Wood's Relic: An Early Mac Travis Adventure (Early Adventures of Mac and Wood) Paperback – August 18, 2014

This gets five stars. The story runs right along; easy to follow. Some of the intermediate characters aren't well fleshed out, but we can read between the lines well enough.The Keys and all that part of Florida seem to be described in more than adequate detail.I DO have somewhat of a problem with the technical aspects of diving, though. I got my first scuba, a Healthways Div-Air, when I was 14 years old. I taught myself, since here in Michigan, at least, there simply wasn't anyone available as a teacher. I became a scuba instructor for the local school district, and was the 'card-carrying' go-to diver for the local police when in my early 20s. We formed PADI in Chicago one weekend since the only other alternative was to go to California and go through the LA County instructional program, or wait for the next NAUI school, which always seemed to be in Boston or somewhere else equally distant from the midwest. My PADI number has two digits since I was part of the founding group. I say all that to tell you that I didn't start yesterday.The whole idea of scuba diving is that being essentially weightless under water, you can come close to the sensation of flying. Jacques Cousteau says in "The Silent World" that, before inventing his Aqua Lung, he had dreams about flying, but never after he was using his invention. Yet the author speaks on several occasions of leaving his fins on the boat and walking across the bottom. It doesn't work like that.If a scuba diver wants to walk across the bottom, he'll need to wear weights---probably on his ankles. Weight higher on his body will affect balance. Either the author doesn't know the difference or he doesn't care about accuracy.A disappointment, but a good story none the less.

Steven Becker has written a good action and adventure story. He has introduced us to some interesting characters and some great locations for more exciting adventures. I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys action and adventure and good storytelling.

This is the first book in a series of adventures with diver and welder Mac Travis. The author has gone back and filled in the earlier events in this character's life as well as his partner/mentor Wood when they first met.The story is set in the Florida Keys and has a strong local, parochial tone with aquatic themes very strongly woven into the tale. Wood, having had a series of setbacks cause insurers to stop covering him (mostly because they took such a hit from a recent hurricane and are cutting costs) is working to reinforce and repair a bridge damaged by a collision with a boat. Meanwhile, they find something under the water which changes everything.He's up against a deadline, an almost maniacally destructive and idiotic son of his employer, and shady dealings behind the scenes as he tries to finish this job so he can get back on his feet. Much of the book is taken up with diving and engineering details involving construction underwater, but not in a dull or dry way. Many characters are introduced, most of which are charitably described as "colorful" which fits the keys.Its a pretty well-written story, but the interweaving storylines felt intrusive, like they were getting in the way of the story I wanted to read. Some of it felt fairly implausible or at least pushing the boundaries of the likely. I ended up liking Wood but felt like Mac was not particularly likable or interesting as a character.

Do they find treasure? Do they give it to the Indians/Native Americans? Why does Wood really drink himself out? I look forward to more books. I enjoyed this one. By

This book is fast paced, hold on to your seat. The characters are crazy, quirky, over the top, and just like the real people I met my first time in Key West 35 years ago. My garbage man had his PHD in psychology but would rather collect trash. I loved the place and the people so much that I moved there 2 years later. The keys are islands, and all about the water that surrounds them. This book is for those who love boating, diving, fishing, sunken treasure, and the unbelievable people who take part in these activities. It brought back so many wonderful memories. I liked that the main land action takes place in Marathon and No Name Key. In his own fun way Steven Becker is also giving you a true history lesson like you won't find in non-fiction. The only thing I found is I do have a little trouble keeping all the characters straight. I enjoyed this so much that I bought the other 5 books.

This the perfect book to read and read in one sitting. It had action all the way through in one sitting.I recommend this book to anyone interested in treasure hunting.

Read several books in series, this one is not the best and the author needs to get more expert help on some detail. For instance magazine instead of clip.

There are so many books written that take place in the Florida Keys. So many of them packed with glaring inaccuracies about the flora, fauna, Keys characters, and life on the water. Woods Relic manages to capture the Keys as a character as well as the sea and weather, street names, navigation markers-everything in this exciting adventure, with near-perfect accuracy. Descriptions of the tools of the trade for building bridges and improvising escapes in death threatening situations is an education that's rollicking good fun! It's also very informative in case you've ever wondered how contractors managed to build a bridge and perform the necessary procedures underwater. The characters are delightful, the plot captivating and this book is a great read if you love quirky atmosphere and the sea.-or even if you don't, you'll learn something that may prove useful.

I bought this book immediately after I'd finished the author's Wolf's Reef and read it straight away. Another very enjoyable read. As a avid Scuba Diver I can confirm that the diving scenes are accurate. I have another one of his books ready to start, but I'll hang on a little while.

very good thriller

took too long to get to the story, too much description on the way a boat etc runs...not for me sorry

enjoyable

Steven Becker carries on where he left off and delivers a rollicking good yarn. If you've read other books in the series then the characters fit like old slippers.There is no delay getting into the book and the tale flows effortlessly.Find a quiet corner, stick the kettle on and lose yourself for a while.