N.Williams, Eden Relics

EDEN RELICS by N Williams. Published by Artcymru Publications

The story begins with a real punch. It introduces the main character and his future character flaws within an incident that becomes relevant later in the story.

We are then transported back to the Giza Plateau in 1897 and the chance discovery of ancient biblical relics beneath the Sphinx. The story then links to a real historical character - the famous opera singer Adelina Patti who is performing to dignitaries at the time of the discovery. Fearing that the relics could topple her religion but afraid to destroy them, Patti finances a mission to smuggle the rlics to her home in Wales.

Present day: a workman at patti's former castle home discovers a diary which alludes to the relics. Looking for a quick buck, the old man attempts to sell the book on eBay and is amazed at the response. What he does not know is that two groups of fanatics have been waiting for a clue to the location of the relics and the race to find them is on.

The main protagonist is Zac Woods, a retired firearms officer, who is reluctantly drawn into events upon the death of two old friends.

From Giza to the caves beneath the Swansea Valley, the story starts with a bang and sets the mood for what's to come.

There is the inevitable chapter or two where we can take a breather to learn of the conspiracy theories surrounding the relics but the tension is maintained pretty much throughout and at times frantic.

The characters are well developed and the discriptions of locations well written.

The final outcome is both humorous and original and sets the scene nicely for the sequal. Bring it on!

I highly recommend the book and found it through a review at onlinebookclub