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Zahra Kane Archeological Thrillers #1
The Anubis Plague
An ancient secret. A faction of killers. A deadly book.
Zahra Kane is a brilliant and daring archaeologist. The former British Army Intelligence Linguist has used her fluency in a laundry list of languages, as well as her combat training, to succeed at the highest level. The intrepid adventurer isn’t afraid to get her hands dirty or blow past the point of no return to obtain her prize.
Late one night, she receives a frantic phone call from her estranged brother, an Egyptologist who’s been tasked with examining a newly discovered tomb and the prize it contains: the original Book of the Dead — a scroll made of human skin and penned in human blood.
This book contains an additional segment of text describing a place forgotten to time, where archaic experimentations were conducted to produce a horrifying sickness.
The dig is attacked shortly after the scroll is unearthed, and an ancient society of murderous zealots is responsible for the bloodshed. Thus far, they have only been mentioned as a myth since before the time of the pharaohs.
Zahra’s brother is recruited at gunpoint to help find the clandestine location and replicate the virus — the plague — and release it upon the world.
Fans of Indiana Jones, Uncharted, and Tomb Raider love Zahra Kane!
THE ANUBIS PLAGUE is the first book in the action-packed Zahra Kane archaeological thriller series by bestselling authors Nick Thacker and Matt James.
Zahra Kane is a brilliant and daring archaeologist. The former British Army Intelligence Linguist has used her fluency in a laundry list of languages, as well as her combat training, to succeed at the highest level. The intrepid adventurer isn’t afraid to get her hands dirty or blow past the point of no return to obtain her prize.
Late one night, she receives a frantic phone call from her estranged brother, an Egyptologist who’s been tasked with examining a newly discovered tomb and the prize it contains: the original Book of the Dead — a scroll made of human skin and penned in human blood.
This book contains an additional segment of text describing a place forgotten to time, where archaic experimentations were conducted to produce a horrifying sickness.
The dig is attacked shortly after the scroll is unearthed, and an ancient society of murderous zealots is responsible for the bloodshed. Thus far, they have only been mentioned as a myth since before the time of the pharaohs.
Zahra’s brother is recruited at gunpoint to help find the clandestine location and replicate the virus — the plague — and release it upon the world.
Fans of Indiana Jones, Uncharted, and Tomb Raider love Zahra Kane!
THE ANUBIS PLAGUE is the first book in the action-packed Zahra Kane archaeological thriller series by bestselling authors Nick Thacker and Matt James.
486 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 19, 2022
635 people are currently reading
321 people want to read
About the author
Matthew James
44 books122 followersMATT JAMES is the international bestselling author of over thirty-five action-packed titles, including the fan-favorite Jack Reilly series, The Cursed Thief, and The Blood King. He specializes in globetrotting thrillers that fans of James Rollins, Steve Berry, and Ernest Dempsey will devour!
He lives twenty minutes from the beach in sunny South Florida with his amazing wife, three beautiful children, a lovable pitty, and an overly dramatic black cat.
Go to MattJamesAuthor.com and subscribe to his newsletter for early and exclusive news and updates! You will NOT be mercilessly spammed with junk mail. And don't forget to click the FOLLOW button on his Amazon page to receive new release alerts!
He lives twenty minutes from the beach in sunny South Florida with his amazing wife, three beautiful children, a lovable pitty, and an overly dramatic black cat.
Go to MattJamesAuthor.com and subscribe to his newsletter for early and exclusive news and updates! You will NOT be mercilessly spammed with junk mail. And don't forget to click the FOLLOW button on his Amazon page to receive new release alerts!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
December 20, 2022
When God's are not who you Think
Nick Thacker and Matt James's Anubis Plague has everything in it for the archeology thriller lover. Strong women, good men, evil family dynasties and plenty of action. Mix in a few exotic locations and you have an action packed, heart-thumping page turning read.
What I love so much about Nick Thacker's writing is that his characters are real and believable and addictive. I feel so sad to reach the end of the book because it means leaving each person behind.
But, in this case, it's a series, and I can guarantee you each core hero, anti-villan and lovable character will be back. Because of the detailed setting of the Anubis Plague, and the mysterious clues that kept me fascinated, I know that the next book will be even better.
If you love all of the above, and want to find out what else I'm deliberately leaving out of my review, pick up your copy now. The holidays aren't over, treat yourself to a great read.
Nick Thacker and Matt James's Anubis Plague has everything in it for the archeology thriller lover. Strong women, good men, evil family dynasties and plenty of action. Mix in a few exotic locations and you have an action packed, heart-thumping page turning read.
What I love so much about Nick Thacker's writing is that his characters are real and believable and addictive. I feel so sad to reach the end of the book because it means leaving each person behind.
But, in this case, it's a series, and I can guarantee you each core hero, anti-villan and lovable character will be back. Because of the detailed setting of the Anubis Plague, and the mysterious clues that kept me fascinated, I know that the next book will be even better.
If you love all of the above, and want to find out what else I'm deliberately leaving out of my review, pick up your copy now. The holidays aren't over, treat yourself to a great read.
March 7, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
The middle kind of dragged on..
The middle kind of dragged on..
October 6, 2022
The Anubis Plague - a review by Rosemary Kenny.
Zahra Kane is a go-getter archaeologist, adventurer, explorer and much more, in the mould of Lara Croft and in Matt James and Nick Thacker's outstanding collaboration, The Anubis Plague.
Set mainly in Egypt, Zahra, members of her family and loyal friends must take down an egomaniacal, delusional terrorist, whose intention is to take over the world, using the ancient, eponymous plague.
Will they survive the Scales of Anubis?
Grab yourself a copy today to find out - and tell all your friends not to miss it!
Recommended to fans of Dan Brown, Clive Cussler or Indiana Jones novels and movies.
Zahra Kane is a go-getter archaeologist, adventurer, explorer and much more, in the mould of Lara Croft and in Matt James and Nick Thacker's outstanding collaboration, The Anubis Plague.
Set mainly in Egypt, Zahra, members of her family and loyal friends must take down an egomaniacal, delusional terrorist, whose intention is to take over the world, using the ancient, eponymous plague.
Will they survive the Scales of Anubis?
Grab yourself a copy today to find out - and tell all your friends not to miss it!
Recommended to fans of Dan Brown, Clive Cussler or Indiana Jones novels and movies.
October 2, 2022
I received an ARC of this book and this is my honest review. Could be awesome….. but it’s not, yet. I have to agree with another reviewer that there are waaay too many plot holes and seriously bad decisions, moves made by people who are supposed too be waaay too smart, experienced, well trained, or all of the above. Some of these seemed to just be filler material to stretch the story ( unnecessary), but maybe some were just to show characters are human not superheroes or something. I hope to read more but I really hope to see characters stay more “in character” and maybe not so many “ what the heck are you doing” moments, of which several were distracting in this book.
March 20, 2024
I really tried with this book. Needed editing to shorten unnecessary add ins.
September 21, 2022
The Anubis Plague is the first novel int the Zahra Kane Archeological Thrillers. Let me say that first I love everything about archeology. So how could I pass up this novel. Well, this is one of those novels that captivates you from the very first page. The authors have a way of weaving a tale that holds the reader's attention in such a way that you are almost tempted to skip ahead, but then you are caught up in the tale of each page. I cannot tell you how very much I enjoyed this tale. I read and read and read and just could not find the perfect place to set it down. Now that I am finished, I am dying to know went the second novel will be out - can I stand the waiting time? This is a novel that you should not allow to pass by or set on the top of your to be read list, this is one of those novels that is just unbelievable, and I vote to see this in the movie theater or on television. I received this novel from BookFunnel and this is my true and honest review.
September 23, 2022
I received an ARC and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
This story begins with the Kane family returning home from a vacation in the mountain when an unidentified vehicle forced them off the road. As a result, the mother died.
The3 story then begins years later where Zahra and her brother have gone their separate ways in the same field. Zahra is in London at a museum while her brother is in Egypt at a newly discovered site.
As a result of the Egypt discovery, their paths will cross as one helps the other.
To learn what the events have in common and who responsible for their meeting, then you need to read this book.
The action is immense and the stories of both the siblings bring everything into play. It is a hard book to put down because you are always wondering what will happen next, It is a new series and it is one that you have to read, You won't be disappointed.
This story begins with the Kane family returning home from a vacation in the mountain when an unidentified vehicle forced them off the road. As a result, the mother died.
The3 story then begins years later where Zahra and her brother have gone their separate ways in the same field. Zahra is in London at a museum while her brother is in Egypt at a newly discovered site.
As a result of the Egypt discovery, their paths will cross as one helps the other.
To learn what the events have in common and who responsible for their meeting, then you need to read this book.
The action is immense and the stories of both the siblings bring everything into play. It is a hard book to put down because you are always wondering what will happen next, It is a new series and it is one that you have to read, You won't be disappointed.
September 26, 2022
Not quite a female Indiana Jones....but not far off!
Zahra and her brother communicate relatively superficially since their mother died, until her brother uncovers something that sends mercenaries after Zahra's prized possession of a jar possibly of Anubis that her parents had liberated. The uncovering of an Egyptian site that was found to contain a copy of the book of the Dead triggers a full scale search and rescue/escape from the pursuers for Zahra and her brother. Will they meet up? When Zahra is attacked at the museum she barely escapes with her life while her intern is captured. The history behind their family and the disciples of Anubis is revealed and all roads lead to Egypt where the hunt for the Temple of Anubis is on.
An action-packed adventure with intrigue, zombies, deadly plagues, good and bad mercaneries (maybe), an Italian oasis and much suspense ensues as Zahra struggles to reunite with her brother and stop the Disciples of Anubis.
Zahra and her brother communicate relatively superficially since their mother died, until her brother uncovers something that sends mercenaries after Zahra's prized possession of a jar possibly of Anubis that her parents had liberated. The uncovering of an Egyptian site that was found to contain a copy of the book of the Dead triggers a full scale search and rescue/escape from the pursuers for Zahra and her brother. Will they meet up? When Zahra is attacked at the museum she barely escapes with her life while her intern is captured. The history behind their family and the disciples of Anubis is revealed and all roads lead to Egypt where the hunt for the Temple of Anubis is on.
An action-packed adventure with intrigue, zombies, deadly plagues, good and bad mercaneries (maybe), an Italian oasis and much suspense ensues as Zahra struggles to reunite with her brother and stop the Disciples of Anubis.
October 8, 2023
I’ve always been attracted to anything Egypt so when I saw this book I knew I had to read it. After the first 100 and so pages I almost gave up. Bad editing, missing words, wrong spelling, wrong words.., it made me think these authors might not be native English speakers. What a mess. But I decided to persevere because I really liked the plot line. Glad that I did. But after the few 100 pages it looked like someone else was writing this book. No more wrong spellings, good editing, the proper words used. There were a couple of hiccups but nothing serious nor distracting. I ended up loving this book. So spooky and lots of action. The only reason I give it 3 stars is because of those first 100 plus pages that were a total disaster. If you want to read this book, go for it. It’s perfect for October! Just be patient with those pesky 100+ pages.
March 2, 2023
I would have given this 5 stars if it wasn't for Zahra, the main character. I'm reading an action and adventure book... the last thing I need is a "cool girl" main character who constantly brags about how cool she is and talks like a teenager. I disliked her from the very start of the book and my dislike didn't change. With that being said, the story was REALLY good in my opinion. I enjoyed reading all of Baahirs and Khaliqs chapters, and I especially loved the creepiness of the last few chapters. Everything about the book was great aside from Zahra, which is unfortunate because now I have no desire to read the next one.
September 21, 2022
Zahra Kane and her brother find out long held secrets about their familial history. What they find is earth shattering, and can have devastating consequences on the entirety of the earth. Their cousin Khaliq is dead set on bringing the Anubis Plague into the world. If he succeeds only a handful of people will remain on the Earth. Can Zhara and her brother and the small team they gather stop their cousin from releasing the plague on to mankind???
If you want a great thrill ride from beginning to end I suggest you pick this up... And find out how it all ends...
If you want a great thrill ride from beginning to end I suggest you pick this up... And find out how it all ends...
February 3, 2024
I really wanted to like this book and I did at the beginning. Somewhere along the way it kind of lost me when the general plot of the story was so similar to so many other archaeological adventures. Plus I was hoping there would either be a legit plague taking over the world or Anubis being brought back, essentially some apocalyptic shit and I guess I got too overzealous :P Decent read but there's always rich bad guys who want artifacts and will do anything to get them. But of course there is a cunning heroine/hero to save the day and outmaneuver the bad guy.
April 20, 2024
Ancient Egyptian Gods, hidden temples, a secret society, ancient curses, good vs evil, if you love archaeological thrillers, you will love this!
Zahara is an archaeologist at the British Museum, she also is very capable of taking care of herself. When her brother finds the original Book of the Dead he is pursued by a shadowy organisation who will stop at nothing to acquire it. As it becomes clear that their mother was not who she seemed to be they are pulled into a deadly game.
Fast paced and thrilling this is a perfect summer read and short snappy chapters make this a quick read.
Zahara is an archaeologist at the British Museum, she also is very capable of taking care of herself. When her brother finds the original Book of the Dead he is pursued by a shadowy organisation who will stop at nothing to acquire it. As it becomes clear that their mother was not who she seemed to be they are pulled into a deadly game.
Fast paced and thrilling this is a perfect summer read and short snappy chapters make this a quick read.
September 27, 2022
Fascinating story but needs more work. Needs a good editor. Every time I start to really enjoy the story, something yanks me out! I cannot finish this book; it’s too frustrating.
There are too many plot holes
*
SPOILERS
*
*
*
*
*
(Why would they want Grant for his knowledge yet try to kill Zahra who had more knowledge?
We are led to believe that Zahra is a high level warrior but she has trouble taking down thugs, twists her ankle by simply turning too fast, & then leaves wounded, armed enemies behind her…).
There are also many misapplied words (she “adorned” a pair of heavy gloves instead of applied or pulled on),
malapropisms (wears instead of wares),
& missing words.
There are too many plot holes
*
SPOILERS
*
*
*
*
*
(Why would they want Grant for his knowledge yet try to kill Zahra who had more knowledge?
We are led to believe that Zahra is a high level warrior but she has trouble taking down thugs, twists her ankle by simply turning too fast, & then leaves wounded, armed enemies behind her…).
There are also many misapplied words (she “adorned” a pair of heavy gloves instead of applied or pulled on),
malapropisms (wears instead of wares),
& missing words.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 28, 2022
What an amazing read a real page turner. Got this as an ARC and couldn't put it down. Zarah and her brother get mixed up in cult trouble e.g. the Scales of Anubis a psychotic group who believe in the legend of Anubis and only one family will be safe from the plague. Can they save the world from Kaliq and his sister before they release the plague. A rollercoaster ride, from start to finish with such great characters.
October 13, 2022
The Anubis Plague
Zahra Kane emerges as a fearsome fighter against evil in our world. This archeological thriller which is set in Egypt will keep your heart pounding. This collaboration between the authors Nick Thacker and Matt James has given us a riveting adventure into the historical realm of greedy humans who consider themselves to be gods, just as despots have throughout history.
Zahra Kane emerges as a fearsome fighter against evil in our world. This archeological thriller which is set in Egypt will keep your heart pounding. This collaboration between the authors Nick Thacker and Matt James has given us a riveting adventure into the historical realm of greedy humans who consider themselves to be gods, just as despots have throughout history.
October 30, 2022
Different,but great…
Most Nick Thacker stories have me “locked in” within the first few pages. This collaboration was different in style & depth and took a while to really sink it’s proverbial claws in me. I usually read all his work in less than 24 hours. This was a more complex build that allowed me to space it out over days-different, but still very good. I look forward to see the direction this collaboration takes. A good read.
Most Nick Thacker stories have me “locked in” within the first few pages. This collaboration was different in style & depth and took a while to really sink it’s proverbial claws in me. I usually read all his work in less than 24 hours. This was a more complex build that allowed me to space it out over days-different, but still very good. I look forward to see the direction this collaboration takes. A good read.
December 5, 2022
great start to a new series!
I’ve read all of Matt James’ “Jack Reilly” series and enjoyed them. I’m glad he tied Zahra into that series. This book had lots of history and twists on current theories of Ancient Egypt. I really love when authors creatively expand on what we “know” of the past. Lots of action and likable characters which are well developed. If you like action/adventure stories you’ll like this book
I’ve read all of Matt James’ “Jack Reilly” series and enjoyed them. I’m glad he tied Zahra into that series. This book had lots of history and twists on current theories of Ancient Egypt. I really love when authors creatively expand on what we “know” of the past. Lots of action and likable characters which are well developed. If you like action/adventure stories you’ll like this book
February 4, 2023
A female, Indiana Jones and the Temple of Anubis. Swashbuckling, grappling hook wielding, yes, you did read that correctly, I suppose it's close enough to a whip, archaeologist meets Bond-ish 007. “I want to cleanse the world” type villain, minus the white cat. An easy read, nothing new under the sun here, fairly entertaining, some action, same old, same old standard adventure stuff. It was OK-ish.
May 23, 2024
interesting premise
What’s better than a rouge Egyptian god, a bunch of scorpions, worms, fungi and a lot of very bad people with weapons? Not much! Egyptian history and beliefs are discussed in an alternate manner. Fast read. A lot of action. Never a dull moment. The hero’s are family and adopted family in many ways. Just goes to show you make a friend, keep a friend!!! They might save your life!
What’s better than a rouge Egyptian god, a bunch of scorpions, worms, fungi and a lot of very bad people with weapons? Not much! Egyptian history and beliefs are discussed in an alternate manner. Fast read. A lot of action. Never a dull moment. The hero’s are family and adopted family in many ways. Just goes to show you make a friend, keep a friend!!! They might save your life!
Read
September 28, 2022Best of the best.
Now this is a book for everyone to read. It has humor, action, lots of scary places and scary insects. The characters (the good guys and good gals ) are really likeable and the bad guys ( male or female ) are really baddies.
Now when did you two say the next book was coming out?
Now this is a book for everyone to read. It has humor, action, lots of scary places and scary insects. The characters (the good guys and good gals ) are really likeable and the bad guys ( male or female ) are really baddies.
Now when did you two say the next book was coming out?
January 19, 2024
world travel and action
Loved getting to know more about the characters of Zahara and her brother. Thank goodness for the help of good friends like Dina and Cork. When on the trail of a madman intent on destroying millions of lives and controlling as much of the World as possible.
Loved getting to know more about the characters of Zahara and her brother. Thank goodness for the help of good friends like Dina and Cork. When on the trail of a madman intent on destroying millions of lives and controlling as much of the World as possible.
September 13, 2024
A rip-roaring adventure
With a good portion of suspension of disbelief on the part of the reader, this book is an action-packed thriller that moves along at a brisk pace. The characters are diverse, and each is well delineated. The plot is twisty and modern in a zombie movie kind of way. Recommended for fans of the zany.
With a good portion of suspension of disbelief on the part of the reader, this book is an action-packed thriller that moves along at a brisk pace. The characters are diverse, and each is well delineated. The plot is twisty and modern in a zombie movie kind of way. Recommended for fans of the zany.
September 23, 2022
Was Anubis real or a myth?
James and Thacker have a hit in this book.
The story is a new twist on the Egyptian gods and the history of Anubis. Fast paced with some great characters. I look forward to more from these two.
James and Thacker have a hit in this book.
The story is a new twist on the Egyptian gods and the history of Anubis. Fast paced with some great characters. I look forward to more from these two.
October 1, 2022
Edge of your seat thriller!!
This kept me interested from the beginning! Every step of the way Something was happening with Zahra or her brother. I would recommend this to anyone who likes a good page Turner thriller. I can't wait for the next one!!
This kept me interested from the beginning! Every step of the way Something was happening with Zahra or her brother. I would recommend this to anyone who likes a good page Turner thriller. I can't wait for the next one!!
October 7, 2022
A well written, Indiana Jones type of adventure. A good plot with plenty of action from start to finish. It combines history, archaeology, murder, violence and mayhem. A worthy read with entertaining characters.
November 3, 2022
Archaeology, not 101
Wow, action packed thriller! Ancient Egypt relics, gods, and archaeology all packed into one book. Amazing detail, lots of guns and shooting, bad guys and good. Thoroughly enjoyed.
Wow, action packed thriller! Ancient Egypt relics, gods, and archaeology all packed into one book. Amazing detail, lots of guns and shooting, bad guys and good. Thoroughly enjoyed.
January 8, 2023
I grew up reading a lot of James Rollins work (pre-Sigma Force series) and this was very reminiscent of those books. There were a few minor plot holes but over all the book was very enjoyable. If you're a fan of Laura Croft games you would probably enjoy this book.
January 9, 2023
Thrilling as always
Loved the historical references and the action. Historical thrillers have always been enjoyable reading for me. I look forward to.reading more of Ms Kane's adventures.
Loved the historical references and the action. Historical thrillers have always been enjoyable reading for me. I look forward to.reading more of Ms Kane's adventures.
October 5, 2023
strong female characters loved them all
A little archeology. A useful grappling hook. Beautiful women with certain sets of skills. Fast paced. Multiple settings, in the air.under sea, cave,museum, ruins and hot glowing lava.would make a fun movie.
A little archeology. A useful grappling hook. Beautiful women with certain sets of skills. Fast paced. Multiple settings, in the air.under sea, cave,museum, ruins and hot glowing lava.would make a fun movie.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews