Under the Cold Sun A government anthropologist is sent to study a hidden civilization on the most remote island on earth, but he's caught in a brutal coup, a rekindled civil war, and a conspiracy that could erase the kingdom forever.
On the edge of the world, a hidden kingdom wakes
Matt Moro is a government anthropologist wasting his talents writing reports nobody reads at the State Department. When an unprecedented, top-secret assignment lands on his desk, he doesn’t think twice.
The job takes him to Gough Island, a cold, windswept volcanic speck in the South Atlantic and the most remote inhabited place on Earth. His mission is to study the Mesdu, an enigmatic civilization that’s been hidden from the outside world for millennia. For a guy who’d rather study cultures than navigate office politics, it’s the opportunity of a lifetime.
The dream turns hostile fast. The island’s isolation masks something dangerous: powerful international interests, coveted resources, and a previous team of diplomats whose fate nobody wants to talk about. The atmosphere at the outpost is thick with paranoia, and Matt starts to realize he wasn’t sent here because he’s the best person for the job. He was sent because he’s expendable.
A ruthless conspiracy is exploiting ancient rivalries among the Mesdu to seize control of the island’s wealth, and Matt’s caught in the middle of a civil war that’s been engineered from the outside. Trapped thousands of miles from help, the only person he can trust is a native translator who’s clearly keeping secrets of her own.
Quotes from Readers
“A political coup, the study of a new indigenous culture, plus a dash of love & war, makes this suspenseful book a page turner until the end... I would highly recommend this for a quick and entertaining read full of adventure!”
“It's like Dan Brown meets Michael Crichton meets Lee Child: imagination, adventure, and non-stop action.”
“I really enjoyed this novel. It takes you on one hell of a ride as you see the environment through the lens of the main character. The novel has incredible imagery, compelling characters, education about anthropology and various cultures, twists and turns, and everything you would want out of a novel. I highly recommend it!”
“This book has romance, war, and everything in between.”
“West has done a significant job of introducing us to a thoroughly unlikable character, and masterfully steering us towards caring deeply about him. If you want a story that has surprises in every chapter and a well-written character arc (hard to come by, these days!), definitely take a look at this book.”
“Great adventure story, very exciting”
“What an exciting adventure! Reminiscent of Disney's "Jungle Cruise," but with adult themes, Under the Cold Sun is full of twists and turns around every corner.”