What do you think?
Rate this book
Sam Deker #2
The 34th Degree
From New York Times bestselling author Thomas Greanias comes an all-new, reality-altering epic adventure.
Dishonorably discharged from the armed forces and haunted by nightmares of the past, counterterrorism agent Sam Deker is trying to build a new life in Los Angeles. The Pentagon, however, believes only he can endure their top-secret neuro-simulation program known as the 34th Degree, a stunning technological breakthrough that gleans priceless intel from the sliced brain tissues of dead terrorists. Their target: SS general Ludwig von Berg, the legendary Third Reich, Baron of the Black Order. Deker's mission is to discover the fate of the ultimate weapon: A supernatural alchemy for a fatal thermodynamic technology, before his counterparts in the Alignment, a twenty-first-century successor to the Nazi SS, beat him to it. Ultimately, Deker discovers that the past, present, and future are not what they seem, as his path leads to a shattering secret that will change everything he knows about the universe.
Dishonorably discharged from the armed forces and haunted by nightmares of the past, counterterrorism agent Sam Deker is trying to build a new life in Los Angeles. The Pentagon, however, believes only he can endure their top-secret neuro-simulation program known as the 34th Degree, a stunning technological breakthrough that gleans priceless intel from the sliced brain tissues of dead terrorists. Their target: SS general Ludwig von Berg, the legendary Third Reich, Baron of the Black Order. Deker's mission is to discover the fate of the ultimate weapon: A supernatural alchemy for a fatal thermodynamic technology, before his counterparts in the Alignment, a twenty-first-century successor to the Nazi SS, beat him to it. Ultimately, Deker discovers that the past, present, and future are not what they seem, as his path leads to a shattering secret that will change everything he knows about the universe.
576 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published June 28, 2011
14 people are currently reading
539 people want to read
About the author
Thomas Greanias
23 books149 followersNo. 1 Amazon, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of seven international thrillers, including Raising Atlantis, The Atlantis Prophecy, The Atlantis Revelation, The Promised War, The 34th Degree, The War Cloud and The Chiron Confession.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
March 16, 2012
Would have been a decent book without the present day section. The ending was beyond my ability to comprehend.
January 5, 2018
Fast paced and interesting, but a bit confusing at times.
March 30, 2020
Just eh. Didn't love it, didn't hate it. Just eh...
November 10, 2020
Rather an absurd plot, but it has a few interesting characters and the plot moves along at a good pace.
June 24, 2024
Sensational read!
August 3, 2013
The historical story told in "The 34th Degree" proved fascinating and entertaining enough. World War II adventure, treacherous Nazi doublecrosses and the Allies pinning their hopes on Chris Andros, a reluctant yet likeable spy who's all things loyal to everything he loves. The characters, surreptitious tactics and suspense all serve as key ingredients. But the farfetched techno-terrorism plot wrapping around this World War II tale of espionage and love felt awkward and confusing, like learning how to walk wearing an unfitted exoskeleton. Maybe it's only because I'm new to this series or to this author and the main character, Sam Decker. But it could have tied together better.
Sent into a virtual past via a new technology that harnesses sliced brain tissue of dead terrorists, Decker must obtain answers about an ancient missing text -- before the bad guys do of course. And those answers center around the sociopathic Nazi, Baron Ludwig von Berg and his SS henchmen, who possess the mysterious text and perhaps the key to unlock its sinister secrets. The baron also possesses something close to Andros' heart -- the spy's lost love Aphrodite.
While the 1940s adventure swells with hairpin twists and engaging characters, the double-helix style plot entwining past with present doesn't unlock anything in the reader's mind, it just stirs more questions. After reading it, I'm still trying to get my bearings, trying to understand how Decker and the present-day quest to get this mysterious text has anything to do with Andros' heroic story of rescue and valor from yesterday's world. Perhaps my optics are not keen to certain plot cues, having not read past series entries. But for me, the book leaves too much unresolved. The ending is not as enticing as it is frustrating. I'm still self-arguing about whether reading future installments would prove worthwhile.
One absolute, however, was I thoroughly enjoyed the 1940s segments, which lended to my four-star rating and constitute the bulk of the book except for the inexplicable present-day intrusions at the beginning and end. As a work of historical fiction, this book is a total victory. The detailed settings in Greece in particular enhance the mystic and perhaps mythic feelings the author strives to capture. Now if only the plot and the science behind it made sense.
Sent into a virtual past via a new technology that harnesses sliced brain tissue of dead terrorists, Decker must obtain answers about an ancient missing text -- before the bad guys do of course. And those answers center around the sociopathic Nazi, Baron Ludwig von Berg and his SS henchmen, who possess the mysterious text and perhaps the key to unlock its sinister secrets. The baron also possesses something close to Andros' heart -- the spy's lost love Aphrodite.
While the 1940s adventure swells with hairpin twists and engaging characters, the double-helix style plot entwining past with present doesn't unlock anything in the reader's mind, it just stirs more questions. After reading it, I'm still trying to get my bearings, trying to understand how Decker and the present-day quest to get this mysterious text has anything to do with Andros' heroic story of rescue and valor from yesterday's world. Perhaps my optics are not keen to certain plot cues, having not read past series entries. But for me, the book leaves too much unresolved. The ending is not as enticing as it is frustrating. I'm still self-arguing about whether reading future installments would prove worthwhile.
One absolute, however, was I thoroughly enjoyed the 1940s segments, which lended to my four-star rating and constitute the bulk of the book except for the inexplicable present-day intrusions at the beginning and end. As a work of historical fiction, this book is a total victory. The detailed settings in Greece in particular enhance the mystic and perhaps mythic feelings the author strives to capture. Now if only the plot and the science behind it made sense.
April 7, 2013
I received this book as a Goodreads giveaway.
I have to say that I was disappointed with THE 34TH DEGREE. After I read the description for the book I expected a fast paced, exciting story with a lot of action and intrigue. Unfortunately, that was not the case. The first half of the book moved too slowly with some sections seeming to drag on endlessly. The second half, which definitely pick up and had a lot more action, was still lacking.
But the worst part of the book, I have to say, was the ending. Though we do learn that the main characters in 1943 succeed in stopping the Baron, we never actually learn what became of them. We know that Christos lives to be an old man, but did he marry Aphrodite? And what became of Erin?..And as for the title project, The 34th Degree, we know that it was successful and Deker was able to go back in time using Christo Andros' memories, but there was no mention of what became of the information that Deker gleaned. In fact we know nothing at all of what happens in the present. Was the government able to get the information that Deker 'remembered' or is it still locked away in his head? And did Deker really awake from his coma or was that part of the dream? And was he still dreaming at the end or did he go back in time again?
All in all I was not happy with this book. It just didn't capture my attention as I had hoped, and in the end there were just to many unanswered questions.
I have to say that I was disappointed with THE 34TH DEGREE. After I read the description for the book I expected a fast paced, exciting story with a lot of action and intrigue. Unfortunately, that was not the case. The first half of the book moved too slowly with some sections seeming to drag on endlessly. The second half, which definitely pick up and had a lot more action, was still lacking.
But the worst part of the book, I have to say, was the ending. Though we do learn that the main characters in 1943 succeed in stopping the Baron, we never actually learn what became of them. We know that Christos lives to be an old man, but did he marry Aphrodite? And what became of Erin?..And as for the title project, The 34th Degree, we know that it was successful and Deker was able to go back in time using Christo Andros' memories, but there was no mention of what became of the information that Deker gleaned. In fact we know nothing at all of what happens in the present. Was the government able to get the information that Deker 'remembered' or is it still locked away in his head? And did Deker really awake from his coma or was that part of the dream? And was he still dreaming at the end or did he go back in time again?
All in all I was not happy with this book. It just didn't capture my attention as I had hoped, and in the end there were just to many unanswered questions.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 15, 2016
What a load or rubbish. I can't believe I made it to the end. I just thought it was going to get better. I'll never read another Thomas Greanias book again!!!!
June 23, 2013
This is a classic, formula written, low end thriller. Crank out another "thriller", repeat the common formula, create new situations, and let it fly. It centers around an exceptionally beautiful, brave, rich woman, and a very muscular, brilliant, wealthy man. They repeatedly get into bad situations and then miraculously escape. Amazing! A classic thriller.
Creating fantasy places and events are abundant, as necessary in many good books. Unfortunately, the author's total lack of even the most trivial research and appreciation for reality becomes irritating. This starts with invoking the fabled Templars in a situation three centuries after they had been exterminated. Descriptions of the mandatory thriller explosions are as unreal as Hollywood film explosions. The unnecessary use of very small chapters to leave lots of white space throughout the book became annoying.
The author's clumsy attempt to tie it to modern days with pseudo science was terrible, without redeeming features. This book may have been written by the author's 7th grade son, for all the reader can tell.
Creating fantasy places and events are abundant, as necessary in many good books. Unfortunately, the author's total lack of even the most trivial research and appreciation for reality becomes irritating. This starts with invoking the fabled Templars in a situation three centuries after they had been exterminated. Descriptions of the mandatory thriller explosions are as unreal as Hollywood film explosions. The unnecessary use of very small chapters to leave lots of white space throughout the book became annoying.
The author's clumsy attempt to tie it to modern days with pseudo science was terrible, without redeeming features. This book may have been written by the author's 7th grade son, for all the reader can tell.
June 30, 2013
Back in 1943, the secret Maranaha text has fallen into the hands of the Nazis. The biblical text holds the newest mind-altering technology that can be used as an ultimate weapon.
Now, Doctor Prestwick has given the 34th degree, a neuro simulation program, to Sam Deker and sends him back into time. They use the dead brain cells of SS General Ludwig von Berg, the legendary “Baron of the Black Order,” Deker's job is to locate he Maranaha text and steal them before they fall into the hands of the Nazis. With von Berg's memories and intel, it should make Deker's job a little bit easier.
The 34th Degree is a phenomenal thriller! Flipping back between the present day and the past, there is alot going on. Between the Templars taking he Maranatha text to Rome, the espionage and the adventure, there is not a paragraph you will want to miss! Between Greece, Germany, America hitting Sicily and the spies, you'll be on the edge-of-your-seat. Don't miss this one!!
Now, Doctor Prestwick has given the 34th degree, a neuro simulation program, to Sam Deker and sends him back into time. They use the dead brain cells of SS General Ludwig von Berg, the legendary “Baron of the Black Order,” Deker's job is to locate he Maranaha text and steal them before they fall into the hands of the Nazis. With von Berg's memories and intel, it should make Deker's job a little bit easier.
The 34th Degree is a phenomenal thriller! Flipping back between the present day and the past, there is alot going on. Between the Templars taking he Maranatha text to Rome, the espionage and the adventure, there is not a paragraph you will want to miss! Between Greece, Germany, America hitting Sicily and the spies, you'll be on the edge-of-your-seat. Don't miss this one!!
January 8, 2012
An annoyingly confusing book. The majority of the book is an interesting story about WW II espionage in Greece but the beginning and the end of the book concentrate on a character other than the main character but who seems to be the same person as the main character, only under a different name. The author presumably had some reason for this in his mind but he did not make it clear to the reader. The end of the story is left 'dangling' with no clear resolution of the fate of the main characters. Add in an escape from an impossible situation by the hero thanks to advice from a ghost, (which is an easy ploy for an author to avoid having to devise a plausible scenario) and the presence of time travel, you end up with what could have been an interesting thriller but becomes a story that leaves the reader perplexed and annoyed.
May 14, 2013
I received an autographed copy of this book in a Goodreads giveway.. .thank you for that. And overall I liked the book. It is definitely not something I normally read. Although I do like a good thriller,and as any good thriller this one held my attention and was interesting for me. I did get confused at times but I think that was more because I am sort of unfamiliar with the topics.. WWII, Hitler, espionage, etc. With the inclusion of the time travel I found it a unique and interesting twist to telling of the story. Some times dragged and some times I couldn't put it down.
August 13, 2011
"THE 34TH DEGREE" BY THOMAS GREANIAS
Usually this is not my genre of choice but this book was well-written and fascinating. A book about terrorists, secret operations, and one man's struggle to keep catastrophic events from unfolding. This is a great read with a slight supernatural/sci-fi feel.
I'd definitely recommend it!
-Kitty Bullard / Great Minds Think Aloud Book Club
Read more: http://www.greatmindsthinkaloud.probo...
Usually this is not my genre of choice but this book was well-written and fascinating. A book about terrorists, secret operations, and one man's struggle to keep catastrophic events from unfolding. This is a great read with a slight supernatural/sci-fi feel.
I'd definitely recommend it!
-Kitty Bullard / Great Minds Think Aloud Book Club
Read more: http://www.greatmindsthinkaloud.probo...
October 12, 2012
I liked the Nazi/thriller/back-in-time thing and the story was engaging. But after purchasing and beginning to read, I realized that this was part of a multi-book series and I was walking in halfway. I managed to settle in to it, but I know that I missed crucial information. Note to self: Don't do this again, OK?
March 25, 2013
I was excited to receive this book as I won it in a giveaway. I was not disappointed! It was fun to read, kept my attention, and I found it hard to put down due to the anticipation of what would happen next. Very pleased overall with the author too. This is the 2nd book of his I've read and I look forward to reading more of Mr. Greanias novels.
December 18, 2012
Couldn't make it even 50 pages into this book. It's not my choice material, although I'm a true lover of WWII history. This was way too futuristic for me, and the actual writing seemed very shallow and disjointed.
April 3, 2013
Really enjoyed the book!
Got caught up in it the minute I started it and could barely put it down until it was done. The action was good but not overdone, the characters were well developed and believable.
Thank you Goodreads for another great book!
Got caught up in it the minute I started it and could barely put it down until it was done. The action was good but not overdone, the characters were well developed and believable.
Thank you Goodreads for another great book!
March 18, 2013
An interesting read at times but there were a lot of confusing parts. Lots of backstabbing and people in the same group having different agendas, there was just too much going on. The ending didn't really make any sense.
April 14, 2013
I tried to read this book several times but just couldn't get into it. This was the first book I won from Goodreads. This is not my normal genre I like, so that has a lot to do with it being so hard for me to read. I will pass it on to someone who likes this sort of book.
February 13, 2014
You definitely have to read the first book to understand this one. That said, it was still a confusing book because there were so many different characters. I liked it though. The WWII plot was fun. It made me wish I new more of the facts so I could keep it straight with the fiction.
February 9, 2012
I didn't really like the ending.
August 2, 2012
A sequel book which takes our character Sam Deker a bit deeper into the unreal world of mind control and mind games. This time he "goes back in time" to WWII as a spy in Greece.
Want to read
December 30, 2012Won as part of the Goodreads first reads program. Can't wait to read it!
Want to read
January 12, 2013I won this book from First Reads Giveaway. Waiting to read it when I receive it. Thanks.
April 23, 2013
I have fallen in love with this author, and look forward to reading more of them.
June 1, 2016
I enjoyed this book. It was quite engaging. Part science fiction, part historical fiction, interesting characters and good story telling. My only criticism about this book is the way it ended.
December 25, 2012
good book
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews