THE SACRED VEIN

Three colleagues search for treasure and fight to protect it from nefarious hunters in Young’s novel.

Utah history professor Ammon Lundquist’s family has long been obsessed with the Lost Rhoades Mine; some of his loved ones have even died looking for its sacred gold. Ammon’s discovery of his German ancestor’s journal may be the key to finishing the Lundquists’ lengthy search. He first teams up with freelance tech consultant Jonas West to help decipher the journal’s copious symbols, which lead them to further clues and to such places as a Mormon temple. Eventually joining the two is park ranger Aspen Rhoades, whose ancestor was once partners with Ammon’s great-great-grandfather. The trio agrees that the mine, and whatever it holds, belongs to the Ute people. But they’re not the only seekers—far greedier parties have eyes on their activities and are willing to take what they want by force. Meanwhile, Ammon uncovers a startling secret involving his father and his uncle, both of whom were lost under mysterious circumstances. Young wastes no time kicking off this treasure-hunt story—Ammon uncovers important clues within the first 10 pages. It’s an entertaining adventure with three intriguing, tenacious characters at the helm. Both Ammon and Aspen (the latter uses they/them pronouns) hope to redeem their families for different reasons. Gleefully nerdy Jonas offers a touch of comic relief, fully acknowledging that he frequently complains (“It’s how I process stress”). The book has some compelling menaces, particularly one figure with past ties to Ammon, and other vague but constant threats that keep the tension taught, including a series of anonymous text messages. While the plot takes somewhat of a turn later in the book, the overall narrative remains focused and cohesive. The final act goes on for perhaps a bit too long, gradually wrapping up certain characters’ personal stories while leaving room for the sequels that follow.

A riveting tale of ciphers, camaraderie, and standing up to villainy.