Action-packed, intense, and thematically profound, this is a conspiracy thriller done right…
Barr crafts an absorbing plot around history, religion, myth, archeology, and secrets long buried in his engrossing latest in The Vatican Archives series, featuring Vatican archeologist Fr. Daniel Azar and his best friend, Swiss Guard Luca Rohner. When an ancient tomb is discovered in the ruins of Babylon, the Pope sends Daniel and Luca to Iraq to investigate the matter. But there are sinister enemies who want to lay their hands on the ancient discovery. Meanwhile, in Washington, D. C., Leslie Richardson, the Director of the CIA, also becomes aware of the ancient secret and sends her own team of a pair of agents, who are trained under Mossad but work for the CIA now, to Iraq to find out more about the discovery. When ISIS gets involved, the Vatican and the CIA know they must join forces if they want to defeat their sinister ISIS enemy. But the real danger born out of myth is already awaiting ahead. Barr weaves history and myth, human greed and motivations, frailty and compassion, into an engrossing conspiracy tale. His writing is fast-paced and utterly engaging as he offers detailed descriptions of archeological procedures, biblical events, and apocalyptic prophecies. He skillfully brings the individual perspectives of his characters to life, pulling readers right down into their psyches. Daniel, with his sharp intellect and empathy makes for a worthy hero. The fiercely loyal Lucca easily wins readers’ hearts. The standout among a memorable cast are Ranbir Singh, the CIA Antiquities Division advanced computer hologram that accompanies Rebecca and Isacc, and Grigio, Daniel’s fiercely loyal wolfdog. Barr sets up the ISIS terrorists as clear villains while providing plenty of insight into their culture and motivations, allowing readers to better understand the complexities of the chaotic Middle Eastern terrains. Heavily shadowed with fantasy and myth, the novel is given weight by its focus on religion, terrorism, the mood of a war-trodden land engulfed in chaos, and the characters’ interpersonal dynamics. Meticulously researched and intelligently crafted, the novel has a swift pace. Along the way, Barr captures the war-laden cultural milieu of Iraq with compelling detail. The result is a rich, vivid, and addictive book filled with deeply realized characters and settings. Meticulously researched and brilliantly crafted, this swiftly paced, action-packed tale is a treat for lovers of conspiracy thrillers.
GODS IN THE RUINS: A Vatican Archives Thriller
(The Vatican Archives Series)
By E.R. Barr
Telemachus Press, LLC
Pub date March 21, 2021
ISBN 978-1951744540
Price $14.99 (USD) Paperback, $2.99 Kindle edition
