Bitten by Books
The Eterna Files, the excellent first installment in a unique new series, begins with a familiar story-the death of Abraham Lincoln. Immediately thereafter, the tale veers into less-recognizable territory, with young “spiritualist” Clara Templeton declaring that the president should have been made immortal in order to protect the position. Lincoln’s widow, Mary, instantly latches onto the idea, resulting in the birth of the Eterna group, with the secret mission to investigate immortality.
Seventeen years later, Clara, still working for the Eterna group run by her mentor Senator Bishop, cannot shake the ominous feeling of impending doom, knowing something must be wrong with part of the team. Soon Clara and Bishop learn that four of their colleagues died horribly in the building where they worked, also having disappeared without a trace. Learning what happened to the fallen becomes their first priority.
Meanwhile, in London, police detective Harold Spire finds himself removed from a shocking crime scene to an impromptu meeting with Queen Victoria, who wishes him to head up security for her organization, Omega, formed in response to the Eterna group in order to discover the compound granting immortality before the Americans do. Not really given a choice in the matter, Spire accepts his new role, with reservations, but also resolves to continue with the case of the resurrectionist ring he was in the middle of.
As both teams carry out their prescribed (and unofficial) investigations, their discoveries demonstrate that much more than meets the eye may be going on, and they may well get much more than they bargained for.
Hieber expertly blends intriguing supernatural elements and interesting, quirky characters in an authentic historical setting. The ghosts, spirits, and other mysterious beings that make an appearance in the novel often prove truly spooky, just as they should in a good ghost story. The players comprising both the Eterna and Omega groups have their distinctive abilities and appeal, though this reviewer admits to an affinity for the British team. Clara and Harold, though both answer to others above them, in many ways set the tone for their respective crews, and much of the action of the novel occurs via their perspectives.
The author excels at creating the atmosphere and backdrop which infuses the tale’s setting, through imagery, historical detail, and even the cadence of speech. Readers who enjoy a skillful mixture of history and paranormal elements will be well-pleased with the terrific The Eterna Files.
Book Stats:
- Hardcover: 320 pages
- Publisher: Tor Books; First Edition edition (February 10, 2015)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 076533674X
- ISBN-13: 978-0765336743
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Review Overview
Overall Rating
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Summary : Hieber expertly blends intriguing supernatural elements and interesting, quirky characters in an authentic historical setting. The ghosts, spirits, and other mysterious beings that make an appearance in the novel often prove truly spooky, just as they should in a good ghost story. The players comprising both the Eterna and Omega groups have their distinctive abilities and appeal, though this reviewer admits to an affinity for the British team.
