Book excerpt: The heart of Sicily, where ancient myths echo through crumbling ruins and long-forgotten gods lurk in the shadows … Michael Rempart, renowned archaeologist, finds himself in a new role as guardian and protector to his troubled half-sister, Zoe. Seeking refuge from her afflictions, they retreat to a secluded dig site in the remote Sicilian countryside—the place where legend has it the goddess Persephone was abducted by the Hades, god of the Underworld. But their quest for peace is short-lived when Eden Burrows, a genealogist, uncovers a secret hidden within the ancient walls of the Rempart family castle— the key to deciphering the enigmatic Voynich manuscript, the manuscript that Michael and Zoe’s father, an alchemist, views as the gateway to eternal life. Eden's discovery propels her into a perilous odyssey, binding her fate to the mysterious Remparts while awakening slumbering gods and stirring ancient battles for power long forgotten. With treachery lurking in every shadow, as Zoe wrestles with her demons, and Michael and Eden find solace amid the chaos, they are drawn into a race against time. In this clash of titans, where gods and mortals alike are mere pawns, the fate of humanity hangs in the balance. Will Michael and Eden unlock the secrets of the past in time to save the future? The adventure awaits, where ancient mysteries and modern heroes collide. Join the many fans of the Ancient Secrets novels. Each can be read as a stand-alone work. All are available as ebook, print, and large print editions. About the Ancient Secrets books: “…occult secrets centuries old and mortally dangerous to explore… Highly recommended.” —Hellnotes “Vampires, demons, history, alchemy, globe-trotting characters that don’t let you down, and a smattering of romance. This series has it all.”