The Whispers of Atlantis Anthology
Journey to the turbulent worlds of pharaohs, kings, queens, oracles, and rebels in this 6-book anthology that blends fact and fiction. Lost cities, buried armies, diabolical maniacs, resolute warriors, and righteous revenge—it’s all there. See how the books are connected.
Some secrets are best left buried.
”pure enjoyment…”
A frequent #1 on Amazon’s Ancient Egyptian History bestseller lists.
323 B.C., Babylon
King Alexander the Great has died, and his bloodthirsty generals quarrel for the pieces of a vast empire. But Captain Deon faces his own nightmare, born of a shameful past: a vicious lender threatens to sell his wife and young daughter into slavery if he does not clear his crippling debt.
Hope glimmers when the dead king’s wily secretary dangles a mission that whispers of an unimaginable reward.
Thrust into the murky and dangerous waters of succession where his success holds the keys to the ultimate prize, Alexander’s throne, Deon faces a terrifying choice: complete the mission and earn his family’s freedom, or refuse and let them perish in Nubia’s brutal gold mines.
Assisted by a companion as skilled in tongues as she is with a dagger, and pursued by malignant forces that will stop at nothing, Deon must cross violent lands to find an astonishing mystery hidden for a thousand years. But every step closer to freedom unveils a burden far heavier than his debt, for his choices could determine not only his family’s fate but that of a million innocents.
A thrilling epic of Egypt and Atlantis, with an end you’ll never see coming!
~1550 B.C., Kingdoms of Egypt and Atalanni.
In the Kingdom of Egypt across the Great Green Sea, a new young Pharaoh is taking the reigns to restore the glory of the empire by expelling the wretched Hyksos, the foreign rulers whose odious presence fouls the North. He sees the Atalanni as allies, and hopes that he can fight the Hyksos with their help.
But the gods of the Atalanni have other plans.
When the earth trembles and lava erupts from temple floors in the Atalanni capital, the powerful Oracle announces that the gods are displeased. The empire must expand its dominion, she says, or the Atalanni will face their wrath.
Sent away to fight the formidable Pharaoh, Atalanni General Teber will soon learn that nothing is as it seems as duty conflicts with morality, treachery hides behind a veil of piety, and hubris confronts cold reality.
And when the fires finally die, a stunning secret will be exposed and one great Kingdom will remain.
4.5/5 on Goodreads and Amazon
Come march with a vengeful father in this story of the Lost Army of Cambyses.
524 B.C., Thebes, Egypt.
King of Kings, Shahanshah Cambyses, is livid. The insolent and influential priests of Ammon have refused to recognize the Persian emperor as Pharaoh. Now, a detachment of fifty-thousand men is on the march to the distant town to burn the revered temple of the Oracle and enslave its people.
As the vast column marches in the desolate landscape, leaders plot for greater things: glory and governorship, title of Pharaoh, riches, and influence.
But one man seeks something else.
Revenge.
And soon, many are about to learn that the swirling sand of the desert is not the only thing in their path to plunder and glory.
4.7/5 on Goodreads and Amazon
What hides in men’s hearts may be as dark as what lies beneath cursed sands.
320 B.C., EGYPT
Ptolemy, Egypt’s new satrap, is a worried man. A rebel threatens his rule, the Great River has failed to inundate, priests demand ever more coin in return for appeasing the gods, and the many warring generals in Europe and Asia cast their baleful eyes on his land.
When he receives stunning news of an army under the Great Sand Sea and might solve his desperate need for money to build and supply his own, Ptolemy thanks the many gods that have blessed him with the satrapy. But there is one problem—finding it in the vast expanse of a hostile desert requires him to seek someone he once tried to have murdered.
Now Deon, a former captain in Alexander’s army, and Eurydice, a noble’s polyglot daughter, are back on this tantalizing mission. And they are about to uncover something far more sinister than what they have been asked to find, because when kingdoms are at stake, loyalty, friendship, and family might mean nothing.
The house is empty. The wife is missing. Now someone wants him dead. What should a scribe who has never held a weapon do?
Ur, Sumer 2005 B.C.
4.5/5
Royal scribe Nemur is returning home after a failed mission to the governor of a neighboring province. He is looking forward to seeing his pregnant wife and resting for a few days before the weakened ruler sends him on a new arduous mission of seeking support for a kingdom under threat from aggressive roaming tribes and an increasingly hostile foreign power.
But the house is empty. His beloved wife is missing.
What begins as a desperate search for answers is about to plunge Nemur into a diabolical conspiracy, and the man who has spent his years with reed pens and clay tablets must now confront terrifying forces to not only secure justice for his wife but also to save his own life and the entire kingdom.
One of the few novels set in this period, The Death Pit brings to life ancient Mesopotamia during a turbulent time.
🔥 Deon and Eurydice return in this thrilling adventure in ancient India!
An amazing 4.8/5 🌟 on Goodreads!
309 B.C. India.
Who’s lying?
It has been nearly fifteen years since Alexander the Great’s death, and his kingdom, from Macedonia to the borders of India, has been torn to pieces by his rapacious and ambitious generals. Seleucus Nicator reigns in Babylon, presiding over the eastern empire from Syria to the Indus River.
But no expanse of land is enough for the insatiable ego of a man who seeks glory by accomplishing what his deified King once could not—conquering the vast and wealthy India, where a powerful new emperor, guided by a cunning and brilliant mentor, poses a threat to Seleucus’ ambitions.
Now, Deon, with his prodigious memory, and Eurydice, with her linguistic prowess, are back, assisting Seleucus in a diabolical new mission into the heart of the unknown. The two are about to plunge into a dangerous and unfamiliar world, where wit is as much a weapon as a sword, and where one miscalculation can lead not only to their terrible deaths but end the entire Seleucid empire.
Deon and Eurydice return once again in this sixth book of the Whispers of Atlantis anthology. While this book can be read as a standalone, you might enjoy it more if you completed The Atlantis Papyrus, The Curse of Ammon, and Sinister Sands.
New! An epic thriller set in the time of Nefertiti.
Circa 1336 B.C., Egypt.
Pharaoh Akhenaten is dying. His kingdom seethes, restless under his abandonment of the old gods. Crocodiles lurk in the murky waters of succession, hungry for the throne.
All this means little to Hapu the thief. A glorious score beckons—an unfinished tomb promising magnificent riches and a chance to forever free his family from their miserable existence. But when a botched heist leaves Hapu staring into the gaping maw of death, only a desperate gamble and an unlikely twist of fate can spare his life.
The reprieve comes at a price.
Thrust into the viper’s nest of court, bewitched by a princess, and pursued by a shadowy murderer, Hapu must navigate a labyrinth of conspiracies to shield the Queen and her family from those who would see Egypt drowned in blood.
Failure means the death of all he loves and the end of the Kingdom as he knows it.
Crimson Aten is a page-turning tale of betrayal, loyalty, and the fight for legacy amidst the crumbling sands of time. Dive in and discover if Hapu can rewrite his destiny, and that of Egypt, in this thriller set in the enigmatic Amarna period of Queen Nefertiti.
🔥 BOOKS I, II, and III (45% DISCOUNT)
~4.5+/5 on Goodreads!
Enjoy the first three full-length exciting novels packed with intrigue, conflict, and adventure. A great way to binge-start the anthology!
Books in this Set
1. The Atlantis Papyrus
2. The Wrath of God
3. The Curse of Ammon
From the bestselling author of ancient historical thrillers (Whispers of Atlantis, Cleopatra, Spartacus) comes a delightful journey through ancient history’s most persistent myths on social media.
In “Cousin Clay’s Confounding Claims,” we explore 14 popular historical “social media moments” with warmth, humor, and solid facts. Did Atlantis exist? Were the pyramids built by a lost civilization? Was Cleopatra Egyptian? Did Caesar burn the Library of Alexandria? And more!
Join the lovable and often misguided Cousin Clay as he shares his favorite viral history posts. Then, dive into a fact-filled journey that takes you through helpful maps, archaeological evidence, and available records from ancient sources, including famous figures like Herodotus and Plutarch. Each claim is thoroughly examined in a lighthearted and informative adventure through time.
Perfect for history enthusiasts, trivia lovers, and anyone who’s ever wondered about the truth behind those captivating social media “facts.” Penner’s approach is never harsh - instead, he invites readers to ponder the evidence and enjoy the fun of separating fact from fiction. Whether you’re a history buff or just curious, you’ll find this book both accessible and engaging.
Oh, and there’s more! Most chapters end with a charmingly terrible cartoon drawn by the author himself. Maybe it’ll make you grin. Or maybe it won’t!
Warning: Side effects may include chuckling at dinner parties, a newfound appreciation for fact-checking, and the irresistible urge to share “Did you know?” moments with friends and family. Prepare to be entertained and enlightened in equal measure!
Cleopatra: The Last Pharaoh
𓁪 A series of Egypt's famous last queen
She came to power at 17 and ruled for 22 years, and yet her remarkable story has been reduced to that of a seductress. Plunge into a world of intrigue, diabolical plots, and world-sized ambitions in this thrilling series on the rise and reign of the famous Cleopatra Philopator VII, the last pharaoh and queen of Egypt. From battles for power to the fall of an empire, immerse yourself in the dangerous world of Cleopatra's Egypt. This deft blending of excellent historical research combined with a page-turning tale is a must-read for lovers of historical fiction!
51 B.C., Alexandria, Egypt
Some wells have poisoned waters.
With her father sick and her sister dead by his hands, sixteen-year-old Cleopatra is poised to assume the heavy mantle of power and exercise the divine authority vested in her by the gods of Egypt.
But the gilded arches and marble columns hide a grim reality and the gathering of storm clouds. A surly Rome is banging on her doors for debt repayments, the kingdom is on the verge of a civil war, and the dying king’s powerful advisors seek to discard her like a rag and control the kingdom through her brother.
Now, the young regent must confront her adversaries and walk the tightrope over an abyss of treachery and conflict, because one wrong move means ending three thousand years of Pharaonic rule and turning up as a corpse in the Alexandrian marshes.
47 B.C., Alexandria, Egypt
Rest is not for rulers.
Finally crowned as the undisputed Queen of Egypt with the help of Gaius Julius Caesar, twenty-two-year-old Cleopatra hopes to recover from the harrowing experiences of the last few years and the just concluded bloody Alexandrian war.
But rest is not for rulers.
A diabolical conspiracy, orchestrated by shadowy figures in her government, looks to dethrone her by bringing her presumed dead brother to life. A colorful Idumean Jew named Herod clings on to the land she wants. And a powerful Roman named Marcus Antonius has summoned her to answer charges regarding her allegiance.
Now, the young mother is about to discover that ascending to the throne is only a step into the dark worlds of imperial politics, personal desires, and unrelenting enemies.
4.7/5 on Goodreads and Amazon
31 B.C., Actium, Greece
War is here.
Caesar Octavianus has declared war on Antony and Cleopatra.
The gilded arches and silk cushions of the Alexandrian palaces are a world away from Actium, where mosquito-infested, disease-ridden camps are the way of life.
Resented by Roman generals, abandoned by allies, and facing hostile forces, Cleopatra must now do what she can to preserve her life, her kingdom, and the future of her children.
The saga of Cleopatra concludes in this exciting final book of the trilogy.
A fast-paced novella prequel to the Last Pharaoh trilogy covering the tumultuous younger years of Cleopatra.
58 B.C., Alexandria, Egypt
Furious with the king’s extortionate attempts to repay his debts to Rome, the irate citizens have chased king Ptolemy from Alexandria and crowned his eldest daughter Berenice and wife Cleopatra Tryphaena as queens of Egypt.
Now, the king, with his young daughter Cleopatra, is in Rome, where he plots to return to Egypt and regain his throne. While he maneuvers the muddy waters of Roman politics, his young daughter struggles with life in the smelly city, nothing like Alexandria with its grand palaces. When a nasty Roman man named Marcus Crassus asks her whether her sister Berenice would abdicate in favor of her father if he returns, Cleopatra answers him like a twelve-year-old diplomat.
But Berenice has other plans, and when the prize is the throne of Egypt, blood relations that mattered less now matter nothing at all.
Suggested for reading after the trilogy, this short prequel to the Last Pharaoh trilogy takes you on a fast-paced journey to the turbulent few years of Cleopatra’s childhood.
Want to binge read? Get the complete collection that includes the trilogy and the prequel, all in one beautiful e-book bundle great for curling up and immersing yourself in Cleopatra’s world. The Complete Collection is also nearly 50% off individual purchases and is available on Kindle Unlimited!
1. Regent
2. Queen
3. Empress
4. A Dangerous Daughter (prequel)
The Spartacus Rebellion
🛡 The incredible saga of resistance to Roman power
Experience the enthralling saga of Spartacus the Thracian, and his remarkable evolution from a soldier to a slave, gladiator, and finally, a general. Accompany him on his odyssey from the beginning to his fateful clash with mighty Rome and his ultimate confrontation with Marcus Crassus in this epic tale of hope and vengeance. This highly rated trilogy masterfully blends meticulously researched history with a gritty and realistic story, ensuring an engrossing page-turner that will captivate you from beginning to end.
For Honor. For Vengeance. Or For Rome?
Thrace, 83 B.C.
Spartacus, son of a Maedi chief, is about to lead a band of his men into the heart of an enemy tribe to steal the idol of their sacred god Sabazios. He hopes that this daring incursion will make him worthy in his father’s eyes and the tribe that sees him more a philosopher than a warrior.
When this desecration brings savage retribution to his doorsteps, Spartacus does what no Maedi man would dream of doing, bringing dishonor to himself and his tribe. And now, the only way to douse the flames of shame and rage is by joining a Roman auxiliary that is preparing to destroy his enemy.
But the offended gods have different plans.
Fighting under a corrupt centurion, saddled with quarreling companions, and on a brutal march to wage war for a brilliant general with grand ambitions, Spartacus will learn what it means to be a skilled soldier, a warrior, and above all, a leader, even as he battles powerful forces that are about to put him on a bloody path to his fateful destiny.
4.8/5 on Goodreads and Amazon
What glory is there in dying for someone’s amusement?
Capua, 75-73 B.C.
Captured and sold off as a slave, Spartacus is now at Lentulus Vatia’s training school in Capua, preparing for a gladiator’s harsh and brutal life. The trainers tell him of glory in combat and the chance to earn freedom. They speak of redemption through bravery and adulation through exemplary performance. The men live in perpetual hope built on a house of false promises.
But the winds of gladiatorial sports are shifting, and the signs are ominous. The people demand more, and the powers are only too glad to oblige. The games are now more than a tribute or a show—they are a means to power—and becoming the principal form of cruel and vicious entertainment. And in this relentless evolution, the fighters are just the living dead to be bled on the sands of the arena, and their corpses dragged away.
Even as he masters the sport and survives the bloody fights, Spartacus must find ways to convince his fellow men that there is no honor in dying for someone else’s amusement. But his actions are about to pit him against the twisted mind of a vicious master who plots to condemn Spartacus and his wife to a terrible end.
4.7/5 on Goodreads and Amazon
One life of freedom is worth a thousand in fetters.
Italy, ~73-71 B.C.
The gladiatorial school of Vatia is in ruins, and the rebels now maraud the countryside as they plot the next move. Rome is livid at the news of slaves escaping but sees no reason to send its legions—after all, how long would these depraved animals survive, and what famed commander worth his name would take up the pursuit of lowly men?
But Gaius Claudius Glaber, a new praetor with a failed investment in Vatia’s school and a vested interest in capturing the slaves for a rich profit, is gathering mercenaries to destroy Spartacus’ rebel holdout on the great mountain Vesuvius.
What begins as an assault to quickly subdue inferior men with supposedly low military skill is about to turn into a nightmare for the Romans, and they will learn what it means to take on an army of the desperate, for whom death by the sword is preferable to servitude for life, led by a man who fears none and whose brilliance outshines Rome’s best. And when the dust settles and blood dries on the earth, history will be written, and the name of Spartacus will be etched on the granite of great stories.
Dark Shadows
A thrilling new series that blends the future and the past.
If you enjoy cerebral thrillers with a dash of exciting archaeology, this is for you!
Deepfakes make headlines, but the real nightmare lurks in the shadows.
In the murky pre-dawn hours, a famous senator vanishes—seized on outlandish charges that defy belief. Max Stone, a battle-hardened Special Forces veteran, and Ria, a razor-sharp analyst, are thrust into the fray. Both serve SHADOW, the CIA’s clandestine arm to counter advanced technological threats. Their mission? A “routine” inquiry to placate the critics. Or so they’re told.
But when Ria picks up on an unlikely clue and connects dots no one else sees, everything changes.
Thrust into a maze of deceit, Max and Ria hurtle from Washington’s power-soaked hallways to Iraq’s ancient sands to uncover a conspiracy before it’s too late. In the shadows, an insidious technology spreads its ghostly tendrils, wielded by puppet masters with a terrifying agenda. Its power? To twist reality itself.
Time is slipping away.
No longer is this about rescuing one man from injustice. Nor about cheating death as they dodge the crosshairs of a ruthless enemy.
It’s about preventing a chilling future where invisible tyrants reign with godlike power, bending the world to their will.
No killer robots and aliens— ancient secrets collide with modern nightmares in this intelligent, twisting, turning techno-thriller where chilling reality hides in plain sight. Are you ready to question everything?