A Sword for Pizarro

"Combines the maritime adventure of Clive Cussler,
the breezy escapism of Jimmy Buffett,
and the witty mystery of Robert B. Parker..."
- Lost Treasure Magazine

"Divers, treasure hunters, and anyone who enjoys a good thriller will love a Sword for Pizarro...
I give it 2 fins up!"
- Greg The Divemaster, Host of ScubaRadio

"...I'm having a hard time putting it down to go to training!"
- Scott D. Altman, NASA Astronaut - Commander STS-125

“A Sword for Pizarro is a must read for everyone who has dreamed of sunken gold
or the thrill of strapping on a tank and challenging the world’s oceans! I hope there is a sequel.”
- Mike Ange, author of Diver Down

"This could easily be a series and I would read every book in it!"
- Reed Nescher, Two Tanked Productions

“Marshall Cross is a fun hero with a wry sense of humor about the world and about himself.”
- Writer’s Digest

"A Sword for Pizarro has as many thrills as a roller coaster..."
- Cindy Vallar, Pirates & Privateers

"A Sword for Pizarro sparkles...prepare to be entertained and captivated."
- Kim Cool, Scene Magazine - Florida

"This is a true thriller, like recovering gold from the bottom of the ocean."
- Bob "Frogfoot" Weller, author of 9 books on Sunken Treasure

Like many salvers, Cross wears his hard luck circumstances like a good suit of clothes as he pursues a dream against all odds, through this fast paced diving adventure. Elements of the human race’s worst fears and our worst attributes combine to make Cross an underdog you have to support. Ryan has nailed the spirit of the hard-core diver and treasure hunter with this character. A Sword for Pizarro is a must read for everyone who has dreamed of sunken gold or the thrill of strapping on a tank and challenging the world’s oceans! I hope there is a sequel.

A Sword for Pizarro Sparkles
By Kim Cool, Scene Magazine

All that glitters in A Sword for Pizarro by Tom Ryan is a golden sword and the characters involved in its rescue from the briny deep.

…His descriptions of the Florida coastline where treasure hunter Marshall Cross pursues his dream even as he is pursued by an assortment of bad guys has readers watching out for Florida's most notorious reptiles even as the empathize with Ryan's concerns about eminent domain and his own Treasure Island.

While an archeology-themed amusement park may not pose a threat to the likes of Florida's Walt Disney World, its owner manages to cause a great deal of trouble for a less-than-scrupulous developer...

Swimming with sharks, in the sea as well as on land, Cross not only holds his own, he learns a few things about himself and finally, is saved by a bell.

A Sword For Pizarro has characters you love to hate and at least one character who is human enough to be quite lovable.

Take this book to the beach or to the nearest marina. You may spot some of Ryan's characters near your place in the sun or not. Either way, prepare to be entertained and captivated.

Get your scuba gear on and jump in!
By Aileen Foy

The first time I opened a Sword for Pizarro, I was intrigued. The second time, I could smell the sea and feel the ocean breeze. Each time after that was an amazing adventure. This book was definitely a great escape, you truly feel as if you know the characters. They were believable and likable and you find yourself rooting for them in their many encounters with the bad guys! The plot of the book had many twist and turns that kept you wondering how it was all going to turn out. When it's all over, you can't help but wonder what Marshall Cross is going to do next. I'm always a little sad when I finish a good book and I look forward to reading another Tom Ryan novel soon.

A Great Read!
By Patricia Clark from Nashville, TN

This book was recommended to me by a friend. I did not expect to be completely pulled in to the story of "A Sword for Pizarro" as action/adventure is not my favorite genre, and treasure hunting in particular is not something I've ever given much consideration in my book choices. Once in a while it is great to be proven wrong! I found "A Sword for Pizarro" to be exciting and engrossing, a book that keeps you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. Tom Ryan is clearly an author who has done his research. The descriptions of the dives and the electronic treasure-hunting devices are excellent. The characters are believable, even in unbelievable situations, and the dialogue between them never feels less than authentic. The dialogue is filled with witty banter, surprising cultural references, and political commentary. I thoroughly enjoyed the elements of romance in this novel, as we see the protagonist, stumble his way toward a successful relationship. The contrast between his professional life, full of intrigue and adventure, and his imperfect personal life, made him relatable and someone we can't help but root for in all of his quests. Overall, it was an amazing story that I hated to see end, so I am hopeful that the story will continue!

What an excellent book for my first ever review
By Tony W. Handley "Cussler Fan"

This book kept me reeling throughout. I couldn't wait to see what the next page holds. It was an easy, fun read with plenty twists and turns. There is plenty of witticism, adventure, and even some romance. The characters leave you wanting for more of them. Except for that scoundrel Denton Barret. He's is the power hungry, greedy tycoon of the story. I have to wonder....Is Marshall Cross a first cousin to Dirk Pitt? Excellent read to the end. I believe it safe to say. Tom we want more!

Excellent Book!!!
By Tony Hernandez from Brevard County, FL

The moment I started reading this book, I could not put it down. Great story and well written. Unfortunately, I read the book in 2 days!! Can't wait for the movie!!!

"The Dude" takes on "The Man"
By Krankor

A great story, that transplants you into the shoes of a believable hero. I couldn't help but feel as if I had been whisked away into a world where "The Man" is really out to get us, and we thwart his every move with "The Dude-esq" flair. It surely is a Clive Cussler meets Jimmy Buffett experience, but more real than Cussler and more adventurous than Buffett. I'll surely be reading the sequel.

Totally Entertaining!
By S. Winter

Tom Ryan's "A Sword for Pizarro" is exciting, enlightening, and entertaining. I found myself engrossed in the plot, involved with the characters, and reluctant to stop reading. Mr. Ryan has smoothly meshed detail with adventure, keeping the reader informed and comfortable with the
novel's setting and action. This is the perfect "escape" - whether it's a lazy afternoon at the beach, a rainy day in the mountains, or a Sunday afternoon at home, "A Sword for Pizarro" will transport you to adventure in hot and steamy Florida. I enthusiastically recommend this novel and I am looking forward to the next Marshall Cross adventure. Well done, Tom!

Exceptionally fun and entertaining!
By Carlyn W. Prisk

Tom Ryan's A Sword for Pizarro is an exceptionally fun and entertaining story! In A Sword for Pizarro, Mr. Ryan expertly weaves intrigue and adventure with just the right mix of romance and human interest throughout to make a treasure hunting novice like myself keep turning page after page. Mr. Ryan further spices Pizarro's plot with mystery steeped in history and enough political commentary to make the story timely and relevant. Pizarro's protagonist, Marshall Cross, is likable and believable, and I found myself routing for him through each plot twist. I truly enjoyed reading this book which I devoured in one afternoon! I highly recommend Mr. Ryan's A Sword for Pizarro and look forward to his next novel. Great job!

"A fun thrill ride... and no seat belt is required!"
By Reed "Papa Bear" Nescher, Two Tanked Productions

I opened Tom Ryan’s A Sword for Pizarro, and, like so many books, didn’t know what to expect except that it was going to have diving and treasure; two of my many favorites subjects to be sure. I jumped aboard "The Roustabout" for an Amusement-type adventure ride with Marshall Cross and his sidekick Diego in a modern Hemingway "Old man and the Sea" tradition. This may not be Hemingway in a traditional sense, but more on the light-hearted adventure side of a new and inventive adventure ride. It also reminded me of the styles of Jimmy Buffett in his latest book. Right from the start you are thrown into the excitement of a shark attack, a new treasure-finding tool, big land deals, and all the resorts in central Florida, not to mention politics and intrigue! On top of all this, the sky is falling and Marshall is dealing with an ex-wife and a new romance! Just like a good ride, the action and fun never slow down till it’s over.

Tom Ryan has created a modern day adventure hero. Tom constantly kept me wondering and looking ahead to see what new predicament his main character Marshall Cross would need to get out of. It was such a great read that I didn't want it to come to an end!

Tom Ryan's A Sword for Pizarro is a hit! The story's plot had me on the edge of my seat captivated, wanting to read further to find out what happens next to the story's main character Marshall, along with his trusty sidekick Diego. Marshall Cross is a modern day fusion between Indiana Jones and a suave Jacques Cousteau, whose sharp wit, sense of humor and lust for adventure keeps this thrill ride going until the end of the book. A definite must read if you like action, adventure, or romance novels! I look forward to author Ryan's follow up to this book, anxiously wondering what adventure Marshall Cross might get into next!

A Sword for Pizarro kept me reading and reading. It is a thrill-a-minute adventure. Ryan has created a character in Marshall Cross who is both hero and enigma. I would recommend this book (and have) to my friends. I'm always looking for engaging stories and, in this book, I have found one.

I truly loved this book! It has everything you'd want in an adventure novel- a likeable and hardy main character, romance, and an incredibly well constructed story line that melds history with the present. Tom Ryan has an appealing tongue-in-cheek writing style that makes this book a highly recommended read.

Have you ever read a book in one sitting? Usually I need to come up for a breath of air, or I get a little ADD, and need to walk away. It normally takes me a week to finish a book. I'll read a little at break time, then some more before bed, then finish up over a weekend at the beach or park. Heck, there are some books I never even finish. I bought Tom Ryan's A Sword for Pizarro because I heard it takes place in Florida near where I live, and I couldn't put it down. I sat down, opened to page 1, began reading, and...GULP...it's finished. In one day!. That's a personal best!

I think the thing that made it such an exciting read was that it flowed like a movie. Sort of like an underwater James Bond, although with a more endearing protagonist. The story is also told in the first-person, which I find always makes the characters more accessible. It's about a treasure hunter, Marshall Cross, from Brevard County, Florida. Cross is about to hit rock bottom, and fast. He's divorced. His treasure-themed amusement park is failing. And he's being harassed by a super-rich land developer who needs his land for the development of a super-sized residential community. Cross figures that all his problems might go away, or at least that he could forget them for a little while, if he could find this golden sword that was lost in 1715 when a fleet of Spanish treasure ships were sunk by a hurricane off the coast of Florida. Soon Cross finds that time is a luxury he no longer has when astronomers discover an asteroid headed towards earth. Not a "global killer" or "extinction level event" like in the movies, but enough to cause a large tsunami that will slam FL and seriously sink Cinderella's Castle and It's a Small World at Disney World. ***I'll stop there before I give too much away.***

Suffice to say, I enjoyed this book. The characters are interesting and funny; a lot of Florida landmarks that I know are mentioned and visited; the action's great and there are even some pretty sexy parts. If you want to read a fun book, and if you don't mind being impelled to read it in one day, then give A Sword for Pizarro a try.

I usually only read two types of books. Adventure books by Clive Cussler. And non-fiction books about history. I picked up a copy of Tom Ryan's "A Sword for Pizarro" (Hold Fast Books, 2007) because I thought the cover was striking; a sunken galleon with a sword spilling out from its hull, flanked by a pair of sharks. I usually like guy-type books, as I thought this would be. But it really has something for everyone.

For the Guys: A tough and rugged treasure hunter that's as relatable as Indiana Jones
For the Ladies: A disarmingly charming treasure hunter that's more approachable than Indian Jones

Really enjoyed this adventure; a "fun" read! I thought enjoying the spoofy humor would mean I wouldn't want to look ahead to see what happens - not! The detailed descriptions of some of the research instruments and dives have the tone of an authentic documentary, and the story protagonists are engaging. (And if you go to Florida, the locations are exactly as the man says - I mean, there are people who've travelled all the way to New Zealand to scout out the Hobbit's lair, right?)

We especially enjoyed the author's self-deprecating sense of humor and his descriptions of the characters involved, with their personality quirks. The locale was accurately described in every detail. Learning about the techniques and technological instruments used to search for ocean treasure gave a more in depth perception of the developing plot. It was an exciting fun filled adventure to read. We are eagerly awaiting Tom Ryan's next book.

A Sword for Pizarro Review
By C.T.

A Sword for Pizzaro is a action-packed, thrilling adventure that takes readers to the very depths of the ocean! I strongly suggest to readers of all ages, its' creative enviroment and figurative language will capture the reader from start to finish. 5 stars from front to back!

This is one of the most encaptivating books I have ever read. From the first word to the last word, I found the book enthralling. Mr. Ryan captures the reader by using every day language so that the reader is able to follow the book with ease and without the use of a dictionary. His style of writing is eloquent and flows with incredible ease. The dialogue is easy to understand, though not simple, as it contains much depth and encourages the reader to think. The book dances around many topics that pertain to every day life such as love, the struggles of money, corruption in governments, following your passion, and following your heart in doing what one believes is right. While this book was almost a mystery thriller, I also found it a book that encourages the reader to look at their own society and to re evaluate the every day issues.

I look forward and anticipate the next piece of literature Ryan produces as I am confident it will be another great success.

Having recieved this book and reading the back...
I was excited to start it.
Then after I started the novel...I could not put it down.
The action and interaction between characters kept me reading page after page. The plot was dynamic with twists and intersting shifts.
I applaud Tom Ryan for his creative writing and loveable characters.
But most of all I thank him because he did teach me a valuable lesson (as every book should)...that treasure is not just gold and material goods, it can be the people you meet or love, or the things you learn and experience. There are many forms of treasure.

In conclusion...A SWORD FOR PIZARRO by Tom Ryan
is an awesome read.