by Alan Rodgers
First published 1984
The expedition members push deeper into the remote valleys of 1920s India, following fragmentary maps and local whispers. They hunt three prizes: a tribe that vanished from recorded history, a sacred Lama whose teachings could unlock ancient wisdom, and a jade artifact rumored to wield forces beyond natural law. The harsh terrain tests their resolve as supplies dwindle and team members question the mission's true purpose. Local guides speak in hushed tones of the valley's guardians and the price of disturbing what lies hidden. The expedition leader must choose between the safety of his team and the tantalizing possibility of discoveries that could reshape understanding of the spiritual world. As they near Ahbor Valley, the jade's supernatural properties begin to manifest in ways none of them anticipated. The search becomes a test of faith, courage, and the willingness to confront powers that may be better left undisturbed.
Genres: historical-fiction, adventure, mystery, fantasy
Vibes: atmospheric, suspenseful, thought-provoking
Tropes: found-family, supernatural-mystery
Setting: Ahbor Valley, India
Period: 1920s
400 pages · Mass Market Paperback · Carroll & Graf Pub