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Area 51 #6
Excalibur
LOST RELIC.
LEGENDARY TALISMAN.
ULTIMATE WEAPON.
Once thought of as myth, the legendary sword of King Arthur is now a fiercely pursued reality--the most important artifact in a worldwide chess game for control of man’s destiny.
Two rival factions have made their move for domination of the planet. And now former Green Beret Mike Turcotte and his elite team must answer the call of duty. Their Which army to align with? Choose wrong and evil holds domination
over what’s left of humanity.
Only by tracking down the mythic artifact can Turcotte hope to resolve the crisis. His search will take him to the top of the world, to the summit of Mount Everest. But he has more to fear than bone-chilling cold and the thin air of the Death Zone, for he is not alone in the search for Excalibur.
From the Great Wall of China to a fortress on Easter Island, the players span the globe in this ultimate high-stakes game. They’ll have to decipher complex clues from deceptive sources to find the key that unlocks Excalibur’s power --a secret that has been carefully, meticulously hidden for five millennia. But one thing is Excalibur is more than a myth. It may be the key to our survival --a powerful and sophisticated weapon that, if mastered, will determine the fate of humanity....
304 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published March 26, 2002
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
September 5, 2019
Number 6 book in this series, does have the usual summation about the progress of the former books, a procedure the author could have eliminated to a much smaller coverage in the book. There are several different lines to the story, three of the plots have to do with acquiring an item referred to Excalibur. It is a needed item by all parties to control the master guardian. We learn the story on how the Shadow Artad in the disguise of Arthur, from the Camelot story, used Excalibur to defeat the Shadow Aspasia in a mutual mortal defeat of both of them. Merlin, a rogue Watcher, took Excalibur from the Watcher site and hid it at the top of the known world (a ridge on top of Mount Everest), hoping that it would be impossible for someone to both find it and come down from the mountain. Even in present-day 2019, only the hardiest can make the climb up and down and survive. There are bodies left on the route sometimes for years. Even so, three different parties are attempting to reach Excalibur at the same time. Asparsia's Shadow sends a pair of nanovirus infected Navy Seals to climb up the mountain after flying in with a helicopter to the highest point possible and climbing the rest of the wait. Artad sends 3 of those who Watch to get Excalibur by hiring an experienced climb team. Turcotte gets to Everest using a bouncer but he still has to climb past a certain point, so he has an experienced medic mountain climber with him who prepared him with a transfusion of Oxygen-rich blood to acclimate him for the climbing area, plus Mualama is coming with him. It becomes a race to the finish, with the Navy Seals arriving at the top of the ridge first, because they put a claymore mine in Turcotte's group's path which kills the medic but not Turcotte or Mualama and sniper shooting all the members of the other team from Artad one by one. But Turcotte manages to kill one Navy Seal and attack the other who in a moment of clarity kills himself by jumping off the ridge, leaving Turcotte and Mualama as the only ones left. Turcotte uses his ice ax to free Excalibur from the ice cavern it was inside. As he reaches for it, he gets attacked by Mualama who is holding some form of blue stone which Turcotte realizes should not touch Excalibur. In the struggle to get Mualama away, Turcotte falls over the ridge and has to cut Mualama's arm to release his grasp of Turcotte. To his dismay, out of Mualama's mouth comes a three-fingered tentacle that tries to attach itself to Turcotte but he manages to reach hold of Excalibur and cuts and destroys the tentacle. Still holding Excalibur, Turcotte slumps to a sitting position on the ridge surrounded by dead bodies. While he was doing this Yakov had gained possession of the Master Guardian which was inside the other Mothership. As soon as Turcotte had gained possession of Excalibur, the Master Guardian turned off all other guardians, effectively eliminating the warring Aralias vantage advantage over humans. Quinn who had been monitoring events over the globe contacted Turcotte via his Satphone and told him they were sending in a rescue party to him.
While this was going on, Duncan had been kidnapped by a group who claimed to be the backup Majestic-12, set up 50 years ago, in case of problems. They tell her, that they need her to access her blocked memories, without telling her the reason. They are under the influence of the Swarm, the aliens the Airlia claim to be defending Earth from. Fortunate for all parties, this group of Swarm, has no means of space travel or space communication available to call in re-enforcements, yet. Duncan is the Key to all of this along with Turcotte.
While this was going on, Duncan had been kidnapped by a group who claimed to be the backup Majestic-12, set up 50 years ago, in case of problems. They tell her, that they need her to access her blocked memories, without telling her the reason. They are under the influence of the Swarm, the aliens the Airlia claim to be defending Earth from. Fortunate for all parties, this group of Swarm, has no means of space travel or space communication available to call in re-enforcements, yet. Duncan is the Key to all of this along with Turcotte.
March 25, 2014
As usual, this book starts off where “The Grail” leaves off. Lisa Duncan has been shot and the aliens are starting to get organized to fight each other with humans in between. Mike Turcotte and his small collection of very different people are trying to find a way to stop the coming war and prevent the annihilation of humanity. He knows that neither side in the alien conflict give a rats a** about the humans that will be slaughtered or turned into nano virus driven zombies.
He must find two things: 1. Excaliber and 2. The second mother ship which has the Master Guardian Computer. It’s believed that getting those to items together or working will prevent either Airlia side from controlling Earth.
Of course finding these two items isn’t going to be easy. They are hidden in almost completely inaccessible places on Earth and several previous attempts to recover them have ended in the death of all involved. Yet Turcotte cannot fail. He also struggles with the idea that something has happened to Lisa Duncan which might change their relationship forever.
Additionally, we get a hint that nobody in this book is really who we think they are; not Mike, not Mualama, not Lisa Duncan. So who are they?
He must find two things: 1. Excaliber and 2. The second mother ship which has the Master Guardian Computer. It’s believed that getting those to items together or working will prevent either Airlia side from controlling Earth.
Of course finding these two items isn’t going to be easy. They are hidden in almost completely inaccessible places on Earth and several previous attempts to recover them have ended in the death of all involved. Yet Turcotte cannot fail. He also struggles with the idea that something has happened to Lisa Duncan which might change their relationship forever.
Additionally, we get a hint that nobody in this book is really who we think they are; not Mike, not Mualama, not Lisa Duncan. So who are they?
January 18, 2019
I'm really worried about what's going to happen with certain characters. I'm also wondering now that Excalibur has been found if something else will end up happening.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 13, 2021
This was my favourite book in the series so far. I have been critical of the series in the past as the storyline at times felt disjointed. This was not the case with Excalibur. All in all, the story was edited tighter, and the story flowed much better. The story is building up rather nicely, and I can't wait to read the next book.
I listened to the audiobook on Scribd, and the narration was excellent.
I listened to the audiobook on Scribd, and the narration was excellent.
July 8, 2026
Robert Doherty, continues with his series, Area 51. As I read the last couple my mind goes back and forth between, when is this going to move a little faster and how does the author keep up the action.
"Excalibur" was definitely better than the # 5 in the series, "The Grail". The second half of "Excalibur", moves into overdrive with a pace I which the whole series did. I'll keep reading, at least for a book or two.
"Excalibur" was definitely better than the # 5 in the series, "The Grail". The second half of "Excalibur", moves into overdrive with a pace I which the whole series did. I'll keep reading, at least for a book or two.
October 20, 2019
Just a dumb over the top adventure series. I stopped reading this for awhile because it was getting a bit too crazy to track but I've come back because somehow I've gotten used to how crazy it is and the series is a lot of fun. I always wondered how these really big series (10+ instalments) could work I guess I am starting to see how.
January 3, 2020
To my disappointment, he sixth book in the Area 51 series turned out to be mediocre at best. The narrative trudged along in a very slow pace and I often found myself bored. It picked up at the end but it wasn't enough to save the book from the title of worst in the series (for now). Three stars just because I'm a fan of Mr. Mayer's and on to the next one.
May 22, 2018
Best so far.
So far, this is the best in the series. After six books in the series, I am more amped to read more than I was after the first book. The story has never had any predictable parts. Not in six books. On to the next book.
So far, this is the best in the series. After six books in the series, I am more amped to read more than I was after the first book. The story has never had any predictable parts. Not in six books. On to the next book.
January 17, 2021
This was a pleasure to read. Multiple plots multiple aliens multiple people all stating they are right. Excalibur plays a major part as often the case with these books turning a myth on its head. Joyous. But overall an easy read. So one star less.
April 3, 2025
It is such a relief . . .
. . . to be assured, after 6 full entries in this series, that every main character is STILL dutifully “racking the bolt to make sure there’s a round in the chamber” each and every time they pick up their weapon.
EACH. AND. EVERY. TIME.
. . . to be assured, after 6 full entries in this series, that every main character is STILL dutifully “racking the bolt to make sure there’s a round in the chamber” each and every time they pick up their weapon.
EACH. AND. EVERY. TIME.
February 24, 2019
It couldn't be better!!
Some of the best of its kind I've ever read. Very rich and well written. Good job, Bob! I highly recommend this series.
Some of the best of its kind I've ever read. Very rich and well written. Good job, Bob! I highly recommend this series.
August 2, 2019
excellent read author does a great job continuing this series this entire series has been one that i didnt want to put down
August 20, 2022
8/10: Excellent read, well written, fell right into the fictional world created.
Read
January 24, 2023DNF
July 24, 2026
As the war between the aliens and humanity intensifies, the hunt is on for Excalibur which will define the war and could bring victory.
October 19, 2012
Excalibur is the sixth book in the Area 51 series, and things are really starting to build up again in the storyline. This was another sub-plot book, that saw a major plot come to a conclusion at the end of the book. There is certainly much more to be discovered about this story in the remaining few books, but I think this book was a turning point of sorts, which should lead to even better stories in the concluding volumes.
Overall I have really enjoyed reading this series up to this point. It's been a fun ride, even if much of the story is somewhat predictable. But the author does throw a number of curve balls at you that were difficult to predict, which really adds to the enjoyment of the series. I know I've said this in my other reviews, but if you like these kinds of modern day, flying saucer, alien, area 51 style SciFi stories, then you will certainly enjoy this one. I definitely recommend it. :)
Overall I have really enjoyed reading this series up to this point. It's been a fun ride, even if much of the story is somewhat predictable. But the author does throw a number of curve balls at you that were difficult to predict, which really adds to the enjoyment of the series. I know I've said this in my other reviews, but if you like these kinds of modern day, flying saucer, alien, area 51 style SciFi stories, then you will certainly enjoy this one. I definitely recommend it. :)
May 12, 2014
This fun series keeps rolling along as we approach the "final" book #7 The Truth. (There are more books in the series, technically, but they are more stand-alone additions rather than part of the 7 main novels).
The action continues on multiple fronts as each major character must take an active role in the effort to stop the alien rivalry. The pace has definitely picked up as well with the final 50 pages literally transitioning from one character's perspective to another after just a few paragraphs. Everything is happening at once and yet the author is able to keep juggling all of the plots in a well coordinated structure. It's definitely a page turner and also enjoyable to see events shaping up for the final novel. There are any number of ways for this to turn out and I'm excited to see how it goes.
The action continues on multiple fronts as each major character must take an active role in the effort to stop the alien rivalry. The pace has definitely picked up as well with the final 50 pages literally transitioning from one character's perspective to another after just a few paragraphs. Everything is happening at once and yet the author is able to keep juggling all of the plots in a well coordinated structure. It's definitely a page turner and also enjoyable to see events shaping up for the final novel. There are any number of ways for this to turn out and I'm excited to see how it goes.
March 28, 2015
These books just get better as we progress. I don't know if the author had the entire road map laid out but the way he has woven all of our history and mythology into this one premise is quite impressive. From what I gather it seemed like when he wrote the first book he just took popular alien conspiracies and wrote a story around it. Once he realized that the book was successful he had to come up with other angles which could have horribly backfired but by the time he wrote this book you can certain see a master plan emerge as he wraps all our myths and legends into one type of origin. Impressive.
February 15, 2016
This book was a bit uneven, and felt more like a connector book than a complete book. The first half felt like a lot of recap and very little story. The second half felt a bit rushed and as though the author was thinning the herd, as we ended with less characters than we started with. Overall, it felt like he was tying up one story arc and setting up a whole new arc - hence, a connector book. Granted, I'm pretty intrigued to see where it goes next, so I guess it sorta worked in the end. The parts on Everest were quite interesting, though more of that and less recap would have been better.
July 31, 2013
The series keeps getting better. I felt a good portion of this book was just build up to the last chapter or two but it was definitely worth it. Whereas the last couple of books ended on a pretty low note for the human race, things finally going in their favor brought me much satisfaction. Knowing Artad and Aspasia (and maybe even the Swarm) are sure to strike back hard makes the anticipation for the next book that much stronger.
November 8, 2010
Hated it! Got through maybe half of the book before I gave up. Too many changes in place, time, and characters within the each chapter. Gave me a headache. I'm not sure what genre this would fit in because it had a little bit of everything: aliens, soldiers, kings, computers, land, water, air, biblical references, etc.
Not my cup of tea.
Not my cup of tea.
Read
January 20, 2016In this book of the series, we are forced to question the true identities of several characters that have played important roles in the plots of the earlier books. Also, we go to Mount Ararat to find Noah's ark and to the "top of the world," Mount Everest, to retrieve Excalibur ...
Next, perhaps we'll stay at a Holiday Inn Exprerss ... :-)
Next, perhaps we'll stay at a Holiday Inn Exprerss ... :-)
May 12, 2016
Unlike the previous entry in the series this one is pretty good. A return to the fast paced action, a complete lack of endless readings from the big book of secret history, tense scenes, and the start of the third world war. A great story.
August 10, 2012
At times I was very confused about who the good guys were. Powerful ending and now on to the next one!
October 29, 2012
Finally getting some answers. Looking forward to what comes next.
January 5, 2014
Good, as expected.
May 2, 2014
Intriguing. Thought provoking.
This was one of the most thought provoking books, in the Area 51 series.
Every that you think that you are will be questioned.
This was one of the most thought provoking books, in the Area 51 series.
Every that you think that you are will be questioned.
December 26, 2014
overall I like the book, but it is not as good as the rest of the series that I have read so far. The story continues to be fun, and am curious to see how the many side stories turn out.
February 13, 2016
Good
Good notGreat but just enough to keep you wanting to read the next in the series of books which is what I'm getting ready to do
Good notGreat but just enough to keep you wanting to read the next in the series of books which is what I'm getting ready to do
July 25, 2016
The grand finale was a little disappointing and Mayer has no qualms about killing off main characters.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews