What do you think?
Rate this book
Revelations of the Ruby Crystal
An initiatic novel based on ancient teachings and astrological wisdom from bestselling author Barbara Hand ClowA debut novel from bestselling author Barbara Hand Clow • An intricately layered erotic thriller that reveals esoteric teachings on prophecy, power, ritual, and divination • Includes dramatic insights into the suppressed discoveries of the first Christian heretics and secret power rituals at work in the Vatican • From the author of The Pleiadian Agenda and The Mayan Code In her debut as a novelist, bestselling author and acclaimed spiritual teacher Barbara Hand Clow weaves an erotically charged story of romance, deep earth forces, psychic powers, aristocracy, and Vatican world control centered on an ancient ruby that inspires mystical visions. Set in Rome in 2012, the story follows Sarah Adamson, a beautiful young Catholic graduate student from Boston studying at the Vatican Library for her thesis on the first Christian heretic, Marcion of Pontus. She is being courted by two utterly different Simon Appel, a descendent of the kabbalist Isaac Luria who covers Vatican affairs for the New York Times, and Armando Pierleoni, the heir to an ancient Italian aristocratic family with strong ties to the Vatican. After a terrible encounter with the dark side at a castle in Tuscany, Sarah is given a ring set with a ruby crystal, a powerful stone that was once the third eye of an ancient Buddha statue in Nepal. With the mystic ring on her finger, Sarah’s visionary abilities are ignited. She remembers her past life as the Sibyl of Cumae, a Roman oracle whose powers are now being channeled by the Vatican to maintain world control. As Sarah’s research and visions reveal the cause of evil in the Church and Simon’s reporting exposes the depth of the sexual abuse scandals surrounding the Vatican, the two form an alliance with an ex-lover of both Simon and Armando, Claudia, who describes secret priestly power rituals going on in Vatican City. As the heightened energies of the winter solstice of 2012 arrive and 2013 dawns, will Simon and Sarah be able to harness their divine powers for transformation? Will the Vatican seek new direction as it elects a new pope? Revealing the very nature of how evil gets into the world, this novel of romance, mystery, heresy, and spirituality uncovers the esoteric foundations for the emergence of a golden new age.
- GenresFictionSpirituality
470 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 17, 2015
83 people are currently reading
112 people want to read
About the author
Barbara Hand Clow
58 books136 followersBarbara Hand Clow is an astrological counselor, an editor of books on New Consciousness, and a ceremonial teacher at sacred sites. She lives in rural new England.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
August 22, 2021
Barbara Hand Clow is an excellent researcher and I have enjoyed her non fiction books. Revelation of the Ruby Crystal is the first in a fiction trilogy. While I enjoyed the underpinning research and thesis, the characters and dialogue at times do not do justice to the importance of the message she is trying to send. The second part of the book I found better than the first as there is a lot less internal dialogue for the characters.
While I tried, I could not engage with the main characters, I found them to be two dimensional. The women are all beautiful and physically strong and the men lust after them, while the men are all handsome with femmine beauty. The beauty of their physical appearance is repeated over and over, as the characters frequently compliment each other on how beautiful they look. I found myself skipping over these paragraghs because there is little shared about their life experience, where I believe true beauty comes from. The ‘villian’ Armando becomes a bit more interesting when his back story is shared, but once again the full focus is on his appearance and clothing. While some of the dialogue between the characters has interesting content,it comes across across as 'preaching' and I found it hard to believe that these characters had the intellect or life experience to actually say these things.
The secondary characters on the other hand I found much more interesting, with well developed back stories about their life experiences and the focus not just their physical attributes. I wanted to know more about them and enjoyed the sections of the book where they featured.
For me it would have been more interesting if this book was written as a non fiction book, but I understand that the author is trying to reach and educate a wider audience who do not have a lot of knowledge about these concepts. So maybe as an easy introduction to some challenging concepts, this book is okay. In respect of reading the rest of the Trilogy – at this stage I don’t think so, it would depend on the writing style I don’t think I could read anymore about how beautiful and strong the characters are.
While I tried, I could not engage with the main characters, I found them to be two dimensional. The women are all beautiful and physically strong and the men lust after them, while the men are all handsome with femmine beauty. The beauty of their physical appearance is repeated over and over, as the characters frequently compliment each other on how beautiful they look. I found myself skipping over these paragraghs because there is little shared about their life experience, where I believe true beauty comes from. The ‘villian’ Armando becomes a bit more interesting when his back story is shared, but once again the full focus is on his appearance and clothing. While some of the dialogue between the characters has interesting content,it comes across across as 'preaching' and I found it hard to believe that these characters had the intellect or life experience to actually say these things.
The secondary characters on the other hand I found much more interesting, with well developed back stories about their life experiences and the focus not just their physical attributes. I wanted to know more about them and enjoyed the sections of the book where they featured.
For me it would have been more interesting if this book was written as a non fiction book, but I understand that the author is trying to reach and educate a wider audience who do not have a lot of knowledge about these concepts. So maybe as an easy introduction to some challenging concepts, this book is okay. In respect of reading the rest of the Trilogy – at this stage I don’t think so, it would depend on the writing style I don’t think I could read anymore about how beautiful and strong the characters are.
February 26, 2018
While I liked the history in this story and some of the theories, the story line and characters were HORRIBLE. The characters were unbelievable and the dialogue was painful. This book should have just been written as this author's theory rather than trying to make it an actual story. I could not wait to finish reading this one.
March 1, 2016
One of the most interesting reads I have ever read.
Being very interested in the subject matter,I read it and discussed it with several other readers.
I highly recommend this book as it speaks to our current times and invokes higher awareness.
Being very interested in the subject matter,I read it and discussed it with several other readers.
I highly recommend this book as it speaks to our current times and invokes higher awareness.
August 9, 2025
✨ Book Review: Revelations of the Ruby Crystal by Barbara Hand Clow ✨
Having read Barbara Hand Clow’s The Pleiadian Agenda, I was already familiar with some of the concepts she weaves into her fictional worlds—but Revelations of the Ruby Crystal brings them to life through an intricate and suspense-filled narrative.
This is the first book in her series, and we meet Sarah Adamson, a graduate student doing research at the Vatican Library. Raised in a deeply Catholic family, her father is a prominent member of Opus Dei—a background that shapes much of her inner conflict.
While in Rome, Sarah encounters two very different men:
💠 Simon Appel – a Jewish journalist, descendant of the Kabbalist Isaac Luria, who is determined to expose the abuses of the Catholic Church.
💠 Armando Pierleoni – a Roman aristocrat with deep ties to the Vatican.
Sarah’s world shifts dramatically when she receives a mysterious ruby ring. Through it, she experiences vivid visions of a past life as the Sibyl of Cumae—visions that draw her deeper into a labyrinth of secrets, power struggles, and spiritual revelations.
What unfolds is a twisting web of mystery, esoteric knowledge, and political intrigue. This was a fascinating and thought-provoking read—one that blends history, mysticism, and suspense.
⚠️ Trigger Warnings: sexual abuse by clergy, religious trauma, child abuse, manipulation, misogyny, violence, and intense psychological themes.
📚 If you’re drawn to historical mysteries laced with mysticism—and you can navigate the heavy themes—this book is worth exploring.
While I do agree with many reviews that all of the women are stunning and "perfect" and the men are all dangerously handsome.... which in some ways annoyed me, it didn't take away from the occult and mystical undertones that I enjoy!
Having read Barbara Hand Clow’s The Pleiadian Agenda, I was already familiar with some of the concepts she weaves into her fictional worlds—but Revelations of the Ruby Crystal brings them to life through an intricate and suspense-filled narrative.
This is the first book in her series, and we meet Sarah Adamson, a graduate student doing research at the Vatican Library. Raised in a deeply Catholic family, her father is a prominent member of Opus Dei—a background that shapes much of her inner conflict.
While in Rome, Sarah encounters two very different men:
💠 Simon Appel – a Jewish journalist, descendant of the Kabbalist Isaac Luria, who is determined to expose the abuses of the Catholic Church.
💠 Armando Pierleoni – a Roman aristocrat with deep ties to the Vatican.
Sarah’s world shifts dramatically when she receives a mysterious ruby ring. Through it, she experiences vivid visions of a past life as the Sibyl of Cumae—visions that draw her deeper into a labyrinth of secrets, power struggles, and spiritual revelations.
