Tomb of Relics by J. F. Penn (ARKANE 12)

Read in January/February 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:

When a priceless relic vanishes from Canterbury Cathedral, ARKANE agents Morgan Sierra and Jake Timber are dispatched to recover it. Their pursuit leads them across Europe, navigating historical cities and ancient forests. Along the way, they confront a madman who turns death into art and uncover a thousand-year-old conspiracy that challenges their skills and beliefs.

 

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. 

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.

Dr. Kelly Montague-Breton: CEO of Breton Biomedical and comes form a prestigious English family.

Henry Palarac: a Jeweler in Krakow, Poland, specializing in religious relics.

William de Tracy: an English knight from the 12th century who's mostly known for being a part of the assassination of Thomas Becket, Bishop of Canterbury, at the behest of King Henry II. 

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:

• Religious and Powerful Artifacts
  
• Exotic Locations
• Ancient Secrets
• Religious Themes
• High Stakes
• Secret Agency
  
• The Black Anchorite
  
• Immortality
  
• Curses
• Supernatural

Entertainment Value:

The book is fast-paced and full of historical facts. Although the pace sometimes slows down a bit, I quite enjoyed the information in this book. 

I loved the locations and how J. F. Penn seamlessly tied them into historical accounts, and authentic relics. 

I loved the suspense it kept me at the edge of my seat. There's so much at stake in this book. I also loved the supernatural element and the idea of the black heart of the black anchorite.

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 is fine. It fits the genre, but isn't that eye-catching.

 

Would I read this book again?

Yes, I would. I'm already working my way through this series!

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