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The Atlas Conspiracy Cycle
The Obsidian Codex
Some truths are written in stone. Some are buried in it.
Dr. Elena Vargas was one of the most brilliant epigraphers of her generation — until she staked her name on a forgery and lost everything. Now she teaches bored undergraduates and tries not to remember who she used to be.
Then a colleague sends her a photograph that shouldn't exist: a meter-tall slab of carved obsidian, unearthed in the jungles of Tabasco, its glyphs mapping something no ancient people should have been able to record — the rhythm of earthquakes, centuries before they struck.
To Elena, it's the discovery of a lifetime. To Orpheus Minerals, it's a key to trillions in buried wealth — and they will raze a mountain to own it. As Elena is drawn south into a chase through cartel country and collapsing caverns, she'll have to trust the instinct that once destroyed her, protect a sister who won't stop filming, and outrun an enemy who believes some knowledge is too dangerous to survive.
Because the slab isn't the only thing hidden in the dark. And someone has been erasing discoveries like this for a very long time.
For readers of James Rollins, Clive Cussler, and Dan Brown.
The Obsidian Codex ignites The Atlas Conspiracy — a globe-spanning saga of buried knowledge and the war to keep it hidden. Each book stands alone. Together, they map a secret that can never be buried again.
This book is part of the 6-book The Atlas Conspiracy Cycle series. Each book can be read as a stand-alone, and in any order, but the entire saga takes place over the course of these six books.
The final, seventh book in the cycle will pull together all the threads of the previous six books, and serves as the final chapter of the series.
Dr. Elena Vargas was one of the most brilliant epigraphers of her generation — until she staked her name on a forgery and lost everything. Now she teaches bored undergraduates and tries not to remember who she used to be.
Then a colleague sends her a photograph that shouldn't exist: a meter-tall slab of carved obsidian, unearthed in the jungles of Tabasco, its glyphs mapping something no ancient people should have been able to record — the rhythm of earthquakes, centuries before they struck.
To Elena, it's the discovery of a lifetime. To Orpheus Minerals, it's a key to trillions in buried wealth — and they will raze a mountain to own it. As Elena is drawn south into a chase through cartel country and collapsing caverns, she'll have to trust the instinct that once destroyed her, protect a sister who won't stop filming, and outrun an enemy who believes some knowledge is too dangerous to survive.
Because the slab isn't the only thing hidden in the dark. And someone has been erasing discoveries like this for a very long time.
For readers of James Rollins, Clive Cussler, and Dan Brown.
The Obsidian Codex ignites The Atlas Conspiracy — a globe-spanning saga of buried knowledge and the war to keep it hidden. Each book stands alone. Together, they map a secret that can never be buried again.
This book is part of the 6-book The Atlas Conspiracy Cycle series. Each book can be read as a stand-alone, and in any order, but the entire saga takes place over the course of these six books.
The final, seventh book in the cycle will pull together all the threads of the previous six books, and serves as the final chapter of the series.
211 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 4, 2026
About the author
Nick Thacker
123 books451 followersNick Thacker is a thriller author from Texas who lives in Hawaii. In his free time, he enjoys reading in a hammock on the beach, skiing, drinking whiskey, and hanging out with his beautiful wife, two dogs, and two daughters.
For more information, visit Nick online at www.nickthacker.com
In addition to his fiction work, Nick is the founder and lead of Sonata & Scribe, the only music studio focused on producing “soundtracks” for books and series. Find out more at www.SonataAndScribe.com.
In addition to his fiction work, Nick is the founder and lead of Sonata & Scribe, the only music studio focused on producing “soundtracks” for books and series. Find out more at www.SonataAndScribe.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
October 2, 2026
A typical archaeological thriller with great characters and an interesting back story.
September 15, 2026
I rated this a three, but hesitated over that. Since I finished it I decided to give it the benefit of a higher rating because maybe some of my issues are due to inattention. I thought of rereading the book just to confirm my memory but it isn't worth my time.
I have major issues with many aspects of the book. The first is that toward the end there appear to be two different accounts of the same event. They are similar, but it isn't because it is being told from two different view points. More like the author wrote one, then rewrote it, but both are included. Other issues may be because I did not read carefully enough but there seemed to be chronological references both in the present and with a past event that did not make sense. Maybe just poor editing or, as above, a change in the story line at some point. Lastly, the logic of how at least one escape occurred made no sense to me. After threatening to destroy something to get the villains to back off, they moved it safety with the villains nearby. Why didn't the villains just come and take it then. Instead they let them go. There were other similar cases. Finally, the heroine is supposed to be the only person in the world who can decipher this codex. That seems unlikely. She may be very good but it seems a stretch to think no one else has sufficient knowledge.
The bottom line is I won't read any more in the series. The author isn't Dan Brown.
I have major issues with many aspects of the book. The first is that toward the end there appear to be two different accounts of the same event. They are similar, but it isn't because it is being told from two different view points. More like the author wrote one, then rewrote it, but both are included. Other issues may be because I did not read carefully enough but there seemed to be chronological references both in the present and with a past event that did not make sense. Maybe just poor editing or, as above, a change in the story line at some point. Lastly, the logic of how at least one escape occurred made no sense to me. After threatening to destroy something to get the villains to back off, they moved it safety with the villains nearby. Why didn't the villains just come and take it then. Instead they let them go. There were other similar cases. Finally, the heroine is supposed to be the only person in the world who can decipher this codex. That seems unlikely. She may be very good but it seems a stretch to think no one else has sufficient knowledge.
The bottom line is I won't read any more in the series. The author isn't Dan Brown.
September 9, 2026
Redemption over a costly mistake?
Two years ago, Elena destroyed her reputation by supporting a forgery in her analysis of antiquities. She is now a failed teacher of 11 bored students...until a phone call from an old friend and the find of a lifetime could restart her career. A large slab of obsidian, in itself supposedly an impossibility, are markings that foretell 400 years of earthquakes. However, they are not the only people who are interested in it...
The search for the answers in the obsidian codex leads Elena on a fraught journey of discovery which could remake her or break her completely.
A tale full of intrigue, suspense, mystery, adventure, threats, manoeuvring, earthquakes, chases, and ultimately, potential redemption make for an entertaining read. It is, however, let down by the repetition of a slightly different key sequence suggestive of an editing error (though at least the two versions are essentially the same this time...).
Two years ago, Elena destroyed her reputation by supporting a forgery in her analysis of antiquities. She is now a failed teacher of 11 bored students...until a phone call from an old friend and the find of a lifetime could restart her career. A large slab of obsidian, in itself supposedly an impossibility, are markings that foretell 400 years of earthquakes. However, they are not the only people who are interested in it...
The search for the answers in the obsidian codex leads Elena on a fraught journey of discovery which could remake her or break her completely.
A tale full of intrigue, suspense, mystery, adventure, threats, manoeuvring, earthquakes, chases, and ultimately, potential redemption make for an entertaining read. It is, however, let down by the repetition of a slightly different key sequence suggestive of an editing error (though at least the two versions are essentially the same this time...).
July 17, 2026
The Obsidian Codex - a review by Rosemary Kenny.
An amazingly suspenseful mystery-thriller from Nicholas Harvey, The Obsidian Codex is the first stand-alone book in his The Atlas Conspiracy series of archaeological adventures, each worthy of being a future Lara Croft or Indiana Jones movie plot.
Dr Elena Vargas stagnates, hiding in dull academia. Then a career-reviving offer from colleague Dr Logan Shepherd arises, and though encouraged by her investigative-journalist sister Rosa, Elena's still hesitant...
until she's given an ultimatum that soon threatens the trio's lives...
and may endanger the world too.
Intrigued? You will be.
Want to know where this incredible, fascinating story leads and what the outcome will be, not only for our intrepid heroes, but for everyone?
Then get The Obsidian Codex today, to find out - it's totally unputdownable!
An amazingly suspenseful mystery-thriller from Nicholas Harvey, The Obsidian Codex is the first stand-alone book in his The Atlas Conspiracy series of archaeological adventures, each worthy of being a future Lara Croft or Indiana Jones movie plot.
Dr Elena Vargas stagnates, hiding in dull academia. Then a career-reviving offer from colleague Dr Logan Shepherd arises, and though encouraged by her investigative-journalist sister Rosa, Elena's still hesitant...
until she's given an ultimatum that soon threatens the trio's lives...
and may endanger the world too.
Intrigued? You will be.
Want to know where this incredible, fascinating story leads and what the outcome will be, not only for our intrepid heroes, but for everyone?
Then get The Obsidian Codex today, to find out - it's totally unputdownable!
September 15, 2026
Respectable
This is a decent book with the usual cast of characters that I find in books of this footprint, and I do enjoy them. It took me a moment to warm up to the writing style but once it settled in I was along for the ride. Good story line with the usual wealthy faceless antagonist that most books of this nature must have. The linking of independent stories should be interesting and Mr. Thacker gets credit for attempting this, not an easy thing to pull off literally as it can quickly become fanciful. 4 stars because it stops just short of dragging me along to the next page. The story asks the reader to invest their time but not quite enough to pay the reader for that investment. If I moved on from the series I’m not sure I’d be compelled to return. Off to the next one to see if my feelings change.
This is a decent book with the usual cast of characters that I find in books of this footprint, and I do enjoy them. It took me a moment to warm up to the writing style but once it settled in I was along for the ride. Good story line with the usual wealthy faceless antagonist that most books of this nature must have. The linking of independent stories should be interesting and Mr. Thacker gets credit for attempting this, not an easy thing to pull off literally as it can quickly become fanciful. 4 stars because it stops just short of dragging me along to the next page. The story asks the reader to invest their time but not quite enough to pay the reader for that investment. If I moved on from the series I’m not sure I’d be compelled to return. Off to the next one to see if my feelings change.
August 30, 2026
“The obsidian Codex by Nick Thacker needs editing. Dr Elena Vargas is paralyzed in her career as an archaeologist having made a mistake two years earlier. Dr Logan Shepherd calls indicating he found a 4000 year-old obsidian plaque/slab has never been shown to the public, Elena’s investigative-journalist sister Rosa encourages her but she still is reluctant. These first chapters have Elena obsessing over past mistakes and hiding to avoid making another. This gets redundant ; Elena ultimately decides to travel to southern Mexico to view and translate the slab. Some OK action here then you get to the end of the tale an escape from a collapsing mountain. A chapter is out of order from the next one in that they get out of a collapsing mountain and then they’re back in the mountain poor editing. 1.5 to 2 stars
September 25, 2026
I have been intrigued by Nick Thacker's latest series, The Atlas Conspiracy Cycle. Six books to read independently of one another, yet all leading to a culmination that rounds the complete series up in the seventh! How does he do that? Well, I have just read my first book in the series - The Obsidian Codex - and thoroughly enjoyed it. I have no idea how the others entwine themselves with this volume, but it was a satisfying, stand-alone read. I will be buying the rest of the series gradually and will enjoy trying to work out how they fit together. The series promises an enjoyable journey. I will definitely leave volume 7 to read last - so everything comes together.
August 10, 2026
The obsidian codex
I really enjoyed reading this book. I am glad that they are all stand alone once. I’m going to have to go back and read the rest of them. Been a long time since I read them all, but they were really enjoyable. I love archaeology if I could do things over again, I would love to be an archaeologist and find these things and translate them. I think that’s just defend fantastic job cause you’re discovering history all over again. It’s old is new and what is new is old. They’re truly is nothing new under the sun.
I really enjoyed reading this book. I am glad that they are all stand alone once. I’m going to have to go back and read the rest of them. Been a long time since I read them all, but they were really enjoyable. I love archaeology if I could do things over again, I would love to be an archaeologist and find these things and translate them. I think that’s just defend fantastic job cause you’re discovering history all over again. It’s old is new and what is new is old. They’re truly is nothing new under the sun.
