Doomsday Match

The Dresden Codex, Book 1

By: Jeff Wheeler

Narrated by: Kate Rudd

Length: 9 hrs and 23 mins

Publisher's summary

A vacationing family becomes pawns in an ancient ritual designed to bring about the apocalypse in a riveting thriller by Wall Street Journal bestselling author Jeff Wheeler.

A prophecy has waited for five centuries to be fulfilled. That time has come. Sacrifices will be made. Let the games begin.

When Jonathon Roth and his family are invited by their neighbors, the Beasleys, to join them at a luxury retreat in Cozumel, who can refuse? It’s the perfect winter getaway. Relaxing on the beach, gourmet food, sightseeing, and free accommodations. But if it sounds too good to be true, it is.

Villa Sara de Calakmul, owned by mysterious tycoon Jacob Calakmul, is more isolated compound than private resort. Armed guards patrol the jungle perimeters. Pictures of previous guests—long disappeared—adorn the walls. And there are whispers of something coming called “the game.” Even in the sweltering heat, the Roths feel a chill—and the fear that they haven’t been invited to Villa Sara. They’ve been lured. But for what purpose? And to what end?

From the ruins, a death cult is reborn. A prophecy to bring down Western civilization is being realized. As a legendary blood sport is engaged, the Roths themselves may need to call upon ancient powers if they’re to survive, escape, and save the world from annihilation.

©2023 Jeff Wheeler (P)2023 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

Critic reviews

“Easy to follow, well-paced, and an intriguing concept.” —Midwest Book Review

“A fast-paced and enthralling thriller that blends ancient history, magic, and action. Once I started this book, I couldn’t stop—and loved every single scene. A masterpiece of story and setting. Highly recommend!” —A. R. Torre, New York Times bestselling author

“Jeff Wheeler knocks it out of the park with his supercharged thriller Doomsday Match. From the very first scene, you know you’re in for an incredible thrill ride full of constant danger and relentless twists—set against a jaw-dropping conspiracy background. Just when you think you’ve figured out Wheeler’s game, he artfully rips the rug out from under the reader, shaking up the plot. If you’re a fan of fast-paced, devious conspiracies with a little more than a touch of magic and mysticism, Doomsday Match is for you!”—Steven Konkoly, Wall Street Journal bestselling author

“Fans of James Rollins and Dan Brown will love this stunning new thriller from Jeff Wheeler. Doomsday Match is utterly engrossing, a dark and complex tale filled with ancient secrets, adventure, and betrayal. You won’t be able to put it down.” —Melinda Leigh, #1 Wall Street Journal bestselling author

Fascinating!!

I think I’ve ready every book that Jeff Wheeler has written. Some are poetically beautiful, others are gripping, but everyone has been a good read, and ones I’ll be reading again!! They are blood pumping but never crude. Love them!!

Pretty good but some inconsistency

I don’t know why but it really annoys me when Serena “fell asleep” in the cenotes that a few paragraphs before the author said had flat walls that couldn’t be climbed and that anyone in would need to tread water in. Sleep trending? 🤣

Excellent

Well developed characters. Great story. I enjoyed every minute of this book. A must read.

Compelling story line

Jeff Wheeler is a very gifted literary artist who can weave compelling characters and story lines together to draw you into the adventure.

A Wheeler fantasy set among Mayan ruins

This is an interesting change from Wheeler’s King fountain-like stories. Set in modern times, the Roth family accepts an invitation for a Christmas stay at s as private resort on Cozumel. They begin to suspect that they were invited for nefarious reasons when they see the compound guarded by men with automatic weapons.

The family escapes the compound and are hunted by those armed men. Most of the story covers the family’s fight to save their lives.

Elements of magic start to appear, but play a minor part in the plot until later in the story.

Very good!

It was a change from what I am use to reading but this was tru to Jeff’s way of keeping you in the book and frustrating when having to put it down. Hungry for the next book!

Bravo!

New setting. Different focus. But so Jeff Wheeler. The themes of equality and the underdog with power, of strong family loyalty and strategic game play, the melding of science and magic make this a story you won’t want to miss!

Loved it!!

Absolutely great story start to finish. The narrator brought the story to life. Can’t wait to see what happens next.

Won't ever go to Cancun for Christmas....

I really enjoyed it. Not my usual style of book but I read it because Jeff Wheeler wrote it. Interesting to learn about Mayan culture.

Super fan

I enjoyed this book and can hardly wait for the next. Jeff Wheeler never disappoints.