When Vince Ramsey, a forensic archaeologist and Ritual Investigator for the Ministry of Jerusalem attends an utterly horrific scene of slaughter just outside Masada, a spectacle of epic, even supernatural proportions astounds him. Could any human have carried out such an atrocity? The bodies appear to be torn apart by a gigantic force, and burned beyond recognition. A clue, an almost human handprint burned into the ground, reveals signs of talons. Subsequent DNA testing reveals that it comes from someone, or something dating back 10 000 years. In the hurly burly of modern life, the world has forgotten ancient terrors mentioned in the Bible. Is it possible that someone is trying to use an unnatural force to achieve villainous ends?

Vince finds a necklace at the crime scene, with archaic images from long-dead civilizations etched onto an amulet. The amulet is a talisman of protection against a Doomsday threat, and someone will do anything to get their hands on this artefact. At the Antiquities Authority, Vince meets the very attractive specialist April Fulton who has no answers for him. Together they embark upon a deadly journey to track down the killer without being killed themselves. Their investigations lead them to a secret society with roots stretching back thousands of years to an ancient Greek philosopher. Only now, someone styling himself upon a formidable necromancer, shunned even from Biblical times, is out to get the amulet and use it. Can Vince and April stop him? Clues abound, friends reveal themselves as foes, and strange alliances are formed in this fascinating book.

James McPike has created a real thriller for readers interested in historical, archaeological, and investigative mysteries. The adrenalin starts pumping from the first page and continues right down to the last, with a roller-coaster hunt for answers that takes the duo from Israel to Italy and France. The author has done his esoteric and Biblical homework, dropping tantalizing clues throughout for the reader to piece together. Fascinating facts merge with a great storyline to keep the reader enthralled. Vince Ramsey is smart and brave, and is capably supported in his mission by April, another appealing character. Their fledgling romance manages to survive the shootouts and various dangers that beset their quest. I thoroughly enjoyed this book!

First reviewed for Readers Favorite ( )