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American Echo
For over two centuries, the Custodes Veritatis—a secret society older than the Republic—has shaped American history from the shadows. Presidents, generals, and lawmakers have risen and fallen under their invisible hand. Until now.
When historian Ethan Caldwell uncovers a cryptic message in the journals of Edward Hamilton, he and Mia Hamilton—Edward’s last living relative—are thrust into a conspiracy stretching back to the birth of the nation. Alongside Adler, a gifted cryptographer, they unravel coded journals, hidden chambers, and the lost writings of Dr. Benjamin Church, revealing that America’s true revolution was fought not just on battlefields, but in the shadows.
Their discovery collides with Quentin Vale, a former covert operative, and Orchid, a ghost from his past. Together they unearth a chilling the Custodes Veritatis never died. They are still here, still pulling the strings—and their latest creation sits in the Oval Office.
Pursued through archives and city streets, the trio races to expose a secret that could topple the government and rewrite history itself. From the hidden vaults beneath Carpenter’s Hall to the tunnels under Washington D.C., American Echo is a gripping historical thriller about power, sacrifice, and the cost of truth. Some secrets were never meant to see the light.
When historian Ethan Caldwell uncovers a cryptic message in the journals of Edward Hamilton, he and Mia Hamilton—Edward’s last living relative—are thrust into a conspiracy stretching back to the birth of the nation. Alongside Adler, a gifted cryptographer, they unravel coded journals, hidden chambers, and the lost writings of Dr. Benjamin Church, revealing that America’s true revolution was fought not just on battlefields, but in the shadows.
Their discovery collides with Quentin Vale, a former covert operative, and Orchid, a ghost from his past. Together they unearth a chilling the Custodes Veritatis never died. They are still here, still pulling the strings—and their latest creation sits in the Oval Office.
Pursued through archives and city streets, the trio races to expose a secret that could topple the government and rewrite history itself. From the hidden vaults beneath Carpenter’s Hall to the tunnels under Washington D.C., American Echo is a gripping historical thriller about power, sacrifice, and the cost of truth. Some secrets were never meant to see the light.
298 pages, Hardcover
Published October 31, 2025
85 people are currently reading
941 people want to read
About the author
Knox Legend
3 books10 followersKnox Legend is a historical thriller author whose stories pulse with the hidden truths and shadowy secrets buried deep within the world’s past. With a Master’s degree in Business and a successful career as a magazine publisher and investment advisor, Knox brings a unique lens to the craft of storytelling—where meticulous research meets gripping narrative.
A lifelong lover of history, Knox is married to fellow author CJ Kane. Together, they share not only a passion for writing but a life rich with adventure. The couple lives full-time in a motorhome, traveling across the United States and around the globe in search of forgotten places, untold conspiracies, and the whispers of stories long buried in time. Their journeys—and their love of the past—fuel the powerful, suspense-driven narratives found in Knox’s books.
Knox is a proud father of two and grandfather of five, and when he’s not unraveling historical puzzles on the page, he’s likely chasing echoes of the past through archives, ruins, and dusty libraries worldwide.
A lifelong lover of history, Knox is married to fellow author CJ Kane. Together, they share not only a passion for writing but a life rich with adventure. The couple lives full-time in a motorhome, traveling across the United States and around the globe in search of forgotten places, untold conspiracies, and the whispers of stories long buried in time. Their journeys—and their love of the past—fuel the powerful, suspense-driven narratives found in Knox’s books.
Knox is a proud father of two and grandfather of five, and when he’s not unraveling historical puzzles on the page, he’s likely chasing echoes of the past through archives, ruins, and dusty libraries worldwide.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
January 3, 2026
This novel had a Steve Berry, Brad Meltzer, and Patrick Donohue “historical thriller” feel to it. Mia Hamilton (grad student), Ethan Caldwell (historian), and Adler (cryptologist) seek to accomplish several objectives:
1. Decrypt and decipher the buried documents behind the actions of Dr. Benjamin Church, surgeon general, during the American Revolutionary War.
2. Expose the actions of an organization operating in the shadows known as Custodes Veritatis that had controlled and steered political actions for centuries.
This was an enjoyable read because of the interesting historical inclusion, the various twists in the plot, the realistic dialogue, and a pace that never bogged down. I look forward to future cryptological series novels..
1. Decrypt and decipher the buried documents behind the actions of Dr. Benjamin Church, surgeon general, during the American Revolutionary War.
2. Expose the actions of an organization operating in the shadows known as Custodes Veritatis that had controlled and steered political actions for centuries.
This was an enjoyable read because of the interesting historical inclusion, the various twists in the plot, the realistic dialogue, and a pace that never bogged down. I look forward to future cryptological series novels..
January 2, 2026
Good plot but needs some editorial love.
I love bringing in the historical elements of the American revolution and the modern day espionage. The plot had a sound start but as I read it felt more and more like there was some AI writing throughout. Additionally, there were editing errors and what felt like repeating pharses. I wanted to enjoy it, but I spent more time pointing out issues than getting lost in the story. Even my wife got tired of hearing me complain. There’s a good story buried in there, but it needs real editing and a human hand to bring it out.
I love bringing in the historical elements of the American revolution and the modern day espionage. The plot had a sound start but as I read it felt more and more like there was some AI writing throughout. Additionally, there were editing errors and what felt like repeating pharses. I wanted to enjoy it, but I spent more time pointing out issues than getting lost in the story. Even my wife got tired of hearing me complain. There’s a good story buried in there, but it needs real editing and a human hand to bring it out.
January 3, 2026
Quick trip through an alternate reality
I have always struggled to find books that keep my interest, but this did. It was a quick read woven with imaginative twists that weren’t too far from each other that you could put the pieces together as the pages turned. Overall pretty good.
I have always struggled to find books that keep my interest, but this did. It was a quick read woven with imaginative twists that weren’t too far from each other that you could put the pieces together as the pages turned. Overall pretty good.
December 7, 2025
I won this in a giveaway
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 28, 2025
If you are a fan of National Treasure then this is a great read. The story took hold from the first pages and held until the very end.
January 6, 2026
I enjoyed this book immensely. I couldn't put it down and look forward to the next in the series.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews