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Joseph Finley
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Enoch's Device: An Epic Medieval Fantasy (The Dragon-Myth Cycle Book 1) Kindle Edition

by Joseph Finley (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.4 out of 5 stars 869 ratings

From the shadows of history comes the darkest of secrets...

A.D. 997. When a bishop arrives at an Irish monastery to accuse a senior monk of heresy, twenty-year-old scribe Ciarán discovers the man who raised him like a father may burn at the stake.

His crime? Concealing a journal that warns of a prophecy tied to the Book of Enoch, a book of the Bible thought to be lost long ago. The book supposedly speaks of Enoch’s Device – a weapon deployed in the original war between Heaven and Hell.

A weapon both sides now desire.

Ciarán and his mentor flee to Paris. There, clues to the book’s whereabouts lead to a young woman from a noble house in Aquitaine. But the bishop is coming for her too, and this time he’s bringing an army.

With the prophecy in motion, time to find the device is running out. Though in a race between the forces of Heaven and Hell, can any mortal survive?

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  1. Book 1 of 3
    The Dragon-Myth Cycle
  2. Print length
    424 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Accessibility
    Learn more
  5. Publication date
    November 24, 2013
  6. File size
    3.9 MB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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From the Publisher

An open book with a mysterious prophecy
Viking ships on a journey
A demonic dragon facing a sorceress
A pair of books: "Enoch's Device" and "The Key to the Abyss" by Joseph Finley

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Enoch's Device is a wonderfully imagined, vividly described, alternately lyrical and violent romp of a novel that should give lovers of historical fantasy just the kind of fix they're looking for." - Steven Reynolds, SPR

"Real magic exists within these pages, and it's woven into the story so well that you will be wondering exactly where fact turns to fiction." - Marty Shaw, Reader Views

"Enoch's Device ... combines action, adventure, romance and fantasy elements to create an epic tale. 5 Out of 5 Stars" - Compulsion Reads

"All in all, a refreshing twist on the religious thriller, and one that will have you turning pages from cover to cover as fast as you can." - Cate Peace, Indie Books R Us

A selection of comments left by Amazon reviewers:

"Enoch's Device is loaded with non-stop action dipped in a dazzling blend of history, magic, and mythology."

"Finley weaves mystery, adventure, soul-withering violence and laugh-out-loud humor into a fine historical tapestry."

"Missing books, magical books, ancient cultures, sorcery, millennium fear, glorious Ireland, Europe in times past, a quest, bent bishops and clergy, murder and mayhem, it is all in this read, and it grips the reader from start to finish."

"Incorporating all of the different myths and figures of various religions and legends, the action was non-stop, the writing was superb, and the characters came to life before your eyes."

"If you enjoy a mixture of medieval history with fantasy fiction and a splash of religious intrigue, then you will enjoy reading Enoch's Device."

"Enoch's Device by Joseph Finley is Indiana Jones meets Name of the Rose meets Lord of the Rings. WOW!"

About the Author

Joseph Finley is a writer of historical fantasy fiction. Following a tour as an officer in the U.S. Navy Judge Advocate General's Corps, he returned to Atlanta where he lives with his wife, daughter, and two mischievous rescue dogs. A lifelong love of medieval history, vintage fantasy, and historical mysteries helped inspire his writing, along with a penchant for European travel. Joseph is a member of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America, and posts frequently about historical and fantasy fiction on his blog. He can be found most nights enjoying a hearty glass of wine, and in the wee hours of most mornings surrounded by history books and plugging away on his next story.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B00ARPYW02
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ TaraStone Press
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ November 24, 2013
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 3.9 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 424 pages
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Book 1 of 3 ‏ : ‎ The Dragon-Myth Cycle
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 out of 5 stars 869 ratings

About the author

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Joseph Finley

Joseph Finley

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Joseph Finley is a writer of historical fantasy fiction. Following a tour as an officer in the U.S. Navy Judge Advocate General’s Corps, he returned to Atlanta where he lives with his wife, daughter, and two mischievous rescue dogs. A lifelong love of medieval history, vintage fantasy, and historical mysteries helped inspire his writing, along with a penchant for European travel. Joseph is a member of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America, and posts frequently about historical and fantasy fiction on his blog. He can be found most nights enjoying a hearty glass of wine, and in the wee hours of most mornings surrounded by history books and plugging away on his next story.

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
869 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this book engaging with its interesting mix of history and fiction, particularly appreciating the historical bits woven into the narrative. The writing is well-crafted, with the author's narrative making it easy to visualize, and customers praise the wonderfully developed characters and fast-paced story. The book is thoroughly researched, with one customer noting the author's attention to historical and biblical accuracy, and customers appreciate the Irish perspective, with one highlighting the inclusion of Irish monks. The violence level receives positive feedback, with one customer describing it as soul-withering.

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Story qualityReadabilityWriting qualityCharacter developmentPacingResearch qualityIrish perspectiveViolence level
118 customers mention "Story quality"118 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the story's blend of history and fiction, finding it engaging with plausible premises and fun historical elements woven throughout.

"Phenomenal storytelling with precise, detailed of all human emotions and a picture perfect battle scene. I can’t wait to read the next book." Read more

"...The author describes it as an " historical myth." It is historical, set in the year 998, just before the end of the first millennium, C.E. That, in..." Read more

"...Yes there is a fantasy element in it and that combined with historical facts, the writer's gift for imagination, makes this a book that ought to be..." Read more

"...I truly did enjoy the entire story.. though I wish it would have had an ending that made a bit more sense to me...." Read more

68 customers mention "Readability"68 positive0 negative

Customers find the book highly readable, describing it as an excellent and diverting read, with one customer noting it's a wonderful stand-alone novel.

"...this work if translated to a script would make a fabulous, wildly successful film...." Read more

"...The story just kind of dribbles out at the end. But, still.. a good read! One that history buffs will enjoy...." Read more

"This is easily the best book I have read in the last several years. Thoroughly enjoyed it in every way...." Read more

"I am sort of on the fence on this book. In many ways, it was quite good, but for some reason I simply could not find myself engaged in it enough to..." Read more

48 customers mention "Writing quality"42 positive6 negative

Customers find the book well written, with the narrative making it easy to visualize, and one customer noting it's clearly written by a student of history.

"...with precise, detailed of all human emotions and a picture perfect battle scene. I can’t wait to read the next book." Read more

"...Enoch's Device is very well written. The historical milieu seems right, meaning time and place, clothes and custom have a true ring to them...." Read more

"...element in it and that combined with historical facts, the writer's gift for imagination, makes this a book that ought to be winning some awards." Read more

"...The author does an excellent job of describing the places these two monks travel to...." Read more

37 customers mention "Character development"37 positive0 negative

Customers praise the well-developed characters in the book, with one customer noting how the subtle romantic storyline makes them feel real.

"...The main characters are developed and intriguing, as are the supporting cast members...." Read more

"...I loved the characters and I had no problems picturing them and at many points felt that this work if translated to a script would make a fabulous,..." Read more

"...One that history buffs will enjoy. I liked that the characters travel around Europe a bit!" Read more

"...This story has everything I love: great characters and their thoughtful development, good vs. evil (and the villains here are truly evil!),..." Read more

30 customers mention "Pacing"28 positive2 negative

Customers enjoy the pacing of the book, describing it as a fast-paced fantasy/historical read.

"...From beginning to end the book is a gripping tale, plenty of action, dangerous foes, treachery, love, fear, courage, and magic...." Read more

"...Thoroughly enjoyed it in every way. Enoch's Device is a smart, fast-paced, character driven story full of mystery, fantasy and intrigue...." Read more

"...The characters in the book for groups, weak, and courageous.I recommend this book for all who like adventure and ancient mysteries and myths." Read more

"...Well put together. I hope to see more from Joseph Finley!" Read more

20 customers mention "Research quality"20 positive0 negative

Customers praise the book's thorough and detailed research, with one customer noting the author's attention to historical and biblical accuracy.

"Phenomenal storytelling with precise, detailed of all human emotions and a picture perfect battle scene. I can’t wait to read the next book." Read more

"...This story has everything I love: great characters and their thoughtful development, good vs. evil (and the villains here are truly evil!),..." Read more

"...His descriptions are rich and do an exceptional job of putting you right there. You are able to visualize their surroundings very easily...." Read more

"...Although he clearly did his research for historical and biblical accuracy, he does not get so bogged down in the details that he interferes with the..." Read more

12 customers mention "Irish perspective"12 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the Irish perspective in the book, featuring stories from the Irish Heroic Age and legends, with one customer noting how the plot spans medieval Europe.

"I enjoyed the Irish viewpoint in this historical drama...." Read more

"...more from this author who clearly has a love for history, myths and legends and a genius for creating connections with all of the latter to..." Read more

"...Monks, Biblical mystery, myths and legends, and even a minor love storyline--this book really had it all!..." Read more

"...more than a narrow doctrinal view, instead encompassing myths, legends, and records from faiths other than Christianity...." Read more

12 customers mention "Violence level"12 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the level of violence in the book, describing it as soul-withering and treacherous, with one customer noting how a hero overcomes terrible evil.

