In 1536, Conquistador Sebastián Belalcázar conquered the Inca’s city of Quito, but did not sate his lust for gold. Thwarted yet again, his greed and cruelty led to a shaman’s curse that would haunt him and his descendants for the next hundred years until one of his lineage born of a pure and unstained heart offered herself in sacrifice. Saint Mariana de Jesús, The Lily of Quito, made but one request, that her corporal remains be entombed in the church the Jesuits were building.

But there was one catch. The curse remained lifted only for as long as her bones remained there. Three hundred and fifty-two years later, someone stole them.

Joe DeFranco and archeologist Sofy Sanchez must detangle truth from the myths that surround the saintly Lady if they are to save innocent lives. Their path leads them deep into the Amazon rainforest where they must not only face but conquer their personal demons if more lives are not to be lost.

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