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Eye of the God
eye of the god takes the fascinating history surrounding the Hope Diamond and weaves it together with a present-day plot to steal the jewel from the Smithsonian Institute.
We follow Alex and Isaac Weld, the most lucrative jewel thieves in the world, in their quest to steal the gem, which according to legend was once the eye of a Hindu idol named Rama Sita. When it was stolen in the 17th century, it is said that the idol cursed all those who would possess it. That won’t stop the brilliant and ruthless Weld brothers. However, they are not prepared for Dr. Abigail Mitchell, the beautiful Smithsonian Director, who has her own connection to the Hope Diamond and a deadly secret to keep. Abby committed long ago that she would not serve a god made with human hands, and the “eye of the god” is no exception. Her desire is not for wealth, but for wisdom. She seeks not power, but restoration.
When the dust settles over the last great adventure of the Hope Diamond, readers will understand the “curse” that has haunted its legacy is nothing more than the greed of evil men who bring destruction upon themselves. No god chiseled from stone can direct the fates of humankind, nor can it change the course of God’s story.
We follow Alex and Isaac Weld, the most lucrative jewel thieves in the world, in their quest to steal the gem, which according to legend was once the eye of a Hindu idol named Rama Sita. When it was stolen in the 17th century, it is said that the idol cursed all those who would possess it. That won’t stop the brilliant and ruthless Weld brothers. However, they are not prepared for Dr. Abigail Mitchell, the beautiful Smithsonian Director, who has her own connection to the Hope Diamond and a deadly secret to keep. Abby committed long ago that she would not serve a god made with human hands, and the “eye of the god” is no exception. Her desire is not for wealth, but for wisdom. She seeks not power, but restoration.
When the dust settles over the last great adventure of the Hope Diamond, readers will understand the “curse” that has haunted its legacy is nothing more than the greed of evil men who bring destruction upon themselves. No god chiseled from stone can direct the fates of humankind, nor can it change the course of God’s story.
353 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 1, 2009
149 people are currently reading
1360 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 124 reviews
October 6, 2018
This book really took me by surprise, I did not think I would revel in the story at all! Well, they do always say don’t judge a book by it’s cover. I do try my best not to, hence why the reason this book landed on my to be read list was because I read the blurb and that’s what I cast my judgement on. It is always good to sometimes read novels that you wouldn’t normally go for. This for me was a giant success and I am glad I took the chance on it. I was undoubtedly pleasantly surprised.
The story is based around The infamous Hope Diamond. Whilst reading this I asked many friends and colleagues if they had heard of the Hope Diamond, to my surprise most of them had, I however never have, which actually made the novel more enjoyable to me as this whole novel was like a research task woven into fiction, the history, the legend, the tragedies of the previous owners. It was absolutely fascinating. I love historical fiction, and I loved the historical element woven through the storyline, facts that you can take away with you and enhance your knowledge of historical events.
The only thing lacking is the Character development. Abby the main character you often feel close to however I got the sense that was to add more mystery. The storyline jumps a lot from character to character and from past to future, many people I know hate this in a story but I don’t mind one bit. Keeps you on your toes I think. I was kept guessing the whole way through this book, as an avid reader I can pretty much tell what the outcome will be in most stories but this surprisingly had me questioning every character. This book becomes quite the page turner!
For me this is 4 stars. It didn’t wow me to the point where the book will stay with me for days, those are the ones reserved for the big 5, nonetheless it is a wonderful book to curl up with, for those who love a bit of historical fiction and suspense this is a delectable mix.
The story is based around The infamous Hope Diamond. Whilst reading this I asked many friends and colleagues if they had heard of the Hope Diamond, to my surprise most of them had, I however never have, which actually made the novel more enjoyable to me as this whole novel was like a research task woven into fiction, the history, the legend, the tragedies of the previous owners. It was absolutely fascinating. I love historical fiction, and I loved the historical element woven through the storyline, facts that you can take away with you and enhance your knowledge of historical events.
The only thing lacking is the Character development. Abby the main character you often feel close to however I got the sense that was to add more mystery. The storyline jumps a lot from character to character and from past to future, many people I know hate this in a story but I don’t mind one bit. Keeps you on your toes I think. I was kept guessing the whole way through this book, as an avid reader I can pretty much tell what the outcome will be in most stories but this surprisingly had me questioning every character. This book becomes quite the page turner!
