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Ancient Secrets #3
Ancient Illusions
A long-lost diary, a rare book of ghost stories, and unrelenting nightmares combine to send archeologist Michael Rempart on a forbidden journey into the occult and his own past.When Michael returns to his family home after more than a decade-long absence, he is rocked by the emotion and intensity of the memories it awakens. His father is reclusive, secretive, and obsessed with alchemy and its secrets—secrets that Michael possesses. He believes the way to end this sudden onslaught of nightmares is to confront his disturbing past.But he soon learns he isn’t the only one under attack. Others in his life are also being tormented by demonic nightmares that turn into a deadly reality. Forces from this world and other realms threaten madness and death unless they obtain the powerful, ancient secrets in Michael’s possession. Their violence creates an urgency Michael cannot ignore. The key to defeating them seems to lie in a land of dreams inhabited by ghosts … and demons.From the windswept shores of Cape Cod to a mystical land where samurai and daimyo once walked, Michael must find a way to stop not only the demons, but his own father. Yet, doing so, he fears may unleash an ancient evil upon the world that he will be powerless to contain.
- GenresThriller
312 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 11, 2018
154 people are currently reading
75 people want to read
About the author
Joanne Pence
76 books192 followersJoanne Pence is a USA Today best-selling and award winning author of two mystery series, contemporary and historical romance, fantasy and thrillers. She is the author of the Angie Amalfi culinary mystery series, which is still in print after twenty years, and now has 15 books (the latest, COOKING SPIRITS was an April 2013 release), and a novella (Cook's Christmas Capers, Dec. 2013). She has just begun a new series, the Rebecca Mayfield mysteries. ONE O'CLOCK HUSTLE is the first full-length novel, and THE THIRTEENTH SANTA is a novella which shows how the two main characters met.
Joanne's books have won many awards and honors, including RWA's Golden Heart and Rita Award nominations, the Independent Book Seller's Golden Quill, the Daphne du Maurier award, the Willa Cather Literary Award in Historical Fiction (for DANCE WITH A GUNFIGHTER), and the Idaho Top Fiction Award for ANCIENT ECHOES.
Joanne was born and raised in San Francisco and now makes her home in the foothills of Boise. She has been president of the Boise chapter of Sisters in Crime, a founder and board member of the Popular Fiction Association of Idaho, and founding member and current board member of the Idaho Writers Guild. A graduate of U.C. Berkeley with a master's degree in journalism, Joanne has written for magazines, worked for the federal government, and taught school in Japan.
Joanne's books have won many awards and honors, including RWA's Golden Heart and Rita Award nominations, the Independent Book Seller's Golden Quill, the Daphne du Maurier award, the Willa Cather Literary Award in Historical Fiction (for DANCE WITH A GUNFIGHTER), and the Idaho Top Fiction Award for ANCIENT ECHOES.
Joanne was born and raised in San Francisco and now makes her home in the foothills of Boise. She has been president of the Boise chapter of Sisters in Crime, a founder and board member of the Popular Fiction Association of Idaho, and founding member and current board member of the Idaho Writers Guild. A graduate of U.C. Berkeley with a master's degree in journalism, Joanne has written for magazines, worked for the federal government, and taught school in Japan.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
September 27, 2018
The Ancient Illusions tale begins with a passage about nightmares and Michael Rempart looking out over the Atlantic where the dark sky indicates a storm is rolling in.
Soon after, Michael returns home and finds records of past familial events chronicled in a dairy located in the same massive, unsettling house that has a library which holds ancient alchemy books with strange titles. Created in an old script, with faded ink, is a page that touts everlasting youth.
Michael believes that ghosts or something worse walks the halls of the house and if I’m completely honest, I will tell you this eerie atmosphere grabbed my attention.
Throughout the book, we learn each character has their own secrets and a shared burden of lives observed and rendered in a realm where consciousness determines what plane of existence one is aware of.
Combining a sprawling cast of engaging characters, with the ensuing love, lust, deception, ghosts, premonitions, murder, demon possession, and a quest for an elixir makes this a page-turning tale.
In closing, I devoured this archaeological thriller and appreciate that it molds medieval folklore, psychological phenomenon, and a magical stone while mentioning the work of well-known authors, explorers, and a likable horror legend who wore a bulky costume and platform boots.
The advanced copy of Ancient Illusions was provided by the generosity of the author for an honest review. An interview with the author is on my blog.
Soon after, Michael returns home and finds records of past familial events chronicled in a dairy located in the same massive, unsettling house that has a library which holds ancient alchemy books with strange titles. Created in an old script, with faded ink, is a page that touts everlasting youth.
Michael believes that ghosts or something worse walks the halls of the house and if I’m completely honest, I will tell you this eerie atmosphere grabbed my attention.
Throughout the book, we learn each character has their own secrets and a shared burden of lives observed and rendered in a realm where consciousness determines what plane of existence one is aware of.
Combining a sprawling cast of engaging characters, with the ensuing love, lust, deception, ghosts, premonitions, murder, demon possession, and a quest for an elixir makes this a page-turning tale.
In closing, I devoured this archaeological thriller and appreciate that it molds medieval folklore, psychological phenomenon, and a magical stone while mentioning the work of well-known authors, explorers, and a likable horror legend who wore a bulky costume and platform boots.
The advanced copy of Ancient Illusions was provided by the generosity of the author for an honest review. An interview with the author is on my blog.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 24, 2019
This is my review of the audio version as posted on Audible:
Not as good as book 1, better than book 2:) - it's 4.5 stars really...
In the third installment of Ancient Secrets we finally meet Michael's father and find out quite a lot about their family secrets.
This time the story takes us to Japan, giving us a chance to learn a few Japanese legends and bits of its culture and heritage. As a background for the story it turns out to be intriguing and more than scary at times.
The plot, however, revolves around Michael's relationship with his father and his father's obsession with the philosopher's stone and gaining immortality. And that's a really scary path to follow... It's dark, full of deceit and hatred...
The plot is fast, definitely faster than in book two. There's also a new female character, much stronger this time, an equal partner for Michael again, maybe not in scholarly terms, but when it comes to character and decision making. There are still some slower parts which may feel a bit lengthy but these are few and far between, luckily.
As a whole, it's a book that keeps you listen on, again very well interpreted by Tim Paige, who does male voices excellently, doesn't overdo female ones and keeps the tension in narrative parts at the right level:)
DISCLAIMER: I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
Not as good as book 1, better than book 2:) - it's 4.5 stars really...
In the third installment of Ancient Secrets we finally meet Michael's father and find out quite a lot about their family secrets.
This time the story takes us to Japan, giving us a chance to learn a few Japanese legends and bits of its culture and heritage. As a background for the story it turns out to be intriguing and more than scary at times.
The plot, however, revolves around Michael's relationship with his father and his father's obsession with the philosopher's stone and gaining immortality. And that's a really scary path to follow... It's dark, full of deceit and hatred...
The plot is fast, definitely faster than in book two. There's also a new female character, much stronger this time, an equal partner for Michael again, maybe not in scholarly terms, but when it comes to character and decision making. There are still some slower parts which may feel a bit lengthy but these are few and far between, luckily.
As a whole, it's a book that keeps you listen on, again very well interpreted by Tim Paige, who does male voices excellently, doesn't overdo female ones and keeps the tension in narrative parts at the right level:)
DISCLAIMER: I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
January 25, 2019
Ancient Illusions by Joanne Pence takes Michael Rempart to his childhood home and then away from home in a thrilling adventure that brings back characters from Ancient Shadows and Ancient Echoes. Pence takes the reader from Cape Cod to the mountains in Idaho to Japan in a search for answers. With dips into mysticism and belief systems that seem at odds with one another, Ancient Illusions blurs the lines between reality and illusion. The characters are interesting and diverse even the ones who aren't exactly likable. Family dynamics, romance, and beliefs clash as supernatural elements wreak havoc on the world around the characters. As in the other books in this series, living in a lifelike illusion creates a dangerous situation for the world at large and it's up to Rempart to find the answer and protect the world by containing the demons seeking to destroy the world using humanity's intense obsession with immortality to manipulate them. Ancient Illusions offers us a glimpse into the illusions we tell ourselves about our own lives and the world in which we live.
July 26, 2019
*This book was given to me by the author at my request, and I provided this voluntary review.*
4 / 5
I enjoyed this book not only for the story, but also for the accurate portrayal of Japanese culture. The Japanese lore and supernatural forces in the story was spooky and it added a nice touch of flair! The main character is flawed in a good way, but felt the father was a bit over the top with being good at everything. I was questioning the absence of the different people in the story; though they were unreachable, I felt it was strange that they went very long periods of time without contacting others (such as family, friends, etc). The alchemy angle was interesting, but I felt that I should have read the other 2 books first. This book was good as a starting point in the series too, because it reflected on the events of books 1 and 2, so really, I didnt feel that left out at all. I would be interested in reading more in this series.
4 / 5
I enjoyed this book not only for the story, but also for the accurate portrayal of Japanese culture. The Japanese lore and supernatural forces in the story was spooky and it added a nice touch of flair! The main character is flawed in a good way, but felt the father was a bit over the top with being good at everything. I was questioning the absence of the different people in the story; though they were unreachable, I felt it was strange that they went very long periods of time without contacting others (such as family, friends, etc). The alchemy angle was interesting, but I felt that I should have read the other 2 books first. This book was good as a starting point in the series too, because it reflected on the events of books 1 and 2, so really, I didnt feel that left out at all. I would be interested in reading more in this series.
April 10, 2021
Epic battle but the war continues
What and extraordinary reading experience this 3rd book in this incredible series called ancient secrets is To me.The character of Michael which we follow through to other books comes full circle as he begins the epic battle with his father good versus evil right versus wrong have a which way you wanna call it.The incredible detail of japanese culture was so Enjoyable and enthralling.The attention to detail the historical research that went on for this book and for this series so far is mind boggling.But she was a reader or not overwhelmed by detail because the story flows under the extraordinary authorship of Joanne Pence-The war is not over and so we is readers wait for the next battle.
What and extraordinary reading experience this 3rd book in this incredible series called ancient secrets is To me.The character of Michael which we follow through to other books comes full circle as he begins the epic battle with his father good versus evil right versus wrong have a which way you wanna call it.The incredible detail of japanese culture was so Enjoyable and enthralling.The attention to detail the historical research that went on for this book and for this series so far is mind boggling.But she was a reader or not overwhelmed by detail because the story flows under the extraordinary authorship of Joanne Pence-The war is not over and so we is readers wait for the next battle.
August 20, 2019
I think this was my favorite story in the series until about 75% through. I really liked it for the most part because of the way it carried the characters toward each other and then, well, something unexpected happens. In a way at some point it sort of went off the rails for me and Michael’s father was both a great antagonist and a frustrating piece of the puzzle. There is a lot to unpack in this series and overall I am really glad I have had the chance to read/listen.
I am certainly curious to see where the series goes from here.
I was given this free review copy audio book at my request and have voluntarily left this review
I am certainly curious to see where the series goes from here.
I was given this free review copy audio book at my request and have voluntarily left this review
September 22, 2019
This was a really interesting fantasy, mystery, and thriller all in one story. I would like to say it was intriguing and had my attention. I did enjoy the story but it was a bit darker than expected, it shows the darker side of alchemy (almost more on the voodoo side of magic) and then throws in the demon element to boot. I think it's a high school level read and up due to the language and violence throughout.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
April 16, 2023
Intriguing, Never Boring
This page turner has you going to Japan, Idaho, Japan, Massachusetts, Idaho. You get to learn about Michael's childhood, his Mother and Father. There are close encounters with demons and men that will do anything for money. This is a cliffhanger, where did Michael's Father go to when he escaped the fire? What reactions did he have after swallowing parts of the pearl? Where will he go next? Love the Author's Notes. Great job. Can't wait for Michael's next adventure. Thank you.
This page turner has you going to Japan, Idaho, Japan, Massachusetts, Idaho. You get to learn about Michael's childhood, his Mother and Father. There are close encounters with demons and men that will do anything for money. This is a cliffhanger, where did Michael's Father go to when he escaped the fire? What reactions did he have after swallowing parts of the pearl? Where will he go next? Love the Author's Notes. Great job. Can't wait for Michael's next adventure. Thank you.
April 20, 2019
The series is GREAT!!
I've just finished the Ancient Secret trilogy and look forward to more in this series. What I enjoyed the most was the characters. I became attached to them. Each one has their own unique storyline and I was either rooting for them, or in some cases hoping they would fall off a cliff. And the myths kept me turning the pages.
I've just finished the Ancient Secret trilogy and look forward to more in this series. What I enjoyed the most was the characters. I became attached to them. Each one has their own unique storyline and I was either rooting for them, or in some cases hoping they would fall off a cliff. And the myths kept me turning the pages.
June 14, 2020
An excellent conclusion to the trilogy, and maybe the best of those books. While it can be read as a stand-alone novel, I would advise you to read the first two books before tackling this. The prior events in the protagonist's life deeply inform both the events here, and Remparts actions in dealing with them.
January 30, 2023
Twisty, delicious!
This series by Joanne Pence is a surprise on every page. Very well written, characters to love and loathe. History and horror and adventure, with bits of love and hope seasoning it all. I recommend reading these in order since each book builds on the previous books. Well done!
This series by Joanne Pence is a surprise on every page. Very well written, characters to love and loathe. History and horror and adventure, with bits of love and hope seasoning it all. I recommend reading these in order since each book builds on the previous books. Well done!
November 5, 2018
Having read her other Ancient Secrets books, I delayed starting this until I had a full day to sit and read and enjoy.
Thank you Joanne.
Thank you Joanne.
May 13, 2019
I liked all three books in this series, they're different. Hope there are more!
June 24, 2019
The best of the three in the series. The backstory adds depth to the characters and story as a whole. Well paced storytelling.
October 6, 2021
Another Adventure. A little love thrown in with the demons too. Book 3. Is there another coming? Enjoyed this page turner. Will continue to follow the author and see what else I can find.
December 5, 2022
Scary
Fantastic, not a horror book. It's combination of fork lore, paces that did or do exist. Exciting. You won't be able to put it down.
Fantastic, not a horror book. It's combination of fork lore, paces that did or do exist. Exciting. You won't be able to put it down.
September 2, 2023
Spell-binding
A very interesting and spell-binding read. Once I started this book, pIrate could hardly put it down. I read the first two in this series and found them the same.
A very interesting and spell-binding read. Once I started this book, pIrate could hardly put it down. I read the first two in this series and found them the same.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews