Featured Book Review
'Cardinal's Sin' (Novel) by Raymond Buckland © 1996 Llewellyn ISBN 1-56718-102-3 356 pages paperback $5.99 (U.S.) Currently being remaindered by Llewellyn
In this, Buckland's second fiction book about "The Committee" (a top secret group of psychics being covertly bankrolled by the U.S. government), we find the "enemy" firmly entrenched within one of the most hierarchical organizations in existence today - the Roman Catholic Church.
The last time out, they faced down a group of terrorists using psychic means to achieve their ends. This time they face a group of "hell-bent" (you should pardon the pun) on destroying the entire United States because of a personal offense suffered by the leader at the end of the Second World War.
Once again, the author's decades of experience in the fields of occultism and "alternative religions," shows through. He skillfully blends Romani lore, Wicca, Voudoun, Ceremonial Magick and Satanism. Although I lack personal experience in some of these fields, the rituals and accoutrements ring true to me. The character development is a little weak and the plot also suffers from some weaknesses.
This is, apparently, the final book by Dr. Buckland dealing with "The Committee." Unfortunately, the books didn't sell well (they are being remaindered by Llewellyn), and thus there was no incentive to continue with the series. So what if the series wasn't of "Harry Potter" appeal? It would have been interesting to see if the rough spots could have been worked through.
If you enjoy escapist fiction with a knowledgeable occult background, pick up a copy of this novel. Once the remaining copies in Llewellyn's warehouse are gone, you won't find it anywhere. It isn't great fiction, but it is enjoyable reading.
Reviewer: Mike Gleason
If you would like to join in on a discussion about this book, please go to the forum here: Cardinal's Sin