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THE POWER TO RULE THE WORLD OR SET US ALL FREE.

When an undiscovered temple emerges from the waters of a drought-stricken lake, the world of archeology starts to pay attention.

On the discovery of a set of hieroglyphs suggesting the location of an ancient power source so abundant it could boil the world’s oceans dry, a lot more people start to listen.

Enter EDEN BLACK.

With forest fires, droughts, and famine worldwide, Eden and her band of unlikely heroes must move quickly to make sure this lifeline for humankind doesn’t become another asset for the super-rich.

From Lake Nasser to the labyrinthine tunnels beneath The Giza Plateau, Eden will find herself trapped in the crosshairs of a tycoon on the make, an enigmatic secret society, and a foe who’s closer to home than she could ever imagine.

The Giza Protocol is the much-anticipated sequel to The Ark Files. Buy now to continue this pulse-pounding series!
While there's loads of conflict, chase scenes, fighting and suspense, The Giza Protocol contains no swearing, sex or gore.

414 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 17, 2023

1569 people are currently reading
790 people want to read

About the author

Luke Richardson

73 books204 followers
WANTED, adventure lovers for hazardous journey. Must be prepared for nail-biting action, constant danger, fear around every corner, with safe return doubtful.

If that sounds like your sort of thing, in your choice of books at least, then come with me...

Hey there, I’m Luke Richardson, and I’m applying for the job as your next favorite author!

As an Amazon bestselling author, I've had the honour of sharing my stories with readers all around the world. Whether you're a history buff, a travel addict, or just looking for a little excitement in your reading, my books are sure to keep you on the edge of your seat.

I write books that take you on a journey to foreign and exotic places, blending history, adventure, and suspense into a gripping tale.

In my books, you'll find yourself transported to places like the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt, the glitzy skyscrapers of Hong Kong, or the shady backstreets of Kathmandu in Nepal. But it's not just about the locations; my stories are also filled with fascinating characters, unexpected twists, and edge-of-your-seat action.

It was visiting India for the first time that actually made me want to start writing. The sun had just risen as we landed at Mumbai airport. The taxi journey that followed was one of the most incredible of my life. I watched the city unfold like a story. People washing, children playing, chickens, cows, goats, all beside an eight-lane motorway.

I love sharing my stories and am proud to say that my books have been well-received by readers and reviewers. One of the greatest compliments I get is when people say that my books transport them to a new place. Although people often comment on the loveable characters, intricate plots, and fast-paced storytelling too. And I'm always working hard to bring you even more thrilling adventures.

So, if you're looking for a page-turning read that will take you on a journey to far-off lands, look no further than my books. I guarantee you won't be disappointed!

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5 stars
2,028 (58%)
4 stars
1,090 (31%)
3 stars
291 (8%)
2 stars
51 (1%)
1 star
21 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 112 reviews
Profile Image for Mark.
1,681 reviews
February 10, 2023
Always enjoy this authors books and I can genuinely say that with each book his already great writing gets even better, the plots more intricate and the thriller feel even more full on
We are back with Eden Black for this archeological thriller that deals with relics that if found could potentially change the way the world lives, again as I said last time archeology is not my number 1 choice of thriller reading but this is done so well, the history and facts so well presented that you are picking up info and learning about history as you read but in a non boring, exciting way
The characters as always are well defined and each very different and bring something unique to the story
It is a fascinating book and I felt it was realistic even though improbable, but is it…??
Roll on Eden’s next adventure

9/10
5 Stars
Profile Image for Robert.
166 reviews12 followers
April 1, 2023
4.5 stars.
In wine tasting, people like to describe the wine as having various overtones that relate to fruits and sweets. For Luke Richardson’s Giza Protocol, I would say that it has fictional, archeological overtones of Ernest Dempsey (Sean Wyatt), Christopher Cartwright (Sam Reilly), and Matt James (Jack Reilly) with a Lara Croft-like lead character who is trying to uncover a variety of ancient artifacts in the Egyptian desert. She hopes that at least one of these items will provide a safe, low-cost solution to world energy problems.

When I mention “overtones” I am referring to the way the story progresses, the dialogue among characters, and the type of events the lead character finds herself in. It is an interesting story that readers who enjoy the above listed writers, will enjoy.
Profile Image for AR bee.
240 reviews4 followers
July 7, 2023
The second in the Eden Black thriller series takes the heroine and crew into the secret realm of ancient Egypt. Despite centuries of archaeological searches and discoveries, the Giza Plateau has yet to give up its most exciting finds.

What Eden and her team need to do is uncover and translate hieroglyphic texts to gain access to vaults buried underground and locked by water hazards and huge rock slabs. Find the counter balances and the slabs can be unlocked to a power source to benefit all mankind.

Well written and packed with action, this novel is a worthy addition to the series lore, and sets the scene for more adventures to follow.
Profile Image for Carl.
635 reviews1 follower
February 27, 2025
I enjoy authors whose writing gets better with each book, the characters continue to grow and evolved, the plots become more carefully crafted and intricate, and the thriller feeling increases. This is true of Luke Richardson’s Eden Black Archaeological Thriller series. I greatly enjoyed the first in the series ~ “The Ark Files” ~ and the second in the series ~ “The Giza Protocol” ~ is even better. I am admittedly a real sucker for Archeological thrillers, quests for ancient objects, myth related stories, and the like. Yes ~ I loved Dan Brown’s books; Yes ~ I loved and rewatched Indianan Jones movies several times. Happily, the Eden Black Archaeological Thrillers fit into this genre quite well.

Our protagonist is professional treasure hunter Eden Black, a Lara Croft-like lead character who is trying to uncover a variety of ancient artifacts in the Egyptian desert. Eden and her team must venture below the Giza Plateau to find the greatest treasures of all, before a mysterious shadow group take it and destroy all who stand in their way. They both try to find this artifact that has been buried for many, many centuries.

“The Giza Protocol” is a fascinating book and reads quickly with its carefully crafted plot. The characters as are well defined and each has their own different characteristics. I especially enjoy a smart, intelligent female protagonist, and the Laura Croft-like Eden fits what I do enjoy in a book.
Still, some will unquestionably say the story is unrealistic and improbable ~ true. But sometimes we need to step back and just enjoy the ride like with Reacher, Bourne, or even James Bond. I will start the third in the series soon; a solid 4 or 4+ from me.
Profile Image for Allison Valentine.
674 reviews18 followers
February 13, 2023
I would like to thank Luke for my early ARC copy for an honest review.

My 5 * review:

If you are after a female badass to rival Lara Croft then Eden Black is the one to cover your back!

Eden is sent a cryptic clue to uncover the ancient tablets of the undiscovered Ark of Covenant.
Is this just a rumour or is there something that no one has discovered for thousands of years?

Eden is still feeling the loss of her father when she is approached by his long time friend Professor Beaumont to ask for her help to discover the long lost artifact that could change the world forever.

Lulu King wants to rule the world and she will do everything in her power to do so. Discovering the artifact is her main goal and nothing or no one with stand in her way.

The secret society of The Council has been around for thousands of years to try and stop the greed of humanity to take gain for their own gratification and power.
But when things start to fall into the wrong hands it's up to the leader of the council Helios to take action but at what cost?

An explosive and exceptional archaeologial thriller that will leave you gasping for breath and wanting more.
80 reviews
February 15, 2025
Nice adventure and relaxing read but finding the artifacts was way too easy

I would probably give this book 3.5 stars if I could. I liked the characters and became friends with them as I proceeded through the book. I enjoy books about the pyramids and various theories regarding them. I also like shadow organizations especially if they are good as in this book. Also, the author does a good job of writing some very intense scenes.

All that said, it seemed way too easy to find some of the world’s most sought after relics. One relic, in particular, has great religious and cultural significance and has been missing for thousands of years. Eden Black and friends find it easily and the book really does nothing with the amazing find. It may be addressed in a future book but just odd the way this amazing artifact was sidelined.

This was my first Eden Black book and probably my last.
Profile Image for Theresa.
4,112 reviews16 followers
September 18, 2024
1987 Cairo, Egypt. Trying to better his family’s life, Mohammed Muhr seeks to uncover a religious treasure but is betrayed by friends.

Present day: While waiting for the Ark tablets to be deciphered. Eden Black has been spends her time helping a a small village in Nepal Finally she gets the expected text and a black helicopter arrives to bring her home.

Meanwhile in New York, Oil and Gas tycoon Raymond King is also betrayed. And a plan for a change in energy production begins.

A few mild surprises. Happy there was less escapes and a bit more story plot in here, though the action is interesting. I like the way Eden is completely off the grid except for technology she can control.

Fave scenes: Helios guiding Beaumont, the shark, the line of orbit and Tarzan Athena.
38 reviews1 follower
August 16, 2025
Howling!
Exciting action adventure with credible female lead character. The helicopter scene was especially badass! The cat and mouse with Lulu, intriguing. The supporting characters are well-defined and wholly necessary for the plot development.

This is my second Luke Richardson book and the sequel to 'The Ark Files', both equally good. The main character's motivation in the first book is clear, the murder of her father, which drives her through the subsequent archeological hunt and discovery. I found it curious that there was no similar motivation in the sequel. Some of the descriptive writing gave pause: a number of 'howling guns' and 'barking horns', seemingly way off target!

A thrilling read!
296 reviews2 followers
May 21, 2023
Intriguing

The story line is exciting and maybe even plausible. I enjoyed this book a great deal. I do wish that the author would find some new descriptors and watch carefully what is meant in some places. I especially recommend getting other words for hissed and padding, finding their overuse annoying. Also the idea of betrayal bubbling within suggests she is coming up with betrayal to perpetrate. I think he meant that she felt betrayed and irritated or maybe angry because of having been betrayed. I do recommend reading it, however, and I plan to read the next in the series.
Profile Image for James Slater.
71 reviews
February 24, 2023
If you have ever wondered what might be buried in the sands out in Egypt then this is the book for you. Eden Black discovers many things out in the desert. Not only does she find an amazing artifact that has been buried for many, many centuries, but she also finds out that somebody has been pulling strings, a secret society and in finding out about the secret society, she finds out another secret that will turn her world upside down. Everything you think you know about history is now going to change. Get ready to find out what the Giza protocol is all about!
Profile Image for Claudete Takahashi.
2,620 reviews37 followers
March 3, 2023
What a thrilling story! Eden has fire in her veins and does everything she can to help people and bring justice to those who did not act according to the law. She goes to Egypt to discover what is the mystery that made her mentor kidnapped and dragged to the country. The story is captivating as the author's descriptions of people, places, and situations are so well made that I felt like I was seeing everything like watching a movie. A great story, with a good plot, and lots of action and mystery. Great entertainment!
I thank the author for the ARC.
Profile Image for Maggie Deaton.
748 reviews4 followers
January 28, 2024
This Series Gets Even Better!

With all the ducks starting to settle into a row after a wild run, Eden and her now viable compatriots begin work on Phase II of the " Master Plan".... With more obstacles likely to emerge at any moment to thwart humanity's shot at a clean and renewable energy source, our heroes are prepared for the onslaught. But, a question remains unanswered....who exactly is Eden Black or maybe "what" would be a better query? Next book is already in my hand! Once again, great read, Mr. Richardson!
173 reviews3 followers
December 5, 2024
An Eden Black thriller. I guess the heroine is supposed to be like a Lara Croft but she came across as kind of cold and not all that likeable. The plot was a little too far-out there to be believable. It really dragged towards the end and I was literally falling asleep. I normally love action/adventure/exotic locale types of books like this, but I just couldn't ever really get into this one. The plot mentions characters and events that happen in past books and I expect they will continue into the next one but afraid I won't be reading any more in this series.
591 reviews6 followers
June 26, 2025
The possibilities!

Oh, what possibilities of truth versus fiction exist in this book! I love action that intertwines facts and fiction in such a way that the two are impossible to distinguish. This gives the author the freedom to let his or her imagination run wild, and this book does not disappoint! The characters are wonderful, the prose is beautiful, and the plot is amazing! This is an exciting read whether or not you buy into any validity associated with the book. I lIke that the book stands alone, but I look forward to reading more of this series.
Profile Image for Matthew.
328 reviews
July 7, 2025
The first chapter of this novel was so gripping that I wanted it to go on forever. It also allowed me to put aside it blatantly obvious flaws that, page after page snowballed into a huge dislike for the story. The characters were all to perfectly good or evil to believe they were real. Their motivations and knowledge seemed to spring up out of the air without any reason. The setting for the story was too overwhelmingly fantastic for me to swallow. I quit reading about halfway through the book.
131 reviews1 follower
February 27, 2023
Another fun read…

If Indiana Jones married Lara Croft and they had a daughter, she would be Eden Black. The adventure continues in a corny and predictable way, but it is an attractive type of corn. A fun diversion that is fast paced enough to keep you locked in till the end. Also a good setup for a long series. Excellent character development, enough action and plot twists to keep it entertaining and just plain fun!
837 reviews
April 11, 2023
I definitely liked this story more than the last one. It was pure Indiana Jones with plenty of ancient puzzles, traps and treasures. Wow! Of course, it was a bit on the farfetched and over-the-top but that made it all the more fun. I like Eden and her sidekick Baxter and hope to see lots more of their adventures in the future. If you enjoy this genre, you might want to give this book a try. Recommend reading the first book in the series before this one, though, as this book books on the last.
Profile Image for Diana L. Wells.
395 reviews
April 12, 2023
Another Pulse Pounding Adventure

Eden has more than her fair share of death defying adventures and this one is filled with the further surprise of folks from her past miraculously returning from the dead. We have Egyptian artificers pre dating religious artifacts and the story spins out from there. Money, guns, helicopters, murder, deception and self discovery, all the elements needed for a wild tale. No a wait as Mr Richardson finishes penning “The Atlantean Agenda”.
95 reviews2 followers
June 19, 2023
The story continues to improve

I thought the first book in this series was too good to be able to be improved upon, but then I read this one and stand corrected. The plot continued to thicken and develop further and now I can't wait to begin the third book in the series in the morning. I can't imagine what it'll add to the first two so so I'm even going to set my alarm so I can begin it as early as possible.
260 reviews3 followers
April 9, 2024
The good guys win again.

I had some questions about this one, as in the timing - the Great Flood preceded the Ark of the Covenant by many, many centuries. The plot is full of fantasies, outrageous actions, incredible escapes from death-defying situations - in fact, quite unbelievable! Just the thing I needed to read right now, so that’s two Eden adventures finished.

Keep them coming Luke!
17 reviews
August 29, 2024
I love the Eden Black books. I really like the fact that she does get satisfaction and does not always loose to fight another day. There is a lot of depth to the characters and I do love archaeological thrillers. I especially like seeing some of the bad people get what they deserve.

These books have good content, are extremely entertaining and are fast reads. I read a lot of big, really long books so I like to be able to pick up a good, fun book and read it in a few days.
Profile Image for Matt Fryar.
155 reviews1 follower
March 22, 2025
Eden Black embarks on a new adventure, this time traveling to Egypt in search of the storied Ark of the Covenant. Alongside an unlikely cast of supporting characters, she uncovers secrets that have been buried in the sand for more than 3,000 years!

This was a decent book. Like the last one, it’s sort of a National Treasure meets Indiana Jones story. It drug a little through the middle, but it was overall entertaining.
1,814 reviews14 followers
February 16, 2023
Eden Black and her partners are exploring the underground to find the buried vaults looking for the Ark of the Covenant. Lulu King has them followed into the sewer. But Eden tricks them and gets out a different way than they came in. Lulu and her bodyguards follow them again when they find a hidden room. A helicopter chase at the conclusion keeps you on edge.
Profile Image for Anja Peerdeman.
316 reviews2 followers
February 24, 2023
After loving the first Eden Black novel with a fiery passion, I was most eager to get my hands on THE GIZA PROTOCOL.

And it was glorious.

This time Eden travels to Egypt, a country I’ve explored, and adored, myself.
Luke Richardson did a splendid job with the mystery and the characters and I enjoyed the novel immensely.

Highly recommended !
Profile Image for Pat Mcguire.
20 reviews1 follower
March 4, 2023
This is the 2nd book about Eden Black and the author continues to throw twists and turns in Eden's way. Just when I thought I knew what was happening, there would be another roadblock that Eden and company would have to get around.

I like how the author shared at the end how he researches as well as gets ideas for books.
2 reviews
May 24, 2023
Luke Richardson is now one of my favorite authors!
His books combine action and history in unique ways!
Love his characters!
There are secret societies manipulating the world!
Historical treasures to be discovered!
Don’t know how the author has read so much that interests me!
Tesla, Edgar Cayce, Ancient Alien theories, Egyptian history, Greek and Roman history it’s all amazing!
Profile Image for Steve Sinnott.
39 reviews
July 28, 2023
Great read no space filling waffle

Good well thought story hinged on things we know and things we suspect about people thousands of years ago.
Bit I didn't like introduction of wheels at one point .when it's well known that the wheel was alien to that culture.
Some other mechanisms should have been postulated.
Profile Image for Debbie Zagarit.
83 reviews1 follower
March 5, 2024
Where will Aloma’s Diary lead

Giza plateau. Will the Hall of Records be found here ? For many thousands of years the Book of Enoch and the Ark of the Covenant have been hunted for. Can Eden Black find it. Being hunted herself and directed unknowingly by her Father she takes on the clues to discover what ? Brilliant second book
Profile Image for Lisa.
1,395 reviews8 followers
April 22, 2024
Another exciting thrill ride

Eden Black travels to Egypt to search for one of histories most famous artifacts, the Ark of the Covenant. I don't want to give away any major plots points but secrets will be revealed and questions will be answered. Another exciting read and now on to the next one!
Profile Image for Justin Peter.
10 reviews
June 5, 2025
This book was a big improvement to the first one! A more complex plot, more characters and less chase scenes with more of a focus on the mystery and finding the artifact along with some very intriguing revelations made this sequel difficult to put down. Definitely interested in continuing the series as I am a sucker for any treasure hunting story.

1). Giza Protocol
2). Ark Files
Displaying 1 - 30 of 112 reviews

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