The Orchid and the Emerald: Search for the Cure

by Timothy David Mack

William Gunn wants nothing more than a quiet life. After returning home from the Napoleonic wars, he accepts a position on the Duke of Devonshire's idyllic estate. Destiny, however, intervenes when his young daughter Sarah falls prey to a mysterious sickness, and Gunn must strike out once more into the unknown and search for an unusual cure--the black orchid, a plant found only in the forbidding Amazon rainforest, where the last man who saw it went insane.

Across the Atlantic, American frontiersman Nathanial Yankee has left his country and his past behind to join a new revolution, fought by General Sim�n Bol�var to free South America from the Spanish. Nate, however, is no hero--he fights for land, and a chance at a fresh start.

Pursued by a cruel enemy in a race against time, William and Nate must survive the battlefields of the Spanish Main, cross the snow-covered peaks of the Andes, and finally reckon with the rulers of a dying Amazonian empire. For one man, the goal is a chance to save his daughter's life; for the other, a priceless treasure beckons. If they cannot learn to work together, one of a thousand enemies will kill them (that is, if they don't kill each other first).

Unbeknownst to them, both men are pawns in a far larger game, and some secrets cannot be hidden forever ...

Genres: Fiction, Historical Fiction, Adventure, Historical

446 pages, Hardcover

Published March 29, 2022

Reviews

[ShannaBanana✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was unexpectedly good. For some reason I went into it, thinking it was fantasy but it really isn’t. It took me a few to get into it but when it got good, it got really good. I’m really hoping there is a second installment.

[Lynne Lamprecht · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful book that, once started, is very hard to put down. I was fortunate enough to have access to an advance copy, and I enjoyed it tremendously, from start to finish. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys an excellent story that will hold your attention from start to finish.

[James Mcguire · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful adventure story with larger than life personalities in a huge historical background set mainly in South America at a time of enormous change. Full of intrigue, duplicity and unending rollercoaster of drama and danger. Packed with awesome geographical, cultural and historical detail.
The scale of the book is awesome. It is full of heroics, courage and persistence.
I was fortunate to read the manuscript and I just can't wait to read the sequel.

[amanda_coffee_books · Rating 4 out of 5]

I want to start off by saying that I received a complimentary ebook. In return for my honest thoughts and review. Thank to the publisher and to NetGalley for allowing me to read and review such amazing book. This being the author first book I highly recommend reading. I felt like I was watching old movie awhile reading this book. I wasn’t getting into this book in the beginning and felt like it wasn’t going to be the book for me. I was definitely wrong what a adventure this book took on. I love reading historical fiction and adventure with it two in one for me. The point of views confused me a little when reading but I got the hang of reading when those different point of views. William and Nate are my two favorite characters. I loved that William was willing to do anything for his daughter like any father would do, I can’t say any bad things about this book. I cant wait to get my own copy when this book releases on March 29, 2022

About:
William and her daughter have no where to really go until William get recommend for a job working with the head gardener. Once daughter fells sick the duke beings in the Doctor. The Doctor has worried William that his daughter sickness will return if she doesn’t get the proper medicine to cure her. William is given a task that could end his life or save his little girl.

[Philip O'Brien · Rating 5 out of 5]

Action and international intrigue in the mountains and jungles of South America 200 years ago! Two unlikely companions a British military officer and an American frontiersman with different backgrounds, motives, goals and rules guide us through the time and region in a series of fast paced adventures packed with personal and cultural conflicts. The friction between the two protagonists works well as they face mutual enemies and obstacles.

I found the book well written and researched. I discovered the book through a recommendation from a friend and I am glad I did. I highly recommend it. I think you will enjoy it as much as I did.

[Kathy Wyma · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book captures your attention from the beginning, it takes you to far off places and has great characters. The story is wonderfully told through colorful, detailed descriptions and historical facts and you come to know the characters and root for their success. It is the kind of book that is hard to put down, you want to keep reading to see what happens next! I would recommend The Orchid and the Emerald: Search for the Cure to anyone that would like a great book to escape into, you won't be disappointed. Can't wait for the next book to see what adventures await.

[Steve Twohig · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished the novel ‘The Orchard and the Emerald” Search for the Cure. I found it to be a delightful face-paced, and exciting read. You will be drawn in by the many colorful characters. The use of actual historical fact is brilliant and adds to the overall story. It’s the perfect type of book to carry with you while traveling, at the beach or simply for those times you are looking to be transported away for a little while.

[George Presti · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great read with multiple adventures, a heart warming story and multi-faceted historic accounts. Did you know that Simon Bolivar is considered the George Washington of South America, having led Columbia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Panama, Peru and Bolivia to independence? This is just some of the historical info, colorful characters and downright thrilling adventures that this book delivers. I would love to see it made into a movie or Netflix series since there's so much here. Enjoy!

[Patricia O'Neill]

A page turner !

The reader is captivated from the start as Captain Dunn begins his adventure to travel to the Amazon in search of a cure for his ailing daughter while carrying out a secret mission for the King of England. Much suspense and intrigue abounds. This novel is a "must read" for those who believe in the mysteries and history of South America and the world's most ominous jungle! P.O'NEILL

[Mary McClatchey · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Orchid and The Emerald drew me in completely. I could not put it down!
It was so interesting to be brought alongside the two main characters during historic battles and across a beautiful but treacherous South American terrain on their quest.
I laughed many times while reading this book and can't wait for this great new author's next!

