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Hank Boyd #1
Blood and Sand
A fierce sandstorm hits southern Algeria and uncovers a lost ruin, its location unknown to modern man...until now. A team led by slacker archaeologist, Harrison "Hank" Boyd, is called in to investigate the find.
In way over his head, Hank must lead his team through countless dangers and survive brutal encounters with enemies both human and inhuman alike. And if that's not bad enough, a shadowy group with a thirst for violence and a blind ambition is hot on their heels and will stop at nothing to obtain what has been found.
Hank and company should have heeded the warning left by the ancient civilization who built this place. Expertly carved into the face of the golden relief found at the ruin entrance and written in perfect Latin is 'liberate te ex inferis'...save yourself from hell.
Matthew James's debut novel is an action-packed thriller reminiscent of Jeremy Robinson and Matthew Reilly. Sit back and enjoy yourself while getting lost in an adventure like no other.
In way over his head, Hank must lead his team through countless dangers and survive brutal encounters with enemies both human and inhuman alike. And if that's not bad enough, a shadowy group with a thirst for violence and a blind ambition is hot on their heels and will stop at nothing to obtain what has been found.
Hank and company should have heeded the warning left by the ancient civilization who built this place. Expertly carved into the face of the golden relief found at the ruin entrance and written in perfect Latin is 'liberate te ex inferis'...save yourself from hell.
Matthew James's debut novel is an action-packed thriller reminiscent of Jeremy Robinson and Matthew Reilly. Sit back and enjoy yourself while getting lost in an adventure like no other.
223 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 2, 2015
712 people are currently reading
477 people want to read
About the author
Matthew James
44 books123 followersMATT JAMES is the international bestselling author of over thirty-five action-packed titles, including the fan-favorite Jack Reilly series, The Cursed Thief, and The Blood King. He specializes in globetrotting thrillers that fans of James Rollins, Steve Berry, and Ernest Dempsey will devour!
He lives twenty minutes from the beach in sunny South Florida with his amazing wife, three beautiful children, a lovable pitty, and an overly dramatic black cat.
Go to MattJamesAuthor.com and subscribe to his newsletter for early and exclusive news and updates! You will NOT be mercilessly spammed with junk mail. And don't forget to click the FOLLOW button on his Amazon page to receive new release alerts!
He lives twenty minutes from the beach in sunny South Florida with his amazing wife, three beautiful children, a lovable pitty, and an overly dramatic black cat.
Go to MattJamesAuthor.com and subscribe to his newsletter for early and exclusive news and updates! You will NOT be mercilessly spammed with junk mail. And don't forget to click the FOLLOW button on his Amazon page to receive new release alerts!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
January 8, 2020
4,50 stars - English Ebook - 🌹🌹🌹
* *** “Power?” Dad asks.
“Yes, power. Power over the very elements of the Earth itself. There’s supposedly knowledge or possibly even a weapon of some kind that was said to have been left here by an acient civilization millennia ago. ****
A fast Adventure in the dessert of Nordern Africa. A new Hero. A hero how thinks he is no hero. A Dad who loves his son but sometimes has a harsh way of showing. A cult running after them and killing a lot of people in the proces. And why? The friends of the Hero are interesting to. Story line has a beginning, middle and end. Curious for the next of this author.🍀🍀🍀
* *** “Power?” Dad asks.
“Yes, power. Power over the very elements of the Earth itself. There’s supposedly knowledge or possibly even a weapon of some kind that was said to have been left here by an acient civilization millennia ago. ****
A fast Adventure in the dessert of Nordern Africa. A new Hero. A hero how thinks he is no hero. A Dad who loves his son but sometimes has a harsh way of showing. A cult running after them and killing a lot of people in the proces. And why? The friends of the Hero are interesting to. Story line has a beginning, middle and end. Curious for the next of this author.🍀🍀🍀
July 29, 2015
Great new author
ByMiss Lyn "Lyn Askew"on June 4, 2015
Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase
Matthew James has come up with a great hero in this action packed book. I look forward to future adventures!It has so much adventure thrills and humor too. A great combination!!
ByMiss Lyn "Lyn Askew"on June 4, 2015
Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase
Matthew James has come up with a great hero in this action packed book. I look forward to future adventures!It has so much adventure thrills and humor too. A great combination!!
July 27, 2015
What an adventure! Harrison "Hank" Boyd is a great hero. Funny with a movie reference ready at every turn. I loved him and his team. Jeremy Kane is a great sidekick, even though I wouldn't say it to his face. One so good that he might deserve a spinoff at one point, like Robert Crais did with Joe Pike or Greig Beck did with Matt Kearns. The ending is epic. I can't wait for Hank Boyd #2: Mayan Darkness.
Adventure has a new name to add to it's impressive roster... Matthew James.
Adventure has a new name to add to it's impressive roster... Matthew James.
July 15, 2015
What a Ride!!!
All I can say is WOW!!! This book is an edge of your seat page turner! From the beginning it will grab your attention and take you on an adventure. I am looking forward to more stories about Hank Boyd Jr.... Thank you Mr. James for a wonderful read!
All I can say is WOW!!! This book is an edge of your seat page turner! From the beginning it will grab your attention and take you on an adventure. I am looking forward to more stories about Hank Boyd Jr.... Thank you Mr. James for a wonderful read!
June 24, 2015
Fun Fast Adventure
Loved this fast paced adventure ride. This is a wonderful start to what I believe will be an awesome series.
Loved this fast paced adventure ride. This is a wonderful start to what I believe will be an awesome series.
June 8, 2022
4 stars - Dutch paperback
A fast moving action adventure story... The first of a possible series.
Hank Boyd is a bit of a reluctant hero.
Formal education was not his style, but, that does Not make him a dumb shoot 'em up type. He tries to think things through, and, like most of us, sometimes over thinks things. But, what he does best, is correlate facts, articles, myths, and trivia into plausible theories on some of the strange incidents that occur around him.
Perhaps one of the things I liked best about this book, is a silly thing, I suppose.
When a character is beaten or in an accident, they do not "magically" get better by the next "scene ", unless, of course, there is a magical component that heals that character.
Indeed, by the end of the book, most of the characters appeared to have survived a battle royal, with cuts, bumps, bruises, aches, and scrapes, the survivors limping away from the scene. Over all, I thought this was a good book, and a fun read.
I do recommend this book.
A fast moving action adventure story... The first of a possible series.
Hank Boyd is a bit of a reluctant hero.
Formal education was not his style, but, that does Not make him a dumb shoot 'em up type. He tries to think things through, and, like most of us, sometimes over thinks things. But, what he does best, is correlate facts, articles, myths, and trivia into plausible theories on some of the strange incidents that occur around him.
Perhaps one of the things I liked best about this book, is a silly thing, I suppose.
When a character is beaten or in an accident, they do not "magically" get better by the next "scene ", unless, of course, there is a magical component that heals that character.
Indeed, by the end of the book, most of the characters appeared to have survived a battle royal, with cuts, bumps, bruises, aches, and scrapes, the survivors limping away from the scene. Over all, I thought this was a good book, and a fun read.
I do recommend this book.
April 2, 2017
Blood and Sand takes place in Algeria. A sandstorms has uncovered a lost ruin that was not even known in modern day. Hank is called into investigate. The funny thing about Hank is that while he is an archaeologist, he isn't a motivated one.
Humorous at time. Enemies galore .... some of which are inhuman.
Humorous at time. Enemies galore .... some of which are inhuman.
October 10, 2024
Good adventure
This book kept me wanting more and staying up to late turning pages. If you like Indiana Jones then it's a must read.
This book kept me wanting more and staying up to late turning pages. If you like Indiana Jones then it's a must read.
March 4, 2016
Another archaeological mystery with a familiar twist--a lost civilization buried on two levels, 1000 and 1500 feet beneath the Sahara Desert. Uncovered by a freak sandstorm, the discovery is investigated by a team led by Hank Boyd, archaeologist without portfolio or degree, accompanied by his father, William., Natalie, his father's gun-toting Swedish assistant, and Kane, your typical hard nosed CIA agent. There's a lot of action involving the archaeology team and the group Zero, controlled by a shadowy figure, Wolf. Throw in some inhuman, spectral figures from several thousand years ago, and you have a fairly interesting read. Of course, there are some loose ends after the final battle deep underground: how does the team get back to the surface from the thousand foot level? How can Natalie and Kane carry enough ammunition for their weapons to maintain the rate of fire that they do on some occasions? There are also typos, repelling instead of rappelling, for instance, sprinkled throughout the narrative. Not a whole lot, just enough to be distracting.
October 2, 2019
A good start (Mild spoiler alert)
I didn't hate this book, and I feel that it was a fairly good debut, the author has a lot of promise, the story idea was interesting and the characters well fleshed out.
However, there were a lot of missing words (which I find a lot with ebooks), and some sentences just... read oddly, I feel that with a more observant editor most of the issues with the book could have been dealt with.
I also felt a couple of sections just didn't play right in my head, if I were being chased down by armed enemies and also worried about where my dad was, I wouldn't stop suddenly for a 'quick 30 minute rest' there are other ways to get across story elements.
I did find the attraction/romantic interest was too forced and honestly the bit with the 'caught a glance at her midriff' is more something I'd expect in a YA novel.
But rant over it was good enough that I would try his other books.
I didn't hate this book, and I feel that it was a fairly good debut, the author has a lot of promise, the story idea was interesting and the characters well fleshed out.
However, there were a lot of missing words (which I find a lot with ebooks), and some sentences just... read oddly, I feel that with a more observant editor most of the issues with the book could have been dealt with.
I also felt a couple of sections just didn't play right in my head, if I were being chased down by armed enemies and also worried about where my dad was, I wouldn't stop suddenly for a 'quick 30 minute rest' there are other ways to get across story elements.
I did find the attraction/romantic interest was too forced and honestly the bit with the 'caught a glance at her midriff' is more something I'd expect in a YA novel.
But rant over it was good enough that I would try his other books.
June 12, 2017
Incredibly fun read!!
You know that it's good when you finish a book and sit contentedly reviewing the story and characters and just want to spend more time with them all. You sigh sad that it's over, then happily realize there are several more titles and you rush back to Amazon to pick them up! Enjoy, I certainly did!!
You know that it's good when you finish a book and sit contentedly reviewing the story and characters and just want to spend more time with them all. You sigh sad that it's over, then happily realize there are several more titles and you rush back to Amazon to pick them up! Enjoy, I certainly did!!
October 31, 2015
Wow!
First off, I love books about archeology. This one is a definite keeper, with very likeable characters, who have a sense of humor. Hank Boyd is one of the best I've read in a long time.
Most definitely you should read this, you will love it, too!
First off, I love books about archeology. This one is a definite keeper, with very likeable characters, who have a sense of humor. Hank Boyd is one of the best I've read in a long time.
Most definitely you should read this, you will love it, too!
February 10, 2017
This was a fun archeological adventure involving the lost city of Atlantis. It was quite fast-paced and easy to read. I liked the characters, especially Kane, and look forward to reading more about them in future novels.
August 8, 2015
Excellent loved this book.
August 25, 2015
Lots of fun
If you're a fan of david wood or Jeremy Robinson then you will definitely enjoy this book. History, adventure, monsters, and guns
If you're a fan of david wood or Jeremy Robinson then you will definitely enjoy this book. History, adventure, monsters, and guns
July 25, 2017
Blood and Sand
This was a great read. Hope to read more from these character in another sequel. A very exciting great book.
This was a great read. Hope to read more from these character in another sequel. A very exciting great book.
June 13, 2017
Didn't Want To Enjoy This As Much As I Did!
Too many hyphens in the beginning, poor edits for grammar and language (even in the "anniversary" edition) and an unsympathetic protagonist were stumbling blocks to truly immersing myself in the story (the first scene was oddly protracted and boring). Despite the rough start, the remainder of the book was pretty good. It held my attention ilintil the very end
Too many hyphens in the beginning, poor edits for grammar and language (even in the "anniversary" edition) and an unsympathetic protagonist were stumbling blocks to truly immersing myself in the story (the first scene was oddly protracted and boring). Despite the rough start, the remainder of the book was pretty good. It held my attention ilintil the very end
July 1, 2017
Blood and Sand
In the first half of this book, I found the silliness of the main character to be annoying, and I considered not finishing the book which is rare for me. I kept plugging away, and the character grew on me as he settled down some and demonstrated some intelligence and integrity. In the end I enjoyed the book and will read the next one in the series. A few typos need to be corrected.
In the first half of this book, I found the silliness of the main character to be annoying, and I considered not finishing the book which is rare for me. I kept plugging away, and the character grew on me as he settled down some and demonstrated some intelligence and integrity. In the end I enjoyed the book and will read the next one in the series. A few typos need to be corrected.
August 6, 2017
Action packed supernatural thriller
If you enjoy treasure hunting for lost civilizations that may have been real, or maybe just myths, then this is the book for you. Action packed, well plotted with interesting, yet unusual characters, this is one book that was hard to put down. I look forward to reading more about the adventures of Hank Boyd!
If you enjoy treasure hunting for lost civilizations that may have been real, or maybe just myths, then this is the book for you. Action packed, well plotted with interesting, yet unusual characters, this is one book that was hard to put down. I look forward to reading more about the adventures of Hank Boyd!
March 9, 2018
Blood and Sand
Absolutely loved this book...Strong characters of Hank, Nicole and Kane...Liked that not only was Kane the muscle of the group , but that he had a good sense of humor...Great storyline by Matt James...Lots of action and adventure...Do Hank and his crew find Atlantis? Read the book and you will find out
Absolutely loved this book...Strong characters of Hank, Nicole and Kane...Liked that not only was Kane the muscle of the group , but that he had a good sense of humor...Great storyline by Matt James...Lots of action and adventure...Do Hank and his crew find Atlantis? Read the book and you will find out
August 13, 2022
The first few intro pages made it seem like I would enjoy this book.
Unfortunately it didn’t.
The story made no sense even for fantasy.
The characters were poorly written with no depth whatsoever. The story line went from absurd to close to unreadable.
Sorry to say all I wanted to do was get through it to start something else.
Unfortunately it didn’t.
The story made no sense even for fantasy.
The characters were poorly written with no depth whatsoever. The story line went from absurd to close to unreadable.
Sorry to say all I wanted to do was get through it to start something else.
December 7, 2022
pretty good for first in the series
I’ve read several of Matt James’ books. I enjoy them but wish they were longer and wish this particular story was a little more fleshed out. This book also had several typos and editing errors which I find distracting—my inner English teacher I suppose!
Overall I do recommend this book and will definitely try others in this series
I’ve read several of Matt James’ books. I enjoy them but wish they were longer and wish this particular story was a little more fleshed out. This book also had several typos and editing errors which I find distracting—my inner English teacher I suppose!
Overall I do recommend this book and will definitely try others in this series
June 16, 2017
A Real Action Experience
I read this book in one day! I just couldn't put it down. Lots of good action and great sense of humor. The author made you feel you could really know and like these characters, they were real.
I read this book in one day! I just couldn't put it down. Lots of good action and great sense of humor. The author made you feel you could really know and like these characters, they were real.
June 21, 2017
Thanks for the adventure i am on to Msyan Darkness. I can only hope it will be even better
Thanks for the adventure and on to Mayan Darkness. I can on!y hope that it will be even better than this one
Thanks for the adventure and on to Mayan Darkness. I can on!y hope that it will be even better than this one
July 15, 2017
After struggling with the plot, I managed to finish this book - not my favorite subject matter, but the plot seemed interesting. I don't expect to read the other two books in the series. I save "one star" ratings for the books that I do not finish.
August 29, 2017
It was ok
Needs some editing - spelling, grammar, sentence flow. As others have said the story, and characters, grew on me. Not sorry I read it but happy that I did not have to pay for it.
Needs some editing - spelling, grammar, sentence flow. As others have said the story, and characters, grew on me. Not sorry I read it but happy that I did not have to pay for it.
March 31, 2018
Great Adventure.
Others have written about the story, and you do have to suspend belief, but what a great book! Like Indiana Jones, this author’s idol, fun, suspenseful, one scrape to another. Looking for the next in this series, though this is a stand alone story.
Others have written about the story, and you do have to suspend belief, but what a great book! Like Indiana Jones, this author’s idol, fun, suspenseful, one scrape to another. Looking for the next in this series, though this is a stand alone story.
December 6, 2018
I REALLY like these characters!
I like how you get backstory on the characters but not so much that you are SICK of their angst and bored by the end.
This story was like riding a rocket and the humor made me LOL.
My son asked me WTF!
Who cares what he thinks I loved it!
I like how you get backstory on the characters but not so much that you are SICK of their angst and bored by the end.
This story was like riding a rocket and the humor made me LOL.
My son asked me WTF!
Who cares what he thinks I loved it!
February 2, 2021
Good storyline but...
The grammatical errors and over use of italics drove me crazy. Maybe I'm just a grammar Nazi but there were so many it seemed as if there was no proofreading performed.
The grammatical errors and over use of italics drove me crazy. Maybe I'm just a grammar Nazi but there were so many it seemed as if there was no proofreading performed.
June 11, 2017
Awful
Couldn't get pass the first few chapters. Reads like it was written for thirteen year olds. Don't waste your time.
Couldn't get pass the first few chapters. Reads like it was written for thirteen year olds. Don't waste your time.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews