Book Review: The Summoner by Layton Green

Book Title: The Summoner
Subtitle: A Dominic Grey Novel
Author: Layton Green
Genre: Fiction, Suspense
ISBN: 9781456546861


From the book:

A United States diplomat disappears in front of hundreds of onlookers while attending a religious ceremony in the bushveld of Zimbabwe.

Dominic Grey, Diplomatic Security special agent, product of a violent childhood and a worn passport, is assigned to investigate. Aiding the investigation is Professor Viktor Radek, religious phenomenologist and expert on cults, and Nya Mashumba, the local government liaison.

What Grey uncovers is a terrifying cult older than Western civilization, the harsh underbelly of a country in despair, a priest seemingly able to perform impossibilities, and the identity of the newest target.
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William Addison disappears in Zimbabwe in the middle of a religious ceremony in front of witnesses who say he simply disappeared.  Dominic Grey, a special agent, with the help of Nya Mashumba, a Zimbabwe government worker, are responsible for finding him and finding out what's happening.

As Grey uncovers clues, he starts to realize that a dangerous religious cult is at the root of Addison's disappearance.  The leader of the cult seems to be able to perform unbelievable acts of cruelty with powers Grey cannot understand.  As he gets closer to finding out who the leader of the cult is, the acts he discovers become increasingly more disturbing and Grey starts to fear for his and Nya's safety.

I found myself drawn into the story and the suspense surrounding Addison's disappearance. Learning about Zimbabwe's culture and some of the religions there was fascinating as well and really gave the story a very authentic feel to it.  I will warn you that there are several disturbing scenes of animal sacrifice and torture in the book.  They're well done and necessary to the story line but the topic may be upsetting to some.  All in all, definitely a great book to loose yourself it.  I kept shushing my husband so I could read just a few more pages.  Highly recommend.

My thanks to the author for allowing me to review this book.

As required by the FTC: I received a product sample in order to write my review.  I received no monetary compensation.  All opinions expressed are mine and mine alone.