Tense, driving thriller reminiscent of the Indian Jones books. Marshall Chamberlain gives us a raging adventure into plausible reality. A PLACE OF KNOWLEDGE INSIDE A BELIZEAN MOUNTAIN A SENTINEL GUARDS THE ENTRANCE A SCEPTER INSTRUMENT THAT HEALS AND DESTROYS A JEWELED BALL OF BLUE DEATH A RACE TO PRESERVE ANCIENT TECHNOLOGY The burial chamber of a revered Mayan sorceress is uncovered atop a sacrificial pyramid at the Caracol ruins in western Belize. Translation of ancient metallic scrolls and a 1100-year-old codex found in the chamber reveal the existence of a secret entrance to the inside of a mountain. The scrolls refer to the interior as Trinium, the Place of Knowledge, and explain its creation by an advanced civilization.
The Mountain Place of Knowledge
Clarion Review
Vivid word pictures allow readers to live vicariously through the eyes of the main character.
The Mountain Place of Knowledge is the first book in a series that shows high potential for expansion. Built on a strong concept, the story features a Mayan diary and a burial chamber, the unexplained death of a UN official, and telepathic communication. This unusual thriller gathers an eccentric cast of characters to solve a mystery and follow a blurry gateway to a dimension that few realize exists.
Hidden in the mountains of Belize is a secret place that no one can fathom. Knowledge and influence—remnants of an ancient realm beyond modern humans’ comprehension—explode from the depths of a supernatural fortress with the power to heal or destroy. Tools that can alter the course of mankind are there for the taking. Dangerous to the disreputable and the greedy yet welcoming to the sincere at heart, this baffling stronghold beckons. Political control may rest with the decisions of a few and their ability to access the wisdom of the past.
Unfortunately, a slow start and a lack of clarity inhibit the progression of this story, dissipating reader anticipation for an action-filled adventure. Still, this novel is a worthwhile endeavor. Questions arise throughout, generating sufficient interest to hold an audience, even if concrete activity does not always follow to advance the plot.
Instead of leading at a breakneck pace, conversations and descriptions read like a prolonged investigation. Vivid word pictures enhance the most horrific situations, allowing readers to live vicariously through the eyes of a main character: “The bodies were un-naturally disjointed like overdone spaghetti, and hideous head wounds gaped against black-and-blue bruising. He turned away gagging, staggered to the edge of the trees, and latched on to the nearest tree trunk to retch.”
In the following scene, the terror is internal rather than external: “The pain subsided, but she felt empty inside, devoid of enthusiasm. The lingering clarity and intensity of the dream made her feel small and insignificant, and her heart pounded remembering how it felt to suffocate.”
These kick-start impressions infuse the book with life, propelling the reader through its pages. As the story leads into the second installment of the Ancestor series, comprehensive explanations remain just out of reach, forcing one to keep reading.
An outspoken proponent for self-publishing, Marshall Chamberlain is the author of two novels and a publishing manual. Lovers of the Indiana Jones movies will enjoy the work of this promising author.
Julia Ann Charpentier
August 15, 2013
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Michele's review
Read in June, 2014
I actually read and reviewed the second book in this series,
The Ice Cap and the Rift, before I read this one (the first). I
mentioned that I probably should have read the first first and
the author read my review. He wrote back to me and asked if I
would like to review the Mountain Place of Knowledge. Of
course I said yes and it was sent to me! Thank you so much. A
lot of the questions I had are now answered--whew---
This book is every bit as good as the second. It really keeps
you turning those pages late into the night. I just did not want
to put it down! There is political intrigue aplenty surrounding a
mountain in Belize. What is inside the mountain will astound
and astonish you. I am eagerly awaiting the third and final book
in this series, The Numarians. I can not say enough nice things
about this author and his books! The Mountain Place of
Knowledge
The Mountain Place of Knowledge
by Marshall Chamberlain (Goodreads Author)
FT MYERS, Fla. (August/2013) – As Book I of the Ancestor Series, by author-researcher Marshall Chamberlain, “The Mountain Place of Knowledge” kicks off an action-adventure-thriller exploring plausible reality (www.marshallchamberlain.com).
“It is often said, ‘reality is stranger than fiction;’ indeed, investigations into history and culture – and science itself – are often testimonials to how counterintuitive reality can be. The Ancestor Series is inspired from this perspective,” says Chamberlain, who has experienced life as a businessman, an officer in the U.S. Marines, husband (and divorcee), father, world traveler, boat dweller, author and all-around adventurer.
Following two feisty scientists, the plot of “The Mountain Place of Knowledge” unfolds with the discovery of a mysterious site created by “The Ancestors” 180,000 years ago, located inside a mountaintop in Belize. Their perilous adventure uncovers an ancient Mayan codex, revealing the secret entrance to the mountain and its mysterious wonders.
The two stalwart characters are forced to deal with the interests of the CIA, a local, avarice-afflicted museum curator, a strange Indian monk sent to assist them, a small force of NATO troops assigned to provide security, and a covert attack orchestrated by China to control the mountain site and gain possession of the priceless treasures lying inside.
“The series deconstructs several disparate disciplines of human understanding, combining them in a unified narrative,” Chamberlain says. “The series embraces eastern metaphysical philosophy; the existence of mythical, ancient races; adventures in strange and inhospitable locations; discoveries of arcane ancient technology and instruments of immense power; encounters with various forms of evil; and heedless slaughter in the name of arrogant righteousness.
Adding spice to reader appeal, book I in the series begins to thread a timeless and intriguing subplot: a young man and woman growing closer together through the shared experiences of hazardous sojourns.
About Marshall Chamberlain
Marshall Chamberlain is a man focused on his passions, with no time for distractions or compromises: no pets, lawns, mortgages, companions or plants. He received a Master’s Degree in Resource Development from Michigan State University and a graduate degree in International Management from the Thunderbird School, just outside of Phoenix, Ariz. He served as an officer in the U.S. Marine Corps and spent many years in investment banking, venture capital, and even worked a stint as a professional waiter. He is obsessed with preparedness, survival and independence. This combination of traits continues to lead him to all manner of adventure -- including serious Stone Age survival classes -- adding flavor and authenticity to his writing. Chamberlain’s primary worldview is simple but profound—“I’m in awe of the magnificence of this world.”
