Step into the pulse-pounding world of Matt Drake, where ancient mysteries collide with high-octane action! Created by British author David Leadbeater, the Matt Drake series is a thrilling blend of action-adventure, historical intrigue, and archaeological quests. Since its debut in 2011 with The Bones of Odin, this series has captivated readers with its globe-trotting hero, a retired SAS officer turned adventurer, who unravels secrets that could reshape history.
Imagine Indiana Jones with a military edge, racing from the Louvre to Hawaiian volcanoes to stop villains wielding mythical artifacts. With 30 books and counting, Matt Drake’s adventures offer an addictive mix of danger, humor, and camaraderie that keeps fans hooked. Ready to explore this action-packed saga? Let’s dive in!
How Matt Drake Began
David Leadbeater, a Yorkshire-based author with a passion for Viking history, launched the Matt Drake series in 2011. Inspired by his love for archaeological thrillers and the rich Viking heritage of York, Leadbeater crafted The Bones of Odin to fill a gap in the genre. He wanted a fresh, blockbuster-style serial that blended historical enigmas with relentless action. Matt Drake, a former SAS operative with a knack for solving ancient puzzles, was born—a hero who’s as skilled with a gun as he is with deciphering cryptic clues.
Leadbeater’s vision was to create a seamless, ongoing adventure where characters evolve across books. His meticulous research and influences like Andy McDermott and Joss Whedon shaped a series that’s both escapist and grounded in historical detail, earning him a loyal following and Amazon bestseller status.
The Heart of Matt Drake
The series kicks off with The Bones of Odin, where Matt Drake hunts for nine pieces of an ancient relic that could lead to the Tomb of the Gods. This fast-paced opener sets the tone with rocket attacks, cavern battles, and a race against a world-dominating villain. In The Blood King Conspiracy, Drake tackles the Bermuda Triangle’s secrets, facing the mythical Blood King in a high-stakes chase across America. The Gates of Hell sees a broken Drake seeking vengeance, navigating a deadly maze in a volcano’s heart, while Four Sacred Treasures takes the team to Japan to battle ninjas and uncover mythical artifacts.
Themes of camaraderie, resilience, and discovery pulse through the series. Leadbeater’s dynamic pacing and vivid settings—from Peruvian mountains to Japan’s Devil’s Sea—immerse readers in a world where history and myth intertwine. Matt Drake isn’t a flawless hero; his vulnerabilities and evolving relationships with teammates like Mai and Alicia add depth. The series’ blend of historical accuracy and speculative fiction appeals to fans of action thrillers and history buffs alike, with each book delivering twists and adrenaline-fueled showdowns.
Leadbeater’s style is unapologetically escapist, packed with humor and heart. Whether it’s infiltrating a ninja clan or dodging mercenaries, the SPEAR team’s chemistry and banter make every adventure a page-turner. With crossovers like The Plagues of Pandora, the series expands its universe, keeping the stakes sky-high.
Why Matt Drake Resonates
The Matt Drake series has carved a niche in the action-adventure genre, selling over 750,000 e-books and earning comparisons to Clive Cussler and Matthew Reilly. Fans praise its relentless pace, well-developed characters, and ability to make history thrilling. Reviews highlight the series’ addictive quality, with readers staying up late to finish “just one more chapter.” Its global settings and diverse cast, including strong female operatives, broaden its appeal, while Leadbeater’s commitment to historical research adds authenticity.
Despite its niche status, Matt Drake’s blend of myth, action, and heart has built a dedicated fanbase. The series’ ongoing nature—30 books and counting—ensures there’s always a new adventure, making it a go-to for readers craving escapism and excitement.
- First Book: The Bones of Odin (2011)
- Total Books: 30 (as of 2025)
- Author: David Leadbeater, Amazon bestselling author
- Genre: Action-adventure, archaeological thriller
Grab The Bones of Odin and dive into Matt Drake’s world of ancient secrets and heart-stopping action. Your next adventure awaits!