While the story was very good I didn't feel any excitement or tension or that "ooh, what is going to happen next!?" which I usually feel when reading books in this genre. I never wanted to stop reading, but at the same time I didn't feel any drive to pick the book up again when I wasn't reading. I did like the mix of mysticism and realism and the way that was handled. I think it was the writing rather than the story that didn't gel with me and perhaps this is down to translation, as I have struck this with other translated works. I will read the next book in the series as I am interested to know where the story goes.

I don't usually read this type of book, but I am so glad I had the privilege to review this one! I loved this book, I was intrigued from the first chapter. The characters are well crafted, they each have their own strengths and weaknesses. This book has all the elements of a great thriller, packed with suspense, mystery and intrigue and woven with both fact and fiction in the story line to create a unique and entertaining story. With the introduction of each new character I found myself being more pulled into the plot and could not put the book down. It's a true page turner with twists and surprises all the way through that you will not expect. I eagerly await the coming books in this series!

I could not put the book down. Ravenne writes in a style like Dan Brown. It's a fast paced plot with many twists and turns. The ending will leave you surprised. I can't wait for the sequel. Well written!

Set in Free and Occupied France and dealing with the issues of Nazi Mysticism which I found interesting however, I found this book to be quite slow in places. The characters are believable and interesting but the book lacks the excitement of others in its genre. I found the translation faulty in places, for example - cleanly shaven temples - not convinced this was the original meaning. Also one sentence where only 'one word was necessary. Thank you'. In the original it may have been one word, but here it is two. Maybe small points, however they did spoil the reading experience.

A thriller set during the early part of the war, with a background in some of the stranger occult beliefs of senior Nazis. This would be suitable for fans of such books and films as 'The Da Vinci Code', 'Raiders of the Lost Ark'. There are twists aplenty, to keep the reader guessing, and I don't want to say too much, because any comment could be a spoiler.

It is the first of a trilogy, and I'm looking forward to Books 2 and 3.

Thank you, NetGalley for an advance copy.

The authors have come out with the first volume of a planned series telling the story of a little known aspect of the second world war. Hitler and several of his immediate staff had a firm belief in the power of the occult. So much so that according to the legend actual invasions were planned around the so called "protection" of the possession of symbols that these mysteries granted. That is, if the Nazis held one of the symbols they could continue with an invasion of another country or countries sure of a victory.
The novel portrays the unauthorized flight of Rudolf Hess, a key member of the Nazi hierarchy from Germany to the UK and being forced to land in Scotland. Hess has come up with a plan to talk cooperation with the British in dividing up the world between the two countries. A scheme not authorized by Hitler. Captured, Hess is secretly interviewed by Winston Churchill who finds out about the reliance on the occult and the belief Hitler has in possession of the symbols of this belief. Churchill than sets up his own operation to beat the Nazis in finding and possessing these symbols.
The telling of the story outlines what would probably have been the events of the race for finding and possessing these symbols. Several protagonists are introduced whose reactions and feelings are very well delineated. The authors are careful to give the same patient treatment of both the Nazis whose function is to find the symbols and the allies who are posed against them. There is an excellent picture of a Frenchman who is in reality an agent for the British and who has somehow found himself helping to locate the symbols for the Nazis as a way to stay alive. A German officer charged with obtaining these items and firmly believing in their worth as the means of establishing Hitler's third Reich. And two British agents; a man and woman posing as husband and wife sent to find the symbols first and deliver them to England.
The characters in place and the story unfolds. The writing is crisp, scenes and actions very well done and the first book leaving the reader looking for the next volume in the series. The only thing lacking is the immediate access to that book . It is sure that that novel will be picked up as soon as available.