The Blood Gospel
An earthquake in Masada, Israel, kills hundreds and reveals a tomb buried in the heart of the mountain. A trio of investigators — Sergeant Jordan Stone, a military forensic expert; Father Rhun Korza, a Vatican priest; and Dr. Erin Granger, a brilliant but disillusioned archaeologist — are sent to explore the macabre discovery, a subterranean temple holding the crucified body of a mummified girl.
But a brutal attack at the site sets the three on the run, thrusting them into a race to recover what was once preserved in the tomb’s sarcophagus: a book rumored to have been written by Christ’s own hand, a tome that is said to hold the secrets to His divinity. But the enemy who hounds them is like no other, a force of ancient evil directed by a leader of impossible ambitions and incalculable cunning.
From crumbling tombs to splendorous churches, Erin and her two companions must confront a past that traces back thousands of years, to a time when ungodly beasts hunted the dark spaces of the world, to a moment in history when Christ made a miraculous offer, a pact of salvation for those who were damned for eternity.
Here is a novel that is explosive in its revelation of a secret history. Why do Catholic priests wear pectoral crosses? Why are they sworn to celibacy? Why do the monks hide their countenances under hoods? And why does Catholicism insist that the consecration of wine during Mass results in its transformation to Christ’s own blood? The answers to all go back to a secret sect within the Vatican, one whispered as rumor but whose very existence was painted for all to see by Rembrandt himself, a shadowy order known simply as the Sanguines.
In the end, be warned: some books should never be found, never opened — until now.
James Rollins
James Rollins is an internationally bestselling author renowned for his action-packed thrillers that blend historical mysteries, cutting-edge science, and gripping adventure. With a background in veterinary medicine and a deep passion for history and science, Rollins brings a unique perspective to his writing, often weaving these elements into his Sigma Force novels and other standalone books. His thrilling, page-turning narratives have earned him a loyal fanbase around the world, making him a leading figure in the realm of scientific thrillers and historical fiction.
The Order of the Sanguines
James Rollins and Rebecca Cantrell are co-authors in the bestselling Sanguines series: City of Scream, The Blood Gospel, Blood Brothers, Innocent Blood and Blood Infernal.
The Order of the Sanguines consists of five books. The current recommended reading order for the series is provided below.
