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Celtic Omen: An Archaeological Thriller
Prophecy. Power. Payback.
Celtic Omen ignites the final showdown that began in Tuscan Hoax and Louvre Escape.
Some call it the Bethlehem Star. Others say it fulfills a darker, older prophecy. Astronomers insist it’s a once-in-a-lifetime event.
But does it bring salvation—or destruction?
Darwin Lacroix, the Vatican's head of archaeological threats, is drawn into a storm of myth and danger in the explosive conclusion of this gripping trilogy.
When a newly discovered comet appears on a collision course with Earth, panic spreads. Darwin uncovers evidence that Copernicus saw it too—and left behind a warning, hidden in a star map protected by a secret the Aedui Society.
Until the Nazis stole it.
Their experiment—Weltennaht, “the World Seam”—sought to control Earth’s magnetic field using ancient druidic alignments. And it didn't die with the Reich. The Americans quietly absorbed it in Operation Paperclip.
Now, amid the celestial chaos, others see opportunity.
Jasmin Kahn, newly paroled and more dangerous than ever, leads a global antiquities syndicate—and plans the greatest museum heist in history.
As the comet sparks a geomagnetic storm, Darwin faces a cosmic reckoning while his partner Eyrún races to stop Jasmin. With ex-Army intelligence officer Zac Johnson at their side, the fnal battle begins
Because when the stars align, the world will either be reborn—or torn apart.
And Jasmin Kahn?
She is the omen.
Celtic Omen ignites the final showdown that began in Tuscan Hoax and Louvre Escape.
Some call it the Bethlehem Star. Others say it fulfills a darker, older prophecy. Astronomers insist it’s a once-in-a-lifetime event.
But does it bring salvation—or destruction?
Darwin Lacroix, the Vatican's head of archaeological threats, is drawn into a storm of myth and danger in the explosive conclusion of this gripping trilogy.
When a newly discovered comet appears on a collision course with Earth, panic spreads. Darwin uncovers evidence that Copernicus saw it too—and left behind a warning, hidden in a star map protected by a secret the Aedui Society.
Until the Nazis stole it.
Their experiment—Weltennaht, “the World Seam”—sought to control Earth’s magnetic field using ancient druidic alignments. And it didn't die with the Reich. The Americans quietly absorbed it in Operation Paperclip.
Now, amid the celestial chaos, others see opportunity.
Jasmin Kahn, newly paroled and more dangerous than ever, leads a global antiquities syndicate—and plans the greatest museum heist in history.
As the comet sparks a geomagnetic storm, Darwin faces a cosmic reckoning while his partner Eyrún races to stop Jasmin. With ex-Army intelligence officer Zac Johnson at their side, the fnal battle begins
Because when the stars align, the world will either be reborn—or torn apart.
And Jasmin Kahn?
She is the omen.
- GenresThriller
384 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 5, 2025
About the author
Dave Bartell
19 books123 followersDave Bartell has spent his life chasing questions across mountains, deserts, laboratories, and quiet places where the universe feels close enough to touch. He climbed the highest mountain in the continental United States at ten, earned the nickname 'mountain goat' for his relentless pace on the trail, and could start a campfire with a single match before he learned algebra. As a teenager, he preserved indigenous bone beads found on a Southern California peak—his first archaeological discovery, long before he knew the word for it.
A degree in biochemistry sharpened his sense that humanity is made of stardust and story. Air Force survival training taught him how to think when options vanish. Zen meditation taught him how to listen to mysteries hiding in the quiet. He raced road bikes at more than fifty miles an hour, circled Lake Tahoe in four hours, and learned that endurance is a kind of prayer.
Today, Dave writes archaeological thrillers that blend science, history, and wonder. A member of the Archaeological Institute of America, he draws from a lifetime of adventure to craft stories of discovery, danger, and the search for meaning in a vast, ancient world. He lives in Los Gatos, California, where the hills still offer enough wilderness to spark a novel.
A degree in biochemistry sharpened his sense that humanity is made of stardust and story. Air Force survival training taught him how to think when options vanish. Zen meditation taught him how to listen to mysteries hiding in the quiet. He raced road bikes at more than fifty miles an hour, circled Lake Tahoe in four hours, and learned that endurance is a kind of prayer.
Today, Dave writes archaeological thrillers that blend science, history, and wonder. A member of the Archaeological Institute of America, he draws from a lifetime of adventure to craft stories of discovery, danger, and the search for meaning in a vast, ancient world. He lives in Los Gatos, California, where the hills still offer enough wilderness to spark a novel.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
July 8, 2026
Having stumbled across Dave Bartell’s work only recently, I have been tearing through this series with growing admiration. Few authors blend archaeology, history, conspiracy, and relentless action as effectively as Bartell, and this eighth instalment proves he has no intention of easing off the throttle. Instead, he delivers a high-stakes adventure that pushes Darwin Lacroix into one of his most dangerous and emotionally charged battles yet.
A mysterious comet streaking toward Earth ignites worldwide panic, but the celestial spectacle is merely the beginning. Biblical prophecy, ancient druidic secrets, Copernicus’s hidden warning, Nazi experimentation, Operation Paperclip, and a ruthless international antiquities syndicate collide in spectacular fashion. As Darwin races to uncover the truth buried beneath centuries of deception, an old enemy resurfaces with devastating ambitions, forcing allies to confront a reckoning that feels as personal as it is global. The result is an explosive continuation of the conflict that began in Tuscan Hoax and Louvre Escape, rewarding longtime readers with a finale worthy of the build-up. While not one of my favourites in the series, Bartell keeps the reader on edge.
Archaeological thrillers remain one of my favourite genres, and Bartell continues to demonstrate exactly why. He understands that fascinating history alone is never enough. Every historical revelation is attached to genuine danger, every discovery carries consequences, and every answer creates fresh questions. His trademark short chapters generate an almost addictive momentum, making “just one more chapter” an impossible promise to keep. The pacing rarely falters, and the constant escalation ensures there is little opportunity to come up for air. While there were some areas I could not find myself connecting in this story, I can see the connection from one book to the next getting stronger.
Darwin Lacroix has firmly established himself as one of the more engaging protagonists in modern archaeological fiction. His curiosity, intelligence, and relentless determination make him far more than another treasure hunter chasing ancient myths. Equally compelling is Eyrún, whose growing importance within the series continues to enrich both the narrative and the emotional stakes. Bartell has surrounded them with a supporting cast that contributes meaningful depth without ever stealing focus, allowing familiar faces to evolve naturally while strengthening the overall mythology of the series.
What continues to separate Bartell from many authors in this crowded genre is his ability to balance entertainment with meticulous research. The historical and archaeological foundations never feel like lectures, nor do they exist simply to show off the author’s knowledge. Instead, they become weapons within the story itself, driving suspense and giving the action genuine credibility. Twists emerge organically, alliances shift unexpectedly, and long-buried secrets explode into revelations that continually reshape the narrative without feeling contrived.
This series has become one of the most enjoyable archaeological adventures I have discovered in years. Bartell has created an ambitious world where ancient mysteries, historical intrigue, and modern conspiracies collide with exhilarating results. Readers who appreciate intelligent archaeological thrillers packed with momentum, rich historical detail, and memorable characters will find yet another compelling reason to keep following Darwin Lacroix wherever his next excavation leads.
Kudos, Mr. Bartell, for keeping me wanting to forge onwards and learn with each turn of the page.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A mysterious comet streaking toward Earth ignites worldwide panic, but the celestial spectacle is merely the beginning. Biblical prophecy, ancient druidic secrets, Copernicus’s hidden warning, Nazi experimentation, Operation Paperclip, and a ruthless international antiquities syndicate collide in spectacular fashion. As Darwin races to uncover the truth buried beneath centuries of deception, an old enemy resurfaces with devastating ambitions, forcing allies to confront a reckoning that feels as personal as it is global. The result is an explosive continuation of the conflict that began in Tuscan Hoax and Louvre Escape, rewarding longtime readers with a finale worthy of the build-up. While not one of my favourites in the series, Bartell keeps the reader on edge.
Archaeological thrillers remain one of my favourite genres, and Bartell continues to demonstrate exactly why. He understands that fascinating history alone is never enough. Every historical revelation is attached to genuine danger, every discovery carries consequences, and every answer creates fresh questions. His trademark short chapters generate an almost addictive momentum, making “just one more chapter” an impossible promise to keep. The pacing rarely falters, and the constant escalation ensures there is little opportunity to come up for air. While there were some areas I could not find myself connecting in this story, I can see the connection from one book to the next getting stronger.
Darwin Lacroix has firmly established himself as one of the more engaging protagonists in modern archaeological fiction. His curiosity, intelligence, and relentless determination make him far more than another treasure hunter chasing ancient myths. Equally compelling is Eyrún, whose growing importance within the series continues to enrich both the narrative and the emotional stakes. Bartell has surrounded them with a supporting cast that contributes meaningful depth without ever stealing focus, allowing familiar faces to evolve naturally while strengthening the overall mythology of the series.