For me this is 4 stars. It didn’t wow me to the point where the book will stay with me for days, those are the ones reserved for the big 5, nonetheless it is a wonderful book to curl up with, for those who love a bit of historical fiction and suspense this is a delectable mix.
May 28, 2011
Is the Hope Diamond cursed? Does it bring misfortune to those who own it? The famed diamond, stolen from the eye of a sculpture of Sita in India, has traveled great distances and continents, and with its journey, it has built an history that fascinates.
Currently housed in the Smithsonian Institute, the Hope Diamond is claimed to have been cut from the French Blue, and Dr Abigail Mitchell is tasked with organizing and hosting an event celebrating the Hope Diamond. But there is an international gang of art and jewel thieves who are out to steal this. Security is stepped up but there are a few unexplained glitches which concern the head of security for the Smithsonian, but he's unable to persuade either Dr Mitchell or the Director to cancel the fundraising event. If anything, things take an odd twist and for the first time, the diamond is actually going to be removed from its protective case and worn by Dr Mitchell during the event. When the diamond is stolen off the neck of Dr Mitchell, chaos ensues, but who is responsible and can they get it back?
Interwoven with the novel is historical information about the ownership of the Hope Diamond from Jean-Baptiste Tavernier to Louis XIV to Henry Philip Hope, from whom came the name of the diamond, and to Evalyn Walsh McLean and their lives and tragedies while in possession of the diamond.
Thrilling with unexpected twists, this is a book I couldn't put down once I started it.
Currently housed in the Smithsonian Institute, the Hope Diamond is claimed to have been cut from the French Blue, and Dr Abigail Mitchell is tasked with organizing and hosting an event celebrating the Hope Diamond. But there is an international gang of art and jewel thieves who are out to steal this. Security is stepped up but there are a few unexplained glitches which concern the head of security for the Smithsonian, but he's unable to persuade either Dr Mitchell or the Director to cancel the fundraising event. If anything, things take an odd twist and for the first time, the diamond is actually going to be removed from its protective case and worn by Dr Mitchell during the event. When the diamond is stolen off the neck of Dr Mitchell, chaos ensues, but who is responsible and can they get it back?
Interwoven with the novel is historical information about the ownership of the Hope Diamond from Jean-Baptiste Tavernier to Louis XIV to Henry Philip Hope, from whom came the name of the diamond, and to Evalyn Walsh McLean and their lives and tragedies while in possession of the diamond.
Thrilling with unexpected twists, this is a book I couldn't put down once I started it.
June 14, 2019
This story by Ariel is no where near her other books. I was sadly disappointed with it. The end of the book was too easy to predict. I hope she writes more books under her Ariel Lawhon name.
February 19, 2017
The Hope Diamond, a dazzlingly blue and brilliant diamond of tremendous size and worth, is powerful both for its allure and its infamous curse. Fist time novelist, Ariel Allison spins an intricate web of international intrigue, high-tech crime and romance in Eye of the God.
The diamond leaves a trail of ruined lives detailed in the historical flashbacks throughout the book. For Dr. Abigail Mitchell it becomes an obsession. From the setting of the Smithsonian Institute, the reader is taken on a journey to Brazil, South Africa and Paris, not to mention 17th century India and 18th century France.
While the book is part crime/detective story, part history lesson and part romance, interwoven throughout its pages is a tale of redemption. The main characters overcome personal failures, familial disappointments as they find hope in a new life. Oddly the dark reputation of the Hope Diamond works a breaking of the curse in their lives.
The pace of the book keeps one turning its pages, yet at times the historical flashbacks seem too disconnected from the plot to keep your interest. And while the book promises a Christian angle to the story coming from a Christian publisher and all, its Christian message is extremely subtle. In light of this, the list of discussion questions in the back seems out of place. Still the book delivers a well done plot that will certainly merit reflection and personal contemplation.
The book makes for a good read as long as one understands it won't be overly Christian. It's generally clean throughout, although some sexual innuendo is present. I recommend the book with these reservations.
The diamond leaves a trail of ruined lives detailed in the historical flashbacks throughout the book. For Dr. Abigail Mitchell it becomes an obsession. From the setting of the Smithsonian Institute, the reader is taken on a journey to Brazil, South Africa and Paris, not to mention 17th century India and 18th century France.
While the book is part crime/detective story, part history lesson and part romance, interwoven throughout its pages is a tale of redemption. The main characters overcome personal failures, familial disappointments as they find hope in a new life. Oddly the dark reputation of the Hope Diamond works a breaking of the curse in their lives.
The pace of the book keeps one turning its pages, yet at times the historical flashbacks seem too disconnected from the plot to keep your interest. And while the book promises a Christian angle to the story coming from a Christian publisher and all, its Christian message is extremely subtle. In light of this, the list of discussion questions in the back seems out of place. Still the book delivers a well done plot that will certainly merit reflection and personal contemplation.
The book makes for a good read as long as one understands it won't be overly Christian. It's generally clean throughout, although some sexual innuendo is present. I recommend the book with these reservations.
May 11, 2010
Reminded me a bit of "National Treasure" in a book. This is a heist story surrounding the Hope Diamond. Nicely blends history and suspense with a touch of romance.
Perhaps deserves a 3 star... I enjoyed it overall. Some plot elements did not hang together for me: would final details still be up in the air for a major publicity event only three days prior to the date? My project management experience indicates those would have been nailed months before the event.
Perhaps deserves a 3 star... I enjoyed it overall. Some plot elements did not hang together for me: would final details still be up in the air for a major publicity event only three days prior to the date? My project management experience indicates those would have been nailed months before the event.
January 12, 2012
I picked this up for free on Amazon in November 2011 and I am so glad I did. I loved it. It was interesting and suspenseful and while I thought I had an inkling about which way the story was going to go, it went in a different direction and surprised me. I will gladly purchase future books by Ariel Allison and I look forward to reading them!
May 4, 2020
I read this book when I was a junior in high school and it still remains one of my favorites. This is the book that helped me fall in love with historical fiction. I love the plot twists and the suspense and learning the history of the Hope Diamond. I would recommend this book to anyone and everyone.
November 30, 2018
Eye of God
Well written fun to read, will look for other stories by Ariel Allison. Has become a favorite read for me.
Well written fun to read, will look for other stories by Ariel Allison. Has become a favorite read for me.
July 21, 2023
Is the fabled curse of the Hope Diamond real? Or just an accumulation of greed from those who covet it's value.
Dr Abigail Mitchell, an up-and-coming jewel expert at the Smithsonian Institute has one goal, and one goal only. To protect the world renowned Hope Diamond, and draw as many investors to the Smithsonian as she possibly can, to enable it's upkeep and safety. When an international heist sees the Hope Diamond stolen from her during the unveiling ceremony, can she unravel the clues, discover who is responsible and return the Hope Diamond to it's rightful place before it's too late?
I picked this book up as a Kindle freebie as I was drawn to the synopsis, and was completely unsure what to expect when I started to read. Needless to say I have been pleasantly surprised. I thoroughly enjoyed being immersed in the story as it unfolded and found it easy and pleasant to read. I'm looking forward to reading more by this author in future.
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Dr Abigail Mitchell, an up-and-coming jewel expert at the Smithsonian Institute has one goal, and one goal only. To protect the world renowned Hope Diamond, and draw as many investors to the Smithsonian as she possibly can, to enable it's upkeep and safety. When an international heist sees the Hope Diamond stolen from her during the unveiling ceremony, can she unravel the clues, discover who is responsible and return the Hope Diamond to it's rightful place before it's too late?
I picked this book up as a Kindle freebie as I was drawn to the synopsis, and was completely unsure what to expect when I started to read. Needless to say I have been pleasantly surprised. I thoroughly enjoyed being immersed in the story as it unfolded and found it easy and pleasant to read. I'm looking forward to reading more by this author in future.
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
April 22, 2019
Quick read. There are some twists (some I found expected, some not). I found that it really picked up towards the end and moved a bit slowly from the start to the middle.
The story is told as part historical fiction and part modern day.
Overall good book.
The story is told as part historical fiction and part modern day.
Overall good book.
October 30, 2017
More romance than I like in a mystery, but overall, a good story.
June 24, 2018
Fun, quick read - not a tremendous amount of character development but still fun.
August 16, 2018
(2009)e-book. A fascinating story woven around the Hope Diamond, its history and a modern day theft. The ending will leave you surprised. Well done.
December 28, 2018
Eye of the God
This was a good book how ever I do wish the author had done more to make it more interesting.I look forward to reading more of this author's work.
This was a good book how ever I do wish the author had done more to make it more interesting.I look forward to reading more of this author's work.
October 25, 2020
Great Story!
May 1, 2022
Fun light read about the curse of the Hope Diamond.
March 17, 2025
The last 75 pages were good but slow to get there. Not great writing but an interesting take. Not sure what’s true and what’s fiction.
September 11, 2025
The thriller is mediocre. The past glimpses are *maybe* interesting. Still confused what god has to do with anything in the book.
July 24, 2019
Loved the point of views of all characters and the twist!
July 9, 2015
Don’t you just love the cover of this book? It’s the reason I signed up to receive a review copy of it. The Hope diamond is featured on the front cover. The author talks about the diamonds history, its allure, the suspense and drama in getting ownership of it, and the legacy attached to this one of a kind blue diamond. Who knew there was that much to talk about? Who knew of all the misfortune associated with this diamond and its owners?
Ariel Allison begins this story in 1653, Golconda, India, where the blue diamond is discovered. I enjoyed the way this author weaves history into the pages of this book. After you learn how the diamond was found the story rolls into current time at the Smithsonian Institute’s where curator Dr. Abigail Mitchell to setting up a celebration—fund raiser featuring the Hope Diamond. The fun begins as Abigail prepares and triple checks security measures to make sure the diamond doesn’t get stolen on her watch.
She is an expert on the Hope Diamond even did her masters thesis on the subject, who better to be the master of ceremonies for that nights big event. I also liked how Ariel Allison would have Dr. Mitchell tell an interviewer about an event or a tragedy associated with the diamond, giving details of the event in history. Then the next chapter would be that story brought to life by the very characters that Abby had just explained in the previous chapter. I thought it was a very nice touch. It wasn’t confusing but it actually brought you really up-close and personal with the curses, and drama the former owners of the Hope Diamond went through. Starting with Louis XVI, Marie Antoinette all the way through to Jackie Kennedy! Wow! This diamond has quite a reputation!
This story reminds me of a Mission Impossible, the movie. Dr. Abigail Mitchell suspects that the Collectors, underground art thieves, might attempt to steal the diamond the night of the big celebration. She had to do everything in her power to prevent that from happening.
This story is full of twists and turns and I enjoyed every minute of them. I can’t wait to read another suspense story by this author.
Disclosure of Material Connection:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
Nora St.Laurent
The Book Club Network www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com
Book Fun Magazine www.bookfunmagazine.com
Ariel Allison begins this story in 1653, Golconda, India, where the blue diamond is discovered. I enjoyed the way this author weaves history into the pages of this book. After you learn how the diamond was found the story rolls into current time at the Smithsonian Institute’s where curator Dr. Abigail Mitchell to setting up a celebration—fund raiser featuring the Hope Diamond. The fun begins as Abigail prepares and triple checks security measures to make sure the diamond doesn’t get stolen on her watch.
She is an expert on the Hope Diamond even did her masters thesis on the subject, who better to be the master of ceremonies for that nights big event. I also liked how Ariel Allison would have Dr. Mitchell tell an interviewer about an event or a tragedy associated with the diamond, giving details of the event in history. Then the next chapter would be that story brought to life by the very characters that Abby had just explained in the previous chapter. I thought it was a very nice touch. It wasn’t confusing but it actually brought you really up-close and personal with the curses, and drama the former owners of the Hope Diamond went through. Starting with Louis XVI, Marie Antoinette all the way through to Jackie Kennedy! Wow! This diamond has quite a reputation!
This story reminds me of a Mission Impossible, the movie. Dr. Abigail Mitchell suspects that the Collectors, underground art thieves, might attempt to steal the diamond the night of the big celebration. She had to do everything in her power to prevent that from happening.
This story is full of twists and turns and I enjoyed every minute of them. I can’t wait to read another suspense story by this author.
Disclosure of Material Connection:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
Nora St.Laurent
The Book Club Network www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com
Book Fun Magazine www.bookfunmagazine.com
August 9, 2012
This was a book club book and while not the best thriller I've ever read, it did have its moments. The plot centers on the Hope Diamond, and the heroine, Dr. Abigail Mitchell, is a leading expert on the stone. One might fairly say she has an obsession with the diamond and its history.
The main plot action centers on an upcoming celebration of the Hope Diamond and the ongoing problems of museums worldwide in battling a brilliant group of thieves known as the Collectors. Not surprisingly, they have their eyes on the Hope Diamond. Abby finds herself drawn into the thieves' web just as she begins a romance with a freelance journalist who is not what he seems - and all kinds of adventure ensues.
On the one hand, the book reads smoothly and I found myself coasting through it. Even though some of the events sound unlikely, the plot action has a certain flow to it that keeps one wanting to see what will happen next. The author mixes present day action with scenes from the lives of previous owners of the Hope Diamond, including the doomed King Louis XVI. That historical context gave the book a moody quality that sets it apart. And even though she does some mindblowingly silly things, I found myself liking Abby. She grows a lot throughout the book and even though this is an inspy, the growth is shown rather than told in preachy terms. I appreciated that.
So, what are the downsides? Well, sometimes the dialogue gets a little clunky. Then there's the plot to steal the diamond itself. I'm no expert on the Smithsonian's inner workings, but their security setup sounded improbably ameteurish in this story. I don't know the real details, but somehow I think they have better methods than the fictional security team depicted here. And while the ending had a couple of clever twists to it, I still found it a little abrupt. So, in the end, I'd say that I didn't regret reading this one, but I'm not sure I'd actively seek it out.
The main plot action centers on an upcoming celebration of the Hope Diamond and the ongoing problems of museums worldwide in battling a brilliant group of thieves known as the Collectors. Not surprisingly, they have their eyes on the Hope Diamond. Abby finds herself drawn into the thieves' web just as she begins a romance with a freelance journalist who is not what he seems - and all kinds of adventure ensues.
On the one hand, the book reads smoothly and I found myself coasting through it. Even though some of the events sound unlikely, the plot action has a certain flow to it that keeps one wanting to see what will happen next. The author mixes present day action with scenes from the lives of previous owners of the Hope Diamond, including the doomed King Louis XVI. That historical context gave the book a moody quality that sets it apart. And even though she does some mindblowingly silly things, I found myself liking Abby. She grows a lot throughout the book and even though this is an inspy, the growth is shown rather than told in preachy terms. I appreciated that.
So, what are the downsides? Well, sometimes the dialogue gets a little clunky. Then there's the plot to steal the diamond itself. I'm no expert on the Smithsonian's inner workings, but their security setup sounded improbably ameteurish in this story. I don't know the real details, but somehow I think they have better methods than the fictional security team depicted here. And while the ending had a couple of clever twists to it, I still found it a little abrupt. So, in the end, I'd say that I didn't regret reading this one, but I'm not sure I'd actively seek it out.
May 15, 2010
Title: EYE OF THE GOD
Author: Ariel Allison
Publisher: Abingdon Press
October 2009
ISBN: 978-1426700682
Genre: Inspirational/suspense
Is the curse of the Hope Diamond real, or just a legacy of greed?
Dr. Abigail Mitchell is the director and curator of the Smithsonian Institution. She has had a rash of art thefts recently, and so Abby travels to South American to warn another curator, but she is too late. International thieves rob the premises while Abby is still in the building.
One of the most priceless gems in Abby’s possession is the world famous Hope Diamond. And the international thieves are after this gem. Abby can’t let her guard down at all, but even that may not be enough to save the diamond.
EYE OF THE GOD is loosely based on a real life gem, and about the mystery and intrigue surrounding it. Abby is a realistic heroine, strong and courageous, even while faced with thieves ripping a ring right from her finger.
The story is very well written, full of suspense, that will keep readers turning the pages of this book. The story also flashes back to the story of a man who bought the gem back in the 1600s. Ms. Allison also says that on www.amazon.com you will find stories of other real life historical people who have owned this gem. There is a touch of romance in the story. If you like stories of art heists and the intrigue surrounding them, then pick up a copy of EYE OF THE GOD. Discussion questions are included at the end of the book. $13.99. 348 pages.
Author: Ariel Allison
Publisher: Abingdon Press
October 2009
ISBN: 978-1426700682
Genre: Inspirational/suspense
Is the curse of the Hope Diamond real, or just a legacy of greed?
Dr. Abigail Mitchell is the director and curator of the Smithsonian Institution. She has had a rash of art thefts recently, and so Abby travels to South American to warn another curator, but she is too late. International thieves rob the premises while Abby is still in the building.
One of the most priceless gems in Abby’s possession is the world famous Hope Diamond. And the international thieves are after this gem. Abby can’t let her guard down at all, but even that may not be enough to save the diamond.
EYE OF THE GOD is loosely based on a real life gem, and about the mystery and intrigue surrounding it. Abby is a realistic heroine, strong and courageous, even while faced with thieves ripping a ring right from her finger.
The story is very well written, full of suspense, that will keep readers turning the pages of this book. The story also flashes back to the story of a man who bought the gem back in the 1600s. Ms. Allison also says that on www.amazon.com you will find stories of other real life historical people who have owned this gem. There is a touch of romance in the story. If you like stories of art heists and the intrigue surrounding them, then pick up a copy of EYE OF THE GOD. Discussion questions are included at the end of the book. $13.99. 348 pages.
November 13, 2009
Awesome. The first word to enter my mind upon completing the premier novel of author Ariel Allison is awesome. Already, I can devotedly tell you I am a fan and cannot wait for more. You better believe that I am going to check out those side novels with the continuing stories of those of which their lives has been touched by the Hope Diamond. Starting this book, I was a little hesitant, and that is completely related to formatting. The font was a different one than I am used to and all was bold text, it was very distracting and I must admit profoundly that I was not a fan. Font and formatting aside. This was a great novel. Going back and forth between facets of history that intersect the life of, what we generally know as, the Hope Diamond and contemporary day to day of Abigail Mitchell. The transitions were incredible and desperately messed up my theory of "DH just let me finish this chapter." Not possible! I was so pulled in. When she would end one segment I was dying to know what would happen next, only to turn the page and find that she changed time periods and went to the other plot. WHAT!? No!! I was ridiculously hysterical and had to keep going.
With all that said, obviously I highly recommend the novel "eye of the god". I cannot wait for more!
*This book was provided for me to review thanks to Abingdon Press, part of Cokesbury.*
April 25, 2016
I've always been fascinated by the mystery surrounding the Hope Diamond, so I was especially excited to read "eye of the god." I was expecting a good read. What I wasn't expecting was the effortless weaving of historical fact and modern-day thievery, both equally as thrilling.
Dr. Abigail Mitchell has father issues. She also knows more about the Hope Diamond than just about anybody in the world. Alex Weld is one of the world's most successful and cunning jewel thieves. When their paths cross, the sparks fly and suddenly, nothing is exactly as it seems.
It's hard to say too much about "eye of the god" without giving away the plot. Suffice it to say that zigs and zags abound. Author Ariel Allison deserves mad props for making the historical portion of this tale so compelling. From the time the diamond is procured in India in 1653, we follow the path of the diamond and the lives of the people it touches. Their stories, interspersed with the present day heist, underscore the fact that the real curse of the Hope Diamond may be the greed and lust it brings out in people who look to things for fulfillment.
"eye of the god" is a fast-paced, action packed book with a final twist that took me by surprise. If you're like me, you'll have a hard time putting this one down.
Dr. Abigail Mitchell has father issues. She also knows more about the Hope Diamond than just about anybody in the world. Alex Weld is one of the world's most successful and cunning jewel thieves. When their paths cross, the sparks fly and suddenly, nothing is exactly as it seems.
It's hard to say too much about "eye of the god" without giving away the plot. Suffice it to say that zigs and zags abound. Author Ariel Allison deserves mad props for making the historical portion of this tale so compelling. From the time the diamond is procured in India in 1653, we follow the path of the diamond and the lives of the people it touches. Their stories, interspersed with the present day heist, underscore the fact that the real curse of the Hope Diamond may be the greed and lust it brings out in people who look to things for fulfillment.
"eye of the god" is a fast-paced, action packed book with a final twist that took me by surprise. If you're like me, you'll have a hard time putting this one down.
October 30, 2009
This is the last of the new Abingdon Press books that I have gotten to read and review and I am thrilled to say that "eye of the god" is by far my favorite! It is right up my alley in its style and genre... mystery, suspense, romance, twists and turns, history and great characters. I love the way that Ariel blends the present where the Hope Diamond is resting in the Smithsonian Institute and Abigail Mitchell is the person who is the expert on it and is planning a huge event surrounding the diamond along with the past legends surrounding the Hope Diamond. We jump back in time, as Abigail tells stories about the diamond, to India in 1653, France in 1668, Versailles in 1789, Kentucky in 1919 and Maryland in 1933 just to name some of them - we get to track the Hope Diamond through some of the different owners it had over the years. I found all of that fascinating and wish Ariel could have included more of the stories about the diamonds past.
In the midst of all the stories we are pulled back to the present as we see Abigail plan the soiree while others are planning to steal the diamond at the event. The twists at the end we wonderful and I was captivated by the entire book - absolutely fantastic!
In the midst of all the stories we are pulled back to the present as we see Abigail plan the soiree while others are planning to steal the diamond at the event. The twists at the end we wonderful and I was captivated by the entire book - absolutely fantastic!
June 4, 2012
The beginning wasn't great - felt kind of unnecessary to be told that a string of non-English words spoken by Tavernier were French... and then to have the Indian minister reply "in Indian" (a language that doesn't actually exist). I started worrying that the book would be full of the kind of poorly researched, imaginary colour that would perhaps be OK for a less educated reader but irritating for anyone who paid attention at school.
Luckily, it turned out better than expected and I enjoyed the read. Research had obviously been done and it made the story convincing - even if the best parts were in the modern day crime story rather than the background of the curse of the stone. Marie Antoinette never did utter the words "let them eat cake" but a little artistic licence is acceptable when the aim is simply to show the totally out of touch lifestyle of the French court.
There's a good twist just before the end which is hinted at earlier but not enough to be too obvious. Worked pretty well, too, except that the over-riding desire for a "happily ever after" ending gave us something that was a bit difficult to believe.
All in all, a great book to while away the hours on a flight or something. Just don't think too much
Luckily, it turned out better than expected and I enjoyed the read. Research had obviously been done and it made the story convincing - even if the best parts were in the modern day crime story rather than the background of the curse of the stone. Marie Antoinette never did utter the words "let them eat cake" but a little artistic licence is acceptable when the aim is simply to show the totally out of touch lifestyle of the French court.
There's a good twist just before the end which is hinted at earlier but not enough to be too obvious. Worked pretty well, too, except that the over-riding desire for a "happily ever after" ending gave us something that was a bit difficult to believe.
All in all, a great book to while away the hours on a flight or something. Just don't think too much
January 12, 2015
"Eye of the God" is really two books in one: a historical and a contemporary suspense. Stories of greed and tragedy in the lives of previous owners of the Hope Diamond make up about half of the total pages. I'm not that fond of reading about real tragedy for pleasure. I usually skimmed over these parts when I realized they weren't important to understanding the action or motives in the main story.
This left the present day suspense story as more of a novela. Without spoiling the story, I can only say that I would have been more engaged by the story of a smart woman making her way through a difficult emotional and planning situation than the story of a smart woman who's easily taken in and manipulated by a thief with hints that the heroine's true motives are being hidden from the reader. It was an interesting read, but I was left wishing for the story I would have preferred.
The Christian element was the heroine suddenly realizing at the end that God was ready to give her the love that her dad would never give her. It felt like it came out of nowhere and was tacked on to make it a "Christian" book.
This left the present day suspense story as more of a novela. Without spoiling the story, I can only say that I would have been more engaged by the story of a smart woman making her way through a difficult emotional and planning situation than the story of a smart woman who's easily taken in and manipulated by a thief with hints that the heroine's true motives are being hidden from the reader. It was an interesting read, but I was left wishing for the story I would have preferred.
