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.

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.