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Blood Infernal: The Order of the Sanguines Series

Review

Blood Infernal: The Order of the Sanguines Series

The Knights Templar were allegedly defeated on October 13, 1307 because they were defending and hiding a deadly secret about the bloodline of Jesus Christ. Dan Brown explored the possibility that the Holy Grail was actually a representation of the relationship between Christ and Mary Magdalene and the assertion that their bloodline lived on through their own children.

In the midst of the enormous debate and secrecy over the above-referenced controversial subjects has arisen the speculative trilogy by authors James Rollins and Rebecca Cantrell, The Order of the Sanguines. Over the course of these novels, they have proposed the existence of a Blood Gospel written by Christ himself that included details of the immortal battle between legions of dark beings working in consort with Satan and seeking to bring about the Apocalypse.

A tall order, indeed. Archaeologist Erin Granger, Army Sergeant Jordan Stone and the mysterious Father Rhun Korza are the last bastion of hope for humanity against this deadly prophecy. They themselves are living proof of this ancient prophecy as they have taken on the roles of The Woman of Learning, The Warrior of Man and The Knight of Christ. This trio must fulfill their individual and collective destinies in order to assist the ancient Vatican order of Sanguinists in their plight.

"BLOOD INFERNAL is written at such a breakneck pace that you literally will be short of breath turning the pages. The action, intrigue and suspense are relentless and speed toward the epic conclusion featuring Lucifer."

BLOOD INFERNAL opens with a scene set in 1606 Prague within the laboratory of the infamous alchemist Dr. John Dee. In this hidden lab was a stunning bell made entirely of glass that the doctor was using for the purpose of capturing evil creatures. His task would be completed once he had successfully trapped 666 creatures. Of course, nothing goes as planned and his work is left unfinished. The appearance at the end of this opening scene of Elizabeth "The Blood Countess" Bathory shows the connection between past and present, and the work of Dr. Dee will become quite important to our three heroes.

Back in modern times, the shackles of Lucifer have been loosened and his Chalice remains lost. Erin, Jordan and Rhun must join forces to forge the Chalice once again and thwart Lucifer once and for all. This will be no easy task as an evil entity calling itself Legion has risen up, and the demon is seeking to destroy anyone who is attempting to save the world from Lucifer's prophesized return to power.

The mission to decipher what the Chalice actually is puts our three heroes on a quest that will begin in both Egypt and Rome and eventually end at the very gates of Hell. It also will include a stop in Prague to revisit the site of Dr. Dee's lab. To be successful in their mission, one of them will need to make an incredible sacrifice that is not guaranteed to work and will involve entering the realms of Hell and facing off against Lucifer  himself.

BLOOD INFERNAL is written at such a breakneck pace that you literally will be short of breath turning the pages. The action, intrigue and suspense are relentless and speed toward the epic conclusion featuring Lucifer. Rollins and Cantrell have blended their voices perfectly in creating this stunning novel. If you are seeking just the right amount of action, horror, biblical history and international intrigue, you need look no further than the finale of this terrific trilogy.

Reviewed by Ray Palen on February 13, 2015

Blood Infernal: The Order of the Sanguines Series
by James Rollins and Rebecca Cantrell

  • Publication Date: January 26, 2016
  • Genres: Adventure, Fiction, Suspense, Thriller
  • Mass Market Paperback: 576 pages
  • Publisher: William Morrow
  • ISBN-10: 0062343270
  • ISBN-13: 9780062343277