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Return To Lemuria
Return To Lemuria is a speculative fiction adventure.
Billy Bayer has just alerted the mysterious descendants of an ancient civilisation. A civilisation that claim responsibility for every major historical event.
Billy is taken prisoner by a secret organisation after conspiring against his mob-boss. He is taught how to tap into his extra-sensory abilities and his life changes forever. This newfound power gives Billy the courage to confront his captors and challenge their age-old ideals.
Together with his crew of loyal companions, he devises a plan to thwart the organisation’s very existence. But how can one man stand up to a 12,000-year old prophecy that predicts adversity for all mankind?
The answer, it seems, is hidden deep in the Brazilian Amazonia with anthropologist Dr David Steel, who, together with the FUNAI Foundation, is on a mission to save the endangered tribes from persecution. It’s his research that appears to contain the key to the survival of the human species
Billy Bayer has just alerted the mysterious descendants of an ancient civilisation. A civilisation that claim responsibility for every major historical event.
Billy is taken prisoner by a secret organisation after conspiring against his mob-boss. He is taught how to tap into his extra-sensory abilities and his life changes forever. This newfound power gives Billy the courage to confront his captors and challenge their age-old ideals.
Together with his crew of loyal companions, he devises a plan to thwart the organisation’s very existence. But how can one man stand up to a 12,000-year old prophecy that predicts adversity for all mankind?
The answer, it seems, is hidden deep in the Brazilian Amazonia with anthropologist Dr David Steel, who, together with the FUNAI Foundation, is on a mission to save the endangered tribes from persecution. It’s his research that appears to contain the key to the survival of the human species
306 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 20, 2014
13 people are currently reading
375 people want to read
About the author
Richard Gradner
5Ìýbooks38ÌýfollowersRichard Gradner is a Director at Mustard, a Creative and Digital agency based in Cape Town. He was the first Red Bull Marketing Director in South Africa and has a passion for brands and branding.
Richard trained and taught Kung Fu and Tai Chi for over 12 years, is a qualified Yoga teacher and currently runs his own massage therapy practice called GLVTE. He has a deep connection to all things spiritual and maintains a healthy mind and body through the daily practice of Power Yoga.
He is also an international, bestselling author of fantasy novels, Return to Lemuria, Unicorn, Servant of Memory, Acoustic Alchemy and Richard Gradner's Omnibus, all available on Amazon.com.
Richard trained and taught Kung Fu and Tai Chi for over 12 years, is a qualified Yoga teacher and currently runs his own massage therapy practice called GLVTE. He has a deep connection to all things spiritual and maintains a healthy mind and body through the daily practice of Power Yoga.
He is also an international, bestselling author of fantasy novels, Return to Lemuria, Unicorn, Servant of Memory, Acoustic Alchemy and Richard Gradner's Omnibus, all available on Amazon.com.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
December 16, 2014
Return to Lemuria is a fast-paced and action-packed adventure story with something extra. In addition to the thrills and spills it has a psychical dimension which is unusual for stories of this type. As well as flying across continents, penetrating remote jungles and climbing volcanoes, characters make frequent and vivid journeys into psychic realms, which are richly described. These are much more than just interludes in the action; a considerable amount of the plot’s progress depends upon the characters� encounters and experiences in these spiritual dimensions.
I liked Richard Gradner’s rationale for some of the unexplained and curious coincidences in our planet’s history and mythology and his inclusion of spirituality in various forms; it gave the book a wider, metaphysical appeal than I had expected. His style of describing violent and sexual encounters, however, was refreshingly no-nonsense although never gratuitous.
I wish he could have given more depth to his characterisations. Unfortunately I found the characters to be rather two dimensional, and although Billy and his gang are likeable rogues, I couldn’t get away from the fact that they were low-life drug traffickers bemired in all sorts of criminality. David and Mala, on the other hand, were too good to be true.
Unlike many writers using two story threads to bring his plot together, Gradner doesn’t interweave them. We get one thread in part one, then the other in part two. Unfortunately, this did mean that when the two did get tied together in part three, I’d lost track of how I’d left things at the end of part one.
The last third of the book seemed hurried to me, with several typos, characters� names being mixed up etc. However, all in all, and unusual twist on the Sci-fi fantasy adventure, and worth the read.
I liked Richard Gradner’s rationale for some of the unexplained and curious coincidences in our planet’s history and mythology and his inclusion of spirituality in various forms; it gave the book a wider, metaphysical appeal than I had expected. His style of describing violent and sexual encounters, however, was refreshingly no-nonsense although never gratuitous.
I wish he could have given more depth to his characterisations. Unfortunately I found the characters to be rather two dimensional, and although Billy and his gang are likeable rogues, I couldn’t get away from the fact that they were low-life drug traffickers bemired in all sorts of criminality. David and Mala, on the other hand, were too good to be true.
Unlike many writers using two story threads to bring his plot together, Gradner doesn’t interweave them. We get one thread in part one, then the other in part two. Unfortunately, this did mean that when the two did get tied together in part three, I’d lost track of how I’d left things at the end of part one.
The last third of the book seemed hurried to me, with several typos, characters� names being mixed up etc. However, all in all, and unusual twist on the Sci-fi fantasy adventure, and worth the read.
December 22, 2014
Return to Lemuria is a fast-paced and action-packed adventure story with something extra. In addition to the thrills and spills it has a psychical dimension which is unusual for stories of this type. As well as flying across continents, penetrating remote jungles and climbing volcanoes, characters make frequent and vivid journeys into psychic realms, which are richly described. These are much more than just interludes in the action; a considerable amount of the plot’s progress depends upon the characters� encounters and experiences in these spiritual dimensions.
I liked Richard Gradner’s rationale for some of the unexplained and curious coincidences in our planet’s history and mythology and his inclusion of spirituality in various forms; it gave the book a wider, metaphysical appeal than I had expected. His style of describing violent and sexual encounters, however, was refreshingly no-nonsense although never gratuitous.
I wish he could have given more depth to his characterisations. Unfortunately I found the characters to be rather two dimensional, and although Billy and his gang are likeable rogues, I couldn’t get away from the fact that they were low-life drug traffickers bemired in all sorts of criminality. David and Mala, on the other hand, were too good to be true.
Unlike many writers using two story threads to bring his plot together, Gradner doesn’t interweave them. We get one thread in part one, then the other in part two. Unfortunately, this did mean that when the two did get tied together in part three, I’d lost track of how I’d left things at the end of part one.
I liked Richard Gradner’s rationale for some of the unexplained and curious coincidences in our planet’s history and mythology and his inclusion of spirituality in various forms; it gave the book a wider, metaphysical appeal than I had expected. His style of describing violent and sexual encounters, however, was refreshingly no-nonsense although never gratuitous.
I wish he could have given more depth to his characterisations. Unfortunately I found the characters to be rather two dimensional, and although Billy and his gang are likeable rogues, I couldn’t get away from the fact that they were low-life drug traffickers bemired in all sorts of criminality. David and Mala, on the other hand, were too good to be true.
Unlike many writers using two story threads to bring his plot together, Gradner doesn’t interweave them. We get one thread in part one, then the other in part two. Unfortunately, this did mean that when the two did get tied together in part three, I’d lost track of how I’d left things at the end of part one.
September 25, 2016
There is something about settling in for a long plane ride that makes my brain crave a good book. I recently read and thoroughly enjoyed ‘Unicorn�, the second novel by Richard Gradner, and oh how glad I was that I packed his first novel, ‘Return to Lemuria� for a recent long haul flight. It was the perfect book for hours of quiet, sustained uninterrupted reading time.
The plot is creative and unpredictable with solid writing. Gradner shines at describing extra bodily experiences, mind reading abilities and astral experiences as well as at building new worlds in a beautifully descriptive manner.
The book is divided into four parts. In the first part the reader is introduced to the Lemurians, and in particular 16 year old Mala, her almost 18 year old twin brothers, Cuthru and Asbeth, and their parents, King Andor and Queen Shaia. The Lemurians lived 12000 years ago, in a time where everyone and everything was equal and in abundance and where mental superpowers were part of everyday existence.
During the second part of the book, the reader is introduced to particularly three main characters, Billy, Kaimi and Kisha, who start their adventure in New York. We follow their action and passion packed adventure via Barbados and Cuba to Mexico. Here Gradner clearly did his research very well as descriptions of architecture and culture were accurate, fresh and interesting.
I did however feel slightly lost and thrust into part three of the book, but quickly got the just of it and this part of the book eventually became my favourite part of the whole novel. Part 3 is a completely unique love story where Mala meets anthropologist, David, in the Brazilian rain forests and where they travel to Hawaii together to find Mala’s roots. Here Gradner excelled at describing the soul-purifying hallucinogenic experiences David has when he uses Ayahuasca.
In part four of the book the few loose strings come together to an uplifting end. This is a highly recommended read, a book which one should definitely not rush through. I am looking forward to the next novel by this talented author.
The plot is creative and unpredictable with solid writing. Gradner shines at describing extra bodily experiences, mind reading abilities and astral experiences as well as at building new worlds in a beautifully descriptive manner.
The book is divided into four parts. In the first part the reader is introduced to the Lemurians, and in particular 16 year old Mala, her almost 18 year old twin brothers, Cuthru and Asbeth, and their parents, King Andor and Queen Shaia. The Lemurians lived 12000 years ago, in a time where everyone and everything was equal and in abundance and where mental superpowers were part of everyday existence.
During the second part of the book, the reader is introduced to particularly three main characters, Billy, Kaimi and Kisha, who start their adventure in New York. We follow their action and passion packed adventure via Barbados and Cuba to Mexico. Here Gradner clearly did his research very well as descriptions of architecture and culture were accurate, fresh and interesting.
I did however feel slightly lost and thrust into part three of the book, but quickly got the just of it and this part of the book eventually became my favourite part of the whole novel. Part 3 is a completely unique love story where Mala meets anthropologist, David, in the Brazilian rain forests and where they travel to Hawaii together to find Mala’s roots. Here Gradner excelled at describing the soul-purifying hallucinogenic experiences David has when he uses Ayahuasca.
In part four of the book the few loose strings come together to an uplifting end. This is a highly recommended read, a book which one should definitely not rush through. I am looking forward to the next novel by this talented author.
February 16, 2015
ok i was given this book to read by the author..if you make it passed the first 18 or so chapters this book is well written, however as I was in constant touch with the author on his writing techniques (not all readers will have this opportunity)..i understand what the author tried to explained to me about his writing style...let me explain the reason for my review stars...the first 15 or so chapters the story was so confusing as it was going back and forth from past to present this made the book harder to read...after i passed the first 125 or so pages then the story became interesting (story about Billy) then the story ends with his death and a new story line enters again this story is even good then the continue of the book last 75 or so pages the story again is going from past, present, and future....this made the story challenging so as a reader you have to keep up or re-read the chapters just to follow...As i stated to the author i felt this should have been more than one book...however it is this authors choice to write his books this way....I will admit that the middle of his book is really good but i have to write a review based on how i read as well as how i think other people reads
September 26, 2017
Not your run of the mill Sci-fi fantasy. This is an interesting book because it gives you a lot more than you'd expect. The cover (as sometimes is the case) leads you to expect a standard Sci-fi / fantasy, however there are no dragons of fairy princesses in this story. It weaves several plot lines in different times/universes and locations with many characters. The main plot lines are carried out in semi isolation for long periods, so you often get so engrossed in one story line, that you completely forget about the previous one and it can be difficult to pick up when returning to an earlier plot line later. I'd say this book has more in common with things like the Matrix than Game of Thrones as there are elements of telepathy, astral projection and spiritualism interwoven with gritty real life crime drama. All in all, if you adapt your mind to not expect a traditional fairytale and get on board with the story, it has a lot to offer.
February 8, 2015
Action, adventure and gritty realism are exist alongside the metaphysical and fantasy in Richard Gradner's Return to Lemuria.
Skilfully crafted, I especially loved the descriptives contained in the pages of this book . We hear of ancient Lemurians who travelled the lines of energy between the planets - 'The Earth was created with an invisible web of light lines called the gravitational magnetic grid. Some call it the crystalline matrix'.Ìý
With interesting characters, situations and a fast moving plot, this book was a real page turner. I can't wait to see what this talented storyteller comes up with next.
Skilfully crafted, I especially loved the descriptives contained in the pages of this book . We hear of ancient Lemurians who travelled the lines of energy between the planets - 'The Earth was created with an invisible web of light lines called the gravitational magnetic grid. Some call it the crystalline matrix'.Ìý
With interesting characters, situations and a fast moving plot, this book was a real page turner. I can't wait to see what this talented storyteller comes up with next.
May 12, 2015
I have received this ebook from the author in exchange for an honest review!
The synopsis of this book caught my attention and I was very much looking forward to reading this book. I am sad to say that it is not one of my top favorite books. I mean it wasn't bad, it was just okay. I didn't really love it because it had some flaws. I felt like I didn't get the feels when I read this book, I wasn't as excited to finish the book as I had with other books I read. Although I did finish the book and it was an okay read, I just don't feel like it's my cup of tea!
I give this book a 3 Star Review!
The synopsis of this book caught my attention and I was very much looking forward to reading this book. I am sad to say that it is not one of my top favorite books. I mean it wasn't bad, it was just okay. I didn't really love it because it had some flaws. I felt like I didn't get the feels when I read this book, I wasn't as excited to finish the book as I had with other books I read. Although I did finish the book and it was an okay read, I just don't feel like it's my cup of tea!
I give this book a 3 Star Review!
March 16, 2015
I received this book in exchange for an honest review (LoP or Lovers of Paranormal)
I had to really focus from the beginning to the end simply because I want to know how the author twisted the Lemurian story in this book.
I was indulged momentarily for it uses characters from the past and future, so it's easy to comprehend.
It always reminds readers that no matter what, goodness will prevail.
I felt revived for the result of the story's end.
Felt like the beginning has yet to come.
I had to really focus from the beginning to the end simply because I want to know how the author twisted the Lemurian story in this book.
I was indulged momentarily for it uses characters from the past and future, so it's easy to comprehend.
It always reminds readers that no matter what, goodness will prevail.
I felt revived for the result of the story's end.
Felt like the beginning has yet to come.
February 23, 2015
I was given a free ebook by the author, thanks Richard
This book has an interesting story, fast paced and it grabs you. However I was a bit concerned about the way it moved from past to present. It took a fast story and pretty much slowed it to a crawl until you figure out whats going on here. Then there is part two, which is very much a separate story for awhile... until it meets the first part. Another slow down. Confusing just to write about it.
All in all a good read.
This book has an interesting story, fast paced and it grabs you. However I was a bit concerned about the way it moved from past to present. It took a fast story and pretty much slowed it to a crawl until you figure out whats going on here. Then there is part two, which is very much a separate story for awhile... until it meets the first part. Another slow down. Confusing just to write about it.
All in all a good read.
January 23, 2015
Overall, I enjoyed this book. The charaters are well developed and enjoyable. The plot is different and keeps you guessing. However, the end of the book seems rushed as it wraps up in about 10 pages. I look forward to other books by this author.
October 15, 2018
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. There was nothing to dislike. I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys reading this type of book.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys reading this type of book. I would like to read more of your work. Thanks for the experience.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys reading this type of book. I would like to read more of your work. Thanks for the experience.
January 6, 2022
Enjoyed it thoroughly, will definitely be reading it again.
March 13, 2025
Pending Review! Thanks for your patience!
March 15, 2025
Woo hoo!!! I won this in the Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ giveaways! I'm so excited and I can't wait to read it.
August 7, 2015
Return to Lemuria
I received a free copy, through LoP on Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ, in exchange for an honest review.
Mobsters, criminals...aliens? Not something that you would think would go hand in hand, but Billy discovered something that most people don't know - there is a mysterious alien race that claims they are the ones that have a hand in all major historical events, throughout history. Sounds a little too fiction to be real, until he's taken prisoner one day and somehow taps into this unknown power, deep inside himself - something alien to him, but not others. Now, with this knowledge and new power, he's on a mission to discover what he can about what he is and how he can use this to help mankind.
'Part of Billy's plan was to "borrow" some of this stash without Viktor finding out. Like Viktor, he didn't want to expose the ingenious cocaine trade route. It was far too valuable. Billy planned to take over operations once Viktor was out of the way, so the clandestine nature of this job was of utmost importance. He was counting on the fact that Viktor was too preoccupied with entertaining his parents to be concerned with anything else right now. With Viktor's eye off the ball, Billy was free to operate and operate he did. He arranged for the security team covering the warehouse to be replaced with his own. A crew of guys that were paid handsomely to do what they were told, no questions asked. These were pros, handpicked from a group of ex-mercenaries, designed to kill, or die trying.'
The synopsis of the book is a little bit more interesting than the story is. I had a really hard time getting into the book, but took my time, reading to the end. I'm not sure why I found it to be a bit dry and boring, but it's one of those unfortunate things that happens, time to time.
I received a free copy, through LoP on Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ, in exchange for an honest review.
Mobsters, criminals...aliens? Not something that you would think would go hand in hand, but Billy discovered something that most people don't know - there is a mysterious alien race that claims they are the ones that have a hand in all major historical events, throughout history. Sounds a little too fiction to be real, until he's taken prisoner one day and somehow taps into this unknown power, deep inside himself - something alien to him, but not others. Now, with this knowledge and new power, he's on a mission to discover what he can about what he is and how he can use this to help mankind.
'Part of Billy's plan was to "borrow" some of this stash without Viktor finding out. Like Viktor, he didn't want to expose the ingenious cocaine trade route. It was far too valuable. Billy planned to take over operations once Viktor was out of the way, so the clandestine nature of this job was of utmost importance. He was counting on the fact that Viktor was too preoccupied with entertaining his parents to be concerned with anything else right now. With Viktor's eye off the ball, Billy was free to operate and operate he did. He arranged for the security team covering the warehouse to be replaced with his own. A crew of guys that were paid handsomely to do what they were told, no questions asked. These were pros, handpicked from a group of ex-mercenaries, designed to kill, or die trying.'
The synopsis of the book is a little bit more interesting than the story is. I had a really hard time getting into the book, but took my time, reading to the end. I'm not sure why I found it to be a bit dry and boring, but it's one of those unfortunate things that happens, time to time.
March 6, 2015
This is a very interesting and different kind of read, in regards to tackling "creation" in a new way. I liked the idea of lemurians and all and thought it was incredibly imaginative. The beginning had me completely drawn in and it was tough to put it down.
The beginning was first explaining the history of it all, and then focused pretty much on the perspective of the "bad guys". I was very happy when I got towards 2/3rds of the book and finally the heroes emerged.
The book is written very well, just has a few errors along the line, like Mala referring to her brother Asbeth as her uncle at one point. But overall the plot was very well developed and had a good pace to it for the most part.
I was torn about some of the main characters, since it was the bad guys that were focused on for most of the book. The characters however were well developed and in case of the bad guys, and there were shades of bad in this book, were easily disliked. Billy was kind of on the verge and not fully a bad guy, so I didn't hate him as much. I definitely was a fan of Mala and David and very happy when they finally came long.
Overall this was an enjoyable read and I can recommend it to fellow readers.
I have received this book from the author for an honest review (LoP, Lovers of paranormal)
The beginning was first explaining the history of it all, and then focused pretty much on the perspective of the "bad guys". I was very happy when I got towards 2/3rds of the book and finally the heroes emerged.
The book is written very well, just has a few errors along the line, like Mala referring to her brother Asbeth as her uncle at one point. But overall the plot was very well developed and had a good pace to it for the most part.
I was torn about some of the main characters, since it was the bad guys that were focused on for most of the book. The characters however were well developed and in case of the bad guys, and there were shades of bad in this book, were easily disliked. Billy was kind of on the verge and not fully a bad guy, so I didn't hate him as much. I definitely was a fan of Mala and David and very happy when they finally came long.
Overall this was an enjoyable read and I can recommend it to fellow readers.
I have received this book from the author for an honest review (LoP, Lovers of paranormal)
August 25, 2016
Wow! What a ride! I think I need to read this one again. There is so much to take in. The story begins on the continent of Lemuria over 12,000 years ago and then continues in New York, Barbados and Mexico. It's filled with everything from telepathy to ancient civilisations, to lost tribes in Brazil with Shamans taking Ayahuasca and so much more.
The story is filled with fast-moving action from the get go. The author sure knows how to pack it in. The pace is fast and the story is well researched. The descriptions are vivid and the characters colourful.
Highly recommended!
The story is filled with fast-moving action from the get go. The author sure knows how to pack it in. The pace is fast and the story is well researched. The descriptions are vivid and the characters colourful.
Highly recommended!
March 23, 2015
I enjoyed how imaginative the story was and the visual imagery the author was able to convey was excellent. I did not care for how disconnected the two story parts felt. I know the intention was probably to enhance the readers understanding of the Lemurians as well as develop the heroin but I never felt like the separate stories ever really clarified themselves together.
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