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Mary A. MadsenTop Contributor: Cooking
5.0 out of 5 stars A Chilling Book Of Adventure
Reviewed in the United States on March 14, 2015
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There are few release notices I have set to disturb me when I'm out and about, and anything by JF Penn is one of them. I literally abandoned my shopping cart in the store and ran to the car to dig into this new release. I was not disappointed. Jake is on his own in New York City, on the mend and gaining strength with a new character I hope will return again and again to this series. As always, Penn brings the reader into the heart of the story and holds them there with a thrilling ride through ancient secrets and mystical possibilities lurking in the modern world. The book was a breathless read that left me hearing only the sounds Penn captured of New York's heartbeat in competition with my own thudding heartbeat as the action intensified. The research was flawless and matched only by the author's imagination--a beautiful combination.. The world Penn creates is so beautifully constructed the reader can't help but hold their breath as they wonder if these supernatural events could be happening--are happening--at this very moment. Yes, the action is unrelenting and the thrills spellbinding, but perhaps my favorite part of this series is the blending of compassion and hard-won selflessness of the characters in their determination to win the day over the evil ever pounding at our gates. In this installment of the ARKANE series, Jake comes up against a temptation in the climax few could resist, and that's all I'll say about that. I recommend that readers treat themselves to an exciting adventure with this book, and to fasten their seatbelts for one heck of a ride.
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Uma Iyer Van Roosenbeek
5.0 out of 5 stars As great as its predecessors!!!!
Reviewed in the United States on April 3, 2016
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My first reaction – wow!!! Another ARKANE book and one set in New York! It was a big treat to meet Jake again after his convalescence when he is all eager for action accompanied by another lovely character Naomi from New York ARKANE office. Since all the locations mentioned in the book are very familiar to me, I could picture myself alongside Jake and Naomi.
Jake and Naomi get involved in the case of a n old woman who is burned at the cross on the High Line, no less!! The adventure that follows has to read to experience the thrill, excitement and anxiety. Further developments of the story enmesh the reader in never thought of before circumstances, situations and places. Although I have read quite a few descriptions of the New York underground, the ones in this book are a class apart as they house beings that are beyond one’s imagination!
The adventures of Jake and Naomi leads from the examination of the Cloistered Cross through varied situations all more gripping than the previous ones, certain to keep the reader glued to the book till the end. When did things go as planned ever in the ARKANE series books? That impossible to predict quality is one that draws us readers to Joanna’s books again and again. The villain is a very sick man who is trying to cure his sickness through the misuse of the religious artifact that the ARKANE agents are trying to recover. Once again, ARKANE agents to the rescue of everything good in this world. It was great to read about Jake restored to complete health and looking forward to going back to work with Morgan.
Though this is a ARKANE # 7 book, it is a wonderful stand-alone thriller and follows the excellent example set by its predecessors. As always, Joanna's knowledge of religious artifacts and her mastery over religious history is superb as seen in this book.
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Melinda VanLone
5.0 out of 5 stars New York City? Call Arkane!
Reviewed in the United States on March 13, 2015
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I was excited to see that New York City was going to be the location for this latest novella in the Arkane series. Since I've actually been there, I could picture the setting so easily and now I have to say I'll never look at the buildings the same way again. Who knows what's lurking under the street! Well, read this and you'll find out about one possibility right under the library...and it'll make perfect sense! Always knew there had to be supernatural type creatures underneath New York.

This is a fast paced, exciting side trip for Jake. He's full of self doubt and needing a way to regroup. But instead of resting like most people, he's involved in figuring out why a woman was crucified on the Highline. I've walked the Highline...it's so peaceful! I can't even imagine...no wait, I totally did. I could SEE a cross there...and it brought shivers. SHIVERS.

As always, this has a bit of religious history, artifacts from ages past, and a touch of the other-worldliness that fills the whole series. I missed Morgan, but it was cool to see Jake out on his own, finding his center, and doing what he does best...taking care of business. This is a fun, quick read. If you're a fan of Dan Brown you'll love this series. It's all the historical info, with a lot less of the info-dumping Brown gets mired in. And every now and then a little bit of British accent leaks out from the pages.
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Ian Acheson
5.0 out of 5 stars Another thrilling ARKANE adventure
Reviewed in the United States on April 27, 2015
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I so enjoy the ARKANE series. Penn does such an excellent job in combining religious history and location specific facts to create a compelling thriller that keeps you turning the pages.

Jake and Naomi, the lead protagonists, are sufficiently developed so we can cheer them on in their adventure to solve the riddle the bad guys pose. We've met Jake before but Naomi is new and I hope we meet her again especially if it's teaming with Jake again. They are a compelling duo bringing complementary skills to solving the case.

As with all Penn's stories this includes a rollicking adventure through the streets (and under the streets) which is a lot of fun especially going below the New York Library. Penn does a fabulous job with her research and provides some details on it at the end of the book.

If you enjoy an absorbing religious thriller don't hesitate to get your hands on this series.
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Yvonne
5.0 out of 5 stars Fabulous Read by J F Penn
Reviewed in the United States on May 11, 2020
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What a fantastic read, I enjoyed every minute of it. It holds your attention and you just have to carry on reading.
I have always loved New York although I have never been there, but the title of the book made me choose it and I am so glad that I did. I would recommend this book to everyone.
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Top reviews from other countries

Eternal Dreamer
5.0 out of 5 stars Action-Packed Quick Read With Lots To Offer.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 12, 2015
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This is a quick-paced and well-constructed novella. It's great to see the author really coming into their voice, while the research remains very much present it's beautifully woven into a thoughtful narrative with plenty of action. The story itself is reasonably simple yet the author manages to weave in a number of different layers and considerations giving it depth. The characters are interesting and well-developed, particularly given the length of the book as a whole. All together, it's an action-packed, interesting, quick read (in the best possible way!).
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Nigel Gambles
5.0 out of 5 stars Another winner
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 13, 2015
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I was lucky enough to receive this as an advance copy, thank you Joanna.
This is the first of Joanna's books where Jake Timber is the lead character as Morgan is away. The start is a little gruesome with the crucifixion scene but thats what we have grown to expect and enjoy about Joanna's books, the research and detail she goes into is excellent. Jake who is still trying to find his old self is joined by a non field agent from the New York office and they must hunt down the secrets behind the murder and interest in the relic of a dark angel that could destroy the city will they succeed?. A great story moving along at good pace very enjoyable characters and would like to see more of Jake's solo missions but of course also reunited with Morgan.
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swnseajac
5.0 out of 5 stars they just get better !!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 16, 2015
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Just gets better and better ! Using Jake timber as the lead in this book was a master stroke which also showed the strength of the characters in the books and how well constructed they all are. Yet again very fast paced and exciting !! My only criticism again is I finished it too quickly !! More please jo
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Colin
3.0 out of 5 stars Interesting series and whilst it captured my imagination, some ...
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 17, 2015
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Interesting series and whilst it captured my imagination, some of the writing was a bit basic. Nevertheless it was a little light reading whilst I was whiling my time away on a Fiji beach
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margaret
5.0 out of 5 stars Great series
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 14, 2016
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Have read all the books in this series and enjoyed everyone of them .My only quibble is I wish they were longer far to short for me
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