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Vatican Archaeology Thrillers #01
Covenant of the Iron Cross
When Vatican archaeologist Marcus Russo uncovers the fabled Nazi Gold Train buried deep within the Owl Mountains of Poland, he expects to find a forgotten trove of looted treasures. Instead, he unearths a chilling codex that points to a dark and dangerous Operation Eisenkreuz, a Nazi plan to seed chaos and power across the globe long after their fall. But Marcus soon realizes the train’s secrets are only the beginning. Shadowed by an elusive and ruthless faction known as the Covenant of the Iron Cross, Marcus and his allies—Father Michael Dominic and journalist Hana Sinclair—must race against time to stop the Covenant from using the artifacts to reignite their deadly ambitions.
As Marcus pieces together the codex’s fragmented clues, he discovers it holds more than history—it holds the key to a network of hidden Nazi caches and an unfinished plan that could shift the global balance of power. But the Covenant will stop at nothing to keep their secrets buried, infiltrating even the highest echelons of the Vatican itself. From the war-torn archives of Rome to the frozen depths of Eastern Europe, Marcus, Michael, and Hana are drawn into a treacherous game of cat and mouse, where every discovery raises new questions. Who can they trust, and how deep does the Covenant’s influence run?
In Covenant of the Iron Cross, suspense and intrigue collide in a race to unravel a conspiracy decades in the making. Combining historical mysteries with modern stakes, this gripping novel explores the cost of uncovering forbidden truths—and the resilience of those who dare to stand against evil. This thriller delves into the shadows of history, challenging readers to confront how the echoes of the past still shape the present.
As Marcus pieces together the codex’s fragmented clues, he discovers it holds more than history—it holds the key to a network of hidden Nazi caches and an unfinished plan that could shift the global balance of power. But the Covenant will stop at nothing to keep their secrets buried, infiltrating even the highest echelons of the Vatican itself. From the war-torn archives of Rome to the frozen depths of Eastern Europe, Marcus, Michael, and Hana are drawn into a treacherous game of cat and mouse, where every discovery raises new questions. Who can they trust, and how deep does the Covenant’s influence run?
In Covenant of the Iron Cross, suspense and intrigue collide in a race to unravel a conspiracy decades in the making. Combining historical mysteries with modern stakes, this gripping novel explores the cost of uncovering forbidden truths—and the resilience of those who dare to stand against evil. This thriller delves into the shadows of history, challenging readers to confront how the echoes of the past still shape the present.
358 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 18, 2025
739 people are currently reading
134 people want to read
About the author
Gary McAvoy
38 books479 followersGary McAvoy is an American novelist known for internationally bestselling thrillers that blend historical intrigue, religious scholarship, and modern suspense. A lifelong researcher of rare manuscripts and Church history, he draws on extensive archival study to craft narratives rooted in authentic detail. His work includes the Vatican Secret Archive Thrillers, the Magdalene Chronicles, and the Vatican Archaeology Thrillers. Before turning to fiction, McAvoy built a distinguished career as an entrepreneur, technology consultant, and collector of historical documents. He now writes full time from the Pacific Northwest, where he continues to explore the shadowed crossroads of faith, power, and history.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
February 26, 2025
First and foremost, a large thank you to Reedsy Discovery and Gary McAvoy for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.
Gary McAvoy returns with another novel with ties to the Vatican Archives, yet explores a new angle and fresh protagonist. He has made sure things are well-organised and clearly entertaining as the characters tackle various Vatican-based situations and historical anomalies, yet from the perspective of archeology and not only a biblical story lyered amongst relics and documents. Vatican archeologist Marcus Russo has been sent on a mission to discover a long-held mystery surrounding a Nazi-era hidden treasure buried deep in a Polish mountain. While he gathers a great group, what they discover soon leaves them baffled and scared in equal measure. What did the Nazis leave for someone to discover and how does the Vatican play into this situation? Russo will have to make sense of it before it becomes an international mess. McAvoy commences a new series with familiar characters and just as much impact for readers to enjoy!
After being sent on a mission to uncover the Nazi Gold Train in Poland, Vatican Archeologist Marcus Russo gathers a group used to uncovering mysteries to accompany him. While locating the buried treasure is the easy part, there is something else that awaits everyone that could turn things upside down. Russo locates a codex at the site, one that points to a chilling discovery.
The codex hints at a dangerous plan to ensure chaos and send Nazi-type danger across the world, long after it lost all power in Europe. Operation Eisenkreuz seems tied to the Covenant of the Iron Cross, a means by which chaos will be sown at an alarming rate. Russo works with Father Michael Dominic and journalist Hana Sinclair to make sense of it and stop the Covenant from becoming the new reality. Racing across Europe to make sense of the new Covenant plan, Russo, Dominic, and Sinclair try their best to keep things moving in a positive direction, though nothing can be assured when evil powers remain at play.
