This is the debut novel from Jeff Sheckter, an experiential real estate developer and executive consultant. He currently lives in Canada and the Bahamas with his family and loves hearing from his readers. A sequel to The Daedalus Protocol is already in the works.
In ancient times, two men retrieved an ancient relic and were forced to use the relic to save their lives. In the present day, a deadly pathogen has been unleashed across the planet, killing livestock and destroying crops as it spreads. The man responsible for this pathogen wants to create a new world order with a much smaller population, allowing the planet to heal and humanity to start again under his reign. A mysterious man known only as Daedalus is one of the few people aware that a near-extinction event from worldwide famine will be certain if the pathogen is not stopped in time. In Nassau, Palm Springs, and Boston, four individuals have the skills Daedulus needs to stop the coming plague, and he lures them all to him. In a labyrinth world under New York City, Daedalus possesses advanced technology and seemingly unlimited resources that he makes accessible to his newly assembled crew of soldiers and scientists. After some scientific analysis, it is discovered that an ancient, powerful substance is fueling the pathogen, and only by obtaining a sample of it can the pathogen be stopped. When Daedalus reveals he’s been alive for millennia and holds a key that will lead them to the ancient power source, the crew travels to Isreal to begin their search. Hot on their heels is Basilius, who had eyes and ears available everywhere. Daedulus and his crew then embark on a perilous archeological odyssey, led by SEAL commander Gryphon Oake, that takes them from the tomb of Adam and Eve in the cave of the patriarchs to the heart of the Catholic Church in order to unearth the substance required to save the world. In a race against time, before Basilius’s minions annihilate them, they solve several complex puzzles and find the location of the fabled Fountain of Youth before humanity is doomed!
This is a fast-paced, puzzle-thriller adventure novel. The audiobook has the feel of an action film, with its extraordinary locations, larger-than-life heroes and villains, edge-of-your-seat thrills, and action scenes. The story’s prologue takes the audience right back to ancient times, introducing the two protagonists with different names. From there, the story jumps to the present day, and the subsequent chapters move between different characters and locations. By the fifth chapter, you may be wondering how you can keep track of everything. But rest assured, the storylines and characters quickly come together, and the storyline takes off. Once the characters convene in the underground laboratory, you’ll get a better sense of their personalities, strengths, and weaknesses. There is a rich entourage of characters in the story, and there is plenty of compelling and fascinating dialogue. Some of the dialogue explaining the workings of the laboratory and the pathogen can easily get over your head. It’s suggested that you listen to this audiobook at a normal speed to digest everything and fully appreciate its complexity.
Daedalus’ task force team faces several obstacles in the story, including ancient traps, complex puzzles, being constantly hunted by their enemies, and the time-sensitive threat of the pathogen. Their perseverance and camaraderie are major factors in their success and demonstrate how important teamwork is in overcoming seemingly insurmountable obstacles.
Narrator Phillip Nathaniel Freeman does an excellent job with this audiobook. His commanding and thrilling voice lends itself perfectly to an action-adventure story, and he matches his pace perfectly to what’s going on in the book. Freeman also portrays all the characters with distinct personalities and voices and adds plenty of drama and emotion when needed, greatly enriching the listening experience! In particular, his portrayal of Daedulus is so captivating and authentic that it’s as easy to picture this imposing character as though you were watching him in a big-budget film.
For fans of science fiction, complex puzzles, action, and adventure, you’ll definitely enjoy this book. With its exciting and captivating narration, the audiobook is an excellent format for fully enjoying this fascinating story!
