The Omega Factor is a twisting tale of duty, danger, and dogma. Steve Berry blurs the lines of fact and fiction like no one else in the genre. This standalone book is no different. Berry had me second guessing what I thought I knew about the most stolen piece of art in the world, as well as the history of the Catholic church.

When UNESCO investigator Nicholas Lee finds himself present during an attack on a panel from The Ghent Altarpiece, he instinctively follows the suspect as they flee the scene of the crime. The chase takes an unexpected turn and the mystery surrounding the attack and assailants only grows.

Working for the United Nations’ Cultural Liaison and Investigative Office (CLIO), Nick’s job is to protect the world’s cultural artifacts. While this would be enough for him to insert himself into the investigation, the restorer working on the Altarpiece when it was attacked just happens to be a woman from his past.

Now squarely involved in a two centuries old battle between the Vatican and a secret order of nuns who guard one of the greatest secrets in Christendom, Nick has no choice but to follow the clues to the south of France into the lands once occupied by Cathars. The Albigensian Crusade is still alive and well and the only question is… will Rome finally finish the job they started in the 13th century?

There are few, if any, authors that do a better job of intertwining intricate plotlines into a single cohesive story. Berry’s ability to both inform and entertain is unrivaled. As an individual who possesses both a Religious Studies degree and a more than passing interest in Catharism, Berry has the uncanny ability to simplify incredibly complex tenets of faith and dogma into an easy to understand format that does not simply support, but actually propels the storyline forward.

While this is currently billed as a ‘standalone’ novel, we have to hope that this is not the last we’ll see of Nick Lee and the Maidens of Saint-Michael.

Thanks to Netgalley and Grand Central for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

I'm really glad that Berry decided to take a break from Cotton Malone and write a palate cleanser with a new protagonist. I adore the Cotton Malone series, but the last one just felt off to me, and this was the breath I needed to return to Cotton next year with a fresh perspective.

Nick Lee was a fun new lead, but honestly, it didn't feel like he was a solo lead. It felt like an ensemble cast, which I also really liked. While I get the feeling that he's probably the only major player that would make a return if we get more Nick Lee adventures, I did very much enjoy getting to follow a large group of principals heading towards an inevitable clash.

All in all, a great read and a lot of fun. Definitely recommend.