September 10, 2026
Not your usual treasure hunt
This was not your usual search for treasure in a long unfolding mystery. A codex on a slab of obsidian, ancient and capable of prediction and destruction, is not something, like an ingeniously buried treasure that all attempts fail to get at, for example, that you would expect. It’s an enjoyable read and keeps you wondering to the end, not if the good guys will survive, but what the codex is and what it can do. Good writing especially the grand finale.
This was not your usual search for treasure in a long unfolding mystery. A codex on a slab of obsidian, ancient and capable of prediction and destruction, is not something, like an ingeniously buried treasure that all attempts fail to get at, for example, that you would expect. It’s an enjoyable read and keeps you wondering to the end, not if the good guys will survive, but what the codex is and what it can do. Good writing especially the grand finale.
July 13, 2026
Outstanding!
Anyone with interest in archaeology, geology, mystery should read this book. You don't read it as much as you feel it - right down to the cold water and the oppressive jungle air. Mr Thacker takes you right into the head of Dr Vargas as she pushes down a prior failure to walk the path of discovery of an ancient stone's true purpose. Action, politics, methodology - its all here. And a clue of sorts...
Anyone with interest in archaeology, geology, mystery should read this book. You don't read it as much as you feel it - right down to the cold water and the oppressive jungle air. Mr Thacker takes you right into the head of Dr Vargas as she pushes down a prior failure to walk the path of discovery of an ancient stone's true purpose. Action, politics, methodology - its all here. And a clue of sorts...
August 5, 2026
GREAT READ
I have yet to read a Thacker story that didn’t grab me in the first chapter and not let go until the last word. Problem is, many times one story leads to another book, and my sleep requirement is demolished. Won’t say anything about this book because it would give away some of the exciting essence of the tale. Just start reading, you won’t be sorry but maybe a little sleep deprived!
I have yet to read a Thacker story that didn’t grab me in the first chapter and not let go until the last word. Problem is, many times one story leads to another book, and my sleep requirement is demolished. Won’t say anything about this book because it would give away some of the exciting essence of the tale. Just start reading, you won’t be sorry but maybe a little sleep deprived!
August 12, 2026
I usually love Nick Thacker books, but found this discombobulated. Last few chapters need re-doing, as 1 chapter the characters are outside, and all is finished, baddie is a goner etc, next chapter they are back inside the mountain! Baddie is alive!! Then they carry Logan down the mountain in a tarpaulin taken from the back of a truck (which had to be left down the mountain) to reach the trucks and Hotwire one!! Won’t get the next one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 7, 2026
Can’t wait for more!!! this was so exciting!!
This story is amazing. The characters are carved well. The pace builds and builds. And leaves you wanting more!! Love the ObsidianCodex.
This story is amazing. The characters are carved well. The pace builds and builds. And leaves you wanting more!! Love the ObsidianCodex.
July 12, 2026
Wonderful Action & Logic
A mystery slab takes a ruined professor on a journey against two different companies. This is pure Nick Thacker. Twists & turns. As good as his Harvey Bennett series & this is book 1. I can hardly wait to read the rest of the series.
A mystery slab takes a ruined professor on a journey against two different companies. This is pure Nick Thacker. Twists & turns. As good as his Harvey Bennett series & this is book 1. I can hardly wait to read the rest of the series.
July 13, 2026
Adventure, bad guys and Archology
Female lead, smart and driven but discredited in her field. Mysterious slab holds amazing power. Evil corporation hench woman. All heading in the same direction. Disaster and turmoil at the end!!! But wait…… what was that tiny mark ?????
Female lead, smart and driven but discredited in her field. Mysterious slab holds amazing power. Evil corporation hench woman. All heading in the same direction. Disaster and turmoil at the end!!! But wait…… what was that tiny mark ?????
July 14, 2026
Searching for truth
Excellent storyline and filled with suspense. Elena, disgraced by authenticating a forgery, finds herself. She is the only one that can read the writing on an ancient stone. Evil people wanted to control her, but Elena finds a way to win.
Excellent storyline and filled with suspense. Elena, disgraced by authenticating a forgery, finds herself. She is the only one that can read the writing on an ancient stone. Evil people wanted to control her, but Elena finds a way to win.
July 18, 2026
A good start
Well if this is the first l can not wait for the seventh. A story that builds and keeps going. The characters are believable and at times make you smile. It gets more intense as the story unfolds. Now for book two.
Well if this is the first l can not wait for the seventh. A story that builds and keeps going. The characters are believable and at times make you smile. It gets more intense as the story unfolds. Now for book two.
July 19, 2026
Great read
This was a fast paced story with lots of action., without the blood and guts. Which often tries pass for story when it does nothing to add to the story,.
This was well written, fun book,. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys adventures .
This was a fast paced story with lots of action., without the blood and guts. Which often tries pass for story when it does nothing to add to the story,.
This was well written, fun book,. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys adventures .
August 17, 2026
Indianna Jones move over!
Amazing archaelogical mystery that costs lives because of human greed. Great story telling with a terrific heroine. I cannot wait to read the rest of the series.
Amazing archaelogical mystery that costs lives because of human greed. Great story telling with a terrific heroine. I cannot wait to read the rest of the series.
August 17, 2026
Great new series
I cannot wait to get on to the next one. Not sure how the "read in any order works", but I will find out. Really enjoyed the premise and it had me right from the get go.
I cannot wait to get on to the next one. Not sure how the "read in any order works", but I will find out. Really enjoyed the premise and it had me right from the get go.
August 23, 2026
The Obsidian Codes by Nick Thacker
The first book of a new series! You can read it as a standalone book or in order.
This is different than Thacker's usual writing, and boy, is it good! I highly recommend you read it and see for yourself. Me, it's on to the next one!
The first book of a new series! You can read it as a standalone book or in order.
This is different than Thacker's usual writing, and boy, is it good! I highly recommend you read it and see for yourself. Me, it's on to the next one!
September 19, 2026
The plot was intriguing enough to continually capture my interest. The characters were introduced and developed in a way that supported the plot well. I kept reading because "I wanted to know what was going to happen next". And that's a very good thing :)
September 20, 2026
Archaeologists or rock hounds will appreciate this author’s genius
Authentic thriller about the mysterious world of past and future treasures. Excellent storytelling about lost objects providing thought/provoking present day topics!
Authentic thriller about the mysterious world of past and future treasures. Excellent storytelling about lost objects providing thought/provoking present day topics!
October 6, 2026
Ready For This New Series
Great storytelling. Nick Thacker writes to engage the reader's emotions so the fear, anger or frustration become the reader's perception of what they would feel in similar situations.
Yay for this book!
Great storytelling. Nick Thacker writes to engage the reader's emotions so the fear, anger or frustration become the reader's perception of what they would feel in similar situations.
Yay for this book!
August 18, 2026
I enjoyed his book very much. Gripping story line with lots of tension, action and danger.
August 25, 2026
Fast paced
the story of something not from this time and the courage to tell the world about it. Well thought out story
the story of something not from this time and the courage to tell the world about it. Well thought out story
August 31, 2026
Good read
Kept my attention through out the read. Good pace and action. Well developed characters for a short novel. Would recommend to others. Looking forward to next installment.
Kept my attention through out the read. Good pace and action. Well developed characters for a short novel. Would recommend to others. Looking forward to next installment.
September 8, 2026
Terrific
What a ride! This was definitely a book you don't want to put down. It was a never ending rollercoaster of highs and lows and you just had to hold on for the ride.
What a ride! This was definitely a book you don't want to put down. It was a never ending rollercoaster of highs and lows and you just had to hold on for the ride.
September 8, 2026
Excellent
I love the way the first six books will all come together in the final #7. The question is when that will be in print. Highly recommend.
I love the way the first six books will all come together in the final #7. The question is when that will be in print. Highly recommend.
September 10, 2026
Out of the ordinary
Good book to read, fascinating, even if you don't know anything about archeology. Once you start, you can't stop reading
Good book to read, fascinating, even if you don't know anything about archeology. Once you start, you can't stop reading
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews