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The Map
From the author of 2010's biggest-selling thriller debut, an ingenious, exciting adventure In the tradition of Kate Mosse's Labyrinth and Raymond Khoury's The Last Templar
London, 1953. Classics scholar August Woodthorpe, son of a prominent American politician, has stumbled upon an extraordinary artefact: an ancient book - a chronicle - that once belonged to an infamous alchemist burned at the stake in 1646. Within the ancient text is a map - an intricate, ingeniously designed labyrinth that will lead August on a spectacular journey to three mazes secreted within France, Spain, and Germany. And at the heart of one of these mazes is hidden the elixir of eternal life. But Western Europe is still reeling from the shock of war, and if he's to survive his perilous quest, August must translate ancient codes, decipher deadly riddles, and expose a mystical secret three hundred years old - even as he outwits Spanish militants and German spies.
London, 1953. Classics scholar August Woodthorpe, son of a prominent American politician, has stumbled upon an extraordinary artefact: an ancient book - a chronicle - that once belonged to an infamous alchemist burned at the stake in 1646. Within the ancient text is a map - an intricate, ingeniously designed labyrinth that will lead August on a spectacular journey to three mazes secreted within France, Spain, and Germany. And at the heart of one of these mazes is hidden the elixir of eternal life. But Western Europe is still reeling from the shock of war, and if he's to survive his perilous quest, August must translate ancient codes, decipher deadly riddles, and expose a mystical secret three hundred years old - even as he outwits Spanish militants and German spies.
448 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
January 19, 2013
A little disappointing because I found the main character rather annoying, and he seemed to have just the right skills and tools needed to get him out of sticky moments all the time. The historical research that went into this novel, however, made it interesting, as well as the twists and turns that raised the tension and momentum as the thriller progressed. The map has survived through the centuries, protected by a secret group, but secrets have a way of leaking to the wrong ears, and a struggle and race is on to protect the world from those who want the map to immense power. Journeying through Europe, we're hauled along through mazes, introduced to secret spies and face surprises around each corner.
Not, I thought, as good as Sphinx, but still entertaining.
Not, I thought, as good as Sphinx, but still entertaining.
January 20, 2013
An example of very poor editing. Long sections that were far too detailed and uninteresting. For example how to develop a photo in a make shift dark room. Very boring and totally irrelevant. Only needed to know what the photo showed. Additionally the story centered around a complex maze. The description was very poor, a diagram would have added so much. The story took ages to get going and then the ending was completely rushed. The hero was mot hugely likeable and the journey was very jarring. A very unsatisfactory read.
September 30, 2013
Ok, well, I don't usually review books, but I'd like to explain my one star.
The back cover, wittingly presents the book as a Dan Brown clone/substitute. Technically, that's true, since we have (also taken from the back cover) "an ancient scroll, black magic worshippers, a map to three hidden labyrinths throughout Europe, ravaged by war". Well, yes, we deal with material engaging enough. But in essence, in order for this book (or any book) to fit in the "Dan Brown genre", I think it should also have a similar pace, engaging dialogues, engaging and fitting back-story.
Well, when reading about people dropping books at page 100 or 50 or even 30 I find them really annoying and quick to judge. I kinda changed my mind. I didn't drop the book, I never have and I'm not about to begin doing so, but trying to finish this book became an ordeal.
Semi-spoilers start now, with very rough approximation of page/story correspondence.
So, the protagonist receives a medieval scroll, which sends him on a journey. Fair enough. After quite some delay, the journey begins in page 100 and he reaches the -real- destination in page 200. In page 300 we get a glimpse of what the destination may mean. In other words, we are halfway the book, still trying to get a grip on the story, which moves slower than a snail.
The book, after all, is not really about the historical/thriller element completely, but explains rather in full detail, the hero's past about the Spanish War, the current state of affairs, like the death of Stalin, and other info on World War 2. That's also acceptable, but I remind that the back of the book only said "a Europe ravaged by war". It didn't say that the book also tried to fit in the history genre as well. If I wanted SO many info about the 20's-40's wars I would have picked up a genuine history book. I repeat, it's not that it was inaccurate, it's the fact that the reader isn't informed of what he's about to embark on.
The writing wasn't bad per se, but the details and parentheses were excruciatingly many. An example (in my own words):
"They rent a hot-air balloon. The owner was middle aged. He was from X town. His wife was back home tending the garden and he was at the other side of the country doing this..."
And this happens almost with every person, relevant or irrelevant to the story. It is too much information to the reader, and it really doesn't add anything, on the contrary, it subtracts from the pace of the book.
In a nutshell, this book is first and foremost the personal history and background of the protagonist (wars, past enemies, current relationships, etc) sprinkled with a bit of the supposed "map/secrets/and whatnot". If it was marketed as such, maybe I would know what to expect and would have liked it more, or maybe I wouldn't have picked it up in the first place.
The back cover, wittingly presents the book as a Dan Brown clone/substitute. Technically, that's true, since we have (also taken from the back cover) "an ancient scroll, black magic worshippers, a map to three hidden labyrinths throughout Europe, ravaged by war". Well, yes, we deal with material engaging enough. But in essence, in order for this book (or any book) to fit in the "Dan Brown genre", I think it should also have a similar pace, engaging dialogues, engaging and fitting back-story.
Well, when reading about people dropping books at page 100 or 50 or even 30 I find them really annoying and quick to judge. I kinda changed my mind. I didn't drop the book, I never have and I'm not about to begin doing so, but trying to finish this book became an ordeal.
Semi-spoilers start now, with very rough approximation of page/story correspondence.
So, the protagonist receives a medieval scroll, which sends him on a journey. Fair enough. After quite some delay, the journey begins in page 100 and he reaches the -real- destination in page 200. In page 300 we get a glimpse of what the destination may mean. In other words, we are halfway the book, still trying to get a grip on the story, which moves slower than a snail.
The book, after all, is not really about the historical/thriller element completely, but explains rather in full detail, the hero's past about the Spanish War, the current state of affairs, like the death of Stalin, and other info on World War 2. That's also acceptable, but I remind that the back of the book only said "a Europe ravaged by war". It didn't say that the book also tried to fit in the history genre as well. If I wanted SO many info about the 20's-40's wars I would have picked up a genuine history book. I repeat, it's not that it was inaccurate, it's the fact that the reader isn't informed of what he's about to embark on.
The writing wasn't bad per se, but the details and parentheses were excruciatingly many. An example (in my own words):
"They rent a hot-air balloon. The owner was middle aged. He was from X town. His wife was back home tending the garden and he was at the other side of the country doing this..."
And this happens almost with every person, relevant or irrelevant to the story. It is too much information to the reader, and it really doesn't add anything, on the contrary, it subtracts from the pace of the book.
In a nutshell, this book is first and foremost the personal history and background of the protagonist (wars, past enemies, current relationships, etc) sprinkled with a bit of the supposed "map/secrets/and whatnot". If it was marketed as such, maybe I would know what to expect and would have liked it more, or maybe I wouldn't have picked it up in the first place.
April 7, 2012
Brilliant historical data, great storyline, loads of twists - never wanted to put it down
May 3, 2012
I really found it engrossing.
When I first chose this book, it was out of a mixture of desperation/experiment feeling and I liked the feel of the title and cover. It was a risk because I am not the one who goes for absolutely unknown writers (This is my First T.S.Learner) I love mysteries/thrillers and usually by tried and tested authors.
But I was pleasantly surprised. Maybe a bit draggy, but generally the author is very skilled at creating the scenarios and characters. Plus her knowledge of facts and how she has used it in this book is very good. And I actually felt moved by the fate of the characters Andere , Izarra, edouard, and jimmy peters. The part on the tree of life is fascinating and also how the mazes were created. Also found the character of Olivia intriguing. Is she good/bad?There is a questionmark there. She is definitely psychic. The book picks up pace after the first 1/4.
Actually several questions left hanging for which I guess I need to read the sequel. What happens to august? Is he finally acquitted of the crimes thought to have committed? Will there be a face to face between him and Hully? How does he deal with the betrayal? What about Gabirel? Will August re -unite with Cecily? Though I guess Izarra was closest to him.
I was really fascinated by the story of the Basques. And the suffering of people under colonialist yoke is highlighted well and it is moving. Also of the kabbalah.
At the end of the day, she is able to grip and capture my interest. And I feel glad that I chose this book.
When I first chose this book, it was out of a mixture of desperation/experiment feeling and I liked the feel of the title and cover. It was a risk because I am not the one who goes for absolutely unknown writers (This is my First T.S.Learner) I love mysteries/thrillers and usually by tried and tested authors.
But I was pleasantly surprised. Maybe a bit draggy, but generally the author is very skilled at creating the scenarios and characters. Plus her knowledge of facts and how she has used it in this book is very good. And I actually felt moved by the fate of the characters Andere , Izarra, edouard, and jimmy peters. The part on the tree of life is fascinating and also how the mazes were created. Also found the character of Olivia intriguing. Is she good/bad?There is a questionmark there. She is definitely psychic. The book picks up pace after the first 1/4.
Actually several questions left hanging for which I guess I need to read the sequel. What happens to august? Is he finally acquitted of the crimes thought to have committed? Will there be a face to face between him and Hully? How does he deal with the betrayal? What about Gabirel? Will August re -unite with Cecily? Though I guess Izarra was closest to him.
I was really fascinated by the story of the Basques. And the suffering of people under colonialist yoke is highlighted well and it is moving. Also of the kabbalah.
At the end of the day, she is able to grip and capture my interest. And I feel glad that I chose this book.
September 23, 2013
The Map starts off on a journey- one in which someone is murdered. He claims to have knowledge of such immense treasure- the truth of what could happen in the future- and the King has him killed as a spy.
But that's just one bit of it, ever heard of The Tree of Life?
Well, look it up- because T.S.Learner has delved into history with research on it and you cannot help but respect the amount of time and detail that was put into the story.
He has his facts and his fiction well coordinated.
The Map is a story not of mystery but mostly forgiveness- of coming to terms with events that are beyond us.
I loved reading it and mostly following August on his quest to fulfill Jimmy's wish.
It does however leave one asking-What happened to Gabirel?
But to know this you have to read the story first.
But that's just one bit of it, ever heard of The Tree of Life?
Well, look it up- because T.S.Learner has delved into history with research on it and you cannot help but respect the amount of time and detail that was put into the story.
He has his facts and his fiction well coordinated.
The Map is a story not of mystery but mostly forgiveness- of coming to terms with events that are beyond us.
I loved reading it and mostly following August on his quest to fulfill Jimmy's wish.
It does however leave one asking-What happened to Gabirel?
But to know this you have to read the story first.
June 13, 2019
This book held me close from beginning to end.
The characters are well thought out and carry the plot well throughout. The plot line is extremely well researched and the level of detail holds it together and makes it very realistic - almost believable. This is definitely a book I would recommend to anyone who has a passing interest in occult matters and who likes a good historic twist.
The characters are well thought out and carry the plot well throughout. The plot line is extremely well researched and the level of detail holds it together and makes it very realistic - almost believable. This is definitely a book I would recommend to anyone who has a passing interest in occult matters and who likes a good historic twist.
March 26, 2012
after a few hundred pages of difficulty i really got into the book and i liked the character August very much. the ending has left it open for another book and i hope that T.S Learner carries on with the next one as i will definitely get it.
February 24, 2012
thoughroughly enjoyed this book and author. hopefully his other writings will be just as good
February 25, 2012
Bland and far too wordy for my liking. Sold as a thriller but far too slow to qualify.
April 17, 2012
After a rather wobbly start where I put this aside for a few weeks to read other books, I found once I picked it up again that this an engaging thriller.
Overall, I felt the period setting worked even though there were a few aspects that didn't quite convey the early 1950s.
I did appreciate the integration of Kabbalistic lore into the story-line. Learner has included a bibliography and quite obvious that she's done her research in that area, even if she elected to depict Crowley as having been engaged in black magic practices.
I did feel, as others have noted, that there was almost too much going on and as a result there were some aspects of the plot that ended up not being developed fully or cut short. I had wanted more of the occult connections in London, which I admit was one of the main draws for me as it was mentioned on the back cover.
I also found myself feeling quite ambivalent towards August as a main character. I don't mind flawed protagonists but some of his attitudes towards women while probably keeping with the times seemed at odds with other parts of his personality. Funny how that never bothered me so much in Ian Fleming's books and perhaps that is partly due to a certain expectation that a woman would be more sensitive and cutting Fleming some slack due to his writing in the 50s/60s. Plus, James Bond is well James Bond.
Overall, I felt the period setting worked even though there were a few aspects that didn't quite convey the early 1950s.
I did appreciate the integration of Kabbalistic lore into the story-line. Learner has included a bibliography and quite obvious that she's done her research in that area, even if she elected to depict Crowley as having been engaged in black magic practices.
I did feel, as others have noted, that there was almost too much going on and as a result there were some aspects of the plot that ended up not being developed fully or cut short. I had wanted more of the occult connections in London, which I admit was one of the main draws for me as it was mentioned on the back cover.
I also found myself feeling quite ambivalent towards August as a main character. I don't mind flawed protagonists but some of his attitudes towards women while probably keeping with the times seemed at odds with other parts of his personality. Funny how that never bothered me so much in Ian Fleming's books and perhaps that is partly due to a certain expectation that a woman would be more sensitive and cutting Fleming some slack due to his writing in the 50s/60s. Plus, James Bond is well James Bond.
January 1, 2015
I enjoyed it on the whole, although it could be a bit too descriptive and long winded at times. However, I found the atmosphere and historical context fascinating enough to go and find out just what did happen in Spain during the Civil war. No wonder they skipped over it at school - not as clear cut as WW2 at all. It is only now I am beginning to wonder why there are so few films, stories etc set in this milieu.
Anyway, a gripping story, believable and likeable enough characters, and a good traipse across Europe - has left me looking for another of her novels to delve into.
Anyway, a gripping story, believable and likeable enough characters, and a good traipse across Europe - has left me looking for another of her novels to delve into.
November 25, 2013
This is an extremely engrossing book that draws you in. I found it difficult to put down. This is a page turner that keeps you interested through out. It's an easy read so put on the kettle and let your mind run free with the intrigue of the story.
March 31, 2012
Weakish finish. Not the happy ending I crave. That, however, is my fault not the writer's. Good researched history of fascinating times. I liked it. More literary than a Dan Brown, less adventurous than a Clive Cussler.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 11, 2012
I have to agree with some of the other comments below. I found the book an enjoyable read but at times there were too many story threads. I can't help been disappointed with the ending, however I think that's more my taste them any fault of the writers. Would definately recommend.
January 12, 2013
If you have a hankering for a Da Vinci Code type read, this will satisfy. It is very well written, and while not being a huge fan of the genre I found the pseudo-historical side story entertaining enough. And I learned a bit about the Spanish Civil War.
March 13, 2012
One of the books I took on holiday, its in the vain of Dan Brown et al and if you want something as a quick holiday read it does the job
April 6, 2014
Again, an okay book to pass time. I quite enjoyed reading this mix of thriller and fantasy with a bit of history thrown in for good measure.
September 16, 2012
A fast moving thriller that moves easily between the post war Europe, the Spanish civil war and Medieval Europe. Good read - wanting a sequel to answer some of the questions left unanswered.
Read
September 23, 2012exciting, but the climax let you down
April 13, 2013
En general me ha gustado mucho, pero tiene un final muy precipitado.
September 13, 2015
mediocre.
January 7, 2016
Un libro fácil, que crece al avanzar en sus páginas y que termina dignamente. Interesante por el entrelazar del misterio y el momento histórico en que tiene lugar
April 10, 2016
Great read could not put my kindle down. You will be taken away to another world.
July 15, 2016
I liked this book .it was long and wordy but it ran well .
The historical detail was interesting and detailed but ran with the modern investigation in an enfolding manner .
Found it easy to read .
The historical detail was interesting and detailed but ran with the modern investigation in an enfolding manner .
Found it easy to read .
November 16, 2012
This book is well worth sticking with. It's gripping all the way through.
May 7, 2013
Fairly decent story. Got hard to keep track on whom was against whom towards the end.
September 3, 2016
Precioso comienzo, flojo final
December 22, 2019
August fought with the Abraham Lincoln battalion in the Spanish Civil War. Son of a wealthy American senator, his left wing beliefs have led to a total breach with his family. The book opens with the death in 17th century England of a young Spanish converso. August is given book which he wrote on herbalism and quickly realises it contains a hidden message. This leads to Abraham chasing hither and yon across post war Europe, from England to Spain, France, Germany, Switzerland and back to Spain. All the time he is followed by an American CIA agent, MI5 and a mysterious woman. In his odyssey he is joined by a Basque woman whose sister was murdered at the instigation of the CIA and who seeks revenge. The book is rooted in the then present with the American government seeking a rapprochement with the Spain of Franco in exchange for military bases, with August's memories of his time in the Civil War and the death of a friend. However, there is the occult as August tries to unravel the secrets it contains. With all these threads, together with a narrative of the life of the young man man in the 17th century, the book is something of a mish mash. This reader was led to wonder how August financed his journeying for we are read to believe in the opening chapters that he's very short of money. I did find the book heavy going at times, but persevered to the end
October 16, 2017
I admit that I read this quite quickly, and will re-read.
I didn't find this quite as 'thrilling' as Sphinx. The main character doesn't seem to feel the full pressure of the situation until at least about half way through the book, although he is facing personal demons throughout. This is a highly political book, almost too much for me. I'm slightly confused by the motivation and actions of the lead 'baddy', as well as not fully understanding the role/ job of a secondary threatening character - Olivia Henries.
There are two strands of 'enemy' following the protagonist through the story, and unfortunately the ending only resolves one of them clearly. He is chased by one man who needs the destination that only the protagonist can decode from an ancient manuscript - for reasons that are only mentioned in the final pages but are incredibly vague - and by MI5 and the CIA who want to prevent an assassination attempt at a UN meeting - when the UN meeting takes place further reference to their resolving this chase vanishes. Whilst I suspect that this may go forward into another book (as there is a promise of another chapter on line which is the future of this character) this is fairly frustrating.
There are strong references to occult and religious experiences which seem at times to blend and blur in a slightly confusing fashion.
It is a long book with chapters of varying length.
However, I did enjoy the intrigue, the place setting and the undercover challenges faced by the lead characters.
I didn't find this quite as 'thrilling' as Sphinx. The main character doesn't seem to feel the full pressure of the situation until at least about half way through the book, although he is facing personal demons throughout. This is a highly political book, almost too much for me. I'm slightly confused by the motivation and actions of the lead 'baddy', as well as not fully understanding the role/ job of a secondary threatening character - Olivia Henries.
There are two strands of 'enemy' following the protagonist through the story, and unfortunately the ending only resolves one of them clearly. He is chased by one man who needs the destination that only the protagonist can decode from an ancient manuscript - for reasons that are only mentioned in the final pages but are incredibly vague - and by MI5 and the CIA who want to prevent an assassination attempt at a UN meeting - when the UN meeting takes place further reference to their resolving this chase vanishes. Whilst I suspect that this may go forward into another book (as there is a promise of another chapter on line which is the future of this character) this is fairly frustrating.
There are strong references to occult and religious experiences which seem at times to blend and blur in a slightly confusing fashion.
It is a long book with chapters of varying length.
However, I did enjoy the intrigue, the place setting and the undercover challenges faced by the lead characters.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews