Patra depicts in her propulsive debut a spiritual awakening set off by the discovery of the Ark of the Covenant. The field study at archeological dig site Qasr Ibrim did not go as archaeologist Zak Erdmann had hoped. The expedition began with strange accidents resulting in deaths and serious injuries, and reaches total catastrophe after unknown assailants attack and kill the majority of the team members. Zak, Elena, Josh, and Paul are among the survivors, as they were in a cave following a map that led them to the Ark of the Covenant. But instead of containing the stone tablets of the Ten Commandments, the Ark pulls them into a portal, allowing them to experience the commandments throughout history. Realizing that the world may not be ready for this experience, they leave the Ark in the cave and swear never to mention it to anyone. However, Elena, feeling a unity with “the essence of life,” decides to share her experiences through a gallery exhibition of paintings, and Paul decides to write a book about what he’s learned. Zak, less sure and still searching for answers, keeps asking questions and uncovers a secret sect of monks who are determined to protect the Ark. Fans of religious speculative fiction will enjoy Patra’s high-action, scripture-driven thriller. (Self-published)