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Le Cycle du Soleil Noir #1
Le Triomphe des Ténèbres
1938. Dans une Europe au bord de l’abîme, une organisation nazie, l’Ahnenerbe, pille des lieux sacrés à travers le monde. Ils cherchent à amasser des trésors aux pouvoirs obscurs destinés à établir le règne millénaire du Troisième Reich. Son maître, Himmler, envoie des SS fouiller un sanctuaire tibétain dans une vallée oubliée de l’Himalaya. Il se rend lui-même en Espagne, dans un monastère, pour chercher un tableau énigmatique. De quelle puissance ancienne les nazis croient-ils détenir la clé?
À Londres, Churchill découvre que la guerre contre l’Allemagne sera aussi la guerre spirituelle de la lumière contre l’occulte.
Ce livre est le premier tome d’une saga où l’histoire occulte fait se rencontrer les acteurs majeurs de la Seconde Guerre mondiale et des personnages aux destins d’exception : Tristan, le trafiquant d’art au passé trouble, Erika, une archéologue allemande, Laure, l’héritière des Cathares…
À Londres, Churchill découvre que la guerre contre l’Allemagne sera aussi la guerre spirituelle de la lumière contre l’occulte.
Ce livre est le premier tome d’une saga où l’histoire occulte fait se rencontrer les acteurs majeurs de la Seconde Guerre mondiale et des personnages aux destins d’exception : Tristan, le trafiquant d’art au passé trouble, Erika, une archéologue allemande, Laure, l’héritière des Cathares…
480 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 4, 2018
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May 17, 2020
Artifact
The Four Symbols (Sacred Grounds) is a World War II thriller set against the shrouded beginnings and growth of Nazi ideology and the pursuit of ancient relics in establishing a new order - a Third Reich. Ancient swastika relics hold importance and deep meaning that foster a new religion and a supernatural potential that could garner unparalleled power.
As the Nazis exercised their ruthless and vicious intent on Jews and everyone who opposed their doctrine, Professor Otto Neumann was preparing to meet an old British friend, Malorley, and escape Germany. Before he could leave, Colonel Karl Weistort of the SS, and head of the Ahnenerbe, entered his book shop and confiscated an extremely old manuscript called the ‘Thule Borealis Kulten’ and left Neumann to die.
Eric Giacometti, crafts a wonderfully sinister story with tension and suspense maintained throughout. The adventure has similarities to Raiders of the Lost Ark, but a lot less focused on the all-action, all-conquering hero. The intelligent, personable and psychotic Weistort is a great antihero for the drama that unfolds and Malorley plays his counterpart extremely well. The third main character is Tristan and he is caught between the two sides delicately playing the game that will keep him alive and possibly prevent the Germans from achieving their plans. The plot, while fascinating and packed with excitement contained a few holes that left me wondering. I’m not talking about the connection between the early Nazi party and the occult, because that was something the party actually established its roots in. The swastika in its left-facing form is an ancient religious icon from Asia, implying divinity and spirituality, which may have encouraged the Nazi party to use it with their own transformation. In reality and within this story, the party factions claiming devotion to the occult became more marginalised.
This book is the first of the Black Sun Trilogy and as one relic was discovered at the beginning of this novel, the three novels are likely to focus on tracking down one of the three remaining relics each. This is a trilogy worth following and I would rate this book 4.5 stars. I would like to thank my Goodreads friend Exitgirl05 for recommending this book to me, and to Hodder and Stoughton, and NetGalley for providing me with a free ARC in return for an honest review.
The Four Symbols (Sacred Grounds) is a World War II thriller set against the shrouded beginnings and growth of Nazi ideology and the pursuit of ancient relics in establishing a new order - a Third Reich. Ancient swastika relics hold importance and deep meaning that foster a new religion and a supernatural potential that could garner unparalleled power.
As the Nazis exercised their ruthless and vicious intent on Jews and everyone who opposed their doctrine, Professor Otto Neumann was preparing to meet an old British friend, Malorley, and escape Germany. Before he could leave, Colonel Karl Weistort of the SS, and head of the Ahnenerbe, entered his book shop and confiscated an extremely old manuscript called the ‘Thule Borealis Kulten’ and left Neumann to die.
“Hunched over on his chair, Otto Neumann was slipping into darkness. The synagogue had become a torch before his eyes. Now he knew that the fires outside were only the beginning. Tonight, Germany was aflame. Tomorrow the world. All because of a book. A damn book.”The Ahnenerbe is officially a cultural institute that conducts archaeological and esoteric research, but under the direct control of Himmler, there is a fixation with the occult, which sets a dark and evil tone to the already brutal activities of the SS. Commander Malorley explains to the British prime minister and golden circle, including Churchill and King George, the background of the relics and the importance of stopping Reichsführer Himmler’s supernatural quest.
“They managed to steal a book thought to be a legend—the Thule Borealis Kulten—from a bookseller in Berlin. It was written in the Middle Ages and is said to have belonged to Emperor Frederick Barbarossa before it disappeared. It tells a curious tale from a time long ago, before Ancient Greece, even before the pyramids. A mythical continent, Hyperborea, cradle of the so-called Aryan race, was faced with the onset of an ice age. Its inhabitants fled to the four corners of the earth, while their four lords hid the symbols of their power. Four swastikas symbolizing water, air, earth, and fire.”With the first relic already discovered in Tibet by Weistort, Malorley convinces the British Government that they must find the remaining relics before the Germans.
Eric Giacometti, crafts a wonderfully sinister story with tension and suspense maintained throughout. The adventure has similarities to Raiders of the Lost Ark, but a lot less focused on the all-action, all-conquering hero. The intelligent, personable and psychotic Weistort is a great antihero for the drama that unfolds and Malorley plays his counterpart extremely well. The third main character is Tristan and he is caught between the two sides delicately playing the game that will keep him alive and possibly prevent the Germans from achieving their plans. The plot, while fascinating and packed with excitement contained a few holes that left me wondering. I’m not talking about the connection between the early Nazi party and the occult, because that was something the party actually established its roots in. The swastika in its left-facing form is an ancient religious icon from Asia, implying divinity and spirituality, which may have encouraged the Nazi party to use it with their own transformation. In reality and within this story, the party factions claiming devotion to the occult became more marginalised.
This book is the first of the Black Sun Trilogy and as one relic was discovered at the beginning of this novel, the three novels are likely to focus on tracking down one of the three remaining relics each. This is a trilogy worth following and I would rate this book 4.5 stars. I would like to thank my Goodreads friend Exitgirl05 for recommending this book to me, and to Hodder and Stoughton, and NetGalley for providing me with a free ARC in return for an honest review.
June 8, 2020
This is the first in a trilogy, translated historical fiction WW2 thriller from the authors, Eric Giacometti and Jacques Ravenne, set at the beginning of the war that focuses on the Nazi obsession with the occult and the supernatural, symbolised by the swastika itself, widely used to represent their political party. It begins with the Jewish Professor Otto Neumann, now a bookseller in Berlin, is preparing to leave the city when SS Colonel Karl Weistort, Head of the Ahneberbe, enters the shop, intent on acquiring and taking a rare book from the Middle Ages, 'Thule Borealis Kulten', containing valuable information as to the location of 4 ancient hidden symbols/relics of incredible power, vital in ensuring the Nazis win the war, and leaving behind a dying Neumann. The Ahneberbe engages in archaeological and esoteric research, supported by by Himmler, the powerful Reichsfuhrer, close to Hitler, convinced that the Nazis are destined to dominate the entire world.
Commander Malorley, Head of the SOE Propaganda and Psychological Warfare Division, a friend of the now dead Neumann, is determined the derail the Nazi hunt for the symbols and does not much care how he does it. He knows Weistort and the Nazis have ruthlessly and brutally acquired one relic from the caves of Tibet and are looking for a second in France at Montserrat, convinced it was hidden by the defeated Cathars. Despite Churchill's initial opposition, Malorley and two SOE agents embark on a dangerous undercover assignment, aided by the resistance, to foil the German mission and acquire this symbol for themselves. The Frenchman Tristan, art historian and art hunter, acquires an ostensibly worthless painting during the ransacking of a monastery, finds himself inadvertently caught up in the hunt for the relic, along with renowned archaeologist, Erika von Essling.
There is plenty of adventure and action in the narrative, although it takes quite a while before the different threads begin to connect, which can feel a little frustrating. I imagine this was because the authors were taking the opportunity to establish the characters and story for what is to follow in the coming books. This is a entertaining, dark and intense read that looks at the Nazis belief system, their conviction in their superiority, and the part the occult played in that and the decisions that informed the trajectory of the war. There are occasions when the storytelling feels less than seamless, no doubt due to having two authors and translation issues. Many thanks to Hodder and Stoughton for an ARC.
Commander Malorley, Head of the SOE Propaganda and Psychological Warfare Division, a friend of the now dead Neumann, is determined the derail the Nazi hunt for the symbols and does not much care how he does it. He knows Weistort and the Nazis have ruthlessly and brutally acquired one relic from the caves of Tibet and are looking for a second in France at Montserrat, convinced it was hidden by the defeated Cathars. Despite Churchill's initial opposition, Malorley and two SOE agents embark on a dangerous undercover assignment, aided by the resistance, to foil the German mission and acquire this symbol for themselves. The Frenchman Tristan, art historian and art hunter, acquires an ostensibly worthless painting during the ransacking of a monastery, finds himself inadvertently caught up in the hunt for the relic, along with renowned archaeologist, Erika von Essling.
There is plenty of adventure and action in the narrative, although it takes quite a while before the different threads begin to connect, which can feel a little frustrating. I imagine this was because the authors were taking the opportunity to establish the characters and story for what is to follow in the coming books. This is a entertaining, dark and intense read that looks at the Nazis belief system, their conviction in their superiority, and the part the occult played in that and the decisions that informed the trajectory of the war. There are occasions when the storytelling feels less than seamless, no doubt due to having two authors and translation issues. Many thanks to Hodder and Stoughton for an ARC.
May 15, 2020
This baby is finaly published! 🥰
I'm delighted and speechless! A fantastic book that you won't be able to put down!
I never liked the World War II theme. Concentration camps, tortures and persecutions have always caused me nausea and anxiety. The main reason is my grandfather who spent most of the war in an Austrian labor camp. Fortunately, he survived and was able to return home on foot.
But I did not know part of Nazi philosophy and Hitler's obsession with occultism. Thanks to this book, I learned a lot and I have to admit I was infected! I can’t wait for sequels! Giacometti and Ravenne have put together a fantastic story with lots of characters and individual stories. It's a skill that few writers have. Sometimes, I felt like I was reading GoT. Political intrigue, espionage, history, art, and all together pervasive read that makes you read "just one more chapter."
A big "Thank YOU" to Hodder And Stoughton and Netgalley for providing me with a free copy of the book! I will be happy to recommend it to everyone!
I'm delighted and speechless! A fantastic book that you won't be able to put down!
I never liked the World War II theme. Concentration camps, tortures and persecutions have always caused me nausea and anxiety. The main reason is my grandfather who spent most of the war in an Austrian labor camp. Fortunately, he survived and was able to return home on foot.
But I did not know part of Nazi philosophy and Hitler's obsession with occultism. Thanks to this book, I learned a lot and I have to admit I was infected! I can’t wait for sequels! Giacometti and Ravenne have put together a fantastic story with lots of characters and individual stories. It's a skill that few writers have. Sometimes, I felt like I was reading GoT. Political intrigue, espionage, history, art, and all together pervasive read that makes you read "just one more chapter."
A big "Thank YOU" to Hodder And Stoughton and Netgalley for providing me with a free copy of the book! I will be happy to recommend it to everyone!
August 26, 2020
Hats off to Giacometti and Ravenne on this brilliant book! I was hooked from the first chapter!
Set in World War II, this thriller managed to add a mystical and occult dimension to the historical period I was never really interested in and make me feel like I was on a quest similar to the Raiders of the Lost Ark.
The story follows the Nazis in their pursuit of the ancient swastika relics they believe to have an unparalleled supernatural power that could ensure their victory, and the allies who are trying to stop them.
Giacometti and Ravenne marvelously alternate the narratives between several protagonists and locations always keeping you at the edge of your seat. The heroes and antiheroes are so well written that at times I didn't know whether to root for the Nazis or the allies.
I cannot wait to read parts 2 and 3!
Thank you to Hodder and Stoughton and NetGalley for providing me with a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 24, 2020
It took me a while to find a point of reference in this novel.
There is no faint hearts in the authorship here they set their intriguing thriller against World War II.
This isn’t an alternative history. Rather, cleverly weaving historical aspects through the methods and motivations of the Nazi high command and the fictional acumen that comes from deep research and creative imaginations.
This is a book of the dark sciences and the occult; powers sought out by Himmler especially, to harness a supernatural advantage as Germany prepared to and exercised modern warfare to dominate and fulfil their destiny.
Learning of the existence of a book from the Middle Ages that is filled with esoterica and the clues to the location of special items. Himmler instructs his officers to find the book as ownership will bring success in battle, for those armed with these four symbols of ultimate power. Needless to say the SS obtain it; the Thule Borealis Kulten, and quickly they seek out and recover the first element which brings Germany their sweeping early victories across Europe as they Blitzkrieg their way into Paris and the domination of most of Western Europe.
I found this artefact extraction initially too much as the Germans head off to Tibet. Too much Indiana Jones and not enough character to build a story around.
This changes with the arrival of Tristan, a Frenchman apparently on the wrong side in the Spanish Civil War. Although he appears to be a character with limited life expectancy, he seems genuine, despite his past, who you want to do well. He may be a flawed individual but he has a casual charm and ready wit especially when contemplating his immediate future.
The book gets bogged down again initially where the British seek to counter this occult vision of supremely the Germans cash in on.
But once the SOE are deployed we have a familiar scenario of a wartime mission into occupied France to frustrate German objectives in obtaining the second “magical” element .
I found this storyline thrilling and refreshingly original. I also liked all the secrecy and Nazi focus on these symbols of power and Hitler potentially being a re-incarnated Frederick Barbarossa. Indeed this mix of religious intent, the Cathars, Crusaders and the Inquisition intermingled with the modern Third Reich seems quite compatible with the unfolding drama.
That Rudolf Hess was overindulgent with astrological charts and the possession of the second symbol could facilitate the opening up of the Eastern front most compelling and opens up a great story you want to read.
This mix of history in this type of fiction is always a challenge, especially to integrate it fully into the narrative. When it is super-imposed on such a grand backdrop like National Socialism and Germany’s path to war it is a tremendous achievement.
This makes for a fresh almost unique novel. Indeed, the subject matter being so vast It has by necessity led to a trilogy of books. If they maintain this high standard no-one will be complaining. I’m so grateful for the opportunity to read this first instalment and I will definitely read the other two.
There is no faint hearts in the authorship here they set their intriguing thriller against World War II.
This isn’t an alternative history. Rather, cleverly weaving historical aspects through the methods and motivations of the Nazi high command and the fictional acumen that comes from deep research and creative imaginations.
This is a book of the dark sciences and the occult; powers sought out by Himmler especially, to harness a supernatural advantage as Germany prepared to and exercised modern warfare to dominate and fulfil their destiny.
Learning of the existence of a book from the Middle Ages that is filled with esoterica and the clues to the location of special items. Himmler instructs his officers to find the book as ownership will bring success in battle, for those armed with these four symbols of ultimate power. Needless to say the SS obtain it; the Thule Borealis Kulten, and quickly they seek out and recover the first element which brings Germany their sweeping early victories across Europe as they Blitzkrieg their way into Paris and the domination of most of Western Europe.
I found this artefact extraction initially too much as the Germans head off to Tibet. Too much Indiana Jones and not enough character to build a story around.
This changes with the arrival of Tristan, a Frenchman apparently on the wrong side in the Spanish Civil War. Although he appears to be a character with limited life expectancy, he seems genuine, despite his past, who you want to do well. He may be a flawed individual but he has a casual charm and ready wit especially when contemplating his immediate future.
The book gets bogged down again initially where the British seek to counter this occult vision of supremely the Germans cash in on.
But once the SOE are deployed we have a familiar scenario of a wartime mission into occupied France to frustrate German objectives in obtaining the second “magical” element .
I found this storyline thrilling and refreshingly original. I also liked all the secrecy and Nazi focus on these symbols of power and Hitler potentially being a re-incarnated Frederick Barbarossa. Indeed this mix of religious intent, the Cathars, Crusaders and the Inquisition intermingled with the modern Third Reich seems quite compatible with the unfolding drama.
That Rudolf Hess was overindulgent with astrological charts and the possession of the second symbol could facilitate the opening up of the Eastern front most compelling and opens up a great story you want to read.
This mix of history in this type of fiction is always a challenge, especially to integrate it fully into the narrative. When it is super-imposed on such a grand backdrop like National Socialism and Germany’s path to war it is a tremendous achievement.
This makes for a fresh almost unique novel. Indeed, the subject matter being so vast It has by necessity led to a trilogy of books. If they maintain this high standard no-one will be complaining. I’m so grateful for the opportunity to read this first instalment and I will definitely read the other two.
April 1, 2020
"relu" ou plutôt écouté en cette période de confinement.
Je confirme le coup de coeur. De l'Histoire, de l'aventure et des personnages bien campés. Une histoire pleine de surprises, bien documentée, on suit les (mes)aventures de nos héros et méchants avec plaisir.
Un petit plus pour le personnage de Tristan qui n'est pas sans faire penser à un certains archéologue au fouet et au chapeau!
Je confirme le coup de coeur. De l'Histoire, de l'aventure et des personnages bien campés. Une histoire pleine de surprises, bien documentée, on suit les (mes)aventures de nos héros et méchants avec plaisir.
Un petit plus pour le personnage de Tristan qui n'est pas sans faire penser à un certains archéologue au fouet et au chapeau!
June 7, 2020
This is the first part of a trilogy. The story starts in the late 1930's then moves into the first year of WWII.
There are a lot of characters and to keep them apart I focusssed mainly on the places they visited.
The looting of artifacts has started. A group of nazis steal a sacred symbol from Tibet and bring it back to Europe. The piece belongs to a bigger structure and the search is on to find the missing parts. The journey takes the reader all over Europe, sharing a lot of historical facts on the esoteric endevours of the nazis, who study the occult from a science point of view.
The Four Symbols presents a lesser known part of WWII which I found interesting. The scenery is as grey and oppressing as any book about war. The writing is captivating, with indepth characters travelling at a good pace.
I'm looking forward to the next part in this trilogy.
Thank you Netgalley and Hodder & Stoughton for the ARC.
There are a lot of characters and to keep them apart I focusssed mainly on the places they visited.
The looting of artifacts has started. A group of nazis steal a sacred symbol from Tibet and bring it back to Europe. The piece belongs to a bigger structure and the search is on to find the missing parts. The journey takes the reader all over Europe, sharing a lot of historical facts on the esoteric endevours of the nazis, who study the occult from a science point of view.
The Four Symbols presents a lesser known part of WWII which I found interesting. The scenery is as grey and oppressing as any book about war. The writing is captivating, with indepth characters travelling at a good pace.
I'm looking forward to the next part in this trilogy.
Thank you Netgalley and Hodder & Stoughton for the ARC.
May 6, 2020
Nazi treasure hunters are trying to locate four ancient relics, which are sacred symbols to the Nazis, to win World War II and establish Nazi world domination.
Nazis working for the Ahnenerbe murder a professor and steal a rare book from the Middle Ages in Berlin that guides the search for the relics and they are soon able to pillage the first of the relics. Archeologists and academics across Europe are secretly trying to protect the locations of the remaining relics, working alongside the French and Spanish resistance and the British to stop the Nazis' reign of terror from expanding further throughout Europe.
The plot is an interesting and captivating mix between a treasure hunt, a spy thriller and historical fiction, with the backdrop of Europe during the Nazi regime.
There are several narrators in different countries. It seems a bit disjointed at first, but as the plot moves along, the connections between people, places and events significant to different characters become clear. I am assuming some plot threads were intentionally left hanging and be picked up again in the next books of the series.
I definitely got to know some new and interesting facts about the Nazi regime and WWII that I did not know, such as the extent of their obsession with mysticism and the occult and other, smaller, details about some of Hitler's inner circle. Character development could have been stronger at the beginning, but it did not take away from the plot.
I look forward to reading the next instalment of the series.
Thank you to NetGalley, the authors Giacometti and Ravenne and Hodder & Stoughton for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Nazis working for the Ahnenerbe murder a professor and steal a rare book from the Middle Ages in Berlin that guides the search for the relics and they are soon able to pillage the first of the relics. Archeologists and academics across Europe are secretly trying to protect the locations of the remaining relics, working alongside the French and Spanish resistance and the British to stop the Nazis' reign of terror from expanding further throughout Europe.
The plot is an interesting and captivating mix between a treasure hunt, a spy thriller and historical fiction, with the backdrop of Europe during the Nazi regime.
There are several narrators in different countries. It seems a bit disjointed at first, but as the plot moves along, the connections between people, places and events significant to different characters become clear. I am assuming some plot threads were intentionally left hanging and be picked up again in the next books of the series.
I definitely got to know some new and interesting facts about the Nazi regime and WWII that I did not know, such as the extent of their obsession with mysticism and the occult and other, smaller, details about some of Hitler's inner circle. Character development could have been stronger at the beginning, but it did not take away from the plot.
I look forward to reading the next instalment of the series.
Thank you to NetGalley, the authors Giacometti and Ravenne and Hodder & Stoughton for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
April 17, 2020
**Thank you to Hodder and Stoughton for giving me copy of this book for an honest review!**
3.5* This book, set during World War II, combines fiction with real historical figures as characters. This includes Churchill, Hitler, Hess, Himmler, and the rest of Hitler's inner circle. The Nazi's Ahnenerbe, a group composed of scientists and soldiers, formed to prove Aryan superiority, has dispatched teams all over the world. They even sent a team to Tibet. They are looking for Four Symbols of power. We also have a British agent, Malorley, who convinced Churchill and his government to let him go into occupied France to disrupt a Nazi archaeological dig looking for one of these symbols. There's also another character, a Frenchman, Tristan, who finds himself with a group of Spanish resistance fighters at first, then being a prisoner of the SS, then in the centre of the Ahnenerbe search.
If there's a criticism, it's the portrayal of the whole dynamic among Hitler's inner circle - the backstabbing and the power-mongering - all interesting, but does not add too much into the plot. Reading through those tended to slow the pace down. I would have preferred just focusing on the search for the mythical symbols. This book is also very clearly the first one of a trilogy. The premise is introduced to us, but not everything is explained. Presumably, the loose ends will be tied up in books 2 and 3.
3.5* This book, set during World War II, combines fiction with real historical figures as characters. This includes Churchill, Hitler, Hess, Himmler, and the rest of Hitler's inner circle. The Nazi's Ahnenerbe, a group composed of scientists and soldiers, formed to prove Aryan superiority, has dispatched teams all over the world. They even sent a team to Tibet. They are looking for Four Symbols of power. We also have a British agent, Malorley, who convinced Churchill and his government to let him go into occupied France to disrupt a Nazi archaeological dig looking for one of these symbols. There's also another character, a Frenchman, Tristan, who finds himself with a group of Spanish resistance fighters at first, then being a prisoner of the SS, then in the centre of the Ahnenerbe search.
If there's a criticism, it's the portrayal of the whole dynamic among Hitler's inner circle - the backstabbing and the power-mongering - all interesting, but does not add too much into the plot. Reading through those tended to slow the pace down. I would have preferred just focusing on the search for the mythical symbols. This book is also very clearly the first one of a trilogy. The premise is introduced to us, but not everything is explained. Presumably, the loose ends will be tied up in books 2 and 3.
June 21, 2019
Ha resultado ser un thriller estupendo, espero con ansías la continuación.
Al comienzo del libro los autores nos explican de dónde surgió la idea para esta historia, desde sus primeras páginas ya prometía mucho.
La trama nos lleva a una de las épocas más oscuras de la historia, cuando Hitler está en el poder y los Aliados hacen todo por evitar una catástrofe a nivel mundial, la verdad me ha entretenido como no esperaba, hay toda una red de espionaje que nos mantendrá al vilo.
Desconocía la importancia que tuvo el esoterismo y todas sus implicaciones para los Nazis, los autores han sabido mezclar lo real con la ficción de una manera esplendida.
En una expedición al Tibet, los Alemanes logran conseguir una reliquia que según un libro misterioso, los hará invencibles y así ganaran la guerra, pero para que esta profecía se haga realidad deberán conseguir otras tres, es ahí donde los protagonistas principales Malorley y Tristán, recurren a todo tipo de estrategia para evitar que se hagan con la segunda reliquia, lo que los llevará a Francia y a cruzarse con una serie de personajes muy interesantes.
Al comienzo del libro los autores nos explican de dónde surgió la idea para esta historia, desde sus primeras páginas ya prometía mucho.
La trama nos lleva a una de las épocas más oscuras de la historia, cuando Hitler está en el poder y los Aliados hacen todo por evitar una catástrofe a nivel mundial, la verdad me ha entretenido como no esperaba, hay toda una red de espionaje que nos mantendrá al vilo.
Desconocía la importancia que tuvo el esoterismo y todas sus implicaciones para los Nazis, los autores han sabido mezclar lo real con la ficción de una manera esplendida.
En una expedición al Tibet, los Alemanes logran conseguir una reliquia que según un libro misterioso, los hará invencibles y así ganaran la guerra, pero para que esta profecía se haga realidad deberán conseguir otras tres, es ahí donde los protagonistas principales Malorley y Tristán, recurren a todo tipo de estrategia para evitar que se hagan con la segunda reliquia, lo que los llevará a Francia y a cruzarse con una serie de personajes muy interesantes.
December 23, 2019
Thank you netgalley and publisher for this book to review. This book started off fast paced and slowed for me. The writing style was fine but it was to slow for me.
September 6, 2024
A la fin j'ai fait oooooooooh 😲
July 5, 2021
I was looking to read in the action-adventure genre, where good and bad guys chase after historical/mythical objects which holds immense power and action shifts non-stop from location to location. The Four Symbols fits the bill perfectly.
This is the first novel in a trilogy, The Black Sun, originally written in french and translated in English. Just before the World War 2 starts, Nazis acquired a rare middle age book ,"Thule Borealis Kulten" , which contains a pathway to four ancient hidden relics, which can make them invincible.
After discovery of the first relic from Tibet, Word War 2 commences and the early Nazi triumphs convinces Himmler, head of the dreaded SS, that with all four relics, Nazis are destined to dominate the world. Colonel Weistort, intelligent but psychotic, head of Ahnenerbe, a reaserch wing under Himmler, starts the search for the second relic. On the opposite side, Commander Malorlay, convinces Churchil to take counter measures to derail the Nazi plan. Caught between the two sides, Tristan, a french revolutionary, who may be playing a double agent.
The plot is dark and packed with action with a supernatural feeling, and the authors do not shy away from Nazi sadism and their sinister belief system. Though, the story is little ambiguous at times, but with new characters set to join in the coming novels, this is an exciting and intriguing start.
This is the first novel in a trilogy, The Black Sun, originally written in french and translated in English. Just before the World War 2 starts, Nazis acquired a rare middle age book ,"Thule Borealis Kulten" , which contains a pathway to four ancient hidden relics, which can make them invincible.
After discovery of the first relic from Tibet, Word War 2 commences and the early Nazi triumphs convinces Himmler, head of the dreaded SS, that with all four relics, Nazis are destined to dominate the world. Colonel Weistort, intelligent but psychotic, head of Ahnenerbe, a reaserch wing under Himmler, starts the search for the second relic. On the opposite side, Commander Malorlay, convinces Churchil to take counter measures to derail the Nazi plan. Caught between the two sides, Tristan, a french revolutionary, who may be playing a double agent.
The plot is dark and packed with action with a supernatural feeling, and the authors do not shy away from Nazi sadism and their sinister belief system. Though, the story is little ambiguous at times, but with new characters set to join in the coming novels, this is an exciting and intriguing start.
April 16, 2020
Brilliant book! I'm sure this will end up being one of my favorites of this year!
Giacometti and Ravenne's excellent storytelling kept me equal parts horrified and captivated throughout a book filled with unforseen twists and turns.
The Black Sun trilogy begins just before the outbreak of World War II and takes place during its first years.
WWII has always held a terrifying fascination for me, partly because of what people are capable - and willing - to do to others in search of power.
The Four Symbols takes us on the hunt for centuries old relics, supposedly infused with immeasurable power which will bring the world to its knees before whomever holds them - and Hitler's Germany has the upper hand, being in possession of a book which points them to the relics' hiding places.
I personally enjoyed the added touch of the authors keeping the german titels for Nazi officers and commanders, but I can see that it could possibly be confusing.
I think that Giacometti and Ravenne made an excellent decision in alternating the narratives - especially nearing the end, where the frequency between the changes increased; I think it managed to convey a sense of hurried dread.
Giacometti and Ravenne's excellent storytelling kept me equal parts horrified and captivated throughout a book filled with unforseen twists and turns.
The Black Sun trilogy begins just before the outbreak of World War II and takes place during its first years.
WWII has always held a terrifying fascination for me, partly because of what people are capable - and willing - to do to others in search of power.
The Four Symbols takes us on the hunt for centuries old relics, supposedly infused with immeasurable power which will bring the world to its knees before whomever holds them - and Hitler's Germany has the upper hand, being in possession of a book which points them to the relics' hiding places.
I personally enjoyed the added touch of the authors keeping the german titels for Nazi officers and commanders, but I can see that it could possibly be confusing.
I think that Giacometti and Ravenne made an excellent decision in alternating the narratives - especially nearing the end, where the frequency between the changes increased; I think it managed to convey a sense of hurried dread.
June 10, 2018
What promised to be an intelligent reader's Da Vinci Code turned out to be ridiculous and idiotic. The characters are silly bad or silly good, like Nazis and the people who fought them in Hollywood movies from the '60s and '70s. There is not enough research to add depth and interest, and even the writers admit in the afterward that they had invented stuff that only later they learned were actually true. Next time, do the homework on the subject you're writing about. There were implausible lucky coincidences happening at every turn, and not enough editing to tighten things up and keep consistency. I only read it to the end because I had to for work.
April 20, 2020
Una aventura con nazis y reliquias perdidas que entretiene y se lee rápido, aunque está escrito casi como un libro de historia por la cantidad de datos que aporta. Pero el final se resuelve en forma satisfactoria, lo que ya es bastante pedir. El punto en contra es que se trata, una vez más, de una trilogía, y no queda más remedio que confiar en que se edite el resto de la saga
June 6, 2020
would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this book
wow though i initially loved this book as it started off fast paced it then slowed...interesting concept to the book based in the second world war
but on the whole the characters were well established and right on the money...well researched....
wow though i initially loved this book as it started off fast paced it then slowed...interesting concept to the book based in the second world war
but on the whole the characters were well established and right on the money...well researched....
July 17, 2018
Résumé Le triomphe de ténèbres de Giacometti et Ravenne
En 1938, Neuman est prêt à partir rejoindre sa femme en Angleterre. Il attend un visiteur. Mais ce sont les Allemands qui arrivent. Allemands qui cherchent un livre du Moyen-Age.
Quelques mois plus tard, au Tibet, Weistort est à la recherche de la Swastika.
Avis Le triomphe de ténèbres de Giacometti et Ravenne
Quant Eric Giacometti et Jacques Ravenne te bousculent, cela donne le premier tome de la trilogie, Le cycle du Soleil Noir, soit Le Triomphe des Ténèbres. Bousculée, je l’ai été. J’ai eu du mal à me plonger dans ce roman. Pourquoi ? Parce que j’ai été habituée aux enquêtes d’Antoine Marcas, le personnage récurrent, dont il me reste quelques enquêtes à lire. Bousculée parce que j’ai eu l’habitude que les deux auteurs mêlent passé et présent. Mais dans Le Triomphe des Ténèbres, ce n’est qu’un passé proche. La guerre menée par les Allemands, les SS. Je croyais ne rien avoir à apprendre à ce sujet, suite à deux documents lus il y a peu. Mais là, les auteurs se sont appuyés sur des documents trouvés et qui démontrent que certains dirigeants Allemands étaient obnubilés par l’ésotérisme, le pouvoir que cela pouvait leur amener au niveau mondial. Donc, après avoir été bousculée, avoir mis du temps à me plonger dans ce roman, j’ai été, encore une fois, scotchée par l’histoire avec un petit h et un grand H, racontée par les auteurs. Entre vérités et imagination, le lecteur ne sait pas trop où il se trouve. Cela va être dur d’attendre un peu plus de six mois pour lire le second opus.
Entre roman et document, surtout pour le début, tout se passe pendant la Seconde Guerre Mondiale. L’Allemagne est déjà bien installée en Europe. Elle a commencé ses exterminations. Les débuts du nazisme sont relatés tout comme sur quoi se sont appuyés les dirigeants nazis et notamment Hitler. Cela fait froid dans le dos. Mais rien ne peut nous étonner de ces personnes là qui vont détourner, à leur profit, ce qui est, au départ, censé faire le bien. Eric Giacometti et Jacques Ravenne ont posé les fondations de leur trilogie. Entre ésotérisme, magie, astrologie, certains dirigeants nazis vont piller des trésors et des trésors, que ce soit des livres, des tableaux, … et tout cela pour devenir les maîtres du monde. Bien entendu, nous avons les relations internationales entre l’Allemagne et d’autres pays, notamment l’Espagne et l’Angleterre. La fuite de nombreux Espagnols face à Franco. Ils n’ont pas trouvé mieux en France mais ont rejoint le maquis. Le personnage de Churchill est fidèle à lui-même. Pragmatique, dans ce roman, il devra tout de même réviser un tant soit peu ses croyances face aux éléments qui lui seront présentés.
Ce roman est riche d’une belle palette de personnages. Outre les noms récurrents de l’histoire du nazisme que tout un chacun connait, avec leurs caractères bien trempés, leurs luttes intestines pour être bien vus d’Hitler, dans ce roman, nous avons quatre personnages principaux. En effet, Laure Destillac arrive assez loin dans le roman. Ce qui est normal puisque le château de Montségur appartient à ses ancêtres et qu’il est le théâtre de recherches de la part des nazis. Weistort, le nazi à la tête d’un département allemand, débute ce roman. Profondément inhumain, il a des idées bien ancrées, il n’hésite pas à recourir à cette violence qui fait froid dans le dos pour retrouver ces fameuses Swastika, au nombre de quatre, qui vont asseoir le pouvoir nazi. Enfin, c’est ce qu’ils pensent tous. Ensuite, il y a Tristan, un Français, que l’on découvre en Espagne. Lui ne saura jamais s’il va être tué ou sauvé par les Espagnols, les nazis. Fort, certes, on apprendra bien évidemment son rôle dans cette fameuse quête. Mais Tristan est un homme, un homme qui a besoin d’une femme, qui peut tomber amoureux. Ce sera Laure ou peut-être Erika, cette archéologue allemande. Cette dernière semble ne pas accepter tout ce qui se passe dans son pays. Elle a déjà connu la violence avec son père. Elle a appris à ne pas montrer ses émotions. Femme instruite dans un pays où la femme est cantonnée à un rôle de mère, de femme au foyer, elle doit tout de même faire face à ces hommes au pouvoir immense.
Bien entendu, tous les fans de Marcas ont attendu de savoir si leurs deux auteurs favoris vont oublier ou pas Marcas. A vous de lire ce roman. Pour ma part, ils m’ont pris par surprise, je dois bien le dire.
J’ai un petit regret en ce qui concerne ce roman. Et ce regret arrive de plus en plus souvent. Fautes d’impression ou de relectures, j’ai trouvé trois ou quatre coquilles situées vers la fin du roman, comme s’il fallait se dépêcher à clôturer un roman. Cela me donne un sentiment de travail bâclé. Je suis désolée de l’écrire mais cela arrive pratiquement à chaque fois maintenant dans les romans que je peux lire. Bref, malgré cela, j’ai aussi envie d’écrire merci à Jacques Ravenne et Eric Giacometti pour nous avoir fait partager un moment intime, le mariage de Jacques Ravenne. C’était vraiment sympa de voir de si belles photos et autant de bonheur. Sur ce, il me tarde de lire la suite car là je ne suis pas en retard et je me plonge dès que possible dans une aventure d’Antoine car, là, franchement, j’ai du retard à combler.
En 1938, Neuman est prêt à partir rejoindre sa femme en Angleterre. Il attend un visiteur. Mais ce sont les Allemands qui arrivent. Allemands qui cherchent un livre du Moyen-Age.
Quelques mois plus tard, au Tibet, Weistort est à la recherche de la Swastika.
Avis Le triomphe de ténèbres de Giacometti et Ravenne
Quant Eric Giacometti et Jacques Ravenne te bousculent, cela donne le premier tome de la trilogie, Le cycle du Soleil Noir, soit Le Triomphe des Ténèbres. Bousculée, je l’ai été. J’ai eu du mal à me plonger dans ce roman. Pourquoi ? Parce que j’ai été habituée aux enquêtes d’Antoine Marcas, le personnage récurrent, dont il me reste quelques enquêtes à lire. Bousculée parce que j’ai eu l’habitude que les deux auteurs mêlent passé et présent. Mais dans Le Triomphe des Ténèbres, ce n’est qu’un passé proche. La guerre menée par les Allemands, les SS. Je croyais ne rien avoir à apprendre à ce sujet, suite à deux documents lus il y a peu. Mais là, les auteurs se sont appuyés sur des documents trouvés et qui démontrent que certains dirigeants Allemands étaient obnubilés par l’ésotérisme, le pouvoir que cela pouvait leur amener au niveau mondial. Donc, après avoir été bousculée, avoir mis du temps à me plonger dans ce roman, j’ai été, encore une fois, scotchée par l’histoire avec un petit h et un grand H, racontée par les auteurs. Entre vérités et imagination, le lecteur ne sait pas trop où il se trouve. Cela va être dur d’attendre un peu plus de six mois pour lire le second opus.
Entre roman et document, surtout pour le début, tout se passe pendant la Seconde Guerre Mondiale. L’Allemagne est déjà bien installée en Europe. Elle a commencé ses exterminations. Les débuts du nazisme sont relatés tout comme sur quoi se sont appuyés les dirigeants nazis et notamment Hitler. Cela fait froid dans le dos. Mais rien ne peut nous étonner de ces personnes là qui vont détourner, à leur profit, ce qui est, au départ, censé faire le bien. Eric Giacometti et Jacques Ravenne ont posé les fondations de leur trilogie. Entre ésotérisme, magie, astrologie, certains dirigeants nazis vont piller des trésors et des trésors, que ce soit des livres, des tableaux, … et tout cela pour devenir les maîtres du monde. Bien entendu, nous avons les relations internationales entre l’Allemagne et d’autres pays, notamment l’Espagne et l’Angleterre. La fuite de nombreux Espagnols face à Franco. Ils n’ont pas trouvé mieux en France mais ont rejoint le maquis. Le personnage de Churchill est fidèle à lui-même. Pragmatique, dans ce roman, il devra tout de même réviser un tant soit peu ses croyances face aux éléments qui lui seront présentés.
Ce roman est riche d’une belle palette de personnages. Outre les noms récurrents de l’histoire du nazisme que tout un chacun connait, avec leurs caractères bien trempés, leurs luttes intestines pour être bien vus d’Hitler, dans ce roman, nous avons quatre personnages principaux. En effet, Laure Destillac arrive assez loin dans le roman. Ce qui est normal puisque le château de Montségur appartient à ses ancêtres et qu’il est le théâtre de recherches de la part des nazis. Weistort, le nazi à la tête d’un département allemand, débute ce roman. Profondément inhumain, il a des idées bien ancrées, il n’hésite pas à recourir à cette violence qui fait froid dans le dos pour retrouver ces fameuses Swastika, au nombre de quatre, qui vont asseoir le pouvoir nazi. Enfin, c’est ce qu’ils pensent tous. Ensuite, il y a Tristan, un Français, que l’on découvre en Espagne. Lui ne saura jamais s’il va être tué ou sauvé par les Espagnols, les nazis. Fort, certes, on apprendra bien évidemment son rôle dans cette fameuse quête. Mais Tristan est un homme, un homme qui a besoin d’une femme, qui peut tomber amoureux. Ce sera Laure ou peut-être Erika, cette archéologue allemande. Cette dernière semble ne pas accepter tout ce qui se passe dans son pays. Elle a déjà connu la violence avec son père. Elle a appris à ne pas montrer ses émotions. Femme instruite dans un pays où la femme est cantonnée à un rôle de mère, de femme au foyer, elle doit tout de même faire face à ces hommes au pouvoir immense.
Bien entendu, tous les fans de Marcas ont attendu de savoir si leurs deux auteurs favoris vont oublier ou pas Marcas. A vous de lire ce roman. Pour ma part, ils m’ont pris par surprise, je dois bien le dire.
J’ai un petit regret en ce qui concerne ce roman. Et ce regret arrive de plus en plus souvent. Fautes d’impression ou de relectures, j’ai trouvé trois ou quatre coquilles situées vers la fin du roman, comme s’il fallait se dépêcher à clôturer un roman. Cela me donne un sentiment de travail bâclé. Je suis désolée de l’écrire mais cela arrive pratiquement à chaque fois maintenant dans les romans que je peux lire. Bref, malgré cela, j’ai aussi envie d’écrire merci à Jacques Ravenne et Eric Giacometti pour nous avoir fait partager un moment intime, le mariage de Jacques Ravenne. C’était vraiment sympa de voir de si belles photos et autant de bonheur. Sur ce, il me tarde de lire la suite car là je ne suis pas en retard et je me plonge dès que possible dans une aventure d’Antoine car, là, franchement, j’ai du retard à combler.
January 4, 2020
I was provided with an advanced copy of “The Four Symbols” to read and write an honest review.
This book is the first in the “The Black Sun Trilogy” by Giaocmetti and Ravenne. It is a thriller with mystery and some historical facts and people, with plenty of twists and turns.
The story follows the paths and experiences of several main characters and how their own journeys and paths come together as the Nazi’s race to obtain long forgotten relics with legendary and terrifying powers that have long been hidden from the world; and for good reason it would seem. All in a bid to help the Third Reich rise to power and dominate the world with their vision.
With the English and French operatives and Spanish Commandos coming together to try and stem the Nazi’s rise to power. Can they get to the relics before they fall into the wrong hands and save the world from a reign of terror and destruction? But what will it cost them, who and what will they loose in order to save the world..
While this story had a good plot line it was unfortunately really hard for me to keep engaged and interested. Normally when stories jump from one character’s perspective to another but the way it was written in this story made it confusing and left more gaps than it should have.
The were a lot of threads in the story that were left have explained and unfinished. If these had been finished off properly and explained in full it would have been able to keep the reader engaged and invested in the outcome of the story and the characters. Which is sad as this story had real potential.
I did enjoy the book overall just left there was a lot left to be done to really make it something you couldn’t put down.
This book is the first in the “The Black Sun Trilogy” by Giaocmetti and Ravenne. It is a thriller with mystery and some historical facts and people, with plenty of twists and turns.
The story follows the paths and experiences of several main characters and how their own journeys and paths come together as the Nazi’s race to obtain long forgotten relics with legendary and terrifying powers that have long been hidden from the world; and for good reason it would seem. All in a bid to help the Third Reich rise to power and dominate the world with their vision.
With the English and French operatives and Spanish Commandos coming together to try and stem the Nazi’s rise to power. Can they get to the relics before they fall into the wrong hands and save the world from a reign of terror and destruction? But what will it cost them, who and what will they loose in order to save the world..
While this story had a good plot line it was unfortunately really hard for me to keep engaged and interested. Normally when stories jump from one character’s perspective to another but the way it was written in this story made it confusing and left more gaps than it should have.
The were a lot of threads in the story that were left have explained and unfinished. If these had been finished off properly and explained in full it would have been able to keep the reader engaged and invested in the outcome of the story and the characters. Which is sad as this story had real potential.
I did enjoy the book overall just left there was a lot left to be done to really make it something you couldn’t put down.
March 10, 2020
This book exceeded all of my expectations! It gave me a new unique view to a part of history that has haunted millions of people for years. This book adds history, secret organizations, spies and so much more. I honestly cannot wait to read more.
July 26, 2024
Știți cum se spune: “Fiecare carte are cititorii ei”? Ei bine, eu cred că nu am fost cititoarea potrivită pentru această carte.🫣
Romanul este bazat pe fapte reale și surprinzătoare, combinate cu elemente de ficțiune, astfel încât vom descoperi legătura dintre nazism și ezoterism.
În această lectură, întâlnim nume mari ale istoriei în și vedem cum mulți dintre ei credeau că războiul nu va fi doar cel fizic, ci și unul spiritual, al lumii împotriva întunericului.
În peisaj apar relicve secrete, iar protagoniştii pornesc în căutarea lor sau ajung în posesia acestora prin diverse mijloace.
Eu, personal am simțit că citesc doar ficțiune istorică. Consider că au lipsit detaliile specifice unui thriller, care mă ajută să rămân în suspans pe parcursul lecturii.🫣
Nota: 2,5✨
Nota nu reflectă neapărat cât de bună a fost carte, deoarece este prima de acest tip pe care o citesc și nu am termen de comparație. Totuși, reprezintă ceea ce mi-a transmis mie în timpul lecturii: nu prea multe.🤷🏼♀️
Romanul este bazat pe fapte reale și surprinzătoare, combinate cu elemente de ficțiune, astfel încât vom descoperi legătura dintre nazism și ezoterism.
În această lectură, întâlnim nume mari ale istoriei în și vedem cum mulți dintre ei credeau că războiul nu va fi doar cel fizic, ci și unul spiritual, al lumii împotriva întunericului.
În peisaj apar relicve secrete, iar protagoniştii pornesc în căutarea lor sau ajung în posesia acestora prin diverse mijloace.
Eu, personal am simțit că citesc doar ficțiune istorică. Consider că au lipsit detaliile specifice unui thriller, care mă ajută să rămân în suspans pe parcursul lecturii.🫣
Nota: 2,5✨
Nota nu reflectă neapărat cât de bună a fost carte, deoarece este prima de acest tip pe care o citesc și nu am termen de comparație. Totuși, reprezintă ceea ce mi-a transmis mie în timpul lecturii: nu prea multe.🤷🏼♀️
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November 8, 2023Triumful intunericului este o carte buna luata de sine statatoare, dar este si mai buna daca o tratam ca prima a seriei. Avand in vedere faptul ca personajele sunt deja conturate, cel putin cele principale, iar cele reale, Churchill, Hitler, Himmler si cine mai e pe acolo (nu vi-i dezvalui pe toti), sunt conturate de istorie (daca-mi este permisa exprimarea!), ma astept ca partea a doua a seriei (Saga Soarelui Negru) sa fie mult mai buna, mult mai intensa, mult mai plina de suspans, mult mai alerta. Astept cu interes continuarea, care sper sa nu ma dezamageasca.
https://citestemil.ro/triumful-intune...
https://citestemil.ro/triumful-intune...
August 14, 2025
Ce livre n'est vraiment pas mal.
On peut peut être lui reprocher qu'entre chaque chapitre il change complètement de scénographie et de personnages. Ce qui fait que l'on perd parfois tout l'intérêt que l'on avait développé pour l'intrigue en cours.
Par ailleurs je trouve ça dommage que la plupart des personnages finissent par mourir parfois de façon assez brusque sans réel développement. Il est possible que ce soit volontaire notamment pour accentuer le réalisme de la periode de guerre et d'occupation du territoire français mais je n'ai pas particulièrement apprécié ce choix.
On peut peut être lui reprocher qu'entre chaque chapitre il change complètement de scénographie et de personnages. Ce qui fait que l'on perd parfois tout l'intérêt que l'on avait développé pour l'intrigue en cours.
Par ailleurs je trouve ça dommage que la plupart des personnages finissent par mourir parfois de façon assez brusque sans réel développement. Il est possible que ce soit volontaire notamment pour accentuer le réalisme de la periode de guerre et d'occupation du territoire français mais je n'ai pas particulièrement apprécié ce choix.
December 9, 2020
Primer tomo de la trilogía Sol Negro que nos narra las aventuras de los Nazi en su busca de las reliquias que les darán el poder para conquistar el mundo entero. Es un libro muy entretenido, de aventuras, recordando en muchos momentos a Indiana Jones.
Si esperas una novela basada en hechos reales, no es para ti. Es un libro de ficción basado en muchas conjeturas no demostradas y en muchos casos, pura invención, pero como novela amena, divertida y adictiva, cumple a la perfección. Seguiré con el segundo tomo sin duda...
Si esperas una novela basada en hechos reales, no es para ti. Es un libro de ficción basado en muchas conjeturas no demostradas y en muchos casos, pura invención, pero como novela amena, divertida y adictiva, cumple a la perfección. Seguiré con el segundo tomo sin duda...
November 20, 2025
Le premier tome de la saga du Soleil Noir, est un thriller palpitant et addictif avec en toile de fond la Seconde guerre mondiale (WW2). L'histoire est habilement tissée avec la fiction, et tout en suivant les "aventures" de Tristan Marcas dans le labyrinthe toxique du nazisme, on apprend plein de choses. Comme l'Ahnenerbe pour ne citer que cet exemple là. Ça promet pour les tomes suivants !
April 12, 2020
3,5⭐️
July 31, 2024
Un peu long, tous les chapitres ne sont pas d'intérêt égal.
Un plot twist sympa
Un plot twist sympa
May 30, 2020
¿Pueden unas antiguas reliquias convertir al Tercer Reich en el mayor poder existente sobre la faz de la Tierra?
Nos encontramos esta vez, ante una novela de aventuras ambientada en la Segunda Guerra Mundial. Pero a diferencia de la mayor parte de los libros sobre esa época, no va sobre campos de concentración ni sobre la guerra propiamente dicha.
Sus autores, Jacques Ravenne, maestro francmasón, especialista en el estudio de manuscritos antiguos y Éric Giacometti, periodista, parten de la investigación realizada en el año 2016, durante el rodaje de un documental en Moscú, sobre los archivos masónicos expoliados por los nazis y recuperados tiempos después por los rusos.
En parte ficción y en parte real, parten de la premisa de la obsesión de algunos altos cargos del ejército de Hitler, como Heinrich Himmler o Rudolf Hess, por todo lo relacionado con el esoterismo, reliquias poderosas, el poder adivinatorio de los astros…
El libro está divido en un prólogo donde los propios autores explican como surgió la idea y que te deja con ganas de seguir leyendo, tres partes y un epílogo que deja la puerta abierta al siguiente libro. Con descripciones que haces que te involucres en la historia y el contexto, haciendo que el lector se sienta transportado físicamente a los escenarios.
El hilo argumental comienza en Berlín con el robo de un libro, Thule Borealis Kulten, escrito en la Edad Media, perteneciente al emperador Federico Barbarroja. En él, se describe una leyenda sobre cuatro reliquias ancestrales, asociadas a los cuatro elementos fuego, aire, agua y tierra.
Éstas se convertirán en una obsesión para Himmler, uno de los miembros más crueles de la SS, ya que, según se cuenta, el ejercito que consiga todas las reliquias poseerá el poder absoluto e incluso conquistará el mundo. En agosto de 1939, una expedición nazi llegó a un valle perdido en el Tíbet donde encontrarán la Esvástica de Kanjur, la única localizada.
A partir de aquí, se mezclan hechos reales con una ficción repleta de espías, sociedades secretas y conspiraciones, al más puro estilo El Código Da Vinci o Indiana Jones, que me han mantenido enganchada leyendo.
Con una gran labor de documentación, los autores han sabido mezcla espionaje y fantasía con la realidad. La trama principal, la búsqueda de las reliquias, se entremezcla con la situación política que Europa vivía en ese momento. Veremos personajes reales y ficticios que irán dando forma a toda la historia.
De los primeros, tendremos a Churchill y como evitó la invasión alemana de las islas; a Franco, con quien asistiremos a la reunión que tuvo con Hitler en España para hacerle participar en la guerra contra Inglaterra… En cuanto a personajes ficticios, tenemos a Tristán, un joven francés que participó en la guerra civil española, que terminará preso de la Ahnenerbe, la división más enigmática de las SS, y se verá envuelta sin quererlo, en la búsqueda de las reliquias o Laure, una joven francesa de buena familia que luchará contra el estereotipo de la mujer de la época.
El triunfo de las tinieblas es el primer volumen de la saga Sol Negro, una novela con tintes históricos reales, que nos muestra otra cara de la Segunda Guerra Mundial. Además, se incluye una extensa bibliografía, en la que se han basados los autores, y que el lector puede consultar si quiere profundizar más.
Nos encontramos esta vez, ante una novela de aventuras ambientada en la Segunda Guerra Mundial. Pero a diferencia de la mayor parte de los libros sobre esa época, no va sobre campos de concentración ni sobre la guerra propiamente dicha.
Sus autores, Jacques Ravenne, maestro francmasón, especialista en el estudio de manuscritos antiguos y Éric Giacometti, periodista, parten de la investigación realizada en el año 2016, durante el rodaje de un documental en Moscú, sobre los archivos masónicos expoliados por los nazis y recuperados tiempos después por los rusos.
En parte ficción y en parte real, parten de la premisa de la obsesión de algunos altos cargos del ejército de Hitler, como Heinrich Himmler o Rudolf Hess, por todo lo relacionado con el esoterismo, reliquias poderosas, el poder adivinatorio de los astros…
El libro está divido en un prólogo donde los propios autores explican como surgió la idea y que te deja con ganas de seguir leyendo, tres partes y un epílogo que deja la puerta abierta al siguiente libro. Con descripciones que haces que te involucres en la historia y el contexto, haciendo que el lector se sienta transportado físicamente a los escenarios.
El hilo argumental comienza en Berlín con el robo de un libro, Thule Borealis Kulten, escrito en la Edad Media, perteneciente al emperador Federico Barbarroja. En él, se describe una leyenda sobre cuatro reliquias ancestrales, asociadas a los cuatro elementos fuego, aire, agua y tierra.
Éstas se convertirán en una obsesión para Himmler, uno de los miembros más crueles de la SS, ya que, según se cuenta, el ejercito que consiga todas las reliquias poseerá el poder absoluto e incluso conquistará el mundo. En agosto de 1939, una expedición nazi llegó a un valle perdido en el Tíbet donde encontrarán la Esvástica de Kanjur, la única localizada.
A partir de aquí, se mezclan hechos reales con una ficción repleta de espías, sociedades secretas y conspiraciones, al más puro estilo El Código Da Vinci o Indiana Jones, que me han mantenido enganchada leyendo.
Con una gran labor de documentación, los autores han sabido mezcla espionaje y fantasía con la realidad. La trama principal, la búsqueda de las reliquias, se entremezcla con la situación política que Europa vivía en ese momento. Veremos personajes reales y ficticios que irán dando forma a toda la historia.
De los primeros, tendremos a Churchill y como evitó la invasión alemana de las islas; a Franco, con quien asistiremos a la reunión que tuvo con Hitler en España para hacerle participar en la guerra contra Inglaterra… En cuanto a personajes ficticios, tenemos a Tristán, un joven francés que participó en la guerra civil española, que terminará preso de la Ahnenerbe, la división más enigmática de las SS, y se verá envuelta sin quererlo, en la búsqueda de las reliquias o Laure, una joven francesa de buena familia que luchará contra el estereotipo de la mujer de la época.
El triunfo de las tinieblas es el primer volumen de la saga Sol Negro, una novela con tintes históricos reales, que nos muestra otra cara de la Segunda Guerra Mundial. Además, se incluye una extensa bibliografía, en la que se han basados los autores, y que el lector puede consultar si quiere profundizar más.
October 3, 2019
El Triunfo de las Tinieblas, al más puro estilo Indiana Jones, nos acerca a una historia de aventuras ambientada en la Segunda Guerra Mundial. Pero no os penséis que es la típica historia sobre campos de concentración y la guerra en sí, en esta novela conoceremos un trasfondo de este conflicto que, si bien es cierto que es ficción, parte de una premisa histórica, que a mí me ha parecido de lo más interesante.
La historia comienza con el robo de un libro en Berlín, el Thule Borealis Kulten, escrito en la edad media y que perteneció al emperador Federico Barbarroja. En sus páginas, se describe una leyenda sobre cuatro reliquias ancestrales. La única localizada es la Esvástica de Kanjur, que fue encontrada en el Tíbet en 1939 y se cree que fue la razón por la que el ejército alemán gano en la guerra contra Polonia.
La búsqueda de las reliquias de los cuatro elementos fuego, aire, agua y tierra se convierte en uno obsesión para uno de los hombres más crueles de la SS, Heinrich Himmler, ya que según la leyenda el ejercito que consiga todas las reliquias poseerá el poder absoluto y será el vencedor de la guerra e incluso conquistará el mundo.
A partir de aquí, se mezclan hechos reales con una ficción repleta de espías, sociedades secretas y conspiraciones que han hecho que no pueda para de leer.
Destaco la facilidad con la que los autores han rodeado a la trama principal con la situación política que estaba viviendo Europa en el momento. La mezcla de personajes reales y novelescos es fantástica, y es que en este libro Churchill, Franco, el Duque de Kent y el mismísimo Hitler, forman parte de sus páginas siendo participes de esta historia. Esto convierte al libro en una lección de historia ya que se relatan hechos reales como los protagonizados por Churchill para evitar la invasión alemana de las islas e incluso la reunión que tuvo Hitler con Franco en España para hacerlo participe de la guerra contra Inglaterra.
Con respecto a los personajes ficticios destaco a Tritán un joven francés que participó de en la guerra civil española y que se verá envuelta en la búsqueda de las reliquias. Es un personaje que a medida que avanza la novela crece y pasas de que te caiga bastante mal a cogerle mucha simpatía. Pero hay un personaje que me ha encantado, Laure, una joven francesa que luchara contra el estereotipo de la mujer de la época por su familia. Espero que tome más papel en la segunda y tercera parte de la historia.
Su lenguaje sencillo y la pluma de los escritores nada enrevesada, hacen de este libro una lectura amena, al estilo de las novelas anteriormente nombradas.
Las escenas de aventuras son constantes y destaco todo el esoterismo que rodeaba al ejército alemán, que me ha resultado llamativamente interesante. Y es que cierto que altos mandos nazis como Heinrich Himmler, Richard Walther Darré, Rudolf Hess y Alfred Rosenberg confiaban sus decisiones en la guerra al ocultismo. ¿Intrigante verdad?
En conclusión, El Triunfo de las Tinieblas es una novela de aventuras con tintes históricos reales relacionados con el ocultismo que rodeaba a los más altos cargos del ejercito de Hitler. Sin duda, continuare con la trilogía, para ver que les depara a los protagonistas.
NOTA: 4/5
La historia comienza con el robo de un libro en Berlín, el Thule Borealis Kulten, escrito en la edad media y que perteneció al emperador Federico Barbarroja. En sus páginas, se describe una leyenda sobre cuatro reliquias ancestrales. La única localizada es la Esvástica de Kanjur, que fue encontrada en el Tíbet en 1939 y se cree que fue la razón por la que el ejército alemán gano en la guerra contra Polonia.
La búsqueda de las reliquias de los cuatro elementos fuego, aire, agua y tierra se convierte en uno obsesión para uno de los hombres más crueles de la SS, Heinrich Himmler, ya que según la leyenda el ejercito que consiga todas las reliquias poseerá el poder absoluto y será el vencedor de la guerra e incluso conquistará el mundo.
A partir de aquí, se mezclan hechos reales con una ficción repleta de espías, sociedades secretas y conspiraciones que han hecho que no pueda para de leer.
Destaco la facilidad con la que los autores han rodeado a la trama principal con la situación política que estaba viviendo Europa en el momento. La mezcla de personajes reales y novelescos es fantástica, y es que en este libro Churchill, Franco, el Duque de Kent y el mismísimo Hitler, forman parte de sus páginas siendo participes de esta historia. Esto convierte al libro en una lección de historia ya que se relatan hechos reales como los protagonizados por Churchill para evitar la invasión alemana de las islas e incluso la reunión que tuvo Hitler con Franco en España para hacerlo participe de la guerra contra Inglaterra.
Con respecto a los personajes ficticios destaco a Tritán un joven francés que participó de en la guerra civil española y que se verá envuelta en la búsqueda de las reliquias. Es un personaje que a medida que avanza la novela crece y pasas de que te caiga bastante mal a cogerle mucha simpatía. Pero hay un personaje que me ha encantado, Laure, una joven francesa que luchara contra el estereotipo de la mujer de la época por su familia. Espero que tome más papel en la segunda y tercera parte de la historia.
Su lenguaje sencillo y la pluma de los escritores nada enrevesada, hacen de este libro una lectura amena, al estilo de las novelas anteriormente nombradas.
Las escenas de aventuras son constantes y destaco todo el esoterismo que rodeaba al ejército alemán, que me ha resultado llamativamente interesante. Y es que cierto que altos mandos nazis como Heinrich Himmler, Richard Walther Darré, Rudolf Hess y Alfred Rosenberg confiaban sus decisiones en la guerra al ocultismo. ¿Intrigante verdad?
En conclusión, El Triunfo de las Tinieblas es una novela de aventuras con tintes históricos reales relacionados con el ocultismo que rodeaba a los más altos cargos del ejercito de Hitler. Sin duda, continuare con la trilogía, para ver que les depara a los protagonistas.
NOTA: 4/5
December 15, 2019
I picked this one up because I read few non-fiction books about the same period and occult within the Nazi party and fiction based on saepme premise sounds very interesting.
While by today's standards (although I would like to stress only to some people) this might sound ridicuolous it is a fact that Nazi's worked toward creating a brand new religion - they did not like any of the active Christian churches in Germany because authority was placed outside the Hitler's (and Nazi party) grasp. Therefore they created their own religion, worship of a single man as a leader of the chosen people and modified the entire scientific findings of the time to support their own views (they even got ridd of occult societies that helped them to get full power to avoid any power struggles).
While they would most definitely feel embarassed when talking about it in public in front of strangers, just imagine the trance and exhiliriation of the average man at the time when wounds of WW1 are still fesh, internal strife even fresher, economy is in tatters and demagogues walk the earth telling how great their nation is and dont stop telling the neverending epics of their mighty forfathers/ancestors while drawing parallels with their current political leadership.
It is truly unbelievable what can be done with population when esoteric and occult are used as tools of control.
So when someone starts talking about "destiny manifestos" (especially if economy is hurting) be sure it is time to get worried about what happens next.
Now back to the novel.
Book covers period of 1938-1941. In it we follow several key players (historical ones like W. Churchill, A. Hitler, Himmler, Petain etc notwithstanding) as they embark on quest to find mysterious relics before their opponents. We follow SS troops as they plunder Tibet and Europe for clues, remains of Spanish Republican Army trying to survive in Vichy France while assisting British SOE in their search, disillusioned Englishman who barely survived the Spanish Civil War and now just tries to stay alive but just gets pushed into increasingly weirder circumstances (to me finale of the book was completely unexpected). And all the time occult societies position themselves in the background of the geat historical events and move their pawns across the board.
Story reads like Indiana Jones novel. One of the reviewers said how silly all characters are. For me they are presented in dramatic fashion but this is for the purpose of the story telling - this is not non-fiction work but adventure story of the period where (although some people dont want to admit it) Nazi party and their paramilitary wing, SS, did horrendous things in the name of strange values and ideals and weird race and occult beliefs. So they are portrayed as ultimate bad guys (although maybe not all) while resistance supported by British is the side of good.
My only issue is that this is first book in the series and I need to wait to see how story progresses. Ah, well.....
Highly recommended to fans of adventure and occult.
While by today's standards (although I would like to stress only to some people) this might sound ridicuolous it is a fact that Nazi's worked toward creating a brand new religion - they did not like any of the active Christian churches in Germany because authority was placed outside the Hitler's (and Nazi party) grasp. Therefore they created their own religion, worship of a single man as a leader of the chosen people and modified the entire scientific findings of the time to support their own views (they even got ridd of occult societies that helped them to get full power to avoid any power struggles).
While they would most definitely feel embarassed when talking about it in public in front of strangers, just imagine the trance and exhiliriation of the average man at the time when wounds of WW1 are still fesh, internal strife even fresher, economy is in tatters and demagogues walk the earth telling how great their nation is and dont stop telling the neverending epics of their mighty forfathers/ancestors while drawing parallels with their current political leadership.
It is truly unbelievable what can be done with population when esoteric and occult are used as tools of control.
So when someone starts talking about "destiny manifestos" (especially if economy is hurting) be sure it is time to get worried about what happens next.
Now back to the novel.
Book covers period of 1938-1941. In it we follow several key players (historical ones like W. Churchill, A. Hitler, Himmler, Petain etc notwithstanding) as they embark on quest to find mysterious relics before their opponents. We follow SS troops as they plunder Tibet and Europe for clues, remains of Spanish Republican Army trying to survive in Vichy France while assisting British SOE in their search, disillusioned Englishman who barely survived the Spanish Civil War and now just tries to stay alive but just gets pushed into increasingly weirder circumstances (to me finale of the book was completely unexpected). And all the time occult societies position themselves in the background of the geat historical events and move their pawns across the board.
Story reads like Indiana Jones novel. One of the reviewers said how silly all characters are. For me they are presented in dramatic fashion but this is for the purpose of the story telling - this is not non-fiction work but adventure story of the period where (although some people dont want to admit it) Nazi party and their paramilitary wing, SS, did horrendous things in the name of strange values and ideals and weird race and occult beliefs. So they are portrayed as ultimate bad guys (although maybe not all) while resistance supported by British is the side of good.
My only issue is that this is first book in the series and I need to wait to see how story progresses. Ah, well.....
Highly recommended to fans of adventure and occult.
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