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Jake Crowley Adventures #1
Blood Codex
An ancient order. A deadly conspiracy. A race against time.
When Jake Crowley rescues Rose Black from assailants on the streets of London, the two find themselves embroiled in a mystery that could cost them their lives. People are dying, and all the victims have one thing in common with Rose: a birthmark in the shape of an eagle.
From beneath the streets of London, to castle dungeons, to the heart of Christendom and beyond, Jake and Rose must race to stay alive as they seek to unlock the secrets of the Blood Codex.
When Jake Crowley rescues Rose Black from assailants on the streets of London, the two find themselves embroiled in a mystery that could cost them their lives. People are dying, and all the victims have one thing in common with Rose: a birthmark in the shape of an eagle.
From beneath the streets of London, to castle dungeons, to the heart of Christendom and beyond, Jake and Rose must race to stay alive as they seek to unlock the secrets of the Blood Codex.
274 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 8, 2016
173 people are currently reading
210 people want to read
About the author
David Wood
100 books309 followersDavid 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
July 20, 2016
Blood Codex is the 1st book of a new series by David Wood. Our protagonist is John Crowley. He meets Rose and then comes to her rescue saving her from abduction. Crowley, being ex-military and a stand up guy, doesn't desert Rose and the attempts continue.
What they discover is the attempted abductions of Rose is because of an eagle birthmark that she has on her back. Halvdan Landvick, a wealthy Norwegian is the man behind the the abductions. He wants to bring back the belief in the Norse gods and believes that Rose contains the needed information.
Wonderful book especially for those interested in mythology.
Great read. Fast moving.
As a fan of David Wood's Dane and Bones series, it took me a couple of chapters to remember that they wouldn't be showing up to save the day. LOL
What they discover is the attempted abductions of Rose is because of an eagle birthmark that she has on her back. Halvdan Landvick, a wealthy Norwegian is the man behind the the abductions. He wants to bring back the belief in the Norse gods and believes that Rose contains the needed information.
Wonderful book especially for those interested in mythology.
Great read. Fast moving.
As a fan of David Wood's Dane and Bones series, it took me a couple of chapters to remember that they wouldn't be showing up to save the day. LOL
June 26, 2024
I found this a very action packed story, centered around a lot if historical places and facts. The characters were interesting and I enjoyed the by play. Narrator does a Great job with the various characters voices and the entire storyline.
July 19, 2016
This is the first in what I hope will be a new series by David Wood and Alan Baxter. We are introduced to our protagonist Jake Crowley history teacher and ex SAS soldier. Jake rescues a young museum guide from attack by a couple of would be kidnappers.
This starts Jake and Rose's search into discovering why her birthmark is so important to a an ancient society known as the Sons of Ragnar and their connection to the Devils Bible.
A well constructed and fast moving story with plenty of action , also delving into Viking mythology.
I would certainly recommend this book.
I was fortunate to receive an advance copy of this book in return for an honest review, thank you David
This starts Jake and Rose's search into discovering why her birthmark is so important to a an ancient society known as the Sons of Ragnar and their connection to the Devils Bible.
A well constructed and fast moving story with plenty of action , also delving into Viking mythology.
I would certainly recommend this book.
I was fortunate to receive an advance copy of this book in return for an honest review, thank you David
July 12, 2016
Blood Codex is the newest adventure novel from authors David Wood and Alan Baxter. In it we meet a new hero, John Crowley, a history teacher with a military past. When his first date with the beautiful museum guide, Rose Black, ends in an attempted kidnapping, Crowley is compelled to help her discover why she has become a target. Together, they follow the trail of clues from Rose's strange birthmark to the elusive book known as the Devil's Bible. Blood Codex is an exciting tale that is sure to be loved by fans of the Dane and Bones series, as well as readers who are new to Wood's works. An excellent read!
November 13, 2018
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I have not read any books by David Wood so I do not have any of his prior works to compare this to as some other reviewers did. However, as a first time reader, I felt this was a really good adventure story with history and Norse Mythology thrown in. It did remind me of Dan Brown's "The DaVinci Code."
The main characters, Jake Crowley, a history teacher, and Rose Black, a museum guide, travel throughout Europe in search of historical clues to puzzle out why some men are trying to kidnap Rose. While you might say how would a history teacher and a museum guide have the wherewithal to travel and to stay one step ahead of the bad guys? Well, Jake is not just a history teacher, he is former military with specialized training. Rose has contacts everywhere who provide assistance and she is no slouch in the combat department. As for money for this adventure - unclear. But, in these types of books, you have to believe that the main characters will always be equipped with all they need to be successful in the adventure and just enjoy the ride.
I really enjoyed the historical and Norse mythology aspects of this book. The two main characters, Jake and Rose, are empathetic and at times humorous. They work well together. Although it seems that Jake is a lot more enamored of Rose than vice versa, I am guessing so that there is some basis for why he puts his life on the line for someone he just met. Putting that aside, I found the story moved along at a good pace and there were some good twists along the way.
As I listened to the book -- the narrator, Jonathan Waters, did a great job conveying the lighter moments as well as the tensioned filled moments of the story through his vocal intonations. He did use different character voices and it was easy to understand who was speaking. I found his voice very pleasant.
I have not read any books by David Wood so I do not have any of his prior works to compare this to as some other reviewers did. However, as a first time reader, I felt this was a really good adventure story with history and Norse Mythology thrown in. It did remind me of Dan Brown's "The DaVinci Code."
The main characters, Jake Crowley, a history teacher, and Rose Black, a museum guide, travel throughout Europe in search of historical clues to puzzle out why some men are trying to kidnap Rose. While you might say how would a history teacher and a museum guide have the wherewithal to travel and to stay one step ahead of the bad guys? Well, Jake is not just a history teacher, he is former military with specialized training. Rose has contacts everywhere who provide assistance and she is no slouch in the combat department. As for money for this adventure - unclear. But, in these types of books, you have to believe that the main characters will always be equipped with all they need to be successful in the adventure and just enjoy the ride.
I really enjoyed the historical and Norse mythology aspects of this book. The two main characters, Jake and Rose, are empathetic and at times humorous. They work well together. Although it seems that Jake is a lot more enamored of Rose than vice versa, I am guessing so that there is some basis for why he puts his life on the line for someone he just met. Putting that aside, I found the story moved along at a good pace and there were some good twists along the way.
As I listened to the book -- the narrator, Jonathan Waters, did a great job conveying the lighter moments as well as the tensioned filled moments of the story through his vocal intonations. He did use different character voices and it was easy to understand who was speaking. I found his voice very pleasant.
January 1, 2017
Jake Crowley, a former solider turned history teacher, meets Rose Black, a museum researcher and tour guide. Following their first date, Rose is attacked by a secret cult who are interested in her unusually shaped tattoo. With Jake’s help, Rose manages to escape, but is pursued to her home. In a desperate attempt to avoid the thugs, Jake and Rose attempt to uncover the mystery of the Devil’s Bible which ultimately leads them to the mythology of Thor’s hammer. Their journey takes them across Europe to exotic places such as the Vatican and Lindisfarne Castle in England.
Whilst the story has all the makings of a mythological thriller, I found the story a little flat. It was at times implausible and also filled with plot conveniences. The characters grew on me, but their constant habit of grinning on every fifth page grated on my nerves. I also disliked the fact that Rose, whilst a capable fighter, constantly needed to be rescued by macho army men. Having said this the story did rumble along and was filled with action and suspense.
Whilst the story has all the makings of a mythological thriller, I found the story a little flat. It was at times implausible and also filled with plot conveniences. The characters grew on me, but their constant habit of grinning on every fifth page grated on my nerves. I also disliked the fact that Rose, whilst a capable fighter, constantly needed to be rescued by macho army men. Having said this the story did rumble along and was filled with action and suspense.
September 4, 2017
Blood Codex is a mystery/adventure that takes the reader from England to Italy and then to Norway. The mystery begins when our hero, Jake Crowley, meets Rose, a beautiful museum tour guide. The two of them have a date which ends in a chase from some bad guys. As the story unfolds, Rose reveals an odd tattoo that appears like the marking of an ancient torture method of Vikings. Both characters look for clue after clue including stuff from Aleister Crowley and even Thor's hammer.
My Review: This story reminded me so much of Dan Brown and Professor Langley. I loved the story from the first page. The characters were interesting, but what really kept me reading was the historical clues found throughout the plot. I loved the authors' styles of short chapters, occasional funny lines, and spoon-fed history. This book is a series of the same character, Jake Crowley the history teacher. I will definitely return to this author when looking for another adventure. Great stuff. 5/5 stars.
My Review: This story reminded me so much of Dan Brown and Professor Langley. I loved the story from the first page. The characters were interesting, but what really kept me reading was the historical clues found throughout the plot. I loved the authors' styles of short chapters, occasional funny lines, and spoon-fed history. This book is a series of the same character, Jake Crowley the history teacher. I will definitely return to this author when looking for another adventure. Great stuff. 5/5 stars.
May 25, 2019
Normally I dig action/adventure/mystery novels like this, but this really came off as a paint-by-numbers copy of Da Vinci Code. In its favor, it's better written than the Dan Brown book (Holy crap, I find his writing excruciating...) but ultimately my overall review is - Flat characters do stuff until a conclusion is reached. I really didn't end up caring about anyone and there were a good number of unintentional laughs along the way as the former-SEAL super badass action guy now-turned-history-teacher conveniently manifested knowledge of every sort that the plot needed. And if he didn't, his tall, leggy, flirty Asian historian sidekick with martial arts expertise did.
"Looks like we need to translate this ancient Norse runic code."
"I know that from memory, I'm a HISTORY TEACHER!"
It was not a *bad* book, per se... I mean, I finished it and it held my interest and had some fun moments. But it was pretty forgettable and a lot more like a B-movie copy of a popular A-movie than good in its own right.
"Looks like we need to translate this ancient Norse runic code."
"I know that from memory, I'm a HISTORY TEACHER!"
It was not a *bad* book, per se... I mean, I finished it and it held my interest and had some fun moments. But it was pretty forgettable and a lot more like a B-movie copy of a popular A-movie than good in its own right.
December 7, 2018
This is my review of the audio version as posted on Audible:
It's my introduction to works by both David Wood and Alan Baxter, and it's a very enjoyable one.
The book uses Norse mythology and Viking rituals as the starting point of the plot, and then goes on a rollercoaster of adventures, with one exciting event after another. The pace is really fast, the main characters likeable, the villains... well, villaneous and a bit crazy:) There are some improbabilities and implausibilities in the storyline, but as the book has the feel of the Indiana Jones movies, they do not bother the reader/listener so much.
Narration by Mr Waters is very good. He brings all the characters to life effortlessly, keeps up with the pace of the story, adding excitement to it and making it almost a cinematic experience. Definitely a narrator worth coming back to.
DISCLAIMER: I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
It's my introduction to works by both David Wood and Alan Baxter, and it's a very enjoyable one.
The book uses Norse mythology and Viking rituals as the starting point of the plot, and then goes on a rollercoaster of adventures, with one exciting event after another. The pace is really fast, the main characters likeable, the villains... well, villaneous and a bit crazy:) There are some improbabilities and implausibilities in the storyline, but as the book has the feel of the Indiana Jones movies, they do not bother the reader/listener so much.
Narration by Mr Waters is very good. He brings all the characters to life effortlessly, keeps up with the pace of the story, adding excitement to it and making it almost a cinematic experience. Definitely a narrator worth coming back to.
