In the second book of the Black Sun Series the hunt for the four symbols that could change WWII continues. A special division of SOE was created to find the four swastika relics that Hitler is seeking to help him win the war. Tristan Marcas has been working with the Germans to find the relics while actually reporting as a double agent to the SOE to prevent Germany’s success. Each side is now in possession of one of the relics and an ancient book has led Marcas to Crete, where the discovery of a knight’s sword points the way back to Austria and later to Venice. Back in England a commando unit is assigned to assist Marcas in retrieving the next relic. Naval Intelligence agent Ian Fleming is assigned to lead the group. He also has instructions from Churchill that could jeopardize the mission.

While Giacometti and Ravenne have written a suspenseful tale with enough action to satisfy thriller fans, there is a second story line that follows Hitler, the failed art student, as he serves in WWI and observes the defeat of Germany and its’ effect on the people. He discovers the Thule Society, a group that sets him on the path to leadership and introduces him to the swastika. It is an excellent balance of action and history that Will conclude in an eagerly anticipated third volume.

This is volume 2 of a planned 3 book series dealing with the possibility that Adolf Hitler along with some of his high echelon officers were firm believers in certain symbols that had the power to influence major events. They were purported to plan both military and political actions based on what they perceived were the influences of symbols. The novels concern 4 Swastikas that are sought by both the Nazis and the British with the belief that the balance of the war being fought by them would be affected by the possession of these symbols. The first book ends with each side having one of the Swastikas and both after the other two. The authors are writing the novels so that they all have to be read in order and it is certainly the case that a fair amount of what is occurring in book two has a grounding in the first book. If the reader has read the first book the events and sequencing will be logical. If not, the story and its treatment by the authors make it very worthwhile to try and do so.
The novel opens in late 1941 with the probability that Germany will win the war. Hitler feels he must find the remaining Swastikas and unite them with the one currently being held in a vault in Himmler's mountain stronghold. Winston Churchill knows that he must prevent this and mobilizes his best man: Tristan Marcas to organize a counter search keeping the remaining Swastikas out of the hands of the Nazis. The point - counterpoint of both sides is a completely mesmerizing study of constant action with Tristan's group in constant danger of being caught and executed. Ian Fleming, later author of the James Bond series of novels is depicted as taking part in the story as head of the British group seeking contact with and aiding Marcas' search. A neat touch by the authors is to suggest that Fleming was influenced by this action to create his character as well as coming up with the designation 007 for Bond.
The authors set up a background scenario revolving around Hitler; his boyhood, his service in the trenches of World War One and methods of seeking and obtaining power over a Germany fed up with being blamed for starting WWI. and in the midst of a crippling depression. Undoubtedly based on solid research it is an interesting sideline to the book and perhaps to arrive at an understanding of why a minority of Germany's population were able to take over the country and allow itself to be steered into a world war.

The second episode in the hunt for swastika’s season again featuring a list of real and fictional characters. Very cleverly constructed with a good plausible storyline the story races along from London to Germany to an exciting climax in Venice. Ian Fleming is even brought along including an explanation of later James Bond details! Roll on the next episode!

***Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Expected publication September 17, 2020.***

3.5 stars

Unfortunately I'm posting this after having been evacuated and displaced due to Hurricane Laura.

This wasn't an alternate history per se, but "tweaked" historical events in an interesting way. Due to this being the 2nd in a trilogy (haven't read the 1st), I felt like walked in to the middle of a movie that I haven't seen...able to follow and enjoy the story, but feeling like I was missing something.

Would like to see how this story ends with the last book of the trilogy. 🙂

This is book two in this exciting trilogy, and the curse of the second book doesn’t apply here! By the time the first page had been read, I was back in the hunt for the three hidden swastikas, that will give victory to Hitler, when all four are joined together. Hitler was known to be interested in superstition, horoscopes and mythology,and corrupted the peaceful symbol of the swastika for his own ends. A swastika emblem is to be found on a war memorial at Sandringham House, the Norfolk home of the Royal Family, and the Duke and Duchess of Windsor were friendly with Hitler, this is also referred to in this novel.
The introduction of new characters, namely, Aleister Crowley and Ian Fleming, added a real frisson of excitement, and there were occasions that this did read like an idea of how James Bond came into existence, it was revealed that both these people were part of British Intelligence during the war. Churchill was rumoured to use anyone who had experience of esoteric arts and knowledge, in his desperation to win the war. References made to the Knights Templar, The Holy Grail, John Dee and Nicholas Flamel, added to the mystical essence of this read. I only learnt about Flamel, after reading Harry Potter to the children many years ago!!
This book is set mainly in Crete, on an archeological dig, searching for swastikas, but we then find a hidden mediaeval chapel, a door, that demands to be opened and a sword that leads to a warrior knight, and other clues, it’s just so breathtaking, the sort of book you can’t wait to finish, but then you know you will regret having to wait for the next one in this stunning, thrilling stunner of a chase between good and evil, which is the true purpose of all right thinking people!!
I was so pleased that my favourite character has survived, he is like a cat, always lands on his feet, and is so likeable, even though he is a double agent, and at times, you do wonder if he is going to be the biggest bluff of all. The book ends on a heart stopping moment, and I am going to be twiddling my fingers until the last part is open for requests, I do hope I shall be lucky!!
This is a five star read, no question at all. I will post reviews to Goodreads and Amazon in due course. My youngest son will be getting these two books for Xmas, I know he will really enjoy them. My sincere thanks for such a wonderful read.

The authors have built on the momentum created in the first book in this series (The Four Symbols). The action in this well-crafted story carries on seamlessly. We are provided with more details of Hitler’s infatuation with the swastika during his rise to power. Another delightful addition to the story was the inclusion of Ian Flemming and Aleister Crowley, which provides another dose of reality to the story. The twists and turns keep you on the edge of your seat right to the last page. It was so captivating and exciting that I simply couldn't put it down! I look forward to reading the other books in this series.

Thank you to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

The second in a trilogy, and the action is maintained. Everyone is searching for the third swastika, and, along the way there is Hitler's history, rise to power, reasons for his behaviour, action in the war. We also have real-life characters such as Aelister Crowley and Ian Fleming (with a touch of his famous creation!!)

Good, fast and easy 'lockdown' or 'holiday read.

Highly recommended.

With thanks to NetGalley and Hodder and Stoughton for an advance copy.

I was afraid that the second part of the book would disappoint me. That my favorite characters will die or disappear. Fortunately, that didn’t happen.
Good & Evil is even better than the first part! The story is expanded and we also get a detailed description of the events that preceded Hitler’s obsession with the swastika and its rise to power. A special treat for me was the introduction of characters like Ian Flemming and Aleister Crowley. It is known that they cooperated with the intelligence services in World War II. So they add a fantastic dose of reality to the story.
The last few chapters I couldn’t stop reading! I turned the pages in the rhytm of my heartbeat and wished the story would never end. But the end has come, and the real one, which promises an even better third sequel.
Thanks to Hodder and Stoughton and Netgalley for providing me with a free copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.