20,000 Kilos Under the Sea

A Modern Retelling of the Jules Verne Classic Adventure

By: Richard Wickliffe

Narrated by: Brian Rollins

A modern retelling of Jules Verne's high-seas adventure, with an exiled captain using an illicit submarine for smuggling, discovering riches, and revenge.

When a US expedition is attacked, three survivors—a professor, her student and a soldier—are saved by a mysterious vessel, the Naumtsev. The enigmatic Captain Nikto elects to keep the captives aboard, requiring each of their skills for his daring pursuits. But as evidence of a rogue submarine alerts the world's navies, the captives must work together to avoid annihilation.

A fast-paced adventure-thriller that's described as, "the classic Disney adventure meets The Hunt for Red October."

Gold Winner - Best Suspense/Thriller, 2023 President's Book Awards, Florida Authors & Publisher's Association

©2022 Richard Wickliffe (P)2024 Richard Wickliffe

Critic reviews

"A gripping adventure that merges thrills with meticulous research for a concept that's more plausible than you would think." (Nuclear Submariner John Jones (ret.) US Navy, US Submarine Force, STS1)

"A great story with stellar writing, deft plotting, filling the pages with cinematic images." (Readers Favorite Book Reviews)

The twists don't stop at the title, exciting pace

I wasn't sure what to expect since my experience with other retellings have been varied. This story captured the marvel and wonder of exploring ocean depths while maintaining a tense atmosphere of trust and betrayal in modern times. The main characters are well defined but their reactions to immediate events keep the listener guessing as to the outcome. I appreciated the pacing of the story and felt the ever-looming descent toward closure was appropriately navigated. The narration was absolutely fantastic, capturing all the chaotic and majestic scenes amongst the varied accents and genders so perfectly. [Disclosure: I received this title for free, and I listen at 1.7-1.8x speed]