[Embee]

This historical fiction book is hard to put down. It is an exciting, risky adventure, all the while learning facts that I never knew. Two men with very different goals must find a way to work together to find something of very different intrinsic value to each of them. Looking forward to the sequel.

[Kenneth E · Rating 5 out of 5]

A consummately engaging work swooping gracefully between an intriguing plot line and meticulously researched historical reality. A wonderful smorgasbord of an adventure entwined with historical detail.

[Mike Whelan · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you like your fiction action packed with a solid foothold in history and written in a manner accurate to the period You will find the Orchid and the Emerald a page turner.
I'm truly looking forward to the next adventure these characters set out upon can't wait for the sequel
Mike Whelan

[Art McMaster · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great book. A book filled with lots of action, history and stories based on a fathers search for a rare black orchid, not for money, but for the love of his daughter. The book is hard to put down and very engaging. Can't wait for the next book to come out.

[Richard Whelan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book. Historical Fiction but yet so believable.
Great research and accurate account of the time in history.
I thoroughly enjoyed it. This author and partners have a lot to offer. Looking forward to more from him.
5 stars for sure

[Tom Whelan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Orchid and the Emerald is a great historical adventure story which moves along at a super pace and brings you into the world of orchid hunters and the amazon jungle. Really well researched and you will learn a lot about the 18th century South America in an enjoyable way.

[Nicole Force · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got a signed copy of this book locally! It's an easy read full of adventure: You can't beat two sexy lead men a la Pirates of the Caribbean meets Turn: Washington's Spies! The best thing is that while I am being entertained, I can trust the details have been rendered with attention to accuracy.

[Carmel Whelan]

A thrilling historical adventure story set largely in South America. An entertaining book which also informs you about the time and place it is set in. An ideal summer read and looking forward to the next book.

[Ray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Received an advanced copy, and this swashbuckling adventure delivers. This is historical fiction with a flavor of Indiana Jones.

[Carol Rain]

Loved the book, the history, and following the two main characters through their adventures. Can’t wait to continue with them in the next book.

[Christie Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's not fantasy, sci-fi, thriller or suspense, it's just a darn good book with an epic adventure.

[Paige Kolnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was immediately enthralled with this epic adventure novel. The different settings and locations take the reader along for a thrilling journey alongside the main characters. William and Nate (and, of course, Pax) built a companionship and forged a relationship that was both whimsical and funny, as well as serious and genuine. For readers, the novel is long, but the content carries along effortlessly and easily. I look forward to the next book and adventure!

[Nicky Freymond · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was such a fun breath of fresh air. I haven’t read a thrilling, page turning adventure novel in such a long time. The authors piece together a complicated plot, multiple timelines and settings seamlessly and with such talent. As an avid traveler and a lifelong lover of all things Latin America, I had so much fun along on this adventure. I anxiously await the sequel, and I highly recommend.

[Lori Wangerin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full of high adventure.

[Jennifer · Rating 2 out of 5]

Based on its rating, I seem to be in the minority here. I wasn't impressed and that's probably personal preference. The author spent way too much time describing person/places/things rather than developing the story. I felt the true mystery and danger of the people, flora and fauna of the Amazon was lacking. If you enjoy a straight up historical fiction with lots of detail, this one is for you. If you enjoy a historical fiction that evokes the feel of the Amazon and its mystery, this one may fall flat for you. It did for me.

[James E Mallahan · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are a fan of historical fiction this book is a must read. It was a page turning adventure that took me from the Manor House system in England all the way to South America. It is always fun for me to get to know true life characters whilst enjoying a great read.

[Rich · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent novel. Fast-paced, exciting, enjoyable. Many accurate historical references. Realistic characters. Great descriptions of time frame, settings and action. I could not put the book down!

[Richard Morehouse]

I hotban advanced copy and it had me from start to Finnish. A grand adventure based on historical facts. A great read. I can't wait for their next book!

[WyoGal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exciting Indiana Jones type adventure

This is an enjoyable adventure with lots of action scenes and two rather interesting protagonists. An Englishman, who embarks on a quest to find a cure for his daughter, and an American survivalist of sorts cross paths in search of “treasure.” There are deadly fights: in military battles, against wildlife, jungle warriors, vengeful enemies, pirates, and angry women.

The writing is excellent in terms of conventions and style. The only problem I have with the story is when the authors choose to cut a few scenes at vital moments to skip to a different one, and then don’t go back to the critical moment. The reader learns the character(s) survive(s), but there are little to no details. It’s like a commercial break at a cliff-hanger, and the next scene is the hero wiping his brow. Fortunately, there are plenty of complete detailed action scenes to make up for these annoying skips.

I look forward to the next book in the series, as the authors do a great job of transporting the reader to a new world through vivid imagery, historical tidbits, great dialog, and compelling stakes and mysteries.

[B Howard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Takes place in the 1800s in England and later in South America. William, a widowed father, goes to South America hoping to find a black orchid that may cure his young daughter's illness. William is also tasked with meeting with Simon Bolivar to tell him that the English will provide him with arms to help Bolivar's fight against the Spanish. Nate, an American in South America is also one of the main characters, although I had problems keeping them apart sometimes. They both are fighting with Bolivar and against the Spanish. I loved this book. Great writing except for the chapter with the discovery of a huge city in the Amazon jungle. It was written like it was the script for a very bad movie. I also got confused about what country was represented by a king and queen. I was confused by the politics of the story and really not interested in it. This book has a list of characters and great maps. This book was actually written by 3 men whose names make up the "author's" name. C. 2022