eye of the god by Ariel Allison Published by: Abingdon Press (2009) 400 pages Rating: 6/10 Buy it Now:

The first thing I noticed in eye of the god is the names. The author's name is the alliterated Ariel Allison. In the first chapter, we're introduced to main character Abby who is having a conversation with a minor character named Ana, and they're soon interrupted in chapter two by the other main character named Alex. It could just be a coincidence, but it's somewhat amusing (and really does make it difficult to keep track of the characters until Ana exits the scene). Actually, more eyebrow-raising was the similarity to National Treasure. Both stories involve a great treasure kept under tight security and watched over by the beautiful but intelligent curator Dr. Abigail something.

In this case, the treasure is the Hope Diamond. It's not the largest diamond in the world, but it's easily the most famous, with an incredibly fascinating history. Much of that history is explored throughout the novel (and more is available on the author's website). The historical segments are truly fascinating, especially if you're not very familiar with the diamond's celebrated (and bloody) past.

The modern-day segments are not quite as intriguing. A group called "the Collectors" are stealing great art treasures around the world, and they've targeted the Hope Diamond now. Abby Mitchell is determined to protect it, even as she's unaware she's being slowly seduced by the Collectors' greatest thief, Alex Weld.

It's fairly well done, as these stories go, but there's nothing that greatly sets this apart from so many others. If you enjoy heist stories, or a mix of history with your modern-day suspense, it's a decent read. Mildly Recommended.