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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.
384 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 5, 2025
63 people are currently reading
6 people want to read
About the author
Dave Bartell
15 books119 followersGet a FREE copy of Corsican Gold or to learn about upcoming novels, join my mailing list.
Imagine the wonder of being the first person to open King Tut’s tomb? Dave Bartell loves reviving lost history and his novels breathe thriller into archaeology.
As a kid, he was frequently found tinkering in his parent’s garage. His insatiable curiosity to understand how things work led him to study biochemistry and, later, fueled a career in high technology. His what-if mindset and life experiences combine to make his fiction plausible and feel realistic.
Dave lives in Los Gatos California, a small town tucked into the edge of Silicon Valley. He enjoys hiking in the hills behind his home, where beauty is still analog.
He hopes you enjoy his stories and invites you to share your thoughts at davebartell@gmail.com.
Imagine the wonder of being the first person to open King Tut’s tomb? Dave Bartell loves reviving lost history and his novels breathe thriller into archaeology.
As a kid, he was frequently found tinkering in his parent’s garage. His insatiable curiosity to understand how things work led him to study biochemistry and, later, fueled a career in high technology. His what-if mindset and life experiences combine to make his fiction plausible and feel realistic.
Dave lives in Los Gatos California, a small town tucked into the edge of Silicon Valley. He enjoys hiking in the hills behind his home, where beauty is still analog.
He hopes you enjoy his stories and invites you to share your thoughts at davebartell@gmail.com.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
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.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews