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Whispers of Atlantis #1
The Atlantis Papyrus: Not all secrets are worth revealing
"Exciting... vivid... gripping. Takes you through a thrilling quest in a violent ancient world."
Some secrets are best left unrevealed
323 B.C.
King Alexander the Great has died without a clear successor and the citizens of a vast empire wait nervously for what comes next. But Captain Deon has other worries—his family will be sold to slavery if he does not clear his debt soon. Desperate, he accepts a mission from Alexander’s wily Royal Secretary in return for a generous reward.
All he has to do is steal a papyrus from the King's funeral procession.
A papyrus with a stunning secret that can transform the balance of powers that fight for Alexander’s throne.
Plunged into the heart of succession wars and thrust between bloody ambitions of greater men, Deon is forced to embark on a dangerous journey and battle those he fears, to decode the ancient clues before time runs out for his family. But the more he learns, the more he realizes that his decisions will decide the life and death of not only his loved ones but also that of millions of innocents.
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BONUS: Join the newsletter on the author's website to get a free "History behind the book" that sheds light on some of the interesting events after Alexander's death.
409 pages, Paperback
Published April 6, 2019
About the author
Jay Penner
28 books36 followersJay Penner writes ancient historical fiction — pulse-pounding novels set in the turbulent worlds of ancient Egypt, Rome, Mesopotamia, and India, where kings rise, empires clash, and meticulous research blurs the line between fact and fiction. His books have found readers around the world.
He is the author of four acclaimed ancient historical fiction series:
Whispers of Atlantis Anthology — lost cities, buried armies, resolute warriors, and righteous revenge in a thrilling blend of fact and fiction across the great civilizations of the ancient world
The Last Pharaoh Trilogy — the rise, reign, and fall of Cleopatra, reclaimed from legend
The Spartacus Rebellion Trilogy — the soldier, slave, and gladiator who shook Rome to its foundations, in gritty historical fiction told from the ground up
The Greatest Enemy Trilogy — one man's vendetta forged in the fires of Hannibal's war on Rome, gritty historical fiction at history's bloody edge
He also writes Dark Shadows , a modern conspiracy thriller series where ancient ambition meets cutting-edge terror, and Wait, What? , a myth-busting romp through the most persistent legends of the ancient world.
If you love history where you're left guessing which part is fact and which is fiction, you'll feel right at home.
Discover more at jaypenner.com.
He is the author of four acclaimed ancient historical fiction series:
Whispers of Atlantis Anthology — lost cities, buried armies, resolute warriors, and righteous revenge in a thrilling blend of fact and fiction across the great civilizations of the ancient world
The Last Pharaoh Trilogy — the rise, reign, and fall of Cleopatra, reclaimed from legend
The Spartacus Rebellion Trilogy — the soldier, slave, and gladiator who shook Rome to its foundations, in gritty historical fiction told from the ground up
The Greatest Enemy Trilogy — one man's vendetta forged in the fires of Hannibal's war on Rome, gritty historical fiction at history's bloody edge
He also writes Dark Shadows , a modern conspiracy thriller series where ancient ambition meets cutting-edge terror, and Wait, What? , a myth-busting romp through the most persistent legends of the ancient world.
If you love history where you're left guessing which part is fact and which is fiction, you'll feel right at home.
Discover more at jaypenner.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
May 6, 2020
The book got off to a bit of a slow start, but once the protagonist began his journey it became immensely fascinating and difficult to put down. The historical figures and setting seemed really well researched; I was highly appreciative that the author avoided gratuitous rape and sex scenes, which are all too common in historical fiction set in this period. The premise was captivating and the characters were realistic - highly recommend this work!
I received a complimentary copy of this work through Voracious Readers Only in exchange for my honest opinion.
I received a complimentary copy of this work through Voracious Readers Only in exchange for my honest opinion.
February 6, 2021
What a beautiful and exciting adventure.
I’m going to keep an eye on this author and read more of his work.
I highly recommend this book.
I’m going to keep an eye on this author and read more of his work.
I highly recommend this book.
March 10, 2020
Betrayed By Ruthless🔪💀 Politics In 322 BC
Ancient Historical Intrigue and Politics.
Middle East 327 BC. The Empire of Alexander The Great.
The book chronicles the life of scholar Deon🐺🔪📚, a man forced into the Army of Alexander The Great in order to pay off debts and free his wife💃 and daughter, put into servitude and made hostages by his enemy Krokinos👺. Seems Deon🐺📚 infringed on Kronkinos' brothel business by starting one of his own. What a mistake! I guess the mob existed even in ancient Greece!
Actual battles are chronicled and described in horrific detail by our fictional character. Deon🐺🔪 is a man with a photographic memory and a talent for mathematics. Deon🐺🔪 is now the commander of a unit of horse 🐎 soldiers in Alexander's Army.
It's a first person accounting, with all the blood, gore💀🔪, terror, and cruelty of ancient war.
As expected, the book is quite violent and bloody while Deon🐺🔪 describes the battle scenes up close and personal.
When Deon🐺🔪 saves the life of a general, his life changes. General Eumenes realizes his talents and hires him as his adjutant, so no more fighting.
Then Alexander dies💀 in India, and the posturing by his generals and the division of his empire begins. He left no known will. His body is embalmed💀 and is escorted back towards Macedon with great pomp, but even his body is worth fighting over! Men will do anything for Power!
ARC Provided by Hidden 💎Gems.
I also got this ebook with KU.
I absolutely loved this fictional first person account of a soldier's life🐺🔪 in the vast army of Alexander. Deon🐺🔪 has spent nearly ten years away at war, trying to earn the 💰money to free his wife💃 and daughter. Incredible world 🌎building by Author Penner📚!
Ancient Historical Intrigue and Politics.
Middle East 327 BC. The Empire of Alexander The Great.
The book chronicles the life of scholar Deon🐺🔪📚, a man forced into the Army of Alexander The Great in order to pay off debts and free his wife💃 and daughter, put into servitude and made hostages by his enemy Krokinos👺. Seems Deon🐺📚 infringed on Kronkinos' brothel business by starting one of his own. What a mistake! I guess the mob existed even in ancient Greece!
Actual battles are chronicled and described in horrific detail by our fictional character. Deon🐺🔪 is a man with a photographic memory and a talent for mathematics. Deon🐺🔪 is now the commander of a unit of horse 🐎 soldiers in Alexander's Army.
It's a first person accounting, with all the blood, gore💀🔪, terror, and cruelty of ancient war.
As expected, the book is quite violent and bloody while Deon🐺🔪 describes the battle scenes up close and personal.
When Deon🐺🔪 saves the life of a general, his life changes. General Eumenes realizes his talents and hires him as his adjutant, so no more fighting.
Then Alexander dies💀 in India, and the posturing by his generals and the division of his empire begins. He left no known will. His body is embalmed💀 and is escorted back towards Macedon with great pomp, but even his body is worth fighting over! Men will do anything for Power!
ARC Provided by Hidden 💎Gems.
I also got this ebook with KU.
I absolutely loved this fictional first person account of a soldier's life🐺🔪 in the vast army of Alexander. Deon🐺🔪 has spent nearly ten years away at war, trying to earn the 💰money to free his wife💃 and daughter. Incredible world 🌎building by Author Penner📚!
April 14, 2019
~ History || Mystery ~
and
a Secret that will change lives forever!
Jay Penner has succeeded well in weaving a fine fabric of fusion and fiction, at the backdrop of the history of King Alexander, the great! It goes to the credit of the author for his presentation skills of each and every character in this fiction to be fully alive, permanently living in the hearts of the readers!
The aftermath of history, following the death of King Alexander, is beautifully drawn in this story for the readers to realize the greatness of King Alexander. Look at the greedy and selfish Generals who fight each other for grabbing the lion’s share of the empire of the dead King. The events that follow the death of King Alexander are rightly interpreted through a story that teaches a lesson to the younger generations of this day!! How every reader wishes that such a King lives forever, to bring peace and happiness to humanity, in this troubled world of political and economic instability!!
The Atlantis Papyrus is a treasure I am blessed to have found!
September 21, 2021
Jay Penner is a new writer for me, throughly enjoyed this book and will read more
January 4, 2022
Excellent read from start to finish
March 28, 2020
Preface: I received a free copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Explicit content: Violence, death, war, implied sexual assault, implied sexual intercourse
This genre isn't my usual (I haven't read a sword & sandals type story since Bellerophon: Son of Poseidon, I think), but I thought I'd dip my toes into it again. Overall, it was pretty much what I'd expected - geared towards action and plot, less towards characters - though it was pretty long-winded. I think there's a lot in here that isn't necessarily important to the story or plot, but is there simply because the author researched it and thought it was neat. There's an awful lot about various battles and campaigns that aren't too important, and a lot of wandering around without any clear guide or goal. The setting is also glossed over, for the most part - it's just generic desert, with generic people scattered throughout.
The story really shines when we're actually on the trail for the main prize: a secondary city of Atlantis, where their riches and weapons were supposed to have been hidden. Following the clues and figuring out the central mystery was the most interesting part of the novel. The interactions between our hero and Eurydice were interesting, too; she was a pretty decent female character for this sort of novel (a little over-sexualized, but still intelligent and capable). The other characters aren't too deep, aside from maybe Eumenes, who is a complex background character.
The actual culmination of this journey was really interesting, but a little underwhelming - we don't get to spend much time with our discovery before certain events kick off, and the ultimate resolution is predictable and kinda disappointing.
Overall, I think this was a pretty standard story for the genre (based on my meager experience, at least). The plot is interesting, but overwhelmed with a lot of historical detail and fluff which, while impressive, slows down the pacing considerably. The resolution isn't quite worth the journey, for the most part, but some of the journey is engaging. It's not an incredible book, by any means, but if you're a fan of the genre or other historical novels, you may enjoy this.
Explicit content: Violence, death, war, implied sexual assault, implied sexual intercourse
This genre isn't my usual (I haven't read a sword & sandals type story since Bellerophon: Son of Poseidon, I think), but I thought I'd dip my toes into it again. Overall, it was pretty much what I'd expected - geared towards action and plot, less towards characters - though it was pretty long-winded. I think there's a lot in here that isn't necessarily important to the story or plot, but is there simply because the author researched it and thought it was neat. There's an awful lot about various battles and campaigns that aren't too important, and a lot of wandering around without any clear guide or goal. The setting is also glossed over, for the most part - it's just generic desert, with generic people scattered throughout.
The story really shines when we're actually on the trail for the main prize: a secondary city of Atlantis, where their riches and weapons were supposed to have been hidden. Following the clues and figuring out the central mystery was the most interesting part of the novel. The interactions between our hero and Eurydice were interesting, too; she was a pretty decent female character for this sort of novel (a little over-sexualized, but still intelligent and capable). The other characters aren't too deep, aside from maybe Eumenes, who is a complex background character.
The actual culmination of this journey was really interesting, but a little underwhelming - we don't get to spend much time with our discovery before certain events kick off, and the ultimate resolution is predictable and kinda disappointing.
Overall, I think this was a pretty standard story for the genre (based on my meager experience, at least). The plot is interesting, but overwhelmed with a lot of historical detail and fluff which, while impressive, slows down the pacing considerably. The resolution isn't quite worth the journey, for the most part, but some of the journey is engaging. It's not an incredible book, by any means, but if you're a fan of the genre or other historical novels, you may enjoy this.
April 24, 2020
A Little Slow to Start, But Well Researched
I love to read fiction based on historical facts, but I haven't read much that takes place in this part of the world. My hats off to the author for doing what had to have been an incredible amount of research to make this book relate to true facts. It's a broad and sweeping novel, though I felt like the pacing was off. It moved a little slowly until the main adventure of the book began. The hero starts off sympathetic, with his family ripped from him and being held hostage until he repays a debt, even if we don't understand the complete context of it. But he seemed to almost have a negative growth arc, or at least we become aware of the type of man that he truly is. He is not good hero material, honestly, for an epic tale like this. While it is clear that the author has done a lot of research, I feel like he could have imbued more of that sweeping historical panorama into the story, especially into the descriptions as I felt they were a little sparse. The battles felt repetitive, but I guess that's true to history. A few things could be tightened up or heightened. But, in general, I did enjoy this unique trip back to the past to a place I rarely go in my fiction reading.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
My book blog: https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com
I love to read fiction based on historical facts, but I haven't read much that takes place in this part of the world. My hats off to the author for doing what had to have been an incredible amount of research to make this book relate to true facts. It's a broad and sweeping novel, though I felt like the pacing was off. It moved a little slowly until the main adventure of the book began. The hero starts off sympathetic, with his family ripped from him and being held hostage until he repays a debt, even if we don't understand the complete context of it. But he seemed to almost have a negative growth arc, or at least we become aware of the type of man that he truly is. He is not good hero material, honestly, for an epic tale like this. While it is clear that the author has done a lot of research, I feel like he could have imbued more of that sweeping historical panorama into the story, especially into the descriptions as I felt they were a little sparse. The battles felt repetitive, but I guess that's true to history. A few things could be tightened up or heightened. But, in general, I did enjoy this unique trip back to the past to a place I rarely go in my fiction reading.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
My book blog: https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com
April 27, 2020
For the genre: 4 stars
Personal rating: 3.5 stars.
I really liked all the historical information throughout the book. I did kind of wish there was more focus on character, but that's really a personal preference. People who love to read historical fiction for the plot and adventure will love this. There is a lot of violence in the book but it is an adult book so that's expected. There is also the mystery surrounding the papyrus. The pacing suffers from all the various things that occur in the book and all the historical information but if you are reading this for the historic elements, then that shouldn't be a problem. I was surprised how well the historical elements worked in the book; sometimes authors just use the supernatural or alien card, but the author really did his research on the topic for this book. Overall, it's a great book but I just tend to prefer when there is even more focus on characters.
***I received a review copy from the author through Voracious Readers***
Personal rating: 3.5 stars.
I really liked all the historical information throughout the book. I did kind of wish there was more focus on character, but that's really a personal preference. People who love to read historical fiction for the plot and adventure will love this. There is a lot of violence in the book but it is an adult book so that's expected. There is also the mystery surrounding the papyrus. The pacing suffers from all the various things that occur in the book and all the historical information but if you are reading this for the historic elements, then that shouldn't be a problem. I was surprised how well the historical elements worked in the book; sometimes authors just use the supernatural or alien card, but the author really did his research on the topic for this book. Overall, it's a great book but I just tend to prefer when there is even more focus on characters.
***I received a review copy from the author through Voracious Readers***
November 15, 2019
The Atlantis Papyrus by Jay Penner (© 2019) tells a vivid story of historical fiction of political intrigue and the harsh manipulation of a man and his family by people vying for power following the death of Alexander the Great. This is a lengthy but very engaging story both for its plot and Penner's writing style. To good effect, he writes alternateley in the first and third person perspective with the main protagonist doing a lot of narration.
The book is a hybrid of romantic melodrama and Homerian adventure, moving along a path of personal relationships with the main character, Deon. They encompass the full range, from spouse, to enemy, to colleague and more. Each supporting character tests the emotional, moral, or intellectual meddle of Deon. Each is described in a lively way. Penner keeps the plot moving at an adventerous pace all the while maintaining an atmosphere of intimacy between and within characters.
The book is a hybrid of romantic melodrama and Homerian adventure, moving along a path of personal relationships with the main character, Deon. They encompass the full range, from spouse, to enemy, to colleague and more. Each supporting character tests the emotional, moral, or intellectual meddle of Deon. Each is described in a lively way. Penner keeps the plot moving at an adventerous pace all the while maintaining an atmosphere of intimacy between and within characters.
June 28, 2020
Deon is a man with a debt to pay, so when his general offers him a chance of earning a handsome reward, he agrees, despite his trepidation. Yet not all things are as they seem, many play the game of deception to stake their claim on a parcel of Alexander's empire, from the highest generals, to the lowly captains of the army. No one is safe from treachery.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy for review
This book takes you on an epic journey through the past, told through the eyes of Deon - although the secret plotting and backstabbing that occur really gives me a Game of Thrones vibe. I would have liked some more character development, most of them are the same person at the end but it doesn't really detract from the story, which was an enjoyable read for me despite being a fantasy/adventure type of reader. I'm interested to see what comes next, as I couldn't put the book down once I started reading.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy for review
This book takes you on an epic journey through the past, told through the eyes of Deon - although the secret plotting and backstabbing that occur really gives me a Game of Thrones vibe. I would have liked some more character development, most of them are the same person at the end but it doesn't really detract from the story, which was an enjoyable read for me despite being a fantasy/adventure type of reader. I'm interested to see what comes next, as I couldn't put the book down once I started reading.
March 9, 2020
As the book began on a campaign with Alexander the Great, I started to ask myself why I was reading it. I quickly discovered it was dealing with many very human issues and leading to a very suspenseful ending. The more I read the more I was drawn in to the story and its people. I couldn't put the book down as one suspense item followed another. The ending was a mixed bag as everything was resolved, but not necessarily the way I wanted. The many "larger than life" characters made me want to read it again.
October 30, 2023
Took me a while but it’s a fab read for Atlantis enthusiasts!
Weaved with historical references that sound true, filled with characters from ancient past the story takes us through the quest for Atlantis.
It was a very slow start but at around 50% it suddenly got as interesting as I expected it to be.
Look forward to getting to the 2nd and 3rd book. Wish there was a good quality audio version - I listened to some of this book via Alexa assisted vice function and it was good but with a professional narrator this at times slightly dry read could be fantastic.
Weaved with historical references that sound true, filled with characters from ancient past the story takes us through the quest for Atlantis.
It was a very slow start but at around 50% it suddenly got as interesting as I expected it to be.
Look forward to getting to the 2nd and 3rd book. Wish there was a good quality audio version - I listened to some of this book via Alexa assisted vice function and it was good but with a professional narrator this at times slightly dry read could be fantastic.
August 6, 2019
I'd been on the look for some fast paced historical fiction like some of my other favorites and this one popped up on my FB ads. Wow! Loved it! Surprisingly well researched. Unlike some other books that bog you down with academics, this one makes it all part of a thoroughly entertaining and exciting story. I won't give out the spoilers, but this one brought to life an ancient world for me and had plenty of thrills twists and mystery, and I learned quite a bit as well. It's pretty violent but those days were like that. The female character with the lead was really interesting too. Pleasantly surprised by the find.
November 29, 2019
I enjoyed this story immensely.
I enjoyed this story immensely. And let there be no doubt that I’ll be going for book two as soon as I finish they review. The story isquite captivating, but the editing needs a bit of tweaking. The historical research is very, very good and I found myself researching names and finding a lot of accuracy. All in all... this book does a fine job of weaving fantasy into history.
I enjoyed this story immensely. And let there be no doubt that I’ll be going for book two as soon as I finish they review. The story isquite captivating, but the editing needs a bit of tweaking. The historical research is very, very good and I found myself researching names and finding a lot of accuracy. All in all... this book does a fine job of weaving fantasy into history.
August 19, 2026
review of "the Atlantis Papyrus" by Jay Penner
A very adventurous story that takes place a long time ago It shows life from a very different point of view from ancient civilizations as they war with each other as was the way in those days it was very entertaining to imagine what it it could have been like and what one had to endure to get thru life in one piece (or not) a good read
A very adventurous story that takes place a long time ago It shows life from a very different point of view from ancient civilizations as they war with each other as was the way in those days it was very entertaining to imagine what it it could have been like and what one had to endure to get thru life in one piece (or not) a good read
April 25, 2020
My favourite topic.
I have had a lifelong love of the Atlantis tale. This novel has given me great pleasure and I have thoroughly enjoyed the journey through history to the )2nd Atlantis. Coupled with the story of one person's adventure with Alexander and his generals, it is a joy to read and I cannot afford wait for novel two.
I have had a lifelong love of the Atlantis tale. This novel has given me great pleasure and I have thoroughly enjoyed the journey through history to the )2nd Atlantis. Coupled with the story of one person's adventure with Alexander and his generals, it is a joy to read and I cannot afford wait for novel two.
November 6, 2023
Enjoyable
Great reading. I enjoyed every page, except for the Atlantis part. Good warring scenes, bloody, gory, just the perfect elements to keep you going. I'm not really into the fantasy of the existence of Atlantis, but the book is good. Historical figures of the ancient world come to life. I'm really glad I picked up this book
Great reading. I enjoyed every page, except for the Atlantis part. Good warring scenes, bloody, gory, just the perfect elements to keep you going. I'm not really into the fantasy of the existence of Atlantis, but the book is good. Historical figures of the ancient world come to life. I'm really glad I picked up this book
January 21, 2024
Interesting story
Jay Penner is a talented storyteller. The reader is drawn along through a complicated series of events that take place in historic places. The characters, both real and fictional, are engaging. However, the book seriously lacks editing. In several instances,
Jay Penner is a talented storyteller. The reader is drawn along through a complicated series of events that take place in historic places. The characters, both real and fictional, are engaging. However, the book seriously lacks editing. In several instances,
July 6, 2026
If Indian Jones lived in ancient greece
A fun adventure sprinkled with a healthy dose of Greek history. The historical elements added a lot of intrigued to the story. It took a little while to get going but once it did, it was hard to out down. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
A fun adventure sprinkled with a healthy dose of Greek history. The historical elements added a lot of intrigued to the story. It took a little while to get going but once it did, it was hard to out down. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
July 22, 2019
Way too violently bloody!!
I could not finish this book because there was so much descriptive violence. Now I know this was a story about soldiers in Macedonia and Egypt but I wasn't prepared for this. I think I'll read something else but NOT anything military.toy
I could not finish this book because there was so much descriptive violence. Now I know this was a story about soldiers in Macedonia and Egypt but I wasn't prepared for this. I think I'll read something else but NOT anything military.toy
November 10, 2019
I found the story to be fast paced well written story. With well researched history mixed with fiction that keeps you wanting to know what happens next.
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.
November 23, 2021
Fantastic
Thoroughly enjoyable and gritty, Deon the lead character is both wise and adventurous, naive and conflicted he is a fallible hero. Great storyline, reminded me a little of Clive Cussler, but set in the times of antiquity.
Thoroughly enjoyable and gritty, Deon the lead character is both wise and adventurous, naive and conflicted he is a fallible hero. Great storyline, reminded me a little of Clive Cussler, but set in the times of antiquity.
April 20, 2022
Love Jay's work. He's got a nice touch with historical fiction, and is a genuine guy. You won't know which parts are true and which are fiction. Weaves a tale well and keeps the story moving with excellent action. This one is a thrill ride and ends with a cool battle scene. Recommend!
November 6, 2022
nice tale of hero’s
Story about our Cradle of our civilization. Egypt - Alexander what could be better. Nicely written. Has surpasses to keep you guessing. I like the start of book #2 as well.
Story about our Cradle of our civilization. Egypt - Alexander what could be better. Nicely written. Has surpasses to keep you guessing. I like the start of book #2 as well.
September 7, 2023
It sucks you in to the amazing adventures!!
I enjoyed this immensely!! Wars, betrayal, treasures, lovers, intrigue and much more! I was so in tune with the main character! I felt I was right there with him in all his fights and scurmishes!
I enjoyed this immensely!! Wars, betrayal, treasures, lovers, intrigue and much more! I was so in tune with the main character! I felt I was right there with him in all his fights and scurmishes!
April 27, 2020
I received a free copy from voracious readers. I really liked the book. Wonderful read. Ended to soon.
July 24, 2020
Atlantis Papyrus
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to the sequels. Deon and Eurydice have many trials ahead of them in their quest.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to the sequels. Deon and Eurydice have many trials ahead of them in their quest.
August 7, 2020
Action! Adventure! Lost cities! Ancient treasures! Political intrigue! Dangerous women!
January 13, 2021
Book One
Pretty good story. But for an ancient story the dialogue is modern. I wish it had more historical facts. Quick read.
Pretty good story. But for an ancient story the dialogue is modern. I wish it had more historical facts. Quick read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews