The Rowan
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- $9.99
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- $9.99
Publisher Description
A rowan tree with mysterious and unique powers is extending its grip over humanity, and investigative writer Valentina Garnier is caught up in a battle between supernatural forces and the federal government.
Pulitzer prize-winning investigative writer Valentina Garnier loves a good story, so when she learns that CIA director Agnes Pendalon wants her to travel to Kunashir Island in Russia's easternmost province, she jumps at the chance. Top scientists, political aides, CIA agents and even the vice president's daughter have all made mysterious trips to the island in recent weeks. Could it be coincidence, or is something more alarming at play?
When Val arrives in Kunashir, she's mesmerized by a magical rowan tree and its leaves that turn to golden threads, encircling the visitors. Something incredible and transformational is happening in front of her . . . With the CIA determined to hunt down this unknown force and everyone affected by the rowan, is a new battle for the future of humanity about to commence?
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Bunn (Forbidden) puts a cosmic sci-fi twist on the Norse lore about the mystical power of rowan trees in this brisk and impressive novel. Investigative journalist Val Garnier is struggling to kick her drug habit when she's hired by her politically powerful friend, Carlton Riffkind, to investigate why U.S. Vice President Terrance Dale's daughter, a heavy partier, suddenly straightened out after a mysterious trip to a remote Russian island. Other individuals who made the same trip also report feeling "cleansed" of their alcoholism, drug abuse, and mental illness. When Val heads to the island herself, she witnesses a bizarre ritual in which a beautiful glowing rowan tree extends golden tendrils that envelop visitors. Things get weirder when her guide, Bernard, contacts her back stateside, convincing her that she is the key to a cosmic connection brought about by the rowan tree that ties together Riffkind, Dale, and others through dark energy and a "psychic resonance" with the universe. As Val digs into just what that means, she must dodge attacks from fiendish CIA deputy chief of operations Agnes Pendalon. Bunn keeps the suspense high, delivering fascinating sci-fi concepts, flawed but determined characters, and some shocking revelations. This is one to savor.
