Manuscript 512

By: Rick Chesler

Narrated by: David Loving

For centuries, would-be explorers have examined a document written in 1753 rumored to hold the key to locating the so-called Lost City of Z, a fortified settlement containing many treasures and built entirely of gold. Thought to be buried somewhere within the Mato Grosso region of the Amazon rain forest, the lure of the vanished riches has long proven deadly to treasure seekers who brave the forbidding wilderness and mysterious creatures in search of it.

Disgraced historian Dr. Hunter Winslow, fired from a lucrative professorship for stealing rare documents in order to gain a competitive edge over his colleagues, thinks the key to Manuscript 512 lies not in its words, but in its paper itself. The only problem is that to confirm his hypothesis means to destroy the document, something the Brazil National Library in Rio de Janeiro will never allow. But old habits die hard, and Hunter knows his way around a special collections room. After a brazen theft that triggers an international manhunt, the rogue historian is able to reveal the document’s secrets in a way no one else can or ever will be able to again - by using its physical properties to reveal missing sections that had supposedly been irreversibly damaged.

Armed with this new information, Hunter embarks on an expedition to the deepest Amazon to put to rest the mystery of the lost city once and for all. But while Hunter is looking for the fabled treasure, the long arm of the law is looking for him. Will they catch up to him before he can locate the treasure of a thousand lifetimes, or will he become as lost as the city he seeks?

©2018 Rick Chesler (P)2018 Rick Chesler

Manuscript 512

Manuscript 512 started out as an adventure story about an obsessed historian and ended up much differently. I enjoyed the story overall, but the narration was difficult for me to follow along with most times since I was not able to distinguish the characters by the voices given them. It was sort of one voice for everyone. That said, it didn't really detract from my overall enjoyment of the tale. I don't want to ruin it, but it gets fun at the end. At least I thought so. Don't take it too seriously and just enjoy it for the story it is.

This story was given to me for free at my request for my voluntary and unbiased review.

Ancient wonders and amazing adventures

Clever and fun, this book explores the mystery that is Manuscript 512 while tackling the Last City of Z at the same time. More ancient wonders are covered as well, but mentioning those would border on spoiler territory. It's enough to say this book covers an clever and well-written adventure that keeps the pages flying by. Just be prepared for spiders…lots of spiders…many, many, shapes and sizes. Shiver…

Adventurous.

The Lost City of Z is thought to hold untold riches for whomever finds it, and Manuscript 512 is supposed to be a map of sorts to find it. Dr. Hunter Winslow, a disgraced historian who was fired for theft of rare documents, believes all of it and is determined to find the answers. The document is housed in Rio and Winslow knows he has to steal it in order to test it, and he does just that. Armed with the knowledge hidden within the document, Winslow enters the jungle on a journey that will change his life forever.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book!! It starts off as a typical adventurous read, it has an Indiana Jones feel to it, then it takes a turn and becomes something out of nightmares! I was wondering where the spider on the cover came into it!! I had shivers running down my spine at certain bits, and felt like things were crawling over me at another memorable moment, you'll know which bit when you read it!!

I liked Dr Hunter Winslow even though he isn't the most ethical man. He stole documents so other scholars couldn't read them, and so he would become the only person to turn to about them. He even goes so far as to destroy a document to get answers. He is well written and developed! All of the characters are well developed and you can't help but become involved in their story.

The plot moves at a steady pace and is easy to become lost in. I could picture the jungle and all that went on there! I was drawn into the story right from the start and it held my interest till the very end. I really hope the author intends on revisiting this world and the characters left! There are so many possibilities!!

I did find that it was hard to follow who was talking at times because David Loving didn't differentiate the characters voices enough. I felt like he just read the story and didn't perform it. He was easy enough to listen to though and read it clearly.

I was given this audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review. This in no way affected nor influenced my thoughts.

Enjoyable read/listen

My first read/listen from author Rick Chesler. An enjoyable book, a bit far-fetched at times, but never the less enjoyable. I was given an Audible copy of this book & am voluntarily reviewing it. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).

Buckle up for a Creepy Good Adventure

I received this book for free. I am voluntarily leaving this review and all opinions expressed herein are my own.

Dr. Hunter Winslow steals Manuscript 512 from the library because he believes it provides information as to the location of the Lost City of Z, which contains untold fortune. He then heads into the jungle to try to find the Lost City and what he finds is completely different than what he thought.

This is part adventure, part archeological mystery and part horror movie - and all are melded together into one fun story. Be forewarned - if you don't like creepy crawlies, in particular spiders, this is not for you. The story moves along at a good pace and the characters are well developed. The story takes several big turns - nothing that you would expect from the beginning of the story to where you end up. It kept my interest and I will certainly look for more books from this author.

The narrator, David Loving, did a good job in narrating the story. He did not do voices nor really differentiate between the various characters but he did create an atmosphere of tension and at times horror with his narration that, to me, enhanced the experience of listening to this book.