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The Halo Revelations
The body of an archaeologist is sent home in an urn. At the same time, a video he recorded ten years earlier goes viral on the internet. The video shows him wearing an ancient crown-like object, and acting so oddly, the public thinks the once-famous archaeologist had a mental breakdown during his last expedition.
The artifact, which is soon dubbed the Halo, becomes the subject of a worldwide search by those who desire to understand and protect it, and by those who would abuse it.
While each harbor their own reasons, the archaeologist’s son, Nick; his old partner, Henry; Jane Carter of the SETI Institute; and NSA Special Agent Veronica “Ronnie” Vagnetti, all become embroiled in a battle to learn the truth about both the video and the Halo.
What the small group finally uncovers is astonishing. The shocking revelations contained within the Halo explain the once unexplainable, and answers questions that Man never even thought to ask.
But not all the ancient secrets of Man’s past are hidden within the object. Others secrets are revealed to only one of them.
Should the fiercely guarded secrets passed down through the ages and today known only to a few elite organizations and The Vatican — secrets that undermine the theories of both creationism and evolution, and that would shake the foundations of Christianity — be revealed? Is the World ready to learn the truth?
And will those individuals — whose lives have become intertwined with the fate of the Halo — find what they’ve been searching for?
The artifact, which is soon dubbed the Halo, becomes the subject of a worldwide search by those who desire to understand and protect it, and by those who would abuse it.
While each harbor their own reasons, the archaeologist’s son, Nick; his old partner, Henry; Jane Carter of the SETI Institute; and NSA Special Agent Veronica “Ronnie” Vagnetti, all become embroiled in a battle to learn the truth about both the video and the Halo.
What the small group finally uncovers is astonishing. The shocking revelations contained within the Halo explain the once unexplainable, and answers questions that Man never even thought to ask.
But not all the ancient secrets of Man’s past are hidden within the object. Others secrets are revealed to only one of them.
Should the fiercely guarded secrets passed down through the ages and today known only to a few elite organizations and The Vatican — secrets that undermine the theories of both creationism and evolution, and that would shake the foundations of Christianity — be revealed? Is the World ready to learn the truth?
And will those individuals — whose lives have become intertwined with the fate of the Halo — find what they’ve been searching for?
237 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 17, 2012
20 people are currently reading
233 people want to read
About the author
J.S. Colley
1 book43 followersA favorite quote: “You can’t please all of the readers all of the time; you can’t please even some of the readers all of the time, but you really ought to try to please at least some of the readers some of the time.” ~Stephen King
Like Stephen King, I hope to please some of the readers some of the time. To those readers, I say: enjoy.
This is a work of science fiction - not meant as fact in any way - but I hope it opens the reader's mind to other possibilities.
J. S. Colley is a once-upon-a-time computer programmer. Now she spends her time writing, reading, and pondering all things related to science.
Official Facebook THE HALO REVELATIONS Fan Page https://www.facebook.com/TheHaloRevel...
Official Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/jcolley
Like Stephen King, I hope to please some of the readers some of the time. To those readers, I say: enjoy.
This is a work of science fiction - not meant as fact in any way - but I hope it opens the reader's mind to other possibilities.
J. S. Colley is a once-upon-a-time computer programmer. Now she spends her time writing, reading, and pondering all things related to science.
Official Facebook THE HALO REVELATIONS Fan Page https://www.facebook.com/TheHaloRevel...
Official Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/jcolley
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
April 26, 2012
I was given a Kindle.
I went a bit crazy.
And now I've calmed down.
Kindle gives you the freedom to download books anywhere at any time. This is like a gift from the digital book gods. It is also a huge curse if you actually have a job, keep a schedule and generally need to get on with the day to day process of living. It is hard to drive while holding a Kindle (probably definitely illegal too), it is also hard to bath, cook, write, eat and make sweet, sweet love. I've tried all of these while holding a Kindle. Ok, not really, there are some things that even a book does not need to see.
Richard Derus was my virtual guru and guided me into the world of the freE-book when the Kindle curse arrived and this was one which he flagged up, along with other archaeological mystery Simon Said by Sarah Shaber. I scrunched my nose a bit because this is not the sort of thing I normally read but, my god its on a Kindle, so I will read it now anyway.
This book suckered me in quickly - an archaeologists body returns home in an urn? Brilliant! I know a few that I'd like to send home in urns, so where do I sign up? The archaeologist in question went missing while searching for a lost artefact of possible alien origin, somewhere in the Himalayas. It is up to the deceased's family, specifically his intrepid son, and friends to retrieve the artefact and protect it from the Government who, as usual as up to no good. They want the super-advanced-magic-alien technology all for themselves.
Life and limb related situations follow as archaeo-junior, Nick, state-hops in the company of Astrophysics specialists, famous authors and with the NSA hot on his tail. Not a bad effort given that he's only fifteen. So far so Dan Brown, but without the Vatican.
Normally any mention of aliens and archaeology combined together would have my eyes rolling so fast that my face would look like a fleshy fruit machine, but I persevered. And enjoyed. Up to a point. The first 80% of this book was pacey and well written and proved that JS Colley can write in a very engaging way; engaging enough to even capture my attention and I am the thorniest of all sceptics in this kind of genre. Then the last 20% exploded into a sticky confusing genre hash of such high improbability that my spinning eyeballs popped right out of my head and rolled off like mini versions of that boulder in the opening scene of Indiana Jones.
And all because of the introduction of the Vatican. Archaeology and aliens and conspiracy theories I can handle. After all I was fed a heavy diet of X Files as a kid. But the addition of Vatican based conspiracy sent me over the edge and into the fiery pit of disbelief.
I've clambered out now and had a think and I can confirm that while I enjoyed the first 80% the last 20% was not to my taste at all. It almost felt like someone else was writing the last section which was odd because it had started with promise. The book ended with a flump rather than a bang... unless there is going to be sequel? Is there a sequel? If there is a sequel please can it not have the Vatican in it?
I went a bit crazy.
And now I've calmed down.
Kindle gives you the freedom to download books anywhere at any time. This is like a gift from the digital book gods. It is also a huge curse if you actually have a job, keep a schedule and generally need to get on with the day to day process of living. It is hard to drive while holding a Kindle (probably definitely illegal too), it is also hard to bath, cook, write, eat and make sweet, sweet love. I've tried all of these while holding a Kindle. Ok, not really, there are some things that even a book does not need to see.
Richard Derus was my virtual guru and guided me into the world of the freE-book when the Kindle curse arrived and this was one which he flagged up, along with other archaeological mystery Simon Said by Sarah Shaber. I scrunched my nose a bit because this is not the sort of thing I normally read but, my god its on a Kindle, so I will read it now anyway.
This book suckered me in quickly - an archaeologists body returns home in an urn? Brilliant! I know a few that I'd like to send home in urns, so where do I sign up? The archaeologist in question went missing while searching for a lost artefact of possible alien origin, somewhere in the Himalayas. It is up to the deceased's family, specifically his intrepid son, and friends to retrieve the artefact and protect it from the Government who, as usual as up to no good. They want the super-advanced-magic-alien technology all for themselves.
Life and limb related situations follow as archaeo-junior, Nick, state-hops in the company of Astrophysics specialists, famous authors and with the NSA hot on his tail. Not a bad effort given that he's only fifteen. So far so Dan Brown, but without the Vatican.
Normally any mention of aliens and archaeology combined together would have my eyes rolling so fast that my face would look like a fleshy fruit machine, but I persevered. And enjoyed. Up to a point. The first 80% of this book was pacey and well written and proved that JS Colley can write in a very engaging way; engaging enough to even capture my attention and I am the thorniest of all sceptics in this kind of genre. Then the last 20% exploded into a sticky confusing genre hash of such high improbability that my spinning eyeballs popped right out of my head and rolled off like mini versions of that boulder in the opening scene of Indiana Jones.
And all because of the introduction of the Vatican. Archaeology and aliens and conspiracy theories I can handle. After all I was fed a heavy diet of X Files as a kid. But the addition of Vatican based conspiracy sent me over the edge and into the fiery pit of disbelief.
I've clambered out now and had a think and I can confirm that while I enjoyed the first 80% the last 20% was not to my taste at all. It almost felt like someone else was writing the last section which was odd because it had started with promise. The book ended with a flump rather than a bang... unless there is going to be sequel? Is there a sequel? If there is a sequel please can it not have the Vatican in it?
June 23, 2012
Totally Amazing. Either this was secretly based off a true story, or this author has the most amazing creative mind EVER.
July 19, 2012
I am acquainted with J.S. Colley through social networking, and was privileged to be a beta reader of this manuscript. She is also the most recent writer to have been invited to be a Booksquawk contributor. Neither of these facts should be taken as an admission that the following review is biased; I strive to be objective when I write reviews for the books of people I know.
The Halo Revelations is an intellectual thriller that blends fact and fiction on a grander scale than the works of Dan Brown. Here we confront the science fiction (or, depending on which conspiracy theorist you ask, the science fact) of our planet’s denizens having not only been visited on numerous occasions in the past by aliens from outer space, but guided by them throughout civilization. To persuade the reader to accept this notion, Colley offers up popular alternative extraterrestrial interpretation of the meaning behind items of ancient artwork such as the Drōpa stones and structures like the pyramids and Nazca lines.
The story is told through multiple points of view. We are most often in the head of young Nick, son of an archaeologist whose body has finally been recovered ten years after his disappearance in the Himalayan Mountains. Nick’s reactivated sorrow is tempered by his mortification when someone posts a video of his father that makes him seem like a raving UFO lunatic. His father had been dabbling in the dubious art of archeo-astronomy, plus, he was working with Henry Applegate, the infamous alien-conspiracy-theory author. Nick’s mother Liz doesn’t want anything to do with Henry, and doesn’t know that Nick has secretly been friends with the reclusive old man during the ten years his father has been missing.
Without giving out too many spoilers, Bad Things Happen and the NSA (National Security Agency) becomes involved. Our second main protagonist (or antagonist from Nick’s perspective) is Agent Ronnie Vagnetti, whose job specialty is to “gather intelligence on unusual archeological discoveries and phenomenon - discoveries that might have a profound effect on society.” Vagnetti and Nick are in search of the same thing: the strange object seen in the video with Nick’s dad before he disappeared.
Rumors and speculation about the object abound and it’s soon clear that the bulk of these conjectures are deliberate misdirection by one or more unknown, powerful entities with a keen - and dangerous - interest in the object and the information it may or may not hold.
The characters in this, Colley’s first novel, are well-drawn and sympathetic. One of the central themes - that of history itself having been manipulated by the powers-that-be in any given timeframe - is convincing. If you’re a fan of Dan Brown, I recommend you give The Halo Revelations a try.
The Halo Revelations is an intellectual thriller that blends fact and fiction on a grander scale than the works of Dan Brown. Here we confront the science fiction (or, depending on which conspiracy theorist you ask, the science fact) of our planet’s denizens having not only been visited on numerous occasions in the past by aliens from outer space, but guided by them throughout civilization. To persuade the reader to accept this notion, Colley offers up popular alternative extraterrestrial interpretation of the meaning behind items of ancient artwork such as the Drōpa stones and structures like the pyramids and Nazca lines.
The story is told through multiple points of view. We are most often in the head of young Nick, son of an archaeologist whose body has finally been recovered ten years after his disappearance in the Himalayan Mountains. Nick’s reactivated sorrow is tempered by his mortification when someone posts a video of his father that makes him seem like a raving UFO lunatic. His father had been dabbling in the dubious art of archeo-astronomy, plus, he was working with Henry Applegate, the infamous alien-conspiracy-theory author. Nick’s mother Liz doesn’t want anything to do with Henry, and doesn’t know that Nick has secretly been friends with the reclusive old man during the ten years his father has been missing.
Without giving out too many spoilers, Bad Things Happen and the NSA (National Security Agency) becomes involved. Our second main protagonist (or antagonist from Nick’s perspective) is Agent Ronnie Vagnetti, whose job specialty is to “gather intelligence on unusual archeological discoveries and phenomenon - discoveries that might have a profound effect on society.” Vagnetti and Nick are in search of the same thing: the strange object seen in the video with Nick’s dad before he disappeared.
Rumors and speculation about the object abound and it’s soon clear that the bulk of these conjectures are deliberate misdirection by one or more unknown, powerful entities with a keen - and dangerous - interest in the object and the information it may or may not hold.
The characters in this, Colley’s first novel, are well-drawn and sympathetic. One of the central themes - that of history itself having been manipulated by the powers-that-be in any given timeframe - is convincing. If you’re a fan of Dan Brown, I recommend you give The Halo Revelations a try.
August 4, 2012
The Halo Revelations is a fast-paced intellectual thriller which poses many wild questions, chief amongst them: what if the entire history of civilization has been diverted, influenced and guided by aliens? The story follows Henry, teenage son of an archaeologist who’s been missing for ten years. The body has recently been found and a belated funeral service is planned, yet the occasion provides no closure when Henry discovers a mysterious artifact his father found before vanishing. On the scene is Henry Applegate, former associate of Henry’s father, Nick, and widely accepted crackpot for his writings about aliens and conspiracy theories. The association between the two men has left Nick’s legacy tarnished and Henry’s family with more questions than answers.
I was impressed with the pace of the book and with Ms. Colley’s ability to keep the action swerving around a series of twists and turns, none of which I saw coming. The information about the search for ETs, the work of the SETI Institute, the intervention of the NSA—not to give anything away, but large ideas are at work here—all of it seemed believable to me and within the realm of how things might, in fact, operate. Several entities want to possess the object Henry has stumbled upon, and the reader is left guessing at times, as Henry is, how humanity would benefit most.
Thought-provoking and thoroughly engaging, The Halo Revelations is escapist fiction that leaves you with much to contemplate.
I was impressed with the pace of the book and with Ms. Colley’s ability to keep the action swerving around a series of twists and turns, none of which I saw coming. The information about the search for ETs, the work of the SETI Institute, the intervention of the NSA—not to give anything away, but large ideas are at work here—all of it seemed believable to me and within the realm of how things might, in fact, operate. Several entities want to possess the object Henry has stumbled upon, and the reader is left guessing at times, as Henry is, how humanity would benefit most.
Thought-provoking and thoroughly engaging, The Halo Revelations is escapist fiction that leaves you with much to contemplate.
May 8, 2012
Well, this is my first review. Might not be another one for some time as golf season is here.
This book was on the Kindle my wife gave me. I usually like anything the wife suggests and I did enjoy this read.
The story centers around an object that might prove aliens visited earth in the ancient past. The son of the archaelogist who found the object goes on a quest to find out if it is real or fake. Along the way, SETI becomes involved.
Some of the theories seem a little far-fetched but, when you think about it, like the character, Nick, says in the book, they aren't out of the realm of possibility.
I don't want to give to much away, but I would recommend the book. It was a fun, fast-paced read. The author has an easy, natural style that I found refreshing.
This book was on the Kindle my wife gave me. I usually like anything the wife suggests and I did enjoy this read.
The story centers around an object that might prove aliens visited earth in the ancient past. The son of the archaelogist who found the object goes on a quest to find out if it is real or fake. Along the way, SETI becomes involved.
Some of the theories seem a little far-fetched but, when you think about it, like the character, Nick, says in the book, they aren't out of the realm of possibility.
I don't want to give to much away, but I would recommend the book. It was a fun, fast-paced read. The author has an easy, natural style that I found refreshing.
June 5, 2012
Good read!
April 25, 2014
The Halo Revelations concerns itself with the hunt for a mysterious device, possibly extraterrestrial in origin, which may reveal the true origins of mankind and its achievements and therefore threatens the stability of today's human institutions - governments, corporations, science, religion. The story is promoted as a thrilling global hunt: Contact meets Capricorn One by way of The Da Vinci Code.
As I read, I kept waiting for the story I was led to expect to kick in. It never did, and I find myself in the position of reviewing not one but two novels - the one it purported to be and the one it actually was.
Let me address the former: the adult thriller I expected, with all associated tropes and plot devices, was bafflingly muted in the story I actually discovered. The main focus for most of the first two acts was Nick, the 15-year old son of the deceased archeologist Doug Farraday. Though he was plucky and demonstrated initiative and guile during his quest, such a character is not to my mind suited to be the central protagonist of a supposedly adult thriller. And in the final act, where the hero should be coming to the fore, Nick was relegated to being just another passive element in a group of characters which was merely ferried from one captive situation to another under the command of authority figures who themselves came into the story very late in the day. Actually, a Vatican-centered chapter late in the final act seemed to shift central status to a previously secondary character in what felt like a primer for a sequel, an odd choice given that this character had been the object of some very unflattering physical descriptions earlier on. The entire third act was in and of itself problematic for me because it contained no action, no stakes, no real conflict between anyone over anything. It was all very oddly convivial - a succession of scenes wherein the new authority characters revealed themselves, did a lot of talking to try and convince the main characters to play ball (backed up by nice lodgings, good food and easy-going security in each instance) and in the end it was pretty much of a win-win situation for all concerned. Not one bullet fired, not one punch thrown. And what seemed to become the main stake was simply this - would the big secret get out wholesale, piecemeal or not at all? To me, that didn't seem to represent much of a threat to the world at large, let alone the characters of the story. The story lacked a formidable antagonist to give it the immediate threat and sharper edge I feel it deserved. The only sinister element (bad people doing bad things) was a mysterious gang on the hunt for the Halo in the first act and in the end the threat which they leveled at the main characters was nullified in a very abrupt and fait accomplis way that lacked any build-up of tension and release of action such that it seemed to happen off-screen. As for the "globe-trotting" element; apart for a brief prologue in China and the aforementioned scene in Rome, the action never left the US and even there is was confined to just three locations of any note.
The latter: the most engaging elements of the novel are those that concern Nick in his own efforts to track down the truth about the Halo and his father's demise, especially the middle act when he hits the road in search of answers. As this part developed, I keep thinking that this worked much better for me once I accepted it as a YA-Da Vinci Code, a sort of Alex Rider or Young Indiana Jones. The style of prose and the lack of "adult" language, even from the adult characters, seemed to reinforce my perception that just such a novel was trying to break free from the bigger, more global-centric story. Unfortunately, Nick became just another bit-player in the last section and those big universal themes returned to the fore in the overly-talky last chapters. If this story has been focused entirely on Nick and served as the launchpad for a new series in which his adventures continued, I think it would do very well and have a unique identity in the crowded YA marketplace - Neil Degrasse Tyson as young sleuth and intrepid truth-hunter.
If I rate this as an adult thriller, I give it two-stars. If I rate it for its potential as a YA-thriller, I give it four. Hence my overall rating for it now being 3-stars.
As I read, I kept waiting for the story I was led to expect to kick in. It never did, and I find myself in the position of reviewing not one but two novels - the one it purported to be and the one it actually was.
Let me address the former: the adult thriller I expected, with all associated tropes and plot devices, was bafflingly muted in the story I actually discovered. The main focus for most of the first two acts was Nick, the 15-year old son of the deceased archeologist Doug Farraday. Though he was plucky and demonstrated initiative and guile during his quest, such a character is not to my mind suited to be the central protagonist of a supposedly adult thriller. And in the final act, where the hero should be coming to the fore, Nick was relegated to being just another passive element in a group of characters which was merely ferried from one captive situation to another under the command of authority figures who themselves came into the story very late in the day. Actually, a Vatican-centered chapter late in the final act seemed to shift central status to a previously secondary character in what felt like a primer for a sequel, an odd choice given that this character had been the object of some very unflattering physical descriptions earlier on. The entire third act was in and of itself problematic for me because it contained no action, no stakes, no real conflict between anyone over anything. It was all very oddly convivial - a succession of scenes wherein the new authority characters revealed themselves, did a lot of talking to try and convince the main characters to play ball (backed up by nice lodgings, good food and easy-going security in each instance) and in the end it was pretty much of a win-win situation for all concerned. Not one bullet fired, not one punch thrown. And what seemed to become the main stake was simply this - would the big secret get out wholesale, piecemeal or not at all? To me, that didn't seem to represent much of a threat to the world at large, let alone the characters of the story. The story lacked a formidable antagonist to give it the immediate threat and sharper edge I feel it deserved. The only sinister element (bad people doing bad things) was a mysterious gang on the hunt for the Halo in the first act and in the end the threat which they leveled at the main characters was nullified in a very abrupt and fait accomplis way that lacked any build-up of tension and release of action such that it seemed to happen off-screen. As for the "globe-trotting" element; apart for a brief prologue in China and the aforementioned scene in Rome, the action never left the US and even there is was confined to just three locations of any note.
The latter: the most engaging elements of the novel are those that concern Nick in his own efforts to track down the truth about the Halo and his father's demise, especially the middle act when he hits the road in search of answers. As this part developed, I keep thinking that this worked much better for me once I accepted it as a YA-Da Vinci Code, a sort of Alex Rider or Young Indiana Jones. The style of prose and the lack of "adult" language, even from the adult characters, seemed to reinforce my perception that just such a novel was trying to break free from the bigger, more global-centric story. Unfortunately, Nick became just another bit-player in the last section and those big universal themes returned to the fore in the overly-talky last chapters. If this story has been focused entirely on Nick and served as the launchpad for a new series in which his adventures continued, I think it would do very well and have a unique identity in the crowded YA marketplace - Neil Degrasse Tyson as young sleuth and intrepid truth-hunter.
If I rate this as an adult thriller, I give it two-stars. If I rate it for its potential as a YA-thriller, I give it four. Hence my overall rating for it now being 3-stars.
August 22, 2012
"The Halo Revelations" by J.S. Colley is an interesting novel focused on the possibility that aliens may have visted mankind in the past and influenced their evolution and culture through these interactions. I have always been fascinated with the possibility of extraterrestial life and this novel tackled this subject in a fairly interesting way unlike many sci-fi books that focus on aliens waging war on Earth or some futuristic setting of humans interacting with aliens.
While the novel features viewpoints from antique dealer and author Henry Applegate, NSA agent Ronnie Vagnetti and Liz Farraday and SETI scientist Jane Carter. The main character and the focus of the story is Nick Farraday, the son of Liz and famous archaeologist Doug, and his quest to prove the validity of his father's discovery of an ancient alien artifact.
"The Halo Revelations" is an entertaining read that holds the reader's attention and makes it hard to put down. However, early parts of the novels seemed to be a little lacking. While the danger facing Henry Applegate and the Farraday is evident due to the actions of many shadowy groups trying to locate the object, it seems like these situations were resolved a little too quickly and without much difficulty.
Despite some minor issues I had with the novel in the beginning, Colley did an excellent job with the final half of the novel. Colley introduces interesting histories of some of the secret societies with ties to the object and thought provoking questions about the origin and intent of the object discovered by Nick's father. The ending left plenty of room for sequels and I hope Colley follows up on these other orders and answers to unanswered questions such as the one posed by some of the characters: if aliens had visited Earth in the past, why did they leave and will they come back?
Regardless of whether or not you believe in the ancient alien theory, "The Halo Revelations" is an entertaining novel with an interesting premise.
While the novel features viewpoints from antique dealer and author Henry Applegate, NSA agent Ronnie Vagnetti and Liz Farraday and SETI scientist Jane Carter. The main character and the focus of the story is Nick Farraday, the son of Liz and famous archaeologist Doug, and his quest to prove the validity of his father's discovery of an ancient alien artifact.
"The Halo Revelations" is an entertaining read that holds the reader's attention and makes it hard to put down. However, early parts of the novels seemed to be a little lacking. While the danger facing Henry Applegate and the Farraday is evident due to the actions of many shadowy groups trying to locate the object, it seems like these situations were resolved a little too quickly and without much difficulty.
Despite some minor issues I had with the novel in the beginning, Colley did an excellent job with the final half of the novel. Colley introduces interesting histories of some of the secret societies with ties to the object and thought provoking questions about the origin and intent of the object discovered by Nick's father. The ending left plenty of room for sequels and I hope Colley follows up on these other orders and answers to unanswered questions such as the one posed by some of the characters: if aliens had visited Earth in the past, why did they leave and will they come back?
Regardless of whether or not you believe in the ancient alien theory, "The Halo Revelations" is an entertaining novel with an interesting premise.
May 31, 2012
Engaging, fast-paced and well written, "The Halo Revelations" contains unique ideas that had me going "Huh..." and sent my mind pondering on those "facts" we've always believed about our world. The bit about the Grand Canyon was magnificent!
Nick first gets interested in truth versus YouTube manipulations when his mother gives him his father's journal. Nick is able to follow along with his father's last days, and this, along with the threats to his family and the interference of visionary author, Henry Applegate, gets him involved, completely, and irrevocably changes his life.
The story never once had me rolling my eyes or thinking, "No way." Everything is so logical, so believable, it sort of reminded me of the book "The Andromeda Strain," which I read years and years ago. The Halo itself is a masterpiece of invention: realistic, alien, and profoundly revealing.
I don't want to spoil anything. Part of the fun of reading this book are the unexpected avenues you'll encounter, all twisty turny like a winding mountain road. I'll just add that the author explores possibilities that I've never read in any other novel; he/she obviously has a deeply grounded knowledge of science coupled with a far-reaching imagination. So while, in some small way, I did think of "The Da Vinci Code," I found "The Halo Revelations" more intriguing and more original. And yes, one does maybe think X-Files, a bit, but I personally was reminded more of the first Indiana Jones movie.
It's a great read.
Nick first gets interested in truth versus YouTube manipulations when his mother gives him his father's journal. Nick is able to follow along with his father's last days, and this, along with the threats to his family and the interference of visionary author, Henry Applegate, gets him involved, completely, and irrevocably changes his life.
The story never once had me rolling my eyes or thinking, "No way." Everything is so logical, so believable, it sort of reminded me of the book "The Andromeda Strain," which I read years and years ago. The Halo itself is a masterpiece of invention: realistic, alien, and profoundly revealing.
I don't want to spoil anything. Part of the fun of reading this book are the unexpected avenues you'll encounter, all twisty turny like a winding mountain road. I'll just add that the author explores possibilities that I've never read in any other novel; he/she obviously has a deeply grounded knowledge of science coupled with a far-reaching imagination. So while, in some small way, I did think of "The Da Vinci Code," I found "The Halo Revelations" more intriguing and more original. And yes, one does maybe think X-Files, a bit, but I personally was reminded more of the first Indiana Jones movie.
It's a great read.
September 1, 2012
This story is about a group of people caught up in the discovery of an ancient object. One of the main characters is Nick, the son of the archaeologist who first made the discovery. Nick is determined to find out the truth about the object, and to restore his deceased father's reputation. Another main character is Agent Vagnetti, an middle-aged overweight NSA agent whose job is to investigate unusual archaeological discoveries and phenomena that could have a profound effect on society.
The book makes you think about our ancient past. Are the old mythologies just stories, or is there some truth to them? It makes you wonder.
It was a fun read.
The book makes you think about our ancient past. Are the old mythologies just stories, or is there some truth to them? It makes you wonder.
It was a fun read.
June 23, 2012
This is an excellent story and very well written. I especially liked how she wrote Nick, who is only 15 but is treated as an equal with respect by all the adults in the story. So many stories do the "You're just a snot nosed kid, you can't possibly know anything!" with kids and this one didn't.
No long review with spoilers here, it's good, pick it up, you won't be sorry! Nuff said.
No long review with spoilers here, it's good, pick it up, you won't be sorry! Nuff said.
wont-read
August 7, 2015Arrgggghhhh!
If your publisher can't get the grammar in your blurb correct, get another publisher.
If you self-publish, get another career.
"The video shows him wearing an ancient crown-like object, and acting so odd..."
No, No, NO! "odd" is an adverb: it should be "oddly". Where the F*** are the editors?
If your publisher can't get the grammar in your blurb correct, get another publisher.
If you self-publish, get another career.
"The video shows him wearing an ancient crown-like object, and acting so odd..."
No, No, NO! "odd" is an adverb: it should be "oddly". Where the F*** are the editors?
March 19, 2013
Very enjoyable read and good first novel by the author. Well written and entertaining.
June 13, 2013
I didn't dislike it, but when I finished it, I just kind of went "meh". It held my attention for 34 chapters, which is more than I can say for some Free Kindle books. Interesting plot.
September 14, 2012
Da Vinci Code meets Chariots Of The Gods would be an obvious tag line to attach to this book, but depending on your view on Dan Brown and/or Von Daniken that might be doing it an injustice. Conspiracy theories like the one that fuels this pacey YA thriller - aliens influencing mankind in ancient times, Illuminati-style secret societies etc - might have gone a bit out of fashion, but then again they've experienced a number of revivals in recent decades, what with the X Files on TV in the 90s and more recently Assassins Creed in the video gaming world.
Now, as both an X phile and a player of Assasins Creed, I buy into these things very easily on a fictional level, but it's not always my instant cup of tea. (Fair to say it's the historical environs of the Assassins Creed games that I find most immersive - the overarcing contemporary conspiracy tale I could actually live without.) But the author here clearly knows her stuff, has done her research and demonstrates a fascination with the genre (it's practically a genre in its own right) which helps make for an engaging read and what you end up with, in essence, is a new recipe using some familiar ingredients. Colley's enthusiasm for her subject shines through.
The prose is straightforward and unfussy, which is pretty much the Dan Brown approach to a thriller, but the characters are well-drawn and the internal monologues demonstrate a layer of complexity and maturity that you wouldn't necessarily find in a Brown novel. That said, Brown's noted for his punchy chapter endings and they don't always come off here, with the occasional end note striking some very mundane chords (eg. one in which young hero Nick, after much searching, finds a missing memory stick). So some chapters could use a little extra dramatic punch at the tail end.
Also, while I tended to think of this as targeted at YA readers, because of the age of the main protagonist, I'd worry that some of those mature monologues and certain stretches of dialogue between the grown-ups might seem a bit dry and stale to impatient teen readers. That's pure guesswork on my part, since it's been a while since I was a young reader (ha) and although there was a sense that select scenes could use some livening up, the author weaves a sufficiently involved and intriguing tale, seasoned with action and suspense that stays credible and never spills over into the realms of the Hollywood blockbuster (a temptation, I'm sure, in crafting any thriller these days, but it would have been completely out of tune with the story here), all the way to a fairly satisfying conclusion.
I say 'fairly' because it comes with hints of further developments in a potential sequel or series and, obviously as a result, leaves a few unanswered questions. It's a tricky line to walk between wrapping up a first instalment and leaving room for more and ultimately the author strikes a good balance.
All in all, a well-researched entertaining read and even if you don't buy into the conspiracy theories, you'll likely find yourself drawn into the story.
Now, as both an X phile and a player of Assasins Creed, I buy into these things very easily on a fictional level, but it's not always my instant cup of tea. (Fair to say it's the historical environs of the Assassins Creed games that I find most immersive - the overarcing contemporary conspiracy tale I could actually live without.) But the author here clearly knows her stuff, has done her research and demonstrates a fascination with the genre (it's practically a genre in its own right) which helps make for an engaging read and what you end up with, in essence, is a new recipe using some familiar ingredients. Colley's enthusiasm for her subject shines through.
The prose is straightforward and unfussy, which is pretty much the Dan Brown approach to a thriller, but the characters are well-drawn and the internal monologues demonstrate a layer of complexity and maturity that you wouldn't necessarily find in a Brown novel. That said, Brown's noted for his punchy chapter endings and they don't always come off here, with the occasional end note striking some very mundane chords (eg. one in which young hero Nick, after much searching, finds a missing memory stick). So some chapters could use a little extra dramatic punch at the tail end.
Also, while I tended to think of this as targeted at YA readers, because of the age of the main protagonist, I'd worry that some of those mature monologues and certain stretches of dialogue between the grown-ups might seem a bit dry and stale to impatient teen readers. That's pure guesswork on my part, since it's been a while since I was a young reader (ha) and although there was a sense that select scenes could use some livening up, the author weaves a sufficiently involved and intriguing tale, seasoned with action and suspense that stays credible and never spills over into the realms of the Hollywood blockbuster (a temptation, I'm sure, in crafting any thriller these days, but it would have been completely out of tune with the story here), all the way to a fairly satisfying conclusion.
I say 'fairly' because it comes with hints of further developments in a potential sequel or series and, obviously as a result, leaves a few unanswered questions. It's a tricky line to walk between wrapping up a first instalment and leaving room for more and ultimately the author strikes a good balance.
All in all, a well-researched entertaining read and even if you don't buy into the conspiracy theories, you'll likely find yourself drawn into the story.
January 20, 2014
Great Premise Fails to Deliver
The best part of THE HALO REVELATIONS turned out to be the Amazon-written descriptive blurb. There is nothing inaccurate about the blurb, but it contains just about all there is to the novel. I should also note that THE HALO REVELATIONS probably should be marketed as YA fiction as one of the principal protagonists is a 15 year old boy who is at least as clever and brave as any of the other adult protagonists.
Young Nick Farrady is the son of famed archaeologist Doug Farraday who is killed in an accident in the Himalayas just after finding the eponymous crown-like Halo. A decade later, video of Doug dancing around and acting like a lunatic while wearing the Halo surfaces on YouTube, destroying his reputation and making Nickk and his family the community laughingstock. Following up on leads from his father's old partner Henry Applegate, the author of "Ancient Aliens"-type pseudo-science books who had put Doug up to the Tibetan journey in the first place, Nick finds the recently returned Halo, tries it on, sees amazing things and sets out to get the Halo to some scientists from SETI who will help him decide what to do with it.
Unfortunately, after this great set-up, most of the rest of the novel entails the FBI, NSA and other agencies, some benign, some not so benign who all want control of the Halo. There is very, very little science in the science fiction. The SETI scientists manage to find a tight beam laser signal coming from the Pleiades, but no attempt is made to decode the signal and find out what is being said! There is basically nothing about the technology behind the Halo, or what its original purpose was. About the only "research" that author had to do to write this was read a few "Chariots of the Gods" - type books and a couple of Wikipedia entries. All of the potentially interesting stuff - who were the aliens, where are they now, why did they leave, what were the other artifacts that they left behind that are only briefly alluded to near the end of the novel - is simply not dealt with. Instead, the bulk of the novel is a mix of government procedural and lots of verbiage about what the revelation of the existence of the Halo could mean to the world.
As I mentioned, this is written (intentionally or not) for a YA audience. The writing is fine - nothing wrong with it, but it is exceedingly simple. The language is absolutely squeaky clean, even when realism would demand a few four letter words in the dialogue, and there are no scenes containing sex or violence or anything that I wouldn't want my 9 year old to be reading. All in all, pretty disappointing and likely of interest only to those who enjoy pseudo-science, not real science fiction.
J.M. Tepper
The best part of THE HALO REVELATIONS turned out to be the Amazon-written descriptive blurb. There is nothing inaccurate about the blurb, but it contains just about all there is to the novel. I should also note that THE HALO REVELATIONS probably should be marketed as YA fiction as one of the principal protagonists is a 15 year old boy who is at least as clever and brave as any of the other adult protagonists.
Young Nick Farrady is the son of famed archaeologist Doug Farraday who is killed in an accident in the Himalayas just after finding the eponymous crown-like Halo. A decade later, video of Doug dancing around and acting like a lunatic while wearing the Halo surfaces on YouTube, destroying his reputation and making Nickk and his family the community laughingstock. Following up on leads from his father's old partner Henry Applegate, the author of "Ancient Aliens"-type pseudo-science books who had put Doug up to the Tibetan journey in the first place, Nick finds the recently returned Halo, tries it on, sees amazing things and sets out to get the Halo to some scientists from SETI who will help him decide what to do with it.
Unfortunately, after this great set-up, most of the rest of the novel entails the FBI, NSA and other agencies, some benign, some not so benign who all want control of the Halo. There is very, very little science in the science fiction. The SETI scientists manage to find a tight beam laser signal coming from the Pleiades, but no attempt is made to decode the signal and find out what is being said! There is basically nothing about the technology behind the Halo, or what its original purpose was. About the only "research" that author had to do to write this was read a few "Chariots of the Gods" - type books and a couple of Wikipedia entries. All of the potentially interesting stuff - who were the aliens, where are they now, why did they leave, what were the other artifacts that they left behind that are only briefly alluded to near the end of the novel - is simply not dealt with. Instead, the bulk of the novel is a mix of government procedural and lots of verbiage about what the revelation of the existence of the Halo could mean to the world.
As I mentioned, this is written (intentionally or not) for a YA audience. The writing is fine - nothing wrong with it, but it is exceedingly simple. The language is absolutely squeaky clean, even when realism would demand a few four letter words in the dialogue, and there are no scenes containing sex or violence or anything that I wouldn't want my 9 year old to be reading. All in all, pretty disappointing and likely of interest only to those who enjoy pseudo-science, not real science fiction.
J.M. Tepper
October 14, 2012
The Halo Revelations begins with 15 year old Nick trying to come to terms with a You Tube video gone viral, painting his long dead father in a very bad light. In the video, the respected archaeologist is wearing an ancient crown, and appears to be having a nervous breakdown. The appearance of the artefact sets off a string of events and parallel mysteries.
Nick's sister and his father's old partner are kidnapped and the ransom demanded is the artefact, the halo. Enter the NSA an organisation not generally concerning itself with run of the mill kidnappings. So what is their interest? With twin mysteries now running, who are the kidnappers, and who exactly are the good guys, and what is the artefact?
This book will knock your socks off as Nick learns more about the halo and his father's part in the search for proof that aliens visited Earth centuries ago. Not only that but they may even have had direct involvement in the evolution of the human species... or is it all just a hoax to make money? Each page drags you in deeper, each question answered poses another. It is a really thought provoking mystery... what if it's true?
Nick's sister and his father's old partner are kidnapped and the ransom demanded is the artefact, the halo. Enter the NSA an organisation not generally concerning itself with run of the mill kidnappings. So what is their interest? With twin mysteries now running, who are the kidnappers, and who exactly are the good guys, and what is the artefact?
This book will knock your socks off as Nick learns more about the halo and his father's part in the search for proof that aliens visited Earth centuries ago. Not only that but they may even have had direct involvement in the evolution of the human species... or is it all just a hoax to make money? Each page drags you in deeper, each question answered poses another. It is a really thought provoking mystery... what if it's true?
February 19, 2014
The premise of this book was great. This author really did her homework and posed some interesting ideas about aliens and the ancient world.
As for the actual writing, the dialogue was forced. I feel like there were details that were extraneous and broke you from smoothly reading the story. An example of this that really sticks in my mind was where the main character gets to a hotel and the hotel clerk tells them about getting them all new clothes and shoes. The main character then thinks back and remembers that on the plane, the attendant had asked them all for clothing and shoe sizes. Although this is a valid observation, it kills the flow of the story for me. There are many instances of this throughout the book.
Overall, the book was enjoyable and really made you think about the possibilities. I am not someone who wholeheartedly believes either way in the existence of aliens and whether they have visited Earth at some point or even, visit now, but this book definitely makes you wonder.
As for the actual writing, the dialogue was forced. I feel like there were details that were extraneous and broke you from smoothly reading the story. An example of this that really sticks in my mind was where the main character gets to a hotel and the hotel clerk tells them about getting them all new clothes and shoes. The main character then thinks back and remembers that on the plane, the attendant had asked them all for clothing and shoe sizes. Although this is a valid observation, it kills the flow of the story for me. There are many instances of this throughout the book.
Overall, the book was enjoyable and really made you think about the possibilities. I am not someone who wholeheartedly believes either way in the existence of aliens and whether they have visited Earth at some point or even, visit now, but this book definitely makes you wonder.
September 24, 2012
Was so very excited when I got this ebook for free from Amazon - I am very much a fan of Ancient Aliens [the documentary on History channel] and had always been looking to read a contemporary fiction surrounding the theory.
What a let down. Spotted at least 5 typos/grammatical errors - yes, I reported them to Amazon. And the first half or so of the book felt like it was written by a high school student - very sorry if that sounded harsh, but the author clearly needs a good editor.
I just wasn't drawn into the story, which had potential but very little originality, but then I also blame the fact that I quickly went into this book after having finished Stephen King's awesome 11/22/63.
The last couple of chapters saved the book though. Not really a great twist, but I would say it was quite clever :)
What a let down. Spotted at least 5 typos/grammatical errors - yes, I reported them to Amazon. And the first half or so of the book felt like it was written by a high school student - very sorry if that sounded harsh, but the author clearly needs a good editor.
I just wasn't drawn into the story, which had potential but very little originality, but then I also blame the fact that I quickly went into this book after having finished Stephen King's awesome 11/22/63.
The last couple of chapters saved the book though. Not really a great twist, but I would say it was quite clever :)
October 29, 2012
J. S. Colley, who acknowledges his debt to Ericb von Daenichen's Chariot of the Gods, is a lively adventure/mystery novel with overtones of The X Files and Contact. An artifact is discovered in the Himalayas and smuggled to the United States, where the SETI project, intelligence agencies, the military, and even the Vatican all take an interest in its contents. The narrative panders to so-called creationism more than some might like and has a few contentions that stretch plausibility, but the storytelling is lively and holds a few surprises. The ending comes so swiftly, however, that one is left wondering, "what the hell?"
November 7, 2015
If you haven’t yet considered the strange mysteries in our history, then this book will nudge you into seeing. If, like me, you thrive on them, then you’ll love how they are used to drive this story.
After an artefact is discovered in the Himalayas (the Halo), many questions are asked about the truth of alien visitation to our world. There is more to this story though, such as debunking, murder, kidnapping, pointing telescopes into space, a boy seeking to clear his father’s name, an NSA agent on a mission …
Worth a read, and certainly eye-opening for those who haven’t yet asked the questions asked in this book. Well done to the author!
After an artefact is discovered in the Himalayas (the Halo), many questions are asked about the truth of alien visitation to our world. There is more to this story though, such as debunking, murder, kidnapping, pointing telescopes into space, a boy seeking to clear his father’s name, an NSA agent on a mission …
Worth a read, and certainly eye-opening for those who haven’t yet asked the questions asked in this book. Well done to the author!
August 20, 2012
What I think.. The author should have a part two to this book. Cause the adventures Farrady's are not over. Plus I want to know who gave the card to Nick and what will they leaarn from Ronnie's discovery while working with the Catholic church . So much needs to be answered and yet left un answered.
If you like authors like Dan Brown and that genre then this is a must read
If anyone would like to discuss the book in detail can always message me
Happy Reading!!!!
If you like authors like Dan Brown and that genre then this is a must read
If anyone would like to discuss the book in detail can always message me
Happy Reading!!!!
October 24, 2012
One of the best mystery/action books I have read. I would probably drop it a notch to 4 1/2 just due to some of the complex and competing interests that unfold - especially later in the story.
You hear the word "Page Turner", but I seldom agree. However with this one it kept my interest from front to back. Well thought out and researched.
Worth paying for.
You hear the word "Page Turner", but I seldom agree. However with this one it kept my interest from front to back. Well thought out and researched.
Worth paying for.
September 30, 2012
Overall a good read for historical and/or sci-fi fans. A little like the Dan Brown type books if you like those you'd probably like this too. The ending left a little to be desired in my opinion. Character development a little lacking but the plot was good and kept the book moving.
May 8, 2012
An ok read. It was interesting enough but much of the dialogue and staging felt stilted and artificial. There just didn't seem to be enough story to get wrapped up in.
December 27, 2015
Good read!
July 15, 2012
2.5 stars. I really don't understand the high reviews on Amazon and here . . . .
June 28, 2012
Pretty good story. Slows a bit in the middle, but picks back up at the end.
September 3, 2012
daVinci code, the movie "contact" , and Chariot of the Gods all came to mind as I read this book. Interesting turn in the end. definitely to become a series if kindle books.
October 3, 2012
Lots of conspiracy theories thrown around made it an interesting read.
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