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The Mists of Morne
For Emily Owens, merely earning her archaeology degree was never going to be enough. She yearned for adventure, for a challenge—anything that could bring stimulation into her lacklustre life. So, when a chance introduction and promiscuous encounter grant the opportunity, she soon finds herself bending her treasure hunting ethics to get one step ahead of her cohorts.
But while her journey leads her to the heights of Peru in search of a long-lost relic, she is thrust into the midst of a much more complex agenda already at play. Caught between her desire to find a mystical artifact that will undoubtedly make her career, and the rising threat of a rogue religious terrorist organization that will stop at nothing to harness its power, Emily must quickly decide if she will stop and retreat—or proceed and fight.
But while her journey leads her to the heights of Peru in search of a long-lost relic, she is thrust into the midst of a much more complex agenda already at play. Caught between her desire to find a mystical artifact that will undoubtedly make her career, and the rising threat of a rogue religious terrorist organization that will stop at nothing to harness its power, Emily must quickly decide if she will stop and retreat—or proceed and fight.
376 pages, Paperback
Published April 23, 2021
7 people are currently reading
39 people want to read
About the author
Justin B. Hodder
1 book5 followersJustin Hodder, born in 1989, was raised in the small community of Stoneville, a town located in Central Newfoundland. Forgoing the traditional activities of this outport area, such as hunting and fishing, Justin, instead, was heavily influenced by technology and his hometown's advance into the modern world. At age 10, while his peers stuck close to their rural roots, he found interest in breaking the limitations of his small town by entering the immersive worlds of video games and cinema.
Fast forward twenty years. Justin is now married and living in Paradise, Newfoundland, a much bigger city than that of his childhood. But even the larger cities of one's home province have their boundaries, and not everyone has the means to whisk off and see the wider world. That's exactly why Justin has decided to take his stab at fictional writing—to create a place where one can travel with the simple turn of a page, making them feel like, maybe, their small world isn’t so small after all.
Fast forward twenty years. Justin is now married and living in Paradise, Newfoundland, a much bigger city than that of his childhood. But even the larger cities of one's home province have their boundaries, and not everyone has the means to whisk off and see the wider world. That's exactly why Justin has decided to take his stab at fictional writing—to create a place where one can travel with the simple turn of a page, making them feel like, maybe, their small world isn’t so small after all.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
April 23, 2021
The book opens with a young lady wondering what to make of her life after university and quickly moves into an international chase involving shadowy organizations and arcane artifacts. Solid introduction to the characters and builds a base for (hopefully) some future stories. Highly recommended to anybody, but especially for anyone with ties to the Canadian province of Newfoundland!
December 31, 2021
As close to the gods one can get, atop the morne I lay in wait. If one should need to hold the sun, rise up to open the gate.
🦄🦄🦄
For Emily Owens, merely earning her archaeology degree was never going to be enough. She yearned for adventure, for a challenge—anything that could bring stimulation into her lacklustre life. So, when a chance introduction and promiscuous encounter grant the opportunity, she soon finds herself bending her treasure hunting ethics to get one step ahead of her cohorts.
But while her journey leads her to the heights of Peru in search of a long-lost relic, she is thrust into the midst of a much more complex agenda already at play. Caught between her desire to find a mystical artifact that will undoubtedly make her career, and the rising threat of a rogue religious terrorist organization that will stop at nothing to harness its power, Emily must quickly decide if she will stop and retreat—or proceed and fight.
🦄🦄🦄
The Mists of Morne: An Owens Odyssey is a historical mystrey, action and adventure novel by Justin B. Hodder (and hopefully the first book of a series).
Ok first of all, the first chapter was better than bait for a fish. I loved how it turned from 'I don't know what to do with my life' to spy-esque! 😂 (Ok rant about chapter one over...but I had to!)
Emily Owens is the main protagonist of this story and in her own way she's hardworking and has a longing for adventure, but she's also got rich parents and when you have a rich family, everything becomes a lot more easier in terms of connections, travel etc. I pointed out the fact that she's rich because this book takes on a journey over various countries including Peru and India which is a great reason why the protagonist is rich but, it leaves a sense of easiness when it comes to facing issues that money can solve. Otherwise, she's a great character! She's got ambition, guts and she's great with guns!
The one thing that stuck out to me was how much I started to enjoy the book when (minor spoiler) there was more family involved. It gave meaning to the title 'Owens Odyssey' which I thought initially stood for Emily. (It still could be - but in my head it stands for the family! 😂)
The writing style of the book is an 8/10. There are areas where the writing is a little bit weak or rushed that messes with the mature flow. But on an overall basis, it does the job of holding on to a reader's attention very well.
I'm looking forward to seeing what happens next because the epilogue made me go... 'REALLY 😑🙃'!
🦄🦄🦄
Rated 8.5/10
Melina L.
🦄🦄🦄
For Emily Owens, merely earning her archaeology degree was never going to be enough. She yearned for adventure, for a challenge—anything that could bring stimulation into her lacklustre life. So, when a chance introduction and promiscuous encounter grant the opportunity, she soon finds herself bending her treasure hunting ethics to get one step ahead of her cohorts.
But while her journey leads her to the heights of Peru in search of a long-lost relic, she is thrust into the midst of a much more complex agenda already at play. Caught between her desire to find a mystical artifact that will undoubtedly make her career, and the rising threat of a rogue religious terrorist organization that will stop at nothing to harness its power, Emily must quickly decide if she will stop and retreat—or proceed and fight.
🦄🦄🦄
The Mists of Morne: An Owens Odyssey is a historical mystrey, action and adventure novel by Justin B. Hodder (and hopefully the first book of a series).
Ok first of all, the first chapter was better than bait for a fish. I loved how it turned from 'I don't know what to do with my life' to spy-esque! 😂 (Ok rant about chapter one over...but I had to!)
Emily Owens is the main protagonist of this story and in her own way she's hardworking and has a longing for adventure, but she's also got rich parents and when you have a rich family, everything becomes a lot more easier in terms of connections, travel etc. I pointed out the fact that she's rich because this book takes on a journey over various countries including Peru and India which is a great reason why the protagonist is rich but, it leaves a sense of easiness when it comes to facing issues that money can solve. Otherwise, she's a great character! She's got ambition, guts and she's great with guns!
The one thing that stuck out to me was how much I started to enjoy the book when (minor spoiler) there was more family involved. It gave meaning to the title 'Owens Odyssey' which I thought initially stood for Emily. (It still could be - but in my head it stands for the family! 😂)
The writing style of the book is an 8/10. There are areas where the writing is a little bit weak or rushed that messes with the mature flow. But on an overall basis, it does the job of holding on to a reader's attention very well.
I'm looking forward to seeing what happens next because the epilogue made me go... 'REALLY 😑🙃'!
🦄🦄🦄
Rated 8.5/10
Melina L.
April 28, 2021
A great read from start to finish. Justin has done a great job of catching the reader’s attention at the very beginning and keeping it until the very end. If you love adventure fiction this book is for you! It is full of suspense and has numerous plot twists that keep you guessing until the very end. He hit it out of the park with Emily Owens and I’m excited to see what she does, in hopefully, a sequel.
April 28, 2021
Phenomenal read! Very detailed and well written. Also interesting and kept me wanting to read more! Can’t wait for the next in the series! Awesome debut novel by Justin B. Hodder!!!
April 28, 2021
As an emerging author, Justin B. Hodder does an excellent job of capturing the reader’s attention and leaves them wanting more. A great book for anyone that loves adventure fiction!
May 13, 2021
An awesome read, very interesting and has the ability to make you want keep reading, I’m not much of a reader but I couldn’t put this book down. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
January 19, 2022
A real good story by first time writer looking forward to another.
October 29, 2025
It had been quite a while since I first read this book, and I recently decided to revisit it because I was craving something adventurous, and this story delivers that in spades. It’s packed with nonstop action and feels like something straight out of Hollywood.
What makes this book stand out is its versatility. It blends several genres seamlessly, offering a little something for everyone, action, mystery, thriller, and even a touch of romance. No matter what you’re into, there’s an element here that will pull you in and keep you hooked.
The lead character, Emily Owens, is an absolute force. She’s the kind of protagonist who immediately commands your attention, smart, fearless, and determined. Emily easily stands alongside other iconic treasure-hunting heroes like Indiana Jones, Lara Croft, and Nathan Drake. She’s gritty, resourceful, and unafraid to get her hands dirty in pursuit of her goal.
The author does a fantastic job of maintaining a fast-paced, cinematic style throughout the story. The vivid descriptions and dynamic settings made me feel like I was watching a blockbuster unfold on the big screen. I especially appreciated the inclusion of Newfoundland as one of the main settings, it gave the story a unique touch, and as someone from the province, it made the adventure feel even more personal.
If you’re looking for a read that’s thrilling, unpredictable, and just plain fun, this is the book for you. It will keep you on your toes and surprise you at every turn.
I’m already eager to see what the author comes up with next!
What makes this book stand out is its versatility. It blends several genres seamlessly, offering a little something for everyone, action, mystery, thriller, and even a touch of romance. No matter what you’re into, there’s an element here that will pull you in and keep you hooked.
The lead character, Emily Owens, is an absolute force. She’s the kind of protagonist who immediately commands your attention, smart, fearless, and determined. Emily easily stands alongside other iconic treasure-hunting heroes like Indiana Jones, Lara Croft, and Nathan Drake. She’s gritty, resourceful, and unafraid to get her hands dirty in pursuit of her goal.
The author does a fantastic job of maintaining a fast-paced, cinematic style throughout the story. The vivid descriptions and dynamic settings made me feel like I was watching a blockbuster unfold on the big screen. I especially appreciated the inclusion of Newfoundland as one of the main settings, it gave the story a unique touch, and as someone from the province, it made the adventure feel even more personal.
If you’re looking for a read that’s thrilling, unpredictable, and just plain fun, this is the book for you. It will keep you on your toes and surprise you at every turn.
I’m already eager to see what the author comes up with next!
September 20, 2024
It was a bit cheesy like National Treasure.
August 16, 2025
Overall it was an interesting story. I do like the Canadian tie-in. I won’t say exactly how or when Canada comes into play. My only issue is with the main character. She wants to make a name for herself immediately upon graduating without really paying her dues to the archaeology profession. It would be a little more believable had she been working in the field for a few years and gaining some valuable field experience first. Other than that I liked the adventure and the backstory and history of the object of the quest. The ending suggests a possible sequel which could be interesting.
July 5, 2021
This is a fabulous book to get lost for a day or two in the world of Emily Owens! I am not a huge reader and struggle to find a good book to hold my attention long enough but Justin B. Hodder does an amazing job luring his readers to continue reading to the very end!!
Looking forward to the next book to see what adventures await Emily Owens!!
Looking forward to the next book to see what adventures await Emily Owens!!
January 25, 2023
Mists of Morne was NOT what I expected but in a good way. It took me on quite the wild adventure, and I loved every minute of it. Here's to hoping there is Book 2 of An Owen's Odyssey to tie that ending together.
August 11, 2021
Excellent writing, such attention to detail!! It's a book that you don't want to put down until it's done!! Awesome read!!!
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February 18, 2022Excellent read! Captivating and exciting from the very beginning. Looking forward to the next book!
April 18, 2024
Love, love, love it!! Right from the start I was hooked. An amazing book by a Newfoundlander! Hoping for another book to follow in the future
December 19, 2025
Characters you love and those you love to hate take you on a fantastic adventure with a book you simply cannot put down! Impatiently waiting for more from this author.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews