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James Acton Thrillers #23

The Viking Deception

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CENTURIES AGO, THE VIKINGS AND THE ISLAMIC CALIPHATE NEARLY WENT TO WAR.
AND TODAY, MORE INNOCENT BLOOD WILL SPILL.


In 989 AD, when informed of her impending arranged marriage, Fatima takes drastic action with her forbidden lover, Viking Prince Magnus, actions that not only have immediate consequences for her entire family, but reverberate a millennia later.

When Archaeology Professor James Acton receives an invitation from a friend to visit a new dig site where an unusual artifact has been discovered linking the Vikings to the Islamic Caliphate, he and his wife eagerly accept.

But upon arriving in Stockholm, Sweden, their friend is nowhere to be found, last seen entering the Saudi embassy and not heard from since. Before they can notify the authorities, Acton receives a disturbing phone call, and is forced into action to save his friend.

Becoming a criminal in the process.

291 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 28, 2018

204 people are currently reading
158 people want to read

About the author

J. Robert Kennedy

100 books297 followers
With over one million books sold, award winning and USA Today bestselling author J. Robert Kennedy has been ranked by Amazon as the #1 Bestselling Action Adventure novelist based upon combined sales. He is the author of over fifty international bestsellers including the smash hit James Acton Thrillers. He lives with his wife and daughter and writes full-time.

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Community Reviews

5 stars
265 (54%)
4 stars
156 (32%)
3 stars
49 (10%)
2 stars
12 (2%)
1 star
2 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
Profile Image for Diane Burton.
Author 16 books249 followers
January 24, 2023
I always think I'll read just a little to get started on a James Acton story. Hah! Mr. Kennedy draws in the reader and doesn't let go.

Once again, James and Laura get dragged into an adventure. Just once, they should call the police and let them deal with the situation, like a kidnapping. Banter between the two professors adds a much needed comic relief in the midst of danger. It's a good thing they have terrific friends, like Interpol Agent Reading, their CIA buddies, and the Delta Force team.

If you like edge-of-your-seat thrillers, you have to check out this series. Like the rest of the books, this one can be read as a stand-alone.
Profile Image for Wendy.
155 reviews3 followers
November 30, 2018
As usual, I love this book!

Happy to say that this book is just as incredible as the the others from this author. I love these characters and their stories. Well written and I couldn't put it down to do anything until it was read! I'm not kidding when I say that either. I carried it around the house while I vacuumed and made meals! I just had to know what was happening next! Thanks again for a wonderful book! The ONLY thing that is not fabulous is that it is OVER and I have to wait for the next one!
70 reviews2 followers
August 15, 2023
Too much back & forth

I have a problem with books (or movies, tv shows) that constantly go back and forth in time. The distraction (to me) got so bad, I never read the rest of the "Current " time line. Once my patience was exceeded, I continued with the "past" to the end of the book. I became very attached to the two key characters, and followed them to the end. I had to know how this unique situation was resolved. At this point I didn't care about the "present" story line.
18 reviews
August 16, 2021
Exciting and informative

An exciting narrative and informative adventure that gives an intricate look into the character and deceptive nature of conniving Muslims. The sheikh gives an excellent portrayal of the arrogance of wealth and the misinterpretation of the Koran. I love the constant adventures the professors constantly fall into through no fault of their own. Look forward to the next adventure.
7 reviews
August 30, 2021
Another pageturner from an author well worth reading. This series just keeps getting better as you continue to "get to know" the main characters as well as a variety of multi-talented friends who continue to weave their way in and out of the protagonist's action-packed lives. Couple this with fast-paced, globe-trotting adventure, suspense, and plausible, historically based scenarios, and you have a habit-forming storyline that keeps you wanting more!
Profile Image for Ryan Rauber.
886 reviews4 followers
March 11, 2022
Another great entry in the series. A Viking burial mound in Sweden reveals a Muslim woman with a strange ring. This leads to a thrilling adventure involving the Saudis with the background of the assassination of the journalist at the Saudi embassy in Instanbul. I've read all the books in the series so far, and this is one of the better ones. Of course, all the usual characters appear, and the ending is one of the best of the series.
3 reviews
December 18, 2018
Fast paced, exciting typical James Acton novel.

Credibility was given to the story line by referencing a current criminal action by the Saudi Government that parallels the plot development in this novel.
122 reviews2 followers
September 12, 2023
Action & More

As always a great read featuring Professors Acton and Palmer and their many friends. I loved the Tom Cruise references being a big Cruise Fan
Of course though when these Professors involved the incident had to be bigger and louder than Mission Impossible Actions😂
821 reviews3 followers
January 22, 2025
Book 23

Book 23 was a fun read and had a few errors. The plot and characters are developed well. The overall moved quickly with what was going on and the professors getting into trouble like always. There were some tense moments on and off, making it exciting.
Profile Image for Linda Kaban.
349 reviews6 followers
July 9, 2020
Short book but excellent. Scary too....the power that was wielded by the antagonists.
1 review
August 6, 2021
Another winner

As usual Kennedy has come up with an unexpected
Premise and turned it into a fast paced read.
The plot mixes ancient culture with modern real life current events.
249 reviews6 followers
August 18, 2021
It's always a great ride when I catch up with James and Laura. Tons of action, a great story.
34 reviews
August 30, 2021
Interesting Subject Matter. Vikings, Muslums, Khashoggi Killing, Viking History. Spun very loosely and could probably been tighter but still interesting. Kennedy always keeps ya guessing.
Profile Image for Jake Blume.
42 reviews3 followers
December 26, 2018
Great read

Go get em profs and delta team !! Kickin’ major ass and taking no names ..... to the author , waiting for the next adventure
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews

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