The Illumination

By Jill Gregory and Karen Tintori

Book Overview

It gleamed up at her like a small golden egg encrusted with jewels of lapis lazuli, carnelian, and jasper. The classic eye, one of the most ancient symbols of protection. Natalie Landau, a museum curator with an expertise in Mesopotamian protective amulets and magical beliefs, has received a puzzling gift from her sister Dana--a necklace with a blue evil eye pendant on it. The Evil Eye is a symbol of protection common throughout the world, with a history connecting it to many religions. When Natalie learns Dana was murdered only hours after sending the gift, she begins to think her evil eye amulet had something to do with her sister's death. As she races to discover the origin of the pendant, Natalie is sucked into an international battle between powerful religious factions, each battling for the eye, which turns out to be far more valuable--and far more powerful--than she could ever imagine.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0312375972
• ISBN13: 9780312375973
• Release Date: January 2008
• Publisher: St. Martin's Press
• Length: 309 Pages
• Weight: 0.05 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 6.4" x 9.5"

Customer Reviews

Hold On!

Great story, timely without the preachiness and pretense attached these days to novels with a Da Vinci Code feel. So expertly paced and lovingly crafted, not at all over-written. The story is so lean and yet so fulfilling. I appreciate that the Gregory and Tintori didn't try to suffocate me with hundreds of pages of ultimately unsatisfying detail. They keep the story, not just flowing, but leap-frogging from one hair-raising situtation to the next, all the while instilling into their characters a sense of humanity and humility rather than portraying them as fictional super heros. This is an extraordinary piece of fiction. Five stars and nothing less!

The Illumination

Just finished this book (audio) and have fallen in absolute awe of these authors. This is the second book I have listened to by Jill and Karen. Yes, it is a "DaVinci Code" type of story - but, excuse me, there were DaVinci Code type stories out there before the "DaVinci Code" and I get tired of reviewers listing this as a "con." I saw reference to this one place and can't remember but it did not hold me back from buying the audio book. This story is a great adventure and educational experience. I am learning more about Jewish folklore, religion, and myth than I ever knew. Always remember myth is usually based on fact. I highly recommend this to you if you are looking for a great mystery adventure story. OK, I am a sucker for Indiana Jones. But -- WOW! I give it 10 STARS! Go for it.

Illuminating...and fun!

I so enjoyed Gregory and Tintori's Book of Names that I couldn't wait for this one. I'm happy to say I was not disappointed. It's unique, well-written and researched, and fast-paced. They've included just enough historical information to hold the reader's interest. It's fascinating without reading like a textbook. The plot races at breakneck-speed, but unlike most "event novels," the authors manage to keep you emotionally invested in their characters in the midst of all the action. What motivates Natalie--her relationship with her deceased sister--makes the reader care as well. Norma Beishir author, Chasing the Wind