A power kept secret for 2000 years. A woman who stands to lose everything.
From New York Times & USA Today bestselling author, J.F.Penn.
When a nun is burned alive on the sacred ghats of Varanasi, and the stone she carried is stolen, an international hunt is triggered for the relics of the early church.
Forged in the fire and blood of martyrs, the Pentecost stones have been handed down through generations of Keepers who kept their power and locations secret.
Until now.
The Keepers are being murdered, the stones stolen by those who would use them for evil in a world transformed by religious fundamentalism.
Oxford University psychologist Morgan Sierra is forced into the search when her sister and niece are held hostage. She is helped by Jake Timber from the mysterious ARKANE, a British government agency specializing in paranormal and religious experience. Morgan must risk her own life to save her family, but will she ultimately be betrayed?
From ancient Christian sites in Spain, Italy and Israel to the far reaches of Iran and Tunisia, Morgan and Jake must track down the stones through the myths of the early church in a race against time before a new Pentecost is summoned, this time powered by the fires of evil.
The first in the ARKANE series, STONE OF FIRE is a fast-paced conspiracy thriller that explores the edges of faith against a backdrop of early Christian history, archaeology and psychology.
Available in ebook, print and audiobook formats
Reviews
“a bit of Indiana Jones, a bit of Wilbur Smith, a bit of Dan Brown and a lot of J.F. Penn…a rollicking good read.” – Alan Baxter
“The most awesome book I have read in a long time. A page turner from the beginning to the end. Even the authors note is interesting.” – Sharon Flood
“I couldn’t put this book down…A strong woman, a lot of action, and unfamiliar religious history hooked me…If you love action, and esoteric religious history, you will really like this book.” – Janis Friesler
“Indiana Jones action, a Lara Croft style heroine and a mystery steeped in Christian myth and mysticism … Full of fast-paced action this book hits the ground running from the beginning.” – Virginia Ripple
“Joanna Penn achieves what Steve Berry dreams of, a thriller that takes the reader deep into remote locations, ancient myths, and local histories with a passionate, compelling voice.” – Seeley James
“If a female Indiana Jones met The Da Vinci Code, you’d get this book.” – Kristen Jett
“Compelling story. Well paced and taut. Great lead character; a strong, capable, and intelligent heroine. Exotic locations and well crafted mysteries.” – Jake Stetler
“A must-read for lovers of Dan Brown and Clive Cussler … launches the reader into the twisted world of ARKANE and sets the backdrop for many adventures to come!” – Eric Praschan
Note: Stone of Fire was previously published as PENTECOST