The story opens in the late sixteenth century and introduces us to Queen Elizabeth I’s astrologer, John Dee and the discovery of the Devil’s Eye, a mysterious crystal, which allegedly had such incredible power that John Dee was so frightened of it that he had to hide it away. Centuries later at an auction at Sotheby’s, John Dee's mysterious lost notebook resurfaces with unexpected consequences and when the book falls into the wrong hands, it becomes a frantic race to follow the clues set down by John Dee in order to discover the whereabouts of the mysterious Devil’s Eye.

Ridley Samaras and Booker Douglas are CIA operatives who have the difficult task of deciphering John's Dee's original notes in order to track down the the Devil's Eye before the new owner of the notebook, billionaire financier Marc Pearson discovers the artefact for his own purposes. Ridley and Booker's thrilling quest takes them right across the globe and into moments of grave danger as they realise the true potential of the Devil's Eye.

Imaginatively written, with thrills and spills galore, this five hundred year old treasure hunt is a fast action thriller and whilst gritty and graphic in places it certainly keeps you on the edge of your seat as it combines history with a thrilling modern day cat and mouse thriller.

This was a fascinating book that begins in Elizabethan England and ends in modern day Scotland. There is an ancient notebook that reportedly includes clues to the location of a mysterious artifact known as the Devil’s Eye—a crystal so powerful that even the angels warn that it is not meant for human hands. This notebook shows up at auction, and it is imperative that the good guys decipher the clues leading to the location of the Devil's Eye before the bad guy does, and the bad guy is a really, really bad guy, who needs to be stopped on many levels.

The good guys include Ridley Samaras, a former Navy SEAL candidate-turned-intelligence operative, and her boss, Booker Douglas. They will end up traveling across many countries in their quest for the Eye, in a journey that will be fraught with danger from beginning to end. I'm not kidding when I say this is a very action packed book, with a pace that leaves you breathless, but excited to see where the story takes you next. As other reviews have mentioned, just be aware that there are some dark moments and some detailed descriptions of violence, but it really is plot driven, not just there for the sake of being there.

This was such a thrilling ride, with lots of action and suspense, and I was actually sad when it was over because I got very involved with the characters and their stories. I enjoyed this author's writing style very much and can't wait to read anything else they put out.

5/5 stars.

*** I would like to thank NetGalley, Cameron Publicity & Marketing Ltd, and Ox Devere for the opportunity to read and review The Devil's Eye.

This was a fast ride! I loved every part of it. The lore is mystical and intriguing and the detailed descriptions of scary parts are a nice part of the plot. I loved the adventure and desperately need more books from Ox Devere!

Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for the eArc in exchange for my honest opinion.

A clever and intricate story which crosses many countries and ideas to really build thrills and suspense. I enjoyed the detail of the lore behind the case. It’s a dark book at times and readers should be prepared for some gory details which, I think, support the plot and the development of a truly immersive and thrilling book.

Thank you NetGalley and Cameron Publicity & Marketing Ltd for this eCopy to review

The Devil's Eye by Ox Devere is a high-octane thriller that takes readers on a whirlwind journey across the globe, blending ancient legends with modern-day intrigue. As someone who loves a thriller, I found this book to be both exhilarating and engrossing.

The story starts with the discovery of a lost notebook belonging to the legendary alchemist John Dee at a London auction. The notebook is quickly snapped up by Marc Pearson, a scandal-ridden billionaire with a keen interest in the occult. Pearson believes the notebook holds the key to the location of the Devil's Eye, a mystical stone said to unlock the cosmic knowledge of God. In the hands of the world’s foremost blackmailer, this stone would grant unimaginable power.

Enter CIA operatives Ridley Samaras and Booker Douglas, who are tasked with deciphering John Dee's encrypted notes and racing against time to find the artefact before Pearson does. Their high-stakes hunt takes them from the snowy streets of Edinburgh to the canals of Venice, and from the bustling heart of London to the grand palaces of Vienna. The pace is relentless, and the action sequences are expertly crafted, keeping me on the edge of my seat throughout.

Ridley and Booker make for a dynamic duo, each bringing their unique skills and personalities to the table. Their camaraderie and determination to stop Pearson add depth to the story. The plot is filled with unexpected twists and turns, as the operatives navigate a dangerous web of deceit and betrayal.

One of the standout aspects of the book is its vivid settings. Ox Devere does a fantastic job of transporting readers to various iconic locations across Europe, making each scene feel immersive and authentic. The historical and mythical elements woven into the narrative add an extra layer of intrigue and mystery.

However, the graphic violence in some scenes was a bit overwhelming for me. While it adds to the realism and intensity of the story, it may not be suitable for all readers. That being said, the book's strengths far outweigh this aspect, and I was thoroughly captivated by the unfolding drama.

In conclusion, The Devil's Eye by Ox Devere is a thrilling rollercoaster of a read, perfect for fans of fast-paced action and suspense. with compelling characters, an intricate plot, and atmospheric settings it is a highly enjoyable read.