This is a sequel to the Revelations of the Ruby Crystal. It is written in a similar fashion, as a book of fiction which introduces the reader with several controversial theories about Abrahamic religion, the Mayan calendar and the occult societies. I actually found this book a little better than the first installment. The characters are the same in both books and their lives are now very conveniently intertwined.
But, I have to remind myself to stop regarding this as a classic work of fiction. As such, it is not very exciting. The plot is just not interesting enough in itself to carry the novel, the characters are still very unrealistic. In a way, this is more similar to [b:Sophie's World|10959|Sophie's World|Jostein Gaarder|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1343459906l/10959._SY75_.jpg|4432325] for lovers of mysticism and various esoteric traditions, but much more narrow in scope and oriented primarily on the legacy of the Catholic church.

I am a bit more forgiving on judging this book as I recently watched Barbara Hand Clow's interviews about both of the books in this series. I was not aware that she is writing these books on a timeline as world events occur and provide a background to the plot of both novels. While I still believe that some of the connections BHC is making are a little far-fetched, I am more inclined to focus on the positives.

Lately, it seems that some of the "outrageous theories" are becoming more accepted among mainstream historians. This book focuses on the new paradigm, the shift needed in the Abrahamic religions to establish the Golden Age - the Age of Aquarius marked by the beginning of the new precessional cycle of Earth. BHC covers the widely spread theory of Jesus and Mary Magdalene and their possible holy matrimony (inspired by the occult tradition and the discovery of the controversial Talpiot ossuaries), touches on the teachings of Ahmed Osman about the Jewish-Egyptian relationship and explores the traditions of Knights Hospitaller. Of course, there is a fair amount of Mayan calendar symbolism and the teachings of the astrological ages. There's even an interesting connection made with the work of Antoni Gaudi. If you tell someone this is a book about all those things (and much more) it seems like a complete mess, but it actually works at some level.

I am really curious about what the next installment of this series is going to bring and how Barbara Hand Clow will portray this year in the light of her teachings. Even for those who may be skeptical of these theories, it can be refreshing to keep an open mind, change perspective and give these books a try. ( )