The Key: A Novel (Ruin Trilogy)

The Sacrament, a female spirit from the beginning of time, has escaped the Citadel and the Sancti are dead with the exception of one. A strange disease, a blight, has taken hold, creating boils that cover the one remaining Sancti. Soon after, the disease spreads to the Citadel as well as to their beloved garden. Trees that have withstood the centuries now grow withered. Without the Sacrament the Citadel lies fallow, the people that serve it, confused. One member sees the future and assists in the restoration of the Sacrament another sees darkness and is determined to bring the ancient spirit back to the Citadel.

Somehow, the Sacrament must join with the biblical land of Eden and an ancient map shows the way. The Catholic Church who has ties to the Citadel has this information and will do anything to protect it.

A complex plot, Toyne is an expert at navigating us through the twists and turns. The characters are believable the action unstoppable. The writing is excellent. I simply could not put this book down.