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Drake Ramsey #2
Emerald Buddha
Drake, Allie, and Spencer reunite in Emerald Buddha , the second Drake Ramsey adventure - a quest to locate the lost treasure of the Khmer Empire, secreted away in a hidden temple somewhere in Myanmar. But nothing is as it seems, and their archaeological expedition soon turns deadly when desperate factions target them in order to safeguard a secret that could topple the US government.
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First published September 29, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
July 10, 2017
At the end of Ramsey's Gold Drake Ramsey had discovered his real name and father, found a hidden treasure worth billions, led the CIA to a secret Nazi weapon hidden in the Amazon, survived a threat from former KGB agents, and made close friends with the survivors of his team.
This second book in the Drake Ramsey series picks up not long afterward. Drake has taken some of the reward funds put in trust to live a relaxed life surfing the Malibu coast. Some government agents bring him a dual offer. The most intriguing part for Drake is a rumor of a fabulous treasure stored deep in the Thai jungles around the time of the fall of Angkor Wat. Part of the treasure is the original Emerald Buddha, a sacred national symbol in Thailand. Along the way the agents hope Drake can also help locate a downed airplane that was carrying the daughter of a powerful U.S. Senator.
Drake manages to bring back together Allie and Spencer from the first book, Allie for the archeology and Spencer because he's been spending his riches before all the trusts are available.
This starts them on an adventure into some nasty areas where both drug gangs and revolutionaries are hiding along the border between Thailand and Myanmar. They arrive at Bangkok to gather supplies and weapons then make their way through the jungle with frequent stops for shootouts. As they go it becomes more clear that the senator's daughter was fleeing from China with her hacker boyfriend, who had found secret U.S. files that could be a scandal for quite a few powerful people.
As with the first book, Russell Blake writes both wonderful dialogue and great action scenes. The treasure hunting is loosely based around historic rumors surrounding the real Emerald Buddha of Thailand. The book is filled with oddball native characters, a former U.S. soldier now enjoying a life of Tai-chi and ganja as a minor drug producer, and CIA agents frustrated with their own bureaucracy. He also fills the book with fun details, like a hot satellite phone that can't be powered for long because it had been owned by a terrorist targeted by drones and missiles.
It's a fun and exciting book from a very productive thriller writer, one who's written with Clive Cussler along with a string of solo best sellers. The relationship with Drake, Allie, and Spencer add some breathers into a tight plot and give the whole series a lighter feeling than a lot of thrillers on the market now.
This second book in the Drake Ramsey series picks up not long afterward. Drake has taken some of the reward funds put in trust to live a relaxed life surfing the Malibu coast. Some government agents bring him a dual offer. The most intriguing part for Drake is a rumor of a fabulous treasure stored deep in the Thai jungles around the time of the fall of Angkor Wat. Part of the treasure is the original Emerald Buddha, a sacred national symbol in Thailand. Along the way the agents hope Drake can also help locate a downed airplane that was carrying the daughter of a powerful U.S. Senator.
Drake manages to bring back together Allie and Spencer from the first book, Allie for the archeology and Spencer because he's been spending his riches before all the trusts are available.
This starts them on an adventure into some nasty areas where both drug gangs and revolutionaries are hiding along the border between Thailand and Myanmar. They arrive at Bangkok to gather supplies and weapons then make their way through the jungle with frequent stops for shootouts. As they go it becomes more clear that the senator's daughter was fleeing from China with her hacker boyfriend, who had found secret U.S. files that could be a scandal for quite a few powerful people.
As with the first book, Russell Blake writes both wonderful dialogue and great action scenes. The treasure hunting is loosely based around historic rumors surrounding the real Emerald Buddha of Thailand. The book is filled with oddball native characters, a former U.S. soldier now enjoying a life of Tai-chi and ganja as a minor drug producer, and CIA agents frustrated with their own bureaucracy. He also fills the book with fun details, like a hot satellite phone that can't be powered for long because it had been owned by a terrorist targeted by drones and missiles.
It's a fun and exciting book from a very productive thriller writer, one who's written with Clive Cussler along with a string of solo best sellers. The relationship with Drake, Allie, and Spencer add some breathers into a tight plot and give the whole series a lighter feeling than a lot of thrillers on the market now.
September 29, 2015
Emerald Buddha is a great continuation of Drake Ramsey's adventures. Not only are Allie and Spencer back, there are two new quirky characters that had me laughing non-stop. My favorite was Uncle Pete. He was just the right amount of wrong.
I've read and enjoyed all of Russell Blake's books. Each series has its own feel, so I know what to expect when I buy the next one. With Drake Ramsey, I know I'm gonna have fun.
I've read and enjoyed all of Russell Blake's books. Each series has its own feel, so I know what to expect when I buy the next one. With Drake Ramsey, I know I'm gonna have fun.
April 2, 2023
I really wanted to love this book because the first book was so enjoyable. The book decided to change the characters and added so much government conspiracy/coverup that there was no adventure or excitement. The treasure hunt was a complete side plot and not nearly enough time spent on the history and search for the Emerald Buddha.
Spencer and Allie seemed a little too different for me in this book. Spencer’s whole drama seemed very out of character for how amazing he is in the jungle. Allie turned into a total damsel in distress that it was eye-rolling. They tried to have her be more herself near the end, but it was too late to save her.
The narrator did a good job in his voice consistency not only through this book but I was able to immediately recognize the voices from the first book. I hope the next book gets back to the adventure of a good treasure hunt.
Spencer and Allie seemed a little too different for me in this book. Spencer’s whole drama seemed very out of character for how amazing he is in the jungle. Allie turned into a total damsel in distress that it was eye-rolling. They tried to have her be more herself near the end, but it was too late to save her.
The narrator did a good job in his voice consistency not only through this book but I was able to immediately recognize the voices from the first book. I hope the next book gets back to the adventure of a good treasure hunt.
October 3, 2015
Russell Blake hits another one out of the park!
See the underbelly of the Golden Triangle as you follow our treasure hunters through deep jungles in their search for long lost treasures. Throw into the mix some rogue CIA operatives and their Chinese equivalents and be prepared for quite a ride!
See the underbelly of the Golden Triangle as you follow our treasure hunters through deep jungles in their search for long lost treasures. Throw into the mix some rogue CIA operatives and their Chinese equivalents and be prepared for quite a ride!
May 17, 2019
After finishing the first book, I was very excited to start the second... except that it significantly differs from the first book. You're over 6 hours in before any treasure hunting is actively mentioned, and another hour before anything comes of it. The actual recovery of the statue is tagged on the end - the book instead is all intrigue, espionage, politics and a rescue mission in hostile lands, so if you thought it would be like the first book, it's not.
It isn't a bad book, it's still good, but it's a huge departure from what you expect - the titular statue is in the book for probably less than five minutes in total, it's an excuse for a rescue mission, not the point of the book. Given how much I enjoyed the first book, I'll admit to being very disappointed. It's still enjoyable thanks to the familiar trio, and it's fantastic to have Spencer back, but the profound shift in focus is not very welcome. Since I already bought book 3, I really hope it's a return to the adventure/treasure hunting focus of the first book.
It isn't a bad book, it's still good, but it's a huge departure from what you expect - the titular statue is in the book for probably less than five minutes in total, it's an excuse for a rescue mission, not the point of the book. Given how much I enjoyed the first book, I'll admit to being very disappointed. It's still enjoyable thanks to the familiar trio, and it's fantastic to have Spencer back, but the profound shift in focus is not very welcome. Since I already bought book 3, I really hope it's a return to the adventure/treasure hunting focus of the first book.
March 1, 2018
I hate to do it, but I could only give the book 2 stars. I liked the first one and I was excited about the main characters returning for this one. This book, though, was all over the place with a lot of different moving pieces - all of which seems to be irrelevant. The treasure-hunting aspect was fairly minimal and really fell rushed and flat at the end. The rescue part of the mission was just kind of silly and again ended totally flat. Pretty disappointed in Book 2. I'll try Book 3, but I need a break.
May 16, 2017
I wish there was the option of 4 1/2 stars as I really enjoyed this book! There were some unbelievable parts that's true but it was such a fun adventure book I hated for it to end. Plus there were some comments that reminded me of today's political situations that while we might hope are fiction are more likely closer to truth. Uncle Pete and Joe were terrific additions to the likeable main characters.
May 17, 2017
This was a good book, with the trio getting themselves involved with the CIA and under the cover of looking for a lost treasure. The treasure is there, but so are several situations that could get them killed. The book leaves some openings for later escapades for the trio. The underlying feature of this book is how corrupt some of our government officials can be.
December 2, 2019
Exciting Treasure Hunt
Liked the vivid descriptions of Southeast Asia as well as the character development. I thought the story line kept it exciting. By this the second book in the series I thought both Drake and Allie could have been more competent and tougher. Enjoyed reading the book and have liked all Russell Blake series particularly JET.
Liked the vivid descriptions of Southeast Asia as well as the character development. I thought the story line kept it exciting. By this the second book in the series I thought both Drake and Allie could have been more competent and tougher. Enjoyed reading the book and have liked all Russell Blake series particularly JET.
December 23, 2017
OK read but not as good as the first. Drake has become a tertiary character with Spencer and Joe taking the pro-active roles. Characters need to be better defined if the series is to be continued.
Basic idea is good, too bad you could not really get into any of the characters.
Basic idea is good, too bad you could not really get into any of the characters.
April 6, 2019
Drake, Allie, and Spencer are back up to treasure hunting shenanigans again, this time in Myanmar searching for an Emerald Buddha. This story is just as much fun as the first book with lots of action and intrigue and adventure. Thoroughly enjoyed!
June 2, 2017
Good read7
Good read will read author again. Thanks
for the suggestion. As a as a as a as a as a as a as a as a as a as a
Good read will read author again. Thanks
for the suggestion. As a as a as a as a as a as a as a as a as a as a
August 1, 2017
Not as good as the first one...but still an ok story.
May 6, 2018
A good book reminds me of Clive Cussler
July 13, 2018
Reminds me of the National Treasures movie series. I enjoyed the book
September 3, 2018
A gem of a book!
A great follow up to book one and it does not let you down. Continue reading of Drakes journey and Allie's travails.
A great follow up to book one and it does not let you down. Continue reading of Drakes journey and Allie's travails.
January 2, 2020
Another archeological adventure in an exotic jungle location, this time in Myanmar and Laos. The characters are fun and their banter is entertaining. I enjoy these books.
March 25, 2020
This installment felt forced and disjointed, which is highly disappointing as I enjoyed the first one much more.
July 16, 2022
Solid 3.5 star thriller
September 28, 2025
Love, love a good action adventure with funny characters and intriguing plot. This is the 2nd of the series and I’ll jump right into the next one. These stories give me Clive Cussler vibes.
February 12, 2017
Drake, Allie and Spencer return in another adventure tale. They are in search of a legendary treasure in Southeast Asia while doing a job for the CIA, looking for the missing daughter of a U.S. Senator. Lot of intrigue, gun battles and good characters, a fun read.
June 3, 2022
If Mr. Blake quit writing his other series and would focus on the Drake Ramsey character, he'd be the next Clive Cussler. Drake Ramsey is a treasure hunter with the potential to be the next Dirk Pitt.
In this book, a shadowy government agency, ostensibly the CIA, offers Drake information about a Lost Emerald Buddha in exchange for Ramsey looking for the daughter of a Senator. They figure the treasure hunt would be a great cover for the rescue mission. However there are more agendas in play than Drake could ever imagine. He and his friends are a lone mongoose about to step into a nest of King Cobras. Will they come out with the treasure and the girl or will the more nefarious agencies win? Read and find out!
In this book, a shadowy government agency, ostensibly the CIA, offers Drake information about a Lost Emerald Buddha in exchange for Ramsey looking for the daughter of a Senator. They figure the treasure hunt would be a great cover for the rescue mission. However there are more agendas in play than Drake could ever imagine. He and his friends are a lone mongoose about to step into a nest of King Cobras. Will they come out with the treasure and the girl or will the more nefarious agencies win? Read and find out!
October 9, 2015
Did not care for this one. Too many conspiracies going on, too many bad guys (drug runners, CIA, the army, the pretend army, the rebels, the villagers, the Chinese, politicians). Hard to get behind treasure hunters who willingly put themselves in harm's way (not once, but twice) to get the Emerald Buddha. Didn't have the suspense of the Jet books or the first Ramsey book. Felt formulaic.
October 19, 2015
Emerald Buddha
Another fast paced and engaging read from Mr. Blake. I enjoyed the book, but I don't remember Spencer as the kind of guy that would have blown through his millions. Still, I guess someone had to.
I'm hoping there is another adventure coming for this fun trio of characters.
Another fast paced and engaging read from Mr. Blake. I enjoyed the book, but I don't remember Spencer as the kind of guy that would have blown through his millions. Still, I guess someone had to.
I'm hoping there is another adventure coming for this fun trio of characters.
November 1, 2015
Good read
Loved this sequel. Drake teams up with his mates from their first adventure to find ancient relics along with helping the CIA find a US Senators daughter whose plane crashed in a highly dangerous part of China. Action packed.
Loved this sequel. Drake teams up with his mates from their first adventure to find ancient relics along with helping the CIA find a US Senators daughter whose plane crashed in a highly dangerous part of China. Action packed.
November 9, 2015
Emerald Buddha. Russell Blake
Book two of the Drake Ramsey atomic energy powered non stop action packed adventures.....typical Blake!! Governmental deceit and betrayal at its finest! Explosive action and adventure. One Hell of a good read!!Can't wait for book three!!
Book two of the Drake Ramsey atomic energy powered non stop action packed adventures.....typical Blake!! Governmental deceit and betrayal at its finest! Explosive action and adventure. One Hell of a good read!!Can't wait for book three!!
October 1, 2015
Another great read
Fast paced, with twists. I've read all of Blake's books and have never been disappointed. Am looking forward to more books from all of Blake's series.
Fast paced, with twists. I've read all of Blake's books and have never been disappointed. Am looking forward to more books from all of Blake's series.
December 9, 2015
Another great baby Russell Blake. This sequel was a little slow in the middle but sped up and finished better than anticipated.
March 21, 2016
Exciting Book!
I couldn't put it down, it fully kept my interests up! It was a suspenseful book from beginning to end!
I couldn't put it down, it fully kept my interests up! It was a suspenseful book from beginning to end!
August 16, 2016
Again I enjoy this book, there were a lot of characters and one could easily lose who was who. The ending was a bit non plus not as good as the first. Waiting for the next adventure...
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews