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ARKANE #3

Ark of Blood

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It is the seat of judgment. The pinnacle of holiness. It is the Ark of the Covenant… and it’s the most dangerous weapon in existence.

A group of fanatics wearing masks of Egypt’s gods slaughter the curator of Cairo’s most famous museum. A cleaner in Washington, DC, discovers a decapitated head on top of a replica of the Ark of the Covenant. And someone is sharing videos of the deaths with extremists all over the world.

It’s a job too big — and too strange — for the normal authorities, but it’s right up the alley of ARKANE, the British agency tasked with investigating mysteries on the edge of the supernatural.

Normally ARKANE would send its best agents: Morgan Sierra, ex-Israeli military and professor of psychology and religion; and Jake Timber, a man as mysterious as he is dangerous.

But Jake is in a coma, nearly killed on a previous mission — so Morgan will have to go it alone. Because the death toll is rising, and there’s no time to wait.

In over her head, in constant danger. Pursued by vicious mercenaries bent on revenge, hunted by assassins willing to do anything for their cause. But Morgan can’t stop, because the Ark of the Covenant is the prize, and it may be more than a simple religious artifact.

It may be the secret to ancient alchemy, and the unlocking of a scientific breakthrough that could save the world… or end it.

A mix of Raiders of the Lost Ark, James Bond, and The Da Vinci Code, Ark of Blood is a mesmerizing adventure by New York Times and USA Today bestselling author J.F. Penn. Grab your copy today, and get lost in the world of ARKANE!

254 pages, Paperback

First published December 12, 2012

92 people are currently reading
1017 people want to read

About the author

J.F. Penn

55 books2,234 followers
I'm the award-winning, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of thrillers, crime, dark fantasy, horror, short stories, and travel memoir.

Reading order: https://jfpennbooks.com/pages/reading...

The fast-paced ARKANE thrillers weave together historical artifacts, global locations, a kick-ass protagonist and a hint of the supernatural. Described by readers as "Dan Brown meets Lara Croft."

The Brooke & Daniel Crime Thriller Series features British detective Jamie Brooke alongside museum researcher Blake Daniel, as they solve dark crimes around London.

The Mapwalker fantasy adventure trilogy is set between Bath, England and the Borderlands in a split world fantasy where Sienna and the Mapwalker team travel through maps to adventure ...

A Thousand Fiendish Angels is a collection of 3 short stories bound together by a book of human skin. Inspired by Dante's Inferno.

You can buy books directly from me https://jfpennbooks.com/

I have a blog and podcast at http://www.BooksAndTravel.page

I'm passionate about writing and I love reading. My favorite authors include James Rollins, Jonathan Maberry, John Connolly, Daniel Silva, and I also read a lot of travel books.

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5 stars
194 (37%)
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211 (40%)
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100 (19%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
Profile Image for Toni Osborne.
1,604 reviews52 followers
July 2, 2018
Also under the title “Exodus”

Book # 3, in the Arkane series

This novel may be the 3rd book in the Arkane series but it isn’t the 3rd I have enjoyed so far. I have read and reviewed most of them out of sync and I assure you that I never felt lost choosing one book over the other. Each has its own merits and its own interesting story to tell. “Ark of Blood” brings us mainly to Cairo, Egypt, Jordan and Israel.

This fiction is a solid mix of fact and mythology with plenty of action and intrigue. The story centers on a search for the sacred Ark of the Covenant by competing sides who want to derail the fragile peace summit in Israel. Morgan Sierra, our heroine, will do anything to avoid this to happen.

Against the backdrop of the escalating violence in the Middle East, Ms. Penn’s richly writes a plot that is a well-researched escapade into the mystic world where Morgan will face Natasha, her nemesis, in a cat and mouse game as they pursue the Ark at any cost. The fast-moving action sequences are skillfully incorporated with Morgan’s inner battles with life and death. Ms. Penn skills lie on her ability to paint rich details and intricate observations to draw us in. This story shocks and has graphic ritual scenes of killings that will impress.

Although this story is excellent it did not grab me as much as all the others I have read in the past. In this one, much time was dedicated on the rich narrative to the expense of the plot. Finding the Ark was too easy and the outcome so predictable….Good story but not my preferred.

Copy of this book was provided by the author
Profile Image for Nigel.
557 reviews7 followers
December 26, 2012
Another great read, involving the desperate race to recover the Ark of the Covenant against the back drop of escalating violence in the Middle East and personnel objectives of revenge.
Great research in the development of this book make it totally impossible to put down bring on the next.
Profile Image for S.W..
Author 10 books156 followers
January 16, 2018
Recommended for fans of thrilling-intriguing-action-filled-plots-with-danger-and-heroes-battling-villains.

This is the third book in J.F. Penn's, Arkane series. I really enjoyed books 1 and 2 and it was a no-brainer that I would continue the series. As you may have already deduced from the title, this one centres around a search for the sacred Ark of the Covenant. There are competing sides who want to find and use the ark to fracture the fragile peace at the most sacred religious site in Israel.

Our heroine Arkane Agent, Morgan Sierra, is on the case and doing all she can to avoid a catastrophe. Although still recovering from injuries sustained in book 2, this time she's on her own and fuelled by revenge, while her partner, Jake, remains in a coma in hospital. Ark of Blood (formerly Exodus) has everything that you would expect from an action thriller. Intrigue. Action. Suspense. Rivalry. Revenge. Heroes. Villains. etc.

As usual, Penn has a thorough understanding of her subject matter (religious artifacts etc.) and her wealth of knowledge is obvious. She is great at tying all of its complexities into an engaging, balanced, and addictive plot. Upon reflection, I'd have to say that there were lulls in the plot at times, but nothing that would deter me from staying onboard. However, I was concerned at one point where I thought things were wrapping up, but I kept reading and was pleased that my unanswered questions were resolved. - Makes a good reader, patience does -

One thing that is so memorable about this series is the villain, Natasha. She is a very nasty character without any conscience or humanity. Some of her actions are over-the-top and downright psychotic and creepy. How she will turn out as the series progresses is anyone's guess, but I'm sure she won't be selling Girl Guide cookies door-to-door.

In a Nutshell
This is another thrilling ride in the Arkane series. Morgan Sierra continues to show us what she's made of when things get tough. I didn't enjoy this one as much and the first two books, but I still class it as a great read.

Recommended for fans of thrilling-intriguing-action-filled-plots-with-danger-and-heroes-battling-villains. The Arkane series is now up to 9 books - I have some catching up to do.
Profile Image for Alan Baxter.
Author 135 books526 followers
January 28, 2013
A great addition to Penn's Morgan Sierra books. The level of research in this one is great and really shows the author's skill in mixing religious mythology with modern thriller action and complicated Middle Eastern politics.

If I have any complaints, it's that the end of this one fell a little bit flat for me, but otherwise a solid, interesting and pacey thriller. I read it one rainy afternoon, for which it was perfect.
Profile Image for S.L. Beaumont.
Author 18 books170 followers
August 12, 2014
Another thrilling, action packed read from JF Penn. The possible discovery of the Ark of the Covenant threatens to derail a peace summit in Israel. Still recovering from her injuries at the end of the previous story, Morgan sets about stopping her nemesis and finding the Ark first. With Jake out of action she teams up with sexy Egyptian academic Khal. Packed with ancient and biblical references, Exodus is an explosive romp through Egypt, Jordan, Israel and London.
Profile Image for Sekina.
Author 11 books6 followers
February 17, 2019
I love how much research the author has put into during the process of writing this book. I have to admit that I don't know much about most of the facts presented in this book. But then again I love it since it feels like I learn something new in the entertaining way.

If you're looking for a book that blends story with facts in an entertaining way, then get this book. But be warned that this book isn't for you if you're not into the religion and conspiracy theory stuff.
Profile Image for Graham Downs.
Author 11 books66 followers
May 23, 2019
I enjoyed this story. It was a nice romp through Africa and the Middle East, and the history appears to be well researched.

It was actually quite nice to read a J. F. Penn again, since she was my first real "author crush" after I published my first book, so for a long time I devoured all her podcasts, videos, emails, webcasts... but it had been a while, so I'd forgotten all about her style. It was sort of like coming home.

And, although this is book 3 in the series, and I read book 2 quite some time ago, it was easy enough to figure out who everybody is again, and what was going on. I'm still not too sure why Jake is injured - I have vague recollections of that happening in the last book - but it's not crucial to this one's plot. You're not going to miss anything.

Something really cool happened this past weekend: I was reading a scene from this book, where the characters are traipsing through the Zimbabwean bush, and at that time, I happened to be sitting under our thatch at home, tending the fire that we were about to braai on. That was a really nice touch! Obviously, I can't give Ms. Penn credit for the timing, but the feeling wouldn't have felt nearly as strong without her expert description.

Speaking of Africa, though, one thing did bug me, and that was the descriptions of the geography. In that particular chapter, characters travel from Egypt, to Ethiopia, to Zimbabwe, and the time it takes is just glossed over. At one point, in Zimbabwe, one of them makes a comment that if they leave now, they'll be in Nairobi by nightfall. With no mention of the fact that they'll have to cross two borders to get there. In fact, creating the impression that Nairobi is actually IN Zimbabwe. It reminds me of the old American stereotype, where everybody thinks Africa is a country. I think the author could have done a bit better at representing the continent I call home.

Another thing is that the language is a bit... dated. Nothing happens "because" of anything; everything happens "for" something, or "as" something (She ate an apple, for she was hungry). And it's not only the narrative, or only certain characters. Everyone talks this way. I suppose that could also be a good thing, as it can make you nostalgic for the language, but it also just feels really out of place. And as I said, I've heard the author speak, and no, she does not talk like that in real life!

Still, this is a believable story, and I think the author's Theology degree, and her extensive travels, does add quite a bit of authenticity and flavour to the plot. And since nobody knows for sure, her own idea of what really happened to the Ark of the Covenent is as plausible as any.

Click here to find out where you can get a copy of the ebook: books2read.com/u/mZNO0R
Profile Image for A.M..
Author 7 books57 followers
May 20, 2017
Morgan has left her partner, Jake, in a coma and even though she’s still recovering from her own wounds, she wants revenge.
A recent group is trying to use the ark of the covenant to start a war. But first they have to find it.
***

A quick read.
3 stars
Profile Image for Maria Fledgling Author  Park.
976 reviews51 followers
December 8, 2021
ARK or just ARKANE?

Dr. Morgan Sierra is sent out alone on her next mission for ARKANE as her partner, Jake Timber, lies in a medical coma with an uncertain future. Following up on her last adventure, Morgan runs into the bloodthirsty Natasha El-Beheyrs and the race is on.

Morgan is directed by the head of ARKANE, Marietti, to investigate the sources of unrest in Jerusalem. Not only are the usual suspects warring, the Israelis and the Palestinians but there is violence coming from many other organizations.

At the centre of the conflict, something unusual arises, the name of the Ark of the Covenant comes up wherever Morgan is guided. And where she goes, Natasha is often ahead of her or close behind.

This action packed, eerie thriller takes you through dusty museums crammed with Egyptian artifacts, into the hallowed halls of Masonic Lodges where secrets silently lay and to the great Temples themselves to witness horrifyingly real ceremonies.

Have the agents of ARKANE found the original Ark of the Covenant? Does it have the mysterious powers written of in the scriptures? Does it get destroyed or live to fulfill it's future promise? Read the book to find out!
1,789 reviews15 followers
April 18, 2022
Everyone's looking for the Ark of the Covenant, and Morgan is no exception. She's still a strong character, but doesn't come off as well as the previous stories. She certainly makes some errors in judgment which come back to bite her. This book again has in your face, gruesome murders. It effectively points out the evil Morgan is combatting, but yuck.

She still shows her excellent scholarship as she can put together various historical events to arrive at reasonable conclusions. This is essential to the story. Checkout some of her pictures which show the historical content of the story: https://www.pinterest.com/jfpenn/ark-...

Why they haven't blocked evil from tracking her is a question left unresolved.
308 reviews1 follower
December 15, 2018
Another Great Read

Never failing to produce a story that grips and involves the reader, this is no exception. A subject that has launched many conspiracy theories and a wealth of mystical life and fables - the Ark of the Covenant. Her partner still recovering from serious injuries on their last mission, Morgan must try to prevent an ancient and powerful relic being used to spark a religious war. Her battle against a for who is both powerful and violent, Morgan seems both to stop Natasha and gain some revenge for the injuries inflicted on her partner. Thoroughly recommend this book and looking forward to the next instalment in Budapest.
394 reviews5 followers
November 8, 2020

Jerusalem in turmoil with sectarian rivalries creating violence in the streets, spurred on by those who wish to gain.

In a typical gory scene, they murder a guardian which leads to a search for the Ark of the Covenant by those who wish to use its enormous power to fulfill their political dreams.

Arkane teams Morgan with other members as her usual partner is still recovering from wounds.

In the usual fast-paced action throughout, this very well-written book proceeds to the climax where everything resolves, saving the Middle East from a private Armageddon

Another in the Arkane series I can thoroughly recommend
Profile Image for Chris Buensuceso.
43 reviews
December 5, 2020
This book and the past 2 were quite harsh to monks and priests... some violence and torture would always occur unto them...

well anyway, i guess i am starting to feel good about this series... maybe i just don't expect anymore wild predictions my head imagines while reading this... i just think of the ending as not yet the ending but only a break to a new adventure of Morgan Sierra, the man-eater... i wonder whose man was she going to eat next... but Jake's out of coma so maybe... no more men for Morgan...

As always epic places... they were nice... amazingly detailed... i liked them... supernatural unexplained by science... liked them too...

Onwards onto the next book...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Steve.
375 reviews19 followers
April 27, 2020
I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

I love this series! Penn puts together an engaging story with intriguing characters and plenty of research.

I have read the previous two books in this series as well, and this third installment keeps up just fine with the others. If I had to say something negative it would be that it's a little more violent than I would prefer, but that's consistent throughout this series and therefore expected.

I will definitely continue reading this series in addition to Penn's other work.
Profile Image for Roger.
5,649 reviews28 followers
May 26, 2020
Ark of Blood (ARKANE #3), my seventh read from author J.F. Penn, was captivating, with well-developed characters coupled with an outstanding suspense story-line with its intricately woven twists and turns. I'm a character reader, I get into what makes characters tick, who and what they are. Penn does a good job with her character development; you can like and/or hate these characters. I'll be reading more by this author as I get more of her books. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
364 reviews8 followers
November 10, 2020
This is another adventure for Dr. Morgan Sierra, as she must locate the genuine Ark to prevent it from falling into the hands of Natasha el-Behery, a truly evil person. Ms. Penn has obviously done a great deal of research in the religious aspects and myths surrounding the Ark, as well as locational details of the cities in the journey to find it. Then she adds a mix of history, art and science, with a touch of creative license, to present an intriguing tale that I didn’t want to put down. I have thoroughly enjoyed the series so far, and am eager to read the entire series.
Profile Image for Ronel Janse van Vuuren.
Author 68 books55 followers
June 12, 2020
Exquisite world building – one feels like one is where Morgan and the others are at any given time.

Loads of violence, fire and explosions – just like I like it!

Natasha is completely off her rocker and it makes her an unpredictable villain. Could have done without her ritualistic rape and murder of an unknown man while high on drugs…

A thrilling adventure with religious and historic facts woven throughout.

I can’t believe the stuff Morgan is able to survive – she’s amazing.

A fun read.
316 reviews2 followers
October 17, 2020
In this exciting thriller, we find Morgan Sierra practically on her own with Jake still in a coma - she is assigned a new partner, but he also gets injured leaving Morgan to fend for herself. Everywhere she turns, she is confronted by Natasha El-Behery who keeps trying to kill her. The final scene is reminiscent, a bit, of "Raiders of the Lost Ark", except here, there were only 2 people present - what a finish!
49 reviews
March 26, 2022
JF Penn is very generous in sharing her exciting books with readers.
Her adventure books take you to places, experiences and people that are greatly enjoyed - at a safe distance, reading in a safe and comfy chair.
Her main character Morgan Sierra is a member of the ARKANE group that exists to preserve and protect the mysteries of this world. There are plenty of twists and turns to keep the reader in suspense. Check out JF Penn’s website as well.

Profile Image for David Griffith.
52 reviews2 followers
February 3, 2021
A well written, action packed adventure! I enjoyed the globe trotting and all the different locations we got to visit, especially all the different places throughout Africa. It’s explained well enough that I learned a bit about Egyptian gods, Christianity and the religious differences in Israel. I’d definitely recommend it, and will probably read it again sometime!
Profile Image for Allen Gregory.
Author 5 books5 followers
November 10, 2020
Solid thriller mixing the supernatural with a terroristic thriller bent. Great pacing and characterization throughout. J.F. Penn writes a book worthy of your time if you enjoy this genre. I do - so I'll be reading the other books in this series. Well done!
Profile Image for Kevin Pearce.
10 reviews
November 27, 2020
Excellent

I've always loved speculative fiction and this is another example of "what if" at its finest. Combined with religious mythology Ms Penn weaves wonderfully intriguing stories that keep you engaged through the last page. A+
Profile Image for Jennifer Sivec.
Author 16 books354 followers
September 19, 2017
Loved it!

Another great book in the Arkane Series! I'm definitely addicted to this series and Morgan Sierra. I can't wait to continue reading her remaining adventures.
Profile Image for Juliet.
1 review
June 11, 2019
I love this series. Adventure, history and great characters.
Profile Image for Patricia Shook.
Author 1 book16 followers
August 4, 2019
I particularly enjoy the religion/psychological aspects of this series perhaps more than the rest of it. i will no doubt keep reading more of the series.
Profile Image for Geoff Gill.
20 reviews
August 26, 2020
Worth reading

An excellent book, which I have enjoyed reading, personally I think the end rushed to conclude the book, it deserves more.
Profile Image for mark fowler.
185 reviews1 follower
Read
August 7, 2021
Great edge of the seat book

Excellent book that is full of suspense and take a fast and furious journey and never lets you until the climax
29 reviews
November 22, 2021
Exciting you can not put it down

Ark of blood is a book you can not put down. It's full of excitement and action. There is action every moment.
31 reviews
February 24, 2024
Good read

I am really enjoying this series of books, in the line of The Davinci Code, but a great female character. Lots of action , fun time.




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