First published 2010
Jack West Jr plunges into a bottomless chasm, his mission to prevent global destruction seemingly finished. He survives the fall and reunites with his loyal team members. They must assemble the remaining components of an ancient Machine, following clues that lead them across continents from Israeli deserts to Japanese coastlines battered by tsunamis, from Mongolian plains to a remote island shrouded in mystery. An old inscription reveals a riddle about five unnamed warriors from history whose wisdom holds the key to operating the Machine and locating its missing pillars. Each pillar grants extraordinary abilities to whoever possesses it, drawing the attention of rival groups worldwide. Some factions seek global domination while others want complete annihilation. Jack faces attacks from multiple enemies as time runs out. The team discovers what these historical figures knew about the Machine's true purpose. With the final countdown to apocalypse ticking away, Jack must solve the ancient puzzle before witnessing the world's end.
Genres: historical-fiction, adventure, action, apocalyptic
Vibes: fast-paced, suspenseful, thought-provoking
Tropes: chosen-one, found-family
Setting: Israel, Japan, Mongolia
Period: Ancient
400 pages · Hardcover · Simon & Schuster