The Christian element was the heroine suddenly realizing at the end that God was ready to give her the love that her dad would never give her. It felt like it came out of nowhere and was tacked on to make it a "Christian" book.
November 7, 2011
This was a nice read about a theft of the Hope Diamond. It wove the (current day) theft in with historical vignettes about the stone's owners, and that sometimes detracted from the main story.
The heroine meets the hero who's there to steal the diamond. She's attracted to him, and he, unaccountably, is smitten by her. At his suggestion, she (amazingly to me) contrives to persuade her employers to let her wear the diamond to a benefit to raise money. Naturally, her boyfriend steals it, and she has to get it back.
The story is exciting but sometimes wanders too much. The previous bad luck befalling its owners is gone into in detail. The heroine keeps trying to find God.
When the heist goes off and she's left holding the bag, we want to say, I told you so! And then, an ending I didn't see coming.
Had this been a romantic suspense with a little less historical and religious emphasis (not that there was much, but I still prefer not to mix religion with a good read and the pace was slowed), this would have been a darned good page-turner.
But it's still a very nice read.
The heroine meets the hero who's there to steal the diamond. She's attracted to him, and he, unaccountably, is smitten by her. At his suggestion, she (amazingly to me) contrives to persuade her employers to let her wear the diamond to a benefit to raise money. Naturally, her boyfriend steals it, and she has to get it back.
The story is exciting but sometimes wanders too much. The previous bad luck befalling its owners is gone into in detail. The heroine keeps trying to find God.
When the heist goes off and she's left holding the bag, we want to say, I told you so! And then, an ending I didn't see coming.
Had this been a romantic suspense with a little less historical and religious emphasis (not that there was much, but I still prefer not to mix religion with a good read and the pace was slowed), this would have been a darned good page-turner.
But it's still a very nice read.
April 28, 2012
Eye Of The God is written by Ariel Allison and published by Abingdon Press. This book is a mystery that involves the Hope Diamond. A thief wants to steal the Hope Diamond and Dr. Abigail Mitchell is doing her best to stop him. Will she figure out the plan in time? Will her personal life help or hinder her as she takes this journey?
Thy mystery itself is interesting but the detailed history of the Hope Diamond was a bit too much history for me. They adventure takes off and then you get bogged down in the details. The book was just too wordy and at times was very hard to follow. Overall the story kept me coming back though and wanting to find out how it ended. I would give this book 4/5 stars because the adventure itself is worth reading this book for.
I would like to thank Christianreviewofbooks.com for the copy of this book I enjoyed reading. I gave an honest review based on my opinion of what I read.
Thy mystery itself is interesting but the detailed history of the Hope Diamond was a bit too much history for me. They adventure takes off and then you get bogged down in the details. The book was just too wordy and at times was very hard to follow. Overall the story kept me coming back though and wanting to find out how it ended. I would give this book 4/5 stars because the adventure itself is worth reading this book for.
I would like to thank Christianreviewofbooks.com for the copy of this book I enjoyed reading. I gave an honest review based on my opinion of what I read.
December 13, 2010
I really liked the suspense about the robberies and who was behind them. Abby was a very like-able character. She was intelligent, strong, resourceful and yet vulnerable ~ especially in relationships. She was also in the shadow of her father and felt the need to constantly prove herself.
I've always been more than a little fascinated by the Hope Diamond. It's gorgeous and it has a history. This book goes into that history and legend - perhaps in too much detail. Sometimes it feels as if we're reading a lecture on the diamond instead of a novel.
The pacing of the robberies and the surprises make up for it though. It also has a light romance. This is billed as Christian fiction but the message is very subtle. If you are interested in the Hope Diamond or like well-written stories about robberies, this would be a great one to add to your list.
I've always been more than a little fascinated by the Hope Diamond. It's gorgeous and it has a history. This book goes into that history and legend - perhaps in too much detail. Sometimes it feels as if we're reading a lecture on the diamond instead of a novel.
The pacing of the robberies and the surprises make up for it though. It also has a light romance. This is billed as Christian fiction but the message is very subtle. If you are interested in the Hope Diamond or like well-written stories about robberies, this would be a great one to add to your list.
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