Atlantis (Jack Howard)

I have to say I was impressed that a good story could be told without gratuitous sex and foul language!! The story was good and held my attention to the end. While I don't agree with the explanations of the Great Flood the story made sense. I really enjoy the archealogical mystery type of books. This is a great read. I am looking forward to reading his other books.

Gibbins has crafted an original, engrossing tale that makes a wonderful addition to the body of Atlantis-themed thrillers. Two separate discoveries, one in the Mediterranean and one in Egypt, provide clues to the true Atlantis: located in a place that no one had previously suspected. The heroes must outwit corrupt Eastern European warlords as they decipher the clues that guide them to their destination. A cold-war throwback subplot is thrown in to add tension. I appreciated the originality of this story. It's not another "Atlantis under the Antarctic ice" story, nor are the Atlantians an alien race. There's no supernatural element. Instead, the back-story is rich in history and archaeology. If you watch enough History Channel or read up on current archaeology, the location of Gibbin's Atlantis will sound familiar, but to most readers this will be a brand new idea, and a highly plausible one. Also, I have to praise Gibbons for the fact that the Vatican plays no part whatsoever in this story. Hopefully that trend is running its course. Gibbins is a marine archaeologist by trade, and his knowledge comes across in his writing. The story is very strong on history, and leaves no gaps unfilled. He also makes a point to be reasonably well-informed on weaponry and related technology. It's not Tom Clancy-level, but neither is it the generic treatment given by many authors. The reader believes Gibbons knows what he's talking about. The pacing of the story is the area that some people may not like. The first two-thirds of the book, while not void of action, is devoted almost exclusively to discussion and analysis of the history, archaeological record and clues regarding Atlantis. The characters are in motion while this is going on, but most of the dialogue and the thoughts of the point-of-view characters are devoted to unraveling the mystery. There's a great deal of, "Dr. Jones, will you please explain to our colleague...." In fairness to Gibbins, he has a great deal of information to share, and he doles it out through dialogue and narrative voice the best he can. Fans of the fast-paced action thriller will find it tedious. But readers and Indiana Jones fans like me, who love the history and archaeology, will eat it up. I was never bored, as I love a well-developed back-story, particularly if it involves ancient history. Its the last third of the book that really flies by, with the exploration angle almost entirely giving way to action sequences and a kidnapping subplot. The story wraps up with the final secret being unveiled. This is another section many might find boring, as it is pages and pages of conversational analysis It reminds me of Indiana Jones only in the present day. Again, I didn't mind it at all, and enjoyed the way Gibbins tied Atlantis to so many cultures, myths and religions, though it made me wonder what he has left about which to write, so thorough was the linking up of stories. As with so many books in the genre, characterization is very thin, though perhaps more so in this book because the characters spend so much time serving as mouthpieces for the vast historical background. A couple of the characters have unique traits, but the plot isn't truly affected by their particular personalities. Im sure Gibbin`s will address this issue in any future books he writes after all this is his first book. Overall, I think Atlantis will be slow but entertaining to some, and highly engrossing to others. In any case it is well worth your time. I cant wait to see what adventures he has planed for Dr. Howard and his readers next.

What a wonderful edition this is thank you so much!

This book was in mostly good condition; the pages definitely showed their age, but there were no torn pages or marks on them. I looked for this book for a long time, and the story itself is mediocre. Good casual read, and okay for the price I got it at.

This book rocks. Whether you are into archaeology, treasure hunting, diving or just a smashing good adventure story - you must read this. David Gibbins skillfully weaves fact and fiction to create a believable story describing the rise and demise of Atlantis and the present day swashbuckling archaeologist who with his team unravels its history piece by piece. It is nail biting to the end.

This author tries to turn fictional history into reality but his characters in the book are just that...cardboard replicas. It took at least half of the book to see them as even human let alone supposedly living action figures, little fleshing out...much as you'd read someone's profession under their name on a business card. I hope in succeeding books the author gets better but this book frankly is boring for it's first half...ex soldier ( and of course he was Special Forces trained, but you see little of that actually IN the book), turned archeologist..eventually about 2/3rds through you get some action and then the author seems to finally wake up and finish the book. Can't say I'd recommend this author...writes too much like a "alternate history facts stringer", not a real author and if he ever actually served in the military I'd think he left it definitely not as any member of Special Forces but as some reservist weekend warrior somewhere who decided to write a book. You see, I am a Veteran, and served overseas....

The book starts off with a great deal of historical information. Almost too much information. As the story unwinds, this information is valuable and pertinent. Really good story, highly recommended.

You have another action series dealing with the discovery of Atlantis. Interestingly enough, the lead character and his pal seemed to resemble, in both looks and experience, Clive Cussler's Dirk Pitt and his friend, Al. I wouldn't have been so bothered with it if I didn't feel like I was reading a thinly disguised rough draft that Cussler decided to scrap. The story was interesting, but I'm not likely to continue with the series because it just feels like a extremely pale imitation of a writer I'm already familiar with.

Atlantis launches the Jack Howard series with an exhilarating blend of archaeology, history, and adventure. Marine archaeologist Jack Howard and his team embark on a quest to uncover the lost city of Atlantis, leading them through ancient shipwrecks, desert ruins, and perilous underwater explorations. Gibbins masterfully intertwines factual history with gripping fiction, creating a narrative that's both educational and entertaining. A must-read for fans of historical thrillers and maritime adventures.

Great read,and an interesting slant on the whole atlantis theme

Premier roman de Gibbins dans la série de Jack Howard (son héros), nous découvrons ici un roman d'aventure et d'action mêlé de fiction historique. Le mélange est particulièrement réussi, si l'on ajoute que l'auteur, archéologue, nous offre de superbes descriptions de plongées et fouilles sous-marines. Il nous livre un super moment de lecture, une intrigue intéressante, un mystère millénaire et un compte à rebours terrifiant. Foncez !

Não gostei , pois fiz uma compra errada, comprei a versão em inglês, pensando que era a versão em português

It's as possible as many other tales about Atlantis, and Gibbons obviously knows his stuff about underwater archaeology and archaeology in general. I liked the fictional Atlantis, and hope that the remarkable advances in archaeology using Lidar could be applied around the Black Sea, though I guess they'd need something else to see into the depths of the sea. Soon, I hope. Meanwhile, I enjoy Gibbins's books... The Last Gospel is also good.