After barely escaping from his last project alive, Professor Elliot Brand wanted to spend a few calm months lecturing in London. But when a billionaire presents him the perfect mystery, he can't resist and soon finds himself in a dangerous world of Nepali spies, ancient ruins, and a truth about humanity that might change the world forever, or end it ...
Blending real science with fiction, this book takes you on a journey into the origins of mankind and its many mysteries.
So I found this story interesting but I didn't exactly care for the ending. I just found the ending kind of weird and hard to believe? Like is this supposed to be about ancient civilization or is it supposed to be a creature feature?? I suppose it could be both but I think maybe the author is a tad confused as to what he wants to write? Mind you I like creature stories but if I am reading a book on ancient civilization \ archeology \ adventure then I think maybe the creatures really don't belong in the story??
Through most of the story not much actually happened. It all seems to happen at the end. Then there is some big discovery and some creatures and a bad guy with action... But I did not find it satisfying at all. Plus the event that happens is just so bizarre it is not believable to me _ kind of ruined the story.
One of the weird things the author tries to say in here is that rocks can be so old that they just disintegrate into dust all by themselves just by time passing. If that is the case then why do we have dinosaur bones and stuff? We have dinosaur footprints in rock. I really don't think stuff can just turn to dust by itself. Look at the bodies in Pompeii. Preserved.
This was a good attempt but it was not really satisfying. Especially not the end.
The characters were ok. It was the plot \ archeology I had a problem with.
Mind you I believe there WAS an advanced civilization before ours - its just the details in here are kind of weird?! Especially the event at the end. I just cannot believe it and that pretty much ruins the story.
In the realm of science fiction, few audiobooks manage to blend the thrill of discovery with the resonance of myth as seamlessly as T.S. Falk's "The Ancient Code," narrated by Nathaniel Priestley. This 2024 publication is not merely an audiobook; it is a cerebral journey that challenges the listener's perception of history and humanity's place in the cosmos.
**Narration: The Voice that Weaves Worlds
Nathaniel Priestley's narration is nothing short of a masterstroke. His voice, rich and commanding, yet suffused with a warmth that beckons the listener closer, transforms the experience into an intimate exploration. Priestley's cadence and tone shift deftly as he embodies the various characters, from the driven Professor Elliot Brand to the enigmatic figures that populate the story's expansive landscape. His performance is a vivid tapestry that enhances the text, allowing listeners to immerse themselves fully in the world Falk has created.
**Plot: A Tapestry of Intrigue and Ancient Mysteries
"The Ancient Code" follows Professor Elliot Brand, a man whose thirst for knowledge leads him down a path fraught with danger and revelation. After a narrow escape from his previous endeavor, Brand seeks solace in academia, only to be lured back into the fray by a mystery that promises to unveil the origins of mankind. Falk's narrative is a labyrinthine puzzle, where each piece is a revelation that propels the listener deeper into the heart of an ancient enigma.
The story is a deft amalgamation of science and speculation, where fact and fiction blur, leaving the listener to ponder the plausibility of the theories presented. Falk's writing is a homage to the genre's greats, reminiscent of A.G. Riddle's intricate plotting and James Rollins' pulse-pounding action sequences.
**Themes: A Reflection on Humanity's Quest for Knowledge
At its core, "The Ancient Code" is a meditation on humanity's insatiable quest for knowledge. It explores the dichotomy between what is known and the vast expanse of the unknown. The audiobook delves into themes of creation, evolution, and the potential consequences of uncovering truths that might be better left hidden. It is a narrative that questions the very foundation of human belief and understanding.
**Conclusion: A Journey Worth Taking
"The Ancient Code" is a triumph of the science fiction genre, a work that is as thought-provoking as it is entertaining. It is a reminder of the power of stories to transport us to worlds beyond our imagining and to confront us with questions that resonate long after the final word has been spoken.
It felt like a cheap Indiana Jones knock off with way too much unnecessary action. It has nothing to do with real science-fiction. Was it really written for adults? My 10 year old nephew would have enjoyed this "adventurous book".
It deserves 2 stars though, since I learnt a new definition, the Hayflick limit.
The plot is a typical Indiana Jones plot, if you are into it, it could be a good read. The main characters (incl. super hot English History and Archeology Professor) go on an adventure to find a missing professor who has been exploring a possible ancient civilization in the deep caves of Nepal. Lots of shooting, chasing scenes with the bad guys, and romantic scene with the main character and his new woman.
I was looking for a science-fiction, or rather a hard science-fiction book. That is not what I got. My first and last book from T. S. Falk.
Boring, bland, child-like, colorless plot.. and limp, dull, tedious & monotonous charactors. Gawd Awful! I read a considerable amount of science fiction.. Good science fiction: Preston& Child, Koontz, Cronin, Sandford & more. I forced my way through this book, certain that it would develop an amazing, twisted or fantastical happening.. or ending. Wow.. Was I wrong! I only finished it so I could write this WARNING: Do not waste your time or money on this adolescent novel. I wasted time.. but not money. Returned to kindleunlimited asap.
T.S. Falk has become my new Archeology Thriller favorite author. He gives James Rollins a good run for his money.
I've now read three of his juicy, ca n't-put-downable books. With his highly complex plots, uniquely imaginary stories, and solid, developed characters, each book was an adventure I will never forget.
I look forward to reading the rest of the 10 books in this series. Why don't you try one on for size?
It's an updated version of an Indiana Jones-type story. It does contain editing errors. Would be nice as a start of a series featuring the professor and the spy!
Great tall story that moves at a fast pace. Characters are a bit shallow in their development but relatable.token romance odd.Occasional critical spelling mistakes distracting. Overall entertaining.
We always suspected that there was more to human history than what our history books say. This story gives it a totally new spin. People created by humanoid race as their slaves then made mortal, quite interesting view. But where did those Ancients come from?
I enjoyed this book very much. It had some intriguing ideas on the origin of the human species. It was rather surprising. I hope the next ones in the series are as good.
WHAT A RIDE. If you like Ancient Aliens and books of Dan Brown, you will LOVE this one. It was so thrilling, fun and captivating, I couldn't put it down. Onto the next one!
I rarely DNF, but I can’t finish this one. I made it to 26%. The grammar and punctuation mistakes were irritating, but the biggest issue with this book for me is that it seems to be written by a man who views women only as objects for the male gaze and not human beings with worth beyond beauty and sex appeal. The author describes the body of every woman the main character encounters, whether she is an assistant, stewardess, or intelligence officer (those are the 3 of the 4 women I encountered by chapter 7).
So you don’t have to take my word for it, here are some examples:
“He suddenly became aware of Ashra’s slender physique. Her slight frame accentuated her perfect figure, and in the high heels, her legs seemed endless. Elliot doubted she was much of a martial artist. Her body looked almost fragile, but her strong steps betrayed a remarkable energy” (p 71).
“A young woman stood below, in her twenties at best. Again, a striking beauty, but she had a seriousness about her, with her hands folded behind her back in an almost military fashion. Her black hair was tied into a ponytail, and she wasn’t tall, but her slim body looked toned as if through training” (p 55).
“Elliot couldn’t help but follow her with his eyes for a moment. Lindfors liked to surround himself with beautiful women, that much was obvious; Bornholm, the stewardess… it told him a lot about the man. He wasn’t as focused as he seemed, preferring his company to be distracting by nature” (p 45-46).
Curiously the author never describes men’s bodies in such detail.
It all just came across as really gross and distracting from the story. I’m not going to waste any more of my time on it.
I gave this book three stars which was a bit of a push but just ‘ok’ in order to acknowledge the general story line. It could have been very enjoyable for those who like off the wall origin stories but was spoilt, practically beyond redemption, by the appalling translation. I read to the end as a couple of reviews suggested it was worth doing so. I cannot agree and would actually recommend the people don’t even start. If I’d paid for this book I would be demanding a refund.
The Ancient Code is an interesting but not well written story about the discovery around year 2020 of traces of ancient aliens on earth. A nice 3 hour read. I will be reading book two in the series.
I liked the tension between the old and younger professors, and the the attraction between the young professor and the spy. The only thing missing was adult sexual activity.
The story is a good one, however it doesn't appear to have been proofread, or it has been written by someone whose first language isn't English, I spent a lot of time reporting the errors, but still an enjoyable romp.
I recommend this SYFY mystery to anyone who enjoys the search into the past civilizations only to learn we have it all wrong. Good protagonist and interesting plot. A fun read.
We are still finding people who lost their lives in the Himalayas over the last century and we know who to look for. Many more items could be hidden or forgotten with time.
Interesting concepts that were only partially developed. I would have given this book 4 stars but lowered my rating due to errors in the research - i.e., there were never any Mayans in Peru, there are monks at Rinchenling Monastery, not priests; bats don't make nests, etc. Also, I thought the gargantuan bats and convenient mass destruction towards the end of the book were a bit much and took away from what could have otherwise been a very thought-provoking and interesting read.
I think this type of genre has been saturated by this type of premise, to have a truly original story on this subject you have to think outside the box, unfortunately I think this one is still in it. There is nothing new here. As batty as it may seem I didn’t feel excited or exhilarated by it, if I have to categorise or rate it I would say it was okay, average, mediocre.
This book is a book anyone could write. It’s short nothing new story line wise and has the worst ending. I’m glad I didn’t buy this book directly. Definitely worthy of Kindle Unlimited but little else.
God this pissed me off. I really don’t know who the intended audience for this was but obviously people who don’t believe the field of anthropology has to be decolonized
Argh! I enjoyed it but hated it... I am definitely on the fence of not coming back for round 2 (sequel) unless something dramatic happens.
We've got a book that follows a indiana jones kind of person who is trying to find his mentor in the high mountains of Nepal. His mentor found out somekind of platinum sphere that hints to something more but he needed money for an expedition. Unfortunately as all people who fund this kind of expeditions need return. Since he disappeared, our main character is tasked of finding him - by any means necessary. What he finds in Nepal is amazing and could lead to changes in society.
I really enjoy the discovery part of the book, I enjoy some actions scenes that exist. But there are stuff I didn't enjoy and upset me... (no spoilers)
Our main character is arrogant, condescending and moralist - thinking that rich people should share or the main problems that leftists like to identify - the problem is that then he acts the other way around. It happens twice where he thinks two different women only got their jobs because of their looks -and in both instances he discovers that they are beautiful indeed but their skills is what gave them jobs. Then all three woman that appear on the novel are perfect, thin, busty (probably) and so on. There is no flaws on the characters - at all. This author identifies as the main character and wants this goddess.
The second thing I didn't enjoy - and here we have spoilers .
don't get me wrong, is nto a bad book but it's also not great. cliches after cliches. 70/100