Rule Of Four

Locks and Legends

When Princeton senior Francesco “Des” Colonna stumbles upon a cryptic folio in the university archives, he expects nothing more than an intriguing puzzle. Partnered with his brilliant friend and roommate, Brian Shaw, Des delves into the enigmatic margins of “Hypnerotomachia Poliphili,” a 16th-century masterpiece shrouded in myth. What begins as an academic exercise soon unravels into a high-stakes quest: hidden ciphers, whispered conspiracies, and a centuries-old secret that has eluded scholars and treasure hunters alike. As Des deciphers obscure Latin verses and renders long-lost illustrations, the lines between legend and reality blur, drawing him deeper into a labyrinth of code and history.

Chasing the Cipher

With graduation looming and rivals circling, the duo races against time—and a shadowy adversary determined to claim the book’s mysteries for himself. Their hunt leads from the hallowed halls of Princeton’s Gothic architecture to clandestine meetings in midnight cafés, each revelation more tantalizing than the last. Along the way, Des grapples with the weight of legacy—his father’s unresolved disappearance, the burden of Colonna heritage, and the staggering possibility that the folio may hold the key to unimaginable power. Meanwhile, Brian’s unwavering loyalty and razor-sharp intellect forge an unbreakable bond, even as hidden motives threaten to fracture their alliance.

Revelations of the Fourth

As the final cipher falls into place beneath the glow of candlelight, Des and Brian confront a truth that could rewrite history—and redefine their own destinies. In a pulse-pounding climax atop Princeton’s storied Terrace, alliances shatter, betrayals surface, and courage becomes the only currency that matters. With every secret laid bare, they must decide whether knowledge is worth the price of trust—and if true friendship can survive the weight of discovery.

. Ian Caldwell and Dustin Thomason burst onto the literary scene with this masterful blend of historical intrigue and modern suspense, weaving erudite puzzles and unforgettable characters into a novel that captivates and enlightens in equal measure.