My apologies for some of the video and audio quality. They were a result of insurmountable technical difficulties. However, there’s so much great content here, I felt that it far outweighed some of the lag spots. Enjoy!
Why You Should Listen
If you’re a fan of thrillers that break the mold — or curious how a first-time novelist can balance history, suspense, and character depth — this conversation will pull you in. Blood and Treasure is a debut that reads like the work of a seasoned pro, and Ryan Pote’s perspective on storytelling is as thoughtful as it is entertaining. In this episode of The First Draft Podcast, I sit down with debut novelist Ryan Pote to talk about his first book, Blood and Treasure. This isn’t a conventional treasure-hunt adventure. Instead, Ryan delivers a cross-genre thriller that moves between timelines and cultures, exploring not only the pursuit of priceless artifacts but also the human costs of obsession and ambition.
My hot-take review
As Ryan put it, “I didn’t want to just write a story about gold. I wanted to write about the people chasing it — what they’re willing to sacrifice, and what it says about them.” That perspective sets Blood and Treasure apart. It’s not the prize itself that matters most, but the lengths people will go to claim it.
The novel’s authenticity comes from deep research. Ryan told me, “I spent months digging into the history, making sure the details were right. If I’m asking readers to believe the adventure, then the backdrop has to hold up.” That discipline shows on the page — the settings feel lived-in, the stakes feel real, and the characters aren’t just props to move the story forward.
What impressed me most was his refusal to play it safe as a first-time author. “Everyone said, ‘Just stick to one genre.’ But the story I wanted to tell didn’t fit in a box,” Ryan explained. That willingness to blend history, thriller pacing, and mystery structure makes Blood and Treasure appealing across audiences — from fans of Clive Cussler-style adventure to readers who prefer the layered tension of a Brad Thor or Steve Berry novel.
We also dug into his writing process. “Finishing a first novel is more persistence than genius,” Ryan admitted. “There were days I thought it wasn’t working, but you have to sit down, keep going, and trust that the story will come together.” That combination of humility and discipline is exactly what makes him a writer to watch.
At its core, Blood and Treasure is more than a hunt for lost riches. It’s a story about meaning, obsession, and redemption. For a debut, it’s bold and memorable — and Ryan Pote has made it clear he isn’t afraid to take risks.
Key Themes & Takeaways
Breaking Genre Barriers: Pote discusses how Blood and Treasure avoids the clichés of standard thrillers and instead fuses history, suspense, and mystery.
The Human Side of Treasure Hunts: More than gold or artifacts, the novel explores obsession, redemption, and the price people pay in pursuit of meaning.
Research-Driven Authenticity: From cultural settings to historical grounding, Ryan shares how he wove fact into fiction to give his story real-world weight.
A Debut With Risk: Rather than play it safe, Pote crafted a novel that appeals to thriller fans, history buffs, and readers who want more than formula.
The Writer’s Journey: We talk about how he approached his first novel, the discipline required to finish, and where he’s headed next.
Follow Ryan Pote:
Instagram: @ryanpotebooks — Veteran Navy Pilot turned novelist, diving deep into adventure and thriller storytelling. amazon.com+13instagram.com+13amazon.com+13
X (formerly Twitter): @ryanpotebooks — Active behind‑the‑scenes updates and book promotion. twitter.com
Facebook: Ryan Pote — Author page for news, book updates, and posts from the life of this debut thriller writer.amazon.com+11facebook.com+11ryanpote.com+11
Buy Blood and Treasure
Amazon (Hardcover & Kindle): Blood and Treasure by Ryan Pote — an enthralling debut that blends high‑stakes thriller with historical mystery and aviation‑grounded authenticity.instagram.com+6amazon.com+6goodreads.com+6
