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Carter Devereux #4
The Nabatean Secret
US Army Garrison Patch Barracks, near Stuttgart, Germany, 2 a.m., January 11
Sentries at the Main Gate of Patch Barracks had turned away the last of the local Fasching revelers an hour or so before, laughingly joking with them that the Barracks were too quiet for their parties. A few soldiers, somewhat worse for wear after joining the locals for the opening night of Germany’s “Fifth Season”, straggled in around midnight. They were cheerfully waved through the gate by the envious guards, who had pulled duty that night and didn’t get to celebrate.
Since then, the night had been still, only the night sounds typical of the region breaking the silence. The cell and radio tower behind the thick trees was lit by an eerie glow from the remains of the Fasching bonfire a few miles away. It would be six long hours until sunrise and their relief.
The peace of the night lulled them to silence.
Behind them, an eerie blue-white blinding flash bloomed.
No sooner had it lit the night sky than the first sentry opened his mouth to ask, “What was that?”
But the words never left his lips—before he’d even formed them, his lips, along with the rest of him, vanished. Had his mate not been meeting the same fate at the same time, he would have been shocked to see his comrade in arms evaporate into nihility.
Every living being, structure, and object within an 800-yard radius of the epicenter disappeared as if he, she, or it had never been there.
No one in the circumference of the blast zone survived to describe the beauty of the majestic, but fatal, blue-white flash. A few souls, lucky enough to be farther away, saw glimpses of it through the surrounding trees.
No one knew what it was.
The next person to arrive at the Main Gate of Patch Barracks found, much to his drunken confusion, nothing.
No gate, no trees, no cell tower. No barracks. No buildings. No guards.
Only emptiness.
Not finding the Main Gate where he was sure it must be, the soldier sat down on the ground. Alcohol and rationality have never been good stablemates.
His inebriated brain could not handle the duel, and mercifully, he passed out. He never heard the screams of pain and horror from the injured survivors far enough from the epicentre and fortunate enough to escape obliteration.
Later, first responders approached with caution, finding the drunk soldier passed out where the gate should have been and the void beyond, which had always been occupied by buildings.
They moved into the base to search for survivors. They found few, most of them critically injured and out of their minds with shock and confusion.
Everyone capable of speaking asked the rescuers the question the rescuers had wanted to ask the survivors: What happened?
THE NABATEAN SECRET, is a full-length novel, a nail-biting suspense-thriller about an ancient conspiracy set on total world domination, in every sense of the word — political, financial, energy, information technology... The Nabatean Secret is the fourth book in the Carter Devereux series, the sequel to the best-seller Alboran Codex.
Sentries at the Main Gate of Patch Barracks had turned away the last of the local Fasching revelers an hour or so before, laughingly joking with them that the Barracks were too quiet for their parties. A few soldiers, somewhat worse for wear after joining the locals for the opening night of Germany’s “Fifth Season”, straggled in around midnight. They were cheerfully waved through the gate by the envious guards, who had pulled duty that night and didn’t get to celebrate.
Since then, the night had been still, only the night sounds typical of the region breaking the silence. The cell and radio tower behind the thick trees was lit by an eerie glow from the remains of the Fasching bonfire a few miles away. It would be six long hours until sunrise and their relief.
The peace of the night lulled them to silence.
Behind them, an eerie blue-white blinding flash bloomed.
No sooner had it lit the night sky than the first sentry opened his mouth to ask, “What was that?”
But the words never left his lips—before he’d even formed them, his lips, along with the rest of him, vanished. Had his mate not been meeting the same fate at the same time, he would have been shocked to see his comrade in arms evaporate into nihility.
Every living being, structure, and object within an 800-yard radius of the epicenter disappeared as if he, she, or it had never been there.
No one in the circumference of the blast zone survived to describe the beauty of the majestic, but fatal, blue-white flash. A few souls, lucky enough to be farther away, saw glimpses of it through the surrounding trees.
No one knew what it was.
The next person to arrive at the Main Gate of Patch Barracks found, much to his drunken confusion, nothing.
No gate, no trees, no cell tower. No barracks. No buildings. No guards.
Only emptiness.
Not finding the Main Gate where he was sure it must be, the soldier sat down on the ground. Alcohol and rationality have never been good stablemates.
His inebriated brain could not handle the duel, and mercifully, he passed out. He never heard the screams of pain and horror from the injured survivors far enough from the epicentre and fortunate enough to escape obliteration.
Later, first responders approached with caution, finding the drunk soldier passed out where the gate should have been and the void beyond, which had always been occupied by buildings.
They moved into the base to search for survivors. They found few, most of them critically injured and out of their minds with shock and confusion.
Everyone capable of speaking asked the rescuers the question the rescuers had wanted to ask the survivors: What happened?
THE NABATEAN SECRET, is a full-length novel, a nail-biting suspense-thriller about an ancient conspiracy set on total world domination, in every sense of the word — political, financial, energy, information technology... The Nabatean Secret is the fourth book in the Carter Devereux series, the sequel to the best-seller Alboran Codex.
720 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 11, 2017
218 people are currently reading
60 people want to read
About the author
J.C. Ryan
48 books153 followersJ C Ryan writes spellbinding mystery suspense thrillers with an archaeological backdrop.
He has been a combat and intelligence officer in the military, practicing lawyer and information technology project manager.
He holds a military as well as a law degree and is married with two daughters and two dogs.
JC currently makes his home on the Gold Coast of Australia.
He has been a combat and intelligence officer in the military, practicing lawyer and information technology project manager.
He holds a military as well as a law degree and is married with two daughters and two dogs.
JC currently makes his home on the Gold Coast of Australia.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
June 12, 2018
5 full stars - English Ebook - I have dyslexia -
Realy did like this last part of the Carter Devereaux series. Four books I enjoyed over the last two months. One shame, or two: no more Adventures with Carter and McKenzie. Second, would love to know what they further more discover. 😀🦋😀
Realy did like this last part of the Carter Devereaux series. Four books I enjoyed over the last two months. One shame, or two: no more Adventures with Carter and McKenzie. Second, would love to know what they further more discover. 😀🦋😀
May 13, 2017
Bravissimo!
I have read all 4 of the books in this series over the past few days - missed sleep, delayed meals, and all because I just couldn't wait to see what happened next. The storyline is good, the characters are well-rounded, and you're fully engaged with the plot before you've finished the first few chapters of book 1. Three books later and I am sad to be finished book 4 and saying cheerio to some of my favourite "fictional friends" of many a long year.
Feeling a wee bit like a certain young Dickensian character I now extend my empty bowl to JC Ryan and plead "please, sir, may I have some more?"
I challenge you, read this series for yourself and see if you agree.
I have read all 4 of the books in this series over the past few days - missed sleep, delayed meals, and all because I just couldn't wait to see what happened next. The storyline is good, the characters are well-rounded, and you're fully engaged with the plot before you've finished the first few chapters of book 1. Three books later and I am sad to be finished book 4 and saying cheerio to some of my favourite "fictional friends" of many a long year.
Feeling a wee bit like a certain young Dickensian character I now extend my empty bowl to JC Ryan and plead "please, sir, may I have some more?"
I challenge you, read this series for yourself and see if you agree.
January 22, 2020
This is book four in the Carter Devereux Mystery Thriller series and follows Carter and his wife McKenzie as they continue their discovery of the secret libraries of the ancients, found by Carter with his vast experience as an archaeologist. In the last book, their home on Freydis Island was threatened by the Nabatean Council, who wanted the secrets they had discovered from the ancients libraries. This storyline starts with a strange attack on a US army base in Germany, where the entire base and those in it just disappear overnight! A huge blue white flash is all any survivors can remember and there is no sign of anything left of the base or the soldiers from it, near the epicentre of the explosion.
A team is sent to investigate, but this is something that is unexplainable by current day scientific knowledge. Carter believes the only people who could be responsible are either the Nabateans or a mole from their side who has leaked scientific discoveries from the ancient libraries. An investigator called Kelly is set on the case and ends up discussing it with her FBI boyfriend, who also has the same security clearance. Meanwhile, the Devereux’s have finally taken their long awaited family holiday, after McKenzie’s horrific capture and detention in Saudi Arabia for almost a year, from which she was recently rescued.
The Nabateans want the secrets the Devereux’s have and make more plans to get them and to get rid of Carter and his intense ability to thwart their every plan. The Nabateans are looking for their own history and library that has been missing since the Romans took over Petra in 106 AD. They seem to have no written history of the period before that and doubt nothing was recorded by their ancestors, especially after the ancients libraries found by Carter. Their ancestors were ahead in all matters, running successful businesses and making many scientific advances, which they have kept to only their own select group of descendants. Their Council is made up of twelve individuals, all extremely powerful and wealthy in their separate countries and led by a woman and her son.
They decide to strike back against the Devereux’s and the US President in separate plans, to discredit Carter and his wife, as well as attempt to bring down the US government. Their plans are to finally take over the whole world when the timing is right and they have been waiting a long time. They have managed to keep their Council a secret for thousands of years and have often disappeared in the past when the time wasn’t right. They have people in high places in governments all around the world. Their advanced computer and communication technology allows them to gain information on their enemies with ease. They manage to supply false information to people in the press, which looks very realistic and this leaves Carter and the US government scrambling to find out who is behind it all and to escape the accusations.
This is a really long book, so ensure you leave yourself plenty of time to read it. It deals with a lot of advanced technology and discoveries as well as thrilling hunts for more knowledge. The political turmoil caused by false evidence and gossip, show how just a little mis-information can lead to loads of false truths being believed by the masses. Add in some assassins and a ruthless secret organization with world domination as their aim and it certainly won’t be boring. This is a complex storyline and while it takes a while to get through as it is so long, it certainly isn’t due to any sort of lack of thrill factor. Another great book in the series and I look forward to reading more of Carter and McKenzie’s adventures and the wolves of Freydis, as well as their growing family.
A team is sent to investigate, but this is something that is unexplainable by current day scientific knowledge. Carter believes the only people who could be responsible are either the Nabateans or a mole from their side who has leaked scientific discoveries from the ancient libraries. An investigator called Kelly is set on the case and ends up discussing it with her FBI boyfriend, who also has the same security clearance. Meanwhile, the Devereux’s have finally taken their long awaited family holiday, after McKenzie’s horrific capture and detention in Saudi Arabia for almost a year, from which she was recently rescued.
The Nabateans want the secrets the Devereux’s have and make more plans to get them and to get rid of Carter and his intense ability to thwart their every plan. The Nabateans are looking for their own history and library that has been missing since the Romans took over Petra in 106 AD. They seem to have no written history of the period before that and doubt nothing was recorded by their ancestors, especially after the ancients libraries found by Carter. Their ancestors were ahead in all matters, running successful businesses and making many scientific advances, which they have kept to only their own select group of descendants. Their Council is made up of twelve individuals, all extremely powerful and wealthy in their separate countries and led by a woman and her son.
They decide to strike back against the Devereux’s and the US President in separate plans, to discredit Carter and his wife, as well as attempt to bring down the US government. Their plans are to finally take over the whole world when the timing is right and they have been waiting a long time. They have managed to keep their Council a secret for thousands of years and have often disappeared in the past when the time wasn’t right. They have people in high places in governments all around the world. Their advanced computer and communication technology allows them to gain information on their enemies with ease. They manage to supply false information to people in the press, which looks very realistic and this leaves Carter and the US government scrambling to find out who is behind it all and to escape the accusations.
This is a really long book, so ensure you leave yourself plenty of time to read it. It deals with a lot of advanced technology and discoveries as well as thrilling hunts for more knowledge. The political turmoil caused by false evidence and gossip, show how just a little mis-information can lead to loads of false truths being believed by the masses. Add in some assassins and a ruthless secret organization with world domination as their aim and it certainly won’t be boring. This is a complex storyline and while it takes a while to get through as it is so long, it certainly isn’t due to any sort of lack of thrill factor. Another great book in the series and I look forward to reading more of Carter and McKenzie’s adventures and the wolves of Freydis, as well as their growing family.
May 29, 2018
he Nabatean Secret is the sequel to the Alboran Codex, the 4th book in JC Ryan's Carter Devereux series.
I have been following JC Ryan's writing from his very first book in the Rossler Foundation Mysteries series. I am on his email list and when I get a notification about a new book I drop everything to buy the book and read it. It should be obvious I am a big fan and the reason is I enjoy his writing style and his storytelling.
There is not a single book of his where I didn't learn something new about history or government his depth of research and knowledge about the topics he writes about never ceases to amaze me.
The Nabatean Secret had me on the edge of my seat from the prologue right through to the last chapter. It was a mix of technology, ancient history, modern day politics and conspiracies. Ryan's usually have slow start and tension builds gradually. This one was different the tension starts with the prologue and doesn't let up until the second last chapter. This one was a wild ride of excitement and entertainment. There was almost never a dull moment.
I said this before and want to say it again—there is so much in this series. Ryan is mixing ancient history and modern day events, fact and fiction in such a unique way that I had to constantly ask myself where the one starts and the other ends. I don’t want to know how many days and weeks were spent on research — it must have been significant and the result was a brilliant book.
With The Nabatean Secret JC Ryan has again demonstrated that he is an accomplished author - on par with the best in the archaeological mystery-suspense genre.
For the fans of Clive Cussler, James Rollins, Dan Brown, Andy McDermott, Douglas Preston, Lincoln Child, A.G. Riddle and others in this genre, I highly recommend that you take a look at JC Ryan’s books. You will not be disappointed.
I have been following JC Ryan's writing from his very first book in the Rossler Foundation Mysteries series. I am on his email list and when I get a notification about a new book I drop everything to buy the book and read it. It should be obvious I am a big fan and the reason is I enjoy his writing style and his storytelling.
There is not a single book of his where I didn't learn something new about history or government his depth of research and knowledge about the topics he writes about never ceases to amaze me.
The Nabatean Secret had me on the edge of my seat from the prologue right through to the last chapter. It was a mix of technology, ancient history, modern day politics and conspiracies. Ryan's usually have slow start and tension builds gradually. This one was different the tension starts with the prologue and doesn't let up until the second last chapter. This one was a wild ride of excitement and entertainment. There was almost never a dull moment.
I said this before and want to say it again—there is so much in this series. Ryan is mixing ancient history and modern day events, fact and fiction in such a unique way that I had to constantly ask myself where the one starts and the other ends. I don’t want to know how many days and weeks were spent on research — it must have been significant and the result was a brilliant book.
With The Nabatean Secret JC Ryan has again demonstrated that he is an accomplished author - on par with the best in the archaeological mystery-suspense genre.
For the fans of Clive Cussler, James Rollins, Dan Brown, Andy McDermott, Douglas Preston, Lincoln Child, A.G. Riddle and others in this genre, I highly recommend that you take a look at JC Ryan’s books. You will not be disappointed.
January 30, 2020
I received this copy of the Nabatean Secret as an advanced reading copy. I first became acquainted with the author J. C. Ryan with his Rex Dalton series of books, but this book, Book 4 of the Carter Devereaux series differed from any of those books. With this book, Ryan once again worked his magic. The characters he creates are so lifelike that they are easy like or hate. The plot so realistic that the reader can’t help but think—this could happen to us tomorrow.
The Nabatean are a race of people who were promised by God to live forever turn against all humanity and set their sights on ruling the earth. All they cared about was power and money. They had infiltrated every major government on earth and they weren’t hesitant to kill anyone that got in their way. It seemed like there would be no stopping them from achieving a goal of ruling the earth. But Carter and his wife step up and use the knowledge they gained from studying ancient civilizations and its technologies to defeat them. They had the help of many courageous agents fighting at their side.
With The Nabatean Secret Ryan has crafted another roller-coaster thrill ride that will keep you on the edge of your seat from the first page to the last page. At 513 pages it was a long read, but the pages flew by like a whirling dervish and the end came before I wanted it too. Another awesome read by the master J. C. Ryan.
The Nabatean are a race of people who were promised by God to live forever turn against all humanity and set their sights on ruling the earth. All they cared about was power and money. They had infiltrated every major government on earth and they weren’t hesitant to kill anyone that got in their way. It seemed like there would be no stopping them from achieving a goal of ruling the earth. But Carter and his wife step up and use the knowledge they gained from studying ancient civilizations and its technologies to defeat them. They had the help of many courageous agents fighting at their side.
With The Nabatean Secret Ryan has crafted another roller-coaster thrill ride that will keep you on the edge of your seat from the first page to the last page. At 513 pages it was a long read, but the pages flew by like a whirling dervish and the end came before I wanted it too. Another awesome read by the master J. C. Ryan.
October 12, 2018
Archeological, technical, and medical advancements and an absorbing plot that keeps you on the edge of your seat
The main characters are compelling and endearing as ever in this third book of the Carter Devereaux series. I despaired at the far reaching controls the Nabateans had over all the government's of the world. It seemed that their ambition to ruthlessly eliminate anyone who stood in their way to rule the Earth could not be stopped. It is sad that people who started with the promise of God for them to survive could become so inhumane with their only concerns being power and money. Bravo to Carter, his wife and all others who fought non stop to learn as much as they could from the ancients and use that knowledge to help stop the Nabateans from taking over. Another great read from JC Ryan.
The main characters are compelling and endearing as ever in this third book of the Carter Devereaux series. I despaired at the far reaching controls the Nabateans had over all the government's of the world. It seemed that their ambition to ruthlessly eliminate anyone who stood in their way to rule the Earth could not be stopped. It is sad that people who started with the promise of God for them to survive could become so inhumane with their only concerns being power and money. Bravo to Carter, his wife and all others who fought non stop to learn as much as they could from the ancients and use that knowledge to help stop the Nabateans from taking over. Another great read from JC Ryan.
January 11, 2020
Not only is the story great, but this book is like a gemstone mine. Little vignettes keep popping up to entertain and amuse. My favorite was the Congressional testimony by Mackenzie before a hostile chairman. The book is long, but full of treasures. Although many references are made to earlier works, you can pick up the series with this book and not miss anything. You may discover a need to visit the earlier stories based on things mentioned in this story. I definitely recommend this book, and the series.
October 27, 2017
Fantastic Secret Heritage Thriller
***** Ryan has created a fantastic novel of a heritage kept secret, a cabal determined to control the world, and the team of archeologists and black ops teams sent to root out the secrets. The action is fast and furious, the politicians alternately helpful or duplicitous, the accusations outrageous, as the team tries to find all the branches of a worldwide secret conspiracy.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED AS BOTH AN INDIVIDUAL BOOK AND AS A SERIES!!
***** Ryan has created a fantastic novel of a heritage kept secret, a cabal determined to control the world, and the team of archeologists and black ops teams sent to root out the secrets. The action is fast and furious, the politicians alternately helpful or duplicitous, the accusations outrageous, as the team tries to find all the branches of a worldwide secret conspiracy.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED AS BOTH AN INDIVIDUAL BOOK AND AS A SERIES!!
July 31, 2021
A great nonstop adventure
This book starts on a roll and never quits. JC Ryan keeps amazing me with the indepth story line that feels like it is from just off real life events. Who knows maybe it is. So much espionage, thrills, action, believable political events...just a never ending great read. Read it!!!!
This book starts on a roll and never quits. JC Ryan keeps amazing me with the indepth story line that feels like it is from just off real life events. Who knows maybe it is. So much espionage, thrills, action, believable political events...just a never ending great read. Read it!!!!
Read
September 2, 2022The fourth book of the 4 wraps up the mystery of the Nabatean group and hopefully puts an end to their plans of world domination. It also gets the Devereaux cleared and back to work and secret Nabatean embedded helpers caught and jailed or removed. This was a good 4 books and I enjoyed the adventures.
February 15, 2023
Just loved reading this series and just found #5 and is the next one on my list. Lost a lot of sleep and housework to get to the end of the 4th book but was worth it. Anyone who enjoys mysteries, archaeology, science will not be disappointed in taking the time to go through this series. JC Ryan continues to wow readers with his fantastic writing.
October 8, 2025
Can't put it down!
The many different plot twists are incredibly realistic and thought provoking, brilliant characters, believable storylines, and some humor to lighten up even the darker moments. This is the fourth book in this series and I have enjoyed them all. 5 stars each!!!
The many different plot twists are incredibly realistic and thought provoking, brilliant characters, believable storylines, and some humor to lighten up even the darker moments. This is the fourth book in this series and I have enjoyed them all. 5 stars each!!!
February 7, 2026
Beyond amazing
This story is so complex and fascinating it is VERY hard to put down. The characters are so like real people with all the conflicts, love stories, sacrifices and problems that you feel this is reality. It makes you think what if stuff like this is really going on somewhere that we don't know about it. You will be pulled in right away. It's a gotta -read.
This story is so complex and fascinating it is VERY hard to put down. The characters are so like real people with all the conflicts, love stories, sacrifices and problems that you feel this is reality. It makes you think what if stuff like this is really going on somewhere that we don't know about it. You will be pulled in right away. It's a gotta -read.
February 10, 2026
Carter Devereux is once again in the midst of it. He and his wife Makenzie are on the run. The Nabateans are maring line for them and the whole US Government very difficult. This is a fast paced read with lts of action and thoought provoking activities. The fourth and final book in this series but there is more to comme. I am really looking forward to my next Carter Devereux episode.
November 1, 2017
Great story
Yes. The stories by this author are great reads, they are exciting, suspenseful, fun, and full of information and knowledge of archeology. Love this author and all his books.
Yes. The stories by this author are great reads, they are exciting, suspenseful, fun, and full of information and knowledge of archeology. Love this author and all his books.
August 8, 2019
Another AWESOME READ!!
The Nabateans are upping their take over of all Countries! They have spies in most Nations in the World's governments!! Even in the USA and have one to write an article marking Carter and Mackenzie as Traitors!
A can't put down, until the very end!!
The Nabateans are upping their take over of all Countries! They have spies in most Nations in the World's governments!! Even in the USA and have one to write an article marking Carter and Mackenzie as Traitors!
A can't put down, until the very end!!
April 6, 2021
Great Trilogy! Plots, and Subterfuge!
Where do I start?
Past, unrecorded Civilizations. Unknown technology, libraries, modern day infiltrators intent upon destroying all governments...
And conspiracies of all kinds.
I could not stop reading. Loved
the series!
Where do I start?
Past, unrecorded Civilizations. Unknown technology, libraries, modern day infiltrators intent upon destroying all governments...
And conspiracies of all kinds.
I could not stop reading. Loved
the series!
August 6, 2021
Book 4
I much enjoyed the conclusion to this particular adventure of the Devereux family. Spoiler alert: If you're going to call attention to the savant misuse at the end, the follow up with an equally notable solution! I'm confused; there is a Book 5 but a new story??
I much enjoyed the conclusion to this particular adventure of the Devereux family. Spoiler alert: If you're going to call attention to the savant misuse at the end, the follow up with an equally notable solution! I'm confused; there is a Book 5 but a new story??
May 4, 2022
The final chapter
This is the least interesting book of the series. I could see the end coming and have been left hanging with the recap of the most important items: the secret library and all the other answers it’s supposed to have.
Will there be a sequel??
This is the least interesting book of the series. I could see the end coming and have been left hanging with the recap of the most important items: the secret library and all the other answers it’s supposed to have.
Will there be a sequel??
May 11, 2024
A great read
Another great read in the Carter Devereux series. JC Ryan scripts make me want to read more with great plots, twists and colourful characters.
Try them - you'll love all his books.
Another great read in the Carter Devereux series. JC Ryan scripts make me want to read more with great plots, twists and colourful characters.
Try them - you'll love all his books.
May 25, 2017
Wow! A intelligent page turner that kept me up all night. I devoured these 4 books in days. Think Indiana Jones meets James Bond meets Designated Survivor and Romancing the Stone. More please!
July 31, 2017
the final book in a very enjoyable series. I really wish there weere more books with Carter and Sarah.
May 21, 2020
Wonderful.
As always JC Ryan delivers another enjoyable story. His books are not short reads but intriguing and unique. I am a fan!
As always JC Ryan delivers another enjoyable story. His books are not short reads but intriguing and unique. I am a fan!
November 20, 2020
Lots of action
Great story. Lots of round the world intrigue and excitement. Had a hard time putting it down. You need to read the 1st 2 in the series and it's a great tale.
Great story. Lots of round the world intrigue and excitement. Had a hard time putting it down. You need to read the 1st 2 in the series and it's a great tale.
December 5, 2022
Entertaining book. Not my favorite of his work. It felt like the series went downhill a bit with each book. The end felt rushed, like he just wanted to get the book done and wrapped up.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews