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Verus Foundation #1
Pagan's Ark
Buried underground in Rome, an artifact powerful enough to rewrite human history.
The keeper of this strange object is a Catholic priest cloistered deep in the basement of the Vatican's secret archives.
Is he a heretic or a madman?
For the men of the church in 1951, it must be one of the above: the alternative is unimaginable.
Wartime spymaster turned presidential envoy Bill Donovan must tell Pope Pius XII what he won't want to hear — the mad priest holds the key to unlocking ancient technology way more advanced than anything in the modern world.
Donovan has to uncover that secret himself... to ensure America's enemies don't get there first.
The keeper of this strange object is a Catholic priest cloistered deep in the basement of the Vatican's secret archives.
Is he a heretic or a madman?
For the men of the church in 1951, it must be one of the above: the alternative is unimaginable.
Wartime spymaster turned presidential envoy Bill Donovan must tell Pope Pius XII what he won't want to hear — the mad priest holds the key to unlocking ancient technology way more advanced than anything in the modern world.
Donovan has to uncover that secret himself... to ensure America's enemies don't get there first.
- GenresScience FictionEbooks
72 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 6, 2021
219 people are currently reading
129 people want to read
About the author
Matt Eaton
8 books64 followersI began as a reporter in the Orwellian year of 1984. My first novel is about the end of the world. But I try to look on the bright side.
I live in Brisbane, Australia, with my wife and two daughters.
I’m into swimming, a decent walk, occasionally losing balls on a golf course and all manner of paranormal oddity. I’m a lover of both kinds of music — rock and jazz — and recently got back together with my old band from the ’80s, The Filberts.
Almost but not quite lost deep in the desert, driving a camper van too fast along a corrugated dirt track and afraid my life might be about to end suddenly in a cloud of blood and dust, I started to hear that voice.
The one that holds my sort to ransom, that wakes me in the middle of the night and drives fingers to keyboards despite all rational argument to the contrary.
Chasing the fading sound of that voice across a pitch-black desert is a journey of wonderful discovery punctuated with moments of bone-crushing trepidation when the trail vanishes without warning.
The trick is to pretend not to listen. Then the call grows louder.
Science loves the rational and cares not that fiction loves the fantastic.
Making them meet is like forcing together two repelling magnets.
The gap between them becomes more impossible the smaller it gets.
But sometimes, when they’re almost touching, magic happens.
I live in Brisbane, Australia, with my wife and two daughters.
I’m into swimming, a decent walk, occasionally losing balls on a golf course and all manner of paranormal oddity. I’m a lover of both kinds of music — rock and jazz — and recently got back together with my old band from the ’80s, The Filberts.
Almost but not quite lost deep in the desert, driving a camper van too fast along a corrugated dirt track and afraid my life might be about to end suddenly in a cloud of blood and dust, I started to hear that voice.
The one that holds my sort to ransom, that wakes me in the middle of the night and drives fingers to keyboards despite all rational argument to the contrary.
Chasing the fading sound of that voice across a pitch-black desert is a journey of wonderful discovery punctuated with moments of bone-crushing trepidation when the trail vanishes without warning.
The trick is to pretend not to listen. Then the call grows louder.
Science loves the rational and cares not that fiction loves the fantastic.
Making them meet is like forcing together two repelling magnets.
The gap between them becomes more impossible the smaller it gets.
But sometimes, when they’re almost touching, magic happens.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
June 25, 2021
The best diesel punk story I have read. The book had shades of Stargate and Indiana Jones. There was a lot of information about papal politics during World War II.
September 23, 2019
It's a prequel to the main book what's coming hopefully fast. 'Wild' Bill Donovan as US special agent, will be back in the main book.
Here he is together with a Catholic priest on the way to find out what's buried deep in the ancient sand of Lebanon.
I wont tell more because it's just a 1.000 Kindle pages. But it's worth reading.
Matt sent me a free copy as to read and to blue-pencil the book. As for that I have to say thank you for the confide in my reading and lectoring or proofreading qualities.
Here he is together with a Catholic priest on the way to find out what's buried deep in the ancient sand of Lebanon.
I wont tell more because it's just a 1.000 Kindle pages. But it's worth reading.
Matt sent me a free copy as to read and to blue-pencil the book. As for that I have to say thank you for the confide in my reading and lectoring or proofreading qualities.
September 18, 2023
Short, yet takes it's time in places, as makes sense for what is really only a semi-standalone. This is the first installment of a series and it's maybe a third the length of a standard sci-fi novel.
An ancient alien (or its ghost) leads Wild Bill Donovan of CIA fame to an alien artifact in the 1940s. (Shouldn't say more.) It's a compelling concept but I'd like a bit more complexity or richness to the storytelling.
An ancient alien (or its ghost) leads Wild Bill Donovan of CIA fame to an alien artifact in the 1940s. (Shouldn't say more.) It's a compelling concept but I'd like a bit more complexity or richness to the storytelling.
November 13, 2023
Really good book!
When I got this book it was only to fill in between other, longer series where I needed a short break - I never intended to continue reading the Verus Foundation series. But this was an unexpected surprise that was so good I would love to keep going. It has science fiction, spy craft, and 6000 year old Vatican secrets so what more could you want?!
When I got this book it was only to fill in between other, longer series where I needed a short break - I never intended to continue reading the Verus Foundation series. But this was an unexpected surprise that was so good I would love to keep going. It has science fiction, spy craft, and 6000 year old Vatican secrets so what more could you want?!
October 12, 2019
Awesome novella!
What I like best about Matt Eaton's work is his ability to surprise me. His stories usually start out within normal, earth-bound, accepted 3D reality and are centered around historic military figures, but the action always takes off into uncharted territory. Cool! This novella does the same.
In Pagan's Ark, Bill Donovan, father of today's CIA organization, meets with Cardinal Arthur Hinsley of the Catholic Church in England during World War II where he is shown a mysterious sarcophagus found in the Middle East. The box contains a live being that is much larger than the standard human. This encounter starts Donovan off on a bizarre, grand set of events that takes him to the Vatican years after the war and on to Lebanon. It involves out-of-body projection, the Ryl/Anunnaki, the Nefilim, the ancient site at Baalbek, mega-ton stones moved by sound, and a small saucer-shaped craft. Intrigued?
As usual, the writing is outstanding and the story finely crafted. If you are fascinated by speculative what-ifs about our very strange, hidden history, you will love this book as much as I did. Keep it up, Mr. Eaton! Looking forward to the novel to follow.
What I like best about Matt Eaton's work is his ability to surprise me. His stories usually start out within normal, earth-bound, accepted 3D reality and are centered around historic military figures, but the action always takes off into uncharted territory. Cool! This novella does the same.
In Pagan's Ark, Bill Donovan, father of today's CIA organization, meets with Cardinal Arthur Hinsley of the Catholic Church in England during World War II where he is shown a mysterious sarcophagus found in the Middle East. The box contains a live being that is much larger than the standard human. This encounter starts Donovan off on a bizarre, grand set of events that takes him to the Vatican years after the war and on to Lebanon. It involves out-of-body projection, the Ryl/Anunnaki, the Nefilim, the ancient site at Baalbek, mega-ton stones moved by sound, and a small saucer-shaped craft. Intrigued?
As usual, the writing is outstanding and the story finely crafted. If you are fascinated by speculative what-ifs about our very strange, hidden history, you will love this book as much as I did. Keep it up, Mr. Eaton! Looking forward to the novel to follow.
January 5, 2021
This is a very different kind of read for me,it's good to come out of your comfortable sometimes and read something different. Well,this sure is different for me. You have everything from adventures to looking under ground for artifacts,Catholic priests hiding! I really got confused cause I didn't know where it as leading me but at the end it all made sense and looking for Matt Eaton's books!
April 17, 2020
Quite interesting, at least the first half; then it almost seem to finish in a rush.
July 25, 2021
This is a short read - 72 pages - and serves as a prequel to the next two books in the series. A mysterious sarcophagus had been discovered early in the 20th Century but had only recently (1940) been analyzed. Doing so revealed an Earth shaking secret that the Allies, represented by "Wild" Bill Donovan, need to keep out of the hands of the Nazis at all costs. Donovan joins forces with the Holy See to excavate and remove the secret.
The writing is crisp and smooth. Matt Eaton provides insights into the machinations of the Catholic Church during WWII. If the purpose of this prequel is to generate interest in reading the rest of the series, it is highly successful. I have already begun the next book.
The writing is crisp and smooth. Matt Eaton provides insights into the machinations of the Catholic Church during WWII. If the purpose of this prequel is to generate interest in reading the rest of the series, it is highly successful. I have already begun the next book.
January 3, 2021
This is the story of a discovery destined to change the world of the author’s imagination. The main characters are described in details that support their places in the book most credibly. The description of the times and places in the story lend an air of historical fiction. But this is sci-fi beyond doubt a sort of historical sci-fi with the precise feel of military sci-fi. The author managed to tell his story with a minimum of words making for a book that ends too soon. Thankfully it is the first book in the series as it left me wanting more. I recommend this book to all readers especially those that find UFOs fascinating.
January 8, 2021
An old time sci-fi thriller I did not want to put down
The prequel to Pagan's Veil. Bill Donovan had been an American Intelligence officer working to ensure the West's safety from Hitler before and during WWII by removing an artifact from London to the US. Afterwards he again needs to help protect the world from danger lest that same ancient artifact fall into different wrong hands. He ends up on the thrill ride of his life. The prose is punchy. The story is part sci-fi, part political thriller, and hints at a bit of fantasy.
This is an intelligently written short story which leads into Pagan's Veil. It's a bit gritty and slightly noir. I read it in one sitting.
The prequel to Pagan's Veil. Bill Donovan had been an American Intelligence officer working to ensure the West's safety from Hitler before and during WWII by removing an artifact from London to the US. Afterwards he again needs to help protect the world from danger lest that same ancient artifact fall into different wrong hands. He ends up on the thrill ride of his life. The prose is punchy. The story is part sci-fi, part political thriller, and hints at a bit of fantasy.
This is an intelligently written short story which leads into Pagan's Veil. It's a bit gritty and slightly noir. I read it in one sitting.
November 13, 2022
very original plot about secrets I have wondered about, exactness in constructions.
my mother-in-law was the private secretary to Wild Bill and my husband was named for him. she was a keeper of many secrets. u can easily believe Bill would have jumped into this project as put there as it seems. A there really is a warehouse of stored secrets better not exposed for the common good.
my mother-in-law was the private secretary to Wild Bill and my husband was named for him. she was a keeper of many secrets. u can easily believe Bill would have jumped into this project as put there as it seems. A there really is a warehouse of stored secrets better not exposed for the common good.
September 24, 2025
I thought this was an excellent story. I read it fast and didn't want it to end! It was a very creative use of the Annunaki, Noah, and Goliath stories, among other Biblical stories.
Don't misunderstand though, this is NOT a Biblical or Christian story. I mean, there is a spaceship in it. In fact, some people may even find it offensive. I thought it was very well done, and the storyline is fantastic. I'm excited for the next one!
Don't misunderstand though, this is NOT a Biblical or Christian story. I mean, there is a spaceship in it. In fact, some people may even find it offensive. I thought it was very well done, and the storyline is fantastic. I'm excited for the next one!
December 22, 2020
Excellent origin story for the Versus Foundation series.
It has all the elements I look for in books these days- International locations, prehistory references, accurate historical events and endless possibilities for wherever my mind wants to travel.
It was an awesome read with characters I was rooting for.
Looking forward to more books in the series.
It has all the elements I look for in books these days- International locations, prehistory references, accurate historical events and endless possibilities for wherever my mind wants to travel.
It was an awesome read with characters I was rooting for.
Looking forward to more books in the series.
January 11, 2021
This story was very interesting and combined fact and fiction with a twist of the scifi into a story that kept me reading to the end to see what would happen next. I thought it was to write it from the view of a Catholic but it did bring something extra to the story. Just a fun ride and tale with cool and interesting characters. I liked the hint of action and adventure too.
February 24, 2021
Entertaining listening
Due to eye issues Alexa reads to me. A will written fantasy Sci-Fi thriller historical novella with interesting characters. The story line is fast moving with historical and futuristic happenings. I would recommend this novella to anyone looking for a quick read. Enjoy reading 🔰2021 ⛲
Due to eye issues Alexa reads to me. A will written fantasy Sci-Fi thriller historical novella with interesting characters. The story line is fast moving with historical and futuristic happenings. I would recommend this novella to anyone looking for a quick read. Enjoy reading 🔰2021 ⛲
March 1, 2021
It is a good book
Donavon is a little one sided but he is almost believable. The story itself is somewhat along the lines of a few I have read. Aliens, etc.. only one character has stayed constant but it might have actually helped the story line. A what if that could be a very good tale
Donavon is a little one sided but he is almost believable. The story itself is somewhat along the lines of a few I have read. Aliens, etc.. only one character has stayed constant but it might have actually helped the story line. A what if that could be a very good tale
October 17, 2021
Outstanding!
Matt Eaton is one of the most outstanding writers of a subject that has long held my interest. He combines actual history with a smooth blend of fiction to tell a spellbinding tale that keeps him turning page after page.
You will not regret one second of the time you spend reading his "Pagan" novels. You'll only regret choosing to pass it by.
Matt Eaton is one of the most outstanding writers of a subject that has long held my interest. He combines actual history with a smooth blend of fiction to tell a spellbinding tale that keeps him turning page after page.
You will not regret one second of the time you spend reading his "Pagan" novels. You'll only regret choosing to pass it by.
January 18, 2021
A 1930s to 1950s type Classic Sci-fi tale
An entertaining read, written in 1930s to 1950s style.
Our all round hero, Donovan, has a lot of interesting skills to help him through this adventure.
See my review also at:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B...
An entertaining read, written in 1930s to 1950s style.
Our all round hero, Donovan, has a lot of interesting skills to help him through this adventure.
See my review also at:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B...
February 22, 2021
A timely tale about our origins. Many people today are rejecting the official histories of mankind in favour of more fantastic but more plausible explanations. This neat little story does just that. A great story for the more open-minded fantasy reader. Recommended reading.
May 29, 2021
You got my attention
Very good. It has a sense of humor, but not to corny. It does hold your attention and once you get into the middle of the book its hard to it down. Can't wait to see what happens. I hope it keeps us this momentum.
Very good. It has a sense of humor, but not to corny. It does hold your attention and once you get into the middle of the book its hard to it down. Can't wait to see what happens. I hope it keeps us this momentum.
July 6, 2021
Totally Awesome
This is a sci-fi approach to the oldest book , the bible. At least parts of the book. The story kept me up reading well past my bedtime and I finished in two nights it was so good!
This is a sci-fi approach to the oldest book , the bible. At least parts of the book. The story kept me up reading well past my bedtime and I finished in two nights it was so good!
October 18, 2021
Too Much Catholic Dogma
One star because I couldn't engage with the story.
With so much abuse of power hidden for decades within the filthy money of the catholic church I simply could not read this.
I made it through three chapters and quit.
One star because I couldn't engage with the story.
With so much abuse of power hidden for decades within the filthy money of the catholic church I simply could not read this.
I made it through three chapters and quit.
October 31, 2021
Pagan's Ark is a good read although it could be a little dry and slow in the build up. I believe the farther I go into the series the better it will get so I'm willing to give the next book in the series a shot. Here's hoping for the best!
September 4, 2022
An interesting mixture of papal politics, ancient civilizations, World War 2, and aliens.
I'm going to read the rest of the series because I loved the whole set-up. It is a novella, so a short but very entertaining read.
I'm going to read the rest of the series because I loved the whole set-up. It is a novella, so a short but very entertaining read.
March 23, 2021
good and short
I received this book for free, but the review is my own. Short and good is my view finished it in less than 1 hour.
I received this book for free, but the review is my own. Short and good is my view finished it in less than 1 hour.
May 31, 2021
This Is A Readable Adventure - Definitely
I'm impressed with Matt Eaton's writing. He can spin a tale. I'm excited to delve into this new Sci-Fi adventure. Join me.
I'm impressed with Matt Eaton's writing. He can spin a tale. I'm excited to delve into this new Sci-Fi adventure. Join me.
July 17, 2021
Wow!!!
I read this book in just a few hours. It is so gripping that you want to finish it. Yet when you reach the end, you wish it could go on. A cliff hanger
I read this book in just a few hours. It is so gripping that you want to finish it. Yet when you reach the end, you wish it could go on. A cliff hanger
July 17, 2021
A fun romp.
I LIKE THIS BOOK.
I LIKE THIS BOOK.
July 19, 2021
Don't bpther
Boring, from start to finish. There is nothing good to day about this book except a quick history lesson in the first few chapters.
Boring, from start to finish. There is nothing good to day about this book except a quick history lesson in the first few chapters.
July 22, 2021
An interesting premise. A different take on 'history'. The main character needs to have more backstory, but was well written.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews