Book Blurb:
Relic-hunting Nazis, an earthquake, danger on two fronts.
Professor of Archaeology, Mikkel Jacobsen thinks he has found peace after the terrors of WWI. His escape from England to Buenos Aires with his new bride and a secret ancient artefact, is not as untroubled as he anticipates. During a terrifying uprising his wife gives birth to twins, Christian and Ruby.
We now follow the adult twins as they separate during WWII-Christian to Denmark during the German occupation and Ruby to the Andes mountains as she searches for her missing father.
Hitler knows of the Kaiser's search for the missing artefact and sends his spies in pursuit of the Professor. Meanwhile, Christian runs the gauntlet across Denmark and the sea to Sweden rescuing the Danish Jews.
This is the second in the series, 'Stones of Wrath', filled with fast-paced intrigue and menace. The reader learns of the miraculous escape of Denmark's Jews in WWII and the fascinating legends of the pre-history megalith-'El Enladrillado' in Chile.
*****
"S.J. Ratcliffe has done it again! In her first novel she weaves a tapestry of history, faith, romance and mystery set in World War I. Now she picks up the tale in World War II and raises the bar even higher!" - Lt. Col. (Ret) Albert J. McCarn, Executive Director B'ney Yoseph North America, Reunion Road Map Podcast
"SJ Ratcliffe interweaves historical events of Denmark and Argentina in WWII with the mystery of the lost tribe of Dan. This is an exciting historical novel that combines Biblical prophecies, adventure and romance." - Mikkel S. Kragh, Author of "Norse Israelitish Origins" Denmark
Book Buy Link: https://geni.us/XmEE6
Editorial Review:
Ruby ran her fingers over the engraving.
“What does Mishpat mean?”
“It means judgement and justice. Would you say justice and judgement are two separate words? In Hebrew, they are one and the same. Why does judgement seem harsh and unforgiving? Justice, on the other hand, seems positive and righteous. How can they be the same thing?”
This book hooks readers with a brilliantly gripping premise – imagine an ancient artifact with immense power, sought after by the Nazis. It's a setup that promises an intense adventure filled with danger and excitement.
What makes this premise so captivating is its ability to tap into our fascination with history and good versus evil. Author SJ Ratcliffe breathes life into this tale with an engaging, fast paced and readable style, making it feel relevant and urgent. As we follow the protagonists on a perilous journey to protect the artifact, amongst other twists and turns, readers are left pondering tough questions about morality and the human spirit. This is a wonderfully thought-provoking exploration of power and ethics in a time of turmoil.
The novel follows the intertwined fates of Mikkel, Ruby, Christian, and their companions as they navigate treacherous landscapes, face formidable adversaries, and unearth long-buried secrets. The narrative switches between the adventures of a main cast of characters, as they go about their lives in Argentina, Denmark, and later Chile.
One of the central plotlines follows Mikkel, a distinguished professor, and his family, as they navigate the complexities of life in war-torn Argentina. Mikkel's pursuit of justice and truth leads him to uncover the secrets of an ancient artifact. Meanwhile, Christian embarks on a daring mission to thwart the Nazi regime's oppressive rule in occupied Denmark. His bravery and resourcefulness are put to the test as he navigates the treacherous landscape of wartime Europe, facing danger at every turn. Alongside them, Ruby grapples with her own personal demons as she uncovers long-buried secrets that threaten to upend everything she thought she knew about her family's history.
The Ark in the book is depicted as a mysterious and ancient artifact with profound historical and mystical significance. While its exact nature is initially shrouded in secrecy, it gradually emerges as a central plot device driving much of the narrative's intrigue and tension. The Ark is described as a relic of immense power, believed to possess supernatural abilities by those who seek to possess it. Its origins are steeped in myth and legend, with various characters speculating about its connection to ancient civilizations and lost civilizations.
Throughout the story, the Ark is pursued by multiple factions, each with their own motivations for acquiring it. Some view it as a symbol of divine favor or a source of unparalleled wealth and power, while others seek to unlock its secrets for more altruistic purposes, such as uncovering lost knowledge or preserving cultural heritage.
As the characters delve deeper into the mystery surrounding the Ark, they uncover clues that hint at its true nature and significance. These revelations lead to a series of escalating conflicts and confrontations, as the race to possess the Ark intensifies.
Ratcliffe's attention to historical detail brings the era to life, immersing readers in a world fraught with danger and intrigue. From the opulent Adlon Hotel in Berlin to the bustling streets of Buenos Aires, each setting is vividly rendered, evoking a sense of time and place that enhances the story’s sense of authenticity.
The characters themselves are deeply compelling, each grappling with their own demons and motivations as they confront the horrors of war. What I found particularly interesting about the characterization in the book is in how the author portrays a diverse cast of individuals, each with their own distinct personalities, motivations, and struggles.
Mikkel is at the heart of the story, and his determination to protect his family drives much of the narrative. His journey from a distinguished professor to a reluctant participant in the shady world of espionage is marked by moments of vulnerability and strength, showing the strength of his character.
Ruby, Mikkel's daughter, is another standout character whose fierce independence and intellect make her a force to be reckoned with. As she grapples with her own identity and heritage, Ruby's journey of self-discovery adds wonderful commentary to the narrative, all in a time where people hold preconceived notions about traditional gender roles.
Christian, on the other hand, embodies quiet strength and resilience. His commitment to the resistance movement and his determination to protect his loved ones, as well as the risks he is willing to take in order to protect innocent strangers, make him a compelling character whose journey is inspiring.
And of course, readers are challenged to question where loyalties lie and what sacrifices are justified in the pursuit of justice. The novel's nuanced portrayal of characters like Juan-Tomás Perez, a Nazi-affiliated figure with ties to Argentina's elite stands out, forcing readers to confront uncomfortable truths about complicity and collaboration.
Why have they arrested me? Have you any idea?”
“I do, Christian. The Nazis are after an ancient artefact they believe is in your Far’s possession. They were searching for it through the first war. Now this one. I suspect they will take us to the Island of Møn. They will want you to find what your Far found in 1916.”
“Me? I’m no archaeologist. I worked on a few digs with Far but my sister is the archaeologist.”
“What did they ask you when you were interrogated?”
“They wanted to know where Far was. My Farfar said he was in trouble in Argentina. It was my plan…”
“Stop Christian, say no more. These walls have ears.”
The way the story explores ideas of identity, heritage, and the enduring power of love and resilience is fascinating. Through Mikkel and Ruby's discovery of ancient artifacts linked to Nordic heritage, the novel delves into the complexities of cultural identity and the ways in which the past shapes the present.
Ratcliffe's writing style is richly descriptive yet concise, allowing readers to vividly imagine the settings and characters without bogging down the narrative with unnecessary detail. The prose flows smoothly, effortlessly transporting readers from bustling Buenos Aires to the tense streets of Copenhagen. Despite the sprawling scope of the narrative, the pacing remains brisk and engaging, keeping readers on the edge of their seats with each twist and turn of the plot. The narrative ebbs and flows organically, allowing readers to catch their breath between tense confrontations while still maintaining a sense of urgency and momentum throughout.
Ultimately, "Stones Of Wrath – The Twins" is a masterfully told tale of courage, sacrifice, and the human spirit. With its richly developed characters, fast paced engaging prose, and gripping plot twists, S.J. Ratcliffe's novel is a must-read for fans of historical fiction and adventure alike.
*****
“Stones of Wrath: the Twins” by S.J. Ratcliffe receives four stars from The Historical Fiction Company
To have your historical novel editorially reviewed and/or enter the HFC Book of the Year contest, please visit www.thehistoricalfictioncompany.com/book-awards/award-submission
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