What do you think?
Rate this book
Sean Wyatt #19
The Second Sign
For millennia, stories of God’s greatest prophets have inspired Christians across the world, urging them toward the kind of faith that compelled these celebrated sages of old.
But one modern madman wants that power for himself, to conquer a world he views as filled with unrepentant sinners as he ushers in a new age of religious rule.
To get it, he threatens to kill a handful of select religious leaders until the experts at the International Archaeology Association find what he wants: a fabled ancient relic that he believes helped the prophets perform some of their greatest miracles.
Sean Wyatt and Tommy Schultz along with their team at the IAA, however, have no intention of allowing that kind of power to fall into the fanatic’s hands. They’ve faced down their share of power-hungry maniacs before, but with this bloodthirsty lunatic Sean and his best friend, Tommy Schultz, know they’re up against the toughest odds of their lives.
But one modern madman wants that power for himself, to conquer a world he views as filled with unrepentant sinners as he ushers in a new age of religious rule.
To get it, he threatens to kill a handful of select religious leaders until the experts at the International Archaeology Association find what he wants: a fabled ancient relic that he believes helped the prophets perform some of their greatest miracles.
Sean Wyatt and Tommy Schultz along with their team at the IAA, however, have no intention of allowing that kind of power to fall into the fanatic’s hands. They’ve faced down their share of power-hungry maniacs before, but with this bloodthirsty lunatic Sean and his best friend, Tommy Schultz, know they’re up against the toughest odds of their lives.
422 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 26, 2020
880 people are currently reading
208 people want to read
About the author
Ernest Dempsey
71 books476 followersErnest Dempsey is a huge fan of action/adventure thrillers and science fiction.
He has been creating stories since he was in high school but never published a book until 2010, long after the days of high school were gone.
His action & adventure books come from a lineage similar to Clive Cussler, Dan Brown, Steve Berry, and James Rollins. While his science fiction novels are full of influence from Suzanne Collins' The Hunger Games, The Matrix movie, and Gladiator directed by Ridley Scott.
He is quickly becoming one of the hottest fiction authors in the book world.
He has been creating stories since he was in high school but never published a book until 2010, long after the days of high school were gone.
His action & adventure books come from a lineage similar to Clive Cussler, Dan Brown, Steve Berry, and James Rollins. While his science fiction novels are full of influence from Suzanne Collins' The Hunger Games, The Matrix movie, and Gladiator directed by Ridley Scott.
He is quickly becoming one of the hottest fiction authors in the book world.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
July 5, 2020
Another classic thriller in the Sean Wyatt series.
A madman breaks out of the institution he was being held in and goes on a trail of terror killing religious leaders until Sean and Tommy find an important relic which he believes will give him unlimited power to bring his version of God's rule to the earth.
As always the research that goes in to a Sean Wyatt book is very detailed, and this shows in the finished product, which contains huge amounts of detail about the biblical stories this is based upon, and also the locations it is set in.
Sean and Tommy are great characters and have grown throughout the series, but this is their toughest challenge yet, do they come through unscaved, read it and find out!
I received an advance copy of this book but have voluntarily written this honest review.
A madman breaks out of the institution he was being held in and goes on a trail of terror killing religious leaders until Sean and Tommy find an important relic which he believes will give him unlimited power to bring his version of God's rule to the earth.
As always the research that goes in to a Sean Wyatt book is very detailed, and this shows in the finished product, which contains huge amounts of detail about the biblical stories this is based upon, and also the locations it is set in.
Sean and Tommy are great characters and have grown throughout the series, but this is their toughest challenge yet, do they come through unscaved, read it and find out!
I received an advance copy of this book but have voluntarily written this honest review.
March 29, 2023
Terrific research. I'm not a theologian but I read the Bible and have been involved in my church for many years. This causes me to look sideways at stories like The Golden Compass, the Da Vinci Code and other pop-culture, ill-informed works. (I'm not one of those Bible-thumping, dogma-drenched haters; my favorite religious movie is The Life of Brian by the Monty Python. I also believe what CS Lewis once said, "If you can't make fun of your religion, what good is it?") Nonetheless, I picked this one up gently.
Boy was I pleasantly surprised! Mr. Dempsey knows his Bible or was respectful enough to do some serious research. either way, the result was terrific. He included some debatable theories, like "did Jesus study with Buddhists or Hindus during his unaccounted years?" He also took the Christian view as opposed to Judaic teachings of some Old Testament passages, presumably because they better fit the story, but overall, it was better done than Dan Brown or Philip Pullman ever dreamed of.
Oh, and the story was a real thrill ride too. So, you get well-researched history with your entertainment. What could be better than that?
Peace, Seeley
Boy was I pleasantly surprised! Mr. Dempsey knows his Bible or was respectful enough to do some serious research. either way, the result was terrific. He included some debatable theories, like "did Jesus study with Buddhists or Hindus during his unaccounted years?" He also took the Christian view as opposed to Judaic teachings of some Old Testament passages, presumably because they better fit the story, but overall, it was better done than Dan Brown or Philip Pullman ever dreamed of.
Oh, and the story was a real thrill ride too. So, you get well-researched history with your entertainment. What could be better than that?
Peace, Seeley
August 1, 2021
Another great book from Dempsey, I love his writing style and will never get sick of following the adventures of Sean, Tommy and the gang.
There's always some good versus evil and good always prevails, maybe knowing your heros will always come out on top is boring and predictable for many but I enjoy the clues and history that follow along. Most of the places and references to artifacts are real and they add location to my bucket list of things I'd love to see. (Maybe not those in war zones!)
This time the race is to complete the mission to stop another murder by a crazed serial killer. The twist they discover too late but Sean & Tommy are not that easy to beat!
Another well deserved 5 stars
There's always some good versus evil and good always prevails, maybe knowing your heros will always come out on top is boring and predictable for many but I enjoy the clues and history that follow along. Most of the places and references to artifacts are real and they add location to my bucket list of things I'd love to see. (Maybe not those in war zones!)
This time the race is to complete the mission to stop another murder by a crazed serial killer. The twist they discover too late but Sean & Tommy are not that easy to beat!
Another well deserved 5 stars
June 27, 2020
Having read all of the previous Sean Wyatt books I can honestly say The Second Sign is Mr. Dempsey’s most ambitious story in this series. Along with crafting an archeological thriller, he has woven various elements of a number of religions into it making the pursuit of an ancient relic by Sean and Tommy and crew a fascinating story. Rather than resting on his previous successes, Mr. Dempsey continues to push his boundaries as a storyteller and once again has hit the ball out of the park with this story. I received an Advance Reader Copy and chose to provide this honest review of The Second Sign.
July 8, 2020
One of the very best in this series of 19 books (so far), The Second Sign (Sean Wyatt #19) by Ernest Dempsey is exciting, well researched and spans the globe. Sean and Tommy must find lost relics under threat by an insane serial killer who thinks he's the next messiah intending to bring on the end of days. This archeological thriller will keep you up late, it is so hard to put down. One of the things I just love about Dempsey's books is the feature at the end of each pointing out what's real, theorized and supported by research, or is just his creative design to enhance or tie together the story.
April 12, 2021
I see so many 5 star reviews for this author, so it makes me believe that it's me and not him that was the reason for only three stars. I do believe this book could have been 100 pages shorter and maybe that would have kept the pace better for me. I didn't dislike the story, I just lost interest at times during the journey.
This is the first book by the author that I read, so that could be part of the problem. I'm going to go backward and read one of the first books in the series to see if that changes my opinion. Sometimes coming in late is difficult to grasp the full measure of the character that has been developed over many books in a series.
This is the first book by the author that I read, so that could be part of the problem. I'm going to go backward and read one of the first books in the series to see if that changes my opinion. Sometimes coming in late is difficult to grasp the full measure of the character that has been developed over many books in a series.
February 22, 2023
Very Good Story That Enveloped a Religious Theme
I really enjoyed this tale, partly because it was religious-heavy, and it continued the in-depth look at Sean's battle with demons from his past. This story required Mr. Dempsey to give us lots of religious and Bible information. Not a bad thing as he utilized that info to build the suspense of the book. We also saw some more character development of "the kids," Tara and Alex, as well as Adriana. As for the story, I felt like this one was "fuller." By that, I mean the story held more adversaries the main theme. Mr. Dempsey is very good at "juggling" several sub-plots without detracting from the main plot.
I really enjoyed this tale, partly because it was religious-heavy, and it continued the in-depth look at Sean's battle with demons from his past. This story required Mr. Dempsey to give us lots of religious and Bible information. Not a bad thing as he utilized that info to build the suspense of the book. We also saw some more character development of "the kids," Tara and Alex, as well as Adriana. As for the story, I felt like this one was "fuller." By that, I mean the story held more adversaries the main theme. Mr. Dempsey is very good at "juggling" several sub-plots without detracting from the main plot.
July 6, 2020
The Second sign is the latest action packed archaeological thriller in the incredible Sean Wyatt series. It is also a perfect stand-alone book. Sean and Tommy face a race against time to stop a madman killing again. As well as being an excellent writer Ernest Dempsey has this amazing talent for weaving fact and fiction together to create a book that grabs your attention. The second sign is compulsive reading and I loved it. I cannot recommend this book highly enough, five stars does not do it justice.
August 29, 2020
Maximum security prison, he still was able to escape, he feels he is The Chosen, to right the wrong, that’s in the religious sector, the leaders have sinned. Once again Sean, Alex and Tommy are crossing the globe searching for the three pieces, and to save lives. The plot with the link to figure out with the prophets was excellent, as was the description of the settings. Sean was getting frustrated they seem to be always seconds too late and another has died. Sean feels there is a piece he is missing in this nightmare, as you read to the end, to find it out also. fascinating as always.
March 15, 2024
History, Psychology, Archaeology and Action!
Another terrific work by a master storyteller. I thoroughly enjoyed it from cover to cover. My favorite characters were there along with some new friends. The plot was interesting and the characters believable. The history, achaelogical information the psychologcal twists and the places the story went, were fascinating. Mr Dempsey bound them all together into a terrific story. I've already started on the next book on the series, "The Milestone Protocol." Thank you Mr Dempsey.
Another terrific work by a master storyteller. I thoroughly enjoyed it from cover to cover. My favorite characters were there along with some new friends. The plot was interesting and the characters believable. The history, achaelogical information the psychologcal twists and the places the story went, were fascinating. Mr Dempsey bound them all together into a terrific story. I've already started on the next book on the series, "The Milestone Protocol." Thank you Mr Dempsey.
June 28, 2020
The Second Sign
The latest in the Sean Wyatt series doesn’t disappoint. Sean, Adriana, Tommy, and ‘the kids’ are all here and have good parts to play. There is plenty of action and globe traveling. The plot was good. This book was good in that Sean and Tommy had to react to the bad guy. They weren’t leading the action as per normal. Added bonus was the history that Mr. Dempsey added. It makes you want to go and learn more about what was said in the story. Recommended.
The latest in the Sean Wyatt series doesn’t disappoint. Sean, Adriana, Tommy, and ‘the kids’ are all here and have good parts to play. There is plenty of action and globe traveling. The plot was good. This book was good in that Sean and Tommy had to react to the bad guy. They weren’t leading the action as per normal. Added bonus was the history that Mr. Dempsey added. It makes you want to go and learn more about what was said in the story. Recommended.
June 30, 2020
I received this book as an advanced copy. This is another excellent book from Ernest Dempsey. The characters are well written and the story is very well written. The settings for the story are well described down to the finest detail.
I always enjoy the adventures of Sean and Tommy and all of their sidekicks.
I especially liked the reference to CC on the plane as he always inserts himself into his own stories.
Thanks again for a great story!
I always enjoy the adventures of Sean and Tommy and all of their sidekicks.
I especially liked the reference to CC on the plane as he always inserts himself into his own stories.
Thanks again for a great story!
July 14, 2020
The Second Sign you can not put down
The Second Sign is another very exciting book that you can not put down. It is full of action through the whole book. And Ernest Dempsey always found he explains at the end what was real which I find real interesting. I always like the characters in the book who have a little humor yet are serious to. Thank you for another wonderful book I can not wait to read your next adventure with Sean and Tommy .
The Second Sign is another very exciting book that you can not put down. It is full of action through the whole book. And Ernest Dempsey always found he explains at the end what was real which I find real interesting. I always like the characters in the book who have a little humor yet are serious to. Thank you for another wonderful book I can not wait to read your next adventure with Sean and Tommy .
August 3, 2020
I am truly amazed by the work that goes into each of Dempsey’s books. From the incredible research, use of history, his ability to create a fascinating storyline, and continue to develop it throughout the book, with many twists and turns that makes it so enjoyable to read. Our favorite characters are back with the introduction of a few new ones adding to the suspense the book generates! Mr Dempsey, you do not fail to keep a reader engrossed! From my perspective, this book is a must read!
May 28, 2022
Is Sean Slipping?
Once again Tommy, Sean and Adrianna are global hopping one step in front of a series killer. Working with the FBI trying to find all the clues that will lead to the ultimate prize before any more pastors found lacking are tortured and killed. More than once Sean didn't need his intuition, didn't catch something in his surroundings, didn't or couldn't check his cell. Great job. Thank you.
Once again Tommy, Sean and Adrianna are global hopping one step in front of a series killer. Working with the FBI trying to find all the clues that will lead to the ultimate prize before any more pastors found lacking are tortured and killed. More than once Sean didn't need his intuition, didn't catch something in his surroundings, didn't or couldn't check his cell. Great job. Thank you.
January 26, 2023
Hard to put down
This is one of the best that I read by Ernest Dempsey of all the Arthur s I have read I reading all new he pens. Looking for the next book I pre-order it just the other day.. Now for this book its only the scene time I've read this book. With this one I got to the last three chapters and just sat straight up in my seat and had to read tell the end. And I gave up seeing my favourite t. V. Shows. That in itself tells you what kind of book this is ( 5 stars)
This is one of the best that I read by Ernest Dempsey of all the Arthur s I have read I reading all new he pens. Looking for the next book I pre-order it just the other day.. Now for this book its only the scene time I've read this book. With this one I got to the last three chapters and just sat straight up in my seat and had to read tell the end. And I gave up seeing my favourite t. V. Shows. That in itself tells you what kind of book this is ( 5 stars)
March 1, 2023
riveting
Sean, Tommy and their eclectic talented colleagues embark on a hit for Biblical treasures with a plot woven around a crazy serial killer. The story line ensnares the reader quickly in the fast paced travelogue track on clue after another from downtown Atlanta to Egypt, the Himalayas and Macau. Never a Boening minute in this action mystery thriller. Highly recommend it.
Sean, Tommy and their eclectic talented colleagues embark on a hit for Biblical treasures with a plot woven around a crazy serial killer. The story line ensnares the reader quickly in the fast paced travelogue track on clue after another from downtown Atlanta to Egypt, the Himalayas and Macau. Never a Boening minute in this action mystery thriller. Highly recommend it.
July 4, 2020
Another great Sean and Tommy adventures
I love all these books. This takes us on a world tour that pits the gang against evil people who are not just killers but crazy too. While the reason for this plot is weak the story makes up for it. As usual the typos are an issue and more proofing needs to happen.
I love all these books. This takes us on a world tour that pits the gang against evil people who are not just killers but crazy too. While the reason for this plot is weak the story makes up for it. As usual the typos are an issue and more proofing needs to happen.
Read
July 29, 2020Jesus in India
I have read various articles about the possibility that Jesus spent his young adult years in India which I find plausible. The story is fast paced while following the clues. Nice take from "National Treasure" when describing illumination of the location of the cloak. Good on you Ernie.
I have read various articles about the possibility that Jesus spent his young adult years in India which I find plausible. The story is fast paced while following the clues. Nice take from "National Treasure" when describing illumination of the location of the cloak. Good on you Ernie.
August 8, 2020
Definitely one of his best. Unfortunately I’ve not read his books in order but in fairness it doesn’t seem to make any difference, you soon catch up if you miss something out.
His research into this book must have taken some work and the storytelling was first class.
Recommend it to anyone into action, religious stories and the world of computers and world traveler
His research into this book must have taken some work and the storytelling was first class.
Recommend it to anyone into action, religious stories and the world of computers and world traveler
October 15, 2020
Best book ever!
I'm not very good at writing reviews, as I can never think of what to say, but I just had to let everybody know that if you don't read this book, then you will miss out on the best book I have ever read, and I read about 300 books a year!
Read this book, you will love it!
I'm not very good at writing reviews, as I can never think of what to say, but I just had to let everybody know that if you don't read this book, then you will miss out on the best book I have ever read, and I read about 300 books a year!
Read this book, you will love it!
October 17, 2020
Archeological evidence combined with mystery and apologetic undertones...what's not to like?
I couldn't think of a more interesting read and I felt most happy with this find. I can't wait to read more of Mr. Dempsey's work. I like the characters, even the bad guys and was just enthralled throughout by the action packed adventure .
I couldn't think of a more interesting read and I felt most happy with this find. I can't wait to read more of Mr. Dempsey's work. I like the characters, even the bad guys and was just enthralled throughout by the action packed adventure .
February 11, 2021
It's time for me to call it quits with this series/author. I respect what he's writing, and that he is not engaged in so-called literature. In fact, I picked up and occasionally read his pieces largely because they were lightweight and adventure-y.
This one made me realize that the author doesn't have anything more to offer in this series/genre, and I'm good with that.
This one made me realize that the author doesn't have anything more to offer in this series/genre, and I'm good with that.
June 28, 2020
fantastic story as always
If you like action and suspense, read this story. Ernest has a vivid imagination and these characters will show you some action packed historical fun. Enjoy! Can’t wait for his next one.
If you like action and suspense, read this story. Ernest has a vivid imagination and these characters will show you some action packed historical fun. Enjoy! Can’t wait for his next one.
June 29, 2020
Great addition
I love dempsey's attention to detail and history. They make his books more than just an action thriller though they are that. He never fails to entertain while he educates
I love dempsey's attention to detail and history. They make his books more than just an action thriller though they are that. He never fails to entertain while he educates
July 4, 2020
Another wonderful ride!
Travel the world,delve into fascinating biblical history, try to puzzle out the clues to stop destruction, catch your breath when the characters you love are in peril. Reading has seldom been more fun!
Travel the world,delve into fascinating biblical history, try to puzzle out the clues to stop destruction, catch your breath when the characters you love are in peril. Reading has seldom been more fun!
August 3, 2020
Ernest does it again.
Another thriller from Ernest Dempsey that will stop the reader
from getting a good night's sleep. Hard to put down after 1 chapter after another brings you closer to a strange ending . Whew!
Another thriller from Ernest Dempsey that will stop the reader
from getting a good night's sleep. Hard to put down after 1 chapter after another brings you closer to a strange ending . Whew!
August 13, 2020
Riveting
I enjoy Ernest Dempsey's books. His characters are unique. The archaeologic content is well researched.The stories are fast paced, and I find myself once again reading well into the night. Thank you again Mr Dempsey for entertaining me.
I enjoy Ernest Dempsey's books. His characters are unique. The archaeologic content is well researched.The stories are fast paced, and I find myself once again reading well into the night. Thank you again Mr Dempsey for entertaining me.
September 10, 2020
4.5 Stars A Very Good Read
A fast paced engaging thriller about Christian relics and a mad man trying to impress his daughter? I finished the Dak Harper 6 book series just before reading this one. A few times in this book Sean Wyatt slips into a Dak Harper mode.
A fast paced engaging thriller about Christian relics and a mad man trying to impress his daughter? I finished the Dak Harper 6 book series just before reading this one. A few times in this book Sean Wyatt slips into a Dak Harper mode.
September 25, 2020
Well played
A well designed story. The puzzle and characters within are hidden well as to their status in the plot. Good to add the team's development or growth as a resource . Really enjoyed the historical play keeps you wondering .
A well designed story. The puzzle and characters within are hidden well as to their status in the plot. Good to add the team's development or growth as a resource . Really enjoyed the historical play keeps you wondering .
Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews