I try to share everything I learn on the writer's journey, but I am primarily a fiction author. You can read about Pentecost and Prophecy, ARKANE thrillers below. I hope you enjoy my books!
A power kept secret for 2000 years. A brotherhood broken by murder. A woman who stands to lose everything.
Forged in the fire and blood of the Christian martyrs, the Pentecost stones were handed down through generations of Keepers who kept their power and locations secret.
Until now.
The Keepers are being murdered, the stones stolen by those who would use them for evil in a world transformed by religious fundamentalism. Oxford University psychologist Morgan Sierra is forced into the search when her sister and niece are held hostage. She is helped by Jake Timber from the mysterious ARKANE, a British government agency specializing in paranormal and religious experience.
From ancient Christian sites in Spain, Italy and Israel to the far reaches of Iran and Tunisia, Morgan and Jake must track down the stones through the myths of the early church in a race against time before a new Pentecost is summoned, this time powered by the fire of evil.
******Reviews******Pentecost is Rated 4 star average **** Bestseller in Action-Adventure and Religious Fiction with 66 reviews
“If you enjoy a fast-paced thriller that brings an intriguing mix of history and fiction, then Pentecost by Joanna Penn should be on your list of “must reads”. Review by CG Lawrence
“This book has elements that will appeal to all thriller fans – there's a bit of Indiana Jones, a bit of Wilbur Smith, a bit of Dan Brown and a lot of Joanna Penn and I have no hesitation in recommending it. It's a rollicking good read..” Review by Alan Baxter
“Penn has a gift for describing the various cathedrals, basilicas, and lands that Morgan and Jake journey to, making the setting vibrant and alive throughout the book. Penn is also a master at weaving in religious information throughout the story that push the plot along. The pacing of the story is unparalleled …” Review by Melanie Hawthorne
“The most awesome book I have read in a long time. A page turner from the beginning to the end. Even the authors note is interesting.” Review by Sharon Flood
“I happen to love books with religious themes. I couldn't put down Dan Brown's books. I couldn't put this book down either. A strong woman, a lot of action, and unfamiliar religious history hooked me. I knew nothing about the religious background behind this story and I found it very interesting. If you love action, and esoteric religious history, you will really like this book.” Review by Janis Friesler
“Joanna Penn hooked me immediately with her understanding of church history, and geography and historical documentation. PENTECOST is more than a fictional pleasure read; it is the stuff that movie producers drool over, keeping them up at night wondering why they hadn't thought of such an intriguing premise.” Review by Jeff Bennington
“Mix history, fast-action and fiction together and you get Joanna Penn's debut novel, Pentecost. Each page prompts you to turn to the next one, making it difficult for you to put this book down. This thriller is set in the Christian history that most are familiar with, but takes a new look at it through the author's creative and intriguing fiction that is woven throughout the story.” Review by Tony Eldridge
“Intriguing, Dramatic, Suspenseful…these are the first words that come to mind when recalling Joanna's Pentecost. This book has been compared to Dan Brown and Indiana Jones. However, as I read it I was reminded of two of my favorite authors, Sidney Sheldon and Dean Koontz, despite the different genres they all write in.” Review by Cynthia Tucker
“If you like Indiana Jones action, a Lora Croft style heroine and a mystery steeped in Christian myth and mysticism, then Pentecost is the book for you.Full of fast-paced action this book hits the ground running from the beginning.” Review by Virginia Ripple
Buy Now:
Amazon.com Kindle format – only 99c
Also available at other online bookstores.
“I looked, and there before me was a pale horse. Its rider was named Death, and Hades was following close behind him. They were given power over a fourth of the earth to kill by sword, famine and plague, and by the wild beasts of the earth.” Revelation 6:8
The prophecy in Revelation declares that a quarter of the world must die and now a shadowy organization has the ability to fulfill these words. Can one woman stop the abomination before it’s too late?
From the catacombs of Paris to the skeletal ossuaries of Sicily and the Czech Republic, Morgan and Jake must find the Devil's Bible and stop the curse being released into the world before one in four are destroyed in the coming holocaust. Because in just seven days, the final curse will be spoken and the prophecy will be fulfilled.
****
Prophecy is now available on the Amazon Kindle store.
Coming soon in Nook, iPad, ePub and print formats.
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Reviews: 4.5 star average on Amazon
“Penn…has a background in theology and she employs this to great effect again in this novel. These books are as intelligent as they are gripping. She has also upped the supernatural ante since Pentecost and created a demonic villain (or two) that rise to the spiritual struggle inherent in the book's premise. The final showdown between Morgan and the forces of evil will stay with you long after you have finished this compelling, page-turning thriller.” Orna Ross, author of ‘After The Rising'
“The action moves swiftly but the suspense never wanes, as Penn uses her vast knowledge to inform and educate the reader in a seamless unfolding of this fast-moving tale. Exotic locations and supernatural artifacts add to the adventure. Pentecost has been described as Lara Croft meets Indiana Jones and there are certainly elements of both to be found in these thrillers. However, I feel Joanna Penn has managed to establish her own voice in this series delivering strong characters and creative, but believable, plots. I'm already in line for the next one!” Patricia Sands
“Penn has a degree in theology and her knowledge and research, of ideas and locations, really shines through in these stories…as rollicking thrillers these books are great – perfect for holiday reading.” Alan Baxter, dark fantasy author of Realmshift & Magesign
“Prophecy is a gripping tale, plunging the reader into a race against a shadowy organization and its doomsday plot. Death lurks around every corner as Morgan Sierra and her partner Jake explore ancient ossuaries and dark catacombs in search of a sinister and deadly artifact. Mystery and adventure that is sure to please readers who love a good religious thriller.” David Wood, action-adventure author of Quest, Dourado and Cibola
“If you're a fan of Dan Brown, then Joanna Penn is the author for you. Like Brown, Penn weaves information about religious art, icons and history with modern-day fears. The result is a face paced read, one that kept me up past my bedtime because I wanted to know what happens next.” Natalie Wright
“I particularly like the main character, the strong, intelligent, and attractive Morgan Sierra. Joanna Penn uses her academic training in Theology and Psychology to weave an intriguing page-turner in which Morgan must locate an artifact and prevent the Apocalyptic prophecy. I love learning as I read, and this book did not disappoint me. Through it, I learned about the God Helmet, The Devil's Bible, the ossuaries, and various art and architecture. Joanna Penn seamlessly interlaces the facts with the story, creating a wonderfully vibrant and compelling story.” Jane V Blanchard, Amazon.com
“This book is a fantastic follow up to Pentecost. Ms. Penn has done it again with a thrilling mystery that kept me on the edge of my seat all day waiting for the end. With a mix of historical facts and fiction, the characters are caught up in a good vs evil ride through Revelation and the end times. The evil characters are truly scary and the heroes are well written. The idea behind the book is one that has a basis in history and could actual be believable in real life. The scariest part is that there are possibilities with enough money, enough connections and the wrong ideas to make something like this happen. I will be awaiting the next book in the series to see what happens with Jake and Morgan and ARKANE next. ” Susan HockeyFan7 on Amazon.com
Video Review from Natalie Wright
