Jonathan Marcus was a rising star at an international law firm by the name of Dulling and Pierce. As an antiquities expert, Marcus was summoned to Rome to testify against a United Nations preservationist in court. His testimony would play an integral part in the outcome of the trial, placing him at odds with those who desired to save the ancient artifacts.

However, he discovered a hidden inscription in an historical artifact and decided instead to join forces with Dr. Emili Travia. While searching for a sacred menorah from Herod's Temple, they uncovered those who would destroy precious historical objects.

Their search led them from the labyrinths under the Coliseum to the underbelly of Jerusalem as they traveled the ancient tunnels fighting to save the artifacts others would destroy. The shocking devastation conceived by men who have no respect for the ancient history of the world will trouble those who are enthralled with biblical history.

This is not usually the type of novel I enjoy - I didn't read The Da Vinci Code - however, I was drawn into this story to the point where I could not put the book down. Watching the inner conflict Marcus struggled with as he learned more about the mass destruction of ancient objects and the desire to remain loyal to those he worked for reminded of the inner struggle against good and evil.

Once he made the decision to do whatever he could to protect the artifacts, he became the target of those who ruthlessly killed anyone they thought was a hindrance in their devious plan to destroy every evidence of Jewish and Christian presence in the Temple Mount.

The combination of historical and modern corruption easily arcs the centuries from the first century A.D. to the present day. Daniel Levin in his debut novel reveals his knowledge of the ancient and the lengths he was willing to go to in order to provide as historically accurate a portrayal as possible.

This is an interesting suspense and historical thriller that will easily hold the interest of those who are following such topics. The quick pace more than makes up for the amount of detail that might slow down some readers. The Last Ember is well worth the read.

Special thanks to Riverhead Books for providing a complimentary copy for review. I never accept payment to write a review. If you are interested in purchasing The Last Ember from Amazon.com, you can click on the link below.