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The Sacred Symbol: A Historical Conspiracy Mystery Thriller (Torcal Trilogy Book 2) Kindle Edition
The Sacred Symbol is the second book in the Torcal Trilogy and follows the award-winning The Grotto's Secret.
July 1492, Palos de la Frontera, Spain
Disguised as a man, Ana-María de Carbonela is on the run from the queen’s soldiers who tortured and killed her mother. She overhears Columbus' sailors preparing a mutiny, but before she can warn him, and convince him to write a journal detailing his privileges from Queen Isabella, she is captured.
When her Jewish tutor is caught and punished for rescuing her, she has a terrible decision to make: Save him ... but risk the death penalty for dressing as a man.
Meanwhile, in present time, Giovanni Armellini is on a hunt for one of the world’s most precious and priceless artefacts: Columbus’ original Book of Privileges. A codex hidden inside will forever change the rumours about the famous admiral. Giovanni will go to deadly lengths to claim it.
In rural Andalucía Nina Monterossa finds her world is turned upside down after her father dies of a sudden heart attack, their farm manager is killed in a barn fire and her sister held to ransom for Columbus' original Book of Privileges.
Nina locates an expert on works by Columbus and rushes to Genoa to ask for help in finding the mysterious book. But Nina has walked into a trap. Now she must escape and find her sister.
The race is on. From Genoa to a remote island off Scotland, she must find the original Book of Privileges in time to save her sister. In doing so, will she discover the secrets Columbus kept hidden from the world?
* You may want to start with the prequel ELIXA and you can search for the rest of the TORCAL TRILOGY.
Readers with Advanced Reader Copies had this to say about The Sacred Symbol:
"I was hooked from the first chapter of The Sacred Symbol. A page-turner right to the end. Another masterpiece from Paula Wynne!" ~ Richard Butler
"I have just started The Sacred Symbol and I'm enchanted! I didn't want to stop reading." ~ DeeAnn Murphy
"Recommended for fans of Dan Brown, a brilliant read" ~ Sue Brown
"Reminiscent of Dan Brown, the Sacred Symbol combines history, mystery, and thriller to capture you from the first chapter and eagerly keep you turning pages." ~ Jane Geiger
"An excellent book intertwining the past and present. It has been responsible for two sleepless nights as I raced to finish it. On a par with the novels of CJ Sansom and SJ Parris. I look forward to future books." ~ Peter Warr
- LanguageEnglish
- Publication dateDecember 16, 2017
- File size828 KB
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Product details
- ASIN : B077Y3TGGM
- Publisher : (December 16, 2017)
- Publication date : December 16, 2017
- Language : English
- File size : 828 KB
- Text-to-Speech : Enabled
- Screen Reader : Supported
- Enhanced typesetting : Enabled
- X-Ray : Not Enabled
- Word Wise : Enabled
- Print length : 411 pages
- Best Sellers Rank: #1,613,903 in Kindle Store (See Top 100 in Kindle Store)
- #3,324 in Conspiracy Thrillers (Books)
- #3,950 in Historical Thrillers (Kindle Store)
- #4,629 in Conspiracy Thrillers (Kindle Store)
- Customer Reviews:
About the author

Paula Wynne is the award-winning author of The Grotto's Secret which won The People's Book Prize in 2017. She has appeared on TV several times, including the BBC Show, Escape to the Continent, which showed her and her husband's quest to buy a second home in Spain so Paula could become a full time writer. They now live between Newbury, Berkshire and Malaga, Spain where Paula spends her time writing.
The Torcal Trilogy series is described by readers as a 'must' for fans of Kate Mosse and Dan Brown. Paula's first World War II Thriller is said to be "her best book so far" by reviewers.
Paula is currently writing more conspiracy thrillers with historical mystery twists. She brings her love for thrillers and history, along with the beauty of European countries into her books.
Paula runs regular book giveaways, so join her news or find out more about Paula at https://www.paulawynne.com.
Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers find the stories engaging and interesting. They appreciate the well-developed characters and the flow of the storyline. The characters are likable and hold the story together. Readers enjoy the symbolism and consider their place in the universe. Overall, they describe the writing style as well-written and thought-provoking.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers enjoy the stories. They find the stories complex, entertaining, and interesting. The plots involve medicine, mystery, adventure, and Christopher Columbus. Readers appreciate the well-researched historical fiction that immerses them in history.
"...finger on the pulse and direction of the novel – except for the well-paced twists that offer background and purpose of the story’s drive...." Read more
"...death, passion, love of fellow man, fact, fiction, geography, action, drama, manhunt, and so much more that the reader must discover for himself and..." Read more
"This is a great book. It can be read as a stand alone as the story moves from modern times back to 1492 and columbus's first voyage...." Read more
"...It has character and story references to the first book in the trilogy (The Grotto's Secret), which was a fantastic story on its' own...." Read more
Customers enjoy the book's well-developed characters. They find the characters in the novel likable and the storyline engaging.
"...All the rich details make the story almost believable and the characters are fantastic...." Read more
"...well-written, the story line is well thought-out and the characters are fully developed...." Read more
"...she creates memorable characters that you get wrapped up & invested in...." Read more
"...What made it easy was how the characters in the novel held the storyline together ...." Read more
Customers enjoy the symbolism in the book. They find it engaging and mystical, making them consider their place in the universe.
"...Propulsive and rich in imagery and tension, THE SACRED SYMBOL is as enchanting as Book 1 - and perhaps more so. Grady Harp, December 17" Read more
"...The Grotto's Secret, and now I am thrilled to say that I loved The Sacred Symbol even more. What a great story...." Read more
"Reminiscent of Dan Brown, the Sacred Symbol combines history, mystery, and thriller to capture you from the first chapter and eagerly keep you..." Read more
"...I truly enjoyed reading The Grotto's Secret but I loved The Sacred Symbol." Read more
Customers like the writing style. They say it's well-written and thought-out, keeping you guessing until the end.
"...She, by the story and her writing skill captures our attention from the first sentence and holds it to the end so much so that we find ourselves..." Read more
"This book is well-written, the story line is well thought-out and the characters are fully developed...." Read more
"...is intriguing, the characters well-developed, and the writing flows well with rich detail...." Read more
"...I particularly enjoy, Paula's writing style is appropriate and inspiring for all ages." Read more
Top reviews from the United States
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- Reviewed in the United States on December 18, 2017American author Paula Wynne began her career in writing after moving to rural Andalusia, Spain. This journey/change of location was documented: Paula and her husband Ken starred in the BBC Show, ‘Escape to the Continent’, which showed their quest to live in Spain. Though this is her first novel, Paula, has won acclaim for the Writers’ Resource Series – ‘A-Z Writers’ Character Quirks’, ‘Pimp My Fiction’, ‘Create a Successful Website,’ and ‘Pimp My Site’.
Paula’s novel, THE SACRED SYMBOL, is a ‘conspiracy mystery thriller’ that is the second installment in her TORCAL TRILOGY series (Book 1 is the highly acclaimed THE GROTTO’S SECRET) and she does indeed know how to spin a yarn that involves the reader from page one. ‘July 1492, Convento de la Rábida, Spain Ana-María de Carbonela plunged through the pine trees, too scared to scream. Hot breath rasped in her chest, burning a path up to her parched lips. The gravelly voices still followed close behind. She squinted through the silver moonlit woods. Blood pumped in her ears as a tapestry of shadows swayed towards her. Were they bandits? Or the inquisition men? María shivered. Her stomach churned. She couldn’t face any more soldiers. They would put a stop to her quest. Worse than that, if they discovered her true identity, they would dispatch her back to Queen Isabella. She swung back, but a branch slammed into her face, punching the air out of her lungs. As she stumbled blindly for a moment, her boot caught in a gnarled root. She tripped and plummeted down the knoll. Breathing hard, she spat out a mouthful of dirt and lay on the pine-scented needles. Yesterday’s heat still warmed the ground. The voices charged between the trees. María slithered on her stomach and crawled behind a wide tree trunk. She peered through the eerie woodland, watching for movement. Listening for the voices. A twig snapped behind her. Her head snapped back as she peered into the darkness. A wild boar scuttled through the brush and disappeared over the hill she had just tumbled down. María lay still. Her eyes and ears were on full alert.’ Without further probing we have a finger on the pulse and direction of the novel – except for the well-paced twists that offer background and purpose of the story’s drive.
Paula offers a fine synopsis: ‘July 1492, Palos de la Frontera, Spain Ana-María de Carbonela must warn Christopher Columbus that his crew are planning a mutiny, but she is captured. When her Jewish tutor is caught and punished for rescuing her, she has a terrible decision to make. Can she save him and get to Columbus in time to reveal his crew’s betrayal? Or will she risk the death penalty for dressing as a man? Meanwhile, in present time, Giovanni Armellini is on a hunt for one of the world’s most precious and priceless artefacts: Columbus’ original Book of Privileges. A codex hidden inside will forever change the rumours about the famous admiral. Giovanni will go to deadly lengths to claim it. Then, Nina Monterossa finds her world is turned upside down when her family is under attack and her sister held to ransom. The race is on. From Genoa to a remote island off Scotland and rural Andalucía, she must find the original Book of Privileges in time to save her sister. In doing so, will she discover the secrets Columbus kept hidden from the world?
Able to put this book down before finishing it? Doubt it. Propulsive and rich in imagery and tension, THE SACRED SYMBOL is as enchanting as Book 1 - and perhaps more so. Grady Harp, December 17
- Reviewed in the United States on December 16, 2017In every generation there comes a great book that absolutely must be read. Books such as Mario Puzo’s ‘The Godfather’, Richard Adams’ ‘Watership Down’, Victor Hugo’s ‘Les Miserables’, and now Ms. Wynne’s ‘The Sacred Symbol, the sequel to last year’s award winning ‘The Grotto’s Secret.’ ‘The Sacred Symbol’ is as much a sequel as a standalone novel of great power and strength exhibited by the author’s skill to weave a story of two eras, 520 year apart, fictional in category yet historical in nature. It’s Cristobal Colon redux in an exciting story that grips the reader and puts that reader on the edge of a seat in such awe that only Ms. Wynne can do. A story on one end warning Commander Columbus of mutiny on his ship the Niña and today of the search for Columbus’ ‘Journal’ he wrote and hid five centuries ago. This is the making of an exciting trip-jump from one historical era to another filled with crime, death, passion, love of fellow man, fact, fiction, geography, action, drama, manhunt, and so much more that the reader must discover for himself and herself.
She, by the story and her writing skill captures our attention from the first sentence and holds it to the end so much so that we find ourselves quoting Charles Dickens’ Oliver asking for ‘More, more!’ Upon finishing the novel, we are left greatly satisfied but wanting the next novel in the series, knowing there will be only one remaining in this trilogy. That’s the downside. Maybe Paula Wynne will change her mind and go for one more than Ms. Rowling’s septet and write an octet. We can only hope.
- Reviewed in the United States on August 11, 2018This is a rollicking adventure in the vein of the Da Vinci Code with a view of Christopher Columbus, as we now call him, seen through the eyes of a daring young Spanish woman who disguises herself as a boy.
The present section follows various people - so many it's confusing and we can't be bothered getting to know or like them all, which is mostly why the book loses a star. Some of the tale occurs in London - I like the inclusion of the Cutty Sark - but mostly it is set in rural Spain. Characters include a young Spanish heiress who loves animals and rides horses; a South African white-hat hacker in above his head; a rich villain; a rich non-villain; various assistants and family members.
They are all searching for a Codex, or trying to kill some enemy by hacking into pacemakers. Some very distressing scenes occur. It does get a little confusing - but the exploit seems potentially sound. At least when we're in the past we know where we are, or do we.
We also get references to a prior book about a grotto and a healing herb.
This would be a great way to add to your list of thrillers set in Europe, and plenty of research is behind the tale.
I was sent an e-ARC by the author. I chose to review. This is an unbiased review.
- Reviewed in the United States on December 17, 2017This is a great book. It can be read as a stand alone as the story moves from modern times back to 1492 and columbus's first voyage. Reading the Secret of the Grotto first gives you more details about Maria. She escapes the soldiers sent to kill her as a Witch after they killed her mother. Disguised as a man she flees with her fathers special stone with the strang markings on it. She plans to sail with Columbus on his voyage to find a new route to the Indies, but he needs her to stay and keep his journals and other papers safe. The story switches to what is happening in modern times when the papers are worth a forture and someone is willing to kill to get them. All the rich details make the story almost believable and the characters are fantastic. I couldn't wait to finish and see how it ended---and then was sorry it was over. A sign of a great book for me. I will be waiting to read the third book ' Alice Boni
Top reviews from other countries
- Kindle CustomerReviewed in Canada on January 11, 2018
5.0 out of 5 stars great read
I enjoyed this book very much, 2nd part of the Trocal Trilogy, it carries on where the grotto's secret ends. I can't wait to read the 3rd book.
- Godiva 2000Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 5, 2018
5.0 out of 5 stars Great combination of historical and contemporary thriller
This book will appeal to readers who enjoy symbol mysteries (The Davinci Code etc.), crime thrillers and historical stories, and perhaps romances, although as there is quite of violence, perhaps not all romance fans!
The story has two threads which are very cleverly interwoven, a present day murder mystery which includes following up clues to find a historical document and an adventure set in 1492, which explains the origins of the document.
There has obviously been a huge amount of research carried out by Paula Wynne into the historical basis of the story, and there is a lot of genuine history woven into the story.
The plot is extremely well written and the characters are all believable and three dimensional.
This is a great book and a worthy successor to the first book in the series, 'The Grotto's Secret'. Although it is the second book in the series, it can quite easily be read as a stand-alone book.
-
KetiReviewed in Italy on December 16, 2017
5.0 out of 5 stars A fantastic Thriller!
A fantastic series, what could read as stand alone, what combines history, mystery, and thriller.
This story is well developed, interesting and will entertainment you until the last page.
The characters are well developed and deep.
The story is so beautiful that I bough also the first book. I'm looking forward to read the nest story.
I received an ARC and this is my honest and voluntary review.
- gdhmReviewed in the United Kingdom on February 24, 2018
5.0 out of 5 stars The Sacred Symbol
Absolutely loved this book ! Having greatly enjoyed the grottos secret I was pleasantly suprised that this book was totally different but was expertly linked to the first book.Great chadacters and a must read.Cannot wait for the third book. loved the historical content. I tip my hat to Paula Wynne.
- graham asherReviewed in the United Kingdom on April 6, 2019
5.0 out of 5 stars Unbelievable trilogy
Amazing sequel pity to have to wait over a year since the grotto's secret.Now impatiently waiting for the final part of the trilogy.