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Ava Curzon Trilogy #2
The Apocalypse Fire
The stakes don’t get any higher.
Dr Ava Curzon returns in the breathtaking sequel to bestselling thriller, The Sword of Moses
When the Turin Shroud is stolen in a violent assault, archaeologist and former spy Dr Ava Curzon is plunged into a desperate struggle against the leader of an apocalyptic Russian cult. Recruited by the UK’s clandestine MI13 intelligence agency – and aided by the Vatican’s security division and her former colleague, Ferguson – Ava is sucked into a world of dark extremism and Biblical secrets.
As the chase catapults her from London to the Vatican, Paris and Jerusalem, she must unravel the mysteries of an ancient icon belonging to the shadowy Order of Malta. With time running out, and military violence in the Middle East the price of failure, the world stands on the brink…
This crypto-thriller from the masterful Dominic Selwood will keep you gripped until the very end.
Dr Ava Curzon returns in the breathtaking sequel to bestselling thriller, The Sword of Moses
When the Turin Shroud is stolen in a violent assault, archaeologist and former spy Dr Ava Curzon is plunged into a desperate struggle against the leader of an apocalyptic Russian cult. Recruited by the UK’s clandestine MI13 intelligence agency – and aided by the Vatican’s security division and her former colleague, Ferguson – Ava is sucked into a world of dark extremism and Biblical secrets.
As the chase catapults her from London to the Vatican, Paris and Jerusalem, she must unravel the mysteries of an ancient icon belonging to the shadowy Order of Malta. With time running out, and military violence in the Middle East the price of failure, the world stands on the brink…
This crypto-thriller from the masterful Dominic Selwood will keep you gripped until the very end.
- GenresFiction
384 pages, Paperback
Published October 31, 2016
117 people are currently reading
546 people want to read
About the author
Dominic Selwood
11 books80 followersDominic Selwood is a bestselling author, journalist and historian.
His latest bestselling book, Punctuation Without Tears, is out now. 'A powerful little book: sure-footed, simple, feisty, funny, and profoundly helpful' ***** (The Independent)
Dominic is the author of the international #1 bestseller The Sword of Moses, 'a rollercoaster crypto-thriller, a ride that thrills and educates’ (Daily Express), voted one of the top five religious thrillers of all time (BestThrillers.com). The sequel The Apocalypse Fire was described as ‘the best of James Bond and the Da Vinci Code rolled into one’ (Soldier Magazine).
He is also the author of two history books: the international #1 bestselling Spies, Sadists and Sorcerers: The History You Weren’t Taught at School and Knights Of The Cloister.
His writing guide Punctuation Without Tears: Punctuate Confidently – In Minutes! has been described as ‘simple, feisty, funny and profoundly helpful’ (The Independent) and is being used widely in schools in the UK and USA. He has also written two short ghost stories The Voivod and Suffer The Children.
He writes on history for the Daily Telegraph and other newspapers and magazines, and regularly appears on TV and radio discussing history. He lives in London.
His latest bestselling book, Punctuation Without Tears, is out now. 'A powerful little book: sure-footed, simple, feisty, funny, and profoundly helpful' ***** (The Independent)
Dominic is the author of the international #1 bestseller The Sword of Moses, 'a rollercoaster crypto-thriller, a ride that thrills and educates’ (Daily Express), voted one of the top five religious thrillers of all time (BestThrillers.com). The sequel The Apocalypse Fire was described as ‘the best of James Bond and the Da Vinci Code rolled into one’ (Soldier Magazine).
He is also the author of two history books: the international #1 bestselling Spies, Sadists and Sorcerers: The History You Weren’t Taught at School and Knights Of The Cloister.
His writing guide Punctuation Without Tears: Punctuate Confidently – In Minutes! has been described as ‘simple, feisty, funny and profoundly helpful’ (The Independent) and is being used widely in schools in the UK and USA. He has also written two short ghost stories The Voivod and Suffer The Children.
He writes on history for the Daily Telegraph and other newspapers and magazines, and regularly appears on TV and radio discussing history. He lives in London.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
November 14, 2016
A Breathtaking Sequel to "The Sword of Moses":
In this exciting thriller, the sequel to "The Sword of Moses", furious action abounds as Archaeologist Ava Curzon and Major Ferguson reunite to prevent Durov, a Russian Oligarch with apocalyptic intentions, achieving his ambitions. Rasputin, famously blamed for the demise of the Romanovs, worked out and left clues as to how to effect the Apocalypse, and it is a race against the clock as Curzon and Ferguson strive to prevent the Russian Oligarch, Durov, finding the biblical artefacts and information they contain before them. Considerable detective work, intuition and studious research is required as Curzon and Ferguson attempt to crack secret codes. Along the way the Vatican, Mossad, MI13, SVR (formerly the KGB) and other European espionage agencies get in the way of the dynamic duo's quest to prevent Armageddon.
The novel is fast paced and well researched. As the thriller progresses, the author delves into obscure but real historical facts some of which might surprise the reading public. In particular the shameful Papal crusade against the Cathars which lead to their annihilation. "The Apocalypse Fire" is a standalone thriller: sufficient information being given briefly, where necessary, of the events which occurred in "The Sword of Moses", the first volume of the trilogy.
An exciting and informative thriller which benefits greatly from being half the length of its predecessor. A novel for fans of the "The Da Vinci Code" and those who like historical mysteries. Bound to be a bestseller.
(My review was based on an eBook file provided to me free of charge by the publisher via NetGalley. My review is totally independent.)
In this exciting thriller, the sequel to "The Sword of Moses", furious action abounds as Archaeologist Ava Curzon and Major Ferguson reunite to prevent Durov, a Russian Oligarch with apocalyptic intentions, achieving his ambitions. Rasputin, famously blamed for the demise of the Romanovs, worked out and left clues as to how to effect the Apocalypse, and it is a race against the clock as Curzon and Ferguson strive to prevent the Russian Oligarch, Durov, finding the biblical artefacts and information they contain before them. Considerable detective work, intuition and studious research is required as Curzon and Ferguson attempt to crack secret codes. Along the way the Vatican, Mossad, MI13, SVR (formerly the KGB) and other European espionage agencies get in the way of the dynamic duo's quest to prevent Armageddon.
The novel is fast paced and well researched. As the thriller progresses, the author delves into obscure but real historical facts some of which might surprise the reading public. In particular the shameful Papal crusade against the Cathars which lead to their annihilation. "The Apocalypse Fire" is a standalone thriller: sufficient information being given briefly, where necessary, of the events which occurred in "The Sword of Moses", the first volume of the trilogy.
An exciting and informative thriller which benefits greatly from being half the length of its predecessor. A novel for fans of the "The Da Vinci Code" and those who like historical mysteries. Bound to be a bestseller.
(My review was based on an eBook file provided to me free of charge by the publisher via NetGalley. My review is totally independent.)
November 7, 2016
The Apocalypse Fire. Dominic Selwood
This is an absolutely thrilling , action packed colossal novel. A fanatical religious zealot, extraordinarily wealthy, devious, cunning, and extremely deranged...wants to create the Apocalypse. Only Ava, ex covert operative, renowned archaeologist, can stop him. This story is full of biblical history and is exceptionally well written, a trademark of the author, Dominic Selwood. I highly recommend this book!!
This is an absolutely thrilling , action packed colossal novel. A fanatical religious zealot, extraordinarily wealthy, devious, cunning, and extremely deranged...wants to create the Apocalypse. Only Ava, ex covert operative, renowned archaeologist, can stop him. This story is full of biblical history and is exceptionally well written, a trademark of the author, Dominic Selwood. I highly recommend this book!!
November 16, 2016
Superb archaeological adventure
In the tradition of Indian Jones and The Tower, Ava continues to defy death, work out classical puzzle clues and risk all in the pursuit, this time of the Turin Shroud and the Knights Hospitaller. Following on from the earlier book of the trilogy, this one takes us further into arcane mysteries in the Langudoc, Rome and Jerusalem.
In the tradition of Indian Jones and The Tower, Ava continues to defy death, work out classical puzzle clues and risk all in the pursuit, this time of the Turin Shroud and the Knights Hospitaller. Following on from the earlier book of the trilogy, this one takes us further into arcane mysteries in the Langudoc, Rome and Jerusalem.
January 22, 2019
Eigentlich will Ava Curazon, nachdem sie der Geheimdienstarbeit den Rücken gekehrt hat, in Ruhe ihrer archäologischen Arbeit nachgehen. Als man sie jedoch um Mitarbeit in einem komplexen Fall bittet, wird ihr Jagdinstinkt geweckt. Ein russischer Oligarch scheint auf der Suche nach einer mysteriösen Ikone zu sein und eine Prophezeiung von Rasputin wirft mehr Fragen auf als sie Antworten gibt. Haben sie es mit religiösen Fanatikern zu tun oder sind die Männer auf der Spur einer Jahrtausende alten Offenbarung? Ein Wettlauf gegen die Zeit beginnt, der Ava mehr als einmal ins Fadenkreuz ihrer mächtigen Gegner bringt.
Dominic Selwoods Roman bietet all das, was man von einem Verschwörungs- und Geheimdienstthriller erster Güte erwarten kann: unerschrockene Ermittler, sich gegenseitig misstrauende und bekämpfende Dienste, Verschwörungen biblischen Ausmaßes, Geheimbünde und Orden, sowie alte Weissagungen und Mysterien, die nur darauf warten endlich entschlüsselt zu werden. Das alles wird in hohem Tempo erzählt und kulmuniert in einem furiosen Finale.
Natürlich ist die riesige Verschwörung nicht ganz glaubwürdig und auch die Anzahl der Schutzengel, die die Protagonistin Ava benötigt, und das Tempo, mit dem sie sich von einem ins nächste Land bewegt und sofort auf die nächste Spur stößt, kratzen bisweilen an der Grenze der Glaubwürdigkeit. Aber dies sollte nicht der Maßstab sein, denn es ist nun einmal ein Buch, das unterhalten will und das gelingt dem Autor ohne Frage. Ava trägt die Handlung und begleitet den Leser durch ihre Schatzsuche. Besonders gut gefallen hat mir die ausgewogene Mischung zwischen biblisch-historischen Exkursen, die die aktuellen Geschehnisse einordnen und ihnen Plausibilität verleihen, und dem rasanten Tempo der Verfolgungsjagd bzw. dem Wettlauf zwischen Ava und dem Oligarchen. Nie kommt ein Moment des Durchatmens und Sacken-Lassens, immer weiter peitsch Selwood die Handlung voran und liefert ein Puzzleteilchen nach dem nächsten.
Mir war der Autor bis dato nicht bekannt, der Roman hat mich aber neugierig gemacht, dass ich den zweiten Teil einer Reihe gelesen habe, war mir gar nicht aufgefallen, denn er hat auch so wunderbar funktioniert. Thematisch und vom Genre kann sich Selwood direkt neben Dan Brown und Steve Berry einordnen und mit „Das Feuer der Apokalypse“ steht er den ganz großen Erfolgen der beiden Megaseller in gar nichts nach.
Dominic Selwoods Roman bietet all das, was man von einem Verschwörungs- und Geheimdienstthriller erster Güte erwarten kann: unerschrockene Ermittler, sich gegenseitig misstrauende und bekämpfende Dienste, Verschwörungen biblischen Ausmaßes, Geheimbünde und Orden, sowie alte Weissagungen und Mysterien, die nur darauf warten endlich entschlüsselt zu werden. Das alles wird in hohem Tempo erzählt und kulmuniert in einem furiosen Finale.
Natürlich ist die riesige Verschwörung nicht ganz glaubwürdig und auch die Anzahl der Schutzengel, die die Protagonistin Ava benötigt, und das Tempo, mit dem sie sich von einem ins nächste Land bewegt und sofort auf die nächste Spur stößt, kratzen bisweilen an der Grenze der Glaubwürdigkeit. Aber dies sollte nicht der Maßstab sein, denn es ist nun einmal ein Buch, das unterhalten will und das gelingt dem Autor ohne Frage. Ava trägt die Handlung und begleitet den Leser durch ihre Schatzsuche. Besonders gut gefallen hat mir die ausgewogene Mischung zwischen biblisch-historischen Exkursen, die die aktuellen Geschehnisse einordnen und ihnen Plausibilität verleihen, und dem rasanten Tempo der Verfolgungsjagd bzw. dem Wettlauf zwischen Ava und dem Oligarchen. Nie kommt ein Moment des Durchatmens und Sacken-Lassens, immer weiter peitsch Selwood die Handlung voran und liefert ein Puzzleteilchen nach dem nächsten.
Mir war der Autor bis dato nicht bekannt, der Roman hat mich aber neugierig gemacht, dass ich den zweiten Teil einer Reihe gelesen habe, war mir gar nicht aufgefallen, denn er hat auch so wunderbar funktioniert. Thematisch und vom Genre kann sich Selwood direkt neben Dan Brown und Steve Berry einordnen und mit „Das Feuer der Apokalypse“ steht er den ganz großen Erfolgen der beiden Megaseller in gar nichts nach.
May 13, 2017
Apocalypse
This book was very interesting and exciting from start to finish. The interplay between the two main characters kept the jumps from city to city from being confusing. I really enjoyed this book and recommend to all
This book was very interesting and exciting from start to finish. The interplay between the two main characters kept the jumps from city to city from being confusing. I really enjoyed this book and recommend to all
December 4, 2017
WOW, just WOW!
You did it again Mr. Selwood! I am in awe of your writing, such details and wanted to let you know , I could not put the book down. Recommending this book for everyone!
You did it again Mr. Selwood! I am in awe of your writing, such details and wanted to let you know , I could not put the book down. Recommending this book for everyone!
February 18, 2017
Excellent story. I will read the first book now.
July 27, 2017
This was so entertaining! I want to read Book 1 now. Great story.
February 4, 2017
The book is a real bulky one. The story spans around 363 pages with 73 chapters but having said that I have no complaints or qualms about the volume. I infact felt sad when I finished reading it as I wanted this story to get dragged forever. I have something to pacify me though - Yes. The story is not complete yet :-)
I missed reading the first part but I got to know that I need not have to worry about it as the Book 2 had its own story which would however be concluded in Book 3.
What's the Plot?
The story spans across various Nations and Continents including the US, UK, France, Germany, Italy, Israel, Syria, Jerusalem, Russia, Switzerland etc.,
Oleg A Durov, an oil oligarch believed that The Holy Mother had chosen him? Why?
Giovanni Raspallo was a Turin Cathedral caretaker and he gets brutally murdered and the Shroud which the cathedral had goes missing. It is this event which brings our protagonist AVA Curzon into the picture. Having served MI16 earlier, AVA resigns from the job and was happily employed in the archaeological department. Jack Swinton from MI13 persuades her to join them allowing her to continue with her present job too.
In France, Amine was chased by some unknown assailants who not only gets the catacombs from him but also murders him.
AVA and the SAS team intercepts Mercedes which was driven by the killer of Giovanni near Nuremberg. AVA is now joined by Mary. Mary gets injured in the operation and the killer - Lunev escapes the scene.
Nikolay,an insurgent from Moscow hacks the server of The White House and uploads some videos. Richard Easton who sits in the West Wing of The White House had some ancient books which others fails to notice.
AVA gets serious and starts investigating. She along with Mary and Ferguson stumbles upon few evidences and was extremely shocked when she came to know about the involvement of Russian Intel Unit - GRU.
Private Danny Aronov gets hold of Rocket Launcher Unit from Israel controlled Syria.
AVA on the other hand ventures into Durov's residence and stumbles upon something which she never thought existed. Lunev spots her but AVA manages to escape.
Now AVA gets introduced to Sir Mark Jenningswho discusses about SKOPTSY belief of Durov. What was it? With few incidents, AVA now starts suspecting her superior Swinton. She disguises herself as Sophie and meets Jose Ramos - Director of Bucephalus Gallery requesting him to set up contacts with Iraq and Syria for the artefacts business.
An attempt on her life takes place right outside her house which claims the life of her neighbour Julia. AVA gets a tablet from Israel which came from URI who wanted her to stay away from Durov. Is the Security of State of Israel involved in some conspiracy?
AVA sets off to Paris to meet Prof Hamidou to learn about Aramaic inscriptions which she stumbled upon and gets attacked in the tube station. Luckily she escapes and the assassin gets killed.AVA and Ferguson were shocked to find the Professor missing but stumbles upon an ancient letter. They again get chased by some unidentified men. Who was tracking them so perfectly?
AVA now gets a call from Mary who asks her to come to Rome immediately. On her arrival, she was told that Durov was there as the guest of Prince & Grand Master of Malta.She trespasses the property and gets caught. She stumbles upon some artefacts inside the Palace.
AVA now travels to Jersualem and gets attacked by Durov. URI saves her and warns her not to muddle with Durov any further. AVA gets back to London and tries to decipher the clues she had with her though she lost hope since Durov had Vellum apart from the Shroud.
She decides to confront Swinton but realises he always tried to save her and it was Sir Jennings who worked for Durov. In the dual both Swinton and Jennings gets killed and AVA gets saved by the Prince & Grand Master of Malta.
AVA finds out about the Apocalypse Durov had planned.
Now, if you think I have revealed the entire story - STOP. Even though I gave information from almost 300 pages, the best part of the story only starts from here and I would not make this blog review a spoiler by revealing them because the real suspense and the interesting part of the story starts from here which would surely make it a nail biting finish. Buy the book and find out what exactly happened in the end - Whether AVA was successful in stopping The Apocalypse?
February 27, 2017
Well researched and intelligent thriller
This is the second book in this series I've read. I appreciate the research that made this book interesting. I tried very hard to like the main character, Ava, but I found it almost impossible. I would have given five stars if I Ava would have had qualities I could admire. Sure, she's very brave. And she's very smart. But I found her to be cold, calculating and self centered. Maybe it's because the writer is male and is using his own ideas of womanhood. I liked the books enough to read the next in this series when it becomes available.
This is the second book in this series I've read. I appreciate the research that made this book interesting. I tried very hard to like the main character, Ava, but I found it almost impossible. I would have given five stars if I Ava would have had qualities I could admire. Sure, she's very brave. And she's very smart. But I found her to be cold, calculating and self centered. Maybe it's because the writer is male and is using his own ideas of womanhood. I liked the books enough to read the next in this series when it becomes available.
February 3, 2017
“The Apocalypse Fire” eBook was published in 2016 and was written by Dominic Selwood (http://www.dominicselwood.com). Mr. Selwood has published six novels. This is the second book in his “Ava Curzon Thrillers” series.
I received an ARC of this novel through https://www.netgalley.com in return for a fair and honest review. I categorize this novel as ‘R’ because it contains scenes of Violence and Mature Situations. The story takes place at various locations around Europe. The primary character is Ava Curzon, a former intelligence operative and now a noted archaeologist for a London museum.
Against her will she is drawn into an effort to investigate a Russian cult. Initially it is to recover the stolen Turin Shroud. Soon though she finds herself involved in a much deeper plot. A conspiracy that could throw the entire world into a war. As she and her small group discover more about the eccentric millionaire behind the cult, they find themselves repeatedly in danger.
I enjoyed the 8.5 hours I spent reading this 313 page Thriller. While I wish I had read the previous book in the series, this one read pretty well on its own. I like the way the author wove religious fact and myth together. It did make me think of the Dan Brown books. I like the cover art and it is reasonable for the story. I give this novel a 4.5 (rounded up to a 5) out of 5.
Further book reviews I have written can be accessed at https://johnpurvis.wordpress.com/blog/.
I received an ARC of this novel through https://www.netgalley.com in return for a fair and honest review. I categorize this novel as ‘R’ because it contains scenes of Violence and Mature Situations. The story takes place at various locations around Europe. The primary character is Ava Curzon, a former intelligence operative and now a noted archaeologist for a London museum.
Against her will she is drawn into an effort to investigate a Russian cult. Initially it is to recover the stolen Turin Shroud. Soon though she finds herself involved in a much deeper plot. A conspiracy that could throw the entire world into a war. As she and her small group discover more about the eccentric millionaire behind the cult, they find themselves repeatedly in danger.
I enjoyed the 8.5 hours I spent reading this 313 page Thriller. While I wish I had read the previous book in the series, this one read pretty well on its own. I like the way the author wove religious fact and myth together. It did make me think of the Dan Brown books. I like the cover art and it is reasonable for the story. I give this novel a 4.5 (rounded up to a 5) out of 5.
Further book reviews I have written can be accessed at https://johnpurvis.wordpress.com/blog/.
December 9, 2016
Absolutely superb!! Dominic Selwood once again has produced a tremendous story.
This time a Russian Oligarch who happens to be a religious zealot wants to create an Apocalypse. Starting with the theft of the Turin Shroud and then through largely historical means involving characters which include Rasputin, the Knights Hospitaller, Knights of The Order of Malta, the Vatican and the Cathars and more modern organisations such as Mossad and MI13; we have a fast paced and dynamic action/religious/archaeological thriller.
This is truly epic stuff and I appreciate the various history lessons that this book provides, the author must have spent a good deal of time researching all his facts and figures.
Oops, just realised that I haven't yet mentioned the 2 main characters - Ava Curzon and her companion Major Ferguson. Both well thought out and likeable characters that you can't help but like.
All in all; an absolute cracker of a book and I can't wait for book 3.
This time a Russian Oligarch who happens to be a religious zealot wants to create an Apocalypse. Starting with the theft of the Turin Shroud and then through largely historical means involving characters which include Rasputin, the Knights Hospitaller, Knights of The Order of Malta, the Vatican and the Cathars and more modern organisations such as Mossad and MI13; we have a fast paced and dynamic action/religious/archaeological thriller.
This is truly epic stuff and I appreciate the various history lessons that this book provides, the author must have spent a good deal of time researching all his facts and figures.
Oops, just realised that I haven't yet mentioned the 2 main characters - Ava Curzon and her companion Major Ferguson. Both well thought out and likeable characters that you can't help but like.
All in all; an absolute cracker of a book and I can't wait for book 3.
December 30, 2016
Read it on my blog
What a fantastic book. A huge amount of research and knowledge must have gone into its creation and what a rip-roaring page-turner it is! This is the second book in a trilogy but works equally well as a stand-alone. The characters and their backgrounds are fully explained so readers, like myself, who haven't yet read the first book are not at a disadvantage. This book is definitely among the cream of the crop in its genre and well worth seeking out.
Thanks to author Dominic Selwood for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
What a fantastic book. A huge amount of research and knowledge must have gone into its creation and what a rip-roaring page-turner it is! This is the second book in a trilogy but works equally well as a stand-alone. The characters and their backgrounds are fully explained so readers, like myself, who haven't yet read the first book are not at a disadvantage. This book is definitely among the cream of the crop in its genre and well worth seeking out.
Thanks to author Dominic Selwood for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
October 2, 2023
Biblical quotes and murder
Dr.Ava Curzon gets involved in a quest for a Russian Icon f Our Lady, while a crazed Russian with a worldwide network is also looking for the same Icon. There is intrigue, murder, cult mystique and world travel.A lot of action!
Dr.Ava Curzon gets involved in a quest for a Russian Icon f Our Lady, while a crazed Russian with a worldwide network is also looking for the same Icon. There is intrigue, murder, cult mystique and world travel.A lot of action!
December 7, 2016
This book is excellent with a good story written around historical records. I am impressed with the intelligence and imagination with which the story is presented. These are among my favorite books.
April 25, 2017
Entertaining
I enjoyed the Biblical references having studied theology and all the historical interchanges. Dominic Selwood has put a lot of research into these Ava Curzon stories and as such makes the resulting story far more entertainer. This book is well written and brings the reader on the journey. So grab a coffee and enjoy reading
I enjoyed the Biblical references having studied theology and all the historical interchanges. Dominic Selwood has put a lot of research into these Ava Curzon stories and as such makes the resulting story far more entertainer. This book is well written and brings the reader on the journey. So grab a coffee and enjoy reading
Read
June 8, 2017I was lucky enough to receive this book! Over all a good read. I love historical fiction, and this story delivered in a unique way. It was captivating and thought-provoking.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews