The Bones of Odin

Matt Drake, Book 1

By: David Leadbeater

Narrated by: Nigel Patterson

Length: 9 hrs and 2 mins

Publisher's summary

Did ancient Gods like Odin and Zeus and Thor once really exist?

The time has come for a grand adventure filled with high excitement and explosive action.

Matt Drake, a retired SAS officer, must unravel a mystery older than time in his search for the Nine Pieces of Odin. Though scattered aeons ago, it is believed that once the Pieces are reunited they will show the way to the Tomb of the Gods - the greatest archaeological find of all time.

From a rocket attack on the Louvre to a battle in a Swedish cavern, from a daring helicopter raid on New York's National History Museum to an assault on a gangsters mansion in Hawaii, Matt Drake must find the world's oldest treasure in one of the wildest places on earth, searching for the very bones of the gods with the spoils of victory being the entire world.

©2012 David Leadbeater (P)2014 David Leadbeater

Pleasantly Surprised.

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I didn't have the highest expectations going into this book but as I said I was pleasantly surprised.I was quickly drawn into a really fun and fast paced story. All the characters were very like able and I was left quite satisfied with the ending. I really hope audible produces the rest of Leadbeater's series.

What does Nigel Patterson bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

He did amazing work with character accents. That being said his female New Yorker could use a little work, haha.

Great Opener for a Series

Leadbeater creates interesting and fun characters. I especially like the integrity of his heroes and the importance friendship plays in their lives.

If you like his newer series The Relic Hunters, you will probably enjoy this series as much or more.

If you can, get the Audible version as it adds much to the reading experience.

How to rate this?

As I sit here writing a review I have not yet rated it because I just don't know how. I am sure that the story is worth 4 stars (I think Mr. Leadbetter has a little more growing to do as an author) and I liked the narrator even though I found his pronunciation of some words distracting. Not his fault, I am not English. So an easy 4 there. So why not an overall 4? Sorry but that would constitute a spoiler so I'm not going to tell you any more. But it's why the overall is a 3!!!

The bones of odin

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Bones of Odin?

A thrilling story told in a fast paced style with action on almost every page. A great audio book for those who like action, mystery, adventure, etc. Lots of fun to listen to.

In Character

What other book might you compare The Bones of Odin to and why?

Dirk Pitt series by Clive Cussler is the obvious comparison. Hero with Government help. A not so weak female companion and mythical basis for storyline.

Which scene was your favorite?

The unveiling of the tombs was interesting.

Any additional comments?

I would have been interested in the Author finishing his premises regarding the Gods rather than leaving them up to the reader/listener.

Non-stop Action from start to end! Well acted!

The Bones of Odin: Matt Drake, Book 1 by David Leadbeater. Narrated by Nigel Patterson. I just have to say right out of the gate I was hooked. This book is right up my genre alley! Knew when I was given the opportunity to listen to this for an honest review that this book would affect me. Now it will have me sizing other books of this type against others. I was so enthralled with the action, the humor and a bit of romance. I don’t know why some readers seem to find that there was so many pot holes throughout the book. THIS IS A FANTASY READERS! They need to listen to the book for the context that it was written in. (Did purchase the book to read it as well and Whispersync) Found this is in the style of Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child using an artifact or myth as the base of the book.

Matt Drake a retired SAS officer just trying to have a near normal life. Working as a photographer for the fashion industry. His roommate Ben, a computer geek and assistant is on a photo shot. Models under the staging of Odin’s shield. Then he hears the thunk, thunk of the blades. Some kind of publicity stunt was Matt’s first thoughts. When their world is turned upside down when helicopters come in and start to land in the middle of his photo shot. Not just any helicopters but, Apaches. Soldiers dropping down from them. Guns. First what Matt thought was a promo turns out to be as real as the Germans that were coming off of them.

Let me back up first! Prologue – a myth behind the story. Odin is a god from the Viking era. (I was hook from this point) and the search for the 9 parts that are thrown to all points of the wind. Then the author proceeds throughout more time periods surrounding the myth of the pieces of Odin. Then the book starts bringing in more gods throughout out history. I just love this stuff. Blend of history with myth.

Now returning back to the body of the book. So now Matt wants to know what is going on. At a bistro he discusses this with his roomie Ben. Being overheard pulls in the next character of the book, Kennedy Moore, NYC cop that is on a force leave. She interrupts the conversation between the men. Asking questions that only a cop would do. Hesitant on Matt’s part. Wondering if she is someone that was planted. Questioning her and before she and even Matt realizes is now a part of the team. Wait, the last thing Matt wants is to be drawn into anything that he so wanted to leave behind. His former military life. Or is this something that he never left? Calling and confirming with his contact at the SAS slowly, they get him involved. No book spoilers here! Once you start to listen you will not want to pause it for a moment.

This story is very fast pace with an evil doer that wants all nine pieces of Odin. That “I want to rule the world scenario”.

What I love about David Leadbeater is he throws in the humor with the Ben’s character throughout the book. His parents always calling him at the wrong time. Gun fight, crawling thru caverns, and planes. Yet, this character does show other emotions showing him as a real person. Matt Drake and Kennedy are as driven as their past/present careers would have them. Yet, they find themselves re-evaluating those careers. About their slow moving attraction to each other or is it just a close building friendship.

What I would have love to seen was a timeline throughout the story. I think it was needed it. It was a driven story and the pace was quick throughout. Had that in one book I listened to and the real time at the beginning of each chapter made it like the show 24 hours? The additional cast of characters all seem to have some connection to Matt or Kennedy. It now has me wanting to listen to any of the other books that he has written. Now in my wish list.

The narrator Nigel Patterson did an excellent job acting out the parts of the book. Really after years of listening to audio calling the narrators is not really the correct term in my words. It is not like a documentary. It is a book with a cast of characters that relies on acting them out. That is exactly what Nigel did. A bit week on the female voices. Most men do and it is understandable. However, I did like Kennedy’s voice reminded me of my New Yorker friend. Real Manhattan voice. Well done! Mr. Leadbeater and Mr. Patterson!

This audio book was provided to me by the narrator Nigel Patterson for an honest review. All the views above are strictly mine and in no way was I influenced by others. I encourage you to leave a comment if you found this review helpful or not.

Don't mess with Matt Drake

I received this audiobook free of charge in exchange for an unbiased review

I have read all the Matt Drake books and seen the character development and interactions grow. This is a good fast paced adventure and the series only gets better.

This is the first audiobook by Nigel Patterson that I have listened to, he brings a new dimension to the series. He is easy to listen to and understand, creating different accents is hard but he does it well. I am looking forward to the next one.

The Bones of Odin

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

not really

Any additional comments?

I was expecting a more mythological bent to this story.To me it was WAY too much action/adventure than a storyline that flowed.I found myself just waiting for the drama to simmer so we could get back to the story.
Nigel Patterson was a good narrator for this book.His voices for the characters were perfect.
I was gifted this audible copy for a fair review

Quite an adventure

Over just a few days time, an unlikely group of people embark on the adventure of a lifetime. Stories of Odin and other mythical characters come to life in a fun tale that takes the reader all over the world. Overall, I really enjoyed it, but at times felt a little lost on who was who and also found myself wishing for just a little more details. I kind of got the feeling that the author was rushing the story along a little too much. I do recommend it though.

A fantastic start to the series

This author is new to me, and if the first book is any indication, I’m going to enjoy the series. It reminds me of the Chase & Wilde characters in Andy McDermott’s long running serial. It’s not just the English author feel, either. There’s a similarity that will feel very comfortable to fans of McDermott’s books.