What do you think?
Rate this book
Delphi Group #2
The Portal
The stunning follow-up to the bestselling novel The Signal.
While recording sound waves across the universe, NASA makes an astonishing discovery close to home. A strange audio transmission is detected in a remote region of northern Brazil. The transmission has no known source, and the signature has only been recorded on two other occasions: once from inside the Andromeda Galaxy.
Determined to discover if the sound was produced by alien intelligence, the US government turns to the Delphi Group. Senior Delphi operative Zane Watson is tapped to lead a select contingent of academics, locals, and US Army Special Forces deep into the heart of the Amazon rainforest, seeking to unlock the mystery of who or what is hidden there.
Stalked by a shadowy group with their own agenda and facing terrors both ancient and modern, the team follows a trail of clues to a dark corner of the jungle, a place so horrifying that even the indigenous people fear crossing its borders.
From a high-rise apartment building in Taiwan to the mountains of Idaho and the jungles of Brazil, the stakes for Delphi have never been higher.
While recording sound waves across the universe, NASA makes an astonishing discovery close to home. A strange audio transmission is detected in a remote region of northern Brazil. The transmission has no known source, and the signature has only been recorded on two other occasions: once from inside the Andromeda Galaxy.
Determined to discover if the sound was produced by alien intelligence, the US government turns to the Delphi Group. Senior Delphi operative Zane Watson is tapped to lead a select contingent of academics, locals, and US Army Special Forces deep into the heart of the Amazon rainforest, seeking to unlock the mystery of who or what is hidden there.
Stalked by a shadowy group with their own agenda and facing terrors both ancient and modern, the team follows a trail of clues to a dark corner of the jungle, a place so horrifying that even the indigenous people fear crossing its borders.
From a high-rise apartment building in Taiwan to the mountains of Idaho and the jungles of Brazil, the stakes for Delphi have never been higher.
404 pages, Paperback
First published September 23, 2015
359 people are currently reading
164 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
June 5, 2020
No spoilers. But this review encompasses the first 3 novels of the Delphi Group.
Book #1 was poorly edited, but in this book #2 the writing is much more refined and everything is just that much crisper and cleaner.
They are a nice mix of techno thriller, reality based sci-fi, and a detective story although it is a special operations man/team investigating. Sneeden has done very well to build a world in which the impossible just comes to life and it appears totally acceptable as possible. Solid science mixed with some pure fiction and you have a great thriller.
I read these a while ago, but still the story is fresh in my mind, which shows how much I enjoyed these Delphi Group novels (read the first 3 so far). It was obviously a first entry for the author and deserves better editing (might have just been the Kindle version wasn't edited properly). The plot moves along nicely. Characters are deeply described and developed. The world building and scene construction is top notch...I can picture most of the scenes described with very little effort, which is a sign a gifted writer.
The tie-in with Bible verses and history is a nice touch, for those who aren't easily offended by a writer assuming the Word of God is 100% truthful and accurate...yet he never makes any of those claims, he simply uses the Bible as another source for his characters to delve deeper into the mystery that has beset them. Sneeden ties-in everything with science that is rooted in real practical applications and studies going on currently all across the world, so they have a sort of mix between Phillip K. Dick, Michael Crichton, and Clive Cussler - yes, an odd mixture that Sneeden pulls off oh so well.
Book #1 was poorly edited, but in this book #2 the writing is much more refined and everything is just that much crisper and cleaner.
They are a nice mix of techno thriller, reality based sci-fi, and a detective story although it is a special operations man/team investigating. Sneeden has done very well to build a world in which the impossible just comes to life and it appears totally acceptable as possible. Solid science mixed with some pure fiction and you have a great thriller.
I read these a while ago, but still the story is fresh in my mind, which shows how much I enjoyed these Delphi Group novels (read the first 3 so far). It was obviously a first entry for the author and deserves better editing (might have just been the Kindle version wasn't edited properly). The plot moves along nicely. Characters are deeply described and developed. The world building and scene construction is top notch...I can picture most of the scenes described with very little effort, which is a sign a gifted writer.
The tie-in with Bible verses and history is a nice touch, for those who aren't easily offended by a writer assuming the Word of God is 100% truthful and accurate...yet he never makes any of those claims, he simply uses the Bible as another source for his characters to delve deeper into the mystery that has beset them. Sneeden ties-in everything with science that is rooted in real practical applications and studies going on currently all across the world, so they have a sort of mix between Phillip K. Dick, Michael Crichton, and Clive Cussler - yes, an odd mixture that Sneeden pulls off oh so well.
January 13, 2018
It is a much better book than the first one in the series...or at least was till they met Rebecca in the jungle. Everything that was built up so excruciatingly painfully well - details, the pace was perfect until this point of time- just somehow tumbled towards a terribly messy climax! And that rebecca character was such an odd, couple of pages wonder- she disappeared from the narrative so much more quickly than I anticipated. I also found the mole track to have been very hurriedly resolved- maybe because zane didn't get to catch him red handed. But nevertheless, all said, a much better written book than the first one in the series. I am going to jump right into the third one and see what's up next. Hopefully not another alien set up!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 9, 2019
I think 🤔 this year you might think of the creativity
A minute later, they exited onto the thirty-fifth floor. As they turned down the hall, Mei slipped her arm through his. He smiled. “So beautiful,” she said, admiring the marble floor in the corridor. “I think you’re too good for me.” She poked him gently in the ribs. “Don’t be silly. Do I act like I’m too good for you?” He leaned over and gave her a quick peck on the lips.
A minute later, they exited onto the thirty-fifth floor. As they turned down the hall, Mei slipped her arm through his. He smiled. “So beautiful,” she said, admiring the marble floor in the corridor. “I think you’re too good for me.” She poked him gently in the ribs. “Don’t be silly. Do I act like I’m too good for you?” He leaned over and gave her a quick peck on the lips.
March 6, 2018
The Amazon Queen
What is this? 1930? We are subjected to multiple chapters of a ridiculous trek through the Amazon jungle. What, no helicopters? Average elevation 320 feet? A super secret Black Ops group walks for days? Come on.
Then, at the end, a Blackhawk helo arrives to evacuate them. Come on. This is just lame.
What is this? 1930? We are subjected to multiple chapters of a ridiculous trek through the Amazon jungle. What, no helicopters? Average elevation 320 feet? A super secret Black Ops group walks for days? Come on.
Then, at the end, a Blackhawk helo arrives to evacuate them. Come on. This is just lame.
March 9, 2018
Worse than the first
Didn't think it was possible but this was worse than the Signal! Ineptness descended into stupidity. I am sorry to be negative as I understand that it is no easy feat to write a novel, but this was beyond juvenile. Poorly written, characters actions were an embarrassment. Oh, if only I could get these wasted hours back. But alas it is not to be.
Didn't think it was possible but this was worse than the Signal! Ineptness descended into stupidity. I am sorry to be negative as I understand that it is no easy feat to write a novel, but this was beyond juvenile. Poorly written, characters actions were an embarrassment. Oh, if only I could get these wasted hours back. But alas it is not to be.
April 26, 2018
Very Entertaining!
I enjoyed the story...well developed characters, nicely written, and had good tempo and flow. Permitting your imagination a bit of free rein, "The Portal" is not really a huge stretch on the credible. Science Fiction or Science Fact--perhaps a little of both. Myth, legend, and history all tied together with a few new twists of twine. Recommended.
I enjoyed the story...well developed characters, nicely written, and had good tempo and flow. Permitting your imagination a bit of free rein, "The Portal" is not really a huge stretch on the credible. Science Fiction or Science Fact--perhaps a little of both. Myth, legend, and history all tied together with a few new twists of twine. Recommended.
July 3, 2018
A heavy dose of sci-fi and Chinese military in the mix
This volume in the series was slower paced (slightly) than the first one. But it made it up th the last quarter of the book.
The hero, Zane Watson, comes off as a little bit more human and makes some mistakes. But he is still the GUY.
Enjoy this plot line.
This volume in the series was slower paced (slightly) than the first one. But it made it up th the last quarter of the book.
The hero, Zane Watson, comes off as a little bit more human and makes some mistakes. But he is still the GUY.
Enjoy this plot line.
June 22, 2023
Very exciting, intense story. Mr. Sneeden starts this tale off with a bang and we are immediately drawn into it. Slowly we are transformed into accepting even what we would not accept outside the book. I have now read a few books in this series and can recommend them all!! I have immediately moved to another of his books, "The Chamber".
July 20, 2018
Excellent read!
I bought this book when I was 3/4 through the first book of the series and have now bought the third (it's a trilogy). Fast moving, well written, hard to put down. Well worth the price.
I bought this book when I was 3/4 through the first book of the series and have now bought the third (it's a trilogy). Fast moving, well written, hard to put down. Well worth the price.
April 22, 2019
Action
The action never seems to stop. Our crew of paranormal experts and other specialist are sent to the remote regions of the Amazon. Of course, rhe run into all kinds of deadly problems.
I really enjoyed this book and the characters that were brought together.
The action never seems to stop. Our crew of paranormal experts and other specialist are sent to the remote regions of the Amazon. Of course, rhe run into all kinds of deadly problems.
I really enjoyed this book and the characters that were brought together.
December 29, 2021
another winner
Would love to see some of these on the big screen. They would be clearly awesome. WARNING! These books are addictive and you will NOT be able to put any of them down! Proceed with caution!
Would love to see some of these on the big screen. They would be clearly awesome. WARNING! These books are addictive and you will NOT be able to put any of them down! Proceed with caution!
June 22, 2017
Where was the portal?
Many times I thought I was reading a different book. I kept getting confused. I could not decide in what period of time things were occurring.
Many times I thought I was reading a different book. I kept getting confused. I could not decide in what period of time things were occurring.
July 4, 2017
Fun read
As usual..the Delphi group were up to their necks in trouble..flying saucers..little grey men and strange foliage and creatures. Read the book!!
As usual..the Delphi group were up to their necks in trouble..flying saucers..little grey men and strange foliage and creatures. Read the book!!
December 27, 2017
This book didn't have the same flow as the first book. it was good, but lacked some of the depth and humor the first one had. the pacing was off compared to the first one as well.
July 14, 2019
Nice
Good action and adventure book. I enjoyed the story and its twists and turns as the book unfolded. Enjoy ola
Good action and adventure book. I enjoyed the story and its twists and turns as the book unfolded. Enjoy ola
February 9, 2021
Another fun read
Fast paced, good action and interesting characters. Plot with MANY twists. Will continue to follow the path of books to read.
Fast paced, good action and interesting characters. Plot with MANY twists. Will continue to follow the path of books to read.
January 13, 2022
good book
October 8, 2015
While the first novel in the series, The Signal was more of a mystery/spy type thriller, this one is all adventure. In the vein of James Rollins Subterranean, Michael Crichton 's Congo, John Sneeden puts Zane and the Delphi group in deep trouble in the deep dark jungles of Brazil. Each instalment in this series brings you closer to an epic conclusion. I can't wait to see what Sneeden has in store for the next Delphi group adventure. One thing for sure, it will be suspenseful, exciting and well written.
November 3, 2015
If you love talk of the rapture, talk of "the good news" and grown adults in the military saying "good grief" and "oh my" every time they or their team is threatened with imminent death, you will LOVE this book. If not, move along. I wish authors would just be honest about the audience their writing for. Good grief!!!!
I would like to add that the archeologist on the team (who loves to spread the good word" announced that bones giants like Goliath in the bible have been found, but "they" have hidden evidence of it. And all the other "scientists" on the team agree.
I would like to add that the archeologist on the team (who loves to spread the good word" announced that bones giants like Goliath in the bible have been found, but "they" have hidden evidence of it. And all the other "scientists" on the team agree.
December 22, 2015
I mean, it has plot.
But this was just too weird. Alien abduction, Area 51-ish, the nebulous "sound wave" that started off the novel, and I don't know what else. I guess the key moment for me was when they find a woman who is wandering around in shock talking about her alien abduction experience and Our Heroes think something like, "she looks so sincere, it must be true." Really? You can't think of any alternative hypothesis? 'Cause I sure can. I won't be reading any more of these.
Date finished is approximate.
But this was just too weird. Alien abduction, Area 51-ish, the nebulous "sound wave" that started off the novel, and I don't know what else. I guess the key moment for me was when they find a woman who is wandering around in shock talking about her alien abduction experience and Our Heroes think something like, "she looks so sincere, it must be true." Really? You can't think of any alternative hypothesis? 'Cause I sure can. I won't be reading any more of these.
Date finished is approximate.
April 25, 2016
The Portal is an exciting science fiction adventure. When the CIA intercepts an unusual signal emanating from the Brazilian jungle, Zane Watson and a crew of Green Berets and scientists are sent to investigate. But they’re not the only ones interested. The Chinese have also sent a team with an additional agenda—to kill Zane Watson. Alien abductions, head hunters, and strange man eating plants abound, making this a fast paced, engrossing read.
October 30, 2016
The second book in the series has disappointed me greatly: an implausible scenario and poorly developed characters. The Delphi group needs to find a special place in the Amazonian forest; a place where possible ET have a portal on Earth. After a predictable trip through the jungle and chased by the Chinese secret service, they arrive at the destination. What happens next is so unbelievable, confusing and even too ridiculous to describe. No spoilers.
November 28, 2015
The Portal
Wow, loved this book and the characters ..keeps you guessing who is the mole til the end....If you like adventure with military , the Delphi , throw in a little bit of science fiction with aliens and you will not be able to put this one down...Thanks to Mr. Sweden for a very enjoyable book...you will love this one.
Wow, loved this book and the characters ..keeps you guessing who is the mole til the end....If you like adventure with military , the Delphi , throw in a little bit of science fiction with aliens and you will not be able to put this one down...Thanks to Mr. Sweden for a very enjoyable book...you will love this one.
March 24, 2016
Suspenseful story as the group travels through the Amazon basin to a mountain and dark village. I enjoyed reading this book as a follow up to The Signal by the same author. It didn't have as much action, like a james bond story as the first book did, but supernatural themes and exciting locations and descriptive words for a gripping read.
November 30, 2016
Like a B movie.
Very predictable story line with a very thin link to the previous book that was loosely resolved. Characters rather flat and little interaction by the antagonist with a predictable anticlimactic result. Essentially read like watching a B movie. Not utterly terrible but not a gripping page turner either.
Very predictable story line with a very thin link to the previous book that was loosely resolved. Characters rather flat and little interaction by the antagonist with a predictable anticlimactic result. Essentially read like watching a B movie. Not utterly terrible but not a gripping page turner either.
February 8, 2016
Better
Portal is better than Signal. The writing is good. The plot is good, but I think the ending needs to be clearer. I hope the next book makes a definitive distinction on what the "plot characters" are. Four stars overall. Keep up the great writing, John.
Portal is better than Signal. The writing is good. The plot is good, but I think the ending needs to be clearer. I hope the next book makes a definitive distinction on what the "plot characters" are. Four stars overall. Keep up the great writing, John.
July 11, 2016
Interesting story
This book did not keep me engrossed as his first novel . I was able to put this book down and not
rush back to it.
Finish reading book and glad it was over!!!
This book did not keep me engrossed as his first novel . I was able to put this book down and not
rush back to it.
Finish reading book and glad it was over!!!
October 5, 2015
Good read
I enjoyed this because I couldn't predict the ending and was pleasantly surprised by the ending. I can't wait for the next one.
I enjoyed this because I couldn't predict the ending and was pleasantly surprised by the ending. I can't wait for the next one.
February 12, 2016
Great.read
Well written and an excellent follow up.to.the .signal
Looking.forward to seeing what Zane is up on his next adventure yes
Well written and an excellent follow up.to.the .signal
Looking.forward to seeing what Zane is up on his next adventure yes
Read
May 1, 2017Great series, opening up the next one right now.
Fast paced read, the characters are relatable and the action doesn't stop. Looking forward to continuing the adventure and see where it takes me.
Fast paced read, the characters are relatable and the action doesn't stop. Looking forward to continuing the adventure and see where it takes me.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews