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Sam Reilly #21
Shangri-La
An ancient order concealed in shadow.
A hidden battle that’s raged for millennia.
A secret meeting of unimaginable significance.
Shangri-La. For generations, few people have known whether that mythical paradise was real, or just a legend.
But now a clandestine assembly between some of the most powerful organizations on the planet has been called, and Sam Reilly must disentangle the truth from the myth…
…and there are dangerous people who will go to any length to keep Shangri-La’s secrets buried.
A hidden battle that’s raged for millennia.
A secret meeting of unimaginable significance.
Shangri-La. For generations, few people have known whether that mythical paradise was real, or just a legend.
But now a clandestine assembly between some of the most powerful organizations on the planet has been called, and Sam Reilly must disentangle the truth from the myth…
…and there are dangerous people who will go to any length to keep Shangri-La’s secrets buried.
228 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 5, 2020
233 people are currently reading
210 people want to read
About the author
Christopher Cartwright
77 books251 followersChristopher Cartwright writes spellbinding mysteries and suspense novels. Often with a backdrop of ocean adventure. Born in 1983, he has a background as a paramedic, and is an avid sailor and SCUBA diver.
He holds degrees in paramedics, nursing and emergency management.
Chris currently lives in Sydney with his wife and two children.
He holds degrees in paramedics, nursing and emergency management.
Chris currently lives in Sydney with his wife and two children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
April 7, 2021
The story starts with a plane that is hit by lightning and goes down. The lone survivor finds his way to the mystical land of Shangri-La. As it happens, the survivor is the future author, James Hilton of Lost Horizon. Adventurer Sam Reilly is tasked to find the ancient sanctuary to save it from an ancient struggle that will determine the existence of mankind.
The story is fast-paced and wildly imaginative. It has a real Indiana Jones feel and deals with ancient mysteries. A ton of action and suspense.
The story is fast-paced and wildly imaginative. It has a real Indiana Jones feel and deals with ancient mysteries. A ton of action and suspense.
March 11, 2023
2 Stars for SHANGRI-LA by Christopher Cartwright, narrated by David Gilmore. This is a mostly Clean* novel that may be enjoyed most by YA Action-Adventure readers.
MY RATING GUIDE:
1= dnf/What was that?; 2= NOPE; NOT FOR ME/US; 3=This was okay/cute; 3.5= I enjoyed it; 4= I liked it a lot; 5= I Loved it, it was great! (I seldom give 5 Stars).
Shangri-La, 1931 ~
An aircraft carrying 2 passengers crash lands in the mountains of India with only one survivor who ultimately discovers Shangri-la.
Present day ~
Sam Reilly, his cohort Tom Bower and friends are drawn into a search for Shangri-La.
My husband and I enjoy listening to novels on audio with our morning coffee. We have enjoyed a number of Action-Adventure novels together (he’s a history buff, motor-head, science-type guy) and I prefer fast action, great adventures, creative world building with honorable and sometimes complicated characters. Our past successful “reads” have been Relic/Pendergast series, #1 by Preston & Child; Import/Matthew Riker series, #1 by J Snyder; Final Cut/Brit in FBI series, #1 by C Coulter & Ellingson; Lion in the Valley/Amelia Peabody series, #4 by E Peters; Raja’s Lost Adventure/Richard Halliburton’s Adventures, #2 by G Drake; and Uncharted/Treasure Hunter Security series, #2 by A Hackett.
I like details that pull me in (but also make sense), captivating me as I am taken across the globe and/or under the sea. Clive Cussler is one of my “go to” authors in this genre. I was expecting something along this line when I pick up SHANGRI-LA for the two of us. But SHANGRI-LA was a miss for us, as explained below. YMMV.
SHANGRI-LA ~ Cons.
1) Too much discussion (between characters) and explanations of certain concepts (telling rather than doing) which broke up the action scenes considerably.
2) The world building and various factoids required huge stretches of the imagination that logically didn’t make sense together.
3) For an Action Adventure tale, SHANGRI-LA moved too slowly for us (perhaps caused by the earlier mentioned “telling” rather than “doing”).
4) I/we were alternately bored, skeptical or confused and finished (the final half of the book) only because I/we thought perhaps everything would make sense in the end - which it didn’t. Questions raised in the beginning weren’t addressed by the end. And neither of us really cared anymore.
Pros ~
1) The narration by David Gilmore was fine. It neither improved nor reduced our enjoyment of SHANGRI-LA.
2) The concept was good. I’m always open to a new marine adventurer series. (It simply fizzled and died).
3) Readers who can suspend belief entirely and go along for the ride (as in a fantasy/“Alice in Wonderland” type world), bypass the numerous explanations and/or not particularly care if certain elements are never resolved may enjoy SHANGRI-LA.
4) SHAGRI-LA reads easily. This series may be suitable for YA Action-Adventure readers*.
We read SHANGRI-LA as a standalone title. It felt like there were pieces of information we might have missed from the earlier books, especially relating to the antagonists. Readers may prefer to begin with book #1.
*READER CAUTIONS -
VIOLENCE - PG/PG-13. Not dark.
*PROFANITY - Yes. Strong language is used on a few occasions (but probably less than most students hear on the school bus).
SEXUAL SITUATIONS - None.
MY RATING GUIDE:
1= dnf/What was that?; 2= NOPE; NOT FOR ME/US; 3=This was okay/cute; 3.5= I enjoyed it; 4= I liked it a lot; 5= I Loved it, it was great! (I seldom give 5 Stars).
Shangri-La, 1931 ~
An aircraft carrying 2 passengers crash lands in the mountains of India with only one survivor who ultimately discovers Shangri-la.
Present day ~
Sam Reilly, his cohort Tom Bower and friends are drawn into a search for Shangri-La.
My husband and I enjoy listening to novels on audio with our morning coffee. We have enjoyed a number of Action-Adventure novels together (he’s a history buff, motor-head, science-type guy) and I prefer fast action, great adventures, creative world building with honorable and sometimes complicated characters. Our past successful “reads” have been Relic/Pendergast series, #1 by Preston & Child; Import/Matthew Riker series, #1 by J Snyder; Final Cut/Brit in FBI series, #1 by C Coulter & Ellingson; Lion in the Valley/Amelia Peabody series, #4 by E Peters; Raja’s Lost Adventure/Richard Halliburton’s Adventures, #2 by G Drake; and Uncharted/Treasure Hunter Security series, #2 by A Hackett.
I like details that pull me in (but also make sense), captivating me as I am taken across the globe and/or under the sea. Clive Cussler is one of my “go to” authors in this genre. I was expecting something along this line when I pick up SHANGRI-LA for the two of us. But SHANGRI-LA was a miss for us, as explained below. YMMV.
SHANGRI-LA ~ Cons.
1) Too much discussion (between characters) and explanations of certain concepts (telling rather than doing) which broke up the action scenes considerably.
2) The world building and various factoids required huge stretches of the imagination that logically didn’t make sense together.
3) For an Action Adventure tale, SHANGRI-LA moved too slowly for us (perhaps caused by the earlier mentioned “telling” rather than “doing”).
4) I/we were alternately bored, skeptical or confused and finished (the final half of the book) only because I/we thought perhaps everything would make sense in the end - which it didn’t. Questions raised in the beginning weren’t addressed by the end. And neither of us really cared anymore.
Pros ~
1) The narration by David Gilmore was fine. It neither improved nor reduced our enjoyment of SHANGRI-LA.
2) The concept was good. I’m always open to a new marine adventurer series. (It simply fizzled and died).
3) Readers who can suspend belief entirely and go along for the ride (as in a fantasy/“Alice in Wonderland” type world), bypass the numerous explanations and/or not particularly care if certain elements are never resolved may enjoy SHANGRI-LA.
4) SHAGRI-LA reads easily. This series may be suitable for YA Action-Adventure readers*.
We read SHANGRI-LA as a standalone title. It felt like there were pieces of information we might have missed from the earlier books, especially relating to the antagonists. Readers may prefer to begin with book #1.
*READER CAUTIONS -
VIOLENCE - PG/PG-13. Not dark.
*PROFANITY - Yes. Strong language is used on a few occasions (but probably less than most students hear on the school bus).
SEXUAL SITUATIONS - None.
November 4, 2021
Okay, I decided not to write a review of these books until I read all 21 of them. It has taken me a little more than a month to complete all of them and I can without a doubt say, I loved the characters in this series. Sam Reilly and his best friend, Tom Bower, are smart and funny men who take on the "bad guys" as they strive to save planet Earth from humanity. Their female sidekicks are equally smart, funny, but more than that they are strong and independent women. I like how Cartwright unfolds the back story of each character throughout the series, so there is always a little mystery about who they really are. I loved the stories themselves, the hunts for some of civilization's greatest mysteries and the action. Another thing I liked about the books is that the author mentions other authors and their work in some of them. As a reader it is cool to read about characters who read.
I gave three stars to 20 of the 21 books. Here is why. First, Cartwright habitually reintroduces minor characters using the same language across all of the books. It is almost as if he is plagiarizing himself. It drove me nuts. An example is his description of the Secretary of State. Second, throughout the books there are lengthy expositions about scuba diving, equipment, armaments, geography, history, etc. While some of the information is interesting, it is quite lengthy and interrupts the narrative. And when I say lengthy, I mean 5-6 pages or more. Third, there are several high level vocabulary words that Cartwright over uses throughout the books. There came a point at which I thought if the author used a certain word again, that I would scream. And I did.
I gave the final book of the series just two stars because the ending was disappointing. It just stopped and then jumped to the epilogue. While I'm unsure of whether the eluded to next adventure will be forthcoming, I don't think I will invest any time reading it.
I gave three stars to 20 of the 21 books. Here is why. First, Cartwright habitually reintroduces minor characters using the same language across all of the books. It is almost as if he is plagiarizing himself. It drove me nuts. An example is his description of the Secretary of State. Second, throughout the books there are lengthy expositions about scuba diving, equipment, armaments, geography, history, etc. While some of the information is interesting, it is quite lengthy and interrupts the narrative. And when I say lengthy, I mean 5-6 pages or more. Third, there are several high level vocabulary words that Cartwright over uses throughout the books. There came a point at which I thought if the author used a certain word again, that I would scream. And I did.
I gave the final book of the series just two stars because the ending was disappointing. It just stopped and then jumped to the epilogue. While I'm unsure of whether the eluded to next adventure will be forthcoming, I don't think I will invest any time reading it.
October 1, 2025
Brief synopsis from the book cover:
An ancient order concealed in shadow.
A hidden battle that’s raged for millennia.
A secret meeting of unimaginable significance.
Shangri-La. For generations, few people have known whether that mythical paradise was real, or just a legend.
But now a clandestine assembly between some of the most powerful organizations on the planet has been called, and Sam Reilly must disentangle the truth from the myth…
…and there are dangerous people who will go to any length to keep Shangri-La’s secrets buried.
My rating:
Plot: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Writing: 4 out of 5 stars
Character development: 4 out of 5 stars
Overall: 4 out of 5 stars
Recommended for readers of:
Action and Adventure
Review:
This book delivers everything you’d expect from a great action-adventure novel—plenty of suspense, a touch of mystery, and a likeable hero who ultimately saves the day. It’s well written and briskly paced, with rapid developments and shifting situations that suit the genre perfectly.
At the heart of the story lies an ancient order concealed in shadow, a hidden battle that’s raged for millennia, and a secret meeting of unimaginable significance. The legend of Shangri-La—long dismissed as myth—suddenly becomes the focal point of a global conspiracy. When a clandestine assembly of the world’s most powerful organizations is called, Sam Reilly must unravel truth from fiction… while evading those who will stop at nothing to keep Shangri-La’s secrets buried.
The characters are engaging, and their motivations are clearly explained, making their actions feel believable within the story’s context. Overall, it’s an entertaining and enjoyable read that keeps you turning the pages.
This is book is part of the Sam Reilly series. Most books have a proper ending so they can be read as a standalone. That is also the case with this book.
An ancient order concealed in shadow.
A hidden battle that’s raged for millennia.
A secret meeting of unimaginable significance.
Shangri-La. For generations, few people have known whether that mythical paradise was real, or just a legend.
But now a clandestine assembly between some of the most powerful organizations on the planet has been called, and Sam Reilly must disentangle the truth from the myth…
…and there are dangerous people who will go to any length to keep Shangri-La’s secrets buried.
My rating:
Plot: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Writing: 4 out of 5 stars
Character development: 4 out of 5 stars
Overall: 4 out of 5 stars
Recommended for readers of:
Action and Adventure
Review:
This book delivers everything you’d expect from a great action-adventure novel—plenty of suspense, a touch of mystery, and a likeable hero who ultimately saves the day. It’s well written and briskly paced, with rapid developments and shifting situations that suit the genre perfectly.
At the heart of the story lies an ancient order concealed in shadow, a hidden battle that’s raged for millennia, and a secret meeting of unimaginable significance. The legend of Shangri-La—long dismissed as myth—suddenly becomes the focal point of a global conspiracy. When a clandestine assembly of the world’s most powerful organizations is called, Sam Reilly must unravel truth from fiction… while evading those who will stop at nothing to keep Shangri-La’s secrets buried.
The characters are engaging, and their motivations are clearly explained, making their actions feel believable within the story’s context. Overall, it’s an entertaining and enjoyable read that keeps you turning the pages.
This is book is part of the Sam Reilly series. Most books have a proper ending so they can be read as a standalone. That is also the case with this book.
July 7, 2020
Shangri-La (Sam Reilly #21), my twenty-first read from author Christopher Cartwright & the twenty-first book in the highly entertaining Sam Reilly series. A well-written rollicking thriller with captivating & well-developed main characters. The worst thing about a Sam Reilly book is waiting for the next book to be done. Reminds me of the writings of Steve Berry, Dan Brown & James Rollins. Next up is Alexander's Treasure (Sam Reilly #22) in October. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
April 12, 2021
Way out there
Sam Reilly and his team find Shangri-La and prevent it from falling into the wrong hands. The problem is you have to suspend all disbelief because you are going to meet some crazy characters (Amelia Earhart?) and go through some crazy places (the 8th Continent?) and adventures (World War II shipwrecks removed in one night?) on the road to Shangri-La. The Amazon Kindle version of this book has a lot of typos, even repeated paragraphs on page 41, which distract significantly from the reading.
Sam Reilly and his team find Shangri-La and prevent it from falling into the wrong hands. The problem is you have to suspend all disbelief because you are going to meet some crazy characters (Amelia Earhart?) and go through some crazy places (the 8th Continent?) and adventures (World War II shipwrecks removed in one night?) on the road to Shangri-La. The Amazon Kindle version of this book has a lot of typos, even repeated paragraphs on page 41, which distract significantly from the reading.
August 17, 2023
I was pretty disappointed with this story, I’m sorry to say. I’ve been waiting for this one for so long, and I felt let down by the pacing, locations, and ultimately the ending. The last bit of the book, which is where many many books have been leading, was too fast and didn’t make sense. I will keep reading for sure, but this did make me take a break from Sam Reilly. So many interesting elements from previous books didn’t make sense any longer, and things that have been teased were rushed and eliminated.
February 7, 2025
Review of this book.
Exceptional writing. Fast paced and full of suspense. At one point it turned into two different stories. One continued on with Sam's adventure, and the other story was about one of his crew and her brother. The author maintained excellent continuity with both stories. The end brought both stories together seamlessly. Very exciting and suspenseful. I could not read fast enough to see what happened next. I stayed up all night to finish the book. I recommend this book to everyone who enjoys this series.
Exceptional writing. Fast paced and full of suspense. At one point it turned into two different stories. One continued on with Sam's adventure, and the other story was about one of his crew and her brother. The author maintained excellent continuity with both stories. The end brought both stories together seamlessly. Very exciting and suspenseful. I could not read fast enough to see what happened next. I stayed up all night to finish the book. I recommend this book to everyone who enjoys this series.
February 26, 2022
not his best work (nonspecific spoiler)
I’ve loved the previous 20 books and was looking forward to this one too. It was sadly lacking on plot and, as an ER nurse, I could NOT get over Sam being up and active 1 week after major surgery which would have, IRL, taken weeks to months to recover from enough to do all the action adventuring he did! It killed the rest of the book for me.
I’ve loved the previous 20 books and was looking forward to this one too. It was sadly lacking on plot and, as an ER nurse, I could NOT get over Sam being up and active 1 week after major surgery which would have, IRL, taken weeks to months to recover from enough to do all the action adventuring he did! It killed the rest of the book for me.
November 18, 2024
Good read, kinda clipped.
As I continue to read the Sam Riley series, I have enjoyed most of the previous books with The exception of the Nostradamus Equation which was really not my cup of tea. This book about the mystical Shangri-La was kind of slow paced and not full of the same adventure that Christopher Cartwright has put into the others. I did read it. I did enjoy it. But just not on the same level as I expected.
As I continue to read the Sam Riley series, I have enjoyed most of the previous books with The exception of the Nostradamus Equation which was really not my cup of tea. This book about the mystical Shangri-La was kind of slow paced and not full of the same adventure that Christopher Cartwright has put into the others. I did read it. I did enjoy it. But just not on the same level as I expected.
February 2, 2021
This is not a re-writing of Lost Horizon. A lot of twists and turns where added to this version and it was made very exciting and I just couldn't put it down. This author was very inventive he included people who just couldn't have been there, some wonder inventions and a very unexpected ending.
I was give this book for free and only had to write a review. I really liked you should read it too.
I was give this book for free and only had to write a review. I really liked you should read it too.
July 25, 2021
I love all of Chris’s books and this one does not disappoint. I am a SCUBA diver, private pilot student and a Paramedic/LPN. I love the adventure elements that he adds to each of his stories that are based in fact as well as the fantasy elements mixed with real history. I can’t wait to read the next one!
November 15, 2023
Do you believe in Shangri-La
What an amazing adventure and time is of the esscents. After Sam gets shot needing surgery he wasted no time to get into their next adventure. The Chinies where steeling wrecks Sam and Tom jump to the rescue, now a member of his crew has gone missing. A none stop chase to save the truth. Highly recommend fantastic adventure
What an amazing adventure and time is of the esscents. After Sam gets shot needing surgery he wasted no time to get into their next adventure. The Chinies where steeling wrecks Sam and Tom jump to the rescue, now a member of his crew has gone missing. A none stop chase to save the truth. Highly recommend fantastic adventure
October 15, 2024
not my kind of book but…I LOVED IT!
Usually I’m more interested in science fiction and fantasy books but my friend recommended I try one. I have to admit all these books are awesome! It kept me riveted throughout each and every one. I’m telling all of my friends and family about these wonderfully written books!
Usually I’m more interested in science fiction and fantasy books but my friend recommended I try one. I have to admit all these books are awesome! It kept me riveted throughout each and every one. I’m telling all of my friends and family about these wonderfully written books!
May 10, 2020
A very exciting series
This is a series that once read, you feel smarter when finishing. This series is a must read. Love Sam and Tom
and tom
This is a series that when you finish you are smarter.
This is a series that once read, you feel smarter when finishing. This series is a must read. Love Sam and Tom
and tom
This is a series that when you finish you are smarter.
June 6, 2020
Hunting for Shangri-La
Another Sam Reilly story where Sam and crew are looking for the games city of Shangri-La. In the process they were also trying to stop thieves stealing sunken ships. Pretty good story.
Another Sam Reilly story where Sam and crew are looking for the games city of Shangri-La. In the process they were also trying to stop thieves stealing sunken ships. Pretty good story.
June 11, 2020
Very enjoyable read!
Mr Christopher Cartwright. I enjoyed your book. Sam Reilly and Tom are very skilled that getting in in and out of trouble. It has exciting to go along on their adventures. Well written characters. Exciting adventures. Clean language. Thank you!
Mr Christopher Cartwright. I enjoyed your book. Sam Reilly and Tom are very skilled that getting in in and out of trouble. It has exciting to go along on their adventures. Well written characters. Exciting adventures. Clean language. Thank you!
June 11, 2020
Interesting
These books are more science fiction than archeological. If you like adventure stories, you will like these. Although these guys spend an awful lot of time getting almost drowned.
These books are more science fiction than archeological. If you like adventure stories, you will like these. Although these guys spend an awful lot of time getting almost drowned.
January 31, 2021
An interesting story but somewhat dream in its presentation
The story was interesting and entertaining but somewhat on the unbelievable side wit getting to Shangri-La and the having it destroyed to save the wkrld
The story was interesting and entertaining but somewhat on the unbelievable side wit getting to Shangri-La and the having it destroyed to save the wkrld
April 12, 2021
It started out great and exciting and then fell flat. That’s what often happens in book series that never seem to end. This one is #21. I haven’t read earlier Sam Reilly books, but I may just to compare what the earlier ones are like.
May 5, 2021
Nice easy read
If you want a nice easy read them this is well written and good fun. You don't need to start at the beginning of Sam's books of his adventures. You'll have fun reading the books.
If you want a nice easy read them this is well written and good fun. You don't need to start at the beginning of Sam's books of his adventures. You'll have fun reading the books.
June 19, 2021
Another extraordinary adventure
Filled with characters pulled from history, Sam and his team find the long imagined idyllic world. Only then to see it destroyed, so that a worse evil cannot sieze control of the known world through misusing it's resources
Filled with characters pulled from history, Sam and his team find the long imagined idyllic world. Only then to see it destroyed, so that a worse evil cannot sieze control of the known world through misusing it's resources
June 26, 2021
Another tale by Cartwright following the Cussler style with Sam Riley searching for Shangri-La a hidden enclave of the master builders where a power struggle is taking place. Lots of action and close calls as Sam and friends pursue their search.
August 30, 2021
Madly in love
Yes, I am madly in love with Sam Reilly. His adventures are wild and crazy and yet filled with accurate information of the history of his adventure. Dan Brown look out!
Yes, I am madly in love with Sam Reilly. His adventures are wild and crazy and yet filled with accurate information of the history of his adventure. Dan Brown look out!
September 4, 2021
Excellent
I think this is by far my favourite Sam Reilly escapade so far as he and Tom, along with Elise and Ben separately, search for the mythical Shangri-La, encountering very strange shipwreck pirates along the way.
I think this is by far my favourite Sam Reilly escapade so far as he and Tom, along with Elise and Ben separately, search for the mythical Shangri-La, encountering very strange shipwreck pirates along the way.
July 7, 2022
Mind-blowing!
I would love to know how Christopher C. plans the plots for his books! I envision a huge whiteboard with all kinds of diagrams with arrows pointing from one feature to another! Somehow all his plots work out into a wonderful story...just like SHANGRI-LA!
I would love to know how Christopher C. plans the plots for his books! I envision a huge whiteboard with all kinds of diagrams with arrows pointing from one feature to another! Somehow all his plots work out into a wonderful story...just like SHANGRI-LA!
October 4, 2023
My idea of fun and adventure with a little sadness thrown in.
A new slant on Shangri La. A really good adventure with lots of fun,and a little sadness.Looking forward to the next episode in the lives of Sam and Tom..Recommended.
A new slant on Shangri La. A really good adventure with lots of fun,and a little sadness.Looking forward to the next episode in the lives of Sam and Tom..Recommended.
March 27, 2024
Great!
This book is full of adventure and many twists and turns. I highly recommend this novel as well as the whole series. The characters are now like friends when they return in every novel.
This book is full of adventure and many twists and turns. I highly recommend this novel as well as the whole series. The characters are now like friends when they return in every novel.
April 28, 2024
Just as good as the first book
Has always Christopher drags you into Sam's world . He keeps you turning the pages and I lov e how the story ties in with his previous books. Cant wait for the next chapter.
Has always Christopher drags you into Sam's world . He keeps you turning the pages and I lov e how the story ties in with his previous books. Cant wait for the next chapter.
December 1, 2024
Lost Horizons
Another exciting adventure- this one made more interesting because Elise wasn’t there to help. Then again, Shangri-La was the destination. Page turner to the last page! Lots of fun!
Another exciting adventure- this one made more interesting because Elise wasn’t there to help. Then again, Shangri-La was the destination. Page turner to the last page! Lots of fun!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews