The Aztec Heresy (A Finn Ryan Novel)

Overall, I'd say "The Aztec Heresy" was a good read, especially if your just in search of pure fun and entertainment. I'll admit, the characters were shallow and, at times, cliche, especially the stereotypical language used by the British character Lord Billy Pilgrim. The story contained no overlying message or moral lesson, which was pretty much so a given just from looking at the cover. But the author didn't intend "The Aztec Heresy" to be the kind of book that would alter your outlook on life, he wanted to provide the reader with a source of entertainment and he does this well. Regardless of the books size, the print is rather large and the story is much shorter than I expected it. It goes by much faster than you'd anticipate and, by the time you reach the middle-end of the book, your almost wondering when the story is going to kick it into high gear. The beginning was a bit slow but went by quickly. I won't go into depth and ruin it, but I believe that the ending compensated for the somewhat lacking beginning. In a way, it reminded me somewhat of an Indiana Jones film with the ancient treasures and good vs. evil scenario. So, in closing, if your looking for a book that'll change you outlook on life and really make you think, than don't bother buying it. But if your the kind of person who liked the thriller/adventure genre and authors like Clive Cussler, James Rollins, and Matthew Reilly, than you'll probably enjoy the Aztec Heresy.

The premise of this book is rather simple with the standard treasure hunt procedures; good guys, bad guys, some gray but questionable characters and a mysterious religious order all want a piece of adventure while some just want to make some money on it all running loose in the jungle at some point in the story line. When a sunken ship from four hundred years ago, rumored to have carried the location of secret Mayan treasure hidden by Hernan Cortez himself form the Spanish rulers is suddenly a hot commodity for treasure seekers, American Finn Ryan and Brit Billy Pilgrim, all hell breaks loose and people start dying as secrets come out. Those who simply want to reveal a part of history to the world are being chased by men from Cuba, Mexico, America and even the Vatican finding that all the random activities are somehow connected and they all seem to lead to The City of Gold. It seems that the actions taken by our friends wake those sleeping in slumber over the vigil for such curious behavior. When submarines, lost nuclear bombs, power struggles and a large pharmaceutical company combines forces the only thing that ensures is an outbreak of madness that seem to trail Finn and Billy. They must first find the Codex with the map upon a wreckage of a mysterious ship rumored to have sunk near the Bahamas and then find the temple that houses gold objects found by Cortez. A sweaty journey through a jungle, ravaged by ants and killer animals and the dives is what makes this book exciting. The story is also a semi espionage type of a thriller with more weaponry and submarine talk than I have ever experienced and while there are a lot of characters in it, only a few are memorable. I didn't enjoy the fact that they were introduced in a bit of a robotic manner, instead of knowing who they were first the reader got to hear their biography and then got to learn of their character later on. The book, even though wasn't perfect, was entertaining and I read it in about two days because it was somehow strangely alluring and adventure stories are always fun. It wakes up the kid in us who always wanted to be an archaeologist and for those who are always behaving like adults there is plenty of action and dangerous activity. The story was looking very broad when a lot of characters and plots were starting to unfold and I was wondering how on Earth was the author going to tie it all up, in the end he did a pretty good job. I just wish this was more about the treasure itself and little less about crazy people with personal gains but overall a good story. This was more of a 3.5 star book but after finishing it I felt that I had a good time reading it so I give it 4 stars. I am looking forward to reading more of Finn and Billy's adventures as the author has all ready included them in his previous books. This is perfect for hot summer nights with a cool drink in hand and plenty of night to read into, enjoy. - Kasia S.

In 1521 the Nuestra Senora was carrying treasure meant for the Spanish Royals, but it was lost at sea during a storm. Also gone is the Codex, the guide to where Cortez stole the gold and jewels from the Mayans he conquered. He did this because he knew that if he went back with all the booty he would be excommunicated and declared a heretic. In 1962 two hydrogen bombs were dropped from planes over the Yucatan. In the present, in the general archives of the Indies in Seville Spain, treasure hunters Finn Ryan and Lord Billy Pilgrim are looking for clues to the lost treasure ship. Their efforts lead them to an Israeli spy who tells them to go to a Frenchman who owns a bookstore. He informs them of the chronicles of the Codex and where the ship is located. It is held by psychotic drug dealer Guzman who makes a deal with pharmaceuticals businessman James Noble and his son Harrison. Guzman has the two bombs dropped over forty years ago and hopes to deal with his Cuban allies who want them. There is going to be a showdown on the Yucatan as different groups want the bombs, the treasure ship and the Codex; all tied to the man who would be King of Mexico Guzman. THE AZTEC HERESY is an action-packed thriller with a persistent heroine mindful of Lara Croft. The scenarios are set up so that the escapades could easily be seen as a Caribbean movie (starring a female Indiana Jones). However, readers do not get to know the characters very well because the emphasis is on the adventures that keep on coming one after another. Readers who appreciate a fast-paced 200 proof action adventure thriller will want to read Paul Christopher's engrossing epic. Harriet Klausner