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The Obsidian Directive: World War II Novel of Bletchley Park and Espionage
THE ENEMY IS ALREADY INSIDE THE GATES.
The Ultimate Historical Spy Adventure for Teens and Young Adults.
London, 1940. Bombs rain down on the city. Rations shrink by the day. But for twenty-year-old intelligence agent Julian Holloway, the deadliest war isn't being fought in the skies—it is being fought in the dark.
When a brutal murder leaves behind a chilling, familiar symbol—the mark of the Obsidian Hand—Julian’s world shatters. It is a terrifying echo of a past he thought he buried, proving an impossible truth: the conspiracy runs deeper, wider, and far more lethal than anyone imagined.
Teaming up with the brilliant and enigmatic Bletchley Park cryptographer Beatrice Thorne, Julian enters a high-stakes race against the clock. Coded directives point to a catastrophic plot designed to cripple the Allied war effort from within. The Obsidian Hand has infiltrated the highest levels of government, and their ruthless new leader knows Bletchley Park’s darkest secrets.
In a world built on deception, trust is a weapon. Loyalty is a luxury. Julian must master forensic detection and unmask the mastermind before a devastating strike shatters the Allied forces—and plunges the world into permanent darkness.
Why Teens, Parents, and Educators Love This Series:
High-Stakes Historical Fiction: Immerses readers in the gripping, authentic atmosphere of World War II London, Blitz air raids, and the secretive world of Bletchley Park codebreakers.
Brain-Teasing Mystery: Packed with historical ciphers, codes, and forensic clues that keep young adult readers guessing until the final page.
Relatable Coming-of-Age Themes: Features a young protagonist navigating complex choices regarding personal sacrifice, the true cost of secrecy, and standing up for the greater good.
Perfect Classroom Companion: An exceptional supplemental reading choice for middle and high school history, literature, and STEM units.
Praise for The Cipher's Shadow Series:
"An absolute page-turner! A masterclass in wartime espionage that keeps you hooked from the first paragraph."
"Finally, a historical mystery that balances relentless action with brilliant intellect. Perfect for fans of Alan Gratz and code-cracking adventures." — Educator Review
Will Julian unmask the spy ring in time, or will the shadows of Bletchley Park claim another innocent soul?
Scroll up and click "Buy Now" to crack the code today!
The Ultimate Historical Spy Adventure for Teens and Young Adults.
London, 1940. Bombs rain down on the city. Rations shrink by the day. But for twenty-year-old intelligence agent Julian Holloway, the deadliest war isn't being fought in the skies—it is being fought in the dark.
When a brutal murder leaves behind a chilling, familiar symbol—the mark of the Obsidian Hand—Julian’s world shatters. It is a terrifying echo of a past he thought he buried, proving an impossible truth: the conspiracy runs deeper, wider, and far more lethal than anyone imagined.
Teaming up with the brilliant and enigmatic Bletchley Park cryptographer Beatrice Thorne, Julian enters a high-stakes race against the clock. Coded directives point to a catastrophic plot designed to cripple the Allied war effort from within. The Obsidian Hand has infiltrated the highest levels of government, and their ruthless new leader knows Bletchley Park’s darkest secrets.
In a world built on deception, trust is a weapon. Loyalty is a luxury. Julian must master forensic detection and unmask the mastermind before a devastating strike shatters the Allied forces—and plunges the world into permanent darkness.
Why Teens, Parents, and Educators Love This Series:
High-Stakes Historical Fiction: Immerses readers in the gripping, authentic atmosphere of World War II London, Blitz air raids, and the secretive world of Bletchley Park codebreakers.
Brain-Teasing Mystery: Packed with historical ciphers, codes, and forensic clues that keep young adult readers guessing until the final page.
Relatable Coming-of-Age Themes: Features a young protagonist navigating complex choices regarding personal sacrifice, the true cost of secrecy, and standing up for the greater good.
Perfect Classroom Companion: An exceptional supplemental reading choice for middle and high school history, literature, and STEM units.
Praise for The Cipher's Shadow Series:
"An absolute page-turner! A masterclass in wartime espionage that keeps you hooked from the first paragraph."
"Finally, a historical mystery that balances relentless action with brilliant intellect. Perfect for fans of Alan Gratz and code-cracking adventures." — Educator Review
Will Julian unmask the spy ring in time, or will the shadows of Bletchley Park claim another innocent soul?
Scroll up and click "Buy Now" to crack the code today!
97 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 19, 2026
About the author
S. Harvey
9 books8 followersFollow me for updates and a free Prequel to "The Last Train From Warsaw" for readers 12 and up.
https://linktr.ee/hphi59sh
S. Harvey writes stories about courage, resilience, and the choices people make when faced with extraordinary circumstances.
A lifelong lover of history and storytelling, Harvey creates historical fiction that brings the past to life through unforgettable characters and immersive adventures. Her books explore the human side of history—ordinary people making difficult choices, finding courage, and discovering the strength to help others.
The Resistance Chronicles introduces young readers to stories of bravery and perseverance during World War II. Future historical series will continue exploring the lives of people shaped by the events of their time, including stories that span different eras and generations.
Harvey also writes heartwarming children’s books inspired by her love of animals and compassion for the natural world. Across all her stories, one message remains constant: empathy, courage, and kindness matter.
When she is not writing, Harvey enjoys researching history, solving historical puzzles, and discovering the real stories that inspire her next adventure.
https://linktr.ee/hphi59sh
S. Harvey writes stories about courage, resilience, and the choices people make when faced with extraordinary circumstances.
A lifelong lover of history and storytelling, Harvey creates historical fiction that brings the past to life through unforgettable characters and immersive adventures. Her books explore the human side of history—ordinary people making difficult choices, finding courage, and discovering the strength to help others.
The Resistance Chronicles introduces young readers to stories of bravery and perseverance during World War II. Future historical series will continue exploring the lives of people shaped by the events of their time, including stories that span different eras and generations.
Harvey also writes heartwarming children’s books inspired by her love of animals and compassion for the natural world. Across all her stories, one message remains constant: empathy, courage, and kindness matter.
When she is not writing, Harvey enjoys researching history, solving historical puzzles, and discovering the real stories that inspire her next adventure.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
Review of advance copy
This book starts off with a hook for the moral compass of one ensnared by war and the struggles to find one's way through the gray area. As war goes, a person's ability to navigate without leaving a piece of themselves behind can be laughable and difficult. In Julian Halloway's case, he notes that trust and loyalty are not as enmeshed as he would expect. During World War II, codebreakers were equally essential to those serving on the frontlines and were responsible for solving the codes lying hidden in plain sight that would determine the win/loss of the war. Halloway is brought in give fresh insight on these codes and to dig for espionage and other secrets needed to be borne to the light.
This was a quick but enjoyable read for me. Honestly, the short book would be ideal for kids and adults who wish to absorb small chunks of history to better understand it.
This was a quick but enjoyable read for me. Honestly, the short book would be ideal for kids and adults who wish to absorb small chunks of history to better understand it.
October 6, 2026
A Sharp, Immersive WWII Espionage Thriller with Brain, Bite, and Brilliant Historical Texture
The Obsidian Directive is a gripping second entry in The Cipher’s Shadow series—tense, intelligent, and steeped in the clandestine world of Bletchley Park. The author blends real‑world codebreaking history with high‑stakes espionage, creating a story where every intercepted message, every hidden pattern, and every quiet conversation could shift the course of the war. The characters feel fully lived‑in, driven by duty, fear, and the razor‑thin line between loyalty and survival. It’s a standout read for fans of WWII espionage fiction who crave atmospheric detail, clever plotting, and the thrill of watching brilliant minds race against the clock.
The Obsidian Directive is a gripping second entry in The Cipher’s Shadow series—tense, intelligent, and steeped in the clandestine world of Bletchley Park. The author blends real‑world codebreaking history with high‑stakes espionage, creating a story where every intercepted message, every hidden pattern, and every quiet conversation could shift the course of the war. The characters feel fully lived‑in, driven by duty, fear, and the razor‑thin line between loyalty and survival. It’s a standout read for fans of WWII espionage fiction who crave atmospheric detail, clever plotting, and the thrill of watching brilliant minds race against the clock.
October 1, 2026
Julien and Beatrice do it again!
A dead man in an alley has his hand upon a piece of paper which contains numerical phrases similar to those in the last case and the symbol of the obsidian hand. Investigation starts with the cipher, questionable access to classified information, false evidence planted to raise questions about Julien and Beatrice and, again, partial resolution that leaves everyone somewhat let down. Looking forward to the release of book 3.
A dead man in an alley has his hand upon a piece of paper which contains numerical phrases similar to those in the last case and the symbol of the obsidian hand. Investigation starts with the cipher, questionable access to classified information, false evidence planted to raise questions about Julien and Beatrice and, again, partial resolution that leaves everyone somewhat let down. Looking forward to the release of book 3.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews