Amber

Dane Maddock Origins #7

by David Wood, Rick Chesler

They called it the Eighth Wonder of the World. For more than two hundred years, the world marveled at the fabled Amber Room. And then came the Nazis.

Since the second World War, one of the world's most magnificent lost treasures has lain hidden, and it's up to Navy SEALs Dane Maddock and "Bones" Bonebrake to find it again. Joined by Zara Leopov, their squad must follow the trail of clues from history in a perilous, action-packed race to find a treasure and unlock a deadly secret hidden in AMBER.

Praise for David Wood and the Dane Maddock Adventures

"Dane and Bones.... Together they're unstoppable. Rip roaring action from start to finish. Wit and humor throughout. Just one question - how soon until the next one? Because I can't wait."
Graham Brown, author of Shadows of the Midnight Sun

"What an adventure! A great read that provides lots of action, and thoughtful insight as well, into strange realms that are sometimes best left unexplored."
Paul Kemprecos, author of Cool Blue Tomb and the NUMA Files

“A page-turning yarn blending high action, Biblical speculation, ancient secrets, and nasty creatures. Indiana Jones better watch his back!”–Jeremy Robinson, author of SecondWorld

"With the thoroughly enjoyable way Mr. Wood has mixed speculative history with our modern day pursuit of truth, he has created a story that thrills and makes one think beyond the boundaries of mere fiction and enter the world of 'why not'?" --David Lynn Golemon, Author of Ancients, Event, Legend, and Leviathan

"A twisty tale of adventure and intrigue that never lets up and never lets go!" --Robert Masello, author of Bestiary and Blood and Ice

"Let there be no confusion: David Wood is the next Clive Cussler. Once you start reading, you won't be able to stop until the last mystery plays out in the final line." Edward G. Talbot, author of 2012: The Fifth World

"I like my thrillers with lots of explosions, global locations and a mystery where I learn something new. Wood delivers! Recommended as a fast paced, kick ass read."
J.F. Penn, author of Desecration

Genres: Thriller, Audiobook, Adventure, Military Fiction, Action

207 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 6, 2015

About the author

David Wood is the USA Today bestselling author of the Dane Maddock Adventures and many other titles and series. He also writes Science Fiction under the pen name Finn Gray and fantasy as David Debord. He is also a book reviewer, podcaster, and a member of International Thriller Writers and The Horror Writers Association. David and his family live in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Visit him online at www.davidwoodweb.com.

Reviews

[Alan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The seventh book of this series (although they are short, they are outstanding) shows us that Maddock, Bones, Professor and Willis have all grown in their team tactics as Navy Seals. The story line that David Wood spins for his character is quite masterful and is something to be enjoyed.

If you like a history thrown in a book with some action, good natured bantering amongst the individuals, then you have found the right book to read. While the books can be read out of order; it does pay to try and read them in order as there are a few certain events that occur that are talked about in later books or in the case of his other series "The Dane Maddock Adventures" pick up with a story line of our band of heroes "post discharge" from the U.S. Navy. Just another series that cannot and should not be avoided.

[Lisa Sandman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dane and Bones are at it again in this installment of the Origins series. They are on the hunt for the Fabled Amber Room and of course they encounter others who want to thwart them. The book is full of fun historical information, as well as a suspenseful mystery that needs to be solved by Dane and Bones who do so with the help of some friends and their sarcastic sense of humor. Great read! Love all the books in this series as well as the full length Dane and Bones books. You will not be disappoointed!

[Nigel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well David does it again another great story from the Origins series, I really like these books short and snappy with great stories and more character development about Maddock and Bones. This time they are tasked with finding the Amber Room with help from Willis and Prof and a a friend? From a previous origins book. Great story with loads of action and a fair few twists. Really looking forward to Ark
Keep up the great work David

[Brian's Book Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review coming soon!

[Julie Howard · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did enjoy this book but it wasn't any where near being my favourite. I think because unlike previous books there was no clear bad guy they had to beat to the treasure (like the dominium) instead it was Russian and German soldiers. Don't get me wrong there is plenty of action and history included in this adventure and of course witty banter that we have come to expect from the seals. It just felt flat, maybe too many places to investigate that everybody had already looked at it were looking at and the team always had the one peace of evidence that lead them to the treasure, well sort of as nothing ever goes to plan. The story starts in the past giving you an idea of what the Navy seals will be looking for, then jumps to how they got there orders because running off to start the investigation/adventure. This works well and I am enjoying Dane and Bones early years before becoming full Indiana Jones operatives. The characters are fun and have the kind of camaraderie/relationship where even through they tease each other, nobody gets left behind. Off to start the next book.
Navy SEALs Dane Maddock and “Bones” Bonebrake are joined by Zara Leopov for there latest mission. Can they trust her to help find the Amber room? The treasure contained in room was broken up during the war, including the curse, with only rumours to say where the treasure ended up. The Navy seals will have to beat the Russians and Germans if they hope to stop there enemies from unleashing the curse in to the world.
I like the narrator. He has a pleasant voice to listen too and uses it well in both voicing female and male characters.
I was given this free review copy audio book at my request and have voluntary left this review.

[Kristjan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Performance: ***
Story: ***

A Simple Treasure Hunt Story

An origination series for the Dane Maddock Adventures, which are fun escape adventures good for an airport read. Here we get a look into the adventures of Dane and Bones as Good Ole Boys/Navy SEALS (and is so totally not believable … so take that for what it’s worth). This series pretty much follows the same formula found in the original series, so it you likes the first series, you will not be disappointed here either. It is certainly an entertaining way to explore some of the historical trivia (which was definitely an appeal for me). The narration was decent, but wasn’t really a break out performance even as it matches the tone of the story as a whole.

In this case … Amber has the team chasing down rumors of the Amber Room with basic information on what it was and what happened to it (and when it disappeared). The details are pretty basic and the story doesn’t really offer much beyond what a google search might turn up, but that is really just a backdrop for a character driven treasure hunt that is a silly as a National Treasure movie … just sit back and enjoy it.

I was given this free advance review/listener copy (ARC) audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

#Amber #DaneMaddockOrigins #FreeAudiobookCodes

[Regina · Rating 3 out of 5]

** Review of Audio Format **

Resourceful SEALs"

The Amber Room was stolen by the Nazi’s during WWII, everyone knows that. The mystery is where did it go after it was stolen and where is it now? Navy SEALs Dane and Bones are assigned to find out just that. Zara Leopov joins them along the way with a mission of her own. Together, the SEALs and Leopov battle the Russians to be the first to find and recover the famous Amber Room. But would it be better to never find it again?

I liked how the listen started with Danes and Bones in training. It gave you a feel for how smart, resourceful, and lethal they are together. They show all those qualities and more as they travel from place to place on orders to recover the Amber Room. There is much to like in this standalone, if somewhat short, listen. There is action and adventure along with sexual tension that was neither over or under done.

Jeffrey Kafer was an awesome narrator. He did as well with male and female voices and his Russian and German accents were good, too!

I received this book for free through Audiobook Boom! in exchange for an honest review.

[Vicky Coughlan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book 7 in this series and again Dane and Bones haven’t disappointed! The search for the famed Amber Room is on. The adrenaline rush is mighty and the non stop action continues to excite. Can’t get enough of David Wood and his heroes! What am I going to do when there’s no more Dane and Bones adventures??

[Vicki Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always a great read

[Melissa Hayden · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book 7, do I need to read in order? I don't think so. We are introduced to the characters at the beginning and see the bond between them all is strong. Then we go on with the adventure they find themselves on in this story, it's not a carry over from previous books, it's a new one. Sure there are drops of other missions together, but that just fuels the want to listen/read the previous books.

I do enjoy these characters and dangerous adventures. I will be looking for more of them!

****FULL REVIEW****
*This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of AudiobookBoom dot com, at my request.

Maddock is with his Navy SEAL partners, Bones, Professor, and Willis, on a mission to find the Amber room that went missing in the second World War. If they can't retrieve the whole room, at least bring home what they can. Diving the wreckage of a ship thought to have pieces or traces to the lost room, they find more than a clue. The mission turns dangerous as trouble from the Russian's searching the site as well board their boat.

Jeffrey voices these men with ease. Jeffrey has been narrating this whole series and connected series's, from what I've listened to. With Jeffrey narrating and David and Rick's writing, I smile at the small quips from the four men working together. They have a quick sense of humor that keeps their situations light as they work through them, but also makes me smile and keep the story light. Jeffrey's voice brings this to life for me. I have grown fond of listening to Jeffrey. He's always clear and easy to listen to. There is no background disturbances or echos to his voice. Also there is no pops on letters as he speaks. Perfect recording and narration.

From the beginning we see how Maddock, Bones, Professor, and Willis work as a team back when they were SEAL's in training. It's fun to listen to these men banter back and forth. They are a great pairing of friends and have great quick comments for each other, such a youthful feel to them as SEAL's in training.

I found I was thinking I'd enjoy traveling in person with these men on their adventures. Their personalities and humor are ones I'd enjoy. Plus the addition of possible dangers (okay with them, yes danger) they find themselves fighting out of, sounds exciting!

This is book 7, do I need to read in order? I don't think so. We are introduced to the characters at the beginning and see the bond between them all is strong. Then we go on with the adventure they find themselves on in this story, it's not a carry over from previous books, it's a new one. Sure there are drops of other missions together, but that just fuels the want to listen/read the previous books.

I would listen to the story again as I think I'd pick up some details that I missed with all that's packed into these pages. There are a few moments I wasn't 100% sure how the characters knew where to go. But, they are getting information from an Admiral and you don't question your superiors. They did find a journal that helps back the information too. Even as this is a shorter read/listen, it's packed full of details of the mission and action.

I do enjoy these characters and dangerous adventures. I will be looking for more of them!

[Bookwyrm Speaks · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this action packed thriller by David Wood and Rick Chesler, Navy SEALs Dane Maddock and "Bones" Bonebreak are assigned with 2 other members of their team to find the lost Amber Room, which the Nazi's stole from Russia as they retreated during the last days of WW2. Assisting them is a Russian agent, Zara Leopov, who they have had dealings with previously. What follows is wild ride around Europe, from a shipwreck at the bottom o fthe Baltic Sea to Russia to the mountains of Austria. They will encounter agents of differing interests looking for the room themselves, all trying to find the dealy secret the room potentially holds. Can Dane and Bones overcome the odds and solve a mystery over 70 years old? Well, I recommend getting a copy and finding out.

With a fast paced plot, exotic locales and non-stop action, this book is sure to thrill fans of Clive Cussler and Larry Flynn. The characters are well thought out, and their interesction rings true of brothers in arms.

Jeffrey Kafer, who is fast becoming one of my favorite narrators, is his usual excellent self, bringing the story and characters to life.

I was given a copy of this story free of charge by the narrator for free in exchange for an honest review through Audiobookboom.

[Ryan H · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this elaborate treasure hunt. I always enjoy books that have true history involved in them. The authors do a fantastic job of researching all that was involved in going into this book. This could be read as a standalone novel as I did, but there were some things that I noticed from other novels Inc. as well. So I guess it would be beneficial to have followed the series in order. There was lots of trouble along the way and I think our heroes did a great job of fending for themselves. I also enjoyed the number of countries and European landscapes that are heroes visited. I really wish this book was longer. That is pretty much my only complaint the narration was fabulous and I love anything that was done by this narrator. He narrates a few of my favourite series and he is great at what he does. I received a free copy of this audiobook in exchange for an unbiassed review from audiobook boom

[Paula Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another spectacular book giving us more insight into the past of Dane and Bones while members of the SEALS. The guys along with two other SEALS, the Professor and Willis, "win" a maneuver. What did the win for winning? The four of them get to go an find the Amber Room.

The mission doesn't get off to a good start as the two Navy men assigned to help them are killed. They head to Russia only to find that once again they are to work with Leopov. Neither Dane or Bones are sure that they can trust her. That is especially true as the Russians seem to be on their heels if not ahead of them. Not only does the team have to deal with the Russians but also with the Germans. Shades of deja vu of WWII.

As always we see the ingenuity of Dane and Bones to get them out of several tough places.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great addition to the Dane and Bones series! Shorter than a Cussler, but every bit as riveting. Always full of action/adventure, good natured fun among the team, and an integration of history into current possibilities. See publisher's blurb for clues, no spoilers here except to remind that there is no gratuitous erotica.
Kafer gives his usual excellent performance with this one, no problem differentiating characters or their responses.
I was provided this audiobook at no charge by the author, publisher and/or narrator in exchange for an unbiased review via Audiobook BOOM.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a good action adventure book and Amber didn't disappoint me. I love bones and Maddock adventures. this one took us on the search for an amber room. This time they had to defend themselves with no guns or grenades or bombs. Yup must Bones trusty knife.

I hope you give this adventure a try. You do not need to read any of the other books to figure out what is happening.

I did receive a copy of this book for an honest review. .

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

David Wood and Rick Chesler - the team that brought us Electra are back with another fun addition to the Origins series. Dane, Bones and the team are on a mission to find the Amber Room, a familiar face from a previous mission joins them but what are her motives? Can she be trusted? With both the Russians and Germans also on the hunt, this could be their most dangerous mission yet. If you like fun, action-packed stories, this is one series you should definitely be reading.

[Lon Bixby · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am a fan of this series, but this is the lowest rating I have given it so far. This books just didn't hold up to the others. It seems like everything they did in the story was just too easy - too easy to find, too easy to get out of bad situations, just too easy. And unless I missed something it didn't seem like there was ever any explanation of Nazi / Russians chasing them and SPOILER... then everything was destroyed and the book ended. Very abrupt.

[Trevor · Rating 4 out of 5]

The 7th book in the Dane Maddock Origins series, sees Dane and Bones given the assignment of finding the Amber room. Along with Willis and Chapman, they begin there search, trying to stay one step ahead of the Russians and Germans. Good story that builds on the team dynamic that is in the full length novels, set after the SEAL careers.

[Benton Mcpeak · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the Dane and Bones books and this one was no exception. It's an adventure book so some of the things they do are super hero stuff but that's what makes it interesting. Toward the end of the book there were some editing issues on my Kindle version but not many and they did not detract from my enjoyment.

[Lee Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

The seventh installment in the Dane and Bones origin series, Amber takes us on yet another action packed quest. Maddock, Bones, Professor, and Willis team up with a beautiful Russian whom they may or may not be able to trust as they search for the long lost Amber Room. David Wood and Rick Chesler team up again in this action packed adventure through history.

[Dee Haddrill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great early adventure of Bones and Maddock, this time in their search for the Amber Room from Russian history. Lots of action and adventure, as well as the fun banter we have come to expect. Bones is my man :)

[Roland Jabotte · Rating 4 out of 5]

Satisfaction

A fast-paced romp with Maddox and the Seal team. Some interesting historical sampling leads to a good read. Short in my opinion but well done. I enjoy this group . You know the ending but having friends working to accomplish a task is life at its best.

[Betsy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great adventure with Dane and Bones. This time searching for the legendary Amber Room.
I hate leaving spoilers or sounding like a book cover so suffice it to say, you're in for a treat.

[C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice Story Line

Drama & suspense without the language. Always a favorite read. Enough action to keep it interesting. Additional characters . . . a nice touch,

[Uncle Dave Avis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book from a talented author.