In The Koh Ker Conspiracy: An Archaeological Thriller, author Caleb Andrew navigates the delicate balance between historical accuracy and adventure storytelling. 

In the bustling streets of Phnom Penh, the story begins at a humble noodle shop, a scene inspired by the author’s own mornings shared with friends, capturing the essence of Cambodian life. 

The narrative then leads the readers to the mysterious ruins of Koh Ker, an archaeological site where an untouched pyramid evokes a sense of wonder, reflecting the author’s own exploration in 2004.

Through the tale, vivid snapshots of the Kingdom unfold: serene sunsets along the Tonle Bassac River, adventurous rides on National Road 6 and the lively chaos of Tuol Tompoung Market, also known as Russian Market. 

Each detail, drawn from the author’s experiences, enriches the story, making it a journey through the Kingdom’s landscapes and history. 

The tale invites readers into a world where fiction and reality merge, showcasing the deep connection between the author and the soul of Cambodia.

Set against the backdrop of ancient monuments and the troubling issue of artefact looting, the novel, published in November 2023, integrates historical and cultural elements into a fast-paced and thrilling story.

His approach to incorporating facts begins with extensive research. Through a mix of his experiences growing up in Cambodia and his passion for the country’s rich history, the reader is immersed in the culture and context of the setting. 

“Growing up between Phnom Penh and the USA, I learned that many people outside of Southeast Asia don’t know much about Cambodia, which is a shame because it’s such a beautiful country with an incredible history,” Andrew says.

This was when he decided to write the book.

He delved into scholarly works, visited archaeological sites and consulted with experts to ensure authenticity in his portrayal of history and customs.

On a deeper level, many of his characters are products of two worlds. The protagonist is half-Khmer, half-American, and his struggle with his identity reflects what he has gone through in his life, having lived in many places.

“There’s an old joke among ‘third-culture kids’ who grow up away from their passport countries that the hardest question to answer is: where is home?” the writer says. 

Exploring his own past

Andrew notes that many first-time novelists often create characters which mirror themselves, and he acknowledges that his main character Boran initially resembled him.

However, he felt compelled to evolve Boran’s character, in order to justify his confidence and ability to confront armed mercenaries while also exploring his struggle with identity and his ties to his home countries. 

This led the author to conceive of a unique background for the character, introducing his father as a spy and an archaeologist involved in tracking international crime syndicates.

Through recalled memories, Andrew allows readers glimpses of Boran’s father “training” him, highlighting the complex emotions the character feels – appreciation for the skill set he acquired and the turmoil of their complicated relationship.

One of the challenges Andrew says he faces when writing is blending factual elements with the demands of fiction.

While staying true to historical events and cultural nuances, he tries to craft compelling storylines that keep readers on the edge of their seats. 

This requires careful consideration of pacing, character development and plot dynamics to maintain a balance between historically accurate insights and gripping entertainment.

“As a writer, it can be tough to balance fact with fiction. But there’s so much that we don’t know about King Jayavarman IV and Koh Ker; it gave me plenty of room to imagine what could have been,” he says.

Reinterpreting history 

He says he altered some details, but clarifies this in a postscript, along with recommendations for further reading on both Koh Ker and the Khmer Empire.

Andrew says it’s important that the 10th-century temple complex in the north Cambodian jungle not be merely a prop, but an essential part of the story. The plot revolves around the mystery of Koh Ker, why King Jayavarman IV moved the capital city, and what he took with him from Angkor, situated roughly 120km away.

The answer, he explains, relies on history with some artistic liberties. However, he also says that the book is not an archaeological treatise but rather a teaser for those interested in exploring deeper. 

“It’s a pulse-pounding, seat-of-your-pants ride across Cambodia and into Thailand, with a thrilling conclusion that hopefully teaches you about ancient Khmer history along the way,” he tells The Post. 

Andrew shares that creating a smooth storyline sometimes requires adjustments. He notes that ancient inscriptions provided him clues about what might have originally been atop the temple structure, yet he had to alter these details for the sake of the plot, considering the practical challenges of stealing and concealing such a massive object over millennia. 

Being a lawyer with a dedication to precision, he made sure to distinguish between the historical facts and the creative liberties he took in the postscript. 

“In my case, I think it’s a bit easier when the fictional plot driving the pace of the novel is separate from the history itself. That’s certainly not to say that the history isn’t integral to the plot,” he says. 

Shaped by his youth

When he embarked on writing his novel, he aimed for it to be an enjoyable adventure rather than overly philosophical. 

However, he also aims to educate readers about the country he holds dear. Given the chance, he expresses a desire to write more books set in the places he has lived, offering readers insights into the captivating and diverse world around them. 

The novelist says he has read several other English books set in Cambodia, and each time they frustrated him because of their inaccuracies. So, he was happy to take on the challenge. He says his experiences as a lawyer and author have taught him the importance of attention to detail and patience.

“I first went to Koh Ker when I was 15 years old. It blew me away. The seven tiered pyramid called Prasat Prang is incredible, a wonder of human ingenuity and perseverance,” he says. 

At that time, there was no infrastructure or entry fee at Koh Ker. The site felt empty, which the then young man found appealing as it added to the sense of mystery. 

He likens it to being Indiana Jones, the adventurous archaeology professor from the ubiquitous movies. Upon his return in 2023, Andrew says he was pleased to see that the government had invested in developing infrastructure to safeguard the archaeological site. 

“Presently, visitors are required to pay an entry fee, and restoration efforts are underway across the Koh Ker complex. Additionally, the significance of the site has been acknowledged globally, with Koh Ker being designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2023,” he notes.

During his time at Phnom Penh’s Northbridge International School Cambodia (NISC), he says, he experienced constant change as friends came and went. This taught him the value of friendships, even if they are often temporary. 

However, it also led to the development of deep, lasting bonds with a few individuals that endure for a lifetime. One particular experience stands out when he flew a long distance to support a friend in crisis, reflecting the theme of friendship in his novel, The Koh Ker Conspiracy.

“I always knew that when I wrote my first novel, Koh Ker would make an appearance. I didn’t know that it would become the centrepiece of an archaeological thriller,” he says. 

Cultural heritage at risk

A particularly important topic addressed in the novel is the looting of artefacts from Koh Ker, a real-world issue that has plagued the country for decades. 

Andrew tackles this subject with both reverence and urgency, shedding light on the devastating impact of cultural heritage theft while weaving it seamlessly into the fabric of his narrative. 

By intertwining true events with fictional elements, he not only raises awareness but also engages readers in a thought-provoking exploration of ethics and morality.

“It’s a massive issue. As you know, many pristine and priceless artefacts from Koh Ker have ended up in museums around the world, including in Europe and the US,” he tells The Post. 

He says that the country has done an amazing job in recent years of partnering with overseas governments to return these treasures, but it’s been difficult and the work is incomplete. That’s one of the reasons he made the theft of a historical relic central to the story. 

He says that he hopes to bring attention to the looting of relics from Cambodia, and Koh Ker in particular. In fact, at the end of the book, he has a note on the trafficking of ancient Khmer art, which concludes with this paragraph. 

“I hope that the next time you’re in a history or art museum, which I am sure you frequent, and you see a piece of Khmer art, you ask yourself where it came from and how it got there,” he says.

With his passion for crafting stories and historical intrigue, Andrew’s future novels promise to transport readers on adventures through Southeast Asia’s rich tapestry of history and culture.

He highlights his commitment to staying rooted in Southeast Asia, particularly Cambodia, for his next archaeological adventure.

He says he is interested in exploring lesser-known historical events and locations, such as the Great Bell of Dhammazedi in Myanmar and the Qurnah shipwreck disaster in Iraq, as potential settings for sequels.