Crypt of Bone by J. F. Penn (ARKANE #2)
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.
Summary:
A series of bizarre suicides in Jerusalem signals the resurgence of Thanatos (a secret society), now intent on decimating a quarter of the world's population. Morgan and Jake must uncover the connection between the Devil's Bible and a biotech company's sinister plans. Their investigation leads them to a chapel made of human bones, where they confront the horrifying reality of Thanatos's scheme.
Main Characters:
Morgan Sierra is an Oxford psychologist with a background in religion. She's an ex-Israeli military officer who has experienced severe loss in her life. In this book she becomes an ARKANE agent.
Jake Timber: an ARKANE agent, Morgan Sierra's partner, and former military. He's South African, and has is own sad and complicated past.
Milan Noble: the head of a biotech company. A fanatic, wealthy man with many secrets.
Thanatos: a secret society, a religious group with a hidden agenda.
Natasha El-Behery: an Egyptian assassin.
There are many others.
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.
Themes/Tropes:
- Secret Society
- Powerful Artifacts (the Devil's Bible)
- Exotic Locations
- Ancient Secrets
- Religious Themes
- Human Sacrifices
- Secret Agency
- Apocalyptic Prophecy
- Dark Rituals
Entertainment Value:
The book is very fast-paced, yet I didn't find it too fast-paced. It made for an easy and fun read. I got sucked into the story!
Morgan Sierra and Jake Timber are compelling characters. I love how their partnership is growing, and I like the physical attraction between them. I wonder when they'll get together.
As a fan of Dan Brown, I was happy to find an indie author with a similar writing style and plot. I devoured this book in less than a day!
Cover Art:
I think the cover art is cool and befitting a thriller.
Would I read this book again?
Yes, I would. I'm already working my way through this series!
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