The Hunt for Atlantis

By: Andy McDermott

Narrated by: Gildart Jackson

Length: 13 hrs and 33 mins

Publisher's Summary

A lost civilization. A dangerous quest. A deadly secret....

It's one of history's most enduring and controversial legends: the lost city of Atlantis. Archaeologist Nina Wilde is certain she's solved the riddle of its whereabouts - and with the help of reclusive billionaire Kristian Frost, his beautiful daughter, Kari, and ex-SAS bodyguard Eddie Chase, she's about to make the most important discovery in centuries.

But not everyone wants them to succeed: a powerful and mysterious organization will stop at nothing to ensure that a secret submerged for 11,000 years never resurfaces. More than one would-be discoverer has already died in pursuit of Atlantis's secrets - including Nina's own parents. Failure isn't an option.

From the streets of Manhattan to the Brazilian jungle, from a Tibetan mountaintop to the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean, Nina and Eddie will race against time - and follow a trail of danger and death to a revelation so explosive, it could destroy civilization forever.

©2009 Andy McDermott (P)2010 Tantor

Critic Reviews

"McDermott's debut, already an international best seller, raises the bar to please adventure junkies who prefer to mainline their action." ( Publishers Weekly)

Tedious

What disappointed you about The Hunt for Atlantis?

The heroes were initially developed well but somewhere along the line they were all lobotomized. The plot dragged along because our heroes fell into every obvious trap there was. The characters themselves were not too bad and that was the only thing that kept me going to the end. I have read other McDermott pieces and was disappointed.

If you could play editor, what scene or scenes would you have cut from The Hunt for Atlantis?

There are too many to mention and all of the actions scenes were painfully long and predictable once you realized the formula.

Any additional comments?

Do not waste a credit on this one folks.

8 of 8 people found this review helpful

No Maturity

I've listened to the first half and there have been many times I felt myself becoming less intelligent for listening to the dialog. Each time I felt like turning it off, but it seemed it was still better than nothing. I've finally come to the realization that "nothing" IS better than this. The characters act like what you'd expect from 14 year-old boys.

The story itself is entertaining, but I can't get past the dialog.

14 of 16 people found this review helpful

So bad I returned then rebought to be able to revi

I actually enjoy books with some intellectual basis (because I am a total geek), but want trash that doesn;t make me think too hard after a hard day of sorting through Estate tax statutes or Medicaid rules. This seemed perfect- murder mystery set in a backdrop of exotic locales and archeological discussion. I could not have been more wrong. There is absolutely nothing which would make this book even remotely readable.
First, I lost the body count and so can give only a rough estimate of the non humann casualties which include (but are not limited to): several helecoptors, 1 motorcycle, 3 trains (1 of which is highjacked), innumerable cars, a high tech bio lab, 3 ancient cities, 1 entirely innocent villiage with all inhabitants, a private plane, at least one bridge, 2 submarines- need I go on? There is also both racism and the belief even by the nonn racists that race=predestination and that cnspiracies can survive for mellinium without anyone being the wiser despite an apppparantly vast number of people involved and willing to do anything including unnecessary murders to continue it.
Also, there is apparantly a love story in this which seems to be brought on by glimpses of something like basic humanity masked by crudeness, lack of intelligence, and farting and belching to ensure emotional distance (or perhaps because of gas).
I actually purchased this book was so disgusted that I returned it, discovered that I could not warn anyone who had not, in fact, kicked my cat and therefore deserved this book as a form of torture, not to read it under any circumstances. I felt so strongly about this that I bought it again to say: unless you need penance for flinging flaming kittens into an orphanage on Christmas in a former life, do not read this book. Just don't. Even the violence doesn't make sense.

13 of 15 people found this review helpful

Really disappointing.

Incredibly and unnecessarily gory, if this were a movie it'd be rated R for violence. And the performance made the women sound arch and cutesy, even though these women are PhDs. The story could've been so much better without the violence and with the addition of more archaeological fantasy. The descriptions of the archaeological sites were wonderful.

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Bad narrator

The narrator sounds like an elderly british man, and confess, the narration isn't my favorite. I prefer more of a vocal range, and although he tries, he isn't quite able to bring this to life like a better narrator could. I'm still slogging through it, but wanted to warn people to check the sample to see if you like the narrator before buying.

9 of 11 people found this review helpful

Enjoyable book with quality audio

This book will appeal to fans of Indiana Jones as it combines treasure hunting, archaeology, mythology, and strong male and female protagonists. They travel to several key locations and find archaeological sites that may relate to Atlantis.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Hoo-frikkin'-RAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

What did you love best about The Hunt for Atlantis?

At the end, I felt as beat to hell as Chase, himself!

Who was your favorite character and why?

Chase, of course. He's kind of a watered down, feminized version of Yours, Truly. I really feel for the guy. ;-D

Which scene was your favorite?

The one includng the word, "bedroom".

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

See above!

Any additional comments?

Pretty much defines the term, "RIPPING YARN!" I felt twelve years old, reading H. Ryder Haggard for the very first time.

4 of 5 people found this review helpful

A pleasant diversion

Is there anything you would change about this book?

If you are looking for a true to life, accurate, plausible, realistic story, this might not be your cup of tea. That's the one thing I would change, -if everything could have been just a little more 'plausible'. But hey, it's not a documentary, it's great Fantasy.

Would you be willing to try another book from Andy McDermott? Why or why not?

Yes, I think the writing style lends itself to audiobooks.

What three words best describe Gildart Jackson’s voice?

Firstly, Gildart Jackson is a fine presenter, narrator. I must add the Nota Bene that; When he does a Woman's voice, it sounds like a flamboyantly gay male. I actually laughed out loud a couple of times, I can't say why other audiobook narrators somehow manage to pull it off without sounding this way. But it's no big deal, -only noteworthy because the question was asked.

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

A follow up? I can't imagine how they would pull that off! But what the heck, I like and recognize Andy McDermott now and I'm all about loyalty so Yes!

Any additional comments?

Follow me on Twitter! @maimecat

4 of 5 people found this review helpful

The start of a great action series

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

The characters were fresh and fun. The action non-stop. Each action sequence, and there were plenty here, bigger and crazier than the last.

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

Yes. This is the very definition of a page turner. The action constantly ratcheted up with each chapter. Could not wait to see what would happen next.

Which character – as performed by Gildart Jackson – was your favorite?

Eddie Chase. The character is a lot of fun...that comes through clearly here

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Generally the tone was less being moved and more one of excitement. The most moving part related to Hugo and the his story...his premonitions and how they play out.

Any additional comments?

If you have not started this series yet...hop on board for non-stop action and a pretty good amount of humor. Highly recommended.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

If you like Clive Cussler

This isn't quite in the same class as Clive Cussler's recent thrillers but it's pretty close. Action, a well plotted story and great characters.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful