The Adamantine Jewel by Jeffrey Scott Pears is a thrilling supernatural adventure that sweeps readers into a world balancing on the brink of catastrophe. When an unstoppable, flesh-eating virus threatens humanity with extinction, David Thoreau, a university professor and former U.S. Marine, races against time alongside his brave eighteen-year-old daughter, April. Their mission? To track down a mythical healing stone known as the Adamantine Jewel. The stakes are impossibly high, and the journey is nothing short of epic, involving dangerous conspiracies, mystical forces, and the wisdom of ancient cultures.

The writing in The Adamantine Jewel is a mixed bag. There are moments of taut, breathless action where the prose shines. It grabs you and doesn’t let go, mixing humor with suspense. Yet, there are times when the narrative feels overly descriptive, bogging down scenes that would otherwise fly by. David’s philosophical musings, while intellectually intriguing, sometimes pull away from the story’s tension, making me wish the author would just get back to the action. Nevertheless, these reflective pauses do add a layer of depth, even if they occasionally feel misplaced. Character dynamics are where Jeffrey Scott Pears really excels. David’s relationship with April is authentic, heartwarming, and bittersweet. You can feel the weight of their shared grief over the loss of April’s mother, making their banter and mutual support all the more touching. Some secondary characters, like Serenity Adler, felt underdeveloped despite the potential for complexity. I wanted more from her, especially given her sudden departure to India and the emotional stirrings she awakens in David. The book’s plot brims with intrigue and cinematic energy. From high-speed chases through West Hollywood to the mounting horror of a global pandemic, the stakes are palpable. Pears does a fantastic job weaving real-world fears with mystical elements. The sudden, brutal encounter with the CDC authorities at David’s home made my heart pound, while the philosophical lecture on death during his university class left me contemplative. Yet, I couldn’t help but feel that the pacing wavered in some areas. The narrative jumps from action-packed scenes to quieter moments without always maintaining momentum, leaving me both exhilarated and occasionally restless.

The Adamantine Jewel is a gripping ride that delivers on suspense, family drama, and metaphysical reflection. It’s perfect for readers who enjoy thrillers with a spiritual twist, especially those curious about ancient cultures and myths. If you’re looking for a thoughtful adventure that keeps you thinking while keeping you on edge, this book is worth the read.

Pages: 266 | ASIN : B0DHPMNXBR