Travis here with a look at my second novel project, The Ancients Stirred. It may not be my first story, but it’s got a special place in my heart. Ancients was my first attempt at the National Novel Writing Month challenge. NaNoWriMo is a month long annual event that takes place in November.

That November, 2013, remains the most consistent writing I’ve ever done (for a single project, at least), though I’m working change that. Anyway, it was a great experience, and gave me glimpse at what I could do, besides getting this, one of my favorite ideas, out on paper.

What’s your book about?

I’ll share the synopsis I composed for the challenge:

Successful independent archaeologist Rebbekah King may have just made the discovery of a lifetime. Her most recent dig has turned up artifacts that strongly support evidence of a unified, transcontinental culture pre-dating even Greek history. She isn’t surprised when filthy rich and extremely questionable “philanthropist” Michael Sinclair swoops in demanding that the site be turned over to his own team, and he isn’t surprised when she refuses. He does, however, leave her a dire warning about the consequences of delving deeper.

The more Rebbekah and her team uncover, the stranger the findings become, and the more threatening her interactions with Sinclair. Environmental crises around the globe have her looking hard at her discovery and it’s seemingly prophetic nature. How can Sinclair know about something that’s been hidden from human eyes for millennia? What can it have to do the ominous activity brewing across the globe? Can she figure it out before Sinclair follows through on his threats?

So I like to describe it as a mix between Lara Croft and Indiana Jones with a dash of your favorite Kaiju flick.

What makes your book unique?

One of the things I loved about writing Ancients was the adaptations of ancient myth and modern urban legend that were able to weave together with the story I wanted to tell. Mysteries both ancient and new are explained by an adventure that goes across the world. The fantastic and the historical go really well together, as it happens!

Something that was different for me in writing The Ancients Stirred was working with a female protagonist. She’s easily one of my favorite character creations, and I hope to have done her justice. Her perspective, and dynamic with her accomplice throughout the adventure was a lot of fun to explore.

Who would be interested in reading this book?

This book would appeal most to young adults, and adult readers. The main characters are all in their twenties or older, and their concerns aren’t belabored by angst and confusions. They’re very focused on their respective goals, and very aware of the what’s happening in the world around them, as evidenced by pretty much every action they take. There’s no gore, but there is considerable action violence and fighting.

What are similar reads?

• The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown has some intricately woven puzzle elements and a fascinating premise attached to ancient history, resurgent in modern times.
• Michael Crichton’s The Lost World makes enthralling use of humans encountering something alien, but all-too-terrestrial.
• The classic Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea by Jules Verne was always one of my favorites for it’s narrative of exploration and discovery. The adventures of Captain Nemo are definitely cousin to some of the encounters and discoveries in The Ancients Stirred.