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While in Rome, Biblical archeologist Dr. Abigail Spencer is surprised by a phone call from Special Agent Riley. A codex which can help reveal the location of the Spear of Destiny has been discovered. With the codex in their possession, Abigail and Riley are determined to find the ancient artifact before the ruthless organization, Vortex.
But with further clues to the location of the Spear of Destiny seemingly destroyed when Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD, and with Vortex hot on their heels, do Spencer and Riley have any chance of victory?
But with further clues to the location of the Spear of Destiny seemingly destroyed when Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD, and with Vortex hot on their heels, do Spencer and Riley have any chance of victory?
288 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 17, 2020
22 people are currently reading
29 people want to read
About the author
Ruth Hartzler
136 books177 followersUSA Today Best-selling author Ruth Hartzler spends her days writing, walking her dog, and thinking of ways to murder somebody. That's because Ruth writes cozy mysteries and adventures.
She is best known for her archaeological adventures, for which she relies upon her former career as a college professor of ancient languages and Biblical history.
She is best known for her archaeological adventures, for which she relies upon her former career as a college professor of ancient languages and Biblical history.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
July 13, 2022
Codex is Book Three in the Relic Hunters Taskforce Series.
In this book, Dr Abigail Spencer is at an academic conference in Rome when she gets a call to join Riley again for another Relic Hunters Taskforce adventure. Heading to the “lost cities” of Herculaneum & Pompeii, this time they are on the hunt for the Spear of Destiny, the sword that pierced Jesus when he was on the cross.
As expected from the previous books, we have adventure, danger, and a race against time whilst avoiding ruthless “enemy agents” who will stop at nothing to get hold of the spear.
The story alternates between Pompeii in 79AD, in the days immediately before and during the Mount Vesuvius eruption that would destroy the city, and the present day. The Pompeii/Herculaneum parts definitely increase my desire to visit this unique area.
There is no denying that the author has significant knowledge of history & the bible, I just wish she could apply some of the skills that shine through in these sections to her “modern day” characters/situations. Unfortunately, the book does read as a Young Adult style in terms of the simplicity of writing and the series is losing energy for me.
I did appreciate that Abigail seems to have regained some of her spirit since the last novel (where she was becoming a simpering love interest) – this is particularly evident in the kidnap scene where she is able to think for herself & make effective decisions – I just wish this spirit would continue when she is with Riley, rather than constantly burying her head in his shoulder!
In this book, Dr Abigail Spencer is at an academic conference in Rome when she gets a call to join Riley again for another Relic Hunters Taskforce adventure. Heading to the “lost cities” of Herculaneum & Pompeii, this time they are on the hunt for the Spear of Destiny, the sword that pierced Jesus when he was on the cross.
As expected from the previous books, we have adventure, danger, and a race against time whilst avoiding ruthless “enemy agents” who will stop at nothing to get hold of the spear.
The story alternates between Pompeii in 79AD, in the days immediately before and during the Mount Vesuvius eruption that would destroy the city, and the present day. The Pompeii/Herculaneum parts definitely increase my desire to visit this unique area.
There is no denying that the author has significant knowledge of history & the bible, I just wish she could apply some of the skills that shine through in these sections to her “modern day” characters/situations. Unfortunately, the book does read as a Young Adult style in terms of the simplicity of writing and the series is losing energy for me.
I did appreciate that Abigail seems to have regained some of her spirit since the last novel (where she was becoming a simpering love interest) – this is particularly evident in the kidnap scene where she is able to think for herself & make effective decisions – I just wish this spirit would continue when she is with Riley, rather than constantly burying her head in his shoulder!
March 18, 2020
Codex is Book 3 in the Relic Hunters Taskforce Series. This is a fantastic series that needs to be read in order. These are not stand alone books.
The author outdid herself with this book. The amount of research done for this book is beyond my comprehension. The writing was so detailed I felt as if I was in Rome.
The format of the book is in alternating timelines between present day Rome and Pompeii circa 79 A.D. The description of the characters in Pompeii was so authentic and real, I can't say how immersed I was in there story.
Biblical archeologist Dr. Abigail Spencer is once again assisting Special Agent Riley in locating a codex which will reveal the location of an incredible artifact.
The characters are well developed and complex. This is a book and series you don't want to miss!
The author outdid herself with this book. The amount of research done for this book is beyond my comprehension. The writing was so detailed I felt as if I was in Rome.
The format of the book is in alternating timelines between present day Rome and Pompeii circa 79 A.D. The description of the characters in Pompeii was so authentic and real, I can't say how immersed I was in there story.
Biblical archeologist Dr. Abigail Spencer is once again assisting Special Agent Riley in locating a codex which will reveal the location of an incredible artifact.
The characters are well developed and complex. This is a book and series you don't want to miss!
March 20, 2020
Dr. Dr. Abigail Spencer is called upon once again to help Special Agent Jack Riley locate an ancient artifact, and keep it out of the hands of Vortex. This time it's The Spear of Destiny.
The story rotates between the present time, and A.D. 79 just a few days before Mr. Vesuvius erupted, burying the metropolis of Pompeii.
The detail and histories included in the story can only be achieved with a vast amount of research.
This is the third story in this series, and they just keep getting better. There's plenty of action, and a couple moments of comedic relief.
The story line in both the past and present are very realistic and believable.
The ending made me laugh also.
The story rotates between the present time, and A.D. 79 just a few days before Mr. Vesuvius erupted, burying the metropolis of Pompeii.
The detail and histories included in the story can only be achieved with a vast amount of research.
This is the third story in this series, and they just keep getting better. There's plenty of action, and a couple moments of comedic relief.
The story line in both the past and present are very realistic and believable.
The ending made me laugh also.
March 19, 2020
Another exciting and fascinating adventure with Professor Abigail Spencer and Special Agent Jack Riley. Set in dual times of when Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD in Pompeii, and the present, it is a thrilling story of hiding The Spear of Destiny and relocating it in modern times. If you don't know what the Spear of Destiny is, (I didn't) or anything about Pompeii, you are in for a treat! Both stories are well told and compelling reading. Ms Hartzler is both an excellent historian and storyteller. It is an Indiana Jones type of story without the impossible heroics. Fabulous!
March 27, 2020
Codex is another heart-stopping thriller involving Abigail and Riley. The Relic Hunters Taskforce has asked them to locate a spear which is said to bestow the owner with great power. The hunt takes them to Pompeii. This book delves more into the backstory of how the spear gets hidden there which I found much more interesting. Each book in this series has its own merits and is worth the time invested in reading them. Spend some quality time with this series and this book. It really is a five-star book that's worth reading.
March 23, 2020
Codex
(Relic Hunters Taskforce Book by Ruth Hartzler
I received a free copy of this book via author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A great series where each book contributes to the wonderful story Ruth is telling us. The story is based in Ruth's knowledge and studies and she continues giving us suspense,adventure and adrenaline throughout the book.
I can't stop saying that this is a great series that made me live the story while I was reading it.
Loved it.
(Relic Hunters Taskforce Book by Ruth Hartzler
I received a free copy of this book via author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A great series where each book contributes to the wonderful story Ruth is telling us. The story is based in Ruth's knowledge and studies and she continues giving us suspense,adventure and adrenaline throughout the book.
I can't stop saying that this is a great series that made me live the story while I was reading it.
Loved it.
May 8, 2020
So Engaging It’s Hard to Put Down
The historical details the author includes are awesome. The story itself is fascinating and makes you feel as though you really are there. It’s marred by poor editing though. Also Abigail and Riley seem awfully dense at times. For example they knowingly go into a labyrinth without a ball of twine to unroll as they go so they could find their way back out.
The historical details the author includes are awesome. The story itself is fascinating and makes you feel as though you really are there. It’s marred by poor editing though. Also Abigail and Riley seem awfully dense at times. For example they knowingly go into a labyrinth without a ball of twine to unroll as they go so they could find their way back out.
March 22, 2020
Dr Abigail Spencer is safely in Rome where she is presenting a paper when Ryan shows up and grabs her for another adventure. This involves the spear of destiny and solving a codex. This book alternates the story between the eruption which buried the hidden spear and Abigail and Ryan’s search. Another great book. Remember these are best read in order
April 2, 2020
I like the way this author thinks and tells a story. This book was very entertaining. I enjoyed the historical tale being told almost parallel to the present day narrative. I like the characters, Riley and Abigail, more and more with each new book in this series.
November 14, 2021
The research and biblical content was excellent.
archeology, egyptology, mysteries
The plot was interesting
The style was for young adults
Overall for a quick read
archeology, egyptology, mysteries
The plot was interesting
The style was for young adults
Overall for a quick read
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews