Atlantis- A Dane Maddock Adventure by David Wood

By J. H. Bográn

What is the true story behind the fabled lost continent of Atlantis, and what power did the Atlanteans wield? That’s the question behind David Wood’s new novel, ATLANTIS.

When archaeologist Sofia Perez unearths the remains of an Atlantean city, she unwittingly gives the Dominion the power to remake the world after its own design. From the depths of the Caribbean to the streets of Paris, to Japanese islands and beyond, join former Navy SEALs turned treasure hunters Dane Maddock and “Bones” Bonebrake on a race to stop the Dominion from unleashing its greatest threat yet in the thrilling adventure, ATLANTIS!

Wood graciously agreed to answer a few questions for THE BIG THRILL.

What can you tell us about the plot?

ATLANTIS is a globe-hopping adventure story in which the heroes must find the lost city of Atlantis before their enemies can gain control of an Atlantean weapon that just might have the power to remake the world. We visit multiple sites that are reputed to be the source of the Atlantis myth, plus several other exotic and interesting locales.

What kind of research did you have to do for ATLANTIS?

There are a wealth of Atlantis-themed thrillers and I didn’t want to revisit all the same locations that other authors have used, so I spent a great deal of time researching alternate theories about Atlantis, including some “out there” conspiracy websites. The ATLANTIS ENCYCLOPEDIA by Frank Joseph was invaluable in researching Atlantean lore.  Most of that didn’t make it into the book, but it was helpful all the same.

Is your selection of Atlantis due to a lifelong ambition or infatuation with the mythical city, or did it just happen as the logical next step in the series?

I’ve always loved adventure stories, beginning with Doc Savage in my early years, and Atlantis is a legend I’ve long wanted to explore. (Still need to hit Loch Ness and Noah’s Ark.)

What can you tell us about Dane Maddock, is there a change since Book 5?

Dane Maddock is a former Navy SEAL turned treasure hunter. He and his partner, “Bones,” are yin and yang: Dane is conservative by nature, thinks things through, and considers how his decisions impact everyone around him. Bones is gregarious, impulsive, and aggressive. Together, they make a solid team.

The big change from the previous book, Buccaneer, is that Dane and his crew are now part of a team operated by the CIA and run by Tam Broderick, a character with whom they’ve worked in previous books.  Dane also finds himself working at close quarters with his ex in this book, which complicates his personal life.
What can you tell us about The Dominion?

The Dominion is an extremist Christian organization that works mostly from the shadows. In previous books, its agents have tried to obtain Biblical artifacts and items of power that, they believe, will help them gain power an influence in the world against the day that they move into the open and wield authority openly. In this story, they’ve stepped up the threat, and are resorting to terrorist attacks using advanced Atlantean weaponry.

Is there a promotion tour or appearances you’ll be making?

I won’t be traveling until summer, so any promotional appearances I do in the near future will be online, primarily on podcasts and internet radio shows. The best way to keep track of me is via my website.

What are you currently working on?

I have four Dane Maddock “origins” novellas in the works, all co-authored by terrific thriller authors (Steven Savile, Sean Ellis, Rick Chesler, Edward G. Talbot.) They’ll be coming out over the course of the first half of 2014.

Tell us about ThrillerCast and Thriller Central.

ThrillerCast is a podcast for readers and writers of thriller and genre fiction, which I co-host with Australian dark fiction author Alan Baxter. We discuss topics related to the craft of writing and the publishing industry, and interview thriller authors. Thriller Central is a fan-oriented site for book reviews and thoughts on the genre. I’m a contributor, along with William Dietrich, Greig Beck, and Sean Ellis.

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David Wood is the author of the Dane Maddock Adventures and several stand-alone works. When not writing, he co-hosts the ThrillerCast podcast and contributes to Thriller Central. He lives in Santa Fe, New Mexico with his wife and children.

To learn more about David, please visit his website.