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The Samson Effect: A Novel
Dr. Michael Sieff and Dr. Thomas Hamilton have stumbled onto a finding so astonishing that it could reshape the political and religious boundaries of the world. Hidden in a cave in Hebron, Israel they find an ancient scroll that gives evidence of a substance so powerful, it gave the Biblical strong man Samson his great strength.
In the quest to uncover this powerful secret, they run into two other groups who also know of its existance. The first is a group of protectors chosen each generation to keep the ancient secret and use it when the moment is ready. The second is a ruthless Palestinian ruler who wants to use it to create an invincible army for Allah to purge the world of infidels and bring it under his control.
Joined by an unlikely ally, Sieff and Hamilton travel the globe, dodge bullets, endure betrayal, and ultimately have to confront the most powerful enemy that this world has seen in ages. Facing unimagineable odds, they are the only two standing between freedom and conquest of the world.
This is the page burner that New York Times best selling author Clive Cussler calls a "first rate thriller brimming with intrigue and adventure."
In the quest to uncover this powerful secret, they run into two other groups who also know of its existance. The first is a group of protectors chosen each generation to keep the ancient secret and use it when the moment is ready. The second is a ruthless Palestinian ruler who wants to use it to create an invincible army for Allah to purge the world of infidels and bring it under his control.
Joined by an unlikely ally, Sieff and Hamilton travel the globe, dodge bullets, endure betrayal, and ultimately have to confront the most powerful enemy that this world has seen in ages. Facing unimagineable odds, they are the only two standing between freedom and conquest of the world.
This is the page burner that New York Times best selling author Clive Cussler calls a "first rate thriller brimming with intrigue and adventure."
224 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2007
30 people are currently reading
140 people want to read
About the author
Tony Eldridge
13 books221 followersTony Eldridge is a former marketing professional and the author of the action/adventure novel, The Samson Effect, that Clive Cussler called a "first rate thriller brimming with intrigue and adventure." He is also the creator of Marketing Tips for Authors, a daily blog that gives low cost/no cost marketing advice and tips for authors trying to sell their books, especially if they are on a shoestring budget. Tony also has a free newsletter that gives subscribers access to free weekly video tips for authors.
**Tony just released his new novel, The Lottery Ticket via the Kindle platform.
Home page: Marketing Tips For Authors Homepage
Daily Blog: Marketing Tips For Authors Blog
To sign up for Tony’s Weekly Free Video Marketing Tips For Authors, visit the following link:
Free Weekly Video Tips For Authors Newsletter
You can also see a sample video tip before joining the newsletter at that link.
**Tony just released his new novel, The Lottery Ticket via the Kindle platform.
Home page: Marketing Tips For Authors Homepage
Daily Blog: Marketing Tips For Authors Blog
To sign up for Tony’s Weekly Free Video Marketing Tips For Authors, visit the following link:
Free Weekly Video Tips For Authors Newsletter
You can also see a sample video tip before joining the newsletter at that link.
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
May 6, 2008
My cousin wrote this book! Tony is a first cousin to my husband and he and his wife actually introduced us! In fact, Tony married us, too! Anyhow, this is Tony's first work and so far, it's pretty action-packed! I just wish I had more time to sit and read the entire thing at once!
July 16, 2008
Bang!
I slammed the book shut with a tremendous rush of satisfaction and called out in one of those obnoxious fan grunts, when their home team obliterates the opposition.
This is one excellent book and made me jealous. I want to grow up and write like Tony. (Insert appropriate whining here). He does suspense like a pro. No wonder Clive Cussler gave such a rave review. No wonder this is going to be made into a movie.
All of this elation was followed by sadness, because I want more and Tony should drop everything he's doing and write more thrillers. Come on Tony, who needs a job, who needs to pay bills, who needs to eat?
Okay, back to reality. Please, people, if you're reading this review, take me seriously about what a great book this is. I reverently slipped Tony's novel in between Alistair Maclean and Jack Higgins on my favorites book shelf. To me, at least, that's a sign that I was greatly impressed.
I slammed the book shut with a tremendous rush of satisfaction and called out in one of those obnoxious fan grunts, when their home team obliterates the opposition.
This is one excellent book and made me jealous. I want to grow up and write like Tony. (Insert appropriate whining here). He does suspense like a pro. No wonder Clive Cussler gave such a rave review. No wonder this is going to be made into a movie.
All of this elation was followed by sadness, because I want more and Tony should drop everything he's doing and write more thrillers. Come on Tony, who needs a job, who needs to pay bills, who needs to eat?
Okay, back to reality. Please, people, if you're reading this review, take me seriously about what a great book this is. I reverently slipped Tony's novel in between Alistair Maclean and Jack Higgins on my favorites book shelf. To me, at least, that's a sign that I was greatly impressed.
August 3, 2008
This book takes you on a wild ride. You will feel that you are very involved with the characters as they jump off the page and include you in their journey. An excellent debut novel. Tony Eldridge will go far in the publishing world.
October 14, 2008
SIX STARS< move over Dan Brown, here comes Tony Eldridge, writing books the way they should be written! Janie
May 13, 2010
Ancient Mystery & Intrigue awaits you in The Samson Effect
I am a big fan of ancient mysteries, action adventure stories & thrillers, so I was immediately intrigued when I came across The Samson Effect & the blurb from Clive Cussler sealed the deal. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, it's an engaging read with a good sense of place, relentlessly fast pacing, and is populated with lively, colorful characters. A secret held since biblical times has been protected by an ancient order, but there are opposing forces closing in on it. It can impart superhuman powers & near invincibility, so the draw is irresistible. Should it fall into the wrong hands, the consequences could be disastrous.
Mr. Eldridge certainly has a flair for storytelling and creating an interesting mystery. I would have liked it if he had taken even more time in telling it - relationships & events happened quickly and could have afforded a lengthier path to develop.
The ending hints at more mysteries to come, which I hope does happen. I would not hesitate to pick up the next novel by this author. Recommended for readers who enjoy thrillers, action adventure tales, quick reads, and ancient mysteries.
Rai Aren, co-author of the award-winning mystery novel SECRET OF THE SANDS
I am a big fan of ancient mysteries, action adventure stories & thrillers, so I was immediately intrigued when I came across The Samson Effect & the blurb from Clive Cussler sealed the deal. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, it's an engaging read with a good sense of place, relentlessly fast pacing, and is populated with lively, colorful characters. A secret held since biblical times has been protected by an ancient order, but there are opposing forces closing in on it. It can impart superhuman powers & near invincibility, so the draw is irresistible. Should it fall into the wrong hands, the consequences could be disastrous.
Mr. Eldridge certainly has a flair for storytelling and creating an interesting mystery. I would have liked it if he had taken even more time in telling it - relationships & events happened quickly and could have afforded a lengthier path to develop.
The ending hints at more mysteries to come, which I hope does happen. I would not hesitate to pick up the next novel by this author. Recommended for readers who enjoy thrillers, action adventure tales, quick reads, and ancient mysteries.
Rai Aren, co-author of the award-winning mystery novel SECRET OF THE SANDS
December 6, 2008
intriguing premise; lots of action
Tony Eldridge's premise in THE SAMSON EFFECT: the "Lord's Strength" of the Old Testament heroes was derived from an ancient, thought-to-be-extinct plant. Fast forward to today: two biblical researchers' quest to find the plant's one remaining seed trigger deadly reactions from both the protectors of the secret and a Palestinian terrorist.
The book is pretty much non-stop action: right from the start people get shot and buildings get bombed. In the midst of all the action, friendship, love, and betrayal, Eldgridge presents an interesting take on what would happen if a superman susbtance was out there for the taking.
Tony Eldridge's premise in THE SAMSON EFFECT: the "Lord's Strength" of the Old Testament heroes was derived from an ancient, thought-to-be-extinct plant. Fast forward to today: two biblical researchers' quest to find the plant's one remaining seed trigger deadly reactions from both the protectors of the secret and a Palestinian terrorist.
The book is pretty much non-stop action: right from the start people get shot and buildings get bombed. In the midst of all the action, friendship, love, and betrayal, Eldgridge presents an interesting take on what would happen if a superman susbtance was out there for the taking.
