What do you think?
Rate this book
Sam Reilly #9
Code to Extinction
Extreme weather conditions are wreaking havoc on the world, and baffled scientists are unable to discover the cause.
The most powerful hurricane in history approaches New York, while at the same time atmospheric rivers flood Las Vegas. Wildfires spread through Canada, and Europe is wracked by powerful earthquakes.
Most bizarre of a tempestuous mass of dark, foreboding sky seems to be spreading across the globe.
In Arizona, an astronomer tries to decipher the hidden message inside a thirteen-thousand-year-old megalithic stone, which just might hold the key to everything.
Can Sam Reilly and his unique team break the Code to Extinction?
The most powerful hurricane in history approaches New York, while at the same time atmospheric rivers flood Las Vegas. Wildfires spread through Canada, and Europe is wracked by powerful earthquakes.
Most bizarre of a tempestuous mass of dark, foreboding sky seems to be spreading across the globe.
In Arizona, an astronomer tries to decipher the hidden message inside a thirteen-thousand-year-old megalithic stone, which just might hold the key to everything.
Can Sam Reilly and his unique team break the Code to Extinction?
361 pages, Paperback
First published December 20, 2017
983 people are currently reading
531 people want to read
About the author
Christopher Cartwright
82 books242 followersChristopher Cartwright writes spellbinding mysteries and suspense novels. Often with a backdrop of ocean adventure. Born in 1983, he has a background as a paramedic, and is an avid sailor and SCUBA diver.
He holds degrees in paramedics, nursing and emergency management.
Chris currently lives in Sydney with his wife and two children.
He holds degrees in paramedics, nursing and emergency management.
Chris currently lives in Sydney with his wife and two children.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
August 19, 2018
Code To Extinction by Christopher Cartwright and narrated by David Gilmore is an Audible book I requested and the review is voluntary. I loved this book!!! I love the science of things like polar shifts! This has that along with the possibility of end of world and government cover-up, lots of action, adventure, underground tunnels and undersea cities. Very intriguing. The narration is always great 👍. Love it.
January 14, 2022
I love a good action story but this book is RIDICULOUS!!! It is so bad I have to vent! Has the author done any research? The action scenes are too stupid to keep reading! One of the main characters, Sam, supposedly free dives to a depth of 300 plus feet at the famous Blue Hole and finds an assassin diver waiting at that depth to attack him! Really!!!!!!!!!!!!! What type of super gas mix tank allows a diver to 300 plus feet?!?!?! And after the initial fight at depth, the diver does not need to do any decompression stops before rising to the surface to chase Sam? Really??? Once they are on the surface, both Sam and the attacker get on a float plane and fly away! Really!!!!!!!!!!! If someone does a normal dive to 30 feet, they are advised to NOT FLY for 24 hours to avoid the bends!!!! And these two characters supposedly dove to 300+ ft and then immediately hop on a float plane and fly away?!?!?! This is beyond stupid! Anyone capable of doing that kind of diving would know better than to fly and if they did not know better, they would most likely be dead or in very bad shape, writhing in pain from the bends!!!!!!!!!!!! The writing for this book is beyond STUPID!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The author could at least get these type of action details correct. If the reader cannot trust the basic action scenes then there is no belief for the story or the characters. Shockingly bad writing!!!
March 2, 2018
Alright, now that I've had time to calm down after my initial post-book emotional reaction:
I still very much feel that the book ended way too abruptly. With that said, I have absolutely devoured the entire Sam Reilly series ever since I discovered it a year ago. This series is a must read for anyone into this genre and this book continues to build on the excellence of the series up until the end.
While I am disappointed with the ending of Code to Extinction, I will place my faith in Cartwright to make it up in the subsequent books. I will always want more Sam Reilly!
I still very much feel that the book ended way too abruptly. With that said, I have absolutely devoured the entire Sam Reilly series ever since I discovered it a year ago. This series is a must read for anyone into this genre and this book continues to build on the excellence of the series up until the end.
While I am disappointed with the ending of Code to Extinction, I will place my faith in Cartwright to make it up in the subsequent books. I will always want more Sam Reilly!
December 23, 2017
Sam Reilly adventure continues.
After waiting patiently for this book to be released, couldn't download it quick enough. Yet again Christopher has excelled with this book. A thoroughly riveting read, it also answers a lot of questions from the Aleutian portal. Please tell me you will give us more Sam Reilly adventures Christopher. From one of your best fans, thank you.
After waiting patiently for this book to be released, couldn't download it quick enough. Yet again Christopher has excelled with this book. A thoroughly riveting read, it also answers a lot of questions from the Aleutian portal. Please tell me you will give us more Sam Reilly adventures Christopher. From one of your best fans, thank you.
July 27, 2020
This book is all right. I have only read two other books in the series. I wish I had read the book that comes right before this one. I think that things would have made more sense. I really like the action parts of the story, but I wish there were less scientific explanations. I still like it and will probably read more of the series.
July 11, 2020
I really enjoyed this Sam Reilly action adventure with all his usual colleagues.....this book was so intriguing and I enjoyed the virtual tour around the world especially when travel is not possible IRL atm.
I listened to the audio version of this book but for the love of god can the narrator actually listen to what Australian accents sound like.....you do not do this accent justice.
I listened to the audio version of this book but for the love of god can the narrator actually listen to what Australian accents sound like.....you do not do this accent justice.
May 3, 2020
A unique team of specialists searches for the Master Builders’ remedy for the end of the world.
This is part of a series. There are some blanks that I assume were explained in earlier books, and while the main storyline quest was completed, the last chapter clearly says, “But, wait, there’s more!”
Maybe I was tired, maybe I was distracted by my small children, but this story just seemed to lack color. It is the distinction between ‘telling’ and ‘showing.’ I also had trouble caring about the characters, or understanding the motivation for some of their actions.
A couple definitions seem to be taken verbatim from Wikipedia.
Several good vocabulary words.
No sex. Some kissing.
Lots of evolutionary science.
Includes cussing, blood, gore.
This is part of a series. There are some blanks that I assume were explained in earlier books, and while the main storyline quest was completed, the last chapter clearly says, “But, wait, there’s more!”
Maybe I was tired, maybe I was distracted by my small children, but this story just seemed to lack color. It is the distinction between ‘telling’ and ‘showing.’ I also had trouble caring about the characters, or understanding the motivation for some of their actions.
A couple definitions seem to be taken verbatim from Wikipedia.
Several good vocabulary words.
No sex. Some kissing.
Lots of evolutionary science.
Includes cussing, blood, gore.
April 27, 2020
AUDIOBOOK REVIEW
Sam is back again doing what he does best. This time him and the team are investigating odd weather conditions and volcanic fluctuations which could be linked to the task Sam is on to stop the extinction of man. Can they find the stone and the answers before it’s too late. Now normally with these books I suggest not to join Sam if he’s on his adventures but this time the safest place for you may be by his side to ensure he can save the day. If you love Indian Jones type adventures this series is for you. I still don’t know where he gets all his ideas from
Sam is back again doing what he does best. This time him and the team are investigating odd weather conditions and volcanic fluctuations which could be linked to the task Sam is on to stop the extinction of man. Can they find the stone and the answers before it’s too late. Now normally with these books I suggest not to join Sam if he’s on his adventures but this time the safest place for you may be by his side to ensure he can save the day. If you love Indian Jones type adventures this series is for you. I still don’t know where he gets all his ideas from
April 17, 2019
Code to Extinction, my ninth read from author Christopher Cartwright & the ninth book in the highly entertaining Sam Reilly series. Well-written and captivating thriller with well-developed main characters. Reminds me of Dan Brown’s early writing as well as the character of Indiana Jones. I’ll be reading more by this author as I already own more books in the series! (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
October 19, 2018
Another fast paced adventure with Sam Rielly and gang! These are very good stories.In this one a family is torn apart ,stones are lost and found and people die.It is all in saving the world! David Gilmore is a great narator.I was given this book by the narrator,author or publisher free for an honest review.
March 6, 2020
Interesting
Not a series that I am reading and I am invested in many other series, so this will be a one of read. Though it is the ninth book in the series it is able to be read with out the preceding books. The Author keeps you up to date without excruciating recounting of the preceding books. Well written and thought out. I enjoyed reading the book.
Not a series that I am reading and I am invested in many other series, so this will be a one of read. Though it is the ninth book in the series it is able to be read with out the preceding books. The Author keeps you up to date without excruciating recounting of the preceding books. Well written and thought out. I enjoyed reading the book.
January 15, 2018
Another Great Book
Intrigue, suspense and a mix of humor and sleepless nights to finish it. Interesting premise of days end with Sam and friends in the middle of it again. Thanks Chris
Intrigue, suspense and a mix of humor and sleepless nights to finish it. Interesting premise of days end with Sam and friends in the middle of it again. Thanks Chris
January 23, 2018
Loved iy
Edge of my seat. Waiting to see the out come. Can't wait for the next book.
Sam Riley doesn't disappoint. Makes you wonder if Cartwright isn't privy to real world happenings. So detailed and scary to think about it actually happening.
Edge of my seat. Waiting to see the out come. Can't wait for the next book.
Sam Riley doesn't disappoint. Makes you wonder if Cartwright isn't privy to real world happenings. So detailed and scary to think about it actually happening.
July 28, 2018
This is a very well thought out read, very well researched, fiction/fact are so well mated, a very good thought provoking,(is this the correct term?) I give it 10/10,as do all Sam Reilly`s escapades.
March 2, 2019
Can the death stone provide the clues & tools to save the world, Sam Reilly certainly hopes so. As Sam & team rush to halt the prophecy, another group is hell bent on completing it. Good book that moves at a nice pace, not quiet the climax I was expecting.
February 24, 2020
Scientific Apocalypse
Tale of ancient foretelling and modern day studies of the world end.
Super talented team of specialists working to determine what might be needed in order to turn around certain destruction.
Tale of ancient foretelling and modern day studies of the world end.
Super talented team of specialists working to determine what might be needed in order to turn around certain destruction.
August 17, 2023
This one starts putting together some of the bigger themes and plots, and I personally enjoy a bit of the scifi elements that Cartwright introduces with this book! I don’t know if I have more questions answered or more to ask after!
I love this series. I think they could use a a lot of editing, less details about ships, weaponry, cars, etc. and more emphasis on the intense scenes. Many times throughout the series, I find myself feeling nervous, claustrophobic, in suspense, and flipping pages to get to the next scenes, which I enjoy a lot. Those bits that draw on about specific details, brand names, or mechanics take me out of the action sometimes.
I do also question if there are enough edits to paraphrase information about locations found online. I love that in this series, I find myself googling places I’ve never heard of, and I often find the travel to be the most immersive element. However, when I do a search online to look up a place and get a visual while reading, I often come across a very very similarly written article to the books.
Two other issues: there is an overarching plot that is the most interesting bit, but in the later books, some of the original details don’t seem to add up anymore. I may not be far enough to see it come together, so take that with a grain of salt. And, the descriptions of female characters can be a little jarring. Every woman seems to be fit, with lithe muscles and perfect teeth and a Lara Croft personality. Even more bookish, older, or one-off female characters are subject to this brush over. I enjoy the individuality of each one’s backstories, but I think some variety in appearance, or at least better initial descriptions than their…physical attributes…would be appreciated, too!
All of that being said, I’ve almost caught up to the currently published book and I have no intention of stopping the series. I loved the Uncharted games, and this reminds me heavily of that style. Action, adventure, thrilling discoveries, and an overarching plot which is generally well thought out.
I love this series. I think they could use a a lot of editing, less details about ships, weaponry, cars, etc. and more emphasis on the intense scenes. Many times throughout the series, I find myself feeling nervous, claustrophobic, in suspense, and flipping pages to get to the next scenes, which I enjoy a lot. Those bits that draw on about specific details, brand names, or mechanics take me out of the action sometimes.
I do also question if there are enough edits to paraphrase information about locations found online. I love that in this series, I find myself googling places I’ve never heard of, and I often find the travel to be the most immersive element. However, when I do a search online to look up a place and get a visual while reading, I often come across a very very similarly written article to the books.
Two other issues: there is an overarching plot that is the most interesting bit, but in the later books, some of the original details don’t seem to add up anymore. I may not be far enough to see it come together, so take that with a grain of salt. And, the descriptions of female characters can be a little jarring. Every woman seems to be fit, with lithe muscles and perfect teeth and a Lara Croft personality. Even more bookish, older, or one-off female characters are subject to this brush over. I enjoy the individuality of each one’s backstories, but I think some variety in appearance, or at least better initial descriptions than their…physical attributes…would be appreciated, too!
All of that being said, I’ve almost caught up to the currently published book and I have no intention of stopping the series. I loved the Uncharted games, and this reminds me heavily of that style. Action, adventure, thrilling discoveries, and an overarching plot which is generally well thought out.
October 26, 2021
Brief synopsis from the book cover:
Extreme weather conditions are wreaking havoc on the world, and baffled scientists are unable to discover the cause.
The most powerful hurricane in history approaches New York, while at the same time atmospheric rivers flood Las Vegas.
Wildfires spread through Canada, and Europe is wracked by powerful earthquakes.
Most bizarre of all: a tempestuous mass of dark, foreboding sky seems to be spreading across the globe.
In Arizona, an astronomer tries to decipher the hidden message inside a thirteen-thousand-year-old megalithic stone, which just might hold the key to everything.
My rating:
Plot: 4 out of 5 stars
Writing: 4 out of 5 stars
Character development: 4 out of 5 stars
Overall: 4 out of 5 stars
Recommended for readers of:
Action and Adventure
Review:
This is a fast paced action packed book. It has all the ingredients of a great action and adventure novel. It is suspenseful, with a bit of mystery, a real life action hero and of course thinks happen fast and situations change quickly. The book is nicely written and the story flows well. The main character is a real hero but his actions match is character.
This is book nine in the Sam Reilly series. Most books have a proper ending so they can be read as a standalone. That is also the case with this book
Overall:
This is an action packed story with plenty of excitement. The characters are heroic and likeable without being unrealistic. The storyline is interesting with a nice mixture of action and suspense.
Extreme weather conditions are wreaking havoc on the world, and baffled scientists are unable to discover the cause.
The most powerful hurricane in history approaches New York, while at the same time atmospheric rivers flood Las Vegas.
Wildfires spread through Canada, and Europe is wracked by powerful earthquakes.
Most bizarre of all: a tempestuous mass of dark, foreboding sky seems to be spreading across the globe.
In Arizona, an astronomer tries to decipher the hidden message inside a thirteen-thousand-year-old megalithic stone, which just might hold the key to everything.
My rating:
Plot: 4 out of 5 stars
Writing: 4 out of 5 stars
Character development: 4 out of 5 stars
Overall: 4 out of 5 stars
Recommended for readers of:
Action and Adventure
Review:
This is a fast paced action packed book. It has all the ingredients of a great action and adventure novel. It is suspenseful, with a bit of mystery, a real life action hero and of course thinks happen fast and situations change quickly. The book is nicely written and the story flows well. The main character is a real hero but his actions match is character.
This is book nine in the Sam Reilly series. Most books have a proper ending so they can be read as a standalone. That is also the case with this book
Overall:
This is an action packed story with plenty of excitement. The characters are heroic and likeable without being unrealistic. The storyline is interesting with a nice mixture of action and suspense.
June 15, 2023
I generally enjoy this series which strongly reminds me of Clive Cussler’s Dirk Pitt books. This one, however, missed the mark for me by showing me something I knew to be wrong and thus making me doubt the rest of what I was reading. The problem began when Sam Reilly scuba dived to 300 feet where a bad guy waited to try and assassinate him. They struggle and then return immediately to the surface—which was really bad because they didn’t take the time to acclimate to the decreasing the depth. Then Cartwright had them jump in a plane and fly away. Now, I am not a scuba diver but I have read a lot of fiction involving underwater storylines and all of the divers in those stories worried about a little thing called the bends. So, I’m not an expert, but I’m quite certain you can’t just swim three hundred feet straight to the surface and I’m pretty sure that you are not allowed to fly in an airplane right after you dive. These things bring—at the least—torturous physical pain. At the worst, all that nitrogen being released in your body can kill you.
Now, sometimes I can get past a major mistake like this in a book and go on to enjoy it. But this error was so fundamental (Sam is under the water in just about every book) that it just threw me out of sync with the author and I never recaptured that suspension of disbelief that is so critical to enjoying a novel.
Now, sometimes I can get past a major mistake like this in a book and go on to enjoy it. But this error was so fundamental (Sam is under the water in just about every book) that it just threw me out of sync with the author and I never recaptured that suspension of disbelief that is so critical to enjoying a novel.
June 1, 2021
Okay, so clearly I've managed to miss quite a few in this series jumping from #3 to #9 (doh!) but other than some character references to past events I don't think that I've missed much, although clearly this does fit in to some larger story that Reilly and his team are involved in. Having said that, this does work well as a standalone book and was a gripping fast paced read that intertwined ancient history, global destruction, and good old fashioned secret societies and political/personal greed and power. There were times where things were a little too unbelievable for me, which did detract from the story a little bit, both in terms of the supposed factual moments and some of the action sequences (the diving competition bit is one that sticks in my head on that front). But this was an enjoyable read none the less, now I'd better go back and fill in my series gaps.
July 16, 2021
Another cataclysm averted, but.....
Even as the worlds poles realign and things appear to return to normal here on Earth, politicians and the military begin tinkering once more with things better left alone as they attempt to corner the market on unfathomable power and destruction....Hold on Sam and crew, do not go far as you will soon be needed yet again! Heart stopping action and evil masquerading in plain sight!
Even as the worlds poles realign and things appear to return to normal here on Earth, politicians and the military begin tinkering once more with things better left alone as they attempt to corner the market on unfathomable power and destruction....Hold on Sam and crew, do not go far as you will soon be needed yet again! Heart stopping action and evil masquerading in plain sight!
October 22, 2020
Another fast paced action filled trip around the world. Sam Reilly travels all over the world in his adventures, and in this time of lock-down, it is good to hear about old cities in Italy, Sri Lanka, the Amazon, Lord Howe Island, Siberia, New York, Hawaii, Namibia, and more, all on a race to save the world.
May 17, 2021
A Thrilling Adventure
Sam Reilly and his team are faced with an end of the world scenario. To save the world and the human race, they must find four stones and place them in four secret locations. The clock is ticking and a large asteroid is headed for Earth. Can Sam and his team save the Earth from destruction?
Sam Reilly and his team are faced with an end of the world scenario. To save the world and the human race, they must find four stones and place them in four secret locations. The clock is ticking and a large asteroid is headed for Earth. Can Sam and his team save the Earth from destruction?
July 30, 2021
Action and adventure!
Excellent follow up to the last story. Great action with everything on the line. Loved some of the character development on back characters. Such a sad ending though. I really felt for them, which is a great compliment to our author for finding a way to make me care. Recommend you read the two book series.
Excellent follow up to the last story. Great action with everything on the line. Loved some of the character development on back characters. Such a sad ending though. I really felt for them, which is a great compliment to our author for finding a way to make me care. Recommend you read the two book series.
March 15, 2023
I am working my way through the series and for the most part they are entertaining despite being a little out there. My only complaint so to speak is the narrator, not my favourite by a long shot but have gotten used to the characters so am living with it. It’s fiction so I take the stories with a grain of salt. Easy to follow in audio.
December 23, 2023
Well i am glad the book ended with an ending. No 8 did not so it was refreshing to know it had an ending. The ending was blaugh. The entire book was good and I loved the different areas and the descriptions. I just seemed like the author got tired and said ok this is the end and it was not suspenseful or anything like that. Will not read the next books.
January 5, 2025
Review of this book.
This book finally brought answers to all the loose ends in the series so far. It brought closure to a father and two sons. Finally found the man who tried to kill Sam. The series will pick up with the Master Builders. It promises to get extremely exciting. I cannot wait to read the next book in the series.
This book finally brought answers to all the loose ends in the series so far. It brought closure to a father and two sons. Finally found the man who tried to kill Sam. The series will pick up with the Master Builders. It promises to get extremely exciting. I cannot wait to read the next book in the series.
February 25, 2020
Not bad
An entertaining adventure novel but not a real stand alone. Many references to previous stories left me confused at times. The premise was a bit far fetched for my taste but overall a pleasant read.
An entertaining adventure novel but not a real stand alone. Many references to previous stories left me confused at times. The premise was a bit far fetched for my taste but overall a pleasant read.
February 26, 2020
Great read. Cartwright has put together a fantastic group of characters. They play well together and keep you rooting for them. All the while you will be turning pages to see what happens next. Can't ask more from a thriller than that.
March 3, 2020
Will Sam and his colleagues be in time?
I picked up this book without noticing it was part of a series. I will be picking up the others. Mr Cartwright reminds me of Matthew Reilly, David Gibbins and Andy McDermott . If you enjoy a fast paced story I would recommend this series .
I picked up this book without noticing it was part of a series. I will be picking up the others. Mr Cartwright reminds me of Matthew Reilly, David Gibbins and Andy McDermott . If you enjoy a fast paced story I would recommend this series .
Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews