What do you think?
Rate this book
Alex Hunt #1
The Rhapta Key
When fear stands between you and your enemy, what do you do?
Lara Croft meets Jason Bourne in this pulse-pounding clean adventure thriller where the pages turn themselves! Perfectly brought together with a dash of modern romance and Christian values, this first-in-series sets the stage for an epic clean suspense thriller series!
“This is a stupendous, action packed and absolutely terrific archeological thriller. It is such good reading that I would give it more than five stars if possible. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.”
“If you have never been on an adventure with Alex Hunt, you are in for a treat!!! There is some history, action, unexpected twist n turns, some lite romance, and a mystery to solve!! I read it in one sitting (had to know what happened next). This is my third book by this author and she has delivered another winner! Give this one a try!! You won’t be disappointed!!”
______________
Raised by two archaeologist parents, Alex Hunt was quite familiar with the dangers that come with adventure. But when death tragically claims her mother’s life, she vows to never partake in another one.
Until years later, her father mysteriously disappears.
Ill-equipped to face her fears, and as life’s irony often has it, the duty falls upon Alex to solve the mystery and find her missing father.
Tasked to go with her, the inexperienced Sam Quinn joins her on an action-packed adventure through the treacherous African Savannah, where an abundance of danger, fear, and heartache confront them head on. As they come face to face with sabotage, crime, and betrayal that will test their inner strength and will to survive, the pair takes on an enemy they never saw coming.
If you enjoy reading faith-filled suspense fiction that grips you from the first page, then you will love this inspirational, fast-paced Christian suspense! Full of mystery, twists and turns to keep you guessing until the very end, this first-in-series will not disappoint!
Includes Bonus digital content and a copy of the series prequel.
*clean thriller
*romantic suspense
Lara Croft meets Jason Bourne in this pulse-pounding clean adventure thriller where the pages turn themselves! Perfectly brought together with a dash of modern romance and Christian values, this first-in-series sets the stage for an epic clean suspense thriller series!
“This is a stupendous, action packed and absolutely terrific archeological thriller. It is such good reading that I would give it more than five stars if possible. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.”
“If you have never been on an adventure with Alex Hunt, you are in for a treat!!! There is some history, action, unexpected twist n turns, some lite romance, and a mystery to solve!! I read it in one sitting (had to know what happened next). This is my third book by this author and she has delivered another winner! Give this one a try!! You won’t be disappointed!!”
______________
Raised by two archaeologist parents, Alex Hunt was quite familiar with the dangers that come with adventure. But when death tragically claims her mother’s life, she vows to never partake in another one.
Until years later, her father mysteriously disappears.
Ill-equipped to face her fears, and as life’s irony often has it, the duty falls upon Alex to solve the mystery and find her missing father.
Tasked to go with her, the inexperienced Sam Quinn joins her on an action-packed adventure through the treacherous African Savannah, where an abundance of danger, fear, and heartache confront them head on. As they come face to face with sabotage, crime, and betrayal that will test their inner strength and will to survive, the pair takes on an enemy they never saw coming.
If you enjoy reading faith-filled suspense fiction that grips you from the first page, then you will love this inspirational, fast-paced Christian suspense! Full of mystery, twists and turns to keep you guessing until the very end, this first-in-series will not disappoint!
Includes Bonus digital content and a copy of the series prequel.
*clean thriller
*romantic suspense
Paperback
Published November 1, 2022
913 people are currently reading
419 people want to read
About the author
Urcelia Teixeira
33 books640 followersUrcelia Teixeira is an award-winning author of gripping Christian Mystery Thrillers.
You will enjoy her books if you like twisty mysteries tinged with clean action, page-turning suspense, and deep-rooted biblical truths.
All her books are free from profanity and unnecessary sexually suggestive scenes.
She made her writing debut in December 2017, kicking off her newly discovered author journey with her fast-paced archaeological adventure thriller novels that readers have described as ‘Indiana Jones meets Lara Croft with a twist of Bourne.’
But, five novels in, and nearly eighteen months later, she had a spiritual awakening, and she wrote the sixth and final book in her Alex Hunt Adventure Thriller series. She now fondly refers to The Caiaphas Code as her redemption book, her statement of faith.
And although this series has reached multiple Amazon Bestseller lists, she took the bold step of following her true calling and switched to writing what naturally flows from her heart and soul: Christian Suspense.
A committed Christian for nearly twenty years, she now lives by the following mantra:
“I used to be just a writer. Now, I am a writer with a purpose!”
For more on her and her books, please browse these pages or visit her website.
Sign up for updates, cover reveals, sneak peeks, and exclusive VIP reader discounts. https://newsletter.urcelia.com/signup
Never miss a new release! Follow her on BookBub
You will enjoy her books if you like twisty mysteries tinged with clean action, page-turning suspense, and deep-rooted biblical truths.
All her books are free from profanity and unnecessary sexually suggestive scenes.
She made her writing debut in December 2017, kicking off her newly discovered author journey with her fast-paced archaeological adventure thriller novels that readers have described as ‘Indiana Jones meets Lara Croft with a twist of Bourne.’
But, five novels in, and nearly eighteen months later, she had a spiritual awakening, and she wrote the sixth and final book in her Alex Hunt Adventure Thriller series. She now fondly refers to The Caiaphas Code as her redemption book, her statement of faith.
And although this series has reached multiple Amazon Bestseller lists, she took the bold step of following her true calling and switched to writing what naturally flows from her heart and soul: Christian Suspense.
A committed Christian for nearly twenty years, she now lives by the following mantra:
“I used to be just a writer. Now, I am a writer with a purpose!”
For more on her and her books, please browse these pages or visit her website.
Sign up for updates, cover reveals, sneak peeks, and exclusive VIP reader discounts. https://newsletter.urcelia.com/signup
Never miss a new release! Follow her on BookBub
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 113 reviews
July 3, 2019
4,25 stars - Amazon Kindle ebook 🌸🌸🌸
We have no proof of a key existing . This book is based on the true legend of Rhapta. About 2000 years ago rhapta was speculated to be the first real Metropolis of Africa.The lost city was substandially known for its abundant produce of tortoiseshell and metal waepons amongst traders. The ancient Periplus of the Erythraean Sea discriped raphta as the last marketplace of Azania, two days travel south of the Menouthias islands. Raphta is also mentioned by the 6th century author Cosmas Indicopleutes. 🦋🦋🦋🦋
Quote from the book “ Dad! I CAN'T HEAR YOU. Dad.... Dad....they took him Alex....I am shot .... “ 🌸🌸🌸
Alex Hunt reseives a call from her father out of Afrika. He is Looking for the lost city of raphta. A dream of her mother who was killed in the field and leaves Alex traumatised behind. She does not dear to go out of the house. But a friend of her father gets her on a plane with a student of him. Someone who knows her sitiuation and can deal with it. At Arrival in Africa she straight gets into trouble. 🌷🌷🌷
This high Packed read is filled with Adventure. In high speed it takes you along the road. The different angels of Alex and Sam, her mum and Dad three years ago and the hunt now are well put down. For sure I like to read more of this author. It's a beauty, Izzy! I am almost certain it sates back 1800 years or so. I can't be sure until we run the tests, but it looks as if it is ivory. - 🌸🌸🌷🌷
We have no proof of a key existing . This book is based on the true legend of Rhapta. About 2000 years ago rhapta was speculated to be the first real Metropolis of Africa.The lost city was substandially known for its abundant produce of tortoiseshell and metal waepons amongst traders. The ancient Periplus of the Erythraean Sea discriped raphta as the last marketplace of Azania, two days travel south of the Menouthias islands. Raphta is also mentioned by the 6th century author Cosmas Indicopleutes. 🦋🦋🦋🦋
Quote from the book “ Dad! I CAN'T HEAR YOU. Dad.... Dad....they took him Alex....I am shot .... “ 🌸🌸🌸
Alex Hunt reseives a call from her father out of Afrika. He is Looking for the lost city of raphta. A dream of her mother who was killed in the field and leaves Alex traumatised behind. She does not dear to go out of the house. But a friend of her father gets her on a plane with a student of him. Someone who knows her sitiuation and can deal with it. At Arrival in Africa she straight gets into trouble. 🌷🌷🌷
This high Packed read is filled with Adventure. In high speed it takes you along the road. The different angels of Alex and Sam, her mum and Dad three years ago and the hunt now are well put down. For sure I like to read more of this author. It's a beauty, Izzy! I am almost certain it sates back 1800 years or so. I can't be sure until we run the tests, but it looks as if it is ivory. - 🌸🌸🌷🌷
May 12, 2018
This book deals with a subject matter that is beyond close to my heart. It why I have been reading this slower. So far this book is 4 stars. I only mark as read so I can write this review.
I shall finish the book in the near future. I need more time to heal. I read half of it.
Update (May 2, 2018)
I wrote an email to the author, Urcelia Teixeira. She is kind and thoughtful. I explain to her why it was hard. She provided words of comfort. I appreactice she took the time to write me a detailed comfort. I will read the rest of the book now. In fact, I am going to reread what I read due to the kindness of the author.
My apologizes for my grammar.I have learning disabilities, dyslexia, etc. Life can be worst.
Update 5-12-18
I finished the book. It has a good storyline. The parents of Alex reminded me of Louis Leakey Mary Leakey. I do not recall them having a daughter. I would have like to have more history with the archeological findings. Alex at times got on my nerves. Regardless, I enjoyed the story. This is why I give it 4 stars.
I shall finish the book in the near future. I need more time to heal. I read half of it.
Update (May 2, 2018)
I wrote an email to the author, Urcelia Teixeira. She is kind and thoughtful. I explain to her why it was hard. She provided words of comfort. I appreactice she took the time to write me a detailed comfort. I will read the rest of the book now. In fact, I am going to reread what I read due to the kindness of the author.
My apologizes for my grammar.I have learning disabilities, dyslexia, etc. Life can be worst.
Update 5-12-18
I finished the book. It has a good storyline. The parents of Alex reminded me of Louis Leakey Mary Leakey. I do not recall them having a daughter. I would have like to have more history with the archeological findings. Alex at times got on my nerves. Regardless, I enjoyed the story. This is why I give it 4 stars.
January 27, 2024
So.....audio is apparently NOT for me....at the moment. I've been trying to listen to this book for weeks and get so distracted. I can't remember what I heard. Frustrating. Kudos to all you audiobook fans.
I purchased an ebook copy through Amazon (despite the author gifting me the audio) just so I could finish this book.
⭐️ FOLLOW UP ⭐️
I ended up enjoying this book and was glad I'd given it another try. While I enjoy historical fiction, action-adventure, and clean reads, I've discovered that I'm not so keen on YA fiction nor audiobooks. This has been a great learning experience for me. I intend to read more of this author's books, her adult fiction books.
I loved that this was based on a true story. It was pacey, had a little romance and lots of the action adventure and history that I crave. I appreciated the twists and the multi-dimensional characters. I'm so happy to know that there are such great books available to teens.
I purchased an ebook copy through Amazon (despite the author gifting me the audio) just so I could finish this book.
⭐️ FOLLOW UP ⭐️
I ended up enjoying this book and was glad I'd given it another try. While I enjoy historical fiction, action-adventure, and clean reads, I've discovered that I'm not so keen on YA fiction nor audiobooks. This has been a great learning experience for me. I intend to read more of this author's books, her adult fiction books.
I loved that this was based on a true story. It was pacey, had a little romance and lots of the action adventure and history that I crave. I appreciated the twists and the multi-dimensional characters. I'm so happy to know that there are such great books available to teens.
November 1, 2021
Alex Hunt is a troubled archaeologist who must come to terms with demons she harbors in order to find her father who has disappeared in the heart of Africa. With help from Sam Quinn, the two embark on a search that takes them through the wilds of the Dark Continent to the African coast where an ancient lost city holds the key to the most incredible mystery in human history.
‘The Rhapta Key’ is an adrenaline-charged novel that takes page-turning books to a new level!’
‘The Rhapta Key’ is an adrenaline-charged novel that takes page-turning books to a new level!’
December 25, 2021
A Pleasant Treasure!
Alex, Charles and Izzy Hunt are a family of archeologists. They are searching for a lost city in Tanzania, called Rhapta.
They aren’t the only ones searching, though. Seems like rebels, the government and every Tom, Dick and Harry is searching, too.
Despite lots of danger, deceit and duplicity, the Hunts never lose their focus in their hunt for the lost city.
Lots of good action when necessary in this one. Right when it’s needed.
Alex, Charles and Izzy Hunt are a family of archeologists. They are searching for a lost city in Tanzania, called Rhapta.
They aren’t the only ones searching, though. Seems like rebels, the government and every Tom, Dick and Harry is searching, too.
Despite lots of danger, deceit and duplicity, the Hunts never lose their focus in their hunt for the lost city.
Lots of good action when necessary in this one. Right when it’s needed.
April 5, 2018
Excellent story line, great characters, hard to put down. But then I'm an avid reader of archeological adventures and will definitely look forward to more by this author. Loved the book. Very adventurous and a great read.
February 5, 2018
Chasers of Rhapta
I really enjoyed reading this archeological adventure. Alex Hunt became an Agoraphobe after the shocking death of her Chaser mother. She must overcome her fears now that her father has been kidnapped. For the most part, this adventure takes place in Tanzania, an area I have known little about and is historically based. A very interesting read. I am looking forward to Alex's further adventures.
I really enjoyed reading this archeological adventure. Alex Hunt became an Agoraphobe after the shocking death of her Chaser mother. She must overcome her fears now that her father has been kidnapped. For the most part, this adventure takes place in Tanzania, an area I have known little about and is historically based. A very interesting read. I am looking forward to Alex's further adventures.
January 29, 2018
This is a light, entertaining and easy read. The pluses for the book is that the plot is fairly simple and is fast paced. I think the audience for book is more for readers in middle school.
On a more adult level, the characters are shallow and not much real chemistry. The plot is reasonably developed but lacks in depth. And it is very predictable.
I picked this book up thinking I was going to read an adult level mystery adventure. It misses that mark by a wide margin. It is the quick pace that kept me turning the pages as I settled in for a light YA fun read. For a middle school read, I rate the story 3 stars.
On a more adult level, the characters are shallow and not much real chemistry. The plot is reasonably developed but lacks in depth. And it is very predictable.
I picked this book up thinking I was going to read an adult level mystery adventure. It misses that mark by a wide margin. It is the quick pace that kept me turning the pages as I settled in for a light YA fun read. For a middle school read, I rate the story 3 stars.
February 4, 2018
I just finished this adventure and enjoyed it immensely. It developed the characters quickly and I felt immediately connected to them. The central character is a strong woman who has an issue to overcome. She does.
The adventure is filled with very good and very bad people and one very nasty creature.
This is one book I readily recommend for those who like a good adventure read.
The adventure is filled with very good and very bad people and one very nasty creature.
This is one book I readily recommend for those who like a good adventure read.
January 6, 2018
Fast paced and exciting!
I truly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it to anyone looking for a exciting read. The story is full of adventure, sabotage, and romance. The Chase for Rhapta truly has something for every reader.
I truly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it to anyone looking for a exciting read. The story is full of adventure, sabotage, and romance. The Chase for Rhapta truly has something for every reader.
December 30, 2019
Urcelia Teixeira creates a great Indiana Jones-esque adventure in The Rhapta Key! Archeologist Alex Hunt sets out to find the lost city of Rhapta with young Sam Quinn, but it’s also a personal journey to search for her father who went missing on a similar quest. Now Alex is encountering similar dangers that her father did, both natural and manmade. This is an adventure story through and through (which I love), but I also really enjoyed the personal aspect of Alex’s search for her father and the bond that develops between her and Sam! If you love a good search for lost cities, especially ones fraught with excitement and danger, check out The Rhapta Key!
January 22, 2020
good adventure
love books like indiana jones and laura croft! Alex Hunt is that! good adventure with the help of Sam Quinn. she losses a good friend, has to get past a phobia with the help of Sam. very interesting, would of loved to hear more of what they found, but the adventure and discovery was pretty interesting ❤️
love books like indiana jones and laura croft! Alex Hunt is that! good adventure with the help of Sam Quinn. she losses a good friend, has to get past a phobia with the help of Sam. very interesting, would of loved to hear more of what they found, but the adventure and discovery was pretty interesting ❤️
February 7, 2018
Our protagonist, Alex, has agoraphobia. Who wouldn't if in her shoes? She witnessed her mother being kidnapped and then told by the police that they had evidence that showed she had been murdered. For three years Alex was unable to leave leave the security of her home. Until......she gets a frantic call that her father is in the process of being kidnapped. After hearing a gunshot........there is nothing.
Alex knows that only she has the knowledge to go to Africa and search for answer about her father. Hard is hardly the word to express her conflict. Africa is where her mom was killed. She can't believe that her father is dead. Her companion for the trip is Quinn who is far more than he appears to be.
This is the 1st book by Urcelia Teixeira that I have read.Fantastic book with a great well developed story line. Adventure mixed with archaeology always is the basis for a great book. My favorite genre. I am hopeful that this is the 1st of a series.
Alex knows that only she has the knowledge to go to Africa and search for answer about her father. Hard is hardly the word to express her conflict. Africa is where her mom was killed. She can't believe that her father is dead. Her companion for the trip is Quinn who is far more than he appears to be.
This is the 1st book by Urcelia Teixeira that I have read.Fantastic book with a great well developed story line. Adventure mixed with archaeology always is the basis for a great book. My favorite genre. I am hopeful that this is the 1st of a series.
July 26, 2018
not too shabby;
i did learn a thing or two
p51: at least he finally changed his clothing although it shouts never-been-warn-before.
p51: "...i asked for an archaeologist, and i land up with a doctor!..."
p69: i feel my cheeks go read at the thought of being with him and i dare not look up for him to see.
p77: "you never seize to amaze me, alexandra...."
p86: the fact that these doctors think they can pacify anyone with that mambo jumbo is besides me.
p112: but if there were a key, now that's a different story.
p113: mrs. parson's cat next door has lost all nine his lives having to dodge the traffic on her doorstep.
p133: i try to break in the sand with my feet in a useless attempt to slow them down.
p144: loud enough for it to lure eric out and when he gets to the bottom of the stairs, i'll clammer him.
i did learn a thing or two
p51: at least he finally changed his clothing although it shouts never-been-warn-before.
p51: "...i asked for an archaeologist, and i land up with a doctor!..."
p69: i feel my cheeks go read at the thought of being with him and i dare not look up for him to see.
p77: "you never seize to amaze me, alexandra...."
p86: the fact that these doctors think they can pacify anyone with that mambo jumbo is besides me.
p112: but if there were a key, now that's a different story.
p113: mrs. parson's cat next door has lost all nine his lives having to dodge the traffic on her doorstep.
p133: i try to break in the sand with my feet in a useless attempt to slow them down.
p144: loud enough for it to lure eric out and when he gets to the bottom of the stairs, i'll clammer him.
December 16, 2017
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I'm a fan of stories like Indiana Jones. I love stories about lost cities and adventure in dangerous places. So I definitely enjoyed that aspect of this book. I liked the clues to the lost city and how everything was connected.
I did feel that the ending was a little rushed, like all of a sudden the story was over. There was a good buildup of events, I'll give it that, but I was surprised when I reached the end of the book.
Overall I enjoyed the story and found it really fun.
I'm a fan of stories like Indiana Jones. I love stories about lost cities and adventure in dangerous places. So I definitely enjoyed that aspect of this book. I liked the clues to the lost city and how everything was connected.
I did feel that the ending was a little rushed, like all of a sudden the story was over. There was a good buildup of events, I'll give it that, but I was surprised when I reached the end of the book.
Overall I enjoyed the story and found it really fun.
February 8, 2018
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this adventure!
May 24, 2018
This book has excited me to no end. The thrill ride adventure it took me on as I read page after page, made it feel so real. It was both informative as well as compelling as the story continued on. I can't wait to read the next in the series of Alex hunt and her adventures. This is the first I have read by Urcelia Teixeira but this is one amazing book that all need to read. Get it today right now you will enjoy it as much as I did for sure.
January 9, 2018
Read this in just one day. It was fast paced, suspenseful, interesting, and funny at times. I liked the story line - and it is a genre out of my comfort-zone, but I found I really enjoyed it. I had a few questions about certain things, but not enough to necessarily affect the experience reading this book. Definitely recommend this to lovers of YA and mystery/adventure :)
March 4, 2018
Exciting adventure
I loved the concept of this story. The characters were endearing and I loved the way they interacted. My only constructive criticism is that a shorter time for Alex's mother to presumed dead would be more believable., and would fit more with her character's high spirit, strength and overwhelming love for her family. Otherwise I loved it!
I loved the concept of this story. The characters were endearing and I loved the way they interacted. My only constructive criticism is that a shorter time for Alex's mother to presumed dead would be more believable., and would fit more with her character's high spirit, strength and overwhelming love for her family. Otherwise I loved it!
February 18, 2018
A quick run read
Enjoyable fun book into a mysterious Africa. Sights and sounds of the African Bush in Tanzania. Needs some more in-depth archaeological information to move it to the next level. Still not a bad first effort.
Enjoyable fun book into a mysterious Africa. Sights and sounds of the African Bush in Tanzania. Needs some more in-depth archaeological information to move it to the next level. Still not a bad first effort.
February 17, 2018
Pretty good for a first book. Minimum of edits needed, but very readable.
I rarely give a rating of 4 or even less a 5. I am a harsh book rater. i would read a sequel to this.
I rarely give a rating of 4 or even less a 5. I am a harsh book rater. i would read a sequel to this.
June 9, 2018
This book reads like it was poorly translated from another language. It relies heavily on cliche, many of which have incorrect wording, such as 'why anyone would do that is beside me' instead of 'beyond me.' The punctuation was atrocious. Commas were spilled haphazardly throughout, many in incorrect locations and many places that needed commas were vacant. There are question marks at the end of statements, and periods at the end of questions.
As for the plot, it was okay. There were a lot of bits that were included that made no sense to the story, and some really strange twists. The main character has agoraphobia, which she can always just suck up and deal with, except, of course, at critical plot points when the ability to suck it up is most needed. But, then she's able to just do it in the nick of time. Randomly, a dead character is resurrected, for no particular reason other than to make the story warm and fuzzy. And, all of a sudden there's a dinosaur; only, it's in a flashback to the past, but no reference to it in the present until after it's been introduced in the flashback, which just comes across as really weird. Of course, it turns out that the dino isn't all that integral to the plot, but somehow all the locals know about it and how it protects the lost city from anyone who tries to enter it. (So they know about the lost city and the dino protector, but also nobody knows where the city is.)
More than anything, it's clear that this book could have used a decent editor.
As for the plot, it was okay. There were a lot of bits that were included that made no sense to the story, and some really strange twists. The main character has agoraphobia, which she can always just suck up and deal with, except, of course, at critical plot points when the ability to suck it up is most needed. But, then she's able to just do it in the nick of time. Randomly, a dead character is resurrected, for no particular reason other than to make the story warm and fuzzy. And, all of a sudden there's a dinosaur; only, it's in a flashback to the past, but no reference to it in the present until after it's been introduced in the flashback, which just comes across as really weird. Of course, it turns out that the dino isn't all that integral to the plot, but somehow all the locals know about it and how it protects the lost city from anyone who tries to enter it. (So they know about the lost city and the dino protector, but also nobody knows where the city is.)
More than anything, it's clear that this book could have used a decent editor.
June 25, 2022
4,5 stars - English Ebook
It is an adventure voor Young Adult readers.
But I loved it as well at 55 years of age. And Indiana Jones is a girl? That is a question you can ask yourself while reading this book.
Alex hasn’t left the safe confines of her home in three years. Instead, she’s thrown herself into her career as an archaeological researcher with a prominent British university where her archaeologist father works.
But then her father disappears under sinister circumstances while working on a case. With his fate in her hands, forced out of hiding, she battles her worst fears and travels to the last place he was seen alive; Tanzania, Africa.
Tasked to go with her, the inexperienced Sam Quinn joins her on an action-packed adventure through the treacherous African Savannah where an abundance of danger, fear, and heartache confront them head on.
As they come face to face with sabotage, crime, and betrayal that will test their inner strength and will to survive, the pair takes on an enemy they never saw coming.
Join their adventure and travel from the luxury of your favorite armchair to Africa in this gripping tale where the pages turn themselves for me.
Inspired by actual historical facts and places, the Alex Hunt archaeological adventure thriller series will take you on dangerous faraway adventures that will leave you thrilled, inspired and informed all at once.
Great twist on the hunting ancient treasure theme. That is something else.
Cleverly written story with good characters, like Alex I came to love. Brilliant descriptions of the scenery like you are therr. Highly recommended book for those who like the genre.
It is an adventure voor Young Adult readers.
But I loved it as well at 55 years of age. And Indiana Jones is a girl? That is a question you can ask yourself while reading this book.
Alex hasn’t left the safe confines of her home in three years. Instead, she’s thrown herself into her career as an archaeological researcher with a prominent British university where her archaeologist father works.
But then her father disappears under sinister circumstances while working on a case. With his fate in her hands, forced out of hiding, she battles her worst fears and travels to the last place he was seen alive; Tanzania, Africa.
Tasked to go with her, the inexperienced Sam Quinn joins her on an action-packed adventure through the treacherous African Savannah where an abundance of danger, fear, and heartache confront them head on.
As they come face to face with sabotage, crime, and betrayal that will test their inner strength and will to survive, the pair takes on an enemy they never saw coming.
Join their adventure and travel from the luxury of your favorite armchair to Africa in this gripping tale where the pages turn themselves for me.
Inspired by actual historical facts and places, the Alex Hunt archaeological adventure thriller series will take you on dangerous faraway adventures that will leave you thrilled, inspired and informed all at once.
Great twist on the hunting ancient treasure theme. That is something else.
Cleverly written story with good characters, like Alex I came to love. Brilliant descriptions of the scenery like you are therr. Highly recommended book for those who like the genre.
August 8, 2020
Simply stated (and as nicely as I can say), this book is bad. Really bad. How it ever got published is beyond me. Bad grammar. Bad punctuation. (Middle-school-English-teachers-would've-handed-it back-for-corrections bad.) Badly (if at all) researched. (Seriously, how hard would it have been to Google how do you get the bends? instead of giving the wrong explanation?) Badly written. Overall, just...BAD. Don't believe me?
From page 162...
She had always been such a naive girl; always believing the best about people.
"Oh, you're so naive, Alexandra. It is great that you always believe the best about people, but always watch your back, my darling..."
The author does this constantly. Saying it once is enough. The same goes for using one word multiple times in a paragraph. It's like the author doesn't know how to use a thesaurus. And if Izzy or Charles had said my love or my darling one more time, I would've thrown my Kindle across the freakin' room! (Hello? Editor? Wherefore art thou?)
From page 203...
Loose coconuts and rotten mangos lay scattered on the ground everywhere. It was an island paradise. Large boulders and palm leaves were scattered throughout the treed floor. It was a perpetual tourist hotspot for the sun seekers. Nearby Zanzibar Island was one of the most sought-after holiday destinations in Africa. Izzy took it all in. What's not to like? It looked like a postcard.
This paragraph has so many paradoxes and (let's face it) is just poorly written. (My English teacher would've called it clunky and taken her red pen to it.) Unfortunately, most of the book reads like this.
There were other things that bugged/frustrated me, too...
1) The archaeological world has been searching for years for Rhapta, Africa's first metropolis which mysteriously disappeared approximately 1600 years ago. Izzy and Alex discover the tops of its buildings during the low tide on a river. OK. Soooooo you mean to tell me that...after years of searching for this city...in this general area...by archaeologists and treasure hunters alike...that no one saw this because, what -- they only looked during high tide?! *groan*
2) Generally, men don't "giggle"...Though they do a lot in this book. How about snicker, chuckle, chortle...anything but giggle, please! (This is another instance that a thesaurus would've come in handy.)
3) At one point, Dr. Sam Quinn pontificates about how he's seen many people die, and those that know they're going to heaven pass with a smile on their faces. Um, I may be wrong, but I would think the only people who die with a smile on their faces are those that do so during sex. Just sayin'.
4) Why would someone with agoraphobia -- who doesn't venture outside her home (and hasn't for many, many years) -- need to wear a medical alert bracelet that says she's agoraphobic?!
5) A giant, screeching, prehistoric bird that guards the entrance to Rhapta and carries people away to its evil lair if they get too close? Now that's worth a giggle (and an eye roll)!
6) Charles has been kidnapped and possibly shot, so Alex immediately flies to Africa to get her father back. OK. Kudos to Alex for conquering her agoraphobia so easily and quickly. (I had to wear my suspension of disbelief hat, but that's all right...Sometimes people do extraordinary things in extraordinary situations.) But why didn't she call the authorities to investigate? (The more people involved in looking for her father the better, right?) And why did she automatically think that he got away from his kidnappers and went to a safe house that he kept in Dar es Salaam? Is Charles Superman? How would he even know where he was taken (that is, if he's even still alive)? Or, if he was lucky enough to escape, how exactly would he know how to get to the safe house from where he is? Too many (irrational) leaps of logic for my taste.
7) There's virtually no character development. (Shallow and bitchy are the first words that come to mind when I think of Alex...but those could be wrong since I still don't feel I know much about her after reading this book.) It also lacks basic character descriptions...I have no freakin' idea what any of these characters look like.
8) Since when is James Bond a TV character?!
This book was touted as "Indiana Jones meets Lara Croft with a twist of Bourne." Hardly! It was just... BAD .
From page 162...
She had always been such a naive girl; always believing the best about people.
"Oh, you're so naive, Alexandra. It is great that you always believe the best about people, but always watch your back, my darling..."
The author does this constantly. Saying it once is enough. The same goes for using one word multiple times in a paragraph. It's like the author doesn't know how to use a thesaurus. And if Izzy or Charles had said my love or my darling one more time, I would've thrown my Kindle across the freakin' room! (Hello? Editor? Wherefore art thou?)
From page 203...
Loose coconuts and rotten mangos lay scattered on the ground everywhere. It was an island paradise. Large boulders and palm leaves were scattered throughout the treed floor. It was a perpetual tourist hotspot for the sun seekers. Nearby Zanzibar Island was one of the most sought-after holiday destinations in Africa. Izzy took it all in. What's not to like? It looked like a postcard.
This paragraph has so many paradoxes and (let's face it) is just poorly written. (My English teacher would've called it clunky and taken her red pen to it.) Unfortunately, most of the book reads like this.
There were other things that bugged/frustrated me, too...
1) The archaeological world has been searching for years for Rhapta, Africa's first metropolis which mysteriously disappeared approximately 1600 years ago. Izzy and Alex discover the tops of its buildings during the low tide on a river. OK. Soooooo you mean to tell me that...after years of searching for this city...in this general area...by archaeologists and treasure hunters alike...that no one saw this because, what -- they only looked during high tide?! *groan*
2) Generally, men don't "giggle"...Though they do a lot in this book. How about snicker, chuckle, chortle...anything but giggle, please! (This is another instance that a thesaurus would've come in handy.)
3) At one point, Dr. Sam Quinn pontificates about how he's seen many people die, and those that know they're going to heaven pass with a smile on their faces. Um, I may be wrong, but I would think the only people who die with a smile on their faces are those that do so during sex. Just sayin'.
4) Why would someone with agoraphobia -- who doesn't venture outside her home (and hasn't for many, many years) -- need to wear a medical alert bracelet that says she's agoraphobic?!
5) A giant, screeching, prehistoric bird that guards the entrance to Rhapta and carries people away to its evil lair if they get too close? Now that's worth a giggle (and an eye roll)!
6) Charles has been kidnapped and possibly shot, so Alex immediately flies to Africa to get her father back. OK. Kudos to Alex for conquering her agoraphobia so easily and quickly. (I had to wear my suspension of disbelief hat, but that's all right...Sometimes people do extraordinary things in extraordinary situations.) But why didn't she call the authorities to investigate? (The more people involved in looking for her father the better, right?) And why did she automatically think that he got away from his kidnappers and went to a safe house that he kept in Dar es Salaam? Is Charles Superman? How would he even know where he was taken (that is, if he's even still alive)? Or, if he was lucky enough to escape, how exactly would he know how to get to the safe house from where he is? Too many (irrational) leaps of logic for my taste.
7) There's virtually no character development. (Shallow and bitchy are the first words that come to mind when I think of Alex...but those could be wrong since I still don't feel I know much about her after reading this book.) It also lacks basic character descriptions...I have no freakin' idea what any of these characters look like.
8) Since when is James Bond a TV character?!
This book was touted as "Indiana Jones meets Lara Croft with a twist of Bourne." Hardly! It was just... BAD .
April 21, 2019
A New Archaeological Hero is Born!
I read a lot of history, historical fiction and fantasy , with that being said, I seldom find myself reading current day mysteries. That is now subject to change! Urcelia Teixeira's The Rhapta Key is a barn burning, faced paced adventure into the wilds of Africa with all of its exotic beauty and intrigue. I really enjoyed the premise and characters of the book and will definitely continue reading this series. BTW....did I mention that this was really a FUN read?!!
I read a lot of history, historical fiction and fantasy , with that being said, I seldom find myself reading current day mysteries. That is now subject to change! Urcelia Teixeira's The Rhapta Key is a barn burning, faced paced adventure into the wilds of Africa with all of its exotic beauty and intrigue. I really enjoyed the premise and characters of the book and will definitely continue reading this series. BTW....did I mention that this was really a FUN read?!!
April 29, 2019
Rhapta key
Liked this book. Good characters,interesting plot, hate that Alex's childhood friend was killed due to her being careless. It would have been nice if he had got to see Rhapta as well.
Liked this book. Good characters,interesting plot, hate that Alex's childhood friend was killed due to her being careless. It would have been nice if he had got to see Rhapta as well.
April 12, 2019
GREAT Book!
Great story and full of adventure that keeps going to the end. Alex is forced to leave her home in search of her father, who has been kidnapped, and she is terrified of the unknown possibilities beyond the door. Agoraphobia has kept her inside since the death of her mother. But if she wants to save her father, she has to go find him. I recommend reading this book!
The book needs more proof reading to catch the punctuation errors, spelling is off with missing or extra letters.
Great story and full of adventure that keeps going to the end. Alex is forced to leave her home in search of her father, who has been kidnapped, and she is terrified of the unknown possibilities beyond the door. Agoraphobia has kept her inside since the death of her mother. But if she wants to save her father, she has to go find him. I recommend reading this book!
The book needs more proof reading to catch the punctuation errors, spelling is off with missing or extra letters.
December 19, 2017
I thought this book was a thrilling story with exciting twists and terns. Troubled by the loss of her mother when she was young Alex developed anxiety and agoraphobia. Over the years her father would continue to search for the fabled marketplace of rhapta. Rhapta is a real myth, whether it is truly fiction or fact is unknown. After her father calls her while tempting to flee captors, she hears a gun shot. Alex is flung into a panic attack. With no one else to save him she braves the real terror she believes the world to be. Her one companion is a green college student with no field experience. Alex is fluent in the language of Swahili, her only weapons are her fast thinking, eagle eye, moxie and sharp tongue. Alex is able to maneuver through her emotional problems, her past and those who wish to stop her.
I like the character of Alex a lot. I find parts of Alex's behavior to be spunky and off the cuff. With everything she has been through, she hasn't lost her personality while dealing with her overwhelming phobia which is a plus. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a sense of adventure.
I like the character of Alex a lot. I find parts of Alex's behavior to be spunky and off the cuff. With everything she has been through, she hasn't lost her personality while dealing with her overwhelming phobia which is a plus. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a sense of adventure.
March 31, 2018
When Alex's dad goes missing, she is the only one who can find him because she's also the only one who knows her mother's data. She lost her mother who was chasing the lost city of Rhapta, but Alex doesn't want to lose her father too. For that reason, she travels to Africa with Quinn-a student that a family friend recommends.
As the story progresses, it alternates POV between Alex, her mom, and her dad. We learn that her father has been captured early on, but Alex travels are not easy. In Africa, she's in a car accident and has a run in with vicious animals like lions, as if chasing down her father isn't hard enough.
This was a very easy, light, and entertaining read. I always like the idea of discovering new things. I wish that instead of the viewpoints of her parents, it would've been through Alex's eyes. Overall, it was a fast-paced story.
Final Verdict: I recommend this to fans of adventure and archaeology. It's also a good read to finish during a rainy day.
As the story progresses, it alternates POV between Alex, her mom, and her dad. We learn that her father has been captured early on, but Alex travels are not easy. In Africa, she's in a car accident and has a run in with vicious animals like lions, as if chasing down her father isn't hard enough.
This was a very easy, light, and entertaining read. I always like the idea of discovering new things. I wish that instead of the viewpoints of her parents, it would've been through Alex's eyes. Overall, it was a fast-paced story.
Final Verdict: I recommend this to fans of adventure and archaeology. It's also a good read to finish during a rainy day.
January 22, 2018
Good Quick Read
This book was about a real legend that has not been found, yet. I read a lot of books in this genre and the subject of this legend and how to find it was unique. The end of this book comes out of nowhere, as if it may have had a few chapters edited out, then the last chapter attached to end it. The gap disrupts the whole flow of the end of book.
This book was about a real legend that has not been found, yet. I read a lot of books in this genre and the subject of this legend and how to find it was unique. The end of this book comes out of nowhere, as if it may have had a few chapters edited out, then the last chapter attached to end it. The gap disrupts the whole flow of the end of book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 113 reviews