The Reaper Seal: A Lost Origins Novel

Lost Origins #2

by Antony Davies

Then… During the invasion of Iraq, the Museum of Baghdad is looted and trashed. Amid the famous precious treasures stolen that day, a stash of Sumerian agricultural seals also vanishes. As if the looters know exactly what they are searching for. Now… In the tiny Eastern European nation of Striovia, the seals have resurfaced. But in trying to negotiate their return, Toby Smith – director of the Lost Origins Recovery Institute – is accused of spying, and swiftly imprisoned. What, exactly, are they trying to hide? The Lost Origins group turns to the only person reckless enough to help free freelance archaeologist Jules Sibeko . With this young, highly skilled man at their side, they embark on a furious international adventure, following ancient stories from the permafrost of Eurasia to the cradle of North American civilization, and beyond ... where they must unravel the secrets hidden for generations before Toby’s captors do. Here, a promise of power will be fulfilled. If you enjoy international thrillers, religious mysteries, and archaeological adventures to rival Indiana Jones and Lara Croft, pick up this fast paced action adventure sequel to Tomb of Aradia. Tomb of Aradia The Reaper Seal The Eagle Plague (coming 2019)

Genres: Fiction

488 pages, Paperback

Published October 6, 2018

Reviews

[Jim Razinha · Rating 3 out of 5]

I used to read Clive Cussler, despite some annoyances in his style, because his formulaic books were always a simple side trip. Davies’s books seem to be along the same vein… at least all two of the ones I’ve read. They read quickly, though I break them up with other book readings. The recurrent theme of an ancient civilization (civilisation?) genetic trait passed down over 50K years is silly, but it is adventure fiction, so, get over it Jim. That’s easy enough, but there are more than a few Cusslerish annoyances to give me pause.

“There is a famous experiment referred to as the ‘slit test’ where if you fire light through two vertical slits and observe the pattern on a target the other side, the photons land in a random pattern. But when the physicists moved away for a break, they allowed the experiment to run. When they returned, the photons had landed in the same shape as the two slits. Watching the experiment continue, they returned to their scattershot approach”
I’m not sure why Davies describes it wrongly this way more than once.

He translates the Latin “Circulus ostendam in virtue Dominus.” as “The circle will show the power of God”. I checked with multiple translators and this is a strained translation (the majority English form is “I will show the circle in virtue of the master, or lord.”) but okay.

He talks about a character who would “brew his own wine” You don’t brew wine. And some other words…“quietened”. My note was “Must be a Brit term” (I checked…it is.) One character, an “ex-Army Ranger” says he “Joined the private sector after I served out”. That’s not an American term. But wait, there’s more! “Not only did she manage to charter a helicopter from the remote US territory of Alaska into Canada” Territory?

And the there is Jules, who devoted extraordinary time and resources to being in peak physical condition, knowledgeable, a student of humans so that he could blend in to do what he does but…“I seen ’em,” Jules said. Absurd. I grew up in Connecticut and when moving away in my early twenties, I excised “idears” (ideas) and similar colloquialisms from my vocabulary. Why didn’t Jules? Another example:
“Jules shook his head. “Nah, we ain’t had aliens visiting. Check out the Fermi paradox. That’ll set you right.”
“What’s that?” Dan asked.
“Do you really want me to start lecturing you all about extinction events? Dark forest theory? Dyson Spheres? Because I can if you want.”

And yet…”ain’t”

Oh well. I must try to not make notes like this in the future books.

[Dusty Dirt · Rating 5 out of 5]

L.O.R.I. Or Yanovna

What’s it going to be? I really like the characters and the story arc, but the reoccurring “character flaws” of Yanovna is really getting to me. She is annoying the way she is written. She seems whiny and directionless. I digress though, there is always one character in a story that has to be unliked. I just really wish that I could actually “unlike” her from the story.

I’m going now. . . . . Goodbye! hahaha

[Stephen E · Rating 5 out of 5]

Keeps you reading

After the first book which I gave one of the few accolades. I couldn't wait to read the next one. It was as good as the first. I couldnt put it down. The characters are interesting and the descriptions of the archeological finds are so detailed I keep flipping back to the previous page to make sure I got it all. Great imagination and writing kudos to A.D. Davis.

[KHELLIAN · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Great Story

This continues with the team exploring artifacts and sites left by the mysterious Witnesses from the distant path. Great historical concept and fascinating page turner.

[pamela boseman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reaper seal

I enjoyed reading this book. I love the characters and their adventures. The plots are awesome and exciting as well as great.

[linda stayton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Archeology thriller

Nice twist searching for lost items prior to known mankind's ability to create. Throw in a general who believes if found, they'll save their country.