"Shadow Ritual" by Éric Giacometti and Jacques Ravenne / Reviewed by Alycia Gilbert
Killer Nashville Book of the Day
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Giacometti Ravenne
Shadow Ritual by Éric Giacometti and Jacques Ravenne
Reviewed by Alycia Gilbert
In Éric Giacometti and Jacques Ravenne’s international bestseller “Shadow Ritual”, the past leaks into the future as two murderers leave the Parisian government and an ancient society reeling.
Levelheaded Inspector Antione Marcas must begrudgingly team up with Special Agent Jade Zewinski—a hard-hitting, quick-tempered woman with a wit to match her physical stamina—to solve a crime that links together thousands of years of history and elitist societies that jockey for domination. But with Marcas’ intimate knowledge of Freemasonry as their best asset and Jade’s intense hatred for this brotherhood, the two must overcome their differences in order to track down the murderer of a young archivist.
As Marcas and Jade trace the crime’s origins back through time, the two face Neo-Nazis, a ruthless assassin, and a legendary quest whose prize has been sought after—and killed for—since medieval times.
Fast-paced and chilling “Shadow Ritual” is an electrifying narrative that combines a historical thriller with modern speed and humor. Giacometti and Ravenne seamlessly weave together different cultures and character perspectives. The result is a fuller reading experience that crosses borders—from Rome to Paris to Jerusalem. Translated by Anne Trager “Shadow Ritual” retains its wonderful and distinct storytelling in its transition into English.
Marcas and Jade are both wonderfully intelligent characters, and the villains of the story are particularly striking in their inventive cruelty and elitist agenda. Almost reminiscent of an “Indiana Jones” film with the invocation of WWII and its striking, chilling ending, “Shadow Ritual” will take readers on an adventurous ride.
With the strong duo created in Marcas and Jade along with the story’s intricate, historical plot, “Shadow Ritual” gives crime fiction an original flair. I would recommend this novel to readers who are interested in World War II fiction, modern thrillers, and elements of the occult. I would warn potential readers, however, that the storyline can become a little dark and mildly graphic in its violence. The entire novel is, however, an excellently fun and vivid read, and I can’t wait to see the rest of the series.
Alycia Gilbert is an aspiring writer. Gilbert enjoys penning short stories and poems, and is currently writing her first novel. She acts as editor-in-chief of a university's two literary journals, and loves to help other student writers through editing and strengthening their talents.
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