The Secret of Etemenanki
by James Ragon
GENRE: Historical fiction
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/04/2021
DESCRIPTION:
The year is 1187 and the Muslim forces of Sultan Saladin have just crushed the Christian armies struggling to maintain control of the Holy Land. As two great faiths continue to fight and kill for supremacy, the pair journeys from the heart of Rome, the seat of Christian power, to the legendary city of Babylon, deep in enemy territory. From deadly political subterfuge and relentless assassins to the full power of Saladin’s massive army, the two must navigate unimaginable peril to save the Western world.
At the fabled Ziggurat of Etemenanki, little does Fitzwalter know that everything he to be true will be called into question, and loyalties once thought unbreakable will be brought to the brink.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
James Ragon grew up in Roseburg, Oregon. He is a graduate of Southern Oregon State College. Mr. Ragon retired from the Oregon State Police after 28 years as an Oregon State Senior Trooper. At his retirement, he received a commendation of Honor from the Governor of Oregon. His last post for OSP was the Oregon State Capitol. After retiring, he worked for the chief clerk of the Oregon legislature for two sessions. He is currently employed by the Marion County Sherriff’s office as a deputy in the Judicial Security unit.
James Ragon’s passion is reading history. He has trained and shown horses all his life. He currently team ropes with his wife. Mr. Ragon lives with his wife Laura on a small farm in Salem, Oregon where they board twenty-two horses and raise cattle.
REVIEWS:
Fight for Faith, Glory and the Fate of the Western World in “The Secret of Etemenanki”
By Wyatt Semenuk|April 11th, BookTrib
A MASTERCLASS IN WORLDBUILDINg
The Secret of Etemenanki (Bay Horse Publishing), James Ragon’s debut novel, is a masterclass in comprehensive worldbuilding and immersion. Ragon’s passion for and utter mastery of the period shines through every page. Historical details are artfully woven into the story, rather than manifesting as blunt bricks of exposition, a trap to which other authors in the genre often succumb.
A POIGNANT AND NUANCED STORY
As someone very unfamiliar with the genre, I was drawn in from the first few pages of the story and came away from the experience just as edified as I was entertained. The Secret of Etemenanki is a must-read (a statement I do not make lightly) for anyone curious about the Middle Ages, the nature of faith, or just looking for their next great read.
COMPARATIVE FILM/BOOK:
Kingdom of Heaven, Treasure island, Raiders of the lost Ark, Ivanhoe
CASTING:
Liam Neeson as Father Villhardain Christian Bale as Sir Byron Fitzwalter
PRIMARY VENUES/LOCATIONS WITHIN THE BOOK:
Tyre, Jerusalem, Rome, Babylon
BOOK EXCERPT:
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