I’m very happy to let you know that my latest Ancient Quest Mystery called The Lost Metal Library, which features Rick Braeden from Lost City of Gold,
is now available on multiple retail sites (last year it was exclusive
to Amazon). The story is a standalone archaeology adventure novel, &
like Lost City of Gold, the story was inspired by real events &
facts. It really was a ton of fun to write!
Here’s the story description:
Deep within Ecuador’s rainforest lies a vast subterranean world, and an incredible, yet dangerous secret…
The Tayos Caves System in Ecuador is one of the most astonishing, yet
mysterious places on earth. It hides wondrous secrets, both ancient and
deadly.
Rick Braeden has heard rumors of what treasure these hidden caves
might hold, potentially one of the greatest discoveries of all time.
Driven by a desire to prove himself and write his name into the history
books, he hopes to uncover the truth of The Lost Metal Library and bring
this discovery to light.
However, a shadowy enemy also seeks to possess this discovery and will let nothing, and no one, stand in their way.
Seeking this place of untold wonder may give Rick everything he ever hoped for, or cost him everything, even his life…
**********
Here’s a universal link to the book, which should take you to the retailer of your choice:
I’d love for you to give it a read, & if you do, I hope that you
enjoy the adventure! If you do enjoy the story, posting a review on Amazon, or any of the other retailers, Goodreads, and/or BookBub
would be greatly appreciated! It really helps the book’s visibility
& gets the word out about the story to other interested readers.
I'm delighted to announce that I have a new release. It's an Ancient Quest Mystery called The Lost Metal Library, & features Rick Braeden from Lost City of Gold. It's a standalone archaeology adventure novel, & like Lost City of Gold, the story was inspired by real events & facts. The research for this book was both fun & fascinating. I thoroughly enjoyed writing it!
Here's a little about the story:
Deep within Ecuador’s rainforest lies a vast subterranean world, and an incredible, yet dangerous secret…
The Tayos Caves System in Ecuador is one of the most astonishing, yet mysterious places on earth. It hides wondrous secrets, both ancient and deadly.
Rick Braeden has heard rumors of what treasure these hidden caves might hold, potentially one of the greatest discoveries of all time. Driven by a desire to prove himself and write his name into the history books, he hopes to uncover the truth of The Lost Metal Library and bring this discovery to light.
However, a shadowy enemy also seeks to possess this discovery and will let nothing, and no one, stand in their way.
Seeking this place of untold wonder may give Rick everything he ever hoped for, or cost him everything, even his life…
**********
The ebook & paperback are currently exclusive to Amazon, because I've entered the book in their Kindle Storyteller Competition. It's my first time entering one of their contests, which now also allows me to have the book available in Kindle Unlimited. Here's the link to the book, which should take you to the Amazon store for your country:
I hope you give it a read & that you enjoy the adventure! If you do enjoy the story, posting a review on Amazon, Goodreads, and/or BookBub would be most appreciated! It really helps the book's visibility & gets the word out about the story.
Speaking of reviews, here’s one of the latest:
5-stars, June 6th, 2021: The Lost Metal Library
Reviewed by Lit Amri for Readers' Favorite
“The nervous and scared, yet determined, foursome
headed out onto the highway, for the long, almost four-hour drive east from
Cuenca, nearly all the way to the border with Peru. Into the rainforest and
into the unknown. Hoping against hope that all was not already lost.” Rick
Braeden vows that he will be the one to find a mysterious lost metal library,
filled with powerful ancient and otherworldly knowledge. It's located somewhere
in the Tayos Caves system in the rainforest of Ecuador. Unfortunately, a
powerful organization is also interested in the ancient site and they are
willing to sacrifice lives to find it. The Lost Metal Library is the second
installment of the Ancient Quest Mystery series by Rai Aren.
Set in the region of South America that is rich with
history and biodiversity, the story premise of The Lost Metal Library uses both
facts and fiction in this fast-paced and well-developed plot. With a
combination of actual locations and a fictionalized ancient site, the
world-building is sufficiently vast for characters who have their own agendas;
the protectors, the rescuers, the power-hungry organization, the one who seeks
personal justification, and a complex antagonist who’s looking to achieve
unlimited success. As the clear and engaging narrative contributes to the
story’s sense of suspense and mystery, the way the power that resides in the
ancient library affects the characters differently is fascinating; the
knowledge it offers is unlike one would expect. Simply put, this second volume
of Rai Aren's Ancient Quest Mystery is a great read for fans and newcomers
alike as its ending promises more archaeological adventures for Rick and his
newfound friends.
I hope you've had a chance to sign up to my newsletter, because I have exclusive
bonuses, news on upcoming releases, and more for my subscribers. It's
my way of saying thank you for being a part of this group, and for us to
have some fun together along the way.
If you've already signed up to my mailing at raiaren.com/subscribe or via the #instaFreebie link in my previous post you will have received your FREE copy of my archaeology adventure novella Lost City of Gold and the prequel short story Secrets Begin (the order in which you receive them depends on which way you signed up, everyone gets all the things!). All other exclusives will be automagically ;) on their way to you as well, over time, no need to take any further action.
However,
if you haven't signed up yet, I wanted to let you know about my latest
exclusive, just for those on my mailing list. It's bonus scenes from The Secret of the Sands Trilogy,
and it includes author notes to give you further insight into these
events. I thought that fans of the trilogy would enjoy some of the
finished scenes that would enhance the overall story.
Spending time with these characters again, being a part of their journey, is something I absolutely love. I hope you do, too!
If you haven't already signed up to my newsletter, I hope you will now. I will be giving away exclusive
bonuses for those who choose to be on my list. Here is one that I'm
really proud to share with you. It's very special to me and it's
something I had wanted to do for a very long time.
It's an exclusive FREE short story in the Secret of the Sands universe. If you've already read The Secret of the Sands Trilogy,
it will be a fun bonus for you. If you've been curious about it, it
will give you a taste of what the trilogy is about. If you've never
heard of it, it will introduce you to it. I had a wonderful time writing
it. These characters and their journey mean a lot to me.
Here is the description of this free bonus short story:
SECRETS BEGIN...
A prequel story to The Secret of the Sands Trilogy
The Secret of the Sands Trilogy
is an epic archaeology adventure that journeys through some of the most
magnificent ancient places on earth. From the Great Sphinx to the Great
Pyramid to Petra, the story weaves between the distant past and modern
day, to uncover incredible secrets and fascinating mysteries about a
long lost civilization. As seen through the surprising discoveries of
two young archaeologists, it’s an adventure tale in the spirit of
Indiana Jones & The Mummy.
Now read about the events that
triggered this awe-inspiring, but very dangerous journey speeding
towards an unforgettable revelation. This is where the secrets begin...
This 7500-word short story is a teaser introduction to The Secret of the Sands Trilogy.
Just click on this linkto get your free copy via Instafreebie, simply sign up, choose your format and away you go!
I will have more fun surprises for my newsletter subscribers, so come on board! I'd love to have you there :)
I hope 2017 is turning out to be a very good year for you!
I’ve been really busy over the last two to three months – one of the things I’ve been working on is launching the books of The Secret of the Sands Trilogyacross
all retail platforms, instead of only having a limited presence online.
I’ve received a lot of requests to have the books made more widely
available, so it’s been something I’ve wanted to do for quite some time
now.
I’m delighted that the books are available across a wide array of
digital stores – see the links below. The trilogy box set is also on SALE at a discount of over 40% OFF the cost of the individual books!
From the Great Sphinx to
Petra to the Great Pyramid, journey on this epic archaeology adventure,
weaving between the past and the present, to uncover hidden ancient
secrets and fascinating mysteries about a long lost civilization…
I also thought I’d show your our super cool, movie-worthy trailer for
the trilogy. It’s got some great visuals in it and it’s very evocative
of the story. Click on the link below and it will take you to a page
on my other website where you can view it: http://raiaren.com/the-secret-of-the-sands-trilogy-book-trailer/
These are the books in The Secret of the Sands Trilogy: Secret of the Sands Destiny of the Sands Revelation of the Sands
Click here to grab this exciting trilogy on Amazon. Click here to get the trilogy on Apple, Barnes and Noble, Kobo, Indigo and more. Click here to get it on all other eReaders.
If you haven't already read the books and you like archaeology adventures and are fascinated by ancient Egypt, like me, this trilogy could be right up your alley. Thanks very much for your time and happy reading always!
I wanted to let you know that I've (finally!) started an official newsletter for interested readers. Signing up for it gets you a FREE copy of my action adventure novella Lost City of Gold,
as well as other exclusive bonuses and news on upcoming releases. This is also going to include free short stories related to the Secret of the Sandsuniverse!
You
can find the link to sign up on my brand new website (currently a
work-in-progress), and enter your first name and email address:
I'm very happy to offer The Secret of the Sands Trilogy in one discounted ebook box set. Amazon has currently discounted it even further, so it's a great deal! :D
Here's the link:
This trilogy is comprised of archaeology adventure novels about the mysteries of Ancient Egypt. These stories were a labor of love, and incredibly fun & rewarding to write. All three novels have interweaving storylines, as the past unfolds through archaeological discoveries...
If you're not already familiar with the books, which have action adventure and historical fantasy components, here is a description of them:
The
Secret of the Sands Trilogy
Hidden deep below the Great Sphinx, and within the heart of the Great
Pyramid lie otherworldly secrets...
SECRETS.
DESTINY. REVELATIONS.
DISCOVERY.
WAR. REDEMPTION.
From the Great Sphinx to Petra to the Great
Pyramid, journey on this epic archaeology adventure, weaving between the past
and the present, to uncover hidden ancient secrets and fascinating mysteries about
a long lost civilization…
Secret
of the Sands
For
12,000 years a dark and deadly secret has been hidden deep below the Great
Sphinx. In present day Egypt, two archaeologists discover mysterious artifacts
belonging to an unknown civilization. A frightening and awe-inspiring story
unravels as the archaeologists race against time to decipher the dangerous
knowledge they hold…
Destiny
of the Sands
Some secrets cannot remain hidden…and some cannot be
forgiven…
The Great Sphinx of Giza has guarded a secret,
both dangerous and incredible, for 12,000 years. Now deadly enemies emerge, and
those involved must face startling truths and deep sorrow, in the fight against
the forces of tyranny...
Revelation
of the Sands
A stunning revelation of secrets and destiny that
will change everything…
Complete the epic journey begun in Secret of the
Sands...
The
mystery deepens. The danger is ever-present. Incredible discoveries await.
The Great Sphinx is not the only ancient wonder that
has incredible secrets hidden deep within it. But uncovering these secrets will
have life-changing consequences. There will be no turning back. It will take a
great deal of courage and the testing of faith, on multiple fronts, to face
them...
The final chapter in this archaeology
adventure trilogy now unfolds. The characters you’ve come to know are suddenly
thrust down a new, completely different, and even more personal path, to a
point of no return. Their journey is about take another perilous turn with
mysterious and surprising outcomes that will alter the course of their lives
forever.
Journey through some of the most magnificent
ancient places on earth as you join this final adventure in the Secret of the
Sands trilogy…
Thanks for your time! I wish you & yours a safe, happy & healthy holiday season :)
Deep in the heart of the Great Pyramid lies an
otherworldly secret...Revelation of the Sands
I’m very pleased to announce that the final instalment of the Secret of the Sands trilogy is now complete. It’s been such a rewarding journey and I’m proud of the story of Revelation of the Sands and excited to share it with you. These stories are very special to me. They live in my heart. They are also a representation of my endless fascination with the mysteries of the ancient world. What secrets might these ancient wonders hold…
Revelation of the Sands
Complete the epic journey begun in Secret of the Sands...
The mystery deepens. The danger is ever-present. Incredible discoveries await.
The Great Sphinx is not the only ancient wonder that has incredible secrets hidden deep within it. But uncovering these secrets will have life-changing consequences. There will be no turning back. It will take a great deal of courage and the testing of faith, on multiple fronts, to face them...
The final chapter in this archaeology adventure trilogy now unfolds. The characters you’ve come to know are suddenly thrust down a new, completely different, and even more personal path, to a point of no return. Their journey is about take another perilous turn with mysterious and surprising outcomes that will alter the course of their lives forever.
From the Great Sphinx to Petra to the Great Pyramid, join this final adventure in the Secret of the Sands trilogy…
A new enemy, and an even greater challenge to face a truth that is about to reveal itself…
Vengeance is Sworn for the Pain of the Past…
Choices were made and destinies forged. The past propels the future of those left scarred, toward an uncertain and precarious fate…
A Difficult Journey Begins and Ends…
In the sands of Egypt, to uncover deeper truths and startling realities that will be both frightening and awe-inspiring...
A Revelation of Life Itself…
Will break free of the earthly and otherworldly confines that have held it in secret for so long. Faith and trust will be severely tested, and a journey to the past and future all at once will be undertaken…
I'd be honored if you checked it out and gave it a read. It was nothing short of a labor of love.
I wanted to share my latest fun archaeology adventure work with you. It's a short novel called Lost City of Gold and it's the first story in my new Ancient Quest Mystery series. Here's a little more about the story:
A dangerous adventure
beckons deep in the Amazon jungle…
Reckless treasure-hunter
Rick Braeden sets out into the uncharted reaches of the Amazon jungle in a
dangerous search of the fabled Lost City of Gold. It’s a quest for an ancient
city shrouded in mystery that he believes will place him in the history books
and bring him all of the riches and redemption that have eluded him. He also hopes
to succeed where more than one hundred others, who were either lost or died in
the attempt, have failed. As he embarks on his journey something or someone deep
in the jungle waits and watches…
I hope you'll check it out! If you enjoy the story, I'd welcome a review. Feel free to drop me a line at rai-tavius@secretofthesands.com as well if you'd like to share your feedback. This is my first short work (it's approx. 25,000 words in length), and I had an absolute ball writing it. This story was a lot of fun for me :) I'm excited to pen some more!
I wanted to share a very cool, new trailer for our archaeology adventure novel, Secret of the Sands, created by James Gelet, documentary filmmaker and Writer/Producer of the Jaws documentary, The Shark is Still Working. Check it out - makes me want a movie version of the book on IMAX 3D!!
Here's the link to James's page on IMDb, so you can learn more about his work:
The sequel to the bestselling archaeology adventure novel Secret of the Sands is here - Destiny of the Sands...
A powerful and ancient secret
of mysterious origins resurfaces in the shifting sands of Egypt.
Enemies strike. A dark and harrowing journey unfolds, racing towards a
destiny 12,000 years in the making...
Destiny of the Sands…the thrilling sequel to Secret of the Sands… Destiny of the Sands continues the archaeological mystery tale of Secret of the Sands, taking the characters you've come to know and love on a darker, and far more perilous journey. Mitch and Alex, our young Egyptologists, along with their friends, Jack and Bob, are mysteriously called back to Egypt, just as a sinister enemy surfaces. Dark forces are on the hunt for the priceless, yet deadly ancient artifact Mitch and Alex unearthed eighteen months ago below the Great Sphinx of Giza. This powerful technological device, which had remained hidden for over 12,000 years, thrusts our friends into a fight for survival as they are outmatched and outgunned by a hostile adversary that knows exactly how to get to them.
In the past, we see embattled King Traeus rocked by a devastating secret that has been revealed. This secret will change his life forever. Deadly threats emerge, spurred on by this shocking secret. Now there are no lines that will not be crossed in a terrible fight for power and in the name of vengeance.
In both the present and the past, a secret that has been carefully guarded emerges, and nothing will ever be the same again.
Some secrets cannot remain hidden…and some cannot be forgiven...
The Great Sphinx of Giza has guarded a secret, both dangerous and incredible, for 12,000 years. Now deadly enemies emerge, and those involved must face startling truths and deep sorrow, in the fight against the forces of tyranny…
"High adventure, past and present, merge into a multi-leveled tale of epic proportions in this triumphant sequel to the best-selling novel, Secret Of The Sands!" - Gary Val Tenuta, author of Ash: Return Of The Beast and The Ezekiel Code
The Continuation of a Journey…
That began in Secret of the Sands, must now be resumed. Events have been triggered, difficult decisions were made. Time and fate lead those we have come to know down ever more dark and harrowing paths towards an inescapable destiny…
A Dangerous Enemy…
Surfaces with the intent to chart a new, terrifying, and deadly course of action. An enemy filled with greed and malice, who possessed no boundaries of morality, strikes. No one and nothing is safe, no matter how precious, how valuable, or how innocent.
A Secret Once Buried...
Is hunted for profit and pride as an ancient prophecy finally reveals itself, along with the startling truths it holds. Lives will be changed forever, for what was done, can never be undone. A terrible price will be paid for the secrets of the past.
A Past that Cannot Be Denied...
Continues to haunt,
threatening to destroy any hope of a future without sorrow, pain and
regret. Consumed by the mistakes of the past, possessed by hatred and a
desire for revenge, enemies lash out. What was guarded for so long may
be forfeit.
If you would like to watch the trailer, before diving into the pages of the book, here is the link to it on YouTube:
*****
For those of you who haven't yet read Secret of the Sands, let me introduce you to the story that started it all:
For 12,000 years a dark and deadly secret has been hidden deep below the Great Sphinx of Giza. In present day Egypt, a frightening, yet awe-inspiring story unravels as archaeologists race against time to decipher an ancient truth...
A deep probing mystery riddled with prophecy and danger, Secret of the Sands uses Egypt and her mythology as a backdrop to delve into the meanings of life and religion. -McNally Robinson
Rai Aren and Tavius E. have crafted a fast-paced, exciting novel overflowing with mystery and intrigue. The tension is constant. The characters are fully developed. And the plot is gripping. Ancient history and present day relevance are so expertly intertwined, that you forget you are reading a work of fiction. -Thomas Phillips, author of The Molech Prophecy
A Prophecy was Told...
An ancient prophecy, thousands of years old, told of the coming of the Chosen one, but she will be both loved and feared, and some will stop at nothing to defy everything she represents
A Secret Long Buried...
A secret power that once proved too deadly, was hidden away deep beneath the sands of Egypt, only to be revealed by its sworn guardians when the time came that the knowledge would be safe
A Deadly Riddle is Unlocked...
Two young archaeologists fatefully unearth unusual artifacts dating over 12,000 years old. The exhilarating find however, is wrong - very wrong. The artifacts shouldn't be there...they shouldn't even exist at all
A Power Unleashed...
Now after remaining dormant for 12,000 years, the secret has been
uncovered, and its true purpose suspected. What will be the greatest
discovery in human history will either change us forever or destroy us
for trying...
Here is the Secret of the Sands trailer:
Secret of the Sands is a unique cross-genre novel with a double-storyline. The genres it encompasses are mystery, suspense, archaeology adventure, & historical fiction, combined with an element of speculative sci-fi. The story revolves around Great Sphinx of Giza & alternate theories about its age & origins. The novel weaves a new (fictional) chapter to ancient Egyptian history with an explanation for the true origin & purpose of the mysterious & enigmatic Great Sphinx.
******
We would love to hear from you on what you think of the stories. As with Secret of the Sands, we poured our hearts and souls into crafting Destiny of the Sands so that reading it would be time well spent. We hope you enjoy the journey...
Happy reading always!
Rai Aren, co-author of Secret of the Sands, and its sequel Destiny of the Sands
Rai Aren's the co-author of the archaeology adventure novels The Secret of the Sands Trilogy, which explore the mysterious origins of the Great Sphinx of Giza:
For 12,000 years a dark & deadly secret has been hidden deep below the Great Sphinx of Giza. In present day Egypt, a frightening, yet awe-inspiring story unravels as archaeologists race against time to decipher an ancient truth...
Rai’s Ancient Quest Mystery series includes the novella Lost City of Gold & you can get it FREE by signing up to her mailing list: raiaren.com Her latest release is The Lost Metal Library.
