The Atlantis Gene

The Origin Mystery, Book 1

By: A.G. Riddle

Narrated by: Stephen Bel Davies

Length: 15 hrs and 44 mins

Publisher's summary

The greatest mystery of all time...the history of human origins...will be revealed.

Seventy thousand years ago, the human race almost went extinct. We survived, but no one knows how.

Until now.

The countdown to the next stage of human evolution is about to begin, and humanity might not survive this time.

The Immari are good at keeping secrets. For 2,000 years, they've hidden the truth about human evolution. They've also searched for an ancient enemy - a threat that could wipe out the human race. Now the search is over.

Off the coast of Antarctica, a research vessel discovers a mysterious structure buried deep in an iceberg. It has been there for thousands of years, and something is guarding it. As the Immari rush to execute their plan, a brilliant geneticist makes a discovery that could change everything.

Dr. Kate Warner moved to Jakarta, Indonesia to escape her past. She hasn't recovered from what happened to her, but she has made an incredible breakthrough: a cure for autism. Or so she thinks. What she has found is far more dangerous - for her and the entire human race. Her work could be the key to the next stage of human evolution. In the hands of the Immari, it would mean the end of humanity as we know it.

Agent David Vale has spent 10 years trying to stop the Immari. Now he's out of time. His informant is dead. His organization has been infiltrated. His enemy is hunting him. But when David receives a coded message related to the Immari attack, he risks everything to save the one person that can help him solve it: Dr. Kate Warner.

Together, Kate and David must race to unravel a global conspiracy and learn the truth about the Atlantis Gene...and human origins. Their journey takes them to the far corners of the globe and into the secrets of their pasts. The Immari are close on their heels and will stop at nothing to obtain Kate's research and force the next stage of human evolution - even if it means killing 99.9% of the world's population. David and Kate can stop them...if they can trust each other. And stay alive.

©2013 A.G. Riddle (P)2014 Audible, Inc.

It's Sci-Fi, Wait it's a Spy Novel, or?

What made the experience of listening to The Atlantis Gene the most enjoyable?

I enjoyed the characters, even amid the stereotyping. The overall story kept me interested and I didn't see some of the twists coming. I truly can't decide what to call this genre; thankfully, it hit a number of genres that I enjoy all at once. There's the sci-fi aspects of Atlantis and the action of a John Le Carre novel; and throw some nazis in there for fun.
The changes in perspective separated the multiple time periods which kept the reader's attention.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Well, Kate of course...she's really the hero even if she doesn't think so. She doesn't ask for any of the action within the plot and yet she keeps moving forward no matter what.

What three words best describe Stephen Bel Davies’s performance?

Great reader- good characters EXCEPT one. Dorian gnawed at me as a voice that sounded too female for a male character. It confused me. Clear speaker, no weird pronunciations, even with the accented characters.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

"This time we need a scientist to save humanity."

Stopped listening because of the narrator.

I couldn't get past the lack of consistent emotional inflection by the narrator. Some passages are ok, in fact, quite good, then this flat rote cadence slaps you in the face. Sad, because I really wanted to read this book.

Reads like a movie script

What did you like best about The Atlantis Gene? What did you like least?

The story is not wholly unoriginal and on the surface sounds interesting, but alas, the story jumps around and takes the long road in story telling.

What was most disappointing about A. G. Riddle’s story?

I think Riddle wrote this with the idea he was gonna get a movie deal.

Would you listen to another book narrated by Stephen Bel Davies?

He did fine, hard to judge since I didn't like the book all that much.

Could you see The Atlantis Gene being made into a movie or a TV series? Who should the stars be?

I think that's the authors intention all along.

Any additional comments?

This is not a wholly bad book, but it doesn't have characters with depth or anyone to care enough about. Pretty generic book.

must be a movie

I love it!! I am getting book 2. very excited!!! look forward to more adventure!!!

interesting story terrible narrator

Had to listen at speed 1.15 to be able to stand the annoying slow and overreacting voice

kinda hard to follow

1 if many great line of books. it was hard to keep the information fresh.

Oh golly

Twist and turns. Fantastic book. Can't wait to listen to number 2. The narrator does have this annoying upward inflection on 90% of his sentences that make him sound constantly surprised, but you get used to it.

Fast Paced Roller Coaster Ride

This story opened at a sprint and never slowed down. It's a complex story with a lot of characters and I did get a bit confused at times. It is a fun "read" and I do look forward to the next book in the series.

Story had potential but the narrator was horrible

Would you try another book from A. G. Riddle and/or Stephen Bel Davies?

Not if Stephen Bel Davies narrated it. An audiobook is first and foremost an auditory experience. If you can't stand the sound of the narrator's voice, you can't get into the story. The description of the book looked appealing but as soon as I started to listen to it, I had a hard time. I tried to get through several chapters, but his voice just grated on me.

What did you like best about this story?

No idea since I could not get past the first few chapters because of the narrator's voice.

How did the narrator detract from the book?

He sounds like a robot and nasally. It was not enjoyable to listen to. He was choppy and sometimes had a whine in his voice. I had to stop listening.

Do you think The Atlantis Gene needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

No idea. I could not get through it.

Any additional comments?

Pick a different narrator.

amazing book

Would you listen to The Atlantis Gene again? Why?

I really love this book ... If you like T.V. shows like Ancient Aliens, or Atlantis lost city. You will love this book. It really makes you think.