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Arkana Archaeology Thrillers #5
Into the Jaws of the Lion
If you liked THE DA VINCI CODE, you’ll love this series!
During the untold millennia before patriarchy was conceived, the world was a very different place. Nothing concealed stays buried forever.
For Fans of Archaeology Adventure and Historical Thrillers
THE ARKANA SERIES
The forgotten past refuses to stay buried in an artifact hunt spanning continents, centuries, and lost civilizations. The prize is a cache of myth-busting relics that could rewrite history or end it completely. When a secret society squares off against a ruthless fundamentalist cult, only one faction can win. More importantly, only one will survive.
Volume 5 - Into the Jaws of the Lion
INTO THE JAWS OF THE LION finds the Arkana agents on a new adventure in India where they search for a jewel-encrusted figurine that holds a clue to an even more priceless artifact. Beating the Nephilim to the prize is the least of their worries. Back in the States, the cult's leader has evolved a plan to release a deadly plague on an unsuspecting world just as his henchman zeroes in on the whereabouts of his child bride. Every effort to throw the hunter off the girl's trail only draws him nearer to his prey.
A rift among the members of the Arkana crew threatens to destroy the relic quest altogether. Held captive on a frigid mountaintop in the Himalayas, they are forced to summon all their resources not merely to complete their mission but simply to survive the night. If you thought you knew where this saga was headed, be prepared for a shocking twist when the Arkana team wanders blindly into the lion's jaws.
During the untold millennia before patriarchy was conceived, the world was a very different place. Nothing concealed stays buried forever.
For Fans of Archaeology Adventure and Historical Thrillers
THE ARKANA SERIES
The forgotten past refuses to stay buried in an artifact hunt spanning continents, centuries, and lost civilizations. The prize is a cache of myth-busting relics that could rewrite history or end it completely. When a secret society squares off against a ruthless fundamentalist cult, only one faction can win. More importantly, only one will survive.
Volume 5 - Into the Jaws of the Lion
INTO THE JAWS OF THE LION finds the Arkana agents on a new adventure in India where they search for a jewel-encrusted figurine that holds a clue to an even more priceless artifact. Beating the Nephilim to the prize is the least of their worries. Back in the States, the cult's leader has evolved a plan to release a deadly plague on an unsuspecting world just as his henchman zeroes in on the whereabouts of his child bride. Every effort to throw the hunter off the girl's trail only draws him nearer to his prey.
A rift among the members of the Arkana crew threatens to destroy the relic quest altogether. Held captive on a frigid mountaintop in the Himalayas, they are forced to summon all their resources not merely to complete their mission but simply to survive the night. If you thought you knew where this saga was headed, be prepared for a shocking twist when the Arkana team wanders blindly into the lion's jaws.
326 pages, Paperback
First published December 1, 2014
111 people are currently reading
84 people want to read
About the author
N.S. Wikarski
21 books153 followersNancy Wikarski is a fugitive from academia. After earning her Ph.D. from the University of Chicago, she worked in corporate America for two decades before becoming a historical mystery author. Her books highlight unknown aspects of women’s history and contain elements of magical realism. In her Arkana series, she foregrounds the latest archaeological discoveries about prepatriarchal cultures around the planet and weaves these facts into fictional artifact hunts. Her Gilded Age Chicago books depict the real issues of first-wave feminism while following the fictional adventures of two amateur sleuths. Both her series have been award-nominated and have ranked on Amazon’s bestseller lists.
The author is a member of ALLi, Mystery Writers of America, the Society of Midland Authors, and has served as vice president of Sisters in Crime-Twin Cities and on the programming board of the Chicago chapter. Her short stories have appeared in Futures Magazine and DIME Anthology, while her book reviews and essays have been featured in Murder: Past Tense, Deadly Pleasures, and Mystery Readers Journal. She is currently writing an Arkana spinoff series called The Trove Chronicles that will continue to feature discoveries about global prepatriarchal cultures. More mysteries from the casebook of Gilded Age detectives Evangeline LeClair and Freddie Simpson are also in the works.
The author is a member of ALLi, Mystery Writers of America, the Society of Midland Authors, and has served as vice president of Sisters in Crime-Twin Cities and on the programming board of the Chicago chapter. Her short stories have appeared in Futures Magazine and DIME Anthology, while her book reviews and essays have been featured in Murder: Past Tense, Deadly Pleasures, and Mystery Readers Journal. She is currently writing an Arkana spinoff series called The Trove Chronicles that will continue to feature discoveries about global prepatriarchal cultures. More mysteries from the casebook of Gilded Age detectives Evangeline LeClair and Freddie Simpson are also in the works.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
April 4, 2016
Yes, it was a bit silly of me to start this series with book five, but I loved the blurb and knew I had to read it. Now, the top priority is to read those before this and future books!
If you are a fan of archaeological, historical mysteries, packed with excitement and adventure, then this book and series are a must. It has loads of detail, that really anchors the read down in the real world, but the mystery is also given the same attention, which makes the story seem very real and easy to become part of.
I liked the time taken to really build the characters. Though I will have missed loads of background in the previous reads, i was still made to feel as though I knew each character, by the end of the book. Not only were personality and characteristics paid attention to, but so are the physical details and the responses that each character made. This really gave me the opportunity to feel like I was right there with them, in the adventure.
The overall story was excellent. It kept me completely hooked and I often found myself trying to guess what might happen next, when I wasn't reading. It was exciting and very thrilling to read along as they journeyed to solve their mystery.
Overall, I really appreciated this book. I am very excited to go back and read the previous books. I am pleased to have been introduced to this author and series.
**I received this book in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion.
If you are a fan of archaeological, historical mysteries, packed with excitement and adventure, then this book and series are a must. It has loads of detail, that really anchors the read down in the real world, but the mystery is also given the same attention, which makes the story seem very real and easy to become part of.
I liked the time taken to really build the characters. Though I will have missed loads of background in the previous reads, i was still made to feel as though I knew each character, by the end of the book. Not only were personality and characteristics paid attention to, but so are the physical details and the responses that each character made. This really gave me the opportunity to feel like I was right there with them, in the adventure.
The overall story was excellent. It kept me completely hooked and I often found myself trying to guess what might happen next, when I wasn't reading. It was exciting and very thrilling to read along as they journeyed to solve their mystery.
Overall, I really appreciated this book. I am very excited to go back and read the previous books. I am pleased to have been introduced to this author and series.
**I received this book in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion.
September 3, 2023
( Format : Audiobook )
"They go in but they never come out."
Into the Jaws of the Lion is the fifth in the Archaeological Mystery Thriller series in which the Arkana secret society and Cassie, whose sister had been found dead after a big discovery, are in a race with a fundamentalist religious cult, the Blessed Nephilim, to find priceless artefacts which, in turn, will point the way to an even more fabulous treasure. Numerous ideas and individuals are involved which is why it is sensible to start with book one to avoid confusion but the author does provide introductory notes and, apparently, more character into on her website - address giver, but I confess I haven't looked it up. It's a fascinating story, some crazy characters and - did I mention? - the development of a 100% lethal antibiotic resistant virus to release on the unsuspecting world. These protagonists are, strangely, very real despite their idiosyncrasies and can be very amusing as well as fearsome.
Apparently designed for the teen and young adult readership it is remarkably enjoyable for older readers, too, fresh and quirky, with so much information on places and ideas as well as myths and !legends along the way. Bryan Stansbury is the perfect narrator, with great timing, good modulation an individual voicing for the characters. His is a pleasant, mid tonal goal delivery that is pleasant and far from boring.
Overall, a most enjoyable (and recommended) read - but best started with volume one.
My thanks to the rights holders of Into the Jaws of the Lion who, at my.request, freely gifted me with a complimentary copy
"They go in but they never come out."
Into the Jaws of the Lion is the fifth in the Archaeological Mystery Thriller series in which the Arkana secret society and Cassie, whose sister had been found dead after a big discovery, are in a race with a fundamentalist religious cult, the Blessed Nephilim, to find priceless artefacts which, in turn, will point the way to an even more fabulous treasure. Numerous ideas and individuals are involved which is why it is sensible to start with book one to avoid confusion but the author does provide introductory notes and, apparently, more character into on her website - address giver, but I confess I haven't looked it up. It's a fascinating story, some crazy characters and - did I mention? - the development of a 100% lethal antibiotic resistant virus to release on the unsuspecting world. These protagonists are, strangely, very real despite their idiosyncrasies and can be very amusing as well as fearsome.
Apparently designed for the teen and young adult readership it is remarkably enjoyable for older readers, too, fresh and quirky, with so much information on places and ideas as well as myths and !legends along the way. Bryan Stansbury is the perfect narrator, with great timing, good modulation an individual voicing for the characters. His is a pleasant, mid tonal goal delivery that is pleasant and far from boring.
Overall, a most enjoyable (and recommended) read - but best started with volume one.
My thanks to the rights holders of Into the Jaws of the Lion who, at my.request, freely gifted me with a complimentary copy
January 15, 2020
Book 5 of 7
On this relic hunt, the Arkana had a huge lead and actually avoided their feared rivals, the Nephilim, for a change, YaY. Somehow our doddering villains overcame their lack of riddle solving and closed the gap in the nick of time. This particular relic was found several hundred years ago but through the vigilance of devout pilgrims has remained unmolested till present day. All in all, another adventurous episode in the quest for the ultimate prize, the Sage Stone. We get an even deeper look into the Nephilim’s apocalyptic plans and it becomes clear that only the Arkana has the means of stopping them and saving the world!
On this relic hunt, the Arkana had a huge lead and actually avoided their feared rivals, the Nephilim, for a change, YaY. Somehow our doddering villains overcame their lack of riddle solving and closed the gap in the nick of time. This particular relic was found several hundred years ago but through the vigilance of devout pilgrims has remained unmolested till present day. All in all, another adventurous episode in the quest for the ultimate prize, the Sage Stone. We get an even deeper look into the Nephilim’s apocalyptic plans and it becomes clear that only the Arkana has the means of stopping them and saving the world!
September 18, 2020
Whistling Scrivener
N. S. Wikarski’s Jaws of the Lion (Arkana Archaeology Mystery Thriller Series Book 5) did not disappoint. Her character development is impressive. The Arkana team goes after the next relic on the way to ultimately finding and retrieving the Sage Stone before the bad guys find it in order wreck or end the world. I love the journey to figure out the clues as much as the tracking and discovery of the next relic. But I still wish the author would let us know how much of the historical detail is genuine versus molded to fit the story. Regardless, the detail is fascinating.
N. S. Wikarski’s Jaws of the Lion (Arkana Archaeology Mystery Thriller Series Book 5) did not disappoint. Her character development is impressive. The Arkana team goes after the next relic on the way to ultimately finding and retrieving the Sage Stone before the bad guys find it in order wreck or end the world. I love the journey to figure out the clues as much as the tracking and discovery of the next relic. But I still wish the author would let us know how much of the historical detail is genuine versus molded to fit the story. Regardless, the detail is fascinating.
July 2, 2020
Arkana agents have a new case. When Cassie has a vivid dream of her sister’s murder and to find the key. She was an antique dealer, having found some religious artifacts while Cassie is still in college. To find the dream did happen, and a religious cult doesn’t take no for an answer. Good narration added to this story , good character in Cassie. The story pulls you in and the adventure awaits. Given audio for my voluntary review
November 17, 2018
Read in Order!
If you don't, you'll be very confused in short order.
Now that I've said that, I'll go on to add that unlike the writers of many such chronicles, when Wikarski says something is a fact, it really is. As an escapee from academia, she never misses a chance to educate as well as entertain her readers.
Now quit reading the review and go start with the series.
If you don't, you'll be very confused in short order.
Now that I've said that, I'll go on to add that unlike the writers of many such chronicles, when Wikarski says something is a fact, it really is. As an escapee from academia, she never misses a chance to educate as well as entertain her readers.
Now quit reading the review and go start with the series.
June 29, 2017
This felt rushed
Lots of big moments with very little build up and no satisfactory solutions. A rather disappointing placeholder. The romance that was just blah has now fizzled to nothing.
Lots of big moments with very little build up and no satisfactory solutions. A rather disappointing placeholder. The romance that was just blah has now fizzled to nothing.
April 19, 2021
Another one down
The Arkana team doesn’t disappoint again. This trail leads from Africa to India, thru Nepal and into Tibet. The diviner leans more to the dark side, and his two hires are suspicious and devious.
The Arkana team doesn’t disappoint again. This trail leads from Africa to India, thru Nepal and into Tibet. The diviner leans more to the dark side, and his two hires are suspicious and devious.
January 3, 2022
Another excellent read. Next is book 6. Hate the idea of this series ending!
March 29, 2016
4.5 out of 5 stars
"Into the Jaws of the Lion" by N.S. Wikarski is book 5 in the ‘Arkana Archaeology Mystery’ series and follows the agents of Arkana as they continue to search for the solution to a series of puzzles before the agents of the inimical group known as the Nephilim. The quest takes the trio of Cassie the Pythia, Griffin the Scrivener, and Erik the Paladin to India, where they must withstand pressures from without and within in their quest to find the next relic in the race to find the powerful Sage Stone. Fanatical Abraham Metcalf is continuing to marshal all of the resources available to him, including facilitating the development of a horrendous biological weapon and securing his worldwide empire while collecting the relics. Who will get to the puzzle pieces in time?
This fascinating and entertaining story is both a wonderful travelogue and a very clear explanation of various cultures and pantheons. Despite being unfamiliar with the series, and too impatient to read through the very helpful descriptions of characters at the beginning of the story I was immediately drawn into the action and curious about the quest. The characters were easy to relate to, and I was amazed to learn so many new facts about history and geography. I am a little puzzled about the age of the reader that this is supposed to appeal to because there are serious issues touched on in this story, including cult life, hazards associated with childbirth, and sexuality choices; intimacy is implied but not graphic; but the action and descriptions seem to be directed toward a young adult reader. At any rate, I think this is a great story that is both fun to read and thought-provoking.
A copy of this story was provided to me for review
"Into the Jaws of the Lion" by N.S. Wikarski is book 5 in the ‘Arkana Archaeology Mystery’ series and follows the agents of Arkana as they continue to search for the solution to a series of puzzles before the agents of the inimical group known as the Nephilim. The quest takes the trio of Cassie the Pythia, Griffin the Scrivener, and Erik the Paladin to India, where they must withstand pressures from without and within in their quest to find the next relic in the race to find the powerful Sage Stone. Fanatical Abraham Metcalf is continuing to marshal all of the resources available to him, including facilitating the development of a horrendous biological weapon and securing his worldwide empire while collecting the relics. Who will get to the puzzle pieces in time?
This fascinating and entertaining story is both a wonderful travelogue and a very clear explanation of various cultures and pantheons. Despite being unfamiliar with the series, and too impatient to read through the very helpful descriptions of characters at the beginning of the story I was immediately drawn into the action and curious about the quest. The characters were easy to relate to, and I was amazed to learn so many new facts about history and geography. I am a little puzzled about the age of the reader that this is supposed to appeal to because there are serious issues touched on in this story, including cult life, hazards associated with childbirth, and sexuality choices; intimacy is implied but not graphic; but the action and descriptions seem to be directed toward a young adult reader. At any rate, I think this is a great story that is both fun to read and thought-provoking.
A copy of this story was provided to me for review
December 10, 2014
INTO THE JAWS OF THE LION is the latest book describing the fascinating search for archaeological objects leading to the Sage Stone. Each relic that is found gives clues to the location of the next relic. This book takes place primarily in the Indian sub-continent, Pakistan, and Tibet. It does not have some of the explosive action of previous books, but concentrates more on the development of the characters, both good and evil, and their relationships with each other. The ARKANA team overcomes some internal problems in their continuing search for the relics while the dastardly plans of the Nephilim are slowly being brought to light. The only drawback is that Book 6 (SECRETS OF THE SERPENT'S HEART) will not be published until December 2015.
NOTE: The ARKANA MYSTERIES should be read in order, starting with THE GRANITE KEY
NOTE: The ARKANA MYSTERIES should be read in order, starting with THE GRANITE KEY
April 3, 2016
I have never started a series by reading book 5 first, but this is what happened here when the opportunity to provide a review came my way. I would have usually taken the time to go back and get the earlier books, but these past few weeks have been very busy and work has gotten in the way of my reading yet again.
It is a lovely and easy read, and I would recommend reading the series from the get go and not just as a stand alone though it is still wonderful that way don't get me wrong.
I have enjoyed it, with a lot of detailed history and lively characters, it is not boring and it had enough action to keep me well entertained. So based on that, you have my hearty recommendation to grab it and start reading.
Full review: http://wp.me/p705ZQ-fU
It is a lovely and easy read, and I would recommend reading the series from the get go and not just as a stand alone though it is still wonderful that way don't get me wrong.
I have enjoyed it, with a lot of detailed history and lively characters, it is not boring and it had enough action to keep me well entertained. So based on that, you have my hearty recommendation to grab it and start reading.
Full review: http://wp.me/p705ZQ-fU
July 29, 2015
Another book where I came in late to the series, but it was readable without the history, but there are times when it would have helped. Two groups, a patriarchal cult with nefarious plans of world control against a "White hat" group, both in search for ancient Minoan relics each one with clues to the next. Searchers follow clues across continents and deal with dangers along the way. The "good" group has also rescued a young girl from the sect who escaped from being married to the head man and are keeping her hidden from searchers out to return her. It would probably be best to start with book one at least to get the history of the groups.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews