The Time of Janus: The Fourth Novel in the Janus Chronicles

Alexander IX has just become pope. He presides over a Vatican that is a vipers nest of intrigue betrayal and assassinations instigated by the ruthless Dante Sabatini head of the Praetorian Order. In an orchestrated campaign to take control of the Roman Catholic Church and its wealth Sabatini has engineered a decades-long campaign of blackmail and coercion that has ensnared members of the College of Cardinals the churchs governing council. But there is more to Sabatinis plan than just a takeover of the church. He envisions a world where through religion the order becomes an international power able to influence governments and global events. As Alexander struggles to retain his hold on the papacy the nation island of Janus is confronted with an ultimatum by the Spirit the omniscient force that oversees the cosmos. Sean Brennan the islands leader must reconcile Januss centuries-old anonymity with the Spirits demand for the islanders to become a universal force for understanding and reconciliation. It is the only way to confront the planets impending turmoil represented by Sabatinis lust for control. The confrontation between the order and Janus is inevitable as Sabatini and Brennan have vastly different visions for the planets future. It is a battle that leaves no room for compromise and there can only be one victor. How to reconcile the islanders commitment to peaceful co-existence with the necessity of confronting the merciless Sabatini is a question that can only be answered by the Spirit. Unwilling to become directly involved in what it believes is the planets imminent Armageddon the Spirit is an interested observer but refuses to assist the islanders in this epic struggle. However as the deadly consequences begin to take hold it may have no choice but to intervene.