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Lloyd Jeffries once again explores his creative marriage of religion, science, and biblical mythology in this second volume of the Ages of Malice series of apocalyptic, supernatural thrillers. Well-researched themes and settings give this title considerable authenticity and power despite the sci-fi/fantasy underpinnings. Journalist Emery Merrick, billionaire Thaddeus Drake (resurrected as Cain, biblical brother of Abel and world’s first murderer, now an immortal), Longinus (the Roman whose spear pierced Jesus’ side on the cross, also immortal), and other characters return from the first book to star in this fine-tuned, fast-paced tale in which mortal men and women are caught up once again in the tumultuous affairs of immortals. Each volume’s plot seems to proceed from the former, so although each book may have some stand-alone appeal, the series may need to be read in order for the best effect. The third and fourth volumes are in the works.
The series has a definite Dan Brown ambiance that will rekindle many readers’ interest in this genre. Rhyme Carter, the love of Emery’s life (assigned as ambassador to Israel during this turbulent affair), has been forced by Cain to marry him with the promise that Emery’s life will be spared. Good and evil battle in the form of angels and fallen angels in the skies of Jerusalem and Washington, D.C., as Cain continues his quest as God’s replacement, finally close to fulfilling biblical prophecies that are nearly in reach. At times, the snappy writing and story flow make up for some confusion in who the characters are and where the story is leading, especially with the occasional rotating points of view in the first and third person. This intense thriller ends with a cliffhanger meant to whet readers’ appetite for the next installment.
RECOMMENDED by the US Review