Book of the Just

Book Three of the Bohemian Trilogy

Dana Chamblee Carpenter

After centuries of searching, Mouse now has everything she’s ever wanted within her reach—a normal life, a lover, a brother. What will she risk to keep them?

Cherished by a Father, coveted by a king, loved by an almost-priest; tormented by demons, tortured by a madman, hunted by a cult, hounded by her father. Mouse has survived it all. But then, she was never just a girl.

Despite Mouse’s power, her father always wanted a son—and now, at long last, he has him. And Mouse has a brother, someone else in the world just like her. Though she’s never met him, the hope of what they might mean for each other tugs at her soul, even as it terrifies her lover, Angelo.

Hiding among a tribe of the Martu in the isolation of the Australian outback near the edges of Lake Disappointment, Mouse and Angelo have seemingly evaded at least one of the predators hunting them. Carefully dropping bogus breadcrumbs across Europe, they misdirect the Novus Rishi, a ruthless cult that wants Mouse as the ultimate weapon in their battle against evil. But when unnerving dreams start to plague Angelo, and the ancient beings of the Martu’s Dreaming send prophetic warnings that include visions of Mouse at her father’s side, the two lovers realize it’s time to act. With nowhere left to run, Mouse and Angelo prepare for a last showdown with their enemies. As they chase after legendary ancient weapons ensconced in the ages old battle between good and evil, Mouse and Angelo must each decide if a final victory is worth the cost.

Book of the Just continues Mouse’s story after The Devil’s Bible and completes the journey she started so long ago in Bohemian Gospel. Imbued with a rich sense of history, magic, and mythology, this explosive final installment in Mouse’s journey will keep you captivated until the very end.

Dana Chamblee Carpenter is the award-winning author of short fiction that has appeared in The Arkansas Review, Jersey Devil Press, and Maypop. Her debut novel, Bohemian Gospel, won Killer Nashville’s 2014 Claymore Award.  She teaches creative writing and American Literature at a private university in Nashville, TN, where she lives with her husband and two children.

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Endorsements & Reviews

"Carpenter has created a fascinating world. The story moves at a breakneck pace. Fans will likely find this final journey—full of twists and surprises—a wickedly good read." Chapter 16

"Carpenter has once again woven a wonderful story from the threads of history, mythology, art, fact and fantasy all laced together with emotion—love, hate, faith, betrayal, fear and fortitude. Her ability to create characters that are at once flawed and perfect is a delight to experience. I have cherished each volume in the Bohemian Trilogy and look forward to what Ms. Carpenter will write next." Killer Nashville (Book of the Day)

"A grand, thought-provoking adventure in sorrow, joy and magic. One of the most intriguing novels you'll read this year. An unforgettable debut with an enchanting, compelling lead." J. T. Ellison, New York Times bestselling author of 'What Lies Behind' [praise for the Bohemian Trilogy]

"Bohemian Gospel is a fast-moving, seductive read. A fascinating mix of dark fantasy and rich historical detail, swirling around Mouse, a fiercely independent, brave young woman who struggles with a gift that is both a blessing and a curse." Linda Lafferty, author of 'The Bloodletter’s Daughter' [praise for the Bohemian Trilogy]

"Carpenter expertly combines elements of gothic fantasy with historical details of 13th-century Bohemia. The combination creates an atmosphere of mysticism and tension. With a strong and nuanced central character and a rich sense of mystery, Bohemian Gospel is breathtaking." Shelf Awareness (starred) [praise for the Bohemian Trilogy]

"Part history, part horror, part love story, part Christian mythology. Fresh and surprising. Brings the Dark Ages to strange and bewitching life." Kirkus Reviews [praise for the Bohemian Trilogy]

"Mouse is both strong and vulnerable, constantly struggling with the dark legacy of her father, her own powers, and her efforts to be a good person. This exciting, poignant novel continues the strong opening in Bohemian Gospel and leaves room for more in Mouse’s fascinating world." Publishers Weekly [praise for the Bohemian Trilogy]

A satisfying conclusion to Carpenter’s complex blend of ancient Biblical history and supernatural thriller; like all the best of this genre, the cosmic setting is the backdrop for what is really an intimate portrait of human choices and the difficult decision to love in the face of betrayal. Historical Novels Review