The Survivor

Eve Duncan #30

by Iris Johansen

Eve Duncan and Riley Smith must solve their most exciting puzzle  since  A Face to Die For when asked to uncover the mysterious secret hidden on a remote island.
 
When archeologist Riley Smith comes to ask Eve Duncan for help, Eve has to say no. Traveling halfway around the world on a dangerous quest is not her expertise as a forensic sculptor. But Eve is intrigued by the prospect of an isolated island that holds a secret locked in time. 
 
Traveling to Southeast Asia, Riley is aware of the threat from treasure hunters who are already searching and have no qualms about killing to get what they want. When she successfully evades them and finds the perfectly preserved body of a female warrior, it is just what she needs to entice Eve to help unlock the mystery.  
 
As these two strong women seek answers about this extraordinary past life, Riley makes a living, breathing discovery that will change history. If she can escape the island and survive long enough to share it with the world. 
 
 

Genres: Fiction, Mystery, Suspense, Mystery Thriller, Thriller, Adventure, Audiobook

352 pages, Hardcover

First published June 6, 2023

About the author

Iris Johansen is a New York Times bestselling author. She began her writing after her children left home for college. She first achieved success in the early 1980s writing category romances. In 1991, Johansen began writing suspense historical romance novels, starting with the publication of The Wind Dancer. In 1996 Johansen switched genres, turning to crime fiction, with which she has had great success.

She lives in Georgia and is married. Her son, Roy Johansen, is an Edgar Award-winning screenwriter and novelist. Her daughter, Tamara, serves as her research assistant.

IRIS JOHANSEN is The New York Times bestselling author of Night and Day, Hide Away, Shadow Play, Your Next Breath, The Perfect Witness, Live to See Tomorrow, Silencing Eve, Hunting Eve, Taking Eve, Sleep No More, What Doesn't Kill You, Bonnie, Quinn, Eve, Chasing The Night, Eight Days to Live, Blood Game, Deadlock, Dark Summer, Pandora's Daughter, Quicksand, Killer Dreams, On The Run, and more. And with her son, Roy Johansen, she has coauthored Night Watch, The Naked Eye, Sight Unseen, Close Your Eyes, Shadow Zone, Storm Cycle, and Silent Thunder.

http://www.irisjohansen.com

Reviews

[Kiya · Rating 1 out of 5]

Insert Eye Roll Emoji

This book took me entirely too long to get through. Nothing made sense and the dialogue between the fictional characters were a joke. The epilogue was just dumb. If are unlucky enough to purchase the book and miraculously finish it, you’ll know exactly what I mean. I painfully finished it and now I want my money back. Lol…seriously!

[Kat valentine ( Katsbookcornerreads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another excellent read from the amazing storyteller Iris Johansen!!!
While this is in the Eve Duncan world and both she and Joe make small appearances it is mostly about Maya Fallon. Maya is the caretaker of
Palandan Island in Southeast Asia. A paradise untouched and people who have ties to a ancient female Roman gladiator named Silvana a slave who was a fierce warrior who was unbeatable who amassed a great fortune to buy her freedom and when the man who owned her wouldn't free her she killed him and escaped with great riches and a herd of legendary beast's.
Now Maya is the caretaker of not only Palandan's people but Silvana's treasures but 5 years ago Maya had a run in with animal poacher Nadim after helping get Riley and her father safely off the island he kidnapped one of her people and when he demands a card game if she wins he'll let Dalar her foreman go but he tries cheating and she stabs him in the hand! Now he wants her head on a platter after she escapes him and his men. Maya has stayed a step ahead but when Bevan a associate turns on her for not making him her partner she knows her time is almost up and that's when she calls in a favor for Riley and everyone she knows including Eve Duncan.
This was a awesome thriller suspense with heart stopping action and many twists and turns. And a race against a totally depraved and psychotic villain that had no problem raping and killing a innocent 11 year old to send a message to Maya that her brilliant and special daughter Bailey was next!
With so many fabulous characters and a legendary woman and treasure and a herd of mythical unicorn this was a excellent example why I love and adore this writer! Iris Johansen is the only writer I know who could put a fantasy spin on a thriller and make it believable! And their was also the continuing heat and steamy moments from Riley and Cade!!! Their fire and chemistry is still breathtaking. And Maya and the charming and handsome
Finn Kagan a hunter who goes after poachers and child traffickers who was born on the island and who leads a team of Sherpas with Ninja like fighting skills named the Ice Rangers! Theirs a fire starting with them too! And Maya's daughter Bailey was magnificent! She's 10 going on 100 and so ahead of her time! She's smart,bold and very curious and a fixer and once she's locked in on something she won't let go. I love her relationship with the beautiful and very pregnant Riva, a beautiful unicorn who Bailey is taking care of. I can honestly say that I truly loved this book from start to finish and as always I enjoyed the ride. Until next time Luv's💕💋

I want to thank Iris Johansen and Net galley and Grand Central Publishing for this early copy💋💕

[Andrew Mahoney · Rating 1 out of 5]

Two weeks of my life I’ll never get back. I would’ve had more fun reading the Odyssey in Latin

[Michele M · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don't know this one seemed scattered still not even sure what the bad guy was truly after in the first place. and unicorns really. I know they were supposed to be a breed of deer but really.

[Shelley · Rating 3 out of 5]

*Source* Publisher
*Genre* Mystery / Suspense / Thriller
*Rating* 3-3.5

*Thoughts*

The Survivor, by author Iris Johansen, is the 30th installment in the authors Eve Duncan Series. This story begins 5 years ago with Maya Fallon, the caretaker of the Island, stabbing a villain named Aden Nadim in the Forest on Palandan Island in Southeast Asia. 5 years ago, Riley Smith and her father escaped with their lives thanks to Maya and went on to discover Helen of Troy who was sent to Eve Duncan to recreate. As you may or may not know, Eve is a forensic sculpture who has turned the world on its head with her stunning discovers, and her unique abilities to bring the dead back to life.

*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*

https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...

[Cassandra Trhlik · Rating 1 out of 5]

I won this book thru Goodreads... I absolutely can not believe iris johansen has had even one best selling book. This storyline may have had hope with an author who can write above a high school level, but it failed miserably. I almost quit reading the book several times, but since I won it I felt I had to finish it. The dialog is juvenile, it's embarrassing actually. If this had been a new authors first book, I'd understand, but there's no excuse for a seasoned author to write this poorly. I do not recommend reading this book.

[Branita J · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book by Iris Johansen. She is, hands down, one of my favorite authors. I have been reading her books since before she started the Eve Duncan series. I love how she changes it up and brings other couples as a vocal point in the stories, yet still hints on Eve and Joe. She does a great job painting pictures for the imagination. Even though this is an Eve Duncan story, you don't have to have read the other books in the series. I definitely recommend this book.

Thank you to NetGalley, iris Johansen and Grand Central Publishing for the opportunity to read this ARC.

[Howard Shinder · Rating 1 out of 5]

Very disappointing. An Eve Duncan book without Eve Duncan not what I expected. Also, the other characters, Riley, Cade, Maya all seemed like bratty middle schoolers. Their attitude & interactions at times were juvenile. Simply an uninteresting story

[Carole Barker · Rating 4 out of 5]

The leader of a sheltered culture rumored to possess a treasure enlists help to repel hostile intruders.

Riley Smith, an archaeologist introduced in the previous Eve Duncan novel “A Face to Die For”, is contacted by someone she met long ago when traveling with her father. Maya saved Riley and her father from a particularly nasty gang led by a poacher/thief when they were staying on the island in the mountains near Tibet of which Maya is the “caretaker”. That same island, a quiet Shangri-La which forbids the hunting of the many animals that live there and limits contact with the outside world, is now being threatened by those who want to claim the area’s resources. Those include the rumored treasure left behind by Silvana, the woman who founded the island’s community in early times. One of the biggest threats is coming from the man who Maya had expelled when he tried to kill Riley and her father, and the threat is personal….he wants his revenge for what Maya did to him, and has focused his attention on Maya’s young daughter. Maya uses the legend of Silvana and the rumors of animals thought to be extinct to tempt Riley to come and bring her powerful boyfriend Cade, who is known for his ferocious campaign to combat poachers and save species from extinction. Riley reaches out to Eve Duncan for advice on whether or not to accept Maya’s invitation, not sure that the risks are worth the rewards and reluctant to be used as a tool to reach Cade. When an attempt on RIley’s life is made during her visit with Eve, Cade arrives and the decision to help Maya is made. Even with the power and resources that Cade can bring to bear, will he and Riley be able to protect Maya and her people from the forces marching against them? And can they keep Maya, her gifted daughter Bailey, and themselves safe from the vendetta that threatens to destroy them all, while searching for the tomb and treasure of Silvana?
The Survivor is the 30th outing featuring Eve Duncan, so if you are already a reader of the series you are very likely to pick this installment up as well. It features many of the elements that are intrinsic to the series….the strong, beautiful and intelligent heroine, the alpha male that has aligned himself as her partner regardless of the clashes of their respective strong wills, a treasure with ties to history and legend, a gifted young person, and a determined foe. Eve and her partner Joe are in supporting roles here, operating mostly from the wings. It is Riley and Cade, as well as Maya, who are the stars of this novel. The reader is quickly drawn into Maya’s situation, and once Riley appears the action kicks into high gear. I was intrigued as I learned more about who Maya is and what role she has been selected to play, as well as how her island came to exist. Riley and Cade are still working on the rules of their relationship, and their clashes provide some drama as the story unfolds. If you like history mixed into your romantic suspense, and maybe even a little bit of legend thrown in for good measure, you will enjoy The Survivor….fans of Kay Hooper, Karen Robards, Catherine Coulter and Nora Roberts should also enjoy this installment, and the series in general. Many thanks to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for granting me access to an advanced reader’s copy of The Survivor.

[Janalyn, the blind reviewer · Rating 2 out of 5]

This seemed like it was going to be a great book from the summary and even the prologue but as the book started I felt a little lost with references to prior events and they would mention people as if taking for granted the reader knew who they were talking about and I had no clue it wasn’t until after I read the book that I went to Amazon and seen that this is a series and I wish I would’ve known that I would’ve read at least the prior two books so I wouldn’t have been so lost but as I did it I can honestly say although the plot seemed like a good one I did not like reading a book but for the most part I feel disoriented and as if I should know things I did not. As for the actual story I did like it with the unicorns the female gladiator but as I said once they brought in Kayden and Riley and then they went to speak to eat I was just lost and think there should be a warning that this is from a series and cannot be read as a standalone. I have read and loved every book I’ve gotten from Iris Johansen but I’m sorry to say this one not as much. I received this book from NetGalley and Grand Central publishing but I am leaving this review voluntarily please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.

[Pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was an amazing read. Eve was not the main character, but she had a part to play. Cade, and Riley we’re up front, along with Maya, her daughter Bailey, and Kagen. Most of the action takes place on Palandan Island. It was the Island that has survived for thousands of years with a care taker in charge. It is a beautiful, and holds its secrets close. Like the legend of Silvana, a female gladiator, that escaped from Rome. That is all the information I’m sharing. The story has to have bad guys, and you get the worst with Nadim, and Bevin. They are poachers in animals, humans, and hope to own the island. It had lots of excitement, death, and evil mixed with kindness, love, and empathy. I would recommend it to anyone looking for an Indians Jones type adventure, with some love, and care for rare animals, treasure, and especially the queen that brought it all together. It also has a great ending, and an epilogue. 5+ stars for this great read .

[William Bentrim · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Survivor by Iris Johansen
This is part of a series so you are expected to know the relationship dynamics between characters. I prefer an explanation of relationships to promote better reading as a stand-alone. That may have prejudiced my liking of the book. A semi-secret island with a herd of strange deer and rumored treasure from the Roman era is being attacked by a nefarious human trafficker and poacher. Cade, a billionaire, and Riley his plus one are asked to help defend the island.
The premise of an ancient treasure and strange creatures generally grabs me. This book didn’t. Its not that it was bad but it rambled occasionally and expectations assumed by the characters didn’t always make sense. The abilities of the characters were also a bit of a mystery.
The book was okay and I expect readers who are part of the series fans will enjoy it more than I did.

[Candace · Rating 4 out of 5]

Archeologist Riley Smith and her boyfriend, Morgan Cade, are on an adventure of a lifetime. When Riley is contracted by Maya Fallon, the caretaker of Paladan Island, and offered a chance to locate the tomb of the female gladiator, Silvana, she first contacts Eve Duncan to discuss the offer. On the second day Riley is with Eve at Eve and Joe's residence, Lake Cottage, where they are fired upon at the boathouse. Loring, a guard, rescues them and gets Riley to the hospital. Morgan Cade is upset that he wasn't informed about Maya Fallon's offer and the possible dangers. He sends for Maya and the four of them discuss the offer and the dangers. Maya returns to her island, while Cade prepares and organizes his forces.

Riley and Cade arrive on the island and set up a home base at the bottom of the mountain. On the other side of the island, Aden Nadim and his associate, Bevan, have set up a camp. Nadim is a poacher and a human trafficker. It was his snipers who fired upon Riley and Eve at the boathouse, and it is them who want to raid Silvana's tomb. Maya has kept her daughter, Bailey, safe by not letting anyone but those on the island know about her. Nadim has found out about Bailey from Bevan, and he is threatening the child. Maya has one other secret she is keeping from Riley and Cade. A deer-like animal with a single horn which has been protected on Paladan Island for over a thousand years. Can they save it from the poacher Nadim? There is a secret potion that is stumping Eve but might be known by Kagan Finn, a hunter and leader of the Ice Rangers, Sherpa fighting warriors, who are helping Cade out on the island.

I'm still working through the beginning of the series, but I sure did enjoy this suspenseful thriller. The thirtieth novel in the Eve Duncan series, I had no problem keeping up with the characters. I did discover from other reviewers and the blurb that Riley Smith and Morgan Cade first appeared in A Face to Die For, the twenty-eighth novel. The mystery, archeology and history are what are compelling to me in this series. Eve and Joe have cameo appearances in this novel. It is mainly Riley and Cade's book. Now, to locate the second book in the Eve Duncan series. Adult situations.

[Holly Stone · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one isn't as interesting for me it's a good book but there isn't enough of Eve Lol. This is about Riley Smith and Morgan Cade. Riley gets a call from her friend Maya Fallon asking her for help to save the Island and move the casket and a herd of unicorn deer. Maya's young daughter Bailey is convinced she needs to stay with the deer to save them when poachers threaten and Cade calls in some favors from some friends. Eve and Joe get into the act because Eve can use her forensic sculpting to help Riley and Cade.

[M · Rating 3 out of 5]

Eve Duncan is back…so is Riley and of course Cole. In this book I got a little disgusted with Cole, self appointed bodyguard but very controlling in this book. The plot is awesome-island with mystery and smugglers. Enjoy

[Betty · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a difficult book to review without adding spoilers, so be aware before reading this review. I have always enjoyed these books, but I will only give this a 3.5⭐️⭐️. The majority of fans are going to love this book and I can understand why. It was simply too contrived and unbelievable for me.

This is the 30th book in the Eve Duncan series and I have been reading them for years. While they sometimes delve into mystical areas, there is also a strong scientific core. The MC is a forensic sculptor, who is widely sought for her ability to reconstruct a skull, giving it a recognizable human face, and often solves a mystery, crime, or brings a loved one home for closure. The process is deeply discussed in many of the books and the science is always fascinating.

I have several problems with this book. This book really doesn’t concern forensics and Eve Duncan is barely involved. That isn’t an issue, as over time, additional characters have been introduced into this series and can carry a story on their own. The characters are strong and well described but the plot combines evil forces on the level of a James Bond film, and more heavy fantasy than usual. This includes an Amazon, who escaped from the arenas of Ancient Rome, and settles on an island in the Himalayas. She brings along a herd of unicorns, chests of gold, retainers,and a drug to prevent aging in a corpse. (That’s quite a journey and barely believable). Add in a large Sherpa unit of fighters, who would probably shame a SEAL team today. A final issue, that is often overdone in books and movies involves the villain. He is caught in an avalanche which kills everyone with him, but he survives. It is reminiscent of horror movies where the monster is dead, but then reaches out to grab the heroine’s ankle. Finally, the recovery of the jewels and sarcophagus are retrieved with little difficulty despite being above the ‘dead zone’ on a Himalayan mountain.

Sorry for the long review, but once I got started, I just kept going.

[Yvonne · Rating 4 out of 5]

The survivor is the 30th book in the Eve Duncan series. We are following the archeologist Riley Smith when she is called in to help Maya on her mysterious Island. What follows is a quest to find the body of a female warrior and to keep the island and Maya safe from treasure hunters. The summary of the book made me think that this book featured Eve Duncan and although she is mentioned in this book, she is more a side character and we are mainly following Riley Smith’s story. The book is fast paced with the all the elements that are usually in Iris Johansen’s books (strong female main character, a love interest, historical themes and a villain). It’s not my favorite book from her, but I loved it and read it in 2 days.

Thank you NetGalley for providing me with the Advanced Reader Copy!

[Jolene · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book as I love all Iris Johansen books. I read this book rather quickly as always because the author hooks you into the story immediately and things flow very quickly in the books and keep you on the edge of your seat and you can’t put the book down and want to see what happens to your favorite characters and new ones along the way. The storyline as usual was intriguing and interesting, this story featured primarily Riley Smith who was first introduced back in the novel “A Face To Die For” when she worked with our favorite forensic sculptor Eve to find the Helen of Troy tomb. This story also featured Morgan Cade, also introduced in that novel and the duo are a couple and working through trying to handle the emotional and physical and mental aspects of the relationship and keep focused on the job at hand and try to maintain a personal and professional working relationship while on the case. I wish this book featured Eve more than in just phone conversations and with a few visits to the lane cottage. Hopefully the next Eve Duncan novel features Eve a little more and more with her and her family and extended family and friends. Hoping that the next novel has everyone working on restoring this new treasure and interested to see where things go with Maya and Kagen and what happens as Bailey grows older. Can’t wait for another new book by this author, hope I don’t have to wait too long

[Matt. · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The Survivor" by Iris Johansen is a captivating and thrilling novel that will transport readers to an isolated island in Southeast Asia, where archeologist Riley Smith seeks the help of forensic sculptor Eve Duncan. Despite initially declining, Eve is intrigued by the prospect of unlocking a secret locked in time and decides to join Riley on her quest.

The women face a dangerous journey as they navigate the threat of treasure hunters and uncover the perfectly preserved body of a female warrior. As they work together to unravel the mystery surrounding this extraordinary past life, Riley makes a discovery that will change history forever.

Johansen's writing style is engaging and immersive, bringing the island and its secrets to life. The strong female characters of Eve and Riley make for a dynamic and inspiring duo, and the tense and suspenseful atmosphere keeps the reader hooked until the very end.

Overall, "The Survivor" is a captivating and thrilling novel that blends history, archaeology, and mystery into an exciting adventure. Johansen has crafted a well-written and enjoyable read that will leave readers satisfied and eager for more.

Thank you NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for this advanced copy.

[Robin Loves Reading · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just as in all of the previous books in this series, this latest is full of action, intrigue and drama. Although this is the 30th book in the Eve Duncan series, Eve, and especially Joe, were pretty much supporting characters. Instead, this story features Riley Smith and Maya Fallon as the primary protagonists. Riley appeals to Eve for her help, and so much of the story takes place on the Palandan Island, which is located in Southeast Asia. This secluded island hides a limited amount of people, and a legend. Maya is the island's caretaker, and she needs help.

There are times when I read a book in the Eve Duncan series and there is a bit of the unusual, a bit of fantasy. While this is the case with The Survivor, it was still a stellar read, with a fabulously intriguing story, enhanced by some romance.

This is a fast-paced thrilling read, with evil lurking close by. Can Eve, Riley and Maya get to the bottom of who is seeking to disturb the island, one who is bent on killing anyone in their path. With this psychotic killer always managing to escape their crosshairs, the action never lets up.

Many thanks to Grand Central Publishing and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

[Jessica]

I was looking for a fun, adventurous read when I started this one. Unfortunately I never made it to any adventure. True, I haven’t read any of the rest of the series but it was hard to feel invested in any of the characters and when I started to feel bored I went to check reviews and discovered the story is about unicorns. Not what I was looking for so I decided to let this one go.

[Russell Fletcher · Rating 1 out of 5]

1 star

This book isn't nearly as good as the regular Eve Duncan novels. I had to read this book with breaks in between instead of at one setting because it just wasn't as interesting.

[Thompson615 · Rating 1 out of 5]

I almost didn’t survive this book.

I have been a huge fan of the Eve Duncan series but this book was a struggle.
Pages and pages of characters discussing how intelligent, clever and bright other characters are. A cringy sex scene with Cade & Riley. Cade, overbearing and frankly just ridiculous. Eve was barely there in this book. I skimmed through most of this book because it was redundant and annoying. We finally got some action on page 320. Honestly I couldn’t wait for this one to end.

[Shelley · Rating 1 out of 5]

NOT an Eve Duncan story--more like she made a cameo just so they could call it an Eve Duncan book. I liked the earlier Eve books but this was nothing like what I remembered of this author--did she even write it? Characters were caught in monotonous dialogue in which you couldn't tell one from another. I tried to skip ahead to see if got any better but couldn't even get to the end. The plot had some interesting pieces to it, so it's too bad the writing around it couldn't bring it to a better life.

[Andrea · Rating 1 out of 5]

Could not read anymore...about a third of the way through... the mostly unlikable characters are still talking (pretty lame dialogue)... probably just me but I just could not continue...I was very surprised at the many highly rated reviews... as I said...probably just me...

[Kristin (Always With a Book) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Hachette Audio, #partner for the ALC of The Survivor in exchange for my honest review.

Iris Johansen’s Eve Duncan series is one of my all-time favorite series. This is the 30th book in this series and I love the fact that it is still going strong! While I have definitely loved some more than others, I am so glad I have stuck with it because I just enjoy these books so much! I still remember when I first discovered this series…little did I know what a love affair it would turn out to be!

I was thrilled to see Riley back again for another adventure. We first met her and Cade two books back in this series in A Face to Die For and I can always tell when Iris Johansen loves side characters she enjoys – she tends to either bring them back multiple times or she ends up creating new series for them. I wonder if she’s still testing the waters with these two and possibly a series is in the works for them???

While this particular installment can be read as a stand-alone, I do highly recommend reading this series. Yes, it’s long, but there is so much character development that has come before and quite honestly it really makes for such exciting reading. But if this is your first introduction to the series, perhaps it will only entice you to go back to the beginning.

As usual, this book is full of action and suspense. While Eve is involved in the case, it’s not really her forensic sculpting that is needed, which is a shame because that is always my favorite part of this series. But I still love seeing her and Joe helping their friends in any way possible. Of course, there is a bit of having to suspend disbelief here – after all, they are trying to protect among other things, the mythical unicorns, but with this series, I’ve come to expect that a time or two and just go with it. The archaeology and history aspects were quite fascinating and that kept me quite engaged.

I absolutely love this series and really enjoyed this latest installment. I look forward to reading the new one as soon as I hear about it. I don’t know when or if there will be more, but you can be sure I will be checking the author’s website for updates regularly!


Audio thoughts: With June being Audiobook Appreciation Month and the fact that Elisabeth Rodgers was once again narrating this book, I just knew I had to listen to it. She has narrated many, if not all, of Iris Johansen’s books and is so consistent with the voices. No matter how long it has been since I’ve last picked up one of Johansen’s books, it’s like no time has passed – that’s how consistent she is with her voices. I don’t know how she does it, but I love it! She truly has become one of my favorite audiobook narrators and I hope that she will continue to narrate this series for as long as it goes on.



You can see all my reviews at: https://www.alwayswithabook.com/

[J Kromrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

"The Survivor" by Iris Johansen is a thrilling addition to the Eve Duncan series, marking its 30th installment!

This novel takes readers on a gripping journey to a remote island where secrets from the past are locked in time, waiting to be uncovered.

The narrative follows Eve Duncan, a forensic sculptor, who is approached by archeologist Riley Smith for assistance in a dangerous quest that spans halfway across the world. Initially hesitant, Eve's intrigue is piqued by the promise of an isolated island harboring a mystery that has remained untouched through the ages. The stakes are high, with treasure hunters lurking and willing to kill for the secrets the island holds.

Johansen masterfully weaves suspense and adventure, as Eve and Riley navigate the treacherous path to discovery. The perfectly preserved body of a female warrior that Riley finds is not just a historical artifact; it's a key that could unlock an extraordinary past life and change history—if they can survive long enough to reveal it.

The Survivor stands out for its strong character development, particularly the dynamic between Eve and Riley. Their relationship is complex and evolves throughout the story, adding depth to the narrative. Johansen's storytelling is as robust as ever, with a pace that keeps the reader engaged from start to finish.

The book is a testament to Johansen's ability to blend elements of mystery, suspense, thriller, and adventure into a cohesive and compelling story. It's a must-read for fans of the series and newcomers alike, offering an exciting puzzle that challenges the characters and satisfies the readers with its resolution.

In conclusion, 'The Survivor" is a captivating tale of resilience, history, and the relentless pursuit of truth.

[Donna Hines (The Secret Book Sleuth) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm not quite sure what to offer up here in this uniquely crafted piece by Iris Johansen.
If you're into magical creatures, rainbows, roses, and wizards this is for you.
I'm more of a thriller reader who loves suspense and this is a general fiction novel with heavy leaning towards fantasy.
The novel begins with poachers, an island, and some hair raising experiences with our main crew Eve and Riley.
Riley was attacked by this Nadim guy whose a nasty guy with plans to destroy whatever he touches.
In the meantime, getting rid of Nadim and making this island safe is our end goal.
However, there's more players in the game which means more fires, avalanches, and danger.
If only we could fly away on a magic carpet or grab a snowmobile whatever you might have lying around.
Booby traps are everywhere. Be careful where 'ya step!
Ok, but rockslides?
You know if only we could all live forever what a wonderful world it would be.
With that said perhaps a drug that makes us live on is necessary?
Spiders, waterfalls, rainbows, but snowmobiles?
Well, all in a day's work and now we must relax or was that relocate?
It's a zoo out there and I'm just glad we fixed Nadim!
Perhaps the girl that was in danger can now lived amongst the deer in peace.....
Thank you to Iris Johansen, Grand Central Publishing, NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for this honest review.

[Lori L (She Treads Softly) · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Survivor by Iris Johansen is recommended, highly for fans of the series. This is the 30th novel in the Eve Duncan Series.

In this latest thriller, the caretaker/ruler Maya of the remote island nation of Paladan located in Southeast Asian asks for help from archeologist Riley Smith. When Riley consults with forensic sculptor Eve Duncan, her life is endangered by those threatening Maya. There are several mysterious secrets on the island that Maya protects but now animal poacher Nadim and former associate Bevan are both determined to eliminate Maya and anyone else so they can profit from the spoils.

This is an entertaining and action packed novel of suspense. Those who can easily embrace unicorns, a legendary female warrior, a secret potion, and a few more magical ideas can carry on and enjoy the action. It will require most readers to set a heavy handed double dose of disbelief aside in order to enjoy the plot. If you can set disbelief aside and have been following the series this will be heart-stopping diversion. I did struggle to care for the first third of the novel, but once I accepted the premise and the action really got going, it was compelling and enjoyable. 3.5
Disclosure: My review copy was courtesy of Grand Central Publishing via NetGalley.
http://www.shetreadssoftly.com/2023/0...

[Devon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Iris Johansen knocks it out of the park again. In The Survivor, the newest instalment of the Eve Duncan books, we find the story following Riley again. Maya is having continuing issues on her island and contacts Riley for help. After much deliberations and her hand being forced by outside interference, Riley and Cade leave for the magical island Maya calls home. Eve is eventually called in as they rush to save Maya and her daughter.

It has been ages since I last read any of Iris Johansen’s work. I was able to pick this up and read it as a standalone but it is very apparent that there is more backstory and I could benefit from going back and reading the others. For at least 70% of the book Eve is very much in the background of the book and feels more like her life is more of a subplot while Riley and Maya are in the forefront. The Survivor takes us on fast pace rollercoaster and I loved every second of it. Long time fans will be more than satisfied and new ones will definitely be drawn in, wanting more.

I received an advance reader copy and am leaving this review of my volition.