Good & Evil

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.

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.

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.

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 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!

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.

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.

Good & Evil seamlessly transitions from the first book, The Four Symbols, and continues to build on the momentum. It does not suffer from the story building most second books in a trilogy tend to fall victim too. In fact, I think I enjoyed this one more than the first book. I was invested and wanted to know what happened next. I think the authors really hit their stride with this title.

Having read the first book in this trilogy, I was able to understand exactly what was happening in this installment. This is not meant to read as a standalone and I felt like I wouldn't be able to get my footing if I'd jumped right into this book. Several genres are written to be standalone in the middle of series, but this isn't one of those.

I found the story to be interesting, as with the first book, and it's just enough of an alternate history to really capture your attention and keep it through the narrative! There are several overlapping storylines that are wound through the book, which made it a new experience every time I pulled up another chapter. Ever the adventure, thriller novel! I am very excited to see the conclusion in the next installment! Both writers are incredibly skilled and I am glad to have been able to read these novels!

I would certainly recommend this to fans of history, alternate history, WWII, and thriller novels!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Second in the trilogy and it just gets better and better. Lots of tension and action as Tristan Marcus continues his quest to deny Hitler access to the mystical swastika symbols. Ian Fleming makes his appearance and we glimpse links to his future writing.
All I can say is I am looking forward to the final part of this trilogy.

In return for an honest and unbiased review, I received a reading copy from Net Galley and the authors.

I have just finished reading book two in the Black Sun series. The authors are ERIC GIACOMETTI and JACQUES RAVENNE. The book is called GOOD AND EVIL and continues the saga begun in THE FOUR SYMBOLS, which I previously reviewed.

The stories involve the hunt for four ancient representations of the infamous Nazi symbol, the swastika. Supposedly, the holder of any of these long lost symbols will have certain powers over the military, economic and political parts of his or her country. If you control more than one, your power magnifies.

On the Allied side is Commander James Malorley of the Special Operations Executive (S.O.E.). His team consists of Laure d’Estillac, a French woman with ties to Montsegur (of Cathar fame) who has been recruited to the S.O.E. and Ian Fleming (yes that Ian Fleming of James Bond fame). Making cameo appearances are Winston Churchill and King George VI.

On the Axis side is Erika von Essling acting head of the SS Ahnenerbe a prominent Nazi archaeologist. Her assistant is Tristan Marcas an art historian and Erika’s paramour. Making cameo appearances are Hitler, Mussolini, Heydrich, Goebbels, Himmler, Hess and Goring.

Aiding Malorley is Aleister Crowley a leading British occultist, author and man of bad taste. Another key figure is Jorg Lanz, a former monk, founder of the periodical Ostara and the man who introduced Hitler to Aryanism in 1909.

The story drifts from Hitler’s years as a failed art student in Vienna (1909), his military career in World War I, his rise to power in Germany and finally to World War II. These episodes explain why Hitler was evil man that he was. These parts of the book were extremely informative.

The story centers around one of the aforementioned swastikas. It is found at the end of the story somewhere that is truly surprising. The incidents surrounding the mysterious artifact are very plausible. One of the artifacts (from book one) is now on its way to the United States via a ship. There is at least one more to find.

There are a few references to Ian Fleming’s hero James Bond that I thought were fun references. They include Hugo Drax, 007, the card game baccarat and beautiful women.

As you can see, there are enough real people and incidents to make the whole story seem plausible. However, it is a novel. The authors deserve a lot of praise for melding the fact and the fiction.
If you are a fan of WWII history, history in general, spy thrillers and mysteries, you will have fun reading these books. They are fast paced, informative and action packed with a little romance thrown in. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

GO! BUY! READ!

The second in the Black Sun series, I loved it even more than the first!
The book follows an allied SOE team on the trail of 4 symbols that would all but ensure a Nazi victory in WW2 - the action is non-stop and the characters compelling

Make sure you read book one before you tackle this one though!

Highly recommended for fans of history and the occult

If the first book was good, this book was even better. I'd read the first book and I was afraid that the second part would let me down. I'm happy to say that this book proved me wrong.

So, in the first part, we saw Hitler's obsession with the swastikas and the lengths the Nazis went to secure them. They have already got one and are hot on the trails of the other three. Germany has no scope of losing the war once they have the swastikas on their side.
We get to see Tristan, this time better than the last. There are also references to James Bond that I enjoyed reading. Now I can't wait to get hold of the next part!

Thanks to Netgalley, Hodder & Stoughton, and the authors for this ARC in return for an unbiased review.

Around the world, Nazi treasure hunters are trying to locate the remaining swastika artefacts in their strive for Nazi world domination.
Double agent Tristan Marcas and Nazi archaeologist Erika von Essling continue their search on the Greek island of Crete and in southern Germany, while James Malorley is trying to impede the hunt with his network of spies from London.

It’s a spy eat spy world and as new alliances become apparent, old ones are questioned.
In 1941 Europe, the danger of inadvertently confiding in a traitor is real.

Now a resident in the Tower of London, Rudolf Hess is hypnotised by the former owner of London’s Hellfire club. Sadistic rituals are performed by London’s secret Nazi sympathisers. Flemming also makes an appearance. Once again, the Nazi obsession with the occult takes center stage. Frequent flashbacks to times significant in Hitler’s life, such as his rejection from the academy (1909), his admission to a secret society set on reviving the Arian race and his time fighting in WWI, provide a somewhat loose background, merging historical fact and fiction.
The ongoing world war is only mentioned in passing, such as that Hitler’s army has started to invade Russia.

The book is an entertaining and suspenseful treasure hunt meets spy thriller. Highly recommended.

Since I read the first book in the series earlier this year, I was familiar with the characters and it only took a minute to remember what had happened to them previously. As this book continues straight where the first left off, it seems helpful to read the books in order, as the connections of different characters and places might otherwise be confusing.
I am not really a fan of the cover of the book.

I look forward to reading the next book in the series.

Thank you to Hodder & Stoughton and NetGalley for an advance copy of ‘Good & Evil’ by Eric Giacometti & Jacques Ravenne. I purchased its audiobook edition, narrated by Luke Thompson, to listen alongside reading for an immersive experience.

The novel was originally published in France in 2019 and translated into English by Maren Baudet-Lackner in September 2020 in ebook and audiobook editions with the paperback edition following in late November.

This is the second in the Black Sun Trilogy, historical thrillers set during World War II. As it is a trilogy, the books should be read in order to appreciate the plot and character development.

Following on from the events in ‘Four Symbols’, it is now November 1941. Germany is winning the war. Their leaders are certain that they must continue the quest for the three remaining all-powerful swastikas and reunite them with the fourth that is hidden away in Himmler's mountain stronghold.

In London Churchill decides that he has to mobilize double agent Tristan Marcas in order to beat the Nazis to the remaining swastikas. Assisting Tristan is the infamous occultist, Aleister Crowley, and a young Naval Intelligence officer named Ian Fleming.

As with ‘Four Symbols’ this was a very entertaining treasure hunt adventure that blends fiction with history, including aspects of the occult that were a secret factor in the conflict. It was especially satisfying to see Crowley doing his bit for the war effort. A number of recent biographies have focused on the possibly of his working for the British Intelligence services, mainly during the Great War.

The authors clearly have a strong understanding of the history of the occult and incorporated this alongside the more traditional history of 20th Century Europe.

It again is a strongly plotted, entertaining conspiracy thriller. ‘Hell bound’, the third and final book in the trilogy, will be published in January. Even if the outcome of the war is known, I can hardly wait for more adventures with Tristan Marcas and his team.

4.5 stars rounded up to 5.

An excellent and highly entertaining story that kept hooked turning pages as fast as I could.
I loved the mix of historical characters/facts and fantasy and the excellent world building.
The characters are fleshed and the plot is tightly knitted.
It's gripping story and I can't wait to read the next installment.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine