Keeper of the Hourglass: The Crimson Manifest is a paranormal fantasy thriller by G.L Garrett. Stationed in Ethiopia, FBI Special Agent Peter Bartell is on a mission to investigate a pathogen rapidly destroying crops all over the world, leading to mass-scale starvation amongst the general populace. Plagued by mysterious visions, Peter's inquiries lead him to Mexico City, where he is kidnapped by a drug lord. Braving cartels and other nefarious elements, Peter must find an ancient Ceiba tree under which he will have access to the memories of his past life and meet his biggest nemesis, Azekial, brother to Apius Thurgood, who is hell-bent on destroying the world. Peter will also learn the secrets of The Crimson Manifest and all that it entails for humanity's future.

G.L. Garrett builds mystery upon mystery to set up a plot full of twists and turns that culminate in a resounding climax. The Keeper of the Hourglass is an exciting paranormal thriller filled with suspense, intrigue, and dramatic moments aplenty. Garrett takes some time setting up the characters and the plot, but from the halfway point onwards, the narrative picks up the pace and accelerates toward the finish line. Peter is the main protagonist with the most page time and a fully fleshed-out character arc. The story becomes increasingly intriguing as Peter finds himself at the heart of the mystery and evolves into the centerpiece. Readers who love paranormal mysteries should enjoy this book.

Keeper of the Hourglass: The Crimson Manifest completes the Keeper of the Hourglass trilogy by G.L. Garrett. FBI Special Agent Peter Nichols has been traveling the world desperate to discover the cause of rotting wheat fields that have caused a global famine. Each crop is the same - an unknown pathogen, an isolated field, and a cowboy on a horse in the background. To make matters worse, the pathogen destroys corn in Mexico. Little did Peter know the destruction had been designed for the sole purpose of getting Peter to Mexico. Here, Peter discovers a connection between himself and the afterlife. He needs to find the ancient Ceiba tree that marks the maze of tunnels that will lead to an enchanted chapel or potential death. Can Peter stop the rotting crops touched by Ezekiel, who swore vengeance on humanity, and seeks Peter's death to bring his brother Apius back?

With edgy precision, G.L. Garrett applies all the elements of a good young adult thriller: a plot that takes you to unexpected places, compelling characters, unraveling a mystery, and excellent writing. Keeper of the Hourglass can be read as a standalone as the author relates key events from the first two novels, but I think you would benefit from reading all three. Garrett skillfully moves the story forward until we are swept along to a battle destined centuries ago. I found this a captivating novel that kept me wondering if Peter would escape the tunnels and the evil intent of Ezekiel. I loved the way the author includes characters from the other books just when Peter needs these most.