to get a copy of this book. Philanthropist Benjamin Hawthorne asks Ethan Frost for help. His daughter is missing on an archaeological expedition in the Yucatan.

I enjoyed this book, it's filled with lots of interesting information on the Mayan culture. The pace is fast, there were some dangerous parts, the characters were well-developed and this was a good addition to the series.

Published 15th June 2026

I would like to thank #NetGalley #BoldwoodBooks and the author #LexFaulkner for my ARC of #TheMayanBetrayal in exchange for an honest review.

[Tom · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the privilege of previewing The Mayan Betrayal. This is my first Lex Faulkner book - while I have the first Ethan Frost book in my Prime queue, I didn't get to read it before delving into volume #2. That said, I thought it was easy to get up to speed in The Mayan Betrayal because enough background was provided early.

I found it compelling to include an archaelogical perspective to a thriller, and the plot drew me in from the start. Not only did Frost and his local crew get a chance to flex their muscles and skillsets, but there were also several plot surprises revealed along the way, and near the very end that made for an interesting tale. Even so, some of the plot elements felt like a stretch to me at times, but I guess part of enjoying these types of thrillers requires suspending one's disbelief at times.

I look forward to catching up with The Golden Sphinx (vol #1), and then the next book in this series when it comes out.

[Emy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ethan Frost returns with his newly formed ARC team in a new adventure. A philanthropist Benjamin Hawthorn approaches Ethan to help him find his daughter, who has gone missing whilst on an archeological expedition in the Yucatan. As Ethan and his team make their way through the jungle, they start to find themselves caught up in a conspiracy that causes Ethan to question those who he has trusted for years.
Another enjoyable read from Lex Faulkner. Good pacing with characters that were introduced and further developed in this book. Plenty of action is interspaced with historical information of the Mayan culture giving an action - adventure story with substance.

[Susanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stunning! Ethan and the ARC team are asked to find a missing archeological team who were looking for a Mayan ceremonial dagger. Although the newly formed team weren't planning on taking on missing persons cases, finding the dagger, lost for centuries, is a big drawcard. But, all is not what it seems. Plenty of action and a massive betrayal. Also, lots of very interesting info about the Mayan culture. I really enjoyed this book! This series is shaping up very nicely and I look forward to the next book.
Thanks to Netgalley, Boldwood Books, and Lex Faulkner for the free ARC. All opinions are my own.

[Julie Friar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ethan Frost and his team are asked to find the missing daughter of a friend of the CEO of Frost Industries. They will go to the Yucatan to find out why contact has been lost to find Emily. They will transverse difficult jungle terrain to reach her last known location.

Very well written and exciting novel. Well paced with excellent characters. They will travel to the remains of the ancient Mayan civilisation and face many dangers, not all from the jungle. Hawthorne has sent them to find his daughter but he really wants the ceremonial dagger she was searching for. Could be a very dangerous mission.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ethan gets his team involved with helping a friend of his CEO find his missing daughter. She is leading an expedition to find a missing Maya obsidian bladed ceremonial dagger. No one has heard from the team in days. When they are arrive in the area to start the search, Several things don't quite mesh with what they had been told. They soon learn things are not what they appeared to be. The further they go, the more they find beneath the surface.
I received an arc copy from Net Galley and am leaving this review voluntarily.
Everywhere they turn, there is someone else after them or is it the dagger? What is really behind this whole exercise? Read and see, it won't disappoint you.

[marita lazarus · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can't get enough of this new series by Lex Faulkner.

Once you open the book, you get drawn into history and mystic and a wonderful mysteries with double crosses and murder. We travel deep into Mexico and Chichenitza - where our team, led by Ethan Frost, a motley crew of ex delta soldiers, an ex cia hacker and an archeaologist (Sophie) into the jungle to find the daughter of a hedge fund and finance mogul, who was leading her own expedition. At every turn, Ethan and his team encounter danger, both from animals, cenotes and cartel.

If you love action and history this is def a series you have to pick up.

[books.tea.happy · Rating 3 out of 5]

The team are off to Mexico on a rescue mission, but there is a lot more going on they realise.

There was plenty of action packed in to the story.

For me, there was a little too much theory/history so I did a bit of speed reading at times.

I liked the team dynamic, but would have liked to get to know them individually a bit more.

I did see the twist coming but it didn’t take away from the story.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨️Spoiler Free Review✨️

Thanks to @netgalley the author & @boldwoodbooks for the ARC in return for my honest review.

This is my first time reading this author & it won't be the last!
It was action- packed and full of twists and turns,and very atmospheric in parts. Full of historic intrigue yet has a modern thriller twist.
Very easy reading and I really enjoyed the characters. Considering this is the 2nd book in the series, I didn't feel like I missed out.

[Blessing Okwuofu · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ethan Frost and his team returns in The Mayan Betrayal by Lex Faulkner. A fast-paced action-packed thriller. I enjoyed learning about the Mayan civilisation amidst the suspense and intrigue in this book. Great twists and brutal but satisfying ending.
I got the ARC from Boldwood Books via Netgalley. This is my honest review.

[Neville Townsend · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ethan Frost and his team are asked to find a missing woman in the Mexican jungle who is trying to find an ancient artifact. Twists and turn along with a betrayal fill this action adventure that kept me from putting this book down till the last page. The characters are well drawn and look forward to the next adventure. Thanks to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for this review copy.

[Susie's Books · Rating 1 out of 5]

I have been reading quite a few crime novels so wanted a change of story and pace and thought this looked good. It is dreadful. It is very slow and quite boring and the characters and one dimensional! I will not be reading any more of his books!