FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  
October 10, 2024  

**Historian Elena Vasquez Publishes AI Thriller 'The Forgotten Code'**  

*Archaeologist's novel links ancient puzzles to modern artificial intelligence.*  

NEW YORK -- Dr. Elena Vasquez, a historian at Columbia University, released her debut thriller "The Forgotten Code" on Tuesday through HarperCollins Publishers. The 400-page book follows an archaeologist decoding Mayan artifacts with AI software amid corporate espionage. Vasquez drew from her excavations in Central America for the plot.  

The novel stems from Vasquez's 15 years studying Mesoamerican scripts and recent AI advancements in pattern recognition. Early reviews from Kirkus and Publishers Weekly note its blend of historical accuracy and suspense, positioning it as a timely commentary on technology's role in uncovering lost knowledge. HarperCollins printed 75,000 copies for the initial run.  

"Our digs revealed scripts no human could crack alone, but AI changed that—it's both a tool and a threat, just like in the book," said Vasquez, who consulted Mayan elders for authenticity.  

Pre-orders surpassed 20,000 units via Amazon and independent bookstores, with audio and e-book editions released simultaneously. The book has secured foreign rights deals in five countries.  

"The Forgotten Code" is available in hardcover for $27.99 at major retailers including Barnes & Noble, Amazon and IndieBound sellers, with e-book and audiobook versions at $14.99 and $24.99. Vasquez begins a 10-city U.S. tour Oct. 15 in New York.  

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Dr. Elena Vasquez is an associate professor of anthropology at Columbia University specializing in Mesoamerican civilizations. She has led excavations in Guatemala and Mexico and authored two academic monographs on hieroglyphic decipherment. "The Forgotten Code" is her first work of fiction.  

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