DISCLAIMER: I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
November 1, 2021
History teacher / retired SAS officer Jake Crowley becomes embroiled in an ongoing attempt to kidnap Rose Black by a sinister Nordic sect. While they try to evade capture, Jake and Rose must delve into ancient Norse legends which hold the secret to Rose’s distinctive birthmark. This hugely enjoyable action / adventure will appeal to anyone who loved Dan Brown’s Da Vinci Code, it’s fast-paced, trawls through mystical artefacts and bloodlines, and there’s plenty of shoot outs and chases. Jake and Rose both have archeological knowledge and combat skills - there are no damsels in distress here! Audio narrator Jonathan Waters is exceptional, driving the action and flirting at full-throttle and handling the gamut of accents with aplomb as the story takes us across Britain and the European Continent.
March 11, 2022
If you listened to the intro (0.5); you should know what to expect by now. The basic story is about as tropey as you can get with echos of conspiracy and the occult that are just fun to think about; however, I thought the writing solid enough to let go and have fun with the performance. Not overly complex, you can fade in and out a bit without losing the thread, so feel free to listen while you work. If you are all familiar with with Norse history and myth at all, you will be pleased to find some of that woven into this story as well with just a slight spin to make it fresh.
I was given this free review copy (ARC) audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
#BlodCodex #AudibookFree
I was given this free review copy (ARC) audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
#BlodCodex #AudibookFree
February 26, 2018
What's not to love with a book vetted by David Wood? All the action/adventure you've come to expect, more suspense than you could hope for, and solid historical research, plus incredible plot twists and engaging characters. The publisher's blurb is a good teaser and there is no need for spoilers, but that can't begin to prepare you for the addictive nature of this read. Just give in and read it!
I requested and received a free review copy via AudioBookBOOM.
Jonathan Waters is outstanding in his narration: good voice quality, British accent enhances the characterization, and conveys the calm or urgency as needed.
I requested and received a free review copy via AudioBookBOOM.
Jonathan Waters is outstanding in his narration: good voice quality, British accent enhances the characterization, and conveys the calm or urgency as needed.
May 17, 2018
I was rather disappointed with this book. There didn't seem to be a lot of action although the last several chapters were exciting and fun to read. As noted by other reviewers, the two main characters lacked chemistry. Crowley seemed enamoured with Rose but I was not sure Rose had similar feelings. I also felt from time to time that she might have been using him which I found sad. The villians were fairly interesting but I had trouble buying into how evil they really were. Overall, I didn't think this book was up to the level of Wood's Dane Maddock books which I really enjoy. Not sure I'll pick up the next book but I may.
June 18, 2018
I received this book from Voracious Readers for an honest review. This was a fun, edge of your seat, hold your breath. non stop action adventure romp. I almost stayed up all night, on a night I had to get up for work at 6am the next day, to finish this book. I loved the intertwining of the historical aspects and the Norse theology. It makes you wonder if the Sons of Ragnar actually exist! The end was fantastic and everything you could ever hope for. It really makes you wonder - did he or didn't he? Fun, fun fun! If you like your adventures to have a bit of historical twist then this is the story for you.
March 31, 2018
Jake Crowley saves his date from assassins after her and then attempts to keep her safe whilst they work out why she was targeted. A journey across Europe and into secret passageways to find something long lost.
This was quite a dramatic read. The action us fast paced and interesting. An interesting mystery and a great start to a series. Am hoping there will be more stories to follow. The ending was very good and finished the book well.
I like Jake he makes a good hero in this and a likeable character. I like Rose too and together they make a good team.
This was quite a dramatic read. The action us fast paced and interesting. An interesting mystery and a great start to a series. Am hoping there will be more stories to follow. The ending was very good and finished the book well.
I like Jake he makes a good hero in this and a likeable character. I like Rose too and together they make a good team.
June 24, 2021
Very exciting!
This story was well written with excitement, humor & mystery. I loved all the characters as well as the storyline. From the moment I started reading/listening to this book I was totally sucked in and often I was on the edge of my seat.
The narration was fantastic. Jonathan Waters does a great job bringing this story to life with all the emotions & accents. I love his female voices. Well done everyone. This is book 1 with an HEA. I’m looking forward to book 2 in these adventures. I highly recommend this book.
Sisters Spotlight 💜
This story was well written with excitement, humor & mystery. I loved all the characters as well as the storyline. From the moment I started reading/listening to this book I was totally sucked in and often I was on the edge of my seat.
The narration was fantastic. Jonathan Waters does a great job bringing this story to life with all the emotions & accents. I love his female voices. Well done everyone. This is book 1 with an HEA. I’m looking forward to book 2 in these adventures. I highly recommend this book.
Sisters Spotlight 💜
January 2, 2018
With a dash of Viking history this well paced mystery will send Jake and Rose on a intriguing adventure to uncover the hidden story of Roses odd birthmark, and a large odd bible that may help them solve some questions. Not knowing who's after Rose or why, you can look forward to an exciting adventure where some people believe in the old ways and a life lived more than once. Enjoyed this right from the start, now on to Book 2 Anubis Key .
April 26, 2020
The adventures of Jake Crowley continues in this whirlwind of global proportions. He uses his military background and educational expertise to almost literally save the day, with some assistance from his old friend and potential love interest. Very good book, can't wait to dive in the next in this series, Anubis Key. I'm happy to add this to my Alan Baxter book collection, check it out.
July 9, 2017
It was ok. A lot of travel through Europe and ending up in Northumberland for the search for the fabled Thor hammer. The ending was predictable in that the hammer has to remain lost and what better place than the sea. But there was enough real life facts in the book to make it interesting.
March 14, 2018
I enjoy how all they find and what's looking for them come together to complete each other. The information from two sides is like two pieces of a puzzle that fit together, filling in missing gaps and telling a whole story. Very cool.
****FULL REVIEW TO FOLLOW****
****FULL REVIEW TO FOLLOW****
January 10, 2019
Audible:I liked this book.It had a great storyline,but I found it very long and drawn out at times. It was actually boring in places.The characters were likable.Jonathan WInters was a fine narrator.I was given this book by the narrator,author or publisher free for an honest review.
July 2, 2019
When Rose Black is attacked, Jake Crowley is on hand to help and do begins a race to find out who is after Rose. Nice adventure book, that moves at a nice pace. Jake Crowley looks to be a good character, that will hopefully develop as the series progresses.
April 7, 2020
Very enjoyable story! Reminiscent of the Da Vinci Code, this adventure has many unexpected twists and turns leading the reader on a great chase with loads of action. Very much looking forward to reading the next book I the series, Anubis Key.
April 29, 2020
A ridiculously fun mystery/horror/thriller along the lines of the National Treasure films or the Uncharted video games. I read this in one day and then immediately bought the entire series on Amazon.
July 21, 2024
This audiobook has supernatural elements with interesting historical folklore. The characters are sent on an adventure of intrigue and danger. This book was gripping, fast-paced, action-packed, and worth reading. Jonathan Waters' talents had me mesmerized as I listened to this book.
Read
June 7, 2018Did see that coming...
Once getting to into the book, it was definitely a page turner and kept me interested. I love a good mix of history with fiction..
Once getting to into the book, it was definitely a page turner and kept me interested. I love a good mix of history with fiction..
September 4, 2017
Good but not a great read and at times it became predictable. For those that want a little action combined with a history listen give this a try you just might find it interesting.
January 9, 2018
Great read
Wonderful story line, new characters that aren't perfect or over the top. The story holds your interest and moves at a brisk pace. Would highly recommend.
Wonderful story line, new characters that aren't perfect or over the top. The story holds your interest and moves at a brisk pace. Would highly recommend.
March 14, 2018
Not my favorite book. Too predictable. Too fantastic. Too slow moving.
April 24, 2018
A bit far fetched ... I think there were many moments of ‘as if that would ever happen!’... but fun to read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews