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ARKANE #2
Crypt of Bone
Two billion people are about to die… and they’re the lucky ones.
When a man in a hospital gown jumps to his death from the Western Wall in Israel, the authorities think it’s just another victim of Jerusalem Syndrome: a religious psychosis triggered by a visit to the holy city.
But when a second victim ritually disembowels himself, it’s the sign of much worse to come. Thanatos — a fanatical group dedicated to the destruction of the world — is on the move again.
The only ones who can stop them are ex-Israeli military psychologist, Oxford professor, and religious expert Morgan Sierra; and Jake Timber, agent of ARKANE, the British agency tasked with investigating — and sometimes saving the world from — the supernatural.
Last time, Morgan and Jake worked together to stop Thanatos from bringing about a dark version of Pentecost. This time, Thanatos is mixing science with sacrilege — combining the Devil’s Bible with mind-control technology to murder a quarter of the human race.
Together, Morgan and Jake will travel from the hallowed halls of Oxford, to the labs of a biotech company with a dark agenda, to a chapel made of human bones. They’ll go anywhere, do anything, to stop Thanatos.
But they have to hurry. Thanatos is on the rise. Apocalypse is at the gates. And the only way to save a quarter of the world is for Morgan to uncover the secrets of her past… at the cost of her own future. Death awaits in a Crypt of Bone.
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author J.F. Penn draws you deeper into darkness with Crypt of Bone, the second of the ARKANE adventures. Tap the link, grab your copy, and discover what you’ve been missing in this standalone adventure!
When a man in a hospital gown jumps to his death from the Western Wall in Israel, the authorities think it’s just another victim of Jerusalem Syndrome: a religious psychosis triggered by a visit to the holy city.
But when a second victim ritually disembowels himself, it’s the sign of much worse to come. Thanatos — a fanatical group dedicated to the destruction of the world — is on the move again.
The only ones who can stop them are ex-Israeli military psychologist, Oxford professor, and religious expert Morgan Sierra; and Jake Timber, agent of ARKANE, the British agency tasked with investigating — and sometimes saving the world from — the supernatural.
Last time, Morgan and Jake worked together to stop Thanatos from bringing about a dark version of Pentecost. This time, Thanatos is mixing science with sacrilege — combining the Devil’s Bible with mind-control technology to murder a quarter of the human race.
Together, Morgan and Jake will travel from the hallowed halls of Oxford, to the labs of a biotech company with a dark agenda, to a chapel made of human bones. They’ll go anywhere, do anything, to stop Thanatos.
But they have to hurry. Thanatos is on the rise. Apocalypse is at the gates. And the only way to save a quarter of the world is for Morgan to uncover the secrets of her past… at the cost of her own future. Death awaits in a Crypt of Bone.
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author J.F. Penn draws you deeper into darkness with Crypt of Bone, the second of the ARKANE adventures. Tap the link, grab your copy, and discover what you’ve been missing in this standalone adventure!
270 pages, Paperback
First published December 1, 2011
209 people are currently reading
1375 people want to read
About the author
J.F. Penn
56 books2,233 followersI'm the award-winning, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of thrillers, crime, dark fantasy, horror, short stories, and travel memoir.
Reading order: https://jfpennbooks.com/pages/reading...
The fast-paced ARKANE thrillers weave together historical artifacts, global locations, a kick-ass protagonist and a hint of the supernatural. Described by readers as "Dan Brown meets Lara Croft."
The Brooke & Daniel Crime Thriller Series features British detective Jamie Brooke alongside museum researcher Blake Daniel, as they solve dark crimes around London.
The Mapwalker fantasy adventure trilogy is set between Bath, England and the Borderlands in a split world fantasy where Sienna and the Mapwalker team travel through maps to adventure ...
A Thousand Fiendish Angels is a collection of 3 short stories bound together by a book of human skin. Inspired by Dante's Inferno.
You can buy books directly from me https://jfpennbooks.com/
I have a blog and podcast at http://www.BooksAndTravel.page
I'm passionate about writing and I love reading. My favorite authors include James Rollins, Jonathan Maberry, John Connolly, Daniel Silva, and I also read a lot of travel books.
Reading order: https://jfpennbooks.com/pages/reading...
The fast-paced ARKANE thrillers weave together historical artifacts, global locations, a kick-ass protagonist and a hint of the supernatural. Described by readers as "Dan Brown meets Lara Croft."
The Brooke & Daniel Crime Thriller Series features British detective Jamie Brooke alongside museum researcher Blake Daniel, as they solve dark crimes around London.
The Mapwalker fantasy adventure trilogy is set between Bath, England and the Borderlands in a split world fantasy where Sienna and the Mapwalker team travel through maps to adventure ...
A Thousand Fiendish Angels is a collection of 3 short stories bound together by a book of human skin. Inspired by Dante's Inferno.
You can buy books directly from me https://jfpennbooks.com/
I have a blog and podcast at http://www.BooksAndTravel.page
I'm passionate about writing and I love reading. My favorite authors include James Rollins, Jonathan Maberry, John Connolly, Daniel Silva, and I also read a lot of travel books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 121 reviews
January 24, 2018
OK, so it's my own book but I've read it a lot and I still enjoy it! If you like some impending apocalypse with your action-adventure, you'll enjoy Prophecy.
“I looked, and there before me was a pale horse. Its rider was named Death, and Hades was following close behind him. They were given power over a fourth of the earth to kill by sword, famine and plague, and by the wild beasts of the earth.” Revelation 6:8
The prophecy in Revelation declares that a quarter of the world must die and now a shadowy organization has the ability to fulfill these words. Can one woman stop the abomination before it’s too late?
From the catacombs of Paris to the skeletal ossuaries of Sicily and the Czech Republic, Morgan and Jake must find the Devil's Bible and stop the curse being released into the world before one in four are destroyed in the coming holocaust. Because in just seven days, the final curse will be spoken and the prophecy will be fulfilled.
“I looked, and there before me was a pale horse. Its rider was named Death, and Hades was following close behind him. They were given power over a fourth of the earth to kill by sword, famine and plague, and by the wild beasts of the earth.” Revelation 6:8
The prophecy in Revelation declares that a quarter of the world must die and now a shadowy organization has the ability to fulfill these words. Can one woman stop the abomination before it’s too late?
From the catacombs of Paris to the skeletal ossuaries of Sicily and the Czech Republic, Morgan and Jake must find the Devil's Bible and stop the curse being released into the world before one in four are destroyed in the coming holocaust. Because in just seven days, the final curse will be spoken and the prophecy will be fulfilled.
October 3, 2017
Also published under the title “Prophecy”
Book#2, in the Arkane series
In her books Miss Penn uses her vast knowledge in theology to create great stories with a healthy dose of action and intrigue. This second episode picks up sometime after the conclusion of “Stone of Fire” (Pentecost) with Dr. Morgan Sierra investigating supernatural phenomenon in a religious context.
Where to begin when the rich narrative keeps you so stitched to the story you even forget where you are. Well I am guilty of doing this; I was so immersed in this intriguing subject that for moments I thought I was part of it. This is not a boring book, too much adrenaline flows while you heart pounds turning the pages.
The story in a blurb
“Dr. Morgan Sierra travels to Israel to investigate the deaths of victims of the Jerusalem Syndrome and becomes embroiled in an international conspiracy that will use cutting-edge technology to carry an ancient curse to mankind, and threaten those she loves. Morgan joins agent Jake Timber to investigate the supernatural”.
Each book has a different setting actually it is a kind of travelogue in exotic locations. As the action moves swiftly into a wonderful blend of the real world with one of fiction we follow the protagonists to Israel, France, Italy and the Czech Republic .There are no dull moments in this race against a shadowy organization. At time I wondered if Morgan will survive or come out in one piece but again she is the main character and after all needed in subsequent novels. Evil characters Ms. Penn excel in developing them, not mentioning that her main players are memorable and brilliantly conceived.
This is not my first experience reading this author and her style has grown on me through the times. Although I haven’t read the book in sequence I did read a few already and each have stood well on their own. I must catch up and fill the void….you always learn something reading Ms. Penn’s books.
This is a tantalizing thriller that will pull you in right from the start.
Book#2, in the Arkane series
In her books Miss Penn uses her vast knowledge in theology to create great stories with a healthy dose of action and intrigue. This second episode picks up sometime after the conclusion of “Stone of Fire” (Pentecost) with Dr. Morgan Sierra investigating supernatural phenomenon in a religious context.
Where to begin when the rich narrative keeps you so stitched to the story you even forget where you are. Well I am guilty of doing this; I was so immersed in this intriguing subject that for moments I thought I was part of it. This is not a boring book, too much adrenaline flows while you heart pounds turning the pages.
The story in a blurb
“Dr. Morgan Sierra travels to Israel to investigate the deaths of victims of the Jerusalem Syndrome and becomes embroiled in an international conspiracy that will use cutting-edge technology to carry an ancient curse to mankind, and threaten those she loves. Morgan joins agent Jake Timber to investigate the supernatural”.
Each book has a different setting actually it is a kind of travelogue in exotic locations. As the action moves swiftly into a wonderful blend of the real world with one of fiction we follow the protagonists to Israel, France, Italy and the Czech Republic .There are no dull moments in this race against a shadowy organization. At time I wondered if Morgan will survive or come out in one piece but again she is the main character and after all needed in subsequent novels. Evil characters Ms. Penn excel in developing them, not mentioning that her main players are memorable and brilliantly conceived.
This is not my first experience reading this author and her style has grown on me through the times. Although I haven’t read the book in sequence I did read a few already and each have stood well on their own. I must catch up and fill the void….you always learn something reading Ms. Penn’s books.
This is a tantalizing thriller that will pull you in right from the start.
December 14, 2016
A great thriller that has a healthy dose of action and intrigue.
Crypt of Bone is the second book in the Arkane series by J.F. Penn. It picks up some time after the conclusion of book one. Dr. Morgan Sierra is joining the ARKANE agency as an investigator of supernatural phenomenon with a religious focus. The first thing that I noticed was how it reminded me of the first book. Not in a plot way, but in the way that it jumped from one setting/story to another. It does take quite a while before each sub-plot is linked.
Each setting is almost like a different book, so just as I got into the characters of a story then I was whisked out and into another one. I found it difficult to keep tabs on who was who, who was bad, and what was going on ... until a point (a little after 25%) where the links were clarified and I could relax. If you can stay focused until that point, then you'll enjoy the book, as long as you don't mind a story line that deals with humanities apparent morbid fascination with dead bodies, bones and mysterious and powerful ancient artifacts.
There were some nasty characters in the story. Natasha was perhaps the most repulsive. She had no conscience and seemed to love doing things that normal people would find horrific. She's definitely an enemy to steer clear of.
This was a good thriller. It was well researched and the main characters were believable and not over the top. IMO, Morgan Sierra is like a female Langdon (The Da Vinci Code) who is tasked with solving the world's great religious mysteries.
In a Nutshell | A great thriller that has a healthy dose of action and intrigue. I'll definitely read the next in the series. Just be ready for the influx of multiple sub-plots and characters early on in the book. Once you get your head around them, all will be good.
Check out more of my reviews at www.swlothian.com
Crypt of Bone is the second book in the Arkane series by J.F. Penn. It picks up some time after the conclusion of book one. Dr. Morgan Sierra is joining the ARKANE agency as an investigator of supernatural phenomenon with a religious focus. The first thing that I noticed was how it reminded me of the first book. Not in a plot way, but in the way that it jumped from one setting/story to another. It does take quite a while before each sub-plot is linked.
Each setting is almost like a different book, so just as I got into the characters of a story then I was whisked out and into another one. I found it difficult to keep tabs on who was who, who was bad, and what was going on ... until a point (a little after 25%) where the links were clarified and I could relax. If you can stay focused until that point, then you'll enjoy the book, as long as you don't mind a story line that deals with humanities apparent morbid fascination with dead bodies, bones and mysterious and powerful ancient artifacts.
There were some nasty characters in the story. Natasha was perhaps the most repulsive. She had no conscience and seemed to love doing things that normal people would find horrific. She's definitely an enemy to steer clear of.
This was a good thriller. It was well researched and the main characters were believable and not over the top. IMO, Morgan Sierra is like a female Langdon (The Da Vinci Code) who is tasked with solving the world's great religious mysteries.
In a Nutshell | A great thriller that has a healthy dose of action and intrigue. I'll definitely read the next in the series. Just be ready for the influx of multiple sub-plots and characters early on in the book. Once you get your head around them, all will be good.
Check out more of my reviews at www.swlothian.com
January 9, 2012
This is the new ARKANE thriller. It’s a short book, around 65,000 words I think, and rocks along nicely. It’s a religious thriller, with a kick-arse female protagonist called Morgan Sierra. Sierra is a bit like a female James Bond/Jason Bourne/Indiana Jones hybrid. In this book she’s in a race against time to unravel a mystery before a powerful international health and wellbeing company can destroy a quarter of the world in accordance with the prophecy of the Four Horsemen. Penn’s ability as a writer is improving and her characters are developing well. There’s clearly going to be a series of ARKANE books (the next one is touted at the end of this one) and I think they make for great reading. Penn has a degree in theology and her knowledge and research, of ideas and locations, really shines through in these stories. In some ways I preferred the story in the first book, but I loved the ideas in this one. There’s nothing world-changing here, but as rollicking thrillers these books are great – perfect for holiday reading.
February 1, 2024
Very meh series. At least they are quick reads
April 29, 2022
Chasing the Devil's Words
J. F. Penn is back with another nerve-wracking paranormal thriller and her crew from ARKANE. Dr. Morgan Sierra from Oxford University and Jake Timber are reunited in pursuit of the Thanatos peril.
Symbolized by the pale horse of the Apocalypse and headed by the mysterious Milan Noble, Thanatos poses a significant threat to the world's population.
Relying on Morgan's scholarship in the psychology of religion and Jake's intimate involvement with ARKANE's database and warehouse of resources, the team goes after Thanatos.
Flying from the UK to the Chezch Republic, descending deep into the catacombs of Paris to an elite fundraiser at The Louvre, Morgan and Jake are shot at, drugged, held captive and manage to escape almost every predicament they encounter.
Crypt of Bones is packed with excellent historical research, a plot that won't quit and characters that creep under your skin, both in a good way and in a creepy way. An excellent read.
J. F. Penn is back with another nerve-wracking paranormal thriller and her crew from ARKANE. Dr. Morgan Sierra from Oxford University and Jake Timber are reunited in pursuit of the Thanatos peril.
Symbolized by the pale horse of the Apocalypse and headed by the mysterious Milan Noble, Thanatos poses a significant threat to the world's population.
Relying on Morgan's scholarship in the psychology of religion and Jake's intimate involvement with ARKANE's database and warehouse of resources, the team goes after Thanatos.
Flying from the UK to the Chezch Republic, descending deep into the catacombs of Paris to an elite fundraiser at The Louvre, Morgan and Jake are shot at, drugged, held captive and manage to escape almost every predicament they encounter.
Crypt of Bones is packed with excellent historical research, a plot that won't quit and characters that creep under your skin, both in a good way and in a creepy way. An excellent read.
May 3, 2018
This is only the second Arkane novel I’ve read, but I’m already looking forward to the third. (Actually its is the second Arkane novel, however I have been known to read series horribly out of order). What J.F. Penn is serving up here is a dose of pure escapism. It’s a rush of exotic locations, over the top peril and characters who are endlessly smart and resourceful even when facing the greatest of danger. Obviously it’s not a book for the snooty nosed literary connoisseur, no one is going to be caught in a bookshop deciding between this and the latest Martin Amis. But if you want the roller coaster thrills of a big Saturday night action adventure popcorn movie, only in book form, then you can do a lot worse than the Arkane series.
April 14, 2017
I must admit if I would have read this book I might not have finished reading it, but I am so glad that I got the audiobook instead,
It was sooo much more exciting, thrilling all enveloping in to the story well worth a listen or a read.....
SherleyB
It was sooo much more exciting, thrilling all enveloping in to the story well worth a listen or a read.....
SherleyB
October 19, 2022
Really liked this second book in the series. Morgan and Jake are great characters!
November 13, 2015
Morgan returns to the world of ARKANE and accepts their job offer when she sees the pale horse symbol and the destruction they are ready to release on the world. Morgan and Jake are paired as they worked so well together in Stone of Fire. They are both ready to find who is the lead of Thanatos. Their first mission, to find the Devil's Bible and bring it to ARKANE where it can be kept safe. If it's found by anyone, the verses of evil when read can turn the speaker into one in extreme blood lust, killing all in violent ways.
We get to see some of the history with a few characters.
The action adventure is here, but this book doesn't feel as the height of action as later books in the series. Start at the beginning with Morgan as it grows with each adventure. I do enjoy the religious mysteries and unraveling the depth of the artifacts in ways that are magical. I do look forward to many more books with Morgan!
****FULL REVIEW****
*This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of AudiobookBlast dot com, at my request.
Morgan jumps on the plane to Jerusalem Israel when her friend, Dr. Dinah Mizrahi calls. Dinah has two suicides at her Institute where she treats Jerusalem Syndrome patients, those who think they are religious people or messengers of God. Morgan wants to help her friend, but she has found she enjoys the rush of adventure. When she gets there, Morgan recognizes the symbol from those that were after her and her sister three months ago. The pale horse. When she starts to ask about the head phones for the audio stimulation's run on the patients, Izra Institute explodes. Morgan knows it's a cover-up to stop questions from being asked. The prophecy has been leaked. A quarter of the world will die... Morgan knows who's behind the events and makes a call, to ARKANE.
Veronica is back voicing Morgan and all the characters again. I do enjoy the different attitudes and feel I get from the characters as Veronica voices them. (I really did grow to dislike Natasha, thanks to Veronica's voice and J.F.'s writing of her.) Some moments of information, about people or places, felt quick in speaking. I repeated a few to catch all the details. But things do move fast with Morgan and there is a lot of information given.
I know J.F. jumps in with a quick hitter at the beginning, but it takes me a few listens to get on page with the beginning and all the details. The first scene is a deadly one, as seems to be the trait of the books and I enjoy this, but I also know there are a lot of details here that set the stage for what's to come. I like to get as much out of this moment as I can.
Morgan returns to the world of ARKANE and accepts their job offer when she sees the pale horse symbol and the destruction they are ready to release on the world. Morgan and Jake are paired as they worked so well together in Stone of Fire. They are both ready to find who is the lead of Thanatos. Their first mission, to find the Devil's Bible and bring it to ARKANE where it can be kept safe. If it's found by anyone, the verses of evil when read can turn the speaker into one in extreme blood lust, killing all in violent ways.
Oh! We get to see the leader of the Thanatos group. And it's not a pleasure to do so. Well, it is, to see him but the things he has the group do and the way they worship... Not good. But we get a feel for the creation of this group and what they are striving for.
We get to see some of the history with a few characters. Ben with Morgan's parents and when he first saw the sign of Thanatos. There is a small glimpse at her parents as they worked before the girls were born. Then the Director of ARKANE is also known to Ben, and has a past. But...can people change and grow from that past?
I found it interesting the way J.F. worked audio stimulation to help stimulate the brain in different areas to help with depression or anxiety into the story. This was an interesting twist with how it's approached and used, and of course the bad guy finds his way to it.
We do spend time in the crypts and see the bones and skulls of those long dead. Even bodies that are preserved by the chemicals of one crypt. So neat. I didn't feel creeped out. The bones and bodies feel as a part of the design of the rooms. They all seem to have stories to tell with their clothing, if they have any, and their bones.
The action adventure is here, but this book doesn't feel as the height of action as later books in the series. But let me say, this book is still amazing. Start at the beginning with Morgan as it grows with each adventure. I do enjoy the religious mysteries and unraveling the depth of the artifacts in ways that are magical. I do look forward to many more books with Morgan! Though I'm slightly bummed that someone I've enjoyed may not be around for the next adventure. It's not stopping me though!
We get to see some of the history with a few characters.
The action adventure is here, but this book doesn't feel as the height of action as later books in the series. Start at the beginning with Morgan as it grows with each adventure. I do enjoy the religious mysteries and unraveling the depth of the artifacts in ways that are magical. I do look forward to many more books with Morgan!
****FULL REVIEW****
*This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of AudiobookBlast dot com, at my request.
Morgan jumps on the plane to Jerusalem Israel when her friend, Dr. Dinah Mizrahi calls. Dinah has two suicides at her Institute where she treats Jerusalem Syndrome patients, those who think they are religious people or messengers of God. Morgan wants to help her friend, but she has found she enjoys the rush of adventure. When she gets there, Morgan recognizes the symbol from those that were after her and her sister three months ago. The pale horse. When she starts to ask about the head phones for the audio stimulation's run on the patients, Izra Institute explodes. Morgan knows it's a cover-up to stop questions from being asked. The prophecy has been leaked. A quarter of the world will die... Morgan knows who's behind the events and makes a call, to ARKANE.
Veronica is back voicing Morgan and all the characters again. I do enjoy the different attitudes and feel I get from the characters as Veronica voices them. (I really did grow to dislike Natasha, thanks to Veronica's voice and J.F.'s writing of her.) Some moments of information, about people or places, felt quick in speaking. I repeated a few to catch all the details. But things do move fast with Morgan and there is a lot of information given.
I know J.F. jumps in with a quick hitter at the beginning, but it takes me a few listens to get on page with the beginning and all the details. The first scene is a deadly one, as seems to be the trait of the books and I enjoy this, but I also know there are a lot of details here that set the stage for what's to come. I like to get as much out of this moment as I can.
Morgan returns to the world of ARKANE and accepts their job offer when she sees the pale horse symbol and the destruction they are ready to release on the world. Morgan and Jake are paired as they worked so well together in Stone of Fire. They are both ready to find who is the lead of Thanatos. Their first mission, to find the Devil's Bible and bring it to ARKANE where it can be kept safe. If it's found by anyone, the verses of evil when read can turn the speaker into one in extreme blood lust, killing all in violent ways.
Oh! We get to see the leader of the Thanatos group. And it's not a pleasure to do so. Well, it is, to see him but the things he has the group do and the way they worship... Not good. But we get a feel for the creation of this group and what they are striving for.
We get to see some of the history with a few characters. Ben with Morgan's parents and when he first saw the sign of Thanatos. There is a small glimpse at her parents as they worked before the girls were born. Then the Director of ARKANE is also known to Ben, and has a past. But...can people change and grow from that past?
I found it interesting the way J.F. worked audio stimulation to help stimulate the brain in different areas to help with depression or anxiety into the story. This was an interesting twist with how it's approached and used, and of course the bad guy finds his way to it.
We do spend time in the crypts and see the bones and skulls of those long dead. Even bodies that are preserved by the chemicals of one crypt. So neat. I didn't feel creeped out. The bones and bodies feel as a part of the design of the rooms. They all seem to have stories to tell with their clothing, if they have any, and their bones.
The action adventure is here, but this book doesn't feel as the height of action as later books in the series. But let me say, this book is still amazing. Start at the beginning with Morgan as it grows with each adventure. I do enjoy the religious mysteries and unraveling the depth of the artifacts in ways that are magical. I do look forward to many more books with Morgan! Though I'm slightly bummed that someone I've enjoyed may not be around for the next adventure. It's not stopping me though!
October 25, 2018
A terrific series that I'm thoroughly enjoying.
Another compelling and oft times hair-raising read. A brilliantly woven tapestry of fact and fiction and one is never quite sure where one leaves off and the other takes over. As is common for a Penn tome, meticulously researched and deftly written.
There's a conspiracy is afoot, amoral science on the go and a modicum of the paranormal is slipped in just to make things all the more unsettling.
Fast paced, vibrant characters and a darn fine read.
Another compelling and oft times hair-raising read. A brilliantly woven tapestry of fact and fiction and one is never quite sure where one leaves off and the other takes over. As is common for a Penn tome, meticulously researched and deftly written.
There's a conspiracy is afoot, amoral science on the go and a modicum of the paranormal is slipped in just to make things all the more unsettling.
Fast paced, vibrant characters and a darn fine read.
June 13, 2012
When I read Joanna Penn’s first book, Pentecost, the enthusiasm and energy took me by surprise and turned me into a believer. Now that I’ve read her second book, I am awestruck. She spins a tale containing more than merely plausible science in the hands of madmen. She bases its efficacy on widely reported, real-world science experiments. As a matter of fact, the science she writes of is so convincing that I’ve taken to wearing my tinfoil hat again. (Yeah. After the doctors at Happy Meadows convinced me I was imagining things. The lying swine.)
Why do I say that? Because the only way a thriller can work is if the reader can accept the premise underlying the story. For example, could a plain college girl from Oregon convince a handsome billionaire to give up BDSM for true love? No way. OK, OK, “50 Shades” is a bad example. Here’s one: Could Da Vinci have been part of a secret organization sworn to protect Christ’s Great-x20-Granddaughter? Sure. Why not? Dan Brown kept us distracted with shiny puzzles and somehow it all made sense. Ms. Penn’s work relies on no sleight of hand. She lays out the science, the art, the theology in a rational plot with no tricks. It makes sense. Scary sense. And her scenario is not just plausible—when you think about it, you know it’s probably in trial at some global pharmaceutical company right now. (Grab your tinfoil; you’re going to want to block those messages.)
In the course of her book, she raises the bar for the stable of authors hiding behind old school, 20th Century publishers. Years ago Daniel Silva raised the bar in the thriller genre to include serious art references. James Rollins raised the bar to include real science applied in believable ways. And Steve Berry raised the bar to include serious historical and travel elements. The bar has been raised again. Ms. Penn brings all three elements into her thriller by combining her considerable knowledge of theology, her passion for psychology and science, and a deep appreciation for art. I love it when I read a book and feel like I’ve learned something. If you read Prophecy, you will learn something. (DEEPER Review at Seeley James
Highly recommended!
Why do I say that? Because the only way a thriller can work is if the reader can accept the premise underlying the story. For example, could a plain college girl from Oregon convince a handsome billionaire to give up BDSM for true love? No way. OK, OK, “50 Shades” is a bad example. Here’s one: Could Da Vinci have been part of a secret organization sworn to protect Christ’s Great-x20-Granddaughter? Sure. Why not? Dan Brown kept us distracted with shiny puzzles and somehow it all made sense. Ms. Penn’s work relies on no sleight of hand. She lays out the science, the art, the theology in a rational plot with no tricks. It makes sense. Scary sense. And her scenario is not just plausible—when you think about it, you know it’s probably in trial at some global pharmaceutical company right now. (Grab your tinfoil; you’re going to want to block those messages.)
In the course of her book, she raises the bar for the stable of authors hiding behind old school, 20th Century publishers. Years ago Daniel Silva raised the bar in the thriller genre to include serious art references. James Rollins raised the bar to include real science applied in believable ways. And Steve Berry raised the bar to include serious historical and travel elements. The bar has been raised again. Ms. Penn brings all three elements into her thriller by combining her considerable knowledge of theology, her passion for psychology and science, and a deep appreciation for art. I love it when I read a book and feel like I’ve learned something. If you read Prophecy, you will learn something. (DEEPER Review at Seeley James
Highly recommended!
December 18, 2015
I've been a fan of Joanna Penn's non-fiction work for some time now, and it was because of how helpful she is to other authors that I took a chance on her first novel, Pentecost/Stone of Fire. I did enjoy it but the character was too 'perfect' for me to immediately read the rest of the series.
Well after listening to a few more of her podcasts I thought I'd give her another go and I picked up Crypt of Bone. I am SO glad I did! Morgan Sierra is less infallible this time, occasionally even making mistakes, which just makes her far more likeable. Cross Dana Scully with Lara Croft and you're partway there.
The book dashes all over Europe, and into the Middle East, with Morgan visiting the Capuchin crypt in Palermo, the Paris Catacombs, and the Sedlec Ossuary in the Czech Republic. I've always had a fascination with forensic anthropology so I think the settings were a big draw for me, but I did find that I just couldn't put it down. A few reviewers have noted that while the writing is better than Stone of Fire, it's still not Shakespeare, but look at Lee Child - he can't write for toffee but it's nigh on impossible to put down a Jack Reacher book once you've start, and ultimately that's what matters. If I can immerse myself in a gripping plot that that's my main criteria filled!
I should also note, another of my favourite things about this series is the sheer amount of research that underpins the plot. I love all of the little historical and factual details!
Can't wait to get stuck into book 3.
Well after listening to a few more of her podcasts I thought I'd give her another go and I picked up Crypt of Bone. I am SO glad I did! Morgan Sierra is less infallible this time, occasionally even making mistakes, which just makes her far more likeable. Cross Dana Scully with Lara Croft and you're partway there.
The book dashes all over Europe, and into the Middle East, with Morgan visiting the Capuchin crypt in Palermo, the Paris Catacombs, and the Sedlec Ossuary in the Czech Republic. I've always had a fascination with forensic anthropology so I think the settings were a big draw for me, but I did find that I just couldn't put it down. A few reviewers have noted that while the writing is better than Stone of Fire, it's still not Shakespeare, but look at Lee Child - he can't write for toffee but it's nigh on impossible to put down a Jack Reacher book once you've start, and ultimately that's what matters. If I can immerse myself in a gripping plot that that's my main criteria filled!
I should also note, another of my favourite things about this series is the sheer amount of research that underpins the plot. I love all of the little historical and factual details!
Can't wait to get stuck into book 3.
January 9, 2012
This is a pacy novel, very well researched. We race across the globe covering England, France, Germany, Czech Republic, Italy, USA and probably more, so many I can't remember. It's a whirlwind of a travelogue. Hats off to Joanna Penn who has clearly thought through the rhythm and logistics of this novel so that the flow and tension are brilliant.
Morgan Sierra picks up from where she left off in Pentecost and joins the ARKANE group to chase down the Devil's Bible and try to beat the evil baddies of Thanatos. There's plenty of blood and gore and bones. It a thriller with shades of James Bond and Indiana Jones, and religious overtones that educate the reader at the same time. (You definitely don't need to be religious to read it - that would neither help nor hinder - there's religious artifacts galore but I don't see it as a religious book).
You probably don't have to read Pentecost first, but I had, and I'd say it helped. There's also some clever references at the end of the book for the next in the series, so you may as well catch up now! The character of Morgan Sierra is really developing into a formidable yet tantalising heroine.
If you like your thrillers to be violent, thought provoking with a high fact-based content too, this is for you.
Morgan Sierra picks up from where she left off in Pentecost and joins the ARKANE group to chase down the Devil's Bible and try to beat the evil baddies of Thanatos. There's plenty of blood and gore and bones. It a thriller with shades of James Bond and Indiana Jones, and religious overtones that educate the reader at the same time. (You definitely don't need to be religious to read it - that would neither help nor hinder - there's religious artifacts galore but I don't see it as a religious book).
You probably don't have to read Pentecost first, but I had, and I'd say it helped. There's also some clever references at the end of the book for the next in the series, so you may as well catch up now! The character of Morgan Sierra is really developing into a formidable yet tantalising heroine.
If you like your thrillers to be violent, thought provoking with a high fact-based content too, this is for you.
January 10, 2012
I began reading Prophecy this weekend and could not put it down. After meeting Morgan Sierra last year in Pentecost, Penn’s fabulous debut of this series, I looked forward to her return! She’s back in fine form now as a full-fledged member of ARKANE, the secret British organization in charge of preventing the world's ancient supernatural artifacts from being used by the forces of evil.
Partnering once again with Jake Timber, Morgan confronts the evil organization, THANATOS, whose crazed leader has a plan to use secrets from the Devil’s Bible to kill according to the Apocalypse. Under the guise of an established global medical and research company, THANATOS is moving forward with its agenda and events begin to quickly unfold.
The action moves swiftly but the suspense never wanes, as Penn uses her vast knowledge to inform and educate the reader in a seamless unfolding of this fast-moving tale. Exotic locations and supernatural artifacts add to the adventure.
Pentecost has been described as Lara Croft meets Indiana Jones and there are certainly elements of both to be found in these thrillers. However, I feel Joanna Penn has managed to establish her own voice in this series delivering strong characters and creative, but believable, plots.
I’m already in line for the next one!
Partnering once again with Jake Timber, Morgan confronts the evil organization, THANATOS, whose crazed leader has a plan to use secrets from the Devil’s Bible to kill according to the Apocalypse. Under the guise of an established global medical and research company, THANATOS is moving forward with its agenda and events begin to quickly unfold.
The action moves swiftly but the suspense never wanes, as Penn uses her vast knowledge to inform and educate the reader in a seamless unfolding of this fast-moving tale. Exotic locations and supernatural artifacts add to the adventure.
Pentecost has been described as Lara Croft meets Indiana Jones and there are certainly elements of both to be found in these thrillers. However, I feel Joanna Penn has managed to establish her own voice in this series delivering strong characters and creative, but believable, plots.
I’m already in line for the next one!
February 22, 2016
Originally this book was titled Prophecy, and deals with the Apocalypse as foretold in the Bible's Book of Revelations. The prophecy tells that a quarter of the world's population will die. The organisation known only as Thanatos, are trying to obtain the Devil's Bible in a bid to make that prophecy come true.
This book follows on nicely from "Stone of Fire", so anyone having read that will be familiar with the lead characters of Dr Morgan Sierra and Jake Timber. Timber is a member of a shadowy organisation known as ARKANE, and in the previous book this organisation tried to get Dr Sierra to join them. Through various reasons it is Dr Sierra who calls on ARKANE to assist her this time. The race is on to try and locate and retrieve the Devil's Bible before Thanatos can.
I had various little irritations with the first book, but they seem to have been overcome with this one. So if you enjoy a good thriller set in various macabre settings, then hopefully you will enjoy this book.
This book follows on nicely from "Stone of Fire", so anyone having read that will be familiar with the lead characters of Dr Morgan Sierra and Jake Timber. Timber is a member of a shadowy organisation known as ARKANE, and in the previous book this organisation tried to get Dr Sierra to join them. Through various reasons it is Dr Sierra who calls on ARKANE to assist her this time. The race is on to try and locate and retrieve the Devil's Bible before Thanatos can.
I had various little irritations with the first book, but they seem to have been overcome with this one. So if you enjoy a good thriller set in various macabre settings, then hopefully you will enjoy this book.
September 9, 2016
Another great book in the series. I enjoyed this more than the first because it had more supernatural elements and Morgan's character was developed more. As a fan of dystopia, I loved the eugenics plot. Again, these books cannot be faulted on the wonderful description and fascinating religious themes.
August 8, 2014
A great follow up to Pentecost, this time the ARKANE team are searching for the fabled Devil's Bible before the Thanatos group find it and unleash its devastating power on the world. More great locations and a fairly gruesome body count! Move over Dan Brown.
December 3, 2024
I read Stone of Fire, Book 1 in the ARKANE series some time ago and enjoyed it as a quick action thriller. The premise of the series by thriller and dark fantasy author J. F. Penn intrigued me as I've always loved psychology (which I studied as an undergrad) and religious mythology (thank you, Catholic upbringing and education).
The ARKANE series delivers on both fronts with Dr. Morgan Sierra, an intellectual academic and religious psychologist with extensive field training in the Israeli military and a broken past who joins forces with Jake Timber, an agent with ARKANE, an agency that collects and protects religious artifacts.
What is Crypt of Bone about?
While Book 1 was fun, Crypt of Bone* takes this series to the next level. The book starts with a prophecy from Revelation, and the story mixes religion with science as a dark organization works to eradicate 25% of the world's population. Sierra and Timber jump from location to location (and back again) trying to find the key (hint: it's an item of religious importance) to ending the curse and stopping the impending eugenics-based holocaust — in only seven days.
What do I like about Crypt of Bone?
It's hard to believe author J.F. Penn fits so much detail about religious items/locations/themes into 272 pages in Crypt of Bone without overwhelming the reader or creating too much exposition, but she does and she does it skillfully and with a precision that elevates the story within the genre. It's clear Penn is highly knowledgeable and capable of writing about complex subjects in accessible ways.
I'm usually drawn into stories based on the characters as I appreciate deep character development with insights about motivation and what makes them tick. In the ARKANE series, you get a taste of that, but the development of the characters evolves more slowly over the course of the series. This serves to keep the reader interested in learning more about the characters (including the antagonists). I'm also pleased to see a strong female lead.
Knowing from J.F. Penn's podcast that she doesn't outline or plot in advance makes her ability to weave creative plot ideas with religious themes and detailed settings all the move impressive. The book moves from scene to scene quickly, making the book fast-paced and keeping you on the edge of the page the entire time you're reading.
While I prefer a slower pace in psychological thrillers, in action-based thrillers, this style works to keep me from overthinking and happily in a place of suspended reality for the duration of the story. Interestingly, while Book 2 was much shorter than Book 1, it read faster and with more cohesion and less interruption.
And I think that's one of the things I like most — this book is unpretentious though well-researched and smart. It's an escapist thriller, a fun read, and one that relies on action and intrigue.
What is my favorite part of Crypt of Bone?
Penn does something I truly love in a book - she pulls together fact and fantasy in new and unexpected ways, making the story even more interesting for the use of truth to make the fiction come alive. Even better? The author includes additional reading recommendations and research insights to help readers interested in learning more make a deeper dive.
For example: The concept of the God Helmet. I was in high school when I first learned about Michael Persinger's theories about god(s) and the mystic "living" in our brains and think between this area of our brain and creativity (no surprise these things would fascinate me!). I attended an all-girls Catholic school and was taking psychology both at my school and concurrently at a local college. My imagination lit up with these discussions and the idea hasn't left me since.
Penn's book brought me back to Persinger's experiments, some of which were interested in triggering the "god" effect by stimulating the temporal lobes. This was especially relevant for me since lately, my medical writing has found me deep in the world of TMS (transcranial magnetic stimulation) therapy. I found Penn's imaginative ways of incorporating tidbits from reality with imagined uses of such technology impressive and intriguing. My only complaint is that I wanted more. =)
Who should read Crypt of Bone?
Crypt of Bone is for fans of action-based thrillers, as well as readers who enjoy religious mythology and psychology. This fast-paced book is a quick read and perfect for taking with you (along with some other books from the series) when you travel, or if you need a break from the routine of your everyday life and want a quick escape.
I recommend it for high school readers and up. It's not for readers who are easily put off by acts of violence (it is an action thriller, after all) or those who don't enjoy the use of fictionalized elements of religion.
The ARKANE series delivers on both fronts with Dr. Morgan Sierra, an intellectual academic and religious psychologist with extensive field training in the Israeli military and a broken past who joins forces with Jake Timber, an agent with ARKANE, an agency that collects and protects religious artifacts.
What is Crypt of Bone about?
While Book 1 was fun, Crypt of Bone* takes this series to the next level. The book starts with a prophecy from Revelation, and the story mixes religion with science as a dark organization works to eradicate 25% of the world's population. Sierra and Timber jump from location to location (and back again) trying to find the key (hint: it's an item of religious importance) to ending the curse and stopping the impending eugenics-based holocaust — in only seven days.
What do I like about Crypt of Bone?
It's hard to believe author J.F. Penn fits so much detail about religious items/locations/themes into 272 pages in Crypt of Bone without overwhelming the reader or creating too much exposition, but she does and she does it skillfully and with a precision that elevates the story within the genre. It's clear Penn is highly knowledgeable and capable of writing about complex subjects in accessible ways.
I'm usually drawn into stories based on the characters as I appreciate deep character development with insights about motivation and what makes them tick. In the ARKANE series, you get a taste of that, but the development of the characters evolves more slowly over the course of the series. This serves to keep the reader interested in learning more about the characters (including the antagonists). I'm also pleased to see a strong female lead.
Knowing from J.F. Penn's podcast that she doesn't outline or plot in advance makes her ability to weave creative plot ideas with religious themes and detailed settings all the move impressive. The book moves from scene to scene quickly, making the book fast-paced and keeping you on the edge of the page the entire time you're reading.
While I prefer a slower pace in psychological thrillers, in action-based thrillers, this style works to keep me from overthinking and happily in a place of suspended reality for the duration of the story. Interestingly, while Book 2 was much shorter than Book 1, it read faster and with more cohesion and less interruption.
And I think that's one of the things I like most — this book is unpretentious though well-researched and smart. It's an escapist thriller, a fun read, and one that relies on action and intrigue.
What is my favorite part of Crypt of Bone?
Penn does something I truly love in a book - she pulls together fact and fantasy in new and unexpected ways, making the story even more interesting for the use of truth to make the fiction come alive. Even better? The author includes additional reading recommendations and research insights to help readers interested in learning more make a deeper dive.
For example: The concept of the God Helmet. I was in high school when I first learned about Michael Persinger's theories about god(s) and the mystic "living" in our brains and think between this area of our brain and creativity (no surprise these things would fascinate me!). I attended an all-girls Catholic school and was taking psychology both at my school and concurrently at a local college. My imagination lit up with these discussions and the idea hasn't left me since.
Penn's book brought me back to Persinger's experiments, some of which were interested in triggering the "god" effect by stimulating the temporal lobes. This was especially relevant for me since lately, my medical writing has found me deep in the world of TMS (transcranial magnetic stimulation) therapy. I found Penn's imaginative ways of incorporating tidbits from reality with imagined uses of such technology impressive and intriguing. My only complaint is that I wanted more. =)
Who should read Crypt of Bone?
Crypt of Bone is for fans of action-based thrillers, as well as readers who enjoy religious mythology and psychology. This fast-paced book is a quick read and perfect for taking with you (along with some other books from the series) when you travel, or if you need a break from the routine of your everyday life and want a quick escape.
I recommend it for high school readers and up. It's not for readers who are easily put off by acts of violence (it is an action thriller, after all) or those who don't enjoy the use of fictionalized elements of religion.
April 30, 2020
Take an author with a Master’s degree in Theology and a Graduate Diploma in Psychology, add a prophecy from Revelation about one quarter of the world dying, mix in Dr Morgan Sierra from Oxford and Jake Timber an agent from the mysterious ARKANE, a secret British government agency investigating supernatural mysteries around the world and you have the makings of a riveting thriller.
Crypt of Bone is a superbly researched and crafted book about a prophecy which has intrigued both good and evil men over the centuries. Locations are real and you know that JF Penn has been to those places and seen the Crypt of Bone.
One word sprang to mind as I read this book – prescient – prescient about diseases and mental health, foreboding about the evil men in power can do and have done. We live in a world that is far from peaceful, over-crowded, unhealthy and ready to believe the latest tweet or Instagram from anyone. Auditory stimulation has been around for years and it was worrying to see the extension of using it for evil.
Following leads from drawings of a pale horse, Morgan, ex-Israeli military psychologist, specialist in religious cults at Oxford University, Krav Maga expert, and now recruited to work for ARKANE, and Jake must track down an organisation called Thanatos (the Greek personification of Death) and its leader who must have an ancient manuscript – the Codex Gigas and its missing ten pages. From Oxford to Jerusalem, to the skeletal ossuaries in Sicily, to the catacombs of Paris, from the Czech Republic the chase is on for clues, many of which are hidden in crypts full of skeletons, bones and mummified bodies.
We meet the leadership of Zoebios, a multi-national recently expanded into China, in particular Milan Noble whose alter ego Thanatos is dedicated to the search for the Devil’s Bible, as the codex is known, and who is using technology developed by Zoebios to mess with people’s minds using auditory stimulation and drugs. We are introduced to Natasha El-Behery who quotes Ecclesiastes before an act of violence in a chilling moment of biblical interpretation, and who survives the final carnage in the bone church in Sedlec.
The chilling prospect of eugenics becomes very real as the story unfolds; at times eloquently and passionately proffered as a solution to the over-population of the Earth.
Morgan and Jake have only seven days to find Codex, before the final words will be spoken and the prophecy fulfilled.
Crypt of Bone is a superbly researched and crafted book about a prophecy which has intrigued both good and evil men over the centuries. Locations are real and you know that JF Penn has been to those places and seen the Crypt of Bone.
One word sprang to mind as I read this book – prescient – prescient about diseases and mental health, foreboding about the evil men in power can do and have done. We live in a world that is far from peaceful, over-crowded, unhealthy and ready to believe the latest tweet or Instagram from anyone. Auditory stimulation has been around for years and it was worrying to see the extension of using it for evil.
Following leads from drawings of a pale horse, Morgan, ex-Israeli military psychologist, specialist in religious cults at Oxford University, Krav Maga expert, and now recruited to work for ARKANE, and Jake must track down an organisation called Thanatos (the Greek personification of Death) and its leader who must have an ancient manuscript – the Codex Gigas and its missing ten pages. From Oxford to Jerusalem, to the skeletal ossuaries in Sicily, to the catacombs of Paris, from the Czech Republic the chase is on for clues, many of which are hidden in crypts full of skeletons, bones and mummified bodies.
We meet the leadership of Zoebios, a multi-national recently expanded into China, in particular Milan Noble whose alter ego Thanatos is dedicated to the search for the Devil’s Bible, as the codex is known, and who is using technology developed by Zoebios to mess with people’s minds using auditory stimulation and drugs. We are introduced to Natasha El-Behery who quotes Ecclesiastes before an act of violence in a chilling moment of biblical interpretation, and who survives the final carnage in the bone church in Sedlec.
The chilling prospect of eugenics becomes very real as the story unfolds; at times eloquently and passionately proffered as a solution to the over-population of the Earth.
Morgan and Jake have only seven days to find Codex, before the final words will be spoken and the prophecy fulfilled.
November 10, 2020
During the Coronavirus pandemic, Ms. Penn offered her email subscribers a choice of any one of her books (free) to help us while we were self-isolating. Since I had her “Stone of Fire” in my TBR queue, I chose this, the next book in the series. I read Stone first, and I’m glad I did. These can be read as stand-alone stories, but the earlier book has the complete history of Dr. Morgan Sierra and how she arrived at the start of book two. Ms. Penn has a knack for blending religion, history, literature, art, science and creative license with current events in an easy-to-read style that pulls you in and keeps you interested. I read for escape and entertainment – I like the James Bond-like close calls, death-defying scenes and super-human recoveries (I read a lot of space opera and fantasy, too). I thoroughly enjoyed this book and recommend that you start with book one. I will be reading more in this series.
September 11, 2017
I've read J.F Penn's book, Stone of Fire before and I just didn't like the book. With my not-so-great experience with the first book, I didn't have any much expectation when I picked this book. But to my surprise, I was enjoying this book. Heck, I couldn't even stop myself from reading this book. What makes me keep on reading this book so much was because this book reminds me of the anime Vatican Kiseki Chousakan (Vatican Miracle Examiner).
Another reason for me to prefer this book over Stone of Fire was because it had less bible reference. Sure, it still has a religious reference. But the book is focusing more on the occult, supernatural theme rather than the religious theme.
If you want something similar to Vatican Kiseki Chousakan in the novel form or you're into the occult, supernatural theme, then I highly recommend this book.
Another reason for me to prefer this book over Stone of Fire was because it had less bible reference. Sure, it still has a religious reference. But the book is focusing more on the occult, supernatural theme rather than the religious theme.
If you want something similar to Vatican Kiseki Chousakan in the novel form or you're into the occult, supernatural theme, then I highly recommend this book.
October 30, 2018
Messing with people’s minds, making them do things they wouldn’t normally do – some kind of superpower, right? Turns out it is more sinister than that.
People dying, buildings exploding and Morgan pulled into it all because of her past…
“To speak something into the world with intent is somehow to create it, to make it real.” This is the essence of the story and fuels so much of the conflict.
I love the use of ancient books and modern technology to create chaos in this story.
Personally, I could’ve done without the scenes from the antagonists’ point of view.
Great world-building. The art, the different destinations, the history… I enjoyed the tour of the Paris Catacombs the most.
And the bad guy… Well, he’s a brilliant lunatic.
My favourite piece of tech in this series is Spooky’s virtual library.
A must-read for fans of religious thrillers.
People dying, buildings exploding and Morgan pulled into it all because of her past…
“To speak something into the world with intent is somehow to create it, to make it real.” This is the essence of the story and fuels so much of the conflict.
I love the use of ancient books and modern technology to create chaos in this story.
Personally, I could’ve done without the scenes from the antagonists’ point of view.
Great world-building. The art, the different destinations, the history… I enjoyed the tour of the Paris Catacombs the most.
And the bad guy… Well, he’s a brilliant lunatic.
My favourite piece of tech in this series is Spooky’s virtual library.
A must-read for fans of religious thrillers.
April 14, 2022
The author does an awesome job pulling history, religion and geography into this story. Both good and evil sides of religious fervor are on display. Look at some of the images she references: http://www.pinterest.co.uk/jfpenn/cry...
To see what the impact is.
The lead character is the strong female that you’d want to know. She is partnered with a strong male lead. Working for a little known organization, they need to save the world. Hang onto your seat because it’s an action filled rocky ride. It does contain some in your face, gruesome murders. You‘ll find them impacting the reader with several powerful emotions.
To see what the impact is.
The lead character is the strong female that you’d want to know. She is partnered with a strong male lead. Working for a little known organization, they need to save the world. Hang onto your seat because it’s an action filled rocky ride. It does contain some in your face, gruesome murders. You‘ll find them impacting the reader with several powerful emotions.
December 4, 2016
Jake and Morgan are back. Morgan joins Arkane and teams up with Jake to find The Devils Bible. Thanatos wants the Devils Bible to release an age old curse bringing destruction to mankind.
Morgan gets kidnapped by Milan Noble for his evil genocide goal of the perfect human race. Will Jake find her in time and stop the curse?
This one will have you cheering on the good guys to get the bad guys and save the world!
Morgan gets kidnapped by Milan Noble for his evil genocide goal of the perfect human race. Will Jake find her in time and stop the curse?
This one will have you cheering on the good guys to get the bad guys and save the world!
September 6, 2017
Crypt of Bone by author J.F. Penn is a captivating, well developed characters coupled with an intriguing story line make for a page turning read! The sequel to Stone of Fire. I'm a character reader, I get into what makes characters tick, who and what they are. Penn does a good job with her character development; you can like and/or hate these characters. I like the story line; I'll be reading more by this author when I buy more of her books.
dnf
June 28, 2020I was listening to the audiobook and DNF'd at the 12% mark. The narrator was pretty good, but the production of the audiobook had me very aggravated. The narrator would be running through the scene at a nice tone then dialog would come in at a loud volume before returning to the scene that I could barely hear. The book hadn't been interesting enough for me at that point to work through the volume issues.
November 8, 2020
In the second episode, a quarter of the world's population will die. Only chosen people can survive the purge.
Arkane members Morgan and Jake must stop the carnage, when suicides occur in Jerusalem at the behest of God. So starts a rapid search around the world for an alternative Bible.
Only its destruction can avert the apocalypse.
With breakneck speed, our two Arkane operatives save the world again.
January 15, 2025
4.5/5 stars
Brilliant second installment in the ARKANE series. Author managed to keep the fast pace and suspense of the first book, while including much historical information. I love the morally grey characters, especially Milan, who was so well written that at times I could understood his reasons for doing what he did (although not his methods). I read this book in less than a day and I can't wait to get started on the next book!
Brilliant second installment in the ARKANE series. Author managed to keep the fast pace and suspense of the first book, while including much historical information. I love the morally grey characters, especially Milan, who was so well written that at times I could understood his reasons for doing what he did (although not his methods). I read this book in less than a day and I can't wait to get started on the next book!
July 8, 2025
I have fallen in love with the Arkane series. Book 1, and now Book 2, have not disappointed. These are the kinds of action-thriller novels I love and that I've been waiting for. I can relate to the principal characters easily. The twisted religious backdrops in which the author frames these stories are interesting, and dare I say, a little disturbing. But that's what makes the reader turn the page, guessing what's next. The author's research is out of this world crazy and spot-on. Not made-up stuff. Well done! Can't wait to dive into Book 3.
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