The Plague of God

Sword Shatterers #1

by Carlo F. Sente

Two intertwined tales, both driven by the irresistible allure of gold:

In the present day, Baron Tim de St. Clere faces ruin and desperation, his family legacy slipping away. Enticed by rumors of hidden treasure, he plunges into a perilous quest, only to find himself locked in a dangerous race against a relentless foe, a politician hungry for the same riches. Tim's journey brims with betrayal and sacrifice, yet ultimately unveils a newfound purpose amid the shadows of his past.

Meanwhile, amidst the tumult of ninth-century Europe, Bera Haraldsdatter grapples with the consequences of her allegiance to a ruthless warlord. As realization dawns upon her, she heeds the call of maternal instinct, embarking on a solitary mission to safeguard innocent lives. Against the backdrop of Viking conquest, Bera's defiance echoes through the ages, a testament to the enduring strength of the human spirit.

344 pages, Hardcover

Published December 16, 2017

About the author

Carlo F. Sente's literary journey began at the age of sixteen when he was honored with a prestigious literary prize by the French Embassy to Luxembourg. This early recognition ignited his passion for literature and art, which he further cultivated during his time at the Luxembourg Art School.

Primarily known as an expert in antiques and historic buildings, Carlo F. Sente has predominantly authored non-fiction works for esteemed institutions. However, his creative spark led him to venture into fiction with his trilogy "SWORD SHATTERERS." The trilogy commenced with the publication of "THE PLAGUE OF GOD" in 2017, followed by "THE SUNKING'S MAN", expected in 2026. Anticipation also surrounds the upcoming release of the final installment, "WINGS OF ANGST," expected in 2026.

Reviews

[Abby Lewis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Goodreads Win.
Not my usual book but still an enjoyable read... shows the power that gold holds.

[Yvette · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book as a part of the giveaway. First, I Love This Book. Second, I got the bood in the mail In a beautiful box and if that wasn't impressive enough He autographed the book. So I had to buy another book Just to read. I wasn't in anyway disappointed, Thank You Mr Sente

[Crissy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won a copy on Goodreads! I will up date this review after receiving and reading! Thank you!

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This novel has two interconnected time frames. In the present day, Tim is struggling and get wrapped up in a treasure hunt. In the past, Bera is struggling with the senseless killing of people during the Viking raid.

This is well written and very engaging. It gave me feeling like National Treasure but more details about the past.

[Wallace Glen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Plague Of God is one very complex and absolutely immersing book. The beginning might confuse you a bit but once you get past the first few pages you'll get the idea pretty well. The author has a compelling writing style, the plot is well thought out and thrilling. Overall, I can say that this book is absolutely worth your time and money. Personally, I will be looking forward to reading more from Carlo F. Sente.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

For thriller/historical fans this book is a blast. An amazing story delivered with two POVs of two main characters. The historical part was thrilling. I loved it! The modern-day one was interesting, filled with action, and guess what - treasure hunting!!! The whole book is a journey, back and forth in time, crime and mystery, adventure and love. I'm glad I had the chance to read this book and I recommend it to all who like a gripping book that keeps you late at night!

[Jo Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic read filled with mystery and gripping moments. It is written in a unique way - the main characters are in different times and places and both are executed so well that I couldn't stop reading. The author definitely knows how to glue the reader to the page. I recommend this book 100%.

[Richard Derus · Rating 3 out of 5]

Real Rating: 3.5* of five

The Publisher Says: Two intertwined tales, both driven by the irresistible allure of gold:

In the present day, Baron Tim de St. Clere faces ruin and desperation, his family legacy slipping away. Enticed by rumors of hidden treasure, he plunges into a perilous quest, only to find himself locked in a dangerous race against a relentless foe, a politician hungry for the same riches. Tim's journey brims with betrayal and sacrifice, yet ultimately unveils a newfound purpose amid the shadows of his past.

Meanwhile, amidst the tumult of ninth-century Europe, Bera Haraldsdatter grapples with the consequences of her allegiance to a ruthless warlord. As realization dawns upon her, she heeds the call of maternal instinct, embarking on a solitary mission to safeguard innocent lives. Against the backdrop of Viking conquest, Bera's defiance echoes through the ages, a testament to the enduring strength of the human spirit.

I RECEIVED A DRC FROM THE PUBLISHER VIA NETGALLEY. THANK YOU.

My Review: I'll be honest: Tim de St. Clere and his modern-day timeline did not grip me. I comprehend the author's point in making this a dual-timelines story was valid. A modern angle on the story of people making moral choices around wealth, power, and the uses they are put to (in opposition to the way they are, in the stories, used) allows him to present this as a thriller. The dreaded label "historical" or, even more limiting, "time-travel/fantasy novel" would seriously erode the commercial appeal of this tale. Or so he thinks, I assume....

Happen I disagree. Tim and the utterly pointless and barely characterized Julia, and the somewhat haphazardly included Frank and Tamara, are pressured by the expectations and the bedazzlements of twenty-first century life, to no satisfying end. The ninth-century timeline, with Bera fighting tooth and nail to preserve some sense of personal honor and family integrity, is more compelling (if just a bit more, um, leisurely of pace shall we say than is conducive to maintaining suspense) than Tim's efforts to recover material wealth contrast unflatteringly with Bera's powerfully moral quest to dissociate from the immorality seen in the misuse of power by a revolting suzerain.

Well, maybe an inconclusive result to the modern storyline is somehow resolved in book two. I was more than invested enough in Bera's efforts to make reading book two a certainty.

Anyone who enjoyed the National Treasure franchise ought to check out this debut novel.

[BookishDramas · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book as a free review copy from NetGalley and this review is based on my completing the book and is an honest reflection of my vies about the book.

I started The Plague of God expecting a sweeping historical thriller and in many ways, that is exactly what I got. This is a story that aims big. It stretches across centuries, weaving together a modern day struggle with a brutal and atmospheric Viking era past. There is treasure, legacy, danger and the kind of high stakes that I love to read and one that should keep you completely hooked. And at times, it really does.

What stood out most to me was the historical storyline. Those sections felt alive in a way that completely pulled me in. The Viking timeline has a raw intensity to it. It is vivid, tense, and emotionally grounded, with a sense of danger that never quite lets up. I found myself far more invested in those chapters, eager to return to them whenever the narrative shifted away.

The present day storyline, while interesting in concept, did not always hold the same energy. There is a strong foundation there with the crumbling estate, the pressure of legacy, and the promise of a hidden treasure that could change everything. But the pacing felt uneven. Some sections seemed to linger longer than necessary, and at times the story felt like it was circling rather than moving forward. It never became boring, but it did lose some of its momentum along the way.

Although, I really appreciated the themes running beneath the surface. This is not just about a treasure hunt. It is about what people are willing to risk for survival, for power, and for the weight of history that refuses to stay buried. The moral tension in the story adds depth, especially as the characters are forced to make choices that are far from simple.

The writing itself is detailed and clearly well researched, though occasionally a bit heavy. There is a lot going on, and while that adds richness, it can also slow the flow of the story. Still, there is no denying the ambition behind it, and I respect how much the author tried to weave together.

Overall, this was a solid and engaging read that did not quite reach its full potential for me. The historical sections are genuinely compelling, and they carry much of the book’s strength. With tighter pacing and a bit more balance between timelines, this could have been something truly unforgettable. Even so, I am intrigued enough to see where the story goes next.
I will love to read the next book in this series.

[Joyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

446 pages

5 stars

This is the inaugural novel of Mr. Sente’s trilogy. It is a wonderful historical adventure/mystery.

It is written in a dual timeline: the 9th Century in France and the present day in several locations, mostly in present day Germany as well as contiguous localities.

Baron Timothee (Tim), de St. Clare is an interesting guy. He dithers and obsesses over his love life, his decaying old castle, and a myriad of other things. He kind of drove me nuts. When a stranger shows up at his home with an artifact of the time of Charlemagne , Tim becomes interested in a story of purported treasure. He could save his tumbledown castle.

Together the two men set out to solve the mystery. Tim locates artifacts around the castle that may aid them in their search for the puzzling missing treasure.

Flashing back to the 9th Century, we meet Bera and her Viking horde, They savage the local Frankish villages, stealing everything of value. Along the way we learn that Bera is a kind hearted woman who is tired of the four year raiding sojourn. She bargains with another Viking for a young Moor boy who is a novice monk. They form a close relationship.
Bera and the other Vikings are an interesting, violent, take no quarter group of men.

Also, introduced in present time, is a local want to be politician who will stop at nothing to obtain the treasure for himself - including torture and murder.

This book is a thrill ride, complete with fascinating characters, action, tension and compassion. We see vivid descriptions of the little villages of the 9th Century. Colorful stories of the Viking raiders are gripping and action-filled. There is plenty of action in the present day as Tim and his helpful friends get themselves in trouble. A wonderful book. It has all the ingredients of a top historical thriller.

I want to thank NetGalley and Book Whisperer for forwarding to me a copy of this book for me to read and review. The opinions cited in this review are solely my own.

[Mary Gessay · Rating 3 out of 5]

Carlo Sente sets up a clever dual-track story about a long-lost treasure. Baron Tim is desperate. His aunt squandered the family fortune trying to buy her way into Heaven and now Tim is in danger of losing the baronial estate. At his wit’s end and deep in debt he reluctantly decides to sell the estate.

There have long been rumors of a great fortune hidden somewhere on the grounds of the estate. Treasure hunters are unwelcome but not uncommon trespassers. So when Frank shows up claiming to have a clue to the whereabouts of the fortune, Tim is skeptical to say the least. However, Tim finds himself being persuaded by the evidence Frank has found at the estate he himself has just inherited in England. It turns out that Frank’s ancestor was the servant of Tim’s ancestor. And they both went missing together—after being accused of stealing a fortune. Tim and Frank set out to see if they can find the missing treasure.

Berra Harroldsdottir was looking for adventure when she signed on to join Godfrid’s army of Viking raiders. She did not anticipate the level of violence she would be made a party to. Her story is interwoven with the modern day treasure search as she is key to the treasure’s history, composition, and location.

I particularly enjoyed the telling of Berra’s story. Those chapters were well written, interesting, and offered a degree of character development lacking in Tim’s story. It was like there were two different authors. The writing style in Tim’s story was stilted and felt awkward. Very different from the writing style in Berra’s story.

Still, I thought the way the author blended the two stories was very well done and added a satisfying level of depth and suspense to the story.

[Rebecca Graf · Rating 2 out of 5]

Actions from over a thousand years earlier trigger events in the modern time leading to new friendships, death, and discovery. An historical butterfly effect. 
The layout of the book is present day and then historical time periods. Two separate stories that tie-in together. The chapters start with a note on time period and place to help the reader. 
Story/Plot
The story line set in the present day is based on the historical events. The historical chapters I found it confusing for a spell as the initial historical scenes were the only ones I could tie to the present day. Initially, the historical scene was hard for me to comprehend. The scenes didn't appear to be that far back in time. More descriptions could have been added to help the reader actually feel the time period. The chapters that moved to the Viking storyline were actually better with vivid descriptions that left no doubt what time period the reader was in. I felt like I was there. 
Characters
Historical: The initial historical characters were very underdeveloped. I was more confused with them. But later on, the characters are very strong and carry the historical sections very well. 
Present Day: These were the weakest of all the characters. I felt that the main character was wishy-washy. Since he was the main character, it made the present day storyline feel like a monologue of the man's inability to come to grips with himself more than the mystery, history, or anything else. The present day sections was more about him and less of the actual storyline. 
Overall
It was hard to finish the book. The present day chapters had me wanting to skip them and just stay in the past. Overall, I would not recommend this book. Too much of a struggle to read and thoroughly enjoy.

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Plague of God
By Carlo F. Sente

I understand that this was the author's first attempt at writing fiction. It is also the first book in the Sword Shatterers series. As I review this book, I am preparing to read the second in the series.

There are things to like here. The alternating timelines that tie the story together are interesting. The obvious research done to bring the story forward is a plus.

But there are issues that prevent the book from being as good as it might have been. First is odd word choices (example – downfall for a rainstorm where we would say downpour). This is just one example. Secondly, the interaction between characters, most notably Timothee and Julia, feels stilted. The instantaneous attraction seems a little too forced – and then the conversations leading to the pull-back from the brink of professing love seem awkward.

In the historical chapters concerning the invasion of the Danish Vikings, the battles and savagery, and the attempts by Bera to escape with the children all seem to go on a little too long.

These are all things that hopefully will be improved upon in the subsequent books of the series.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC.

[Mercy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Plague of God is a fun book for people who want to enjoy a good treasure hunt that is deeply intertwined with history and drama.

The 9th century depiction was my favorite part: the setting, the ships, the pillaging…it was very informative and entertaining. I felt love and loss, loyalty and treachery, pride and shame, right alongside the characters.

My one caveat. The time periods flip back and forth almost every other chapter (sometimes every few.) I think if this book was set entirely in the past it would have been a five star read for me. There isn’t anything wrong with the present time period, I just felt that most of the action happened in the past and therefore I wanted to keep reading about the past, without interruptions.

Everything said, if you’ve ever enjoyed rewatching National Treasure, read and liked Ildefonso Falcones books, or simply want a good historical fiction, you should definitely give this one a go.


Thank you NetGalley and Book Whisperer for providing me with this book for review. All opinions are my own.

[Angela Kelly · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book promised a lot, and the first third delivered - leaving me excited for the rest. I'm not sure what happened exactly, but I found that after this initial excitement the rest of the book dragged.

The novel is told in a dual narrative, in modern day and in Viking times. I found the Viking story to be much more interesting and I was intrigued by the female perspective to all the pillaging and violence. I struggled to connect with the present day story. The writing just didn't seem to have the same quality and there seemed to be too much going on, what with treaure hunting, crime and love.

Two stars it is then. I think the author has great promise and you can really tell he is a historian when reading the Viking story. Thanks to Goodreads for the review copy.

[Susanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

An intriguing treasure hunt, but which treasure are they after? Tim is the current Baron de St Clere in Germany. Frank, an american who has recently inherited an estate in England and discovered a link to Tim, turns up on Tim's doorstep wanting them to join forces to hunt treasure supposedly hidden by Tim's ancestor. Tim's heard it all before but Frank has proof, so they decide to try to find it. Of course, there's someone else on the same trail too, who'll do anything to find it first. The story weaves between present day and the Viking raids in the 9th century. An enjoyable adventure. I look forward to book 2. Thanks to Netgalley, Book Whisperer, and Carlo F. Sente for the free ARC of this re-release. All opinions are my own.

[Reeca Elliott · Rating 3 out of 5]

Baron Tim de St. Clere is days from losing everything when a retired U.S. Air Force officer arrives with a mysterious heirloom, a riddle pointing to a lost treasure hidden since the age of Charlemagne. It may be Tim’s last chance to save his crumbling ancestral home.

As usual, I enjoyed the dual timelines, especially the past. Very intriguing…I mean who does not like Vikings! However, the present day was a bit slow and cumbersome.

As much as I enjoyed the premise of this book, I was not a fan of the writing style. There is a lot going on in this book and it was like the author was trying to throw everything he learned in one book.

That being said, I savored the treasure hunt, the secrets and the setting!

I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.

[Ken Fredette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Carlo F. Sente did enough to get you involved with the people he had as characters. Tim and Julia, Frank and Tamara, Bera and Rascalis and Gisela. He didn't really complete any of these people with who they wanted, except for Frank and Tamara. He leaves you with the gold still out there and another possible book in the future. But with the Vikings and Godfrid's reasoning at the end of the story it is improvable that they can continue on with the story making any sense. Plus they can't make public their findings without every Government with vikings conquests being involved. It left me with an unknown want.

[Claudete Takahashi · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Plague of God is told in a dual timeline in both men are driven by greed for gold/money and will lie, kill and do anything to meet their goals. The beginning of the story is somewhat slow but it improves as the treasure hunt takes force and brings Tim and Frank working together to discover the treasure coveted through centuries. Engaging and entertaining!
I thank the author, his publisher, and NetGalley for this ARC.

[Anita Coates · Rating 2 out of 5]

Too much angst; not enough action. For me it was a very boring book