The Owl

Book excerpt: In 400 BC while SOCRATES the Greek philosopher who shaped Western philosophy and his student PLATO stroll through an enchanted fortress they encounter an extraordinary Being who possesses the key to immortality. Over 2000 years later SOCRATO SCHAPIRELLI a direct descendant of Socrates uncovers a secret competition in Boston whereby 3 courageous contestants, psychiatrist LUKE TALBOT, ophthalmologist MARNI RIVERS and performance artist JAMIE DAWNE vie to be chosen as The One. The victor will achieve the gift of immortality. To the ruthless scientist MARGOT PAYNE, head of the most powerful dynasty in America, her son JONATHAN and her daughter TARA, conquerors who will stop at nothing, the key in securing eternity for themselves and acquiring the secret to immortality lies with the capture of THE OWL, the extraordinary Being who has survived despite thousands of years of pursuit. A nefarious plan is launched to capture this wondrous Being and acquire the secret to its power; a force if unleashed threatens to change the course of the modern world. A deadly race begins in the sinister, threatening fortress known as The Tomb where nightmares come alive. Through trials by astonishing disasters and unimaginable battles, their inventive genius and relentless drive to survive bring them to a final, spine-chilling confrontation in the very heart of their domain - The Tomb with the clock ticking against devastating odds a confrontation in which Luke, Marni and Jamie gain triumph only at the last seconds as a shocking secret is finally revealed.