"...end the book is a gripping tale, plenty of action, dangerous foes, treachery, love, fear, courage, and magic. Plenty of magic. Not for kiddies...." Read more

"...The characters in the book for groups, weak, and courageous.I recommend this book for all who like adventure and ancient mysteries and myths." Read more

"...This book is a intricatem web of history, religion, sex, violence, and mystery with an ending that begs a sequel...." Read more

"...Finley weaves mystery, adventure, soul-withering violence and laugh-out-loud humor into a fine historical tapestry...." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Ms. E
    5.0 out of 5 stars Phenomenal detail
    Reviewed in the United States on April 8, 2025
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    Phenomenal storytelling with precise, detailed of all human emotions and a picture perfect battle scene. I can’t wait to read the next book.
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  • Karen Montgomery
    4.0 out of 5 stars good fantasy read
    Reviewed in the United States on January 15, 2022
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I enjoyed the Irish viewpoint in this historical drama. I would have given it 5 stars except that I was hoping that the ancient book of Enoch would have a more enlightened view of women and violence. I also did not care for the prevalence of demons in the story. But the descriptions of travel, war, and power politics were most likely accurately portrayed.
    One person found this helpful
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  • the savage amazon
    5.0 out of 5 stars Intriguingly I saw different...
    Reviewed in the United States on May 29, 2024
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Questions. I read this book with the attitude of another interesting book. As the book took further and further into itself this changed to a rustle of what if all this suffer not a witch thing from a biblical book of the same... Not to believe in magic, or beings from otherworlds... Yet the christian powers that be deem a return to life from being unalive, the few fish and loaves, ascending thru skies to sit in heaven.... Yeah so not like magic. I stopped and had a good solid chuckle over that thought. But really I did enjoy this book.
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  • Frost
    3.0 out of 5 stars fantastical novel
    Reviewed in the United States on December 16, 2014
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Enoch's Device is difficult to describe. The author describes it as an " historical myth." It is historical, set in the year 998, just before the end of the first millennium, C.E. That, in fact, has very much to do with the plot of the book, because all the story grows out of a fearful prediction of an Armageddon-Like battle between the forces of evil and good.
    It is also myth, because the book's story depend upon the reader's suspension of credulity as the heroic Irish monks ( yes, Irish, who for the purposes of plot have a deeper connection to earth magic, apparently, than others might have) and their allies, a Rabbi, a beautiful French widowed Lady and a Persian Muslim poet, search for ancient tomes holding lost guides to defeating the dragon of the End Time's final battle described in Revelation. Yes, the final book of the Bible. The author draws on not only Irish myth-lore, but Greek, Babylonian, Armando and Arabic myths, too.
    This sounds as if Enoch's Device is yet another DeVinci Code clone, but it isn't. It is full of magic, combat and weirdness, all taking place in a time when faith bordered on fearful superstition.

    Enoch's Device is very well written. The historical milieu seems right, meaning time and place, clothes and custom have a true ring to them. I do recall a few anachronisms, mostly of speech but not enough to really matter. The main characters are developed and intriguing, as are the supporting cast members. Especially interesting are the different locales of tenth century France and Moorish Spain .
    As for me, I found the sorcery, magical incantation and conjuration used bit too often as a device to save the day. Conjured tornados, bird swarms and the use of magic to hold off infernal furies is one thing, but the flying carpet episode was too much to take seriously, but that is my opinion, and may not concern other readers. I would have given my review another star because of all that, but again, that is my take, not necessarily yours.
    From beginning to end the book is a gripping tale, plenty of action, dangerous foes, treachery, love, fear, courage, and magic. Plenty of magic.
    Not for kiddies. Much bloody combat, violent cruelty. I am not sure but the theme of magic and church heresy might offend some strict religionists but that seems unlikely if one has any sense of wonder and humor.
    6 people found this helpful
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  • Sarah
    5.0 out of 5 stars Fabulous Suspenseful Original Plot Could Not Put Down!
    Reviewed in the United States on June 24, 2013
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    This book has one of the most original and refreshing plots I have experienced in some time. I rarely write book reviews on Amazon - not a lot of time. This called for it. I want to read more from this author who clearly has a love for history, myths and legends and a genius for creating connections with all of the latter to formulate an interesting and suspenseful story. I loved the characters and I had no problems picturing them and at many points felt that this work if translated to a script would make a fabulous, wildly successful film. Yes there is a fantasy element in it and that combined with historical facts, the writer's gift for imagination, makes this a book that ought to be winning some awards.
    3 people found this helpful
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  • Cherei M.
    4.0 out of 5 stars Monks gone wild!
    Reviewed in the United States on November 12, 2013
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Enoch's device storyline takes place entirely in a couple of years prior to the end of the first eon. Just as mankind went a little nutty in 1999.. so did mankind just years before 1000 AD. This book is about a young monk, his mentor older monk and a lovely young widowed "Lady". They are trying to solve an ancient mystery that falls into their laps to prevent Armageddon. I truly did enjoy the entire story.. though I wish it would have had an ending that made a bit more sense to me. The story just kind of dribbles out at the end. But, still.. a good read! One that history buffs will enjoy. I liked that the characters travel around Europe a bit!
    8 people found this helpful
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  • JGB2
    5.0 out of 5 stars OUTSTANDING BOOK! COULDN'T PUT IT DOWN!
    Reviewed in the United States on April 11, 2013
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    This is easily the best book I have read in the last several years. Thoroughly enjoyed it in every way. Enoch's Device is a smart, fast-paced, character driven story full of mystery, fantasy and intrigue. My favorite aspect of the story is the historical ACCURACY Finley delivers throughout the book. Obviously, the writer has a Ph.D. in medieval history or he spent years researching the work. It reminded me of a similar novel I read several years ago, Timeline by Michael Crichton. This story has everything I love: great characters and their thoughtful development, good vs. evil (and the villains here are truly evil!), mystery and (again, my favorite) historical realism. I cannot recommend this book more strongly. Great book, Joseph Finley!! When is the sequel??
    One person found this helpful
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  • Michael James Wells
    5.0 out of 5 stars The myth and adventure
    Reviewed in the United States on March 6, 2021
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    And every myth there is a bit of truth. This book begins in Ireland and goes all over Europe. They are searching for the Enoch device, which no one knows where it is or what it is. They have only old books to tell the tale. The characters in the book for groups, weak, and courageous.I recommend this book for all who like adventure and ancient mysteries and myths.
    One person found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • Colin Williams
    5.0 out of 5 stars Interesting read
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 2, 2024
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Interesting read
    Report
  • christine hawkins
    1.0 out of 5 stars Struggling to keep my attention focused. But I’ll persist.
    Reviewed in Australia on December 28, 2022
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    Normally subject matter is right up my street but, unlike others, I’m having difficulty focusing.
    Report
  • M.K.
    4.0 out of 5 stars Historischer-Fantasy- Roman-Mix
    Reviewed in Germany on November 17, 2013
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Alles beginnt wie in einem "normalen" historischen Roman: Der Bischof von Blois besucht ein abgelegenes Kloster in Irland, damals (997) gewissermaßen am Ende der Welt. Es geht um den Vorwurf, dort werde Zauberei betrieben. Der "erfahrene" Leser historischer Romane baut im Kopf natürlich sofort folgendes Szenario auf: Unschuldige werden gefoltert, gestehen oder sterben (je nach Charakter), hinterhältige, missgünstige Mönche aus den eigenen Reihen suchen in dieser Situation ihren Vorteil oder Freunde kommen heldenhaft dem Opfer zu Hilfe. Aber: Natürlich entwickelt sich das Geschehen ganz anders und eben nicht wie üblich.
    Ich wurde vom Romananfang sofort gefesselt: Die bedrohliche Atmosphäre und die Einführung der Hauptpersonen ist spannend dargestellt. Diese Fähigkeit des Autors, durch die Art der Darstellung Spannung zu erzeugen, findet sich im gesamten Text, wenn er die Handlung vorantreibt. Zu ermüdenden Längen kommt es jedoch bei der Darstellung der Suche nach der Lösung des Rätsels der Prophezeiung. Diese Textteile kommen eher bedeutungsschwanger als interessant daher.
    Mit dem dem Fantasy-Anteil (Harry Potter lässt grüßen) konnte ich mich anfangs nicht recht anfreunden. Aber wenn man sich darauf erst einmal eingelassen hat: ein spannendes Buch.
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  • Ash
    4.0 out of 5 stars Enoch's Device
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 8, 2013
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    This book was great! It was a fast paced, dangerous, mysterious adventure that kept me guessing and also wanting to read on to find out how everything came together. You will love this book if you like a mix of history and fantasy. My only criticism, and the reason I only gave it 4 stars, is the ending is quite abrupt and you want more! But don't let this put you off a great story!
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  • James M. Frost
    5.0 out of 5 stars Superb
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 3, 2022
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    Enoch's device is one of the most enjoyable historical fantasies I have ever read. The plot is superbly intricate, filled with mystery and symbolism, and takes the characters on a fascinating journey through the beauty, intrigue and violence of 10th Century Ireland, France and Moorish Spain. The mythological and occult elements are brilliantly woven into the historical setting. Lastly, the characters who appear throughout this story are deeply compelling, unfurling from humble introductions towards peaks of epic heroism or depths of horrific villainy. I heartily recommend giving this a read.
    Report

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