J.F. PENN

An ARKANE Thriller by J.F. Penn

Stone of Fire

An ancient power. A desperate quest. The clock is ticking.

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In Varanasi, a nun is murdered for the ancient stone she guards. In Oxford, psychologist Morgan Sierra, ex-Israel Defense Force, wears its twin.

When her sister and little niece are taken, Morgan has nine days to gather the twelve stones of the Apostles before the comet reaches its zenith at Pentecost.

Hunted by a cult that craves the end of days and drawn into ARKANE, the secret institute beneath Trafalgar Square that investigates the mysteries religion left behind, Morgan must decide how much she will sacrifice for those she loves.

Twelve stones. Nine days. One chance to save her family.

Stone of Fire book cover
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Reader reviews
“If you love action-adventure thrillers with a bit of mysticism thrown in, you will love being pulled along on this hair raising, skin of your teeth ride. I adore this author's style.”Sharon R, Amazon review
“I whipped through this novel. Absolutely loved the well researched historical elements. The characters were well drawn and believable. It's like Lara Croft meets Indiana Jones and Babylon Rising.”Ngaruawahia Girl, Amazon review
“Fascinating read. This may be the most interesting story I have read in a very long time. The author has an amazing way of blending religious ideology and paranormal into a story that is captivating and interesting.”cpm418, Amazon review
The real mysteries

The research behind the book

The legend

The twelve stones of Pentecost

There is no biblical tradition of stones from Christ's tomb. Acts 2 leaves a gap, and Jo built the legend inside it.

India

The burning ghats of Varanasi

Jo watched the cremations at Manikarnika from a boat in 2006. The prologue was born there.

Learn more → Venice

The Pentecost mosaic of St Mark's

A cupola mosaic seen on a research trip reshaped the entire plot.

Learn more → Psychology

Jung's Red Book and Pauli's wasps

A real painting of a pillar of fire, and the physicist whose nightmares guard a secret.

Learn more → Arizona

Biosphere 2

Jo visited the real glass world in the desert and thought it would explode dramatically. So it does.

Learn more → Spain

The Botafumeiro of Santiago

The world's largest censer swings over the crypt of St James, exactly as pilgrims see it today.

Learn more →
Listen to a sample

Audiobook available direct from the author and on Audible, Apple, Kobo, Spotify and more.

ARKANE: the series in order
Stone of Fire cover

Stone of Fire

Book 1 · this book

 Crypt of Bone cover

Crypt of Bone

Book 2

 Ark of Blood cover

Ark of Blood

Book 3

 One Day in Budapest cover

One Day in Budapest

Book 4

 Day of the Vikings cover

Day of the Vikings

Book 5

 Gates of Hell cover

Gates of Hell

Book 6

 One Day in New York cover

One Day in New York

Book 7

 Destroyer of Worlds cover

Destroyer of Worlds

Book 8

 End of Days cover

End of Days

Book 9

 Valley of Dry Bones cover

Valley of Dry Bones

Book 10

 Tree of Life cover

Tree of Life

Book 11

 Tomb of Relics cover

Tomb of Relics

Book 12

 Soldiers of God cover

Soldiers of God

Short story

 Spear of Destiny cover

Spear of Destiny

Book 13