jbronderbookreviews

Meet Me in Atlantis: Across Three Continents in Search of the Legendary Sunken City

by Mark Adams

A few years ago, Mark Adams made a strange discovery: Far from alien conspiracy theories and other pop culture myths, everything we know about the legendary lost city of Atlantis comes from the work of one man, the Greek philosopher Plato. Stranger still: Adams learned there is an entire global sub-culture of amateur explorers who are still actively and obsessively searching for this sunken city, based entirely on Plato’s detailed clues.  What Adams didn’t realize was that Atlantis is kind of like a virus—and he’d been exposed.

In Meet Me in Atlantis, Adams racks up frequent-flier miles tracking down these Atlantis obsessives, trying to determine why they believe it’s possible to find the world’s most famous lost city—and whether any of their theories could prove or disprove its existence. The result is a classic quest that takes readers to fascinating locations to meet irresistible characters; and a deep, often humorous look at the human longing to rediscover a lost world.

Amazon     Barnes and Noble     Goodreads

My Review

5 stars

Atlantis is one of those great myths in time that seem to draw people in and leave them hunting for more. Mark Adams was curious about Atlantis and caught the bug to know more. But the story of Atlantis is told solely by Plato which means this could be about a real city or a philosophical view of people. Mark looks into different stories that people have come up with to explain Atlantis. You will range from those based off of Plato’s story to some that are way out there.

I loved this story. Of course there is not going to be an ending but it was a great read to follow along with Mark as he discovered a lot more about Atlantis than I even knew about. And in the end the question is if we are seeking a real ruined city or if we are trying to find that perfect civilization that ends in ruin.

If you like the story of Atlantis and want more information I recommend checking out this book. It definitely opened my eyes to those that chase the Atlantis myth.

I received Meet me in Atlantis from the publisher free of charge. This does not influence my opinion of this book.

Read Full Post »

Liar’s Key (Sharpe & Donovan – 6) by Carla Neggers

An FBI legend, a mysterious antiquities specialist and a brazen art thief draw top FBI agents Emma Sharpe and Colin Donovan into a complex web of blackmail, greed and murder in the eagerly awaited new novel in the highly acclaimed Sharpe & Donovan series

Emma Sharpe is suspicious when retired Special Agent Gordon Wheelock, a legend in FBI art crimes, drops by her Boston office for a visit. Gordy says he’s heard rumors about stolen ancient mosaics. Emma, an art crimes specialist herself, won’t discuss the rumors. Especially since they involve Oliver York, an unrepentant English art thief. Gordy and Emma’s grandfather, a renowned private art detective, chased Oliver for a decade. Gordy knows Wendell Sharpe didn’t give him everything he had on the thief. Even now, Oliver will never be prosecuted.

When a shocking death occurs, Emma is drawn into the investigation. The evidence points to a deadly conspiracy between Wendell and Oliver, and Emma’s fiancé, deep cover agent Colin Donovan, knows he can’t stay out of this one. He also knows there will be questions about Emma’s role and where her loyalties lie.

From Boston to Maine to Ireland, Emma and Colin track a dangerous killer as the lives of their family and friends are at stake. With the help of their friend, Irish priest Finian Bracken, and Emma’s brother, Lucas, the Sharpes and Donovans must band together to stop a killer.

No one creates exciting, action-packed romantic suspense and international intrigue like New York Times bestselling author Carla Neggers.

Amazon     Barnes and Noble     Goodreads    Website

My Review

4 stars

There are rumors of art from war torn countries being stolen to fund terrorism. Retired agent Gordon Wheelock is looking into these rumors when he is warned off of them. Emma and Colin start looking into these rumors when Gordon is discovered murdered. From Boston, to Maine and to Ireland, Emma and Colin follow the rumors about the missing mosaic.

Emma and Colin are getting ready for their wedding when they go on the hunt for the stolen mosaic. I liked the different settings, especially Ireland. I liked the plot of the book, you were constantly wondering where Emma’s loyalty lay with her own family’s involvement.

This is the first book in this series and I was hesitant if I would be missing parts of the story. I fell into place quickly with the notes of the different characters so I know who was who. But I will admit that there is a large cast to keep track of and I think if I would have read the previous book that might have helped me.

I am torn on this book. It was interesting when it finally got to the story. I am curious enough by this book to read the first book in the series, Saint’s Gate. I will let that be the deciding factor to if I keep reading the series.

I received Liar’s Key from the publisher free of charge. This has not influenced my opinion of this book.

Read Full Post »