What do you think?
Rate this book
Slow Boat to Purgatory #2
The Arimathean
Alex Donovan survived battle against insurgents in Afghanistan, and again in Zurich against a fallen angel. Now he must fight for his soul, drawn into a war that has waged across the centuries between angels and demons for control of a legendary relic more valuable than the Shroud of Turin.
Gaspar de Rouse, a mere man with the gift – or curse – of immortality, is the latest in a long line of devoted guardians who have protected the secret for two thousand years. He received his sacred duty centuries earlier, passed down through generations of Knights Templar, to serve as The Arimathean.
Gaspar enlists a reluctant Alex into the conflict when Alex inherits his grandfather’s estate, which includes the historical records of the legend and ownership of an abandoned medieval church.
From ancient Jerusalem to the mountains of France, from the coast of Maine to the canals of Venice, the clues unfold, the mystery deepens, the final showdown looms as good and evil clash yet again over a relic so powerful, if it even exists, its exposure would rip apart the modern world.
Gaspar de Rouse, a mere man with the gift – or curse – of immortality, is the latest in a long line of devoted guardians who have protected the secret for two thousand years. He received his sacred duty centuries earlier, passed down through generations of Knights Templar, to serve as The Arimathean.
Gaspar enlists a reluctant Alex into the conflict when Alex inherits his grandfather’s estate, which includes the historical records of the legend and ownership of an abandoned medieval church.
From ancient Jerusalem to the mountains of France, from the coast of Maine to the canals of Venice, the clues unfold, the mystery deepens, the final showdown looms as good and evil clash yet again over a relic so powerful, if it even exists, its exposure would rip apart the modern world.
- GenresMystery
292 pages, Paperback
First published October 18, 2012
11 people are currently reading
226 people want to read
About the author
Vernon Baker
7 books165 followersHusband and father, voracious reader, and entrepreneur, Vernon finally found the courage to put soul to paper. Slow Boat to Purgatory is his first novel.
He lives with his wife and children on the coast of Maine and in the panhandle of Florida. Occasionally, when the need arises, he travels to Venice to visit an old friend...a very old friend.
He lives with his wife and children on the coast of Maine and in the panhandle of Florida. Occasionally, when the need arises, he travels to Venice to visit an old friend...a very old friend.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
July 23, 2014
Initial thoughts: Wow...Vernon Baker didn't let me down with the second installment in this series!!! Even better than the first!! Review to come.
Review:
Actual rating: 5 stars!!! No spoilers.
I picked up the first in this series as a free download for Kindle. I liked the description, it sounded interesting. I'd never heard of this Vernon Baker dude, and it was his first book. I wasn't expecting much. I never expected to like it so much I'd continue the series, and pay for the sequel. Well...color...me...surprised!!!
I sooo didn't see this one coming, but what a pleasant surprise!! I gave the first 4.5 stars as the middle section dragged just a teensy tiny bit. This one gets the solid 5, as it was the perfect pace. There was the continued balance of mystery, intrigue, supernatural, and a love story...
We continue on our journey with Alex and delve deeper into the mystery behind that ancient book. I won't say a lot more so I don't ruin the story. These aren't scary books, but there's enough action and mystery to keep your eyes glued to it!! They aren't long either, so if you don't end up liking them, then it wasn't a massive waste of your time. I'm really looking forward to the next book, and have definitely become a fan of Mr. Baker!!! I look forward to seeing what else he brings us!!
Review:
Actual rating: 5 stars!!! No spoilers.
I picked up the first in this series as a free download for Kindle. I liked the description, it sounded interesting. I'd never heard of this Vernon Baker dude, and it was his first book. I wasn't expecting much. I never expected to like it so much I'd continue the series, and pay for the sequel. Well...color...me...surprised!!!
I sooo didn't see this one coming, but what a pleasant surprise!! I gave the first 4.5 stars as the middle section dragged just a teensy tiny bit. This one gets the solid 5, as it was the perfect pace. There was the continued balance of mystery, intrigue, supernatural, and a love story...
We continue on our journey with Alex and delve deeper into the mystery behind that ancient book. I won't say a lot more so I don't ruin the story. These aren't scary books, but there's enough action and mystery to keep your eyes glued to it!! They aren't long either, so if you don't end up liking them, then it wasn't a massive waste of your time. I'm really looking forward to the next book, and have definitely become a fan of Mr. Baker!!! I look forward to seeing what else he brings us!!
October 3, 2019
Not my cup of tea!
I actually am not sure what to say about this book. I don't like the author's inference that the body of Christ was stolen from the tomb. I'm not sure where he is going with this story, but I'm not planning to read any more of these. I realize these are fantasy stories, but I'm not impressed with the story line.
I actually am not sure what to say about this book. I don't like the author's inference that the body of Christ was stolen from the tomb. I'm not sure where he is going with this story, but I'm not planning to read any more of these. I realize these are fantasy stories, but I'm not impressed with the story line.
November 9, 2019
The first book set up a wonderful world and a great story. This book is a let-down. The story advances some (and we do find out what Gaston protects - though that was obvious), but most of this book is just filler to get to what I assume is an upcoming book 3. Although there isn't a cliffhanger, I got to the end feeling let down.
August 28, 2017
Compelling Read
The second in a series and still just as compelling. The story draws you in. Pulling the reader into another world. You feel the happiness and sorrows of the characters. I look forward to more.
The second in a series and still just as compelling. The story draws you in. Pulling the reader into another world. You feel the happiness and sorrows of the characters. I look forward to more.
December 21, 2022
As good as the first volume in this series - Slow Boat to Purgatory. Finished this book in 2 days, so I'm ready for the next! Keep them coming - these books touch on topics of my unique interest where most others do not. This makes these books the Holy Grail. Thank you Vernon.
Read
August 12, 2019Positive
Wow! Just wow. I usually don't enjoy books that flip back and forth between times but this was well done. Not annoying or confusing in the least.
Well done!
Wow! Just wow. I usually don't enjoy books that flip back and forth between times but this was well done. Not annoying or confusing in the least.
Well done!
August 21, 2013
This is the second in the Slow Boat to Purgatory series by Vernon Baker. It’s filled with good and fallen angels, demons, Templars and holy relics. If you like that kind of thing, you’ll love it. I do and I love the style in which it’s written. We go back to a couple of times in history with Gaspar de Rouse who is charged with guarding the relics. He is a Templar knight who has been granted immortality. Our present day protagonist is Alex, a former SEAL who has come to know and trust Gaspar.
There’s heaps of action in this and although it’s a story which requires you to suspend your disbelief, I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. I know there’ll be another book in the series soon and I long to know what happens to Alex – and Gaspar.
There’s heaps of action in this and although it’s a story which requires you to suspend your disbelief, I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. I know there’ll be another book in the series soon and I long to know what happens to Alex – and Gaspar.
July 21, 2014
A great second instalment, which I enjoyed as much as the first one. I really liked the fact that there was a bit of a lull in the first part, drawing you deeper into Alex's weird world and helping you to get more acquainted with his purpose as he gets his own questions answered. This gradually builds up to an excellent ending, full of action and emotions, and I won't spoil the rest but yeah, the end was definitely right up my street.
The decor is beautifully described, and once again Vernon Baker's prose is a delight. I'm definitely looking forward to the final chapters, and what promises to be absolutely epic. Oh, and a return trip to Venice, before I can finally go and see it for myself.
The decor is beautifully described, and once again Vernon Baker's prose is a delight. I'm definitely looking forward to the final chapters, and what promises to be absolutely epic. Oh, and a return trip to Venice, before I can finally go and see it for myself.
March 25, 2013
I was given a copy of "The Arimathean" by Vernon Baker in exchange for and Honest Review. I must say that "The Arimathean" is and Excellent Book and I Enjoyed Reading Every Chapter of it. It is about Alex Donovan who Must Travel to Foreign Country,s to Battle with Fallen Angels, and Demons. Everywhere from France to Venice Italy Alex Encounters this Age Old Spiritual Warfare that Seems Never Ending. The Book Brings Lots of Action and Exciting Adventures and I Highly Recommend Reading it. I Give the Book Five Stars, It Is Wonderful!!! AAAAA+++++ Thank You, Jerri Davis
December 7, 2014
I love this story. This was book 2 of I don't know how many. And I didn't see the third book out as yet, darn. Gaspar is an immortal who collects lost souls, delivering them to Heaven, Hell or Purgatory, depending on how they have spent their lives. Alex is somehow tied to his story but we still don't know all the details of that. Gaspar is centuries old, battling the forces of darkness and trying to protect Alex from all sorts of danger, mortal and otherwise. Fascinating! I loved these first two books and am anxious for the next one.
February 11, 2013
As with the first one, this was another excellent book. I did think however, this book was a lot sadder than the first. It was bad what Alex had to go through, being almost the same as Gaspar. I do think though there are a lot of unanswered questions left. I'm hoping it takes a while and several more books to answer them. All in all, I loved it.
September 23, 2014
Better than expected !!!
Very well written. Kept me going for hours. I couldn't wait for more and suddenly it was almost at the end. I was upset until I realized there was another book. I'm hooked. I highly recommend this to anyone that enjoys suspense, danger and adventure, in a fantasy realm.
Very well written. Kept me going for hours. I couldn't wait for more and suddenly it was almost at the end. I was upset until I realized there was another book. I'm hooked. I highly recommend this to anyone that enjoys suspense, danger and adventure, in a fantasy realm.
July 16, 2016
No putting this down
The Arimathean is a great continuation to Slow Boat to Purgatory. The interweaving of past and present as well as the main character, Alex's search to find his destiny. Over all is the fascinating story of Gaspar, the immortal warrior, who surrounds those he has saved from death with gentle guidance and his love of the best of the human spirit.
The Arimathean is a great continuation to Slow Boat to Purgatory. The interweaving of past and present as well as the main character, Alex's search to find his destiny. Over all is the fascinating story of Gaspar, the immortal warrior, who surrounds those he has saved from death with gentle guidance and his love of the best of the human spirit.
March 11, 2022
While the storyline was not as awe inspiring as the first book, the writing style continued to bring joy as I read, stories becoming vivid images in my mind. Vernon Baker holds firmly to the seat in my heart designated for my favorite author.
December 12, 2015
Great Book
This is the first book I have given 5 stars rating I'm a long time. Great story very well written and so good that when it was finishing I was sad because I did not want it end. I really hope this author writes many more books. Thoroughly enjoyed it.
This is the first book I have given 5 stars rating I'm a long time. Great story very well written and so good that when it was finishing I was sad because I did not want it end. I really hope this author writes many more books. Thoroughly enjoyed it.
June 2, 2014
Excellent
Not sure what I expected but WOW a TOTAL must read. I couldn't put either book down. Very well written and a complete page Turner.
Not sure what I expected but WOW a TOTAL must read. I couldn't put either book down. Very well written and a complete page Turner.
Want to read
November 10, 2014well written, wonderful plot.
June 27, 2015
Great writing and some great scenes but some places that dragged, unlike the first book.
September 24, 2015
Gripping beautifully written can't wait for the next one
February 4, 2016
Will there be more?
I enjoyed this book just as much as, if not more than, the first. I truly hope there will be another, as there were questions left unanswered. Great read!
I enjoyed this book just as much as, if not more than, the first. I truly hope there will be another, as there were questions left unanswered. Great read!
February 2, 2016
Good book
Suspense, mystery, good and evil each side at times crossing a line. A little romance to.It ends with a bit of a cliff interlocking for the next book in the servers
Suspense, mystery, good and evil each side at times crossing a line. A little romance to.It ends with a bit of a cliff interlocking for the next book in the servers
December 21, 2016
Must read!
This book is intense. Definitely not true but still a very good read. Will read the next for sure........ can't wait to see what else this author has written
This book is intense. Definitely not true but still a very good read. Will read the next for sure........ can't wait to see what else this author has written
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews