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Maxwell Barnes #2
Mayan Thunder: The Crystals of Ahrum
When the stakes are this high, betrayal always lurks...
Maxwell Barnes is on a high-stakes scavenger hunt with no end in sight. The initial discovery of the long-lost Crystal of Ahrum has spiderwebbed into a much more complex adventure, threatening his relationships, worldview...and even his life.
Having dropped off the first crystal fragment to their wealthy financier, Myron Crabtree, the intrepid group, led by Max and his lifelong friend Axel Morales, sets off to investigate the sites of ancient Egypt, lured onward by tantalizing clues found in Mayan codices.
Max finds himself forced to rely on others and resist his own cynical nature to obtain needed information. But will this reluctant decision to trust end with tragedy?
The second book in the Maxwell Barnes Adventure Series is a high-speed adventure fringed with humor and death-defying escapades.
Get it now to join the hunt...for the Crystal of Ahrum!
Maxwell Barnes is on a high-stakes scavenger hunt with no end in sight. The initial discovery of the long-lost Crystal of Ahrum has spiderwebbed into a much more complex adventure, threatening his relationships, worldview...and even his life.
Having dropped off the first crystal fragment to their wealthy financier, Myron Crabtree, the intrepid group, led by Max and his lifelong friend Axel Morales, sets off to investigate the sites of ancient Egypt, lured onward by tantalizing clues found in Mayan codices.
Max finds himself forced to rely on others and resist his own cynical nature to obtain needed information. But will this reluctant decision to trust end with tragedy?
The second book in the Maxwell Barnes Adventure Series is a high-speed adventure fringed with humor and death-defying escapades.
Get it now to join the hunt...for the Crystal of Ahrum!
217 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 25, 2022
About the author
Craig A. Hart
129 books333 followersCraig A. Hart is a writer of thrillers. In a past life, he was also director for Northern Illinois Radio Information Service, a broadcast outreach that brought daily news and information to the visually impaired.
In 2015, Kindle Press published his literary novel BECOMING MOON. NPR affiliate Northern Public Radio featured BECOMING MOON in their Winter Book Series, and it won Best Novel of Summer 2015 from Pinnacle Awards. He is also the author of the historical mystery NIGHT AT KEY WEST, which is based on true events.
In 2016, he publishing SERENITY, the first book in the popular Shelby Alexander Thriller Series. Serenity alone has been downloaded over 400,000 times by eager readers.
In 2022, he launched the Maxwell Barnes Adventure Thriller Series, co-written with S.J. Varengo. The award-winning first book in that series, MAYAN SHADOWS, was published on May 11, 2022. Two more books follow in that series: MAYAN THUNDER and MAYAN TEMPEST.
A native of Grand Rapids, Michigan, Craig lives in Iowa City, Iowa with his wife, sons, insane dog, and anti-social cat.
In 2015, Kindle Press published his literary novel BECOMING MOON. NPR affiliate Northern Public Radio featured BECOMING MOON in their Winter Book Series, and it won Best Novel of Summer 2015 from Pinnacle Awards. He is also the author of the historical mystery NIGHT AT KEY WEST, which is based on true events.
In 2016, he publishing SERENITY, the first book in the popular Shelby Alexander Thriller Series. Serenity alone has been downloaded over 400,000 times by eager readers.
In 2022, he launched the Maxwell Barnes Adventure Thriller Series, co-written with S.J. Varengo. The award-winning first book in that series, MAYAN SHADOWS, was published on May 11, 2022. Two more books follow in that series: MAYAN THUNDER and MAYAN TEMPEST.
A native of Grand Rapids, Michigan, Craig lives in Iowa City, Iowa with his wife, sons, insane dog, and anti-social cat.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
December 25, 2022
What a seriously intense story. Twists, turns, betrayal, suspicion. All wrapped up in a fantastic story. I really don’t like Estrada or Crabtree. I wonder how they will meet their doom. I am looking forward to that! I am also looking forward to finding out more about the shards. And Bembe. He is a freaking awesome character! I loved reading this book!
November 10, 2022
Max and Axel are on the hunt for another piece of the crystal.
With the help of Bembe they're able to locate it.
But, they learn theirs a traitor in their mist, and it hits one of them really hard.
A fun adventure with developed characters and lots of action.
With the help of Bembe they're able to locate it.
But, they learn theirs a traitor in their mist, and it hits one of them really hard.
A fun adventure with developed characters and lots of action.
November 19, 2022
Craig has a gift for making you love and support his characters. This book kept me engaged and up past my bedtime. I love the mystery and powerful women. Great series!!
January 7, 2023
Mayan Thunder - a review by Rosemary Kenny.
The Crystals of Ahrum Book 2, Mayan Thunder, by Craig A. Hart and SJ Varengo, is part of The Maxwell Barnes Adventure Thriller Series.
Adventurers Max Barnes and his friend Axel have already retrieved one of the pieces of the eponymous crystal, but now must undertake an international mission under pressure, to repeat their earlier success, as Estrada has kidnapped their mysterious Mayan friend, Bembe.
Where are they headed first?
Can they decipher an ancient code?
An exciting mystery-thriller with supernatural pro- and antagonists, hidden in plain sight amidst human friends and opponents, from Craig A Hart and S.J.Varengo, Mayan Thunder will grasp you firmly by the imagination throughout - get your copy today and tell all your friends!
The Crystals of Ahrum Book 2, Mayan Thunder, by Craig A. Hart and SJ Varengo, is part of The Maxwell Barnes Adventure Thriller Series.
Adventurers Max Barnes and his friend Axel have already retrieved one of the pieces of the eponymous crystal, but now must undertake an international mission under pressure, to repeat their earlier success, as Estrada has kidnapped their mysterious Mayan friend, Bembe.
Where are they headed first?
Can they decipher an ancient code?
An exciting mystery-thriller with supernatural pro- and antagonists, hidden in plain sight amidst human friends and opponents, from Craig A Hart and S.J.Varengo, Mayan Thunder will grasp you firmly by the imagination throughout - get your copy today and tell all your friends!
December 26, 2022
Mayan Thunder
Another fascinating story. This is book 2 of the trilogy about archeologist Maxwell Barnes and his friends. I enjoyed it and recommend this book! Enjoy!
Another fascinating story. This is book 2 of the trilogy about archeologist Maxwell Barnes and his friends. I enjoyed it and recommend this book! Enjoy!
December 26, 2022
Max and Axel r looking for another piece of the crystal of Ahrum with Mayan ancient Bembe! After delivering the crystal to benefactor billionaire Crabtree they r off to Egypt.
This book had it all action, adventure, betrayal and a bit of paranormal. I really enjoyed this action adventure and the wonderful characters! I highly recommend this book especially if u like Indiana Jones type stories.
This book had it all action, adventure, betrayal and a bit of paranormal. I really enjoyed this action adventure and the wonderful characters! I highly recommend this book especially if u like Indiana Jones type stories.
February 4, 2023
Almost there. More lives may be lost. Maxwell Barnes must find a way to keep them alive.
The continuation of the world as we know it rests on the narrow shoulders of a remarkable man. It is up to Max and Alex to keep him alive while they search for and retrieve an article of great importance to all of mankind. To say the journey is a lot like the search for the Holy Grail is to belittle the importance of this search. This is book w of the adventure. The conclusion is available for pre order. Publication the end of March 2023. Purchase the first 2 and be ready for the final outcome.
The continuation of the world as we know it rests on the narrow shoulders of a remarkable man. It is up to Max and Alex to keep him alive while they search for and retrieve an article of great importance to all of mankind. To say the journey is a lot like the search for the Holy Grail is to belittle the importance of this search. This is book w of the adventure. The conclusion is available for pre order. Publication the end of March 2023. Purchase the first 2 and be ready for the final outcome.
January 4, 2024
Need to read the previous book; too much forced humor
I stopped reading at around 25%. I didn’t understand the characters especially the several hundred year old small Mayan guy. You obviously need to read the previous book. The two male leads are always fighting or play fighting and it gets old. There are a lot of attempts at humor that becomes overwhelming and no longer funny, at least for me. I know they are going for a shard and the reader briefly meets the bad guy who wants it, but why are the main characters working for him? I feel I stepped into a story that was already half way over but still no real goal. Sorry, just not for me.
I stopped reading at around 25%. I didn’t understand the characters especially the several hundred year old small Mayan guy. You obviously need to read the previous book. The two male leads are always fighting or play fighting and it gets old. There are a lot of attempts at humor that becomes overwhelming and no longer funny, at least for me. I know they are going for a shard and the reader briefly meets the bad guy who wants it, but why are the main characters working for him? I feel I stepped into a story that was already half way over but still no real goal. Sorry, just not for me.
January 11, 2024
Mystery unfathomable
Each step of way Bembe is the mysterious character lending insight to the search; if you can believe it, he's 600 years old !
Max and Axel seek the shards of the crystal so that it can be reassembled to to give power to restore the Mayan people. Only they are dogged at every turn by Estrada, leader of the Spanish conquistadors that originally wiped out the Mayans 600 years ago.
So we have a tale of back and forth victories and defeats, til we get to the one is who is manipulating both parties towards his ends.
Each step of way Bembe is the mysterious character lending insight to the search; if you can believe it, he's 600 years old !
Max and Axel seek the shards of the crystal so that it can be reassembled to to give power to restore the Mayan people. Only they are dogged at every turn by Estrada, leader of the Spanish conquistadors that originally wiped out the Mayans 600 years ago.
So we have a tale of back and forth victories and defeats, til we get to the one is who is manipulating both parties towards his ends.
January 2, 2025
MAXWELL BARNES ADVENTURE SERIES:
MAYAN THUNDER, #2 - Picks up where MS ends. Entertaining. Same review as MS. Same source. 5*
BURIED DANGER - A quickly read, humorous novella with the usual interesting story lines with armed bad guys and a powerful talisman and some interesting characters. Source: The author, ARC. 4*
MAYAN SHADOWS, #1 - I have so much fun reading anything written by Mr. Hart. The first three books follow the same quest while lots of danger, adventure, and some silliness (humor) happen during the hunt. Good characters. Interesting story lines. Gamut of characters. Source: My Kindle library. 4*
MAYAN TEMPEST, #3 - Sob, I don't have this book.
TIBETAN SECRETS, #4 - Sob, ditto.
TIBETAN GAMBIT, #5 - Although, I missed TS, it didn't matter while reading TG. Mr. Hart's writing style made up for my deficit, keeping me interested and without confusion. Not much rehash, just bits of TS when needed. Looks like there's a possible third part to this quest. Source: The author, ARC. 5*
MAXWELL BARNES ADVENTURE SERIES.
Night at Key West - While not in the same ballpark as the Shelby series and lots better than the Assignment series, this is a good start to a new series. Set in 1937 and using real background material, Mr. Hart weaves a substantially interesting and partly humorous story. All the characters are interesting, quirkly in some cases, but all hold the reader's interest, along with their realistic dialog. The story lines are entertaining and well thought out; yes, there are a few kinks, but the story moves along at a good pace. Key West has always been interesting during this time period and Mr. Hart keeps that interest going with this story. 5*
MAYAN THUNDER, #2 - Picks up where MS ends. Entertaining. Same review as MS. Same source. 5*
BURIED DANGER - A quickly read, humorous novella with the usual interesting story lines with armed bad guys and a powerful talisman and some interesting characters. Source: The author, ARC. 4*
MAYAN SHADOWS, #1 - I have so much fun reading anything written by Mr. Hart. The first three books follow the same quest while lots of danger, adventure, and some silliness (humor) happen during the hunt. Good characters. Interesting story lines. Gamut of characters. Source: My Kindle library. 4*
MAYAN TEMPEST, #3 - Sob, I don't have this book.
TIBETAN SECRETS, #4 - Sob, ditto.
TIBETAN GAMBIT, #5 - Although, I missed TS, it didn't matter while reading TG. Mr. Hart's writing style made up for my deficit, keeping me interested and without confusion. Not much rehash, just bits of TS when needed. Looks like there's a possible third part to this quest. Source: The author, ARC. 5*
MAXWELL BARNES ADVENTURE SERIES.
Night at Key West - While not in the same ballpark as the Shelby series and lots better than the Assignment series, this is a good start to a new series. Set in 1937 and using real background material, Mr. Hart weaves a substantially interesting and partly humorous story. All the characters are interesting, quirkly in some cases, but all hold the reader's interest, along with their realistic dialog. The story lines are entertaining and well thought out; yes, there are a few kinks, but the story moves along at a good pace. Key West has always been interesting during this time period and Mr. Hart keeps that interest going with this story. 5*
March 11, 2024
Maxwell Barnes is on the hunt for another fragment of the long lost Crystal of Ahrum. He and his odd band of colleagues are finance and back by a wealthy and somewhat crptic financier Myron Crabtree.
Maxwell and his team head off to Eygpt to find their next fragment in Eygpt, lead there by clues in some Mayan codices, which they obtain through nepharious means and with the assistance of one of their team who is a skateboarding 600 year old "youth" named Bembe who calls everyone "Bro".
I love the humour, intrigue, suspense and at times the funny situations Barnes and his crew find themselves in. Mix in that some of the crew are romantically linked and this just brings more joy and intrigue to each of their escapades.
A wonderfully paced story. I listened to the brilliantly narrated audio book of this story and it made my commutes and walks truly even more enjoyable.
I cant wait to read the next Maxwell Barnes adventure.
Maxwell and his team head off to Eygpt to find their next fragment in Eygpt, lead there by clues in some Mayan codices, which they obtain through nepharious means and with the assistance of one of their team who is a skateboarding 600 year old "youth" named Bembe who calls everyone "Bro".
I love the humour, intrigue, suspense and at times the funny situations Barnes and his crew find themselves in. Mix in that some of the crew are romantically linked and this just brings more joy and intrigue to each of their escapades.
A wonderfully paced story. I listened to the brilliantly narrated audio book of this story and it made my commutes and walks truly even more enjoyable.
I cant wait to read the next Maxwell Barnes adventure.
February 4, 2024
This book was interesting but...
There were some unanswered loose ends. There were two immortals in this book. Maybe I wasn't paying attention when they were introduced but I didn't know that much about them until the very end of the book. I guess that they represented good and evil. And there were lots of loose ends surrounding the main characters. But like I said initially, it was an interesting book.
There were some unanswered loose ends. There were two immortals in this book. Maybe I wasn't paying attention when they were introduced but I didn't know that much about them until the very end of the book. I guess that they represented good and evil. And there were lots of loose ends surrounding the main characters. But like I said initially, it was an interesting book.
December 7, 2024
Hidden treasure certainly tends to bring the worst out of people, as Max and company is due to find out in Mayan Thunder by authors Craig A Hart and SJ Varengo.
Treachery leaves an even more bitter taste.
Offset that against a remarkable aging and "youngering" Mayan, Bembe, and life's ups and down in this treasure hunt certainly makes things very interesting indeed.
Very much so.
As does travels from Switzerland to Spain to Egypt! Talk of hotting things up!
Enjoy
Treachery leaves an even more bitter taste.
Offset that against a remarkable aging and "youngering" Mayan, Bembe, and life's ups and down in this treasure hunt certainly makes things very interesting indeed.
Very much so.
As does travels from Switzerland to Spain to Egypt! Talk of hotting things up!
Enjoy
December 26, 2022
Max and Axel love searching for archeological treasures, especially when they have a sponsor to pay for the expenses and their salaries. Unfortunately that means they can’t always be picky about who they work for. There’s good plot, with lots of twists, quirky, humorous, (a few megalomaniacs), and even some mystical characters, and plenty of action to keep your attention.
December 30, 2022
The cast of characters of Mayan Thunder is a well-assorted, vivid, intriguing group that entertains and keeps the narrative always fluid.
The storyline is fast-paced, with plenty of twists, while the dialogues are witty and spirited.
The book has enough structure and width to be enjoyed as a whole; it is, however, an episode of a wider plot, ending with some loose threads.
The storyline is fast-paced, with plenty of twists, while the dialogues are witty and spirited.
The book has enough structure and width to be enjoyed as a whole; it is, however, an episode of a wider plot, ending with some loose threads.
Read
January 26, 2023Crab tree has employed Max and Axel to find the rest of the Great Crystal of Ahrum. Bembe has been kidnapped by Francisco Estrada de León who also wants the crystal to rule the world. Well written with plenty of humour and action throughout. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 6, 2023
And The Games Continue
Varengo and Hart must have a great time composing this continuing thriller. Not the usual treasure/artifact hunt. Hard to tell the good guys from the bad in this hilarious adventure. More fun to come before we know how this one winds up. Fascinating mystery and search for the prize.
Varengo and Hart must have a great time composing this continuing thriller. Not the usual treasure/artifact hunt. Hard to tell the good guys from the bad in this hilarious adventure. More fun to come before we know how this one winds up. Fascinating mystery and search for the prize.
April 22, 2023
An Entertaining Read
Max and his band of adventurers continue their quest for the shards of the Crystal of Ahrum. Traveling from the Americas to the Middle East, as they follow the clues. Treasure and Power don’t always bring out the best in people. This will keep you turning the pages. Onto Mayan Tempest and what promises to be the conclusion of this quest.
Max and his band of adventurers continue their quest for the shards of the Crystal of Ahrum. Traveling from the Americas to the Middle East, as they follow the clues. Treasure and Power don’t always bring out the best in people. This will keep you turning the pages. Onto Mayan Tempest and what promises to be the conclusion of this quest.
January 5, 2024
Good book
I enjoyed the adventure in this story! The plot was one that kept you into the story. The hunt getting deeper and deeper. The story ended sooner than I would have liked but you have to have another book to make. I will look forward to reading the next stage of the adventure!
I enjoyed the adventure in this story! The plot was one that kept you into the story. The hunt getting deeper and deeper. The story ended sooner than I would have liked but you have to have another book to make. I will look forward to reading the next stage of the adventure!
September 9, 2024
To tell the truth.
I like the story but it's lacking in detail. When I finished the 1 st 2 books I thought thank heavens. I'm used to reading Ernest Dempsey, Clive Clussler. This is more like it's written for Jr High Students. I'm sorry . I'm looking for an author that really knows or has done research for the book they're writing. TMCM
I like the story but it's lacking in detail. When I finished the 1 st 2 books I thought thank heavens. I'm used to reading Ernest Dempsey, Clive Clussler. This is more like it's written for Jr High Students. I'm sorry . I'm looking for an author that really knows or has done research for the book they're writing. TMCM
May 24, 2025
Nope..not for me.
Just don't ... Never ever a fan of cliffhangers. My fault not to checking reviews. Anyway, it was a rad boring even though I skipped. Yet this one wasted my energy reading. Nope on recommended to anyone I know. As this probably wasn't their cup of tea before I attempted to read. Thus they definitely would not find it worth a read.
Just don't ... Never ever a fan of cliffhangers. My fault not to checking reviews. Anyway, it was a rad boring even though I skipped. Yet this one wasted my energy reading. Nope on recommended to anyone I know. As this probably wasn't their cup of tea before I attempted to read. Thus they definitely would not find it worth a read.
January 8, 2023
This was one definitely exciting story. Maxwell is on a scavenger hunt but this time a lot more dangerous than usual. Will he find the crystal and actually come back with it and his life. Suspenseful.
November 1, 2023
Where is the crystal chip
After the crystal is found it seems it has some missing pieces which will require further searches!!
It also becomes clear that Estrada is also working for the same billionaire Crabtree which will cause further complications!
After the crystal is found it seems it has some missing pieces which will require further searches!!
It also becomes clear that Estrada is also working for the same billionaire Crabtree which will cause further complications!
January 13, 2024
Adventure at its best
Exciting captivating plot keeps this adventure moving through several twists and turns. The setting move throughout the world. The characters are extremely interesting and well described. Great read
Exciting captivating plot keeps this adventure moving through several twists and turns. The setting move throughout the world. The characters are extremely interesting and well described. Great read
February 1, 2024
The adventure continues
In book two, Max and Axe still searching for missing shard # 2 of the Crystals of Ahrum that a few desire for their or ambitions as the crystal manipulates energy. Good vs evil, betrayal, who can you trust, leads to an exciting novel.
In book two, Max and Axe still searching for missing shard # 2 of the Crystals of Ahrum that a few desire for their or ambitions as the crystal manipulates energy. Good vs evil, betrayal, who can you trust, leads to an exciting novel.
August 27, 2024
Leaves off straight after the first book which is great. Runs with the existing story and expands on locations. Some new short term characters for the main 4 to interact with which moves the story along nicely. Really easy read and looking forward to The Crystals of Ahrum next
August 28, 2024
A really great adventure
This is a really great adventure story which carried on from the last and will continue with the next adventure.I look forward to reading more from this author.Recommend
This is a really great adventure story which carried on from the last and will continue with the next adventure.I look forward to reading more from this author.Recommend
May 29, 2025
Lots of action
Although lots of actions there is also some unbelievable and certainly questionable things in the storyline just enough to draw you away from the main subject of the book.. I enjoyed the first book in this series, but will not continue with the remaining books.
Although lots of actions there is also some unbelievable and certainly questionable things in the storyline just enough to draw you away from the main subject of the book.. I enjoyed the first book in this series, but will not continue with the remaining books.
March 29, 2023
Very exciting novel. It was like watching a movie in my mind. The humor, especially the malapropisms had me cracking up.
September 22, 2023
Interesting
This book was quite interesting. I do love historical fiction and the cliffhangers are quite stimulating. I look forward to reading more.
This book was quite interesting. I do love historical fiction and the cliffhangers are quite stimulating. I look forward to reading more.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews