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Sanctus

Sanctus, September 2011
by Simon Toyne

William Morrow
Featuring: Gabriel Mann; Liv Adamsen; Kathryn Mann
496 pages
ISBN: 0062038303
EAN: 9780062038302
Kindle: B004S32R2O
Hardcover / e-Book
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"What is the ancient Sacrament, and why are so many holy men willing to kill to keep it a secret?"

Fresh Fiction Review

Sanctus
Simon Toyne

Reviewed by Tanzey Cutter
Posted August 5, 2011

Thriller Arcane

A cassock-clad monk climbs up the steep granite face of a huge mountain in Southern Turkey, on the farthest edge of Europe. At the base of the mountain sits the modern city of Ruin, while contained within the impenetrable rock edifice is the Citadel, the most ancient, sacred and reclusive brotherhood on earth. A religious order that was formed over 3,000 years ago to protect and maintain the secret Sacrament hidden within its cloistered halls. Earlier that evening, Brother Samuel, who is now climbing the mountain, had been inducted into the Sancti, the inner circle of the order. When the Sacrament was finally revealed to him, the young monk could not handle the knowledge of what he saw. His conduct led to his imprisonment, but he escaped to the frozen rock face. When he can climb no higher, Brother Samuel rests and awaits the morning sun. The world watches as he stands with arms outstretched, head tilted down and launches himself from the ledge to land beyond the boundaries of the Citadel's jurisdiction.

So, it's the Ruin police who have the monk's body and are responsible for the investigation of who he is and what his motive was to take his life in this manner. When the local coroner's autopsy of the man reveals some very grisly and unsettling aspects, the lead Ruin police inspector has even more questions that need answering. One unusual item found in his body leads them to Liv Adamsen, a New York crime reporter. From descriptions of the dead man, Liv is positive he is her brother who's been missing for eight years. Nothing will stop her from coming to Ruin to identify him in person.

Worldwide media outlets broadcast graphic photos and commentary of the horrifying suicide leap. Local relief worker Kathryn Mann, her son Gabriel and her father perceive this tragedy as a symbol of changes to come for the fanatic monks of the Citadel. Others have also been watching and waiting for something like this to disrupt the confines of the mountain.

As all of the players converge in Ruin to uncover the truth relating to Samuel's death, the more desperate the monks of the Citadel become. They will stop at nothing -- even cold- blooded murder -- to protect their long-held secret of the Sacrament. When it is finally revealed, the truth is more shocking than anyone can imagine. The depth of the monks' betrayal and the conspiracy generated for thousands of years is incomprehensible.

This masterfully written, remarkable thriller is filled with gripping intrigue involving a sinister religious sect and the dark secret they must protect at any cost. Fast- paced with unforgettable characters and vivid narrative, Simon Toyne's debut novel is sure to be a best- seller. Do not miss reading SANCTUS if you're a fan of first-rate thrillers, like me.

Learn more about Sanctus

SUMMARY

An explosive apocalyptic conspiracy thriller from a major new British talent that will set the world alight...

One man’s sacrifice shocks the world...

One woman’s courage threatens a conspiracy as old as humankind...

And some will do anything — anything — to keep their secrets in the dark.

A man climbs a cliff face in the oldest inhabited place on earth, a mountain known as the Citadel, a Vatican-like city- state that towers above the city of Ruin in modern-day Turkey. But this is no ordinary ascent. It is a dangerous, symbolic act. And thanks to the media, it is an event witnessed by the entire world.

Few people understand its consequence. But for foundation worker Kathryn Mann and a handful of others, it’s evidence that a revolution is at hand. For the Sancti, the cowled and secretive monks who live inside the Citadel, it could mean the end of everything they have built. They will stop at nothing to keep what is theirs, and they will break every law in every country and even kill to hold it fast. For American reporter Liv Adamsen, it spurs the memory of the beloved brother she lost years before, setting her on a journey across the world and into the heart of her own identity.

There, she will make a discovery so shocking that it will change everything...


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