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Harry Fox #1

The Arthurian Relic

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A mythical king. A long-lost manuscript. A relic worth killing for.

Harry Fox hunts artifacts for the Italian mob. When a forgotten manuscript suggests Great Britain's most famous king may not be fiction, Harry plunges headlong on a dangerous path to uncover the truth. Little does he know a shadowy alliance with ties to three of mankind's most powerful organizations follows his every move, desperate to stop him before he can uncover the truth behind the legend.

Surrounded by enemies and able to trust no one, Harry barrels across the globe and discovers the myth of King Arthur is far more real than anyone ever imagined. Can Harry survive to reveal the true story of this legendary man, or will the ancient forces chasing him add his name to their long list of victims?

271 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 18, 2021

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About the author

Andrew Clawson

42 books80 followers
Andrew Clawson is from Pennsylvania and fervently hopes the Pirates win a World Series in his lifetime.

He is currently writing two series.

The Harry Fox archaeological adventure series involves a Pakistani-American who chases artifacts for the Italian mob. He’s a man caught between two worlds, uncovering history’s greatest treasures while carving out his place in the world.

The Parker Chase series follows a daring banker who unravels forgotten historical mysteries while outpacing modern villains intent on using the past for their own nefarious purposes.

The TURN novels reveal the exploits of a former American big-game hunter turned conservationist who battles to save his adopted African homeland from being ripped apart by greed and violence.

Andrew lives near Pittsburgh with his wife, two young children and a rescued black cat.

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5 stars
1,028 (50%)
4 stars
688 (34%)
3 stars
255 (12%)
2 stars
39 (1%)
1 star
11 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews
Profile Image for Dan Lutts.
Author 4 books111 followers
May 19, 2024
Andrew Clawson's adventure book The Arthurian Relic is a fun read. The plot concerns a race between two sides to find an important relic that has been lost for centuries and, if found, could be devastating for humanity. One of the interesting features is that the characters on both sides are criminals, including Harry Fox, the main character. Of course, Harry keeps getting himself into trouble. The story contains a lot of violence, and in real life Harry would have been dead long before the story ended. But, hey, the book is fiction.

The Arthurian Relic is just one book in the Harry Fox Adventure Series, and I might read another of the books.

Profile Image for Deborah.
62 reviews4 followers
May 30, 2022
This was a good story. I will definitely read more in this series. It's a nice escape from my reality. I also think this book proves that prolific swearing isn't necessary to tell a good story. He mentions that the main character uses profanity and leaves it up to the reader to fill in the blanks.
Profile Image for Steve.
469 reviews14 followers
May 1, 2024
In the realm of audiobooks, where the narrator's voice can transport listeners to worlds both known and unknown, "The Arthurian Relic" by Andrew Clawson, narrated by John Pirhalla, stands as a testament to the power of storytelling. This review delves into the heart of Clawson's work, exploring the intricate weaving of historical myth and modern-day adventure.

**Narration: The Voice That Brings Legends to Life

John Pirhalla's narration is nothing short of a performance. With a voice that commands attention, he brings the character of Harry Fox to life with a finesse that is both engaging and immersive. Pirhalla's range in vocal tones not only distinguishes characters but also enhances the narrative's emotional depth. His pacing is impeccable, knowing when to quicken to match the story's intensity and when to slow down, allowing listeners to ponder the unfolding mysteries.

**Plot: A Tapestry of Intrigue and History

"The Arthurian Relic" is a treasure hunt that spans the globe, rooted in the legend of King Arthur. Clawson's protagonist, Harry Fox, is an artifact hunter entangled with the Italian mob, a premise that promises—and delivers—thrills and danger. The plot is a labyrinthine journey through history, with a forgotten manuscript suggesting that the tales of King Arthur may be more than mere legend. Clawson skillfully balances the historical with the fictional, creating a narrative that is both believable and fantastical.

**Character Development: A Hero for the Modern Age

Harry Fox is a character caught between worlds, embodying the conflict between his heritage and his profession. Clawson's character development is meticulous, revealing Harry's motivations, fears, and strengths in layers. As the story progresses, Harry evolves from a mere artifact hunter to a man on a quest for truth, challenging the very organizations that seek to use history for their own ends.

**Themes: The Quest for Truth and the Power of Myth

At its core, "The Arthurian Relic" is about the search for truth in a world where history is often obscured by legend. Clawson taps into the universal fascination with King Arthur, using it as a backdrop for a modern adventure. The book raises questions about the nature of power, the corruption of institutions, and the enduring allure of myths. It's a story that encourages listeners to consider the past's impact on the present and the lengths to which individuals will go to protect secrets.

**Writing Style: A Blend of Suspense and Scholarship

Clawson's writing is a blend of suspenseful storytelling and historical scholarship. His prose is crisp, clear, and evocative, painting scenes that are vivid and memorable. The attention to detail in describing locations, artifacts, and historical context is commendable, providing a rich backdrop for the action.

**Conclusion: A Riveting Audiobook Experience

"The Arthurian Relic" is a compelling listen, offering a blend of action, history, and mystery that is sure to captivate. Andrew Clawson's storytelling, combined with John Pirhalla's narration, creates an audiobook experience that is both intellectually stimulating and thoroughly entertaining. For fans of archaeological adventures and historical thrillers, "The Arthurian Relic" is a journey worth taking.
1,345 reviews14 followers
September 17, 2023
Skattletarböcker är roliga att läsa, även när de har lite för många nybörjarmisstag. Gallien som primärt tyskland? St Dionysos direktöversatt till St Bacchus (och då till en fejkvariant snarare än krigarhelgonet) istället för till Dionysios Areopagita? Dessa, samt en klumpig introduktion till en viktig kommande karaktär är lite för många detaljer.

Själva premissen är också märklig. Om vi inte tillerkänner Jesus gudomlig förmåga att lära sig själv, är det sannolikt att han kunde läsa (han fostras i templet, det finns en tradition som säger att Maria kom från en prästerlig familj) men det är osannolikt att han kunde skriva. Även om vi går till den välrakade romaniserade Jesus som finns i konstverken från 300-talet, och låter Jesus exil tillbringas i de rikare delarna av Alexandria i Egypten, så finns en läskunnighet på ca 15% och en skrivkunnighet som är mycket lägre. Detta utöver att den helleniserade judendom som dominerade dessa välrakade kretsar var skeptisk mot att skriva ned saker, eftersom de såg judendomen som ett slags mysteriekult (och nu inser jag att jag inte har läst Ervin Goodenough sedan tonåren och att jag nog borde göra det igen).

Bortsett från att den alltså är lite Dan Brownsk i hur den hanterar sina idéer är den rolig, inte illa skriven, och definitivt värd att följa upp.
315 reviews2 followers
February 11, 2021
Received this book free, without any conditions. Excellent start to a new series. A bit of a strange working relationship between Harry and his boss. Harry starts off with a simple task-find a first edition book about British kings. However, clues found in the margins leads Harry on a treasure hunt all over the world. Excellent read. Looking forward to more of Harry's adventures.
Profile Image for Jacques Hollands.
201 reviews4 followers
December 14, 2023
"The Arthurian Relic" by Andrew Clawson offers a blend of mystique and suspense in the world of Arthurian and other legends. However, I had with mixed feelings throughout the journey, struggling to fully immerse in the narrative. The story, while not unenjoyable, failed to grasp my attention, leading to extended periods of disengagement. The narrative seemed to lack the gripping suspense needed to maintain my interest.

One notable aspect is the book's pacing and the execution of action scenes, which left me somewhat unsatisfied. The perceived deficiency in these elements might have contributed to the struggle in maintaining my engagement. Nevertheless, I acknowledge the book's potential, considering it is the first installment in a series. While "The Arthurian Relic" may not have hit the mark for me, I remain open to reading another book in the series, hoping for a more captivating storyline. 2.5 stars rounded up to 3.
Profile Image for KK from KY.
82 reviews
August 1, 2024
What a wonderful listening/reading experience. I thoroughly enjoyed every minute. Anyone who enjoys books by Dan Brown or the movie National Treasure will surely enjoy this book too. Well written and well researched, this story blends enough fact with fiction to make me wish it was reality. I was thrilled to discover that it was not riddled with foul language. No gore or overly expressed sexual scenes. Pretty good considering a crime family is very central to the storyline. Looking forward to more Harry Fox adventures.
Profile Image for Eliel Lopez.
119 reviews
August 23, 2023
LolAn interesting read with a good plot and lots of twists and turns.
I really appreciated author Andrew Clawson's writing style. It was relatively clean and descriptive. This was my first book from this author. The title and cover art had my attention from the start and the synopsis drew me in.
I found the story more intrigueing as it developed and came away thinking that
it would make a great movie !
16 reviews1 follower
February 10, 2021
I am part of the Advance Readers Club for the author and was given a free copy of the book in return I was asked to leave an honest review. This is the third series from the author and I thought it would take a lot to beat the Parker Chase novels. But this book had me hooked from the second chapter and I fell in love with Harry Fox. There is so much more to him that I know the author will develop in future novels in the series.

The author is good at placing characters and/or items in the book and you just know there is more to them and it will be addressed and explored later in the story. One example of this is the amulet that Harry wears around the neck that he got from his father.

The story is complete at the end of the novel and he reader is left with the beginning of Harry's next adventure forming in Harry's mind. And I, as the reader, am looking forward to see it takes him.

I love ancient history and creating story around myths and legends with a treasure hunt is right up my alley.

I plan on purchasing this novel as I think it is important to support the author.

Pick up this novel and be prepared to go on a trip to see Harry solve the clues Geoffrey left behind before the bad guys do.

I think this is the best novel so far by Andrew Clawson.


Profile Image for Jamie.
Author 1 book15 followers
June 26, 2022
The Authurian Relic starts off as a slow burn for at least two-thirds of the book. There is a few tantalizing scenes and good atmosphere throughout. Clawson is right to mix in a lot of history, giving the story depth and capturing the imagination of the reader. The ending is strong, but Clawson stumbles by only giving the reader a vague and general account of the secret. No, you need to give the reader something tangible and specific for their efforts. A final criticism is the three forces, which seem too much like Dan Brown's, Origins. Instead of the general idea of three religions, conspiring to cover up an old secret, the author could have made the three forces something more specific based on history such as three Christian-hating cults. There are other possibilities, of course. It should have gone into more specifics of how these others learned of the secret and how and why they formed a bond, vowing to keep it concealed. The author is on the right track for these kind of mysterious adventure tales.

Three and-a-half stars.
Profile Image for Ben.
45 reviews
October 1, 2023
This is the first and last Harry Fox book I read. For me, there was way too much repetitive fluff. Every encounter our protagonist has with an advisory, we are given a meticulously detailed description of his fighting stance and how he uses sleight of hand to equip his knuckle dusters (brass knuckles). Meanwhile, the actual quest for artifacts seems to be almost a footnote. This is unfortunate because the other books have plots that intrigue me just as this one did, but simply cannot suffer through any more of "As 'insert antagonist name here' shouted orders over Harry's shoulder, Harry pivoted his left foot and put most of his weight on the ball of his right foot. While doing this, Harry also slid the knuckle dusters from his hidden inside pocket to the palm of his hand, and obscured it from view by making sure his hand was palm-side down..." You get the idea.
May 26, 2022
The first of what turned to be 4-book series (so far) it is the tale of antiquities dealer working for a NYC mob family (hence his ability to fly 1st-class to his destinations -- convenient ploy item). As Harry jets around Europe he is pursued by a 'force' of agents; leaving a trail of bodies living and dead. I won't reveal the ending but it is not hard to deduce the outcome. Along the way, the author plants the seed for the follow-on book about Harry's personal quest to learn about his father's life experiences.
Quite a readable, if not an epic, book. A good airplane read for a few hours long journey.
Profile Image for Mahesh.
456 reviews40 followers
July 29, 2024
3.5 stars

The Arthurian Relic by Andrew Clawson takes readers on an exhilarating journey with Harry Fox, an intrepid historian, as he unravels the mystery surrounding a legendary artifact linked to King Arthur. Set against the backdrop of ancient lore and modern-day intrigue, the narrative weaves together a tale of danger, discovery, and deception. Harry's quest leads him through a labyrinth of secrets, with each twist and turn heightening the stakes and deepening the mystery.

Andrew Clawson has crafted a compelling narrative in The Arthurian Relic, masterfully blending historical intrigue with contemporary suspense. The protagonist, Harry Fox, is a standout character who breathes life into the story. Clawson’s portrayal of Harry is nuanced and relatable; he’s not just a hero but a well-rounded individual with strengths, flaws, and a palpable sense of curiosity. Harry's intellectual prowess and relentless determination drive the plot forward, making him a character readers can root for.

Clawson excels in maintaining suspense throughout the novel. The pacing is expertly managed, with cliffhangers and revelations strategically placed to keep readers on the edge of their seats. The author’s meticulous attention to historical detail enriches the narrative, lending authenticity to the quest for the Arthurian relic. Each chapter builds anticipation, drawing readers deeper into the enigma that Harry is desperate to solve.

However, while the protagonist is well-developed, the writing of the antagonists could have been stronger. The villains in the story sometimes lack the depth and complexity that make for truly memorable adversaries. Their motivations and backstories are not as fleshed out as those of the protagonist, which occasionally diminishes the impact of the conflict.

Despite this minor shortcoming, The Arthurian Relic is a thoroughly engaging read. Clawson’s ability to weave suspense with historical intrigue makes for a page-turner that is difficult to put down. For fans of adventure, mystery, and history, this novel offers a thrilling escape into a world where ancient secrets collide with modern challenges.
92 reviews4 followers
October 6, 2022
This was a great page turner that kept me enthralled until the last page.

Firstly the characters are well drawn and interesting - there is a depth that hints of a lot more below the surface. Lets face it, if you don't feel for the characters and find them interesting then the story loses a great deal, so that is the first thing that kept me reading.

Next the history is the background to the entire story and that unfolds across the globe. From the USA, UK, Germany, Italy, Croatia, etc., this covers in detail many places across Europe and (thankfully) I've had the opportunity to travel to all these counties together with some of the cities where the story takes place - all the detail is correct.

This is just a really good read and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I'll definitely read more of his books.
Profile Image for Rob Samborn.
Author 4 books120 followers
November 12, 2022
A rip-roaring read that hits all the quintessential marks of great historical thrillers: action, suspense, mystery, great protagonists and antagonists, and of course, history. Andrew Clawson has an uncanny ability to suck a reader in through character and then propel that character on a rollercoaster adventure. With a piece of history purportedly tied to King Arthur, a group that has been protecting a secret for 2000 years, and multiple parties after the same thing, Harry Fox is squarely in the middle. And the stakes are high. If you’re a fan of Indiana Jones or Dan Brown, do yourself a favor and read Andrew Clawson.
Profile Image for Megan (lost among the stacks).
252 reviews15 followers
April 13, 2023
How many times does one person need to be told not trust anyone for him to take the advice? I’m more surprised Harry’s inability to take that advice didn’t come back to bite him in the ass more harshly.

I thoroughly enjoyed this story, despite Harry continuing to disregard the warning to not trust anyone. I have always loved the legend of King Arthur and the people of Camelot and will always pick up anything that even hints at it. This book took me on a complete adventure and ended with a twist I was not expecting.

I cannot wait to grab the second, I want to see more of Harry’s amulet and hopefully the female Egyptologist professor!
765 reviews
November 24, 2021
This was a pretty good adventure. It kept my interest which can be a rather difficult thing to do. There was lots of action, several interesting locations and a likeable main character. And the secret of the artifact that was revealed at the end wasn't a big letdown. Truth be told, I was a bit worried about it as the build up seemed destined for a big thud but my reaction was more "hmm, interesting, I wouldn't have thought of that one". It was unique. I'm going to stick with the series for sure.
Profile Image for Zachary Creasman.
133 reviews
January 25, 2023
This book was okay it was just lacking in several key areas. First Harry Fox makes several very literal translations from clues left behind centuries ago that don't make any sense to take literally. For example one of the clues says to be aware of a hooded threat and Harry interprets that to mean that he needs to watch out for people in hoods. Also there are times when he is very knowledgeable about a topic but then has no knowledge of a related topic which seems odd. Also without spoiling the end the reveal of Harry's final find is very underwhelming.
Profile Image for Alice.
279 reviews
September 4, 2023
National Treasure meets Indiana Jones meets The DaVinci Code. Since I love all of those, this should have been a slam dunk 5 star book. It is a page-turner for sure! The plot is good. I like Harry’s character, but I find it hard to root for anyone working for the Mob. Things just happen too coincidentally to be believable. Harry’s knowledge seems to come from nowhere. The amulet got to be overdone and was really just a tease for the next book. The repetition of parts of the story got a bit annoying.
Profile Image for Colleen Grier.
381 reviews
July 15, 2022
Bam Pow wow…from the start you get Harry Fox working for the mob to find treasured antiquities for mob profit. It is a James Bond, Indiana Jones, Angels and Demons and DaVinci Code fairy tale kinda ride…. Looking for Arthur and ending with Roman struggles during the start of Christianity and that impact On other major religions….I will read more Harry Fox. Takes one away from the current world problems.
147 reviews4 followers
September 17, 2022
Harry Fox is finder & buyer of ancient relics all over the world.
His employers are people that want the relics but don’t want
anyone to know that they have been. During his travels he
runs into other people who are doing the same thing, so he
is in constant danger. Failure is not an option, especially for
the person who sends him out on these journeys. Harry & his
employer have no idea that other people are on the same trail
& will stop at nothing to get what they want.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
633 reviews2 followers
November 19, 2022
Harry Fox is a relic hunter and acquires items to sell on at inflated prices, His employer? Vincent Morello, don of all five Mafia families in New York. Harry is asked to find an original copy of a book by Geoffrey of Monmouth and follow the clues to find a relic linked to King Arthur.
Along the way, there are pitfalls and dangers until Harry gets what is wanted.
Left a bit open ended, as Harry tells Vincent of the next big quest he wanted to go on.
Profile Image for Joe Stevens.
Author 3 books3 followers
November 23, 2022
A fun romp with an absurd payoff that isn't adequately explained. Well written with interesting situations. At points, the plot seemed somewhat strained and seemed to exist as the outline for a book. This seems odd to say, but the best books flow smoothly and you never think, oh look the author is kicking in the next plot point. Still I wanted to read it to the end which is more than I can say for a number of my other Kindle Unlimited reads.
April 4, 2023
Excellent start to a new series!

From the first page the story unfolds at a fairly brisk pace without sacrificing character development or "historical" background. Being a big fan of the Arthurian legend; I really enjoyed how the main character pieces the story together as he's solving the mystery. While this tale is complete by itself, the author has left us a couple of tidbits of interest for following stories. Can't wait for the next one.
59 reviews
May 15, 2022
Arthurian legend with a twist...

My first Andrew Clawson book about Excalibur and a message hidden since Christ walked the earth. Harry Fox is Indiana Jones in disguise. A great read I recommend to all interested in historical novels. Cannot wait to read the next book in the series.
May 27, 2022
Relic

I like that the action starts almost right away! As I read I was pulled in to Harry’s life. It is a bit like Indiana Jones only with more emphasis placed on Harry and his need to know about his dad and the amulet he wears. The poor guy is tracked by men who want to stop his search for will kill him if he doesn’t!
651 reviews5 followers
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October 8, 2022
Great story

I enjoy novels about antiquities and history . The author includes his story about writing the book and how he adapted history to his story line. Interesting characters and the adventure Harry Fox has to searching for clues to solve the riddle of the ancient manuscript .
Profile Image for Diane Dubois.
18 reviews
March 25, 2023
A delightful read. When I read the description I had no intention to read this book. Wanted to read the 2nd book in series. Therefore, I read this book to get to the next book. A twist from the archeology stories I've been reading. Just the right amount of details describing events. Exciting and well written.
Profile Image for Chad Mitchell.
4 reviews1 follower
July 23, 2023
a solid start

I thought this first book was pretty good. The pace was good. The action was plentiful. My only issue was how everything was wrapped up.

More time was spent on the action than on the ending. I would have liked the focus to be a little more on the relic than the men looking for it.

It’s still worth a read. I will probably give the second one a shot.
October 7, 2023
Harry Fox, my new obsession

Harry is my newest hero. Even though he works for a bad guy, he is a good guy. His adventures are educational,exciting, and fascinating. Wonderful characters and great mysteries abound. A real page turner. Absolutely loved it. Can't wait to start book 2.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews

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