It is only when they return to the Vatican to report on their findings that a deeper knowledge of Operation Eisenkreuz comes to the surface, with details that include a long-fabled group and its thirst for power. Even within the walls of the Holy See, a group seeks to enforce its power and will stop at nothing to keep things moving at a fast past. Russo is but one victim of a larger issue here and his discretion cannot be guaranteed, forcing drastic action. A chilling story that paves the way for a strong series by Gary McAvoy.
I have long enjoyed the work of Gary McAvoy, beginning with his Vatican Archives series. That things springboard from there with this debut of the new collection has me eager to see where things might be headed. McAvoy is always tackling issues closely relating to the Catholic Church and expands his reach to things in the archeological world now as well. The narrative finds its speed and flows well, fuelled by great storytelling and well-developed ideas. The author is keen to educate the reader while also providing thrilling ideas to ponder along the way. Characters effectively flavour the narrative and serve as vessels to properly illustrate many of the events that transpire from chapter to chapter. New and familiar faces for McAvoy’s other series pepper the pages and create a sense of familiarity for those who have that back history. While I felt things dragged a bit or lacked a clear spark in the early recounting of the situations in Poland, the plot points are well placed and help keep the reader intrigued about what is going on. Everything appears to synchronise well in the larger narrative as the story gains momentum. There are also key learning moments that McAvoy uses to develop possible truths and deceptive use of fiction to keep the stories strong and wonderfully entertaining.
Kudos. Mr. McAvoy, for a great start to a new series that has me excited to continue.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
Gary McAvoy returns with another novel with ties to the Vatican Archives, yet explores a new angle and fresh protagonist. He has made sure things are well-organised and clearly entertaining as the characters tackle various Vatican-based situations and historical anomalies, yet from the perspective of archeology and not only a biblical story lyered amongst relics and documents. Vatican archeologist Marcus Russo has been sent on a mission to discover a long-held mystery surrounding a Nazi-era hidden treasure buried deep in a Polish mountain. While he gathers a great group, what they discover soon leaves them baffled and scared in equal measure. What did the Nazis leave for someone to discover and how does the Vatican play into this situation? Russo will have to make sense of it before it becomes an international mess. McAvoy commences a new series with familiar characters and just as much impact for readers to enjoy!
After being sent on a mission to uncover the Nazi Gold Train in Poland, Vatican Archeologist Marcus Russo gathers a group used to uncovering mysteries to accompany him. While locating the buried treasure is the easy part, there is something else that awaits everyone that could turn things upside down. Russo locates a codex at the site, one that points to a chilling discovery.
The codex hints at a dangerous plan to ensure chaos and send Nazi-type danger across the world, long after it lost all power in Europe. Operation Eisenkreuz seems tied to the Covenant of the Iron Cross, a means by which chaos will be sown at an alarming rate. Russo works with Father Michael Dominic and journalist Hana Sinclair to make sense of it and stop the Covenant from becoming the new reality. Racing across Europe to make sense of the new Covenant plan, Russo, Dominic, and Sinclair try their best to keep things moving in a positive direction, though nothing can be assured when evil powers remain at play.
It is only when they return to the Vatican to report on their findings that a deeper knowledge of Operation Eisenkreuz comes to the surface, with details that include a long-fabled group and its thirst for power. Even within the walls of the Holy See, a group seeks to enforce its power and will stop at nothing to keep things moving at a fast past. Russo is but one victim of a larger issue here and his discretion cannot be guaranteed, forcing drastic action. A chilling story that paves the way for a strong series by Gary McAvoy.
I have long enjoyed the work of Gary McAvoy, beginning with his Vatican Archives series. That things springboard from there with this debut of the new collection has me eager to see where things might be headed. McAvoy is always tackling issues closely relating to the Catholic Church and expands his reach to things in the archeological world now as well. The narrative finds its speed and flows well, fuelled by great storytelling and well-developed ideas. The author is keen to educate the reader while also providing thrilling ideas to ponder along the way. Characters effectively flavour the narrative and serve as vessels to properly illustrate many of the events that transpire from chapter to chapter. New and familiar faces for McAvoy’s other series pepper the pages and create a sense of familiarity for those who have that back history. While I felt things dragged a bit or lacked a clear spark in the early recounting of the situations in Poland, the plot points are well placed and help keep the reader intrigued about what is going on. Everything appears to synchronise well in the larger narrative as the story gains momentum. There are also key learning moments that McAvoy uses to develop possible truths and deceptive use of fiction to keep the stories strong and wonderfully entertaining.
Kudos. Mr. McAvoy, for a great start to a new series that has me excited to continue.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
February 24, 2025
The Train in the Tunnel
Covenant of the Iron Cross, Gary McAvoy's first book of his newest series, Vatican Archeology Thrillers, is a resounding success. The book introduces Marcus Russo, the head Vatican Archeologist, who works closely with familiar characters: the head of the Vatican Secret Archives, Father Michael Dominic, and Hana Sinclair, a Journalist for Le Monde and Father Michael Dominic's love interest.
Hold on to your hat, this story goes on a rollercoaster ride through Nazi relics left from World War II, or have they been left behind? The multiple teams of people following Marcus, Michael, and Hana through the Owl Mountains of Poland would lead one to believe that there is an ongoing interest in the relics. Your swooping stomach will try to keep up with the intrigue.
The tension heightens when our team from the Vatican discovers among the relics, evidence of a farther-reaching plan to extend the Third Reich than anyone could have imagined. One with Global implications. Torn in several directions, Marcus and Michael struggle to decide what would be the right action, while being pursued by those with evil intentions.
Rich with Norse Occult myths, Knights Templar societies, advanced technology, and New World domination plots, Gary McAvoy knocks this thriller out of the ballpark. You'll stay up all night finishing this one and start counting the days until the next book is published. Highly recommended.
Covenant of the Iron Cross, Gary McAvoy's first book of his newest series, Vatican Archeology Thrillers, is a resounding success. The book introduces Marcus Russo, the head Vatican Archeologist, who works closely with familiar characters: the head of the Vatican Secret Archives, Father Michael Dominic, and Hana Sinclair, a Journalist for Le Monde and Father Michael Dominic's love interest.
Hold on to your hat, this story goes on a rollercoaster ride through Nazi relics left from World War II, or have they been left behind? The multiple teams of people following Marcus, Michael, and Hana through the Owl Mountains of Poland would lead one to believe that there is an ongoing interest in the relics. Your swooping stomach will try to keep up with the intrigue.
The tension heightens when our team from the Vatican discovers among the relics, evidence of a farther-reaching plan to extend the Third Reich than anyone could have imagined. One with Global implications. Torn in several directions, Marcus and Michael struggle to decide what would be the right action, while being pursued by those with evil intentions.
Rich with Norse Occult myths, Knights Templar societies, advanced technology, and New World domination plots, Gary McAvoy knocks this thriller out of the ballpark. You'll stay up all night finishing this one and start counting the days until the next book is published. Highly recommended.
March 25, 2025
*Source* Kindle Unlimited
*Genre* Suspense, Thriller, Mystery
*Rating* 3.5-4
*Thoughts*
Covenant of the Iron Cross is the first installment in author Gary McAvoy's Vatican Archaeology Thriller series. The novel follows Vatican archaeologist Marcus Russo, who stumbles upon the legendary Nazi Gold Train hidden in Poland’s Owl Mountains. Expecting a trove of looted treasures, Russo instead uncovers a cryptic codex hinting at Operation Eisenkreuz—a chilling Nazi scheme designed to sow chaos long after the Third Reich’s collapse.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...
*Genre* Suspense, Thriller, Mystery
*Rating* 3.5-4
*Thoughts*
Covenant of the Iron Cross is the first installment in author Gary McAvoy's Vatican Archaeology Thriller series. The novel follows Vatican archaeologist Marcus Russo, who stumbles upon the legendary Nazi Gold Train hidden in Poland’s Owl Mountains. Expecting a trove of looted treasures, Russo instead uncovers a cryptic codex hinting at Operation Eisenkreuz—a chilling Nazi scheme designed to sow chaos long after the Third Reich’s collapse.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...
March 13, 2025
a slog
Too much unbelievable stuff that gets repetitive. Although set up for a sequel. I won't be reading it.
Others by the author are better.
Too much unbelievable stuff that gets repetitive. Although set up for a sequel. I won't be reading it.
Others by the author are better.
July 5, 2025
Another excellent and interesting book by Mr. McAvoy. He gives excellent descriptions of all actions happening in the book, which included the Nazi involvement, The Knights Templar, the Vatican and all locations where actions happened. Also he is very descriptive on the personalities of all his characters involved in the book. My only downside to this book was not having a clear and decisive conclusion or ending; at least to my own satisfaction! Perhaps Mr. McAvoy intends to continue this in another book later on.
March 3, 2025
Intriguing and educational and LOVE these books.
I have been following this author since the first Magdalena book and am totally captivated. These books are the kind once you start reading you cannot stop. As soon as a new book comes out I start reading. The only problem is I have to wait for the next one. I find myself looking things and places up to better understand the bigger picture. So now will wait for the next one. A true story teller puts you in the pages along with the characters and Gary McAvoy does that hands down!!!
I have been following this author since the first Magdalena book and am totally captivated. These books are the kind once you start reading you cannot stop. As soon as a new book comes out I start reading. The only problem is I have to wait for the next one. I find myself looking things and places up to better understand the bigger picture. So now will wait for the next one. A true story teller puts you in the pages along with the characters and Gary McAvoy does that hands down!!!
March 1, 2025
enthralling
This new series is just as amazing as the others. What a ride it takes you on. On stop, each page pulling you in a little more. What begins as the A request to explore a “myth” from Nazi Germany that could possibly damage the Vatican explodes into something so vast, so complex and older than the Church itself sends our team on a mission that began with the Templars and is in play today. They must figure out the peices and what they lead to before the bad guys who are hit on their trail. Good must win over evil or the whole world could pay the price. A storyline so convincing you will be hard put to lay it down. Cudos to McAvoy, this is truly an incredible work !
This new series is just as amazing as the others. What a ride it takes you on. On stop, each page pulling you in a little more. What begins as the A request to explore a “myth” from Nazi Germany that could possibly damage the Vatican explodes into something so vast, so complex and older than the Church itself sends our team on a mission that began with the Templars and is in play today. They must figure out the peices and what they lead to before the bad guys who are hit on their trail. Good must win over evil or the whole world could pay the price. A storyline so convincing you will be hard put to lay it down. Cudos to McAvoy, this is truly an incredible work !
July 2, 2025
Iron Cross a page turner
I have enjoyed Gary McAvoy’s many books. I was pleased to learn that he had started a new series featuring many of his characters from previous reads. I look forward to more of the same in the years to come.
I have enjoyed Gary McAvoy’s many books. I was pleased to learn that he had started a new series featuring many of his characters from previous reads. I look forward to more of the same in the years to come.
July 3, 2025
Interesting start to a new Vatican series. These are perfect airport and flight books to read. This one had a number of unhinged sections where events didn't link up.
March 3, 2025
These series are superb.
There is not one page without an action. Marcus turned out to be a great character.
This thriller just confirms how witty and masterful storyteller the author is.
The research and the amazing imagination just take my breath away. The cliffhanger and the epilog!!!!!
Amazing. Gripping.
It will stay with me for a long time. Thank you Gary. Lida
There is not one page without an action. Marcus turned out to be a great character.
This thriller just confirms how witty and masterful storyteller the author is.
The research and the amazing imagination just take my breath away. The cliffhanger and the epilog!!!!!
Amazing. Gripping.
It will stay with me for a long time. Thank you Gary. Lida
March 1, 2025
The ancient battle of light v darkness takes another twist.
Can Dr. Russo find the fabled Nazi gold train, and if he can, will he find more than gold, jewels, and long-lost artworks?
An expedition into the mountains of Poland leads to an amazing discovery, but Marcus, Father Michael, and Hanna could never have imagined that their discovery would be their first step into a long forgotten mystery.
I can't wait to see what is next for Marcus as he works to discover long lost secrets.
Can Dr. Russo find the fabled Nazi gold train, and if he can, will he find more than gold, jewels, and long-lost artworks?
An expedition into the mountains of Poland leads to an amazing discovery, but Marcus, Father Michael, and Hanna could never have imagined that their discovery would be their first step into a long forgotten mystery.
I can't wait to see what is next for Marcus as he works to discover long lost secrets.
March 16, 2025
A New Hit Series Begins!
This spin off of the Vatican Archives did not disappoint. With characters we know and love from the long running series joining this series, the non stop action only briefly stops. This pause let's the reader regroup from the fast paced adventures.
This spin off of the Vatican Archives did not disappoint. With characters we know and love from the long running series joining this series, the non stop action only briefly stops. This pause let's the reader regroup from the fast paced adventures.
March 27, 2025
tongue in cheek
Always engaging, thought provoking and exhilarating in bringing up "Secrets of the Vatican". Altho we need to consider this fiction, all of us in every group consider the thrill of conspiracy theories that make us read more, for or against
Always engaging, thought provoking and exhilarating in bringing up "Secrets of the Vatican". Altho we need to consider this fiction, all of us in every group consider the thrill of conspiracy theories that make us read more, for or against
March 27, 2025
Very good!
Despite not truly enjoying WWII fiction, this book kept me engaged. Of course my familiarity with the characters was a plus.
Despite not truly enjoying WWII fiction, this book kept me engaged. Of course my familiarity with the characters was a plus.
June 5, 2025
I really enjoyed it!
Even we all know that the Gold Train is still missing, but the idea that it would be found? That the church could have known about it and information was hidden by the Templers? It blows your mind!
I haven't read any of his other books,but i can't wait to read the next book!
Even we all know that the Gold Train is still missing, but the idea that it would be found? That the church could have known about it and information was hidden by the Templers? It blows your mind!
I haven't read any of his other books,but i can't wait to read the next book!
March 26, 2025
I like Father Dominic and Hannah Sinclair. The book was maybe 3.5 instead of 4, but I decided it wasn’t a 3 , so I gave it a 4. I’m so suspicious of the Catholic Church. I don’t trust it.
June 26, 2025
I love all the stories in the series of these books
June 19, 2025
Marcus,Father Michael and Hana Sinclair are hard at work surviving!
The pursuit of knowledge is a dangerous thing, the pursuit of truth can be deadly, the pursuit of wisdom can only come from experience and failure and success! Go Team!!!
The pursuit of knowledge is a dangerous thing, the pursuit of truth can be deadly, the pursuit of wisdom can only come from experience and failure and success! Go Team!!!
June 12, 2025
Imaginative tale based on WW2 treasure
I am happy to see a new characters introduced into Mr. McAvoy’s Vatican world of intrigue. I thought the story was creative, and took the very real possibility of undiscovered Nazi stolen treasure into a fun adventure. It was an easy book to get caught up in, and flew right through it.
I removed one star from the rating as I felt it didn’t develop the characters as much as his previous works. Maybe his intention was that you had read the previous works and knew them already? ( Which I have) But I would have liked to know more about the new main character, so I could have an affinity for who he is and where he came from…..
I am happy to see a new characters introduced into Mr. McAvoy’s Vatican world of intrigue. I thought the story was creative, and took the very real possibility of undiscovered Nazi stolen treasure into a fun adventure. It was an easy book to get caught up in, and flew right through it.
I removed one star from the rating as I felt it didn’t develop the characters as much as his previous works. Maybe his intention was that you had read the previous works and knew them already? ( Which I have) But I would have liked to know more about the new main character, so I could have an affinity for who he is and where he came from…..
May 27, 2025
Great story
This was a fast paced and intriguing story!! I loved this book and can't wait to read the next in this series.
This was a fast paced and intriguing story!! I loved this book and can't wait to read the next in this series.
May 22, 2025
Another winner Gary McAvoy and will continue to listen and read ALL your Vatican mystery books with Father Michael, Hana and the gang...Please keep them coming...
April 12, 2025
Gary McAvoy has written many excellent books about the Vatican and the Catholic Church. I have read every book of his that I can find. With Covenant of the Iron Cross he has changed the hero while still including the main characters of the earlier books and varied the direction of the stories. This new series follows the Vatican archeologist instead of the Vatican archivist. Both provide good series with the exception that the story around the archeologist is less based on fact than the earlier books. I rate this new series a 4 instead of the 5 of the older series. All the books are worth reading. I just enjoyed figuring out what was based on fact in the earlier series. The new series is less so. Still a good read.
May 20, 2025
History, Mystery, and Edge of the Seat
Another page turner by Gary McAvoy. Don't start the book if you can't finished in one read
Dr. Russo is a fascinating character. My only hope is that the author writes more ==soon.
Another page turner by Gary McAvoy. Don't start the book if you can't finished in one read
Dr. Russo is a fascinating character. My only hope is that the author writes more ==soon.
June 7, 2025
The first half was slow. It seemed the same words and actions were repeated in every situation. The second half was better. The entwined players were good, Templars, the Vatican and the New Order! Each having deep secrets.
Monette Cortez
Monette Cortez
April 17, 2025
On track for more adventures
Well-written and with a strong story line that pulls you through the book. Would recommend to others and look forward to more!
Well-written and with a strong story line that pulls you through the book. Would recommend to others and look forward to more!
April 6, 2025
Great new Vatican Archaeology Series - Couldn't put it down.
This is the first book in a new Vatican Series by Gary McAvoy. He introduces Marcus Russo, while continuing to include Father
This is the first book in a new Vatican Series by Gary McAvoy. He introduces Marcus Russo, while continuing to include Father
April 6, 2025
WOW!!!!
I’ve read all Gary McAvoy’s books and loved them all with 5 stars. This story was WAY UP THERE in tension - the tunnels, ledges, secret chambers were fascinating! It doesn’t leave you hanging, but instead, waiting for the next “chalice” to drop! Fantastic, Gary!!!
I’ve read all Gary McAvoy’s books and loved them all with 5 stars. This story was WAY UP THERE in tension - the tunnels, ledges, secret chambers were fascinating! It doesn’t leave you hanging, but instead, waiting for the next “chalice” to drop! Fantastic, Gary!!!
March 9, 2025
In 2021, I picked up Gary McAvoy’s first book The Magdalene Deception and was immediately hooked on the mystery and intrigue surrounding the Vatican Secret Archives. Since then, I’ve read all twelve of his books featuring Father Michael Dominic et al, thoroughly enjoying the fast-paced, plot-twisting, and often educational series.
The Covenant of the Iron Cross is McAvoy’s thirteenth fiction book and a spin-off from the main series. Instead of Michael Dominic taking center stage, this new series revolves around Marcus Russo, the Vatican’s chief archaeologist. Marcus will not necessarily be limited to searching only for artifacts related to the history of the Catholic Church (which the main series focuses on), and this opens the door for the series to potentially explore all kinds of legends and myths that, at least on the surface, don’t appear to have much to do with the Vatican. Fans of shows such as History’s Greatest Mysteries (starring Laurence Fishburne) and other similar shows on the Travel Channel or History Channel should find plenty to enjoy in this new series.
At the end of World War II, the Nazis were rumored to have loaded a train with billions of dollars of plundered gold, jewels, artwork, and relics, and then to have hidden the train in an underground tunnel in Poland. In the decades since, this myth has persisted, leading many treasure hunters from around the world to devote countless hours and resources to its discovery. In Covenant of the Iron Cross, Marcus is tasked by a top Vatican cardinal with locating this train, not primarily for the gold and jewels, but for the priceless Christian relics that are rumored to be among the train’s treasures (the Nazis, Heinrich Himmler in particular, were obsessed with the occult and had scoured the earth for mystical artifacts). Marcus brings along Michael Dominic and Hana Sinclair, the stars of the main series, as well as two Swiss guards, and the group set out to search for the train in the Owl Mountains in Poland. The first part of the book is an action-packed journey through the tunnels in these mountains, complete with booby-trapped corridors and pursuing mercenaries. Many of the scenes here would feel right at home in an Indiana Jones movie. During this adventure, we also see some examples of the advanced technologies and “wunderwaffe” that the Nazis were developing in their attempts to win the war. Marcus and his team locate the legendary train and discover records outlining a vast Nazi conspiracy to rebuild the Third Reich in plain sight after the war, a plan that was successfully implemented. They also find a codex referring to an ancient relic of vast power that the Knights Templars (and later the Nazis) tried to keep buried after realizing they could not control it.
The second part of the book places the characters back at the Vatican, where they discover that other unsavory people are after the aforementioned relic, believing they could harness its power to remake the world to their liking. Through their research, Marcus and his team find out that there were four keys to this relic that were scattered by the Knights Templar, a plot line that might remind some readers of Langdon’s search for the Church of Illumination in Angels & Demons. The race is on to get to this mysterious relic before the bad guys can, and without spoiling too much, I think fans of Raiders of the Lost Ark may appreciate the ending here.
Overall, I highly recommend The Covenant of the Iron Cross to anyone who is a fan of Dan Brown, the Indiana Jones movies, or Templar lore. It’s got fast-paced action, conspiracy theories, and puzzle solving galore. Even better, the end of the book sets the stage for the story to be continued, and I look forward to the sequel.
The Covenant of the Iron Cross is McAvoy’s thirteenth fiction book and a spin-off from the main series. Instead of Michael Dominic taking center stage, this new series revolves around Marcus Russo, the Vatican’s chief archaeologist. Marcus will not necessarily be limited to searching only for artifacts related to the history of the Catholic Church (which the main series focuses on), and this opens the door for the series to potentially explore all kinds of legends and myths that, at least on the surface, don’t appear to have much to do with the Vatican. Fans of shows such as History’s Greatest Mysteries (starring Laurence Fishburne) and other similar shows on the Travel Channel or History Channel should find plenty to enjoy in this new series.
At the end of World War II, the Nazis were rumored to have loaded a train with billions of dollars of plundered gold, jewels, artwork, and relics, and then to have hidden the train in an underground tunnel in Poland. In the decades since, this myth has persisted, leading many treasure hunters from around the world to devote countless hours and resources to its discovery. In Covenant of the Iron Cross, Marcus is tasked by a top Vatican cardinal with locating this train, not primarily for the gold and jewels, but for the priceless Christian relics that are rumored to be among the train’s treasures (the Nazis, Heinrich Himmler in particular, were obsessed with the occult and had scoured the earth for mystical artifacts). Marcus brings along Michael Dominic and Hana Sinclair, the stars of the main series, as well as two Swiss guards, and the group set out to search for the train in the Owl Mountains in Poland. The first part of the book is an action-packed journey through the tunnels in these mountains, complete with booby-trapped corridors and pursuing mercenaries. Many of the scenes here would feel right at home in an Indiana Jones movie. During this adventure, we also see some examples of the advanced technologies and “wunderwaffe” that the Nazis were developing in their attempts to win the war. Marcus and his team locate the legendary train and discover records outlining a vast Nazi conspiracy to rebuild the Third Reich in plain sight after the war, a plan that was successfully implemented. They also find a codex referring to an ancient relic of vast power that the Knights Templars (and later the Nazis) tried to keep buried after realizing they could not control it.
The second part of the book places the characters back at the Vatican, where they discover that other unsavory people are after the aforementioned relic, believing they could harness its power to remake the world to their liking. Through their research, Marcus and his team find out that there were four keys to this relic that were scattered by the Knights Templar, a plot line that might remind some readers of Langdon’s search for the Church of Illumination in Angels & Demons. The race is on to get to this mysterious relic before the bad guys can, and without spoiling too much, I think fans of Raiders of the Lost Ark may appreciate the ending here.
Overall, I highly recommend The Covenant of the Iron Cross to anyone who is a fan of Dan Brown, the Indiana Jones movies, or Templar lore. It’s got fast-paced action, conspiracy theories, and puzzle solving galore. Even better, the end of the book sets the stage for the story to be continued, and I look forward to the sequel.
February 25, 2025
3.5 stars. I was conflicted about rating this book. The first parts immersed me in a vividly described sense of place and were action-packed and suspenseful. The latter part was slow and confusing. Because I had difficulty following, I rated this section a 3. The book cover is gorgeous.
I am always excited to receive a new book by Gary McAvoy. I have read and enjoyed all his fiction books and have given them all a solid 4 or 5-star review. His books are well-researched mystery/adventure stories based on historical facts and rumours and are connected to the Vatican. Covenant of the Iron Cross starts a new series featuring Marcus Russo, the Vatican archeologist introduced in the last book, The Apostle Conspiracy.
A leading Cardinal called upon Marcus to investigate the rumour of a train laden with gold, precious treasures and jewelry, priceless religious relics, documents, and paintings the Nazis looted from museums, art galleries, churches, and homes of the wealthy. They were believed to have hidden the train at the war's end and concealed it in a series of tunnels deep in a mountainous area in Poland. Expeditions have searched for the train but never located it. The Cardinal has an old document that is puzzling, as it bears both Vatican and Nazi symbols.
Marcus enlists Father Michael Dominic, Vatican Archivist, and his romantic interest, Hana, a journalist, to travel to Poland with him to search for the train. Swiss Guards Karl and Lukas are also recruited for protection. This book works well as a standalone, but readers can get to know these characters through their adventures in previous books.
The tunnels are a labyrinth of locked doors and side passages, and the Nazis have left booby traps, gas, and explosives to collapse the tunnel walls. Marcus found an advanced artifact that gives directions and opens locks by reading runes printed or etched through the tunnels. The passages are lit by geothermal power.
A couple of villains, members of the Covenant of the Iron Cross, are pursuing them, and they need the technical artifact to find the train and information to continue their dark ambitions. They plan to use its contents for greedy, nefarious purposes. Armed mercenaries accompany the Covenant members. A gun battle breaks out, with Karl and Lucas defending the group, and who knew Hana was so adept with a weapon? Marcus and Michael prove they can handle themselves in combat.
Finally, after much struggle, Marcus's group find the train. The train was a diversion for another containment item nearby. This held vital secrets from the past, religious documents, and the mention of world-destroying weaponry. A Codex reveals Operation Eisenkreuz, a plan to enable the Nazis to return to power years in the future. They inserted like-minded followers in positions of power and influence, politics, business, banking, and even the Church. The Covenant of the Iron Cross members conspired to have this plan continue up to the present time and beyond. Nazi regimes would return to power worldwide.
Marcus and the group discussed and argued about what they learned by piecing together coded fragments. Should they release all the details, only carefully selected parts, or hide everything? Do they return the looted treasures to the families and descendants who lost them to the Nazis., or store them in the Vatican?
I had difficulty following the discussions as they organized information and drew conclusions, but it was much improved from the earlier version I had read. Thank you, Gary McAvoy, for another exciting adventure with spiritual concerns, conspiracies leading to world domination, chases, gun battles, and great characters.
I am always excited to receive a new book by Gary McAvoy. I have read and enjoyed all his fiction books and have given them all a solid 4 or 5-star review. His books are well-researched mystery/adventure stories based on historical facts and rumours and are connected to the Vatican. Covenant of the Iron Cross starts a new series featuring Marcus Russo, the Vatican archeologist introduced in the last book, The Apostle Conspiracy.
A leading Cardinal called upon Marcus to investigate the rumour of a train laden with gold, precious treasures and jewelry, priceless religious relics, documents, and paintings the Nazis looted from museums, art galleries, churches, and homes of the wealthy. They were believed to have hidden the train at the war's end and concealed it in a series of tunnels deep in a mountainous area in Poland. Expeditions have searched for the train but never located it. The Cardinal has an old document that is puzzling, as it bears both Vatican and Nazi symbols.
Marcus enlists Father Michael Dominic, Vatican Archivist, and his romantic interest, Hana, a journalist, to travel to Poland with him to search for the train. Swiss Guards Karl and Lukas are also recruited for protection. This book works well as a standalone, but readers can get to know these characters through their adventures in previous books.
The tunnels are a labyrinth of locked doors and side passages, and the Nazis have left booby traps, gas, and explosives to collapse the tunnel walls. Marcus found an advanced artifact that gives directions and opens locks by reading runes printed or etched through the tunnels. The passages are lit by geothermal power.
A couple of villains, members of the Covenant of the Iron Cross, are pursuing them, and they need the technical artifact to find the train and information to continue their dark ambitions. They plan to use its contents for greedy, nefarious purposes. Armed mercenaries accompany the Covenant members. A gun battle breaks out, with Karl and Lucas defending the group, and who knew Hana was so adept with a weapon? Marcus and Michael prove they can handle themselves in combat.
Finally, after much struggle, Marcus's group find the train. The train was a diversion for another containment item nearby. This held vital secrets from the past, religious documents, and the mention of world-destroying weaponry. A Codex reveals Operation Eisenkreuz, a plan to enable the Nazis to return to power years in the future. They inserted like-minded followers in positions of power and influence, politics, business, banking, and even the Church. The Covenant of the Iron Cross members conspired to have this plan continue up to the present time and beyond. Nazi regimes would return to power worldwide.
Marcus and the group discussed and argued about what they learned by piecing together coded fragments. Should they release all the details, only carefully selected parts, or hide everything? Do they return the looted treasures to the families and descendants who lost them to the Nazis., or store them in the Vatican?
I had difficulty following the discussions as they organized information and drew conclusions, but it was much improved from the earlier version I had read. Thank you, Gary McAvoy, for another exciting adventure with spiritual concerns, conspiracies leading to world domination, chases, gun battles, and great characters.
October 20, 2025
this is the latest series by Gary McAvoy. gary, I know sometimes you read my reviews and have commented on them and given me a thumbs up. I think you're an awesome writer I enjoy the audio books as well as reading the books. the last few books I was kind of disappointed because of the woke bent that you took within them not so much because of the philosophy espoused but because a lot of people are going to take things that are in those books and consider them fact and I think that's a great disservice to the philosophy that you were discussing and the church itself
I think this book was really well written it combined a lot of fact and expounded on it in a fictitious way. ironically there recently have been documentaries on the Discovery channel and the science channel relating to the work done in the tunnels in Poland in owl mountain. although it goes into a little bit more detail.
I am very disappointed in the trend documentaries have been having to be more showy as opposed to academic focused. for example I think one of the best documentaries ever made is colonial gunsmith which you can see on YouTube that's how a documentary should be done. instead we rely on commercial breaks the whole people's attention and make it showmanship and I think we dumb it down
when I work for the bureau of Labor statistics for 15 years I was a senior economist on the es202 program which is the employment database for the nation. we collect the data from the unemployment insurance tax reports submitted quarterly believe it or not the unemployment insurance program has a 98.6% response rate on time versus 75 to 80% for the IRS go figure.
in any case back in the middle 1990s we were having a discussion a very rare All hands meeting for the entire bureau when we were based out of the GAO building and the commissioner of Labor statistics at the time Janet Norwood said that going forward we need to write our documents for the average American. a good friend of mine Dino Joseph druid raised his hand and made a valid point.... he said the average American was illiterate..lol
this prompted a laugh from everybody including the commissioner because and this is more than 30 years ago it was becoming true and I think it's more true today than anything else as we focus more on our phones
a lot of people saying listening to audiobooks is not engaging with the text but I believe listening to an audiobook of a book while working or doing something is the same as reading because you have to visualize everything in your head just as you would with reading a book and you can be thinking while you're doing things
that being said I wanted to make a mention about all the audio books the narrator does a wonderful job and I think you really did a great job involved with the production process of these books the company you've chosen and the people you work with are really good
I am hoping that as you go forward and continue to write books you will continue to make the audio books because a lot of times I will listen to it when I commute to and from wound care and even though I work from home most of the time if I do have to commute into the office once or twice a month the 50 mile commute often has me listening to one of your books
anyway be well and a really good book and I'm looking forward to reading the devil symphony
I think this book was really well written it combined a lot of fact and expounded on it in a fictitious way. ironically there recently have been documentaries on the Discovery channel and the science channel relating to the work done in the tunnels in Poland in owl mountain. although it goes into a little bit more detail.
I am very disappointed in the trend documentaries have been having to be more showy as opposed to academic focused. for example I think one of the best documentaries ever made is colonial gunsmith which you can see on YouTube that's how a documentary should be done. instead we rely on commercial breaks the whole people's attention and make it showmanship and I think we dumb it down
when I work for the bureau of Labor statistics for 15 years I was a senior economist on the es202 program which is the employment database for the nation. we collect the data from the unemployment insurance tax reports submitted quarterly believe it or not the unemployment insurance program has a 98.6% response rate on time versus 75 to 80% for the IRS go figure.
in any case back in the middle 1990s we were having a discussion a very rare All hands meeting for the entire bureau when we were based out of the GAO building and the commissioner of Labor statistics at the time Janet Norwood said that going forward we need to write our documents for the average American. a good friend of mine Dino Joseph druid raised his hand and made a valid point.... he said the average American was illiterate..lol
this prompted a laugh from everybody including the commissioner because and this is more than 30 years ago it was becoming true and I think it's more true today than anything else as we focus more on our phones
a lot of people saying listening to audiobooks is not engaging with the text but I believe listening to an audiobook of a book while working or doing something is the same as reading because you have to visualize everything in your head just as you would with reading a book and you can be thinking while you're doing things
that being said I wanted to make a mention about all the audio books the narrator does a wonderful job and I think you really did a great job involved with the production process of these books the company you've chosen and the people you work with are really good
I am hoping that as you go forward and continue to write books you will continue to make the audio books because a lot of times I will listen to it when I commute to and from wound care and even though I work from home most of the time if I do have to commute into the office once or twice a month the 50 mile commute often has me listening to one of your books
anyway be well and a really good book and I'm looking forward to reading the devil symphony
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