ARKANE Novellas by J. F. Penn (One Day in Budapest #4, Day of the Vikings #5, One Day in New York #7)

Read in January 2025

 

The ARKANE series by J.F. Penn follows Dr. Morgan Sierra and Jake Timber as they confront supernatural threats rooted in religious artifacts and historical mysteries. 

World-Building:

Since this is a thriller set in the modern world, there isn't much world-building. However, J. F. Penn does a fantastic job of describing the locations and setting the scene. She includes many historical details and information that make the world, and places come alive on the page.

 

One Day in Budapest (ARKANE #4)

Summary:

Set against the backdrop of Budapest, Morgan Sierra faces a threat involving a relic that could ignite political and religious tensions. In a single day, she must navigate a city on the brink, prevent a catastrophic event, and confront adversaries determined to see her fail.

 

Main Characters:

Morgan Sierra is an Oxford psychologist with a background in religion, and ARKANE agent. She's an ex-Israeli military officer who has experienced severe loss in her life. 

 

Themes/Tropes:

• Religious and Powerful Artifacts
  
• Religious Themes
• High Stakes
• Secret Agency
  
• Ticking Clock
• Larger-Than-Life Threat
  
• Religious Extremists
• Political

Entertainment Value:

The book is fast-paced and full of historical facts. Everything unfolds in one day. I found the secondary characters in this novella too similar to others from earlier books in this series and the plot was a bit too political for my personal taste.

 

Cover Art:

The cover art was alright. Fit the genre.

 

Would I read this book again?

I'm not sure. I enjoy the series overall, but I'm not sure I will read this novella again.

 

Day of the Vikings (ARKANE #5)

Summary:

A Viking exhibition at a British museum becomes the target of a deadly heist. Morgan Sierra teams up with Blake Daniel to thwart a group intent on unleashing an ancient Viking weapon. Their mission uncovers historical secrets and tests their courage against a ruthless enemy.

 

Main Characters:

Morgan Sierra is an Oxford psychologist with a background in religion, and ARKANE agent. She's an ex-Israeli military officer who has experienced severe loss in her life. 

Blake Daniel: a man with psychometry abilities. That is he can touch objects and "see" their history. He's a part of another J. F. Penn series (Brooke and Daniel Psychological Thriller).

 

Themes/Tropes:

• Religious and Powerful Artifacts
  
• Exotic Locations
• Ancient Secrets
• Religious Themes
• High Stakes
• Secret Agency
  
• Ragnarök
• Ticking Clock
• Larger-Than-Life Threat
• Human Sacrifice
• Religious Extremists
  
• Dark Rituals
  

Entertainment Value:

The book is fast-paced and full of historical facts. I love the Norse mythology elements and I loved Daniel's appearance in this novella, tying the two series together. It makes me want to read Brook and Daniel's thriller series.

I was missing Jake a bit. I think the books where both Morgan and Jake are are much better. I do hope they get together at some point! If not, then stop with the tension!

As much as I enjoyed the Norse mythology, I didn't like the Völva being seen as evil. But that's just my preference and my believe in the old myths.

 

Cover Art:

The cover art is fine.

 

Would I read this book again?

I enjoyed this novella, but I'm unsure if I'll reread it. 

 

One Day in New York (ARKANE #7)

Summary:

In the bustling city of New York, Jake faces a ticking clock as he hunts for a terrorist cell planning a devastating attack. With limited time and resources, she must unravel the plot and prevent a tragedy that could change the course of history.

 

Main Characters:

Jake Timber is a seasoned ARKANE agent and Morgan's partner. He's South African and an ex-military officer who has experienced the loss of his entire family.

Naomi Locasto: a New York ARKANE linguist. Usually, not a field agent. She has a diverse and interesting background.

Gilles Noiret: a ruthless billionaire who'll stop at nothing to get what he wants.

 

Themes/Tropes:

• Religious and Powerful Artifacts
  
• Blood of the Angel
• Ancient Secrets
• Religious Themes
• High Stakes
• Secret Agency
• Religious Extremists
• Conspiracy
• Dark Rituals
• Troubled Protagonist

Entertainment Value:

The book is fast-paced and full of historical facts. I loved getting to know Jake Timber more in this novella, though I did miss Morgan. There were quite a few interesting religious elements in this story. Sometimes, the pace was a bit too fast for me, and I wanted to get a more intimate reflection of Jake.

 

Cover Art:

The cover is alright.

 

Would I read this book again?

I'm not sure I would read this novella again.

 

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