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Thirst of the Rain God
Lost civilization. Ancient secrets.
A fast-paced adventure where danger lurks around every corner.
While exploring ancient ruins nestled deep in the lush Guatemalan jungle, a team of international archaeologists makes a stunning discovery. They find a sprawling network of tunnels and caves filled with man-made structures, intricately carved stone statues, inscriptions and murals that hint at the mythical Mayan underworld, Xibalba.
Eager to learn more about the shadowy place, they descend further underground and stumble upon hidden passageways that seem to stretch forever, treasure-laden tombs and secluded chambers which show signs of ritual usage. But it soon becomes apparent that they are not alone in the vast subterranean maze. Someone else is there. Someone who is ready to kill to protect the sinister secrets that lay hidden there for centuries.
Fans of gripping action adventure thrillers laced with archaeological mystery will love Thirst Of The Rain God. Also recommended for anyone interested in the ancient Maya.
A fast-paced adventure where danger lurks around every corner.
While exploring ancient ruins nestled deep in the lush Guatemalan jungle, a team of international archaeologists makes a stunning discovery. They find a sprawling network of tunnels and caves filled with man-made structures, intricately carved stone statues, inscriptions and murals that hint at the mythical Mayan underworld, Xibalba.
Eager to learn more about the shadowy place, they descend further underground and stumble upon hidden passageways that seem to stretch forever, treasure-laden tombs and secluded chambers which show signs of ritual usage. But it soon becomes apparent that they are not alone in the vast subterranean maze. Someone else is there. Someone who is ready to kill to protect the sinister secrets that lay hidden there for centuries.
Fans of gripping action adventure thrillers laced with archaeological mystery will love Thirst Of The Rain God. Also recommended for anyone interested in the ancient Maya.
318 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 3, 2019
111 people are currently reading
38 people want to read
About the author
J.A. Kalis
9 books111 followersJ.A. Kalis is an action-adventure thriller writer. She wrote four novels including the suspenseful adventure thriller series 'The Curse Of Inca Gold' consisting of her début novel 'When The Jaguar Sleeps' and its sequel 'Wrath Of The Jaguar Man'. She speaks multiple languages and has lived in several different countries. Her writing is action-packed and fuelled by her passion for travelling and exploring other cultures and customs. In her novels, she transports the readers to unique, often exotic locations, pulling them into the story, right into where all the action takes place. Vivid descriptions of the setting, believable characters, tightly knit plot, relentless pace, continuous, spine-tingling suspense and mystery characterize her books.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
January 30, 2020
This was an archeological action-packed thriller that will leave you on the edge of your seat. Set in the rainforests of Guatemala where archeologists have discovered a vast network of caves set under an ancient Mayan tomb, two men work their way through dense jungle to get to the dig site. Kalis has a real way with words, and the descriptions here are exquisite. You can really picture, smell and imagine every scene, from the rainforest to the claustrophobic feeling of being trapped down in the caves. And the descriptions of the Mayan relics were stunning. But as they get to the dig site and discover what’s there, all is not well. This was a nail biter from start to end. Wonderful incorporation of Mayan legend and history as well as some present-day lessons in climate change. If you enjoy fast-paced thrillers like “Indiana Jones” and “National Treasure”, you’re sure to love this one!
Please excuse typos/name misspellings. Entered on screen reader.
Please excuse typos/name misspellings. Entered on screen reader.
November 4, 2020
Deep in the jungle of Guatemala, there's a hidden Mayan civilization about the be unearthed. Reporter Randy wants the scoop first, so he's hired Travis, a jungle tour guide, to take him there. It's dangerous in the jungle as Randy soon discovers. Travis is not the clean-cut man as first appears but one with a shady past. As the two men venture further into the jungle, they encounter all sorts of things. Once they get to the excavation site, they find it empty. They enter the ruins and that is when the adventure really begins. Rooms of vast treasure but there's also something else there, something that doesn't want the world to know about its secrets. Can Randy, Travis, and the rest of the team of archaeologists escape in time or will they have to pay with their lives for awakening the gods?
Thirst of the Rain God is a suspenseful adventure story from start to finish. I love a rollicking archaeology tale (think Indy Jones) and while this one started this way, it surely didn't end that way. Sure, there were tense moments but it was overshadowed by a murky plot. What I loved was the adrenaline-inducing thrill of the discoveries around every corner. I enjoyed the Mayan mythology and descriptive narration. J.A. Kalis plunges the reader deep in the jungle and added depth to the plot. The characters, for the most part, I didn't connect with. I found Randy milkatose and drole. I did like Travis for awhile but then he began to get on my nerves. The dialogue was well-done and propelled the plot. What I didn't like was there wasn't a clear-cut ending. Where was the climax? It just pretty much ended in a very anti-climatic way. Overall, it was a good adventure story with plenty of twists and turns. If you're a fan of Greig Beck and Steve Berry, you'll love Thirst of the Rain God.
My Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by: Mrs. N
This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/po...
Thirst of the Rain God is a suspenseful adventure story from start to finish. I love a rollicking archaeology tale (think Indy Jones) and while this one started this way, it surely didn't end that way. Sure, there were tense moments but it was overshadowed by a murky plot. What I loved was the adrenaline-inducing thrill of the discoveries around every corner. I enjoyed the Mayan mythology and descriptive narration. J.A. Kalis plunges the reader deep in the jungle and added depth to the plot. The characters, for the most part, I didn't connect with. I found Randy milkatose and drole. I did like Travis for awhile but then he began to get on my nerves. The dialogue was well-done and propelled the plot. What I didn't like was there wasn't a clear-cut ending. Where was the climax? It just pretty much ended in a very anti-climatic way. Overall, it was a good adventure story with plenty of twists and turns. If you're a fan of Greig Beck and Steve Berry, you'll love Thirst of the Rain God.
My Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by: Mrs. N
This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/po...
August 14, 2020
J.A. Kalis lets us get lost in a sprawling adventure in Thirst of the Rain God: Secrets of the Maya! When a team of archeologists begin to explore a newly found underground Mayan labyrinth, they discover that they’re not alone, and not everyone wants the secrets of history to be found. Kalis knows how to make you feel the wonder of discovery and the heart-pumping action of being hunted through an unexplored ruin! I felt like an explorer myself and couldn’t wait to see what twists the story would deliver next! If you love the adventure classics like Indiana Jones or The Mummy, or perhaps want to learn more about Mayan culture, this one’s for you!
September 13, 2020
I got this book under the 'Read it & Reap' Program in exchange for an honest review
Great fast-paced read
The story starts off with two characters - Travis and Randy - making a deal to go into the jungle to see the site, where something interesting was found by the archeological team (because see, Randy is a journalist and he wants to write a bomb article to make a great career, and Travis appears to be a quite experienced jungle guide). But while it was all fine and easy in Randy's head, he never thought how dangerous the trip might become.
So, they make it to the archeological site, but no one is there. And that's where the adventure begins.
The author tells the story from the POV of 3 different groups, and this makes following the events even more intriguing. Every change of POV is justified and contributes to the whole story, explaining why certain things are happening.
We are introduced to the archeological team, and let me tell you, they are the people one would want to find beside oneself in a difficult situation (which was surprising to me, because normally in these types of books characters begin to act stupidly and selfishly when gathered in groups).
All in all, I really enjoyed the book. I could not turn the pages fast enough to find out how the story ended. And also had to stay up late, but I don't regret a thing.
Great fast-paced read
The story starts off with two characters - Travis and Randy - making a deal to go into the jungle to see the site, where something interesting was found by the archeological team (because see, Randy is a journalist and he wants to write a bomb article to make a great career, and Travis appears to be a quite experienced jungle guide). But while it was all fine and easy in Randy's head, he never thought how dangerous the trip might become.
So, they make it to the archeological site, but no one is there. And that's where the adventure begins.
The author tells the story from the POV of 3 different groups, and this makes following the events even more intriguing. Every change of POV is justified and contributes to the whole story, explaining why certain things are happening.
We are introduced to the archeological team, and let me tell you, they are the people one would want to find beside oneself in a difficult situation (which was surprising to me, because normally in these types of books characters begin to act stupidly and selfishly when gathered in groups).
All in all, I really enjoyed the book. I could not turn the pages fast enough to find out how the story ended. And also had to stay up late, but I don't regret a thing.
June 11, 2020
A remarkable mix of Maya mythology and fast-paced archeological thriller.
„Thirst of the Rain God. Secrets of the Maya” by J.A. Kalis is a classical fast-paced adventure in best Indiana Jones style.
An international group of archeologist working in the Guatemalan jungle, come across a sensational discovery, an entryway to Xibalba, the Mayan Underworld. True to every explorer’s attitude and high on discovery fever they immediately begin the descent into the cavernous system, stumbling across never before ever seem “wonderful things” until the tide turns and this magical and wonderful places turns into a claustrophobic maze inhabited by some unknow presence. And the thrill runs his course.
By now you are already asking yourself “have I not read this before” well yes, you have (because it follows the blueprint of every good adventure-thriller worth reading) and no, you haven’t, because the book excel in using the aforementioned blueprint as just a base to construct a very interesting plot with multidimensional characters and action-packed situations. Treasure hunt, archeological facts, danger, intrigue, facts, suspense, action nonstop… it has it all… in spades.
J.A. Kalis offers a fast-paced plot that drives the reader first row into the action, a rich canopy of description and very accurate background facts that give the story an overall feeling of “reality”. It is a fast ride, sometimes even a hard one, after all Xibalba is not for the faint of heart, worthy until the very fast chapter.
„Thirst of the Rain God. Secrets of the Maya” by J.A. Kalis is a classical fast-paced adventure in best Indiana Jones style.
An international group of archeologist working in the Guatemalan jungle, come across a sensational discovery, an entryway to Xibalba, the Mayan Underworld. True to every explorer’s attitude and high on discovery fever they immediately begin the descent into the cavernous system, stumbling across never before ever seem “wonderful things” until the tide turns and this magical and wonderful places turns into a claustrophobic maze inhabited by some unknow presence. And the thrill runs his course.
By now you are already asking yourself “have I not read this before” well yes, you have (because it follows the blueprint of every good adventure-thriller worth reading) and no, you haven’t, because the book excel in using the aforementioned blueprint as just a base to construct a very interesting plot with multidimensional characters and action-packed situations. Treasure hunt, archeological facts, danger, intrigue, facts, suspense, action nonstop… it has it all… in spades.
J.A. Kalis offers a fast-paced plot that drives the reader first row into the action, a rich canopy of description and very accurate background facts that give the story an overall feeling of “reality”. It is a fast ride, sometimes even a hard one, after all Xibalba is not for the faint of heart, worthy until the very fast chapter.
December 27, 2019
Another book by J.A. Kalis after " When The Jaguar Sleeps" and " Wrath Of The Jaguar Man". As in case of the previous two you'll find there fast-paced action with elements of mystery and ancient cultures. I really do not want to spoil you the fun of reading the book by giving up too much details, nevertheless I can assure that funs of aventure books will not be disappointed.
January 16, 2020
Thirst Of The Rain God: Secrets of the Maya is an intriguing thriller that is fast-paced and action-packed. The characters are well developed and intelligent. The storyline is well written and captured my interest from beginning to end, with danger, suspense, treasure, intrigue, and archaeological adventure.
I read and reviewed this book with no obligation.
I read and reviewed this book with no obligation.
February 28, 2020
Guatemala Republic Central American country. Restaurant. Travis (American, father, reporter) & Randy (companion, guide) had stopped to get a bite to eat & drink.
Next day. Travis & Randy had been following rough rocky/slippery trail for about an hour.
1-day while exploring the 2 of them came across Chiara Carmine. She had been tied up.
Now they had to find a way out of the cave.
Fabio “Stone Face” had joined the group.
In Humberto’s business he was good at handling the government officials.
There were still lots of Mayan treasures to be found.
Guillermo (pilot) landed the plane.
Arturo (bodyguard), Humberto, & Guillermo exited the door.
Miguel (supervisor) & 5 others greeted them.
The team of international archaeologists: Greg, Daniel, Ramiro, Antoine, Chiara, Juan, David, & Kevin had all been attacked & tied up.
Daniel, Greg, Antoine had gotten out of their ropes.
Antoine & Ramiro were next to break their binds.
David was freed but Juan had been killed.
Now to find Chiara.
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written action adventure book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great action adventure movie, an animated cartoon, or better yet a mini TV series. There is no doubt in my mind this is a very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free author; Goodreads; MakingConnections; Making Connections discussion group talk; Amazon Digital Services LLC.; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
Next day. Travis & Randy had been following rough rocky/slippery trail for about an hour.
1-day while exploring the 2 of them came across Chiara Carmine. She had been tied up.
Now they had to find a way out of the cave.
Fabio “Stone Face” had joined the group.
In Humberto’s business he was good at handling the government officials.
There were still lots of Mayan treasures to be found.
Guillermo (pilot) landed the plane.
Arturo (bodyguard), Humberto, & Guillermo exited the door.
Miguel (supervisor) & 5 others greeted them.
The team of international archaeologists: Greg, Daniel, Ramiro, Antoine, Chiara, Juan, David, & Kevin had all been attacked & tied up.
Daniel, Greg, Antoine had gotten out of their ropes.
Antoine & Ramiro were next to break their binds.
David was freed but Juan had been killed.
Now to find Chiara.
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written action adventure book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great action adventure movie, an animated cartoon, or better yet a mini TV series. There is no doubt in my mind this is a very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free author; Goodreads; MakingConnections; Making Connections discussion group talk; Amazon Digital Services LLC.; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
August 28, 2020
🛡️🛡️ONE HELLUVA JOURNEY🛡️🛡️
Holy hell tigger! Kalis blasts through on gale force winds, riding a blazing inferno, keeping you riveted on a razors edge and frozen to your seat, unveiling this action packed thriller with a no turning back, take no prisoners attitude, wrapping this jewel up sleek shiny and tight. Tracking a minefield of perilous drama, nail-biting revelations, damning discoveries, riveting intrigue, escalating danger and spiraling suspense, traversing the dark cunning manipulations of vicious iniquity, atrocious deeds and heinous intent, putting our characters through their paces, testing them in ways they could have never anticipated. Restrictions are heightened and stretched, baring all the harsh facts, dangerous deals and frightening fiascos, igniting a fierce determination with such intensity and vigor, propelling this bad boy to life spectacularly. The characters, interactions and charged atmosphere along with relatable qualities and individual traits adding depth and diversity, transforming into genuine formidable personalities. The scenes are abundantly descriptive with colorful details that blend and flow, creating a majestic backdrop that's so rich and lively it feels like you transported to ground zero with them. Remarkable job Kalis, thanks for sharing this awesome little jewel with us.
Holy hell tigger! Kalis blasts through on gale force winds, riding a blazing inferno, keeping you riveted on a razors edge and frozen to your seat, unveiling this action packed thriller with a no turning back, take no prisoners attitude, wrapping this jewel up sleek shiny and tight. Tracking a minefield of perilous drama, nail-biting revelations, damning discoveries, riveting intrigue, escalating danger and spiraling suspense, traversing the dark cunning manipulations of vicious iniquity, atrocious deeds and heinous intent, putting our characters through their paces, testing them in ways they could have never anticipated. Restrictions are heightened and stretched, baring all the harsh facts, dangerous deals and frightening fiascos, igniting a fierce determination with such intensity and vigor, propelling this bad boy to life spectacularly. The characters, interactions and charged atmosphere along with relatable qualities and individual traits adding depth and diversity, transforming into genuine formidable personalities. The scenes are abundantly descriptive with colorful details that blend and flow, creating a majestic backdrop that's so rich and lively it feels like you transported to ground zero with them. Remarkable job Kalis, thanks for sharing this awesome little jewel with us.
June 14, 2020
Very difficult to get through
Based on the description I was excited to read this book. I was hoping for a gripping tale and some great action. Very disappointed. The characters were flat and the dialogue unrealistic, you don't really get to know or be involved with any of them. I struggled to get through the chapters when the story just dragged and the author clearly needs a thesaurus. I'm not kidding, the word thug was used to describe the same people seven different times on one page. It was only alternated with the word brute. The ending was rushed and anticlimactic as if the author got as tired of writing it as I did reaching it. The last chapter is just a throw away of a brief sentence on what happened to eat h person and then a big "history" lesson. I'm sorry to the author of you read this, the concept was good but it was begging for some editing and better dialogue\character development.
Based on the description I was excited to read this book. I was hoping for a gripping tale and some great action. Very disappointed. The characters were flat and the dialogue unrealistic, you don't really get to know or be involved with any of them. I struggled to get through the chapters when the story just dragged and the author clearly needs a thesaurus. I'm not kidding, the word thug was used to describe the same people seven different times on one page. It was only alternated with the word brute. The ending was rushed and anticlimactic as if the author got as tired of writing it as I did reaching it. The last chapter is just a throw away of a brief sentence on what happened to eat h person and then a big "history" lesson. I'm sorry to the author of you read this, the concept was good but it was begging for some editing and better dialogue\character development.
December 24, 2019
This was a pleasant lightweight archeological thriller. Open these pages and explore the Maya underground. What was the purpose of this vast underground maze below the jungle floor? Who is it that seems to be still using it?
Kindle Unlimited edition
Kindle Unlimited edition
February 11, 2020
If our like an Indiana Jones type story this book is for you. A Maya temple is found with a hugh underground cave system under it. A mad man wants a human sacrifice performed in it. Lots of gun fights and racing through the cave.
June 21, 2020
3.5 Stars
The story line and character work were great. The book had a fairly smooth flow to it. This book entertained from beginning to end.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The story line and character work were great. The book had a fairly smooth flow to it. This book entertained from beginning to end.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 30, 2020
This was an interesting read. The characters are good and the storyline held my attention. Both are well written and I would recommend reading.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 12, 2021
Good story, stilted writing
Decent story, but the writing is not great. Cool jungle descriptions though, and the Mayan words seem mostly correct ish. Author needs to work on show not tell and more realistic dialogue, but the plants and animals segments are great.
Decent story, but the writing is not great. Cool jungle descriptions though, and the Mayan words seem mostly correct ish. Author needs to work on show not tell and more realistic dialogue, but the plants and animals segments are great.
February 12, 2021
Fast paced
Good action kept me engaged. Characters were interesting author made them seem real. Also description of jungle was interesting. Would try another read by this author.
Good action kept me engaged. Characters were interesting author made them seem real. Also description of jungle was interesting. Would try another read by this author.
June 14, 2021
A fair book that is very fast paced. BUT..... There are two words that are used WAY too much. I'm not going to say, read the book and you will see!
May 30, 2022
felt like reading a high schooler’s creative writing assignment
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews