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The Aztec Secret: An Archaeological Thriller
Follow Ted Mendez on a breathtaking adventure to uncover an ancient mystery that had remained unsolved for 500 years.
A trip to Mexico goes sideways for aspiring journalist Ted when he becomes an accessory to the burglary of an ancient artefact. Held against his will and forced to aid a desperate professor in deciphering clues from a 500-year-old manuscript written by Hernán Cortés, he quickly finds himself following in the footsteps of the conquistador to track down a legendary Aztec jewel.
A bright young archaeology student, a corrupt government official, a trio of ruthless mercenaries and a policewoman seeking redemption are just a few others whose lives become wrapped up in the hunt for the long-lost treasure.
Taken deep into the jungles of Mexico and Guatemala, Ted must face his worst fears and find a way out of an impossible situation. Can he uncover the secrets of the past to preserve his future?
A trip to Mexico goes sideways for aspiring journalist Ted when he becomes an accessory to the burglary of an ancient artefact. Held against his will and forced to aid a desperate professor in deciphering clues from a 500-year-old manuscript written by Hernán Cortés, he quickly finds himself following in the footsteps of the conquistador to track down a legendary Aztec jewel.
A bright young archaeology student, a corrupt government official, a trio of ruthless mercenaries and a policewoman seeking redemption are just a few others whose lives become wrapped up in the hunt for the long-lost treasure.
Taken deep into the jungles of Mexico and Guatemala, Ted must face his worst fears and find a way out of an impossible situation. Can he uncover the secrets of the past to preserve his future?
- GenresAmazon
334 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 17, 2020
441 people are currently reading
251 people want to read
About the author
Joe Topliffe
7 books15 followersAfter spending the better part of 3 years writing in the sci-fi space, eventually publishing City of Dust in 2017, Joe Topliffe realised he wanted to write something that was really reflective of the kind of books that made up the majority of his reading: contemporary adventures that draw on historical themes. The result is his second novel, The Aztec Secret, which was released in June 2020.
Working full time as a digital marketer in London, Joe spends his commute to and from the city engrossed in a book, or working on the next story. He tries to make time on the weekends for planning and writing, when he's not busy filling his Instagram feed with pictures of his cat.
His main influences sit across a range of genres, and include authors such as Clive Cussler, Matthew Reilly, Michael Crichton, Nathan Van Coops, Nick Jones, Lexi Revellian, Marcus Sakey, Becky Chambers and Wilbur Smith.
Working full time as a digital marketer in London, Joe spends his commute to and from the city engrossed in a book, or working on the next story. He tries to make time on the weekends for planning and writing, when he's not busy filling his Instagram feed with pictures of his cat.
His main influences sit across a range of genres, and include authors such as Clive Cussler, Matthew Reilly, Michael Crichton, Nathan Van Coops, Nick Jones, Lexi Revellian, Marcus Sakey, Becky Chambers and Wilbur Smith.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
December 23, 2020
This is an exciting book with great characters and a very interesting plot. Quin and Ted are students that are drawn into a theft of antiquities by a college professor. They are unwitting participants in a search for a rare jewel lost for a thousand years. The writing is clear and very descriptive. The people are very realistic and the tension increases as the bad guys become desperate to find the antique jewel used to power the Aztec warriors. I thoroughly enjoyed this story. I got an ARC from Hidden Gems and found it to be exceptional.
July 30, 2025
Great story with many, many twists and turns, keeping the reader's attention. The ending was particularly interesting - from page to page it looked like the ending, but no, more action was happening again and again.
July 13, 2024
Very good read
Enjoy thoroughly. First time reading this author but found the story entertaining. Will be reading the next book in the series.
Enjoy thoroughly. First time reading this author but found the story entertaining. Will be reading the next book in the series.
December 13, 2020
Just OK
I am a fan of ancient artifact novels. However, this novel, while having a good bit of action, was just ok. The protagonist, Ted, is a weak lazy college student and the other characters were not well-drawn. This might be a spoiler, but the secret remains just that - a secret.
I am a fan of ancient artifact novels. However, this novel, while having a good bit of action, was just ok. The protagonist, Ted, is a weak lazy college student and the other characters were not well-drawn. This might be a spoiler, but the secret remains just that - a secret.
August 20, 2020
Really enjoyed this book! The history was really well-researched and it was neatly intertwined with the present story and fantasy elements, without being too outlandish. Would definitely recommend if you like historical adventure a la Indiana Jones/Lara Croft.
January 31, 2021
Preface: I received a free copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review
Actual rating: 3.25 stars
The good: the premise is interesting, and the characters are fun to follow. It's nice to see an attempt at a character arc, with our hero started out as an underwhelming schlub and becoming more courageous and empathetic along the way. Everything tied to the mythology and figuring out the mystery was fun to follow.
The bad: generally, when I dip into an ancient artifact story like this, I don't want a bunch of shootouts and villainy - I want the /ancient artifact./ Sadly this story didn't follow the journey to find it or the mysteries involved so much as it did the continual kidnapping and escaping of our heroes. The villains were flat and uninteresting, which made their considerable page time all the more painful. The ending was also pretty underwhelming, and felt unresolved, especially given the inclusion of /actual magic/ at the end.
Overall, this wasn't my cup of tea, but if you like a more action-oriented flavor for the genre, you might enjoy this.
Actual rating: 3.25 stars
The good: the premise is interesting, and the characters are fun to follow. It's nice to see an attempt at a character arc, with our hero started out as an underwhelming schlub and becoming more courageous and empathetic along the way. Everything tied to the mythology and figuring out the mystery was fun to follow.
The bad: generally, when I dip into an ancient artifact story like this, I don't want a bunch of shootouts and villainy - I want the /ancient artifact./ Sadly this story didn't follow the journey to find it or the mysteries involved so much as it did the continual kidnapping and escaping of our heroes. The villains were flat and uninteresting, which made their considerable page time all the more painful. The ending was also pretty underwhelming, and felt unresolved, especially given the inclusion of /actual magic/ at the end.
Overall, this wasn't my cup of tea, but if you like a more action-oriented flavor for the genre, you might enjoy this.
December 14, 2022
The Aztec Secret is a well-written adventure involving a journalism student who, out of despiration, accepts an assignment to accompany a history professor on a journey to an Aztec Archeological Site in Mexico to write an article for the university documenting the excursion. Ted, the journalism student, soon gets caught up in the theft of an Aztec artifact and finds himself running from the law, along with another student, the professor, and hired thieves.
The story was well-written and moved along effortlessly. The action was fast-paced and the character interactions were absorbing, taking into account the protagonists' many adversities. The world-building was terrific, from the university setting to the jungles of Mexico and the Aztec ruins.
If you're looking for a good jungle, Aztec ruins adventure, I highly recommend this book.
The story was well-written and moved along effortlessly. The action was fast-paced and the character interactions were absorbing, taking into account the protagonists' many adversities. The world-building was terrific, from the university setting to the jungles of Mexico and the Aztec ruins.
If you're looking for a good jungle, Aztec ruins adventure, I highly recommend this book.
April 12, 2025
The absolute only reason this book is getting 3 stars instead of the 2 that it deserves is because of the last few chapters which were marginally decent. Marginally. Thru about 95% of this book I kept thinking "bail, bail now" but my OCD refused to let me. I just can't walk away and leave anything undone. What was wrong? Oh, so many things. The writing was unsophisticated, wordy and, too often, repetitive. I think the story could have easily been 80 to 100 pages shorter. I did not like the main characters. Well, Quinn and Alex were OK but Ted was a big zero in my book. And don't get me started on Jasper. The bad guys were morons and the plot, well, can you see my eyes rolling? No one had any idea what they were doing (except Quinn, on occasion) and they didn't wise up at all! There's another book in the series. Will I be reading it? Hell, no.
December 22, 2020
"The Aztec Secret" is an exciting adventure set mostly in Mexico and Guatemala. It is well-written, with a very good story, interesting characters, and a nice sense of atmosphere. I was a little bit disappointed with the ending as too much was left unresolved for my liking. I'm hoping there will be a sequel, both to tidy up some loose ends and simply because I would like to read more.
My thanks to the author and Hidden Gems. This review was written voluntarily and is entirely my own, unbiased, opinion.
My thanks to the author and Hidden Gems. This review was written voluntarily and is entirely my own, unbiased, opinion.
August 13, 2022
A good story, but needs better editing
OK this is a decent story definitely not real to life I know circumstances would you ever find an archeological team doing what this group did to try to find that jewel in addition they need better editing you don't turn a wheel in an airplane on the ground to have its direction change that's the weather butter and sometimes they had to wrong English and then the 1st place so there's a lot of little air that but it was a decent story And for free it was worth it
OK this is a decent story definitely not real to life I know circumstances would you ever find an archeological team doing what this group did to try to find that jewel in addition they need better editing you don't turn a wheel in an airplane on the ground to have its direction change that's the weather butter and sometimes they had to wrong English and then the 1st place so there's a lot of little air that but it was a decent story And for free it was worth it
December 4, 2020
Edge of your seat adventure
Five stars because it was exciting and easy to read. I love books that are a quick read but keep you guessing right up to the very last page how the story ends. This book gives young and old all these things and more. Looking forward to reading more stories from Mr. Topliffe. Do yourself a favor and read this one if you are looking for adventure, mystery and lots of intrigue.
Five stars because it was exciting and easy to read. I love books that are a quick read but keep you guessing right up to the very last page how the story ends. This book gives young and old all these things and more. Looking forward to reading more stories from Mr. Topliffe. Do yourself a favor and read this one if you are looking for adventure, mystery and lots of intrigue.
June 16, 2025
I enjoyed this book. I found the story interesting as well as the charactors. I liked how thye were so huan and vulnerable. I appreciated all of the Aztec Mayan history having just returned from vacation in Cozumel. It was a little farfetched at one point but the characters were so engaging that you just rooted for the impossible to happen in their favor. I would definitely read the next one if it is a series.
December 28, 2022
Heart of the jaguar
John Doe, the average man, finds himself suddenly on an adventure that scares and excites him. This story was thoughtfully rendered and researched. I enjoyed it. It was a little slow and the characters were somewhat predictable, but it keeps you entertained. Now if Ted and Quinn have another adventure in London, that would be good.
John Doe, the average man, finds himself suddenly on an adventure that scares and excites him. This story was thoughtfully rendered and researched. I enjoyed it. It was a little slow and the characters were somewhat predictable, but it keeps you entertained. Now if Ted and Quinn have another adventure in London, that would be good.
January 8, 2023
Great "historical" story line.
Too many way-out coincidences.
But what bothered me most is the ending.
You left many things hanging, such as what happened to the "jewel".
Also nowadays authors add a list of what is true and where they took writer's liberty.
Disappointed at the end of the story.
Too many way-out coincidences.
But what bothered me most is the ending.
You left many things hanging, such as what happened to the "jewel".
Also nowadays authors add a list of what is true and where they took writer's liberty.
Disappointed at the end of the story.
September 5, 2023
Lights, camera, action!
This book is like an indiana Jones movie, but it is much deeper. The main characters find the thrill of adventure without seeking it, but they discover along the way that the true treasures of life are neither fame nor fortune. No dazzling stones or calls to fame can compare with feeling good about yourself and that special someone in your life.
This book is like an indiana Jones movie, but it is much deeper. The main characters find the thrill of adventure without seeking it, but they discover along the way that the true treasures of life are neither fame nor fortune. No dazzling stones or calls to fame can compare with feeling good about yourself and that special someone in your life.
May 18, 2024
He is about to be pulled into a mystery which has been around for 500 years. He will get into trouble for a burglary and is now on the run. Can he solve the mystery? Will he end up behind bars? How will it all go? See how it will all go
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and I want to review
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and I want to review
November 27, 2025
Good start to a series
Adventure, history and a romp around Mexico. When journalist student Ted is sent on an assigment with an archaelogy professor, he didnt expect to be kidnapped and taken on a journey to find the fabled Heart of the Jaguar. Good first novel in what will hopefully be a great series.
Adventure, history and a romp around Mexico. When journalist student Ted is sent on an assigment with an archaelogy professor, he didnt expect to be kidnapped and taken on a journey to find the fabled Heart of the Jaguar. Good first novel in what will hopefully be a great series.
November 5, 2020
I enjoy historical novels and this kept my attention until the end. Unanswered is what happened to the jewel? Why only affected one person, where was it safely relocated. Sorry too much left unanswered.
November 27, 2020
This book surprised me from start to finish, the characters are relatable and the story keeps you on the edge of your seat. This is one book I’ll happily read again, looking forward to finding more books from this author.
August 3, 2021
Digging in
Always thought going on a dig would be fun uncovering the past. But could something like that happen? It was a rollercoaster ride for sure. The good guys won, more or less. How much stealing of artifacts actually happens?
Always thought going on a dig would be fun uncovering the past. But could something like that happen? It was a rollercoaster ride for sure. The good guys won, more or less. How much stealing of artifacts actually happens?
August 12, 2021
Aztecs or Mayans ?
Interesting read, packed with action, twists and turns, and historical sites. Go on a ride along with the artifact-hunting people. There are some typos, most just an extra word, so no one needs to moan about it. I enjoyed it.
Interesting read, packed with action, twists and turns, and historical sites. Go on a ride along with the artifact-hunting people. There are some typos, most just an extra word, so no one needs to moan about it. I enjoyed it.
September 27, 2021
Rock and roll with the Aztecs
Mayhem rules with the characters as they work to solve an Aztec Riddle in order to survive. Lots of action ensues. I was caught up
with the story as it was a good one.
Mayhem rules with the characters as they work to solve an Aztec Riddle in order to survive. Lots of action ensues. I was caught up
with the story as it was a good one.
October 26, 2022
The Aztec Secret
Very interesting book to read. The author is wonderful in presenting the story. Very gripping and maintained suspense till last , making you to. Read on. Action packed
Very interesting book to read. The author is wonderful in presenting the story. Very gripping and maintained suspense till last , making you to. Read on. Action packed
September 4, 2024
Aztec secret Thrill
This book keeps on the edge of your set the whole way through. A great story with awesome characters. Highly recommend this book and hope more books are in the works.
This book keeps on the edge of your set the whole way through. A great story with awesome characters. Highly recommend this book and hope more books are in the works.
November 13, 2020
A good story..
Interesting and kept you reading... Well developed and believable characters. I will be looking for the next book from the author.
Interesting and kept you reading... Well developed and believable characters. I will be looking for the next book from the author.
December 31, 2020
Written for teenagers not adults.
April 28, 2021
Loved it.
Really good story. I hope the author writes more with these characters. Will keep an eye out for future books.
Really good story. I hope the author writes more with these characters. Will keep an eye out for future books.
October 5, 2021
Very suspenseful!
October 19, 2021
Excitement at every turn
I found this novel to be quite entertaining, and even a bit informative. I would definitely read any other works by the author.
I found this novel to be quite entertaining, and even a bit informative. I would definitely read any other works by the author.
August 9, 2022
fantastic
I was so intrigued that I COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN WONDERFUL AND EXCITING LOOKING TO THE NEXT BOOK FROM THIS AUTHOR.
I was so intrigued that I COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN WONDERFUL AND EXCITING LOOKING TO THE NEXT BOOK FROM THIS AUTHOR.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews