Deception Strike: Rise of the Anunnaki, Book 2

by C.A. Gray

The volcanic eruption on Deception Island, Antarctica has destroyed potentially the most significant archaeological find in human history… but not before the mysterious rune it produced somehow saved the lives of two of the most powerful members of the Order of the Global Brotherhood. In an act of apparent magnanimity, the Order’s chairman, Thierry Voltaire, provides funding to offer that same rune of health and vitality to the global population in the form of a tattoo, free of charge. But how does the rune actually work? And is the real motive simply philanthropic goodwill—or is there a more nefarious goal?



Ethan and Elle, together with other former members of the Deception Station team, attempt to unravel this mystery. Elle’s sister Ali jumps on the rune bandwagon as an early adopter, promoting it to all her social media followers. Yet the rune “patient zero,” Ariel, now languishes in a mental hospital, and Ethan’s former business partner Graham believes that the Order initiation somehow opened him up to oppression by an unseen force. Randy, meanwhile, bitter at the loss of the glory as lead archaeologist of the Deception Island research team, is bound and determined to put Mitch and Cary behind bars.



As the Order swells to become a global juggernaut, Ethan, Mitch, and their team race against time to disrupt their energy monopoly, thus undercutting the source of their power. But are their enemies really who they think they are? And do they understand the consequences that are truly at stake?

278 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 18, 2024

About the author

C.A. Gray is the author of three YA Amazon bestselling trilogies: PIERCING THE VEIL (magic and quantum physics meet Arthurian legends), THE LIBERTY BOX (dystopian metaphysics and mind control technology), and UNCANNY VALLEY (dystopian coming-of-age with neuroscience and super intelligent A.I). She starts with some scientific concept that she’s interested in learning more about herself, and then creates lots of epic chaos and high-stakes action to go along with it. Her stories are free of gratuitous violence, language, and sexual content, and she abhors depressing endings… but they’re not all kittens and rainbows either! She also listens to and reviews audiobooks on her website, here on Goodreads, on Instagram, and on her podcast, Clean Audiobook Reviews, where she also occasionally interviews other authors. 

By day, C.A. Gray practices naturopathic medicine, podcasts, and writes medical non-fiction under her maiden name (Dr. Lauren Deville). She lives in Tucson, AZ with her husband Frank, and together they maintain an occasionally contentious film review blog (under her real name: Lauren Baden. Three names. Yes.) She’s kind of the queen of multitasking—so in her spare time, she creates whatever meals or crafts she found most recently on Pinterest, drinks lots of coffee (Aeropress btw) and occasional wine (reds—and she saves the corks for craft projects), works out (while listening to audiobooks), and studies the Bible—about half of the podcasts on Christian Natural Health are scripture meditations.

She does sleep, too. Promise.

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Reviews

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

If the end times is of interest to you, I highly recommend this book! I was captivated the whole time, thinking about ways the economy could collapse or how a single person could gain power over the whole world. This book continues its exploration from the first book of what we would do if a global superpower took over energy distribution. It has spiritual elements which make it all the more fascinating to think about how people would react today if something that could not be explained happened. C.A. Gray is one of my favorite authors and as always when I read her books, I often find myself moved to tears. This time I was teary/trying not to cry at least three times. If that’s not the mark of a good book, I don’t know what is. I loved the story and all the characters in this book. I also loved the exploration of faith amidst evil. If you read the first book, you should definitely continue the series with this one and if you haven’t, I recommend reading that one first before this one. Thank you C.A. Gray for another excellent story and as always, I look forward to more of your stories in the future!

[Cate · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in a series, and you’ll want to read Deception Station first. I am a big fan of C.A. Gray and have read most of her books. This one doesn’t disappoint. It’s a real page-turner, and I confess it kept me up a few nights. The characters are engaging and realistic, even though it’s sci-fi. I loved the growth and changes many of them went through, especially in this book.

Deception Strike picks up soon after Deception Station ends, and the destruction of the island doesn’t suddenly make the world a safer place. The forces of evil are most determined, as we see in our world today. This storyline is creative, and I had no idea where it was going most of the time, making the book difficult to put down. The theology is solid, with natural faith elements, not preachy or bludgeoning. As wild and crazy as things get in the book, the author makes it all seem possible. Things in real life are getting wild and crazy as we near the last days.

If you enjoy apocalyptic fiction, you’ll love this series.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

End Times? This an amazing, outstanding book 2. Characters are well developed and continue to evolve; and the plot is fantastic. Since you’ve read book 1, you know where this is headed. The plot thickens and things go from bad to worse. But there is still hope and it starts with a creative young man, with help from many others. Talk about the forces of good against evil! One of the most exciting series I’ve ever read. The tension is high!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

A volcano has erupted on an island in Antarctica destroying a dig where a rune stone was found. Two people survive it but it will lead to more secrets being discovered and they will try to find out what went on. There will be so more questions than answers at first. See just how they get to the answers they need to find out
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and I was soon a part of the tale

[C.A. Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved how my narrator brought this to life - very much how I envisioned the characters!