What unfolds is a twisting web of mystery, esoteric knowledge, and political intrigue. This was a fascinating and thought-provoking read—one that blends history, mysticism, and suspense.
⚠️ Trigger Warnings: sexual abuse by clergy, religious trauma, child abuse, manipulation, misogyny, violence, and intense psychological themes.
📚 If you’re drawn to historical mysteries laced with mysticism—and you can navigate the heavy themes—this book is worth exploring.
While I do agree with many reviews that all of the women are stunning and "perfect" and the men are all dangerously handsome.... which in some ways annoyed me, it didn't take away from the occult and mystical undertones that I enjoy!
August 18, 2021
NOT FOR THE FAINT OF HEART
Although this and the succeeding books in the trilogy of the ‘Revelations’ series: Revelations of the Aquarian Age and Revelations from the Source, are all ‘fiction,’ because Barbara Hand Clow is also a highly intuitive visionary and channeler, I’d say that the information in these books is more likely to be ‘true fiction’ or maybe … ‘faction’?
In addition to the above, Hand Clow is not only an excellent astrologer and historian, she also holds degrees in religion, specifically patristics and is quite familiar with the Vatican and environs.
Therefore, putting these abilities and disciplines together in the composition or ‘channeling’ of these three books starting with THE REVELATIONS OF THE RUBY CRYSTAL, Hand Clow has contributed an extremely valuable look at not only the past of the Roman Catholic Church and Christianity as a whole, but their present and future as well.
This is not a read for the faint of heart, especially if you hold certain beliefs about the Bible, the Early Church ‘Fathers’ and the Church as a whole.
The majority of the information Hand Clow has provided in this book, while in a fiction format, is actually historically accurate. Much to the horror of many who choose to believe in the infallibility of the Pope.
Hard to put down. Great read.
Although this and the succeeding books in the trilogy of the ‘Revelations’ series: Revelations of the Aquarian Age and Revelations from the Source, are all ‘fiction,’ because Barbara Hand Clow is also a highly intuitive visionary and channeler, I’d say that the information in these books is more likely to be ‘true fiction’ or maybe … ‘faction’?
In addition to the above, Hand Clow is not only an excellent astrologer and historian, she also holds degrees in religion, specifically patristics and is quite familiar with the Vatican and environs.
Therefore, putting these abilities and disciplines together in the composition or ‘channeling’ of these three books starting with THE REVELATIONS OF THE RUBY CRYSTAL, Hand Clow has contributed an extremely valuable look at not only the past of the Roman Catholic Church and Christianity as a whole, but their present and future as well.
This is not a read for the faint of heart, especially if you hold certain beliefs about the Bible, the Early Church ‘Fathers’ and the Church as a whole.
The majority of the information Hand Clow has provided in this book, while in a fiction format, is actually historically accurate. Much to the horror of many who choose to believe in the infallibility of the Pope.
Hard to put down. Great read.
January 31, 2021
Having only known BHC's non-fiction work, I was very curious to read Revelations of the Ruby Crystal. I actually purchased my hardcover copy when I attended a talk she gave at a spiritual/metaphysical expo in Vancouver, and she autographed it for me. It was a great honour to meet this very wise and learned woman!
The story was riveting and well laid out. I never wanted to put it down. Finally, someone wrote a book with a great story - a love story as well; palpable character development, good twists & turns, suspense, mystery, history, danger, scandal, controversy - exposing The Church's insidious dark secrets. Even though the book was very definitely about the Christian religion (especially delving into it's origins and the early version(s) of it), she managed to elevate it from "religious" to spiritual, while still keeping it dark and mysterious. A tall order, beautifully accomplished.
The story was riveting and well laid out. I never wanted to put it down. Finally, someone wrote a book with a great story - a love story as well; palpable character development, good twists & turns, suspense, mystery, history, danger, scandal, controversy - exposing The Church's insidious dark secrets. Even though the book was very definitely about the Christian religion (especially delving into it's origins and the early version(s) of it), she managed to elevate it from "religious" to spiritual, while still keeping it dark and mysterious. A tall order, beautifully accomplished.
September 18, 2021
This book is an interesting melding of spiritual truths and fiction. I got a lot out of reading this, and it made me think more about the corruption and abuse in the Catholic church and institutions at large. Sometimes the writing is a bit disjointed and confusing, surprisingly poorly written for someone who has published so many books. The only thing that bothered me was when the thing happened with Armando and Sarah she blamed herself, which is victim blaming. And Claudia blamed her mother for not protecting her- it felt like she was carrying on these old lines of blaming the victim and mothers for poor parenting.
I’ll continue to read the next books in the series as I am curious what will happen and have now become very invested in the story. Good quasi-fiction for a girl who hardly ever reads fiction.
I’ll continue to read the next books in the series as I am curious what will happen and have now become very invested in the story. Good quasi-fiction for a girl who hardly ever reads fiction.
June 24, 2022
Was led to this book through the interview of Barbara Hand Clow by Regina Meredith (Open Minds) on Gaia TV. That interview was about the 3rd of the trilogy, so I thought I'd start with book #1. The book is brilliant in many ways, covering ancient beliefs and how they've evolved/devolved into current religions, especially the Catholic church. The church is far more evil and corrupted than most people know and this fictional story can bring so much of the truth to light in a digestible format. The story is "Dan Brown-esque" with less intensity of drama and chase.
The story focuses on discovering the origins and essence of evil in the human experience. It delves into some dark erotica which is distasteful, but those scenes do not define the book. I am intrigued enough to move to book #2, but maybe with a pause in-between.
The story focuses on discovering the origins and essence of evil in the human experience. It delves into some dark erotica which is distasteful, but those scenes do not define the book. I am intrigued enough to move to book #2, but maybe with a pause in-between.
June 30, 2021
Good read
I was quite surprised, I had read other books by Barbra Hand Clow but this was the first fiction book of hers .I thought it was very interesting the way it all tied together. There was so much on so many levels. What a wonderful way to teach . I will say not for the faint at heart.
I was quite surprised, I had read other books by Barbra Hand Clow but this was the first fiction book of hers .I thought it was very interesting the way it all tied together. There was so much on so many levels. What a wonderful way to teach . I will say not for the faint at heart.
July 5, 2020
This book was interesting and captivating. Is it good fiction - absolutely not.
Barbara Hand Clow is a ceremonial teacher and Mayan calendar researcher. Her work is really interesting and while it doesn't always resonate with me, I respect all the research and work she puts in her books. This book also has a fair amount of research behind it. It was nice to read a work of fiction that embodies some elements that people on a spiritual path are aware of, but general public may not be. In that sense, I wish there were more books like this.
I liked Clow's take on Marcian and the Gnostics, it was very interesting to learn more about him.
That being said, the characters were such caricatures I was embarrassed at times. The first part of the novel was the best and was believable for the most part, but as the book moved on it was getting worse and worse. The characters in this book are just so unbelievable and their actions make no sense at all. A good editor could have helped a lot. Fiction may not be the best medium for Clow after all.
Also, I had a problem with her demonization of the Catholic church up until Pope Francis. I think John Paul II was already quite a revolutionary figure and feel like his role was subdued because the truth just wouldn't fit Clow's Mayan calendar agenda. Yes, sexual abuse is horrific, there is no excuse for that, but I found it superficial for her to focus only on it. It came across as lazy and one-dimensional, for someone claiming to be multidimensional it was quite ironic.
I will read the sequel because I want to see where she takes this, but I'd be reluctant to recommend this to anyone. It may make her honest message feel cheap because of her poor writing.
Barbara Hand Clow is a ceremonial teacher and Mayan calendar researcher. Her work is really interesting and while it doesn't always resonate with me, I respect all the research and work she puts in her books. This book also has a fair amount of research behind it. It was nice to read a work of fiction that embodies some elements that people on a spiritual path are aware of, but general public may not be. In that sense, I wish there were more books like this.
I liked Clow's take on Marcian and the Gnostics, it was very interesting to learn more about him.
That being said, the characters were such caricatures I was embarrassed at times. The first part of the novel was the best and was believable for the most part, but as the book moved on it was getting worse and worse. The characters in this book are just so unbelievable and their actions make no sense at all. A good editor could have helped a lot. Fiction may not be the best medium for Clow after all.
Also, I had a problem with her demonization of the Catholic church up until Pope Francis. I think John Paul II was already quite a revolutionary figure and feel like his role was subdued because the truth just wouldn't fit Clow's Mayan calendar agenda. Yes, sexual abuse is horrific, there is no excuse for that, but I found it superficial for her to focus only on it. It came across as lazy and one-dimensional, for someone claiming to be multidimensional it was quite ironic.
I will read the sequel because I want to see where she takes this, but I'd be reluctant to recommend this to anyone. It may make her honest message feel cheap because of her poor writing.
April 10, 2022
Where do I even begin? This might be the WORST book I've ever read.
1. The writing is abysmal. This woman needs to read more fiction, because this was just painful.
2. The random insertion of bizarre psychic events where no one bats an eye that someone is in a trance speaking in weird voices. This does NOT happen in the real world.
3. The insertion of the most bizarre theories (Neanderthal being highly spiritual beings that should have continued because they were closer to God knows what...)
4. A rapist being forgiven and even embraced simply because he found the source of his pain.
5. Virginity is weirdly celebrated, even though she throws in the most cringey sex scenes ever.
6. The only mildly interested piece is about the Catholic church, although even that is so weird.
And now you must be asking, why did you finish it? Like a train wreck, I couldn't look away...
1. The writing is abysmal. This woman needs to read more fiction, because this was just painful.
2. The random insertion of bizarre psychic events where no one bats an eye that someone is in a trance speaking in weird voices. This does NOT happen in the real world.
3. The insertion of the most bizarre theories (Neanderthal being highly spiritual beings that should have continued because they were closer to God knows what...)
4. A rapist being forgiven and even embraced simply because he found the source of his pain.
5. Virginity is weirdly celebrated, even though she throws in the most cringey sex scenes ever.
6. The only mildly interested piece is about the Catholic church, although even that is so weird.
And now you must be asking, why did you finish it? Like a train wreck, I couldn't look away...
February 5, 2022
The amount of intomation in the story is great and the story is interesting and engaging. Giving one star less because sometimes the dialogues feel more like reading an educational literature rather than a story. The flow is not as natural which is probably due to the fact that this is the first story book from the author. But as educational literature could be sometime a bit boring to read, I'm happy that the author decided to help us out by constructing a story around it. Will be reading a sequel now!
April 9, 2023
Not what I was expecting from her
I have read non fiction books by Barbara Hand Clow which I liked very much. This book felt forced. The fiction and non fiction didn’t quite fit together. It is absolutely not what I expected.
I have read non fiction books by Barbara Hand Clow which I liked very much. This book felt forced. The fiction and non fiction didn’t quite fit together. It is absolutely not what I expected.
December 12, 2018
Captivating
I love how historical truths are woven into the story. It is a romance novel with intrigue and believable characters. Can't wait to read the sequel.
I love how historical truths are woven into the story. It is a romance novel with intrigue and believable characters. Can't wait to read the sequel.
June 1, 2022
One of the Bedt Books I have ever read. The Vibration in the book is uplifting in all ways.
July 13, 2022
Interesting information about the origins of religion using an interesting array of characters.
November 14, 2022
where is the rest of the story?
Intriguing book, however it stopped abruptly leaving my story lines hanging! Is there another book coming to complete the story lines?
Intriguing book, however it stopped abruptly leaving my story lines hanging! Is there another book coming to complete the story lines?
March 20, 2017
I enjoyed this learning journey. I miss the characters, was exposed to new ideas, and am interested in following up on the concepts.
June 8, 2022
I would have given this 4 of 5 stars because the story and knowledge in it were fascinating. However... the conversations were painful to read - no one talks like that, especially people across several countries and religions. I finished reading just because it was a fascinating look at the topic.
June 24, 2016
EXCELLENT! Beautifully written with so much truth and hope. Loved this book.
Read
May 7, 2018It’s ok
I don’t want to review this book but apparently I can’t get back to my Kindle homepage unless I do
I don’t want to review this book but apparently I can’t get back to my Kindle homepage unless I do
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews