FANTASY MEETS HISTORY WITH COMPLEX CHARACTERS
GREAT READ!
The Gateway by JoAnna Christine Daniels, revised edition 2010, and Book II Eye Of The Solstice, will take you into the incredible world of the Inca Empire during the turbulent years of the early 16th century, between 1527 and 1532. Three 20th century archeologists, intrepid time travelers from the future, are bystanders in the middle of Pizarro’s conquest and must find a way to return to the 20th century — to save their lives and the life of one beautiful Inca priestess. Escape reading at its best!
"Fans of thrillers and travel writing alike will feel at home in this whirlwind academic romp that's full of ancient factoids and trivia that move the plot—and the reader's thoughts—forward." Kirkus Reviews
Time travel is always an intriguing mind bender, and you’ll find yourself on a fascinating journey of time in THE GATEWAY, a novel that takes place at the onset of the turbulent years of the 16th century Inca Empire. With three 20th century archeologists as witnesses to the struggles and power plays of the Inca as they fight to preserve their way of life, there’s plenty of action and adventure, punctuated with just the right amounts of humor…and of course, love (and sex), amid the ups and downs of an empire on the brink of conquest. If it’s exciting Action/Adventure you want—THE GATEWAY will keep you turning the pages to find out what happens next!
The Gateway makes you feel like you are living centuries ago in the Inca culture. Well researched!! Joanna Daniels is quite a gifted author. I'm anxious to read the sequel, "Eye of the Solstice" as well as her other works. D.J.Volk
Christopher is a rich character that I fell in love with immediately. This story line comes complete with action, suspense, romance, history, equality issues and even political issues addressed all with such a beautiful and earthy flow that you can't help but be drawn in. Fantasy meets history in a beautifully written story focusing around powerful characters that are complex, intense, strong and flawed. The author sets very richly described images that draw in all of ones senses for a surreal reading event! Make sure to clear some time, and a good glass of wine, for this reading experience and be ready for twisting and turning that you won't expect! Loved this book and can't wait to start on her next one! The Healthy Dog
TAKE A ROMANTIC FLIGHT BACK IN TIME
Peru has always been on my "bucket list" -- to see ruins of ancient civilizations, including Machu Picchu, and to gaze at its majestic snow-covered peaks. So I was already drawn to the subject matter of this book. Once I sat down to read it, I was awake until the wee hours -- unable to put it down! I applaud the author for this wonderful piece of historical fiction centered around the past and the present, combining factual with imagined characters, all coming together to form an amazing story. T. Toes
I enjoyed reading these two books so much! When I finished The Gateway, I was mad, I thought, okay...that can’t be it! I need the next one! So I read Eye of the Solstice. Wow! I loved the way the author described everything with such vivid detail. For me a good book means just ‘diving’ into the story, getting totally caught up in it and being able to forget everything around you...and reading these two books definitely made me feel that way! I loved both books, but the 2nd one is my favorite. The way the author described the conflicts in which the men stood, because of them knowing the future and not being able to help their friends. I couldn’t stop reading! I kept reading on my way to work in the metro, even crying a little until someone asked me if I was alright!! These books inspire me to want to go to these places and feel the energy. Not many books make me feel that way... Tina S.
When a young man embarks on a quest in the South American jungle to find the physical and emotional remains of his explorer great-grandfather who disappeared 72 years earlier, he discovers an unbelievable truth.
An earnest romp through the Amazon, this adventure is delightfully didactic at its core, turning into a did-you-know exploration of every stone, native people and ancient word along the way. Occasionally the author bogs down the action with facts, but the ride is largely endearing and compelling. In his search for his great-grandfather, Christopher Giordano meets and falls in love with Shama, who intrigues him with her knowledge of all things ancient and mystical. The exotic setting is fascinating, and fans of thrillers and travel writing alike will feel at home in this whirlwind academic romp that’s full of ancient factoids and trivia that move the plot—and the reader’s thoughts—forward. Daniels’ tale improves upon formulaic thrillers, however, with the centrality of the protagonist’s relationship to his family and newfound loves. Christopher embarks on this dangerous mission with the lone conviction of his heart. Albeit a little fantastical, he eventually finds his grandfather in the depths of the jungle, though not before nearly dying during the journey. Christopher arrives through the Gateway, a portal that takes him back through the centuries. The supernatural element is somewhat oversimplified, but it makes for a fascinating comparison of different eras, and Christopher is so eagerly interested in his adventure that even this unusual development feels earned. Each moment seems romantic, and not simply because of the exotic backdrop of ruins and rainforest—the history and relationships are as poignant as they are powerful.
Christopher’s blind belief in his relatives and himself can make the exploration plot feel a bit trite compared to its many action-adventure peers, but the young man’s heartfelt quest to find and create his family is richly engaging.
Kirkus Discoveries, Kirkus Media LLC, 6411 Burleson Rd., TX 78744
A RIVETING TIME TRAVEL ADVENTURE
When adventurer Joseph Bennett vanishes from the ruins of Machu Picchu in 1920, his disappearance is dismissed as a murder. 72 years after the fact, his great-grandson, Christopher, is determined to solve the unspeakable mystery and follow in his great-grandfather’s footsteps, no matter where it takes him. Hurled back in time to the sixteenth century Inca Empire, a 4-day trek into Cuzco leaves him battered and exhausted ... until Shama, an Inca priestess of the elite Chosen Women, heals him. Read how Christopher begins his search to unravel the mystifying reality surrounding Joseph’s vanishment ... and how the beautiful priestess wins his heart.
This is a view of Machu Picchu when it was overgrown and wild -- and how it looked when Hiram Bingham discovered it in 1911. It looked this way when fictional character, Joseph Bennett, explored it in 1920, then vanished, his disappearance dismissed as a murder..
Restoration began on the site of Machu Picchu in the 1940's. By 1976, 30% of Machu Picchu had been restored.
In 1982, Machu Picchu was proclaimed a Peruvian Historic Sanctuary
and in 1983, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
In 2007 the site was voted one of the new Seven Wonders of the World.
Originally, it was constructed by the first Emperor of the Inca Empire, Pachicutec, as his personal retreat.
You can reach me at CJL1407@yahoo.com or 303-901-5023
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