February 2, 2010
I couldn't begin to add a better review than what Clive Cussler wrote for this wonderful debut novel, but I will add that the author is one of the most outstanding and talented individuals you will ever meet. If you don't own a copy of The Samson Effect, one could only ask "why"?
May 25, 2008
Very good first offering. I will be looking forward to seeing Tony's next offering......
Thanks!
Thanks!
April 17, 2022
Excellent read
I did not think I would like to his book when I first started it but the book draws the reader deeper into it. Great writing and a great plot. Could the story be possible? Read it and make your own determination.
I did not think I would like to his book when I first started it but the book draws the reader deeper into it. Great writing and a great plot. Could the story be possible? Read it and make your own determination.
June 22, 2011
A fantastic concept here, executed incredibly well by Tony Eldridge who, I believe, is a first time novelist.
The likening to a modern day Indiana Jones is not an exaggeration, this is a real roller coaster, thrill a minute page turner. Think Indiana Jones meets Jack Bauer, and you’ll get the idea.
Criticisms? One minor one. Mr. Eldridge has a tendency to use too many words on occasion - I stumbled over the odd sentence, but it in no way detracts from the detailed plot and the terrific action. If a movie is in the pipeline, I’ll be there. Well done.
The likening to a modern day Indiana Jones is not an exaggeration, this is a real roller coaster, thrill a minute page turner. Think Indiana Jones meets Jack Bauer, and you’ll get the idea.
Criticisms? One minor one. Mr. Eldridge has a tendency to use too many words on occasion - I stumbled over the odd sentence, but it in no way detracts from the detailed plot and the terrific action. If a movie is in the pipeline, I’ll be there. Well done.
September 19, 2011
The Samson Effect is a mix of The Da Vinci Code and Raiders of the Lost Ark: ancient religious artifacts are tied into current political and religious groups, everyone is pitted against one another, and the plot is abundant with spies and double-crossing and unrealistic scenarios that somehow make for page-turning adventure even as the reader suspends disbelief.
It won't win any awards, but I quite liked it.
It won't win any awards, but I quite liked it.
June 21, 2012
This story is engaging and well-developed, however, my only complaint is in the resolution. Following the climactic scene, the author wraps up the plot line and character storylines as if he was restricted to a page limit. It was uncharactistic of the detail provided earlier in this work. Nevertheless, I enjoyed this book for the beach-house reading it provided.
June 23, 2012
Once I started reading, "The Sampson Effect" this weekend, I couldn't put it down. It was fast-paced and kept me interested. As the story unfolded, there were twists and turns in the plot that I didn't expect and kept it interesting.
I don't have time to read many fiction novels these days, but I'm definitely glad I read this one! Highly recommended.
I don't have time to read many fiction novels these days, but I'm definitely glad I read this one! Highly recommended.
June 21, 2011
I should probably give this book more stars. I had a hard time putting the book down. The characters were a little predictable, especially the females. The idea that there was something that gave Sampson his super strength is an interesting concept.
October 10, 2011
This was a pretty good book. Kept my attention and I would look for the author in the future. The read was fast.
December 22, 2011
Really, not very good.
January 9, 2012
cliches abound, as do poor writing. didn't bother to finish it
November 7, 2012
A great (and unique) storyline and overall an enjoyable read.
March 29, 2013
This was a good book, but I have to say the romantic connections within the four main characters was very weak and juvenile. I did not like that part of the story at all.
April 24, 2013
Fairly good read, but it had a hard time keeping my interest
July 13, 2013
Authors sudden shift in Hannah character not realistic (Jew & Muslim romance) based on all his other characters.
December 9, 2014
A suspenseful and thrilling biblical adventure. It was nice to read a local Forney, Texas author. I liken it to a fast paced Indiana Jones thrill ride.
June 13, 2014
I had Tony Eldridge's son in my classroom . His sweet son told me his dad wrote books one day during show and tell. I'm so glad he shared his GREAT book with me. LOVED it! So many twist & turns!
March 19, 2013
Good story line and plenty of action. I really liked this book!
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews