The Atlantis Gene: The Origin Mystery, Book 1

A.G. Riddle is a relatively new author, but he really hit the ball out of the park with the Atlantis Gene; which is the first of two books- the second book being the The Atlantis Plague (which is equally great, but I'll review that book separately). Within the first few pages of the book I was hooked. I finished the book in two days and immediately purchased the second book in the series because I had to know what happened next; it is rare that I am so enthralled with a book that I will finish it that quickly. Kate is a wonderfully believable character and heroine. Having a doctor (Kate) as a main character can often leave readers confused and attempting to decipher a lot of unnecessary medical jargon which is completely irrelevant to the book; however, this is not the case in The Atlantis Gene. Yes, there is some medical jargon, but everything is explained in a way that even someone with little knowledge of the medical field feels completely comfortable while reading without feeling like the author is being patronizing or condescending. In my opinion, making a medical mystery/thriller without sounding condescending is a difficult task to accomplish; but A.G. Riddle absolutely nailed it. David, our second hero in the novel, didn't feel like your traditional "knight in shining armor" type character; which was nice. With a lot of books your main hero doesn't feel real and when you don't believe in the characters the book loses that special appeal. Yes, he does end up saving Kate (more than once), but he has depth as a character and doesn't come off as a dumb jock. There is some romance, but it is kept to a minimum; a quality a appreciate because the book focuses on more serious issues, but it does allow for character development. A brief synopsis (without spoilers): Immari's goal is to release a plague causing mass genocide for the eventual advancement of the human race by essentially 'bottlenecking' (or drastically reducing) the human population to force evolutionary advancements to occur; and they are using the research of our heroine- Dr. Warner- to commit this egregious act. Dr. Kate Warner and former FBI agent David are working furiously to stop this plan from going in to effect with a group of people who may or may not actually be their allies. The Immari are behind some of the most devastating events in history; including 9/11. Labeled as a conspiracy theorist; David has been collecting evidence against the Immari for years while trying to anticipate what is next on the Immari agenda. He rescues Kate after the Immari kidnap her, and they both work to discover Immari's agenda. and to find out what role Kate and her research play in the Immari's plans for destruction; all while blurring the line between science fiction and science and reality. The line between fact and fiction is blurred so much in this book you may find yourself searching the internet to find out which parts were actually fiction. I found that aspect of the book to be both thrilling and frightening. The science behind the book is spot on, and you can tell the author spent a lot of time doing research to get every fact just right. Again, this is something I really appreciated as it gave the book credibility. The Immari villains are reminiscent of rich men conspiring in dark rooms, and making shady deals to the detriment of the public- to me this is the scariest type of villain; ones who publicly claim to be helping while behind closed doors they are plotting mass genocide. There are a lot of plot twists, and a lot of guessing as to which characters are good and which are Immari sympathizers, so you never really know who you can trust.

"The Atlantis Gene: The Origin Mystery" is a thrilling science-fiction novel written by A.G. Riddle. The book explores the possibility of the existence of a highly advanced and intelligent civilization known as Atlantis, which supposedly disappeared millennia ago. The novel follows the journey of Dr Kate Warner, a geneticist who is on a quest to uncover the mystery of the Atlantis gene and how it might relate to the fate of the human race. The story starts with a prologue that sets the stage for the rest of the book. It details a catastrophic event that occurred over 70,000 years ago, which wiped out most of the human race. From there, the narrative shifts to present-day Antarctica, where a team of researchers discovers an ancient structure buried deep beneath the ice. This discovery leads Dr Warner to uncover a link between the Atlantis gene and a deadly virus that threatens to wipe out the entire human race. The plot of "The Atlantis Gene" is intricate and well-crafted, with plenty of twists and turns to keep readers engaged. The novel has an excellent mix of action, suspense, and mystery that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. The characters are well-developed and engaging, each with their unique motivations and backstories. The author does a fantastic job of weaving together multiple storylines, creating a cohesive and compelling narrative that is hard to put down. The book is also well-researched, with the author incorporating real scientific concepts and theories into the story. This gives the novel a sense of authenticity and makes it more engaging for readers who are interested in science and technology. Overall, "The Atlantis Gene" is an excellent read for anyone who enjoys science-fiction or mystery novels. It's a well-written, well-researched, and engaging story that will keep readers hooked from beginning to end. If you're looking for an exciting and thought-provoking read, this book is worth checking out.

I'll start by saying I had no previous inclination to read this novel, no one referred it to me and I wasn't linked by any other book back page ads. Preferring sci-fi lately to any other genre (I used to devour fantasy and murder mysteries like mixed kibble and steak bits to a hungry hound) I flipped through Amazon's list of 'recomended' reading in relation to other books I've read. I have never been a fan of digital reading, but upon purchasing a new laptop that had a kindle ap, I took the digital plunge. I was unaware this was the authors first work, and from the writing I got... giddy. Reading Modesitt, Azimov, Hugh, Alpers, Brin, and following down the alphabet yellow brick road, I've come to see the differences in the styles, though never should I master in my own attempts at writing. In some I've felt daunted, dictionary in one hand for every page I fear a monster of a word I am not sure I understand. In some I chuckle at the banter between characters, and other times I sit literally drooling over how the story unfolds. I've seen simple stories that have only read a few pages, and they've stuck with me. If you can visualize the story being told in your head it's a fireside oral tradition with you retelling the story to others. The images in your head are your own but the story... oh... it really brings your attention to the fore and away from the ever present,, "do I need to pee?" I found the Atlantis Gene and thought, oooh my. Possible aliens, a disease or plague, nazis? Submarine in ice? I think I could get into this... And I did. The characters are believable and you can connect with them without having to have their entire life story spilled out. There is great intense moments where you want to put down the book but you just can't because you KNOW there is a glimmer of the REAL story coming up, that epiphany moment, the butler moment if you will when you as a reader THINK what's coming will reveal to YOU as to the culprit. I always like it when you are so sure that it's the butler, and then BAM it's not and it's not contrived, it's not "oh come on!", it's... "I hadn't thought of that..." and it works. Is The Atlantis Gene worth 5 stars? Is it material worthy of this rating? Yes. Not because my dictionary arm was lax, but because the author obviously grew up along the same lines I have. The comedy, the drama, the darkness, the light. Reading great works are reading greats works of the early days of storytelling. You get the jokes and the intended comments but you aren't there, you don't feel the familiarity. Maybe I'm being presumptuous but this was like reading a story by a friend, someone who's writing I got and I knew why he wrote it. That feeling for me, anyway, of... yeah, I like that. Good one. I wasn't pretentious, it wasn't trying to talk over my head, it was trying to tell a story that was just aching to get out. Great story, great narrative, and the interaction between characters was fun and cheeky yet serious when it was necessary. Thank you Mr. Riddle for the read, already about to start on the sequal. Also you make this amateur writer acknowledge in himself that everyone with a passion has a shot, maybe one day I'll see you on the best sellers list. If I can stop with the editing and foot dragging.

An interesting premise that Atlantians have been conducting scientific studies on humanity for thousands of years. The addition of genes to advance the human race with changes in brain wiring to prevent extinction. The existence of a spaceship and advanced technology to allow continuous monitoring and study of humans. The involvement of Nazis in locating and attempting to use the technology for the war effort. The idea of altered time and using a "flu" virus to deliver continue genetic nuances. The story definitely crosses time. The characters are developed and they have unexpected relationships. There is a concern that the advanced people of Atlantis maybe interested in destroying the human species, but there is uncertainty with the Nasi involvement. The story has plausibility and conjecture. There is action and reflection. The book is definitely a good read and you find yourself reading to find out what happens next. Looking forward to reading the next installment in the trilogy.

The author executed an intelligent, a well entertained, an exciting action filled, and fascinating plot! I see why there are so many positive reviews and I'm absolutely pleased that I completely agree with most of them. I appreciate Mr. Riddle putting some powerful points in this story. Humans, no matter what race, gender, or religion are prone to destroy anything they deem dangerous or different. Although we've come along way, (to reach some semblance of tolerance and peace), since our ancestors. But those urges, (the urge to destroy), is still a powerful factor in our world today. ******BIG TIME SPOILER ALERT********* I seem to almost always have issues with the female characters in my action thrillers. And Kate is no different, but I am bummed she did not win me over at all, because this is a brilliantly written action thriller. I already wasn't fund of Kate's character. She seemed cold hearted, especially when it came to the kids. It just seemed she wanted them back for her research, not because she actually cared for them. I'm doubting myself, but that is the impression I got from her. And then when these jerks offer her freedom for money, she is dumb enough to agree without considering if these a-holes would actually free her. Then, she had the chance to give someone she seemed to care for a warning, and what did she do? -shakes head sadly- To walk away, not giving anyone the choice to choose if they want to fight for their life; when she did that, she became a coward to me. You're dealing with deceitful monsters, and over and over again she is dumb enough to believe every and anything these bastards say. Unbelievable. The further along we get into the story, the more baffled she gets even after everything she's seen and everything she's been through. I was so annoyed with all of her, "that can't be, that's insane, that's impossible." Ugh! Her dumb decision making and her bafflement just turned me off to her, but only after she betrayed who she seemed to care for. If you have dire information that could affect someone's life and you say nothing (that is a betrayal to me). Despite my dislike of Kate, this is an amazing story!! It's so worth the read and the fact that it's only $3.99 plus taxes at the moment, this is practically a steal!! I'm torn between not wanting and wanting to read The Atlantis Plaque because I'm just so annoyed with Kate's decision making but I know it's going to be an incredible action thriller. My girls in our book club wants to give it ago because we did thoroughly enjoy this, and Lily....she's this little blue eyed, blonde hair, Jitsu Master of a fire cracker. Whenever Kate did anything we thought was dumb, Lily would 'pause us' and create a scene of what Kate should have done. LOL because according to her, she's the smarter Kate. :-D So I'm figuring if we do read the next installment it'll be worth it just to see how Lily will create scenes for Kate. Should be fun. lol

I love to read, and I recently discovered this fantastic new author whose book is one of those that I really have a hard time putting down. A.G. Riddle is sort of a cross between Brown and Crichton. His genre, well, what do you call it? Not exactly science fiction, although there is a certain element of that. Like Michael Chrichton, he employs technology and science and things that make you go, "Hmmmm..."; and like Dan Brown that technology is smoothly integrated into -- and tempered by -- plenty of action and adventure. I'm almost finished with his debut Kindle book, "The Atlantis Gene" which is book I of a series; his second will be coming out this fall and I can't wait! This has been a real page-turner. I've fallen asleep reading it many nights -- not because it puts me to sleep, but simply because I can't stop reading. The way Riddle makes his characters come alive reminds me a bit of the old Stephen King (back when he was actually readable). And I thought that not much could surprise me any more in a novel; I'm pretty good at anticipating what's coming in a story when a legitimate storyline foundation has been laid by the author. But "The Atlantis Gene" is full of legitimate plot twists and turns -- especially towards the end of the book -- that have made me sit back and go, O.M.G., I didn't see that coming! This is a real bargain for such a great novel; because Riddle is a new author the book (509 pages) is just $2.99 on Kindle. I have a feeling his next books won't be so cheap though. It's been out for a relatively short time and "The Atlantis Gene" already has nearly 2,500 Kindle reviews with a 4-1/2 star average rating! I love books like this for light reading. The characters and events are so memorable that I can set it down for a couple of days while I'm busy with other things, pick it back up and start reading right where I left off without having to review what I already read to jog my memory, if you know what I mean. The only times I've had to do that were when I've fallen asleep from exhaustion in the middle of a riveting chapter when I just couldn't put the book down. Judging by how riveting "The Atlantis Gene" is and how fast Amazon reports that it's Kindle version is selling, A.G. Riddle is going to be huge. I really don't do this with many authors, but I highly recommend Riddle and this book. It's the very beginning of something big AFAIC.

This book was written for me, I swear. I just finished it after 3 days of neglecting everything else in my life, and thought, "Finally, the powers that be created a story teller who is capable of writing 500+ pages in which every single word is completely to my tastes." The history and the theories behind evolution, religion, autism, Atlantis...well I'm a complete sucker for all of that and Riddle played them perfectly. He wove together several different theories and myths that many people wouldn't associate but it's incredibly believable and makes you want to put your thinking cap on and theorize right along with him. The science portions of the book were incredibly understandable and seemingly accurate. Whether you're a geek or have never watched or read anything "sciency" you'll understand it and it will fascinate you. The writing style is so swift and yet easy going at the same time. The book moves you right along, yet everything is well explained. There are some funny one-liners in it...just the right amount so that they do read as funny instead of cheesy. The action scenes are actually imagineable, like a little movie in my head (and I swear this book will be a huge movie someday) unlike so many other action books. And there is just the teeny tiniest dash of romance thrown in there so your heart smiles for a mere second but you are not in danger of gagging. So the book was excellent, I absolutely can't wait for the next one, and I will 100% recommend it to everyone!!

I've been reading science fiction since the third grade, starting with the Tom Swift, Jr. series by "Victor Appleton II". I also have a degree in English with an emphasis on technical writing. That said, I usually read books twice before writing a review (one for story and one for critique) and this is my first on Amazon. The Kindle books I've purchased range from very good to abyssmal, but I do enjoy reading new writers. "The Atlantis Gene" kept me intrigued because of the storyline; I've been fascinated by the "conspiracy" genre for years, seeing it as a great escape entertainment. This book certainly does that. Mr. Riddle shows a good grasp of the storytelling and setting up the next scene, something many self-published authors lack. I will read the next installment. Now for the negative critique. I have found that new writers, including yours truely, commit the sin of using too many words in their descriptions. Editing prepositional phrases is essetial for narrative flow. We also fall into the bad habit of information dumps that slow things down dramatically. "Atlantis" has many of these, even in the dialog. But, in Mr. Riddle's defense, this novel covers so many interweaving details, both historical and the relationships between characters, it would be difficult to keep track without them. The long narratives by characters were a particular irritant. The lesson taught to me by accomplished fiction writers is to begin a section of information with the character talking, followed by the narrator filling in the bulk of the section. This makes reading easier because we sometimes get so caught up in the information, we forget who is speaking. Understand that I am not complaining about all the information given, but the way in which it is given. A particular pet peave of mine is copyediting, something I do everyday. I have read several self-published books on Amazon, but I've never seen one with sentences beginning with numerals. This is basic grammar and sentence structure. Another difficulty is that written dialog should not mimic real dialog, as found thoughout this story, because it is too difficult to follow. Readers are lazy. We want action, not stumbling. That's not to say the characters have to be perfect, just less indecisive in their speech patterns for our sakes. For the most part, Mr. Riddle is to be congratulated for his effort in "The Atlantis Gene". It is an excellent achievement, one that looks to have been an exercise of research into many of the conspiracy theories, presenting them in a unique and entertaining story.