The Illumination by Jill Gregory & Karen Tintori is a masterpiece thriller and definite page-turner. Once I began it, I found myself wrapped up within the pages, unable to put the book down until I finished it.

The story is extremely suspenseful, intriguing and races along at a fast pace, within the vivid word imagery, some of which includes moments of extreme terror. Good and evil is definitely prevalent, in obsessive ways, and a vital part of the story line. Religion is dominant throughout the story, and the characters exhibit their fanaticism in ways that leave the reader in shock over unexpected events and occurrences.

Natalie Landau’s sister Dana was murdered in Iraq. I might add that she was murdered quite brutally, and it was horrific to read. Before her death Dana sent a necklace to her sister, not realizing the depth of its historical and religious background, dating back to the beginning of creation. She thought it was just some trinket in the sand.

Herein begins the amazing story which revolves around the ancient legend of “the evil eye”. Genesis 6:16 mentions the Tzohar, which is an enlightening gem stone. It is supposed to hold creation’s light. For those that possess this gem stone, their lives are filled with the insights, illuminations and the secrets of the Torah.

The characters are diverse in their religion and ethnic backgrounds, and are extremely believable. In fact, one can look back over the past five-ten years of political and religious upheaval and events, and see some similarities within the events in the novel. The Illumination combines mystery and mysticism, specifically, Jewish Kabbalah, along with Gnosticism, in a story line that could have occurred. The book is fascinating on so many levels, including its historical factor.

History exudes from within the tapestry of this thriller. Both Gregory and Tintori did their research, and it shows in how they are able to bring the reader insight into ancient legends, historical artwork and how they relate to religion. The Illumination is cohesive in every aspect, and is a tightly woven story. From Kabbalah, to tarot, artifacts to superstition, the tension doesn’t cease, and the story line rapidly builds on exhibited anxiety, felt not only from the characters, but also the reader.

Jill Gregory and Karen Tintori are masterful and brilliant with luminous prose, word-imagery, and in fashioning an illuminating and thriller novel filled intrigue that weaves a tapestry of terror, religious fanaticism, and historical data. The Illumination is not only an incredible novel, but also an extremely satisfying and must-read novel. I read it straight through to the end. I highly recommend it to everyone!

Karen Tintori’s website.
Jill Gregory’s website.

Thank you, St. Martin’s Press for the review copy!
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Jew Wishes…Peace to you all.
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Friday February 6, 2009 – 12th of Sh’vat, 5769