Salk: The Antikythera

by Robert J. Guerrera

Can Declan and Dalya find the Antikythera machine on time to defend against mass extinction on Earth?!

The Salk adventures continue. Over two thousand years ago, a Roman cargo ship sank in the Mediterranean Sea, its precious cargo lost forever until centuries later in the year 1901, Greek sponge divers discovered the wreckage and the remnants of an ancient machine known to scientists as the Antikythera mechanism, the first ever computer designed by humans. Created by the ancient Greeks, scientists believe it is the only machine of its kind in existence, until Declan and Dalya Salk secretly discover a second Antikythera. Working together, the teens and the secretive Chosen group must race against time to break the Antikythera’s code to reveal its secrets in connection to a rogue band of marauders who’ll arrive on Earth to plunder its resources, leading to total extinction for all life.
Entangled ever deeper in a dangerous game of espionage and mystery, Declan, Dalya, and other teenage defenders must first trek through the treacherous Amazon jungle to find an ancient South American city where the Antikythera has laid rest for thousands of years.
Meanwhile, a clandestine paramilitary group led by an evil medical genius, Dr. Stout, seeks to capture Declan and Dalya, at all cost, to exploit their powers.
Can the Antikythera mechanism be found and decoded on time? Can Declan and Dalya avoid capture before the wicked extra-terrestrial group arrives? Can the rogue group’s plans be thwarted and humanity saved from mass extinction?

330 pages, Paperback

First published February 26, 2020

About the author

Born in Alaska and raised in California, Robert has led an adventurous life. Since early childhood, he has traveled through some of the most remote, rugged regions of Mexico by canoe, mule, and on foot. He grew up playing outside and exploring the outdoors, usually until after sunset before cycling home to irked parents.
Fast forward to adult life, Robert has taught history and geography in the United States but has always had an itch to learn about distant lands and to live in other cultures. One thing led to another as he ended up living, exploring, and teaching in the Dominican Republic, Mexico, and Central Europe. Spontaneous travel by bicycle or on foot is his passion. The risks and pleasant surprises during unplanned excursions are the spices of life.
Today, Robert lives in Florida while exploring the Gulf Coast with his bicycle and kayak. Besides writing his adventure books, one can find him hiking in the European Alps or meandering through Florida's many island mangroves with his kayak. Sipping coffee while people-watching at a street side cafe is an enjoyable pastime. Ideas for his fictional characters are mentally plucked from the passers-by. The Salk trilogy is sprinkled with hints of Robert's outdoor adventures, past travel destinations, and quirky personal life experiences.
He hopes you enjoy his Salk sci-fi, adventure novel series. The prequel series is in the works.

"Enjoy being alive rather than just existing."
-RJG

Reviews

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read the first book in this series more than 4 years ago, so I was really surprised at how quickly the previous story came back to me and the characters felt familiar. As with book 1 (Salk: Zero is the key), this is an entertaining and fast-paced read that I think most kids would get a kick out of (and, let's be honest here, parents too!). It's a shame that this series hasn't had more exposure, so please check it out and leave a review!

My thanks to the author. This review was written voluntarily and is entirely my own, unbiased, opinion.