QS stands for “Quickshot”, a series of short form review/preview/opinion articles.
I first discovered the Nina Wilde and Eddie Chase series by complete coincidence while I was browsing the stacks at a used book sale. Also by coincidence, I happened upon “The Hunt for Atlantis”, which is the first in the series. Thinking that the plot synopsis sounded promising, I bought the book for a measly fifty cents, took it home, and read it in under a week. I ended up being thoroughly impressed from start to finish, and eagerly dove into the rest of the series once I had the chance.
For those who might be unaware of this series (i.e.; probably everybody), the Nina Wilde and Eddie Chase series is an ongoing action/adventure book series chronicling the near-constant misadventures and globetrotting, world-saving endeavors of archaeologist Nina Wilde and her significant other, ex-mercenary Eddie Chase. The series is written by Andy McDermott, and each entry draws heavy inspiration from Indiana Jones, Tomb Raider, and Mission Impossible. For this week’s short article, let me try to sell you on this series!
The plot of each installment is constantly fresh and engaging. Each world-spanning adventure brings with it twists and turns like crazy, and bigger and badder antagonists trying to crush the heroes and accomplish whatever nefarious goal it is they want to achieve. From genocidal viruses to conquering private armies to an actual magical meteorite (sort of), each villain ups the ante and carves out their own niche. Likewise, the nefarious ancient traps, anthropological mysteries, and espionage intrigue is always on point.
The characters are memorable and well-written across the board. Nina Wilde and Eddie Chase are exceptional protagonists with plenty of awesome moments and believable flaws. Even more impressive then them, though, is the roster of side characters. Our heroes meet many colorful personalities in their journeys, and Andy McDermott has a wonderful way of tying these side characters back into the plots of future books, allowing them even more time to grow and shine. Characters like the peppy student Macy, retired general Mack, and Trulli show up time and again and are always a joy to see. The antagonists are no slouch either, with a few being true standouts of delightfully devilish villainy.
The action scenes and dramatic set pieces are consistently unique and exciting, presenting some of the most jaw-dropping climaxes I’ve ever read (and seriously wish I could see on screen some day). There’s plenty of engaging, high-octane car chases and fist fights, but there is also a boat chase down a raging river, a desperate brawl while hanging from the skids of a helicopter, and racing away from an erupting volcano. These scenes are on par, and frequently surpass, the comparable action scenes of blockbuster movies.
Perhaps what is most impressive about these books is that the quality does not fade as the series goes on. Even though the series is over fifteen entries long, they STILL haven’t lost their luster. Each new entry twists and plays with the established formula, and Andy McDermott will seemingly never fun out of ideas for dank dungeon booby traps and ludicrously crazy action set pieces. You’d expect it to get stale after a while, but it just doesn’t! It really helps that each book builds on the last, slowly piecing together and overarching narrative with a clear passing of time and development of characters.
Something about this series really just feels like it was written for me. As in, there’s basically nothing I would change about this series were I to somehow have the time and power to rewrite it itself. From the pacing and execution of the action scenes, to the intrigue and mystery, to the witty and often humorous dialogue, to the diabolical and manipulative villains, and everything in between. Though my heart of hearts will always prefer high fantasy and sci-fi to realistic action fiction like this, the Nina Wilde and Eddie Chase series is genuinely my perfect series.
There isn’t much about this series that isn’t excellent. For real, if you can find a chance to read these books, go for it. This series is awesome, really easy to get into, and dangerously bingeable!
The Contrarian Corner 