Reader Reviews of A Sword for Pizarro

The interaction of the characters in a book are very important to me and this book excelled in that regard. The story was interesting in a way that makes you think about things from a different angle. I loved it!

By Michael Plaza

I had no idea what to expect from this novel when I opened it, but even if I would have tried to guess the plot it would have been impossible. The novel has everything, from action and suspense to comedy. You really get a great feel for the characters, especially Marshall and Diego. They are an odd couple, but the clash of cultures is hilarious and the bond between them seems real. The book is definitely worth buying and reading, and if you contact Tom he might even autograph the copy for you.

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.

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!!!

"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.

It was an easy read that could have gone on for a few more chapters. It educated me on the Spanish conquest of South America and told a great story about the misfortune of man and ship along the east coast of central Florida. I got a chance to dream of treasure, follow the exploits of Marshall’s underwater adventures and land excursions, and take a personal look into the minds of a callous tycoon and a wannabe commando thug-for-hire – all while the sky continues to fall like central Florida’s land prices. It’s like Magnum P.I. meets Mike Nelson on the Ponderosa owned by the bad guy, with interesting people popping up all over. Did I mention the Space Shuttle launch?

Tom Ryan has packed all of this action into an easy-to-follow fun thrill ride; there’s no other way to put it – it’s just fun and no seat belt is required. The other part of this book that I liked was Tom’s knowledge of his subject. He made it all believable and put you right in the middle of the action and excitement. Tom has allowed us to join him in Marshall’s search for treasure and feel the thrill of the hunt, and yet finds time for some light romance and a look at a guy whose feet are clay when it comes to relationships with the opposite sex.

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.

Book Review: A Sword for Pizarro - A Guy's Guy Book, but also for the Ladies.
By Bruce H. from Miami, FL

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

James Bond meets Jerry Seinfeld
By Emanuel W.

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.

The book's the most fun I think I've ever had reading something more substantial than the latest Maxim or National Geographic: Adventure.

It centers on a roguish scuba diving treasure hunter named Marshall Cross who owns an archaeology theme park in Florida (think Disney World built by Indiana Jones). He's also looking for an ancient sword which once belonged to Pizarro, but which is now probably at the bottom of the ocean, somewhere near Cape Kennedy, lost since 1715. Cross is having trouble with a host of Florida lowlifes as well as problems with the fairer sex. Added to all the drama, a meteor is on the way to the coast of Florida, which would hide the golden sword forever beneath the sand.

As far-fetched as all this sounds, it's strangely not. The characters, like the narrator Cross, are more human than any story I've read. In addition to excitement and intrigue the book also has a good deal of sexy romantic flare. This is probably the perfect summer story. It's a great combination of Tom Clancy and Jimmy Buffett. A heck of a lot of fun if you're into clever adventure mysteries! This is the kind of book that makes you want to write.