What continues to separate Bartell from many authors in this crowded genre is his ability to balance entertainment with meticulous research. The historical and archaeological foundations never feel like lectures, nor do they exist simply to show off the author’s knowledge. Instead, they become weapons within the story itself, driving suspense and giving the action genuine credibility. Twists emerge organically, alliances shift unexpectedly, and long-buried secrets explode into revelations that continually reshape the narrative without feeling contrived.
This series has become one of the most enjoyable archaeological adventures I have discovered in years. Bartell has created an ambitious world where ancient mysteries, historical intrigue, and modern conspiracies collide with exhilarating results. Readers who appreciate intelligent archaeological thrillers packed with momentum, rich historical detail, and memorable characters will find yet another compelling reason to keep following Darwin Lacroix wherever his next excavation leads.
Kudos, Mr. Bartell, for keeping me wanting to forge onwards and learn with each turn of the page.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
October 13, 2025
Is it TEOTWAWKI?
Celtic Omen, Dave Bartell's 8th book in the Darwin Lacroix Adventure series is made of the stuff of Stars. Pulled from headlines published after he completed the book, it features our fascination with the Aurora Borealis and the impact of Geomagnetic storms on the Earth.
Although the story features the villains we love to hate, the nefarious Jasmin and friends, who live to strip museums of the finest art, for profit and to benefit greedy collectors, they are not the focus of the book.
Darwin is put on the trail of artifacts from Copernicus, at the special request of His Holiness, the Pope. The impetus behind his request is a comet named Solis. One that is speeding directly towards Earth at a trajectory never before seen. A path eerily resembling that of a prophecy known only to the Popes.
While governments around the globe are attempting to understand the impact of Solis's passage by the Earth, esoteric societies are striving to put together the same materials Darwin has been asked to study, Copernicus's metal tablets with their unique language, and the speculation of a split in the fabric of the Universe.
I found Celtic Omen to be the most compelling novel Dave Bartell has written. I confess to being a fan of spiritual conspiracies, along with the archaeological component; this book was a natural for me. Nonetheless, I highly recommend it, it is terrific reading.
Celtic Omen, Dave Bartell's 8th book in the Darwin Lacroix Adventure series is made of the stuff of Stars. Pulled from headlines published after he completed the book, it features our fascination with the Aurora Borealis and the impact of Geomagnetic storms on the Earth.
Although the story features the villains we love to hate, the nefarious Jasmin and friends, who live to strip museums of the finest art, for profit and to benefit greedy collectors, they are not the focus of the book.
Darwin is put on the trail of artifacts from Copernicus, at the special request of His Holiness, the Pope. The impetus behind his request is a comet named Solis. One that is speeding directly towards Earth at a trajectory never before seen. A path eerily resembling that of a prophecy known only to the Popes.
While governments around the globe are attempting to understand the impact of Solis's passage by the Earth, esoteric societies are striving to put together the same materials Darwin has been asked to study, Copernicus's metal tablets with their unique language, and the speculation of a split in the fabric of the Universe.
I found Celtic Omen to be the most compelling novel Dave Bartell has written. I confess to being a fan of spiritual conspiracies, along with the archaeological component; this book was a natural for me. Nonetheless, I highly recommend it, it is terrific reading.
October 20, 2025
Love the characters in this series, but this book left a lot to be desired. The plot was divided between two stories and justice was not done to either. Sections were incomprehensible and words were not defined for readers. Does the average reader know what an "oubliette" or an "oppidum" is? I feel that frequent lack of definitions was not good for the overall story. Worst of all, the reader is still left with not much of an idea as to what actually happened in the end. An engaging idea, but poorly executed.
September 4, 2025
After 5 years, Jasmin Kahn is finally out of prison for killing her father and is ready to take on her role as the head of the Inner Table of the secret Aedui Society committed to the recovery and control of ancient knowledge. She has plenty of resources from the billions of dollars of gold, art and jewels she’d squirreled away and has a plan to raid 12 museums on one night: the night of the Solis comet.
A Celtic torc with odd markings is found at a construction dig, then mysteriously disappears. A few days later it temporarily appears for auction on an antiquities site. When it quickly disappears, Darwin is curious to know where and what connection it has to the new comet.
Fascinating combination of government coverups, Nazi conspiracies, religious secrets and prophetic astronomy. I love how the situation makes them go old school in navigation, etc. Makes them work for it.
Footnote: 1) Jasmin is the typical selfish shallow thinker. The world’s falling apart and she wants to loot. Just like those people see stealing TV’s during a disaster.
2) Why doesn’t he just say prawns instead of langoustines? Sound too pretentious and confuses the reader.
Fave scenes: dinner with Raina, the pope’s revelations to Darwin, the satellite phone SOS and Eyrun & Siggy getting to Berlin.
A Celtic torc with odd markings is found at a construction dig, then mysteriously disappears. A few days later it temporarily appears for auction on an antiquities site. When it quickly disappears, Darwin is curious to know where and what connection it has to the new comet.
Fascinating combination of government coverups, Nazi conspiracies, religious secrets and prophetic astronomy. I love how the situation makes them go old school in navigation, etc. Makes them work for it.
Footnote: 1) Jasmin is the typical selfish shallow thinker. The world’s falling apart and she wants to loot. Just like those people see stealing TV’s during a disaster.
2) Why doesn’t he just say prawns instead of langoustines? Sound too pretentious and confuses the reader.
Fave scenes: dinner with Raina, the pope’s revelations to Darwin, the satellite phone SOS and Eyrun & Siggy getting to Berlin.
June 4, 2025
Dave Bartell’s book are always a thrilling, heart-pounding experience. He masterfully blends archaeology with modern day events to create a story that you don’t want to put down. Celtic Omen takes the series one step further. It’s exhilarating.
In his role as the Vatican’s head of archaeology, Darwin is called upon to delve into the history of the comet that is blazing towards earth. Is it the Bethlehem Star that directed the path to the Christ child? Is it the same comet seen by Copernicus centuries ago? What kind of destruction will the comet leave in its wake?
There are those that plan to use these events for personal gain. So once again, Darwin, his wife Eyrun, and his best friend Zac Johnson find themselves fighting a battle of epic proportions as they match wits with a secret society. An enemy from the past has reappeared. A comet is bearing down on earth with predictions of catastrophic events that could destroy the world as we know it.
Hold on to your seats.
In his role as the Vatican’s head of archaeology, Darwin is called upon to delve into the history of the comet that is blazing towards earth. Is it the Bethlehem Star that directed the path to the Christ child? Is it the same comet seen by Copernicus centuries ago? What kind of destruction will the comet leave in its wake?
There are those that plan to use these events for personal gain. So once again, Darwin, his wife Eyrun, and his best friend Zac Johnson find themselves fighting a battle of epic proportions as they match wits with a secret society. An enemy from the past has reappeared. A comet is bearing down on earth with predictions of catastrophic events that could destroy the world as we know it.
Hold on to your seats.
August 21, 2025
Celtic Omen, was almost scary with its reference to a comet. The story line kept me engaged to the end and I want to know if it will be carried into another book. Please do...
I love the references to the locations visited in the book and can imagine the details, also, I love his wine selections (I keep a list so I can try) and the foods. I would love to sit down with Dave someday and just listen to his adventures because Darwin must be his alter ego.
You won't be disappointed reading any of Dave Bartell's books. Can't wait for book 9, 10, 11, 12, and beyond.
I love the references to the locations visited in the book and can imagine the details, also, I love his wine selections (I keep a list so I can try) and the foods. I would love to sit down with Dave someday and just listen to his adventures because Darwin must be his alter ego.
You won't be disappointed reading any of Dave Bartell's books. Can't wait for book 9, 10, 11, 12, and beyond.
August 18, 2025
Darwin exists in the metaphysical world!! The whole book lays bread crumbs to this kind of ending, and for the most part it delivers. I won't spoil anything but will say that I was very happy that the author didn't shy away from the potential he built up. Totally satisfying? No. But you've got to have a good reason to keep reading.
August 16, 2025
love these books and the adventures they carry you through
To see the world through the Authors eyes. The history of the world in some ways. I have read all of the Darwin Lacroix adventures. Truly recommend!
To see the world through the Authors eyes. The history of the world in some ways. I have read all of the Darwin Lacroix adventures. Truly recommend!
September 4, 2025
Holy cow, what a story! There is a slow build up dealing with art theft and very rich people becoming richer. That part kind of bothered me. but the ending is pretty spectacular. Anyways, I highly recommend this book.
March 8, 2026
This was a very interesting story. I liked it but it was a little hard to follow. It jumped around and was hard to under what was going on at times.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews