The Spear of Destiny

by M.E. Brines

The Spear of Destiny – 10,000 word supernatural alternate history novella -- Seeking bloodthirsty revenge for the death of his brother in World War II, young seminary student Stuart Mackenzie abandons his theological studies to become an agent behind the enemy lines where he discovers a diabolical Nazi scheme to employ black magic as a secret weapon on a vast scale powered by millions of human sacrifices. What chance will the mundane weapons of the Allied powers have against ancient magic and an artifact said to have slain the very Son of God?

Genres: History, Adventure

50 pages, ebook

First published July 21, 2011

About the author

M.E. Brines spent the Cold War assembling atomic artillery shells and preparing to unleash the Apocalypse (and has a medal to prove it.) But when peace broke out, he turned his fevered, paranoid imagination to other pursuits. Designer of more than twenty sci-fi wargames and the Fantasy Nations play-by-e-mail game (all available below) he spends his spare time scribbling yet another steampunk romance occult adventure novel, which despite certain rumors absolutely DOES NOT involve time-traveling Nazi vampires! (Not this time, anyway.)

Reviews

[Olethros · Rating 3 out of 5]

-Aventuras sin complejos.-

Género. Relato.

Lo que nos cuenta. En verano de 1942, el teniente Stuart Mackenzie, veterano de operaciones irregulares tras las líneas enemigas, es convocado a una reunión del SOE donde se le explica que un objeto conocido como la lanza del destino, la misma que terminó con la vida de Jesús en la cruz, tiene poderes muy importantes y al estar en manos de Alemania les permite tener ventajas durante la Segunda Guerra Mundial.

¿Quiere saber más de este libro, sin spoilers? Visite:

http://librosdeolethros.blogspot.com/...

[Wanda Hartzenberg · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Spear of Destiny by M.E Brines

This is a short story of 32 pages and every single one of this is packed with a punch. I was amazed at what the author managed to do with his characters and the story line in such a limited space.

Character development, world building, this short had it all.

I wish the author would have added another page from the moment where the final confrontation starts up though. It would have made the last few pages a bit less hurried. That said. The pace in the story itself until that point was perfect.

I really loved this short.

WaAr

[Jessica Buike · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved all the historical facts scattered within this action-filled book! It was a great read, especially since you can download it for free. It follows a young agent who goes behind Nazi enemy lines in order to steal the spear of destiny. It is fast-paced and has a story that will keep you reading!

[Kat Ryker · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not in my wheelhouse at all. I thought it was something else entirely, even after I read the blurb. The book itself is well plotted, the characters are well developed. The subject matter, however, for me was just not what I wanted to read. I would recommend to the occult-lovers. It is a short read, very well done.

[Leigh · Rating 2 out of 5]

i have no idea how this ended up on my kindle but it was just a 30 page intro for a different book

[Emmanuel Isaiah Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

A narrative about the occult powers that lie in The Spear of Destiny, the weapon that was used by the Roman guard Longinus to stab the philosopher, Jesus Christ, as he hung from the cross during his crucifixion.

[Jeff Dawson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating

A most unusual, yet entertaining read.

The general plot is our hero, Stuart Mackenzie has been assigned a most dubious task. Being the top OSS operative, he is chosen to penetrate Himmler’s lair, Wewelsburg and steal the spear that pierced Christ’s body. Legend has it, those who possess are undefeatable.

Being the skeptic he is, when it comes to the occult or supernatural, he views this as just another mission to shorten the war. What he encounters at the castle reveals a frightening world he never imagined existed.

The most intriguing part of the story is its length. It’s short but packed with action and excitement. The style has me reminiscing of Allistair McLean’s books: short, concise and exciting!

Felt a little cheated with the ending, but still, a great read for those of us who savor tales surrounding Himmler and the occult.

Four and-a-half stars.

Excellent read

[Robert Warr · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Great Beginning

This is a short novella and introduces the hero and settings for further works.

The book is based in the Second World War and takes as its background the Nazi’s (especially the SS) search for occult power.

I don’t want to describe the book any further as I don’t want to ruin any of it.

Give it a read, if you are interested in the subject. It will probably leave you wanting to read more.

[Ken B · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the book in terms of an occult alternative history story (or is it?). I think the author took a little lightly though the security of the SS. I seriously doubt an enemy agent would be able to waltz as freely as our hero did into such a sensitive SS realm. That aside, I enjoyed the story and am likely to read more by Brines.

3 STARS

[Matt Kelland · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the sort of story you'd find in a pulp magazine like Weird War Stories (which doesn't exist, but should have). It's a simple, entertaining read that made for perfect bedtime reading one night. I may pick up more in the series at some point.

[Neil · Rating 3 out of 5]

It started off well and then tended to rush things. I enjoyed the basic storyline and the main character was well thought out. Even though this was designed to be a 'quick read' it did leave me wanting more, so I am going to have to try and find some more of this author's work

[Jules Fry · Rating 2 out of 5]

Loved the idea but didn't really reach its potential... interesting sign-off though...

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

A soldier is sent to steal the spear of destiny. He has to penetrate the stronghold where it is held and escape to the west. It's only the beginning of the story. But a good start.

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a bad book but it is a ripoff. Got the book for free but it turns out it is only the first installment. I wish when you download the book you were told there would be more books and a charge.

[Robert Lewter · Rating 5 out of 5]

GOOD story! Now I have another author to follow.

[Marjorie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was way too short. I really enjoyed the beinning, but the action part of the book was rushed and hard to follow. I really wish it had been paced better.