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The Tomb, the Temple, the Treasure #1
Beginnings
An ancient mystery, a lost treasure, a great secret and the search for the most sought after relics in all antiquity. This is one of the most exciting novels I've read in years." "Hammott's writing is solid and the premise intriguing. An entertaining quest filled action adventure.” "I must say I enjoyed this novel very much. If you like Clive Cussler's Dirk Pitt (His earlier novels), James Rollins or Matthew Reilly, then check it out. "...a terrific book with a likable protagonist, skilled plotting and interesting characters. This gripping quest for lost artifacts mystery had me hooked from the first chapter." WARNING - You will be hooked from the first page! An exciting archaeological thriller spanning more than 2000 years. Beginning with the construction of Solomon's Temple, the Fall of Jerusalem, the creation of the Copper Scrolls and the forming of the Knights Templar and their mysterious tunnelling under the Temple Mount. The story then takes us into the trap-riddled catacombs beneath Rosslyn Chapel, on to Rennes-le-Chateau, into the Tomb and beyond. Tag In the catacombs beneath Rosslyn Chapel, one man finds a secret they have spent centuries searching for.They are coming to claim it. Back Cover A hunt for a treasure becomes a Quest for the truth. 960BC Solomon’s Temple is completed. 70AD Fall of Jerusalem and the Temple Treasure is Lost 1119AD The Knights Templar tunnel under the Temple Mount. Nine years later they find what they have been searching for and return to France. They become the richest and most powerful order the world has known. 1446 Sir William St Clair builds Rosslyn Chapel. 1891 Berenger Sauniere, a penniless priest of the small French village of Rennes-le-Château, discovers a parchment hidden in his church - it turns him into a man of great wealth. 1952 The Copper Scroll is discovered in a cave in Qumran. It is a Treasure map believed to have been written around the time Jerusalem fell. All are connected Part of a Secret buried for centuries. A secret many have been searching for without success. Ancient Families, Secret Orders, innocents wronged. All have suffered. All seek revenge. The Secret will give it to them. They just have to find something that went missing over 2000 years ago. (NEW 2019 Updated and re-editedn version uploaded 12-4-2017) BEGINNINGS is the first book of the Tomb, the Temple, the Treasure and thus continues in book 2 - The Priest's Secret.
428 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 4, 2010
143 people are currently reading
83 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
September 21, 2018
I find myself very conflicted when it comes to rating this book. The action was almost nonstop and it really kept my interest which is why I finally settled on 4 stars. The conflict comes in when I consider the lack of character development and the desperate need for the skills of a good editor. Let me address the editing (our lack thereof) first.
Missing words, incorrect word tenses and just plain mistakes were very distracting. I never did figure out which twin wore white and which one wrote black. Lack of editing is really one of my pet peeves as it takes me out of the story and changes my focus. Ugh!
Then there's the lack of character development. The dearth of character backstories left lingering questions that, if answered, might have given me more reason to like Ben Harper and really understand some of the earlier characters. And please don't give me a 3 page data dump. Show me, don't tell me. Ben Harper was good at what he did but I had trouble liking him. He lacked a certain nobility that is usually found in heroes penned by the likes of Andy McDermott, Sean Ellis and James Rollins (all greats in my humble opinion).
Will I read more of this author's books? Probably but only because I'm addicted to the genre and there are only so many readable authors. I'm hoping later books show better craftsmanship.
Missing words, incorrect word tenses and just plain mistakes were very distracting. I never did figure out which twin wore white and which one wrote black. Lack of editing is really one of my pet peeves as it takes me out of the story and changes my focus. Ugh!
Then there's the lack of character development. The dearth of character backstories left lingering questions that, if answered, might have given me more reason to like Ben Harper and really understand some of the earlier characters. And please don't give me a 3 page data dump. Show me, don't tell me. Ben Harper was good at what he did but I had trouble liking him. He lacked a certain nobility that is usually found in heroes penned by the likes of Andy McDermott, Sean Ellis and James Rollins (all greats in my humble opinion).
Will I read more of this author's books? Probably but only because I'm addicted to the genre and there are only so many readable authors. I'm hoping later books show better craftsmanship.
November 17, 2018
From the time of Rome's slaughter of the Jews through the Templars and up to the Vatican in present day ...This is quite an intriguing tale.
Quite a lot of research has gone into this book and it makes it so much richer. The quest for power and riches was behind Rome, the Templars, the Ren Deux, the builders of Roslyn Chapel, etc. It never ceases to amaze me the lengths men will go to supposedly in the name of God when it is really their own selfish desires, greed, need for power that .makes them think deceit, torture and even murder are okay. I love how the author has woven himself and his research for the book into his story. The detailed information on the intricacy of the Templar traps is amazing. The controversy over Christ's resurrection has long been a sore point between the Vatican and the Templars and is part of the reason for the annihilation on most of the Templar sect. Definitely well written and a great read.
Quite a lot of research has gone into this book and it makes it so much richer. The quest for power and riches was behind Rome, the Templars, the Ren Deux, the builders of Roslyn Chapel, etc. It never ceases to amaze me the lengths men will go to supposedly in the name of God when it is really their own selfish desires, greed, need for power that .makes them think deceit, torture and even murder are okay. I love how the author has woven himself and his research for the book into his story. The detailed information on the intricacy of the Templar traps is amazing. The controversy over Christ's resurrection has long been a sore point between the Vatican and the Templars and is part of the reason for the annihilation on most of the Templar sect. Definitely well written and a great read.
November 20, 2017
Weird
So I enjoyed the book. And I thought that the book was well-written. I don't know what to say about the ending. I am not so happy about the chapel and what was found there. In fact Google is not your friend with this. As I spent a long time trying to find any evidence of this. I did find a few fiction writers that have used this story line. Although the hero is a bumbling fool. And he gets extremely lucky and I mean extremely. The writing is so good and the ancient history that I'm learning is so good I can pretty much forgive this. It was a good story I'm gonna go to park too. Like I said it's a very entertaining historical reading the man can really write. You just have to suspend disbelief a lot.
So I enjoyed the book. And I thought that the book was well-written. I don't know what to say about the ending. I am not so happy about the chapel and what was found there. In fact Google is not your friend with this. As I spent a long time trying to find any evidence of this. I did find a few fiction writers that have used this story line. Although the hero is a bumbling fool. And he gets extremely lucky and I mean extremely. The writing is so good and the ancient history that I'm learning is so good I can pretty much forgive this. It was a good story I'm gonna go to park too. Like I said it's a very entertaining historical reading the man can really write. You just have to suspend disbelief a lot.
March 23, 2020
This was a good book. The reason for 4 stars is:
1. At various points of the book where parts had to be described in detail I found to be a bit laborious. It is especially so when one is not familiar with these things in real life. Why are not hand drawn pictures included in books anymore? It makes a book so much more interesting.
2. There were many times where the english didn't flow meaning that words were omitted or wrong words used that inhibited the flow of reading. Note: I was reading the kindle version.
Other than this the book was ok. Not something that you jump out of your seat at, but entertaining. :)
1. At various points of the book where parts had to be described in detail I found to be a bit laborious. It is especially so when one is not familiar with these things in real life. Why are not hand drawn pictures included in books anymore? It makes a book so much more interesting.
2. There were many times where the english didn't flow meaning that words were omitted or wrong words used that inhibited the flow of reading. Note: I was reading the kindle version.
Other than this the book was ok. Not something that you jump out of your seat at, but entertaining. :)
November 30, 2022
Enjoyed it but drags on a lot.. and I liked the explanations for the first 2 chapters, wish the rest of the book had that too.
March 8, 2017
Couldn't put it down!
It was difficult at first since I hadn't understood the change in the timelines but once I was past that I couldn't put it down.
It was difficult at first since I hadn't understood the change in the timelines but once I was past that I couldn't put it down.
September 15, 2015
'Beginnings' by Ben Hammott is a terrific, engrossing novel that is epic in scope and studied in its attention to detail. Stretching across thousands of years, Hammott never loses his eye for detail and for little touches that, even amidst epoch-defining events, gives them a human grounding and emotional core.
Beginning with the construction of 'The Temple of Solomon' in Jerusalem, Hammott sweeps through history, through myth, fantasy and historical realities to the Roslyn Chapel catacombs and on to Rennes-le-Château, with characters odious and heroic mingling along the way.
Despite the heavy subject matter, Hammott injects a sense of fun into the novel - it is a compelling read, and a must-have, naturally, for anyone interested in the lost tomb of the Knights Templar.
Beginning with the construction of 'The Temple of Solomon' in Jerusalem, Hammott sweeps through history, through myth, fantasy and historical realities to the Roslyn Chapel catacombs and on to Rennes-le-Château, with characters odious and heroic mingling along the way.
Despite the heavy subject matter, Hammott injects a sense of fun into the novel - it is a compelling read, and a must-have, naturally, for anyone interested in the lost tomb of the Knights Templar.
April 28, 2016
Some who dislikes the church of Rome
I would give this book a one star. Although it a work of fiction the author treats it like a work of history. As with most people who have been listening to other people about the Catholic Church don't reply know anything. They forget that the non catholic have caused more death and destruction than the Catholic Church could ever have. Facts the Catholic Church houses, feed and educates more people in our world than
All other organization put together. The only thing the Catholic Church does hide is their hated for stupid people. A good read I give it one star because of the religious bigotry.
I would give this book a one star. Although it a work of fiction the author treats it like a work of history. As with most people who have been listening to other people about the Catholic Church don't reply know anything. They forget that the non catholic have caused more death and destruction than the Catholic Church could ever have. Facts the Catholic Church houses, feed and educates more people in our world than
All other organization put together. The only thing the Catholic Church does hide is their hated for stupid people. A good read I give it one star because of the religious bigotry.
November 3, 2016
A well thought out archaeological adventure
The first half of the book was great!! I love origin stories and stuff that takes place around 100 ce or before. I didn't give it 4 stars because the second half that takes place in modern times was nothing new, but what is discovered is pretty cool idea.
The first half of the book was great!! I love origin stories and stuff that takes place around 100 ce or before. I didn't give it 4 stars because the second half that takes place in modern times was nothing new, but what is discovered is pretty cool idea.
July 23, 2014
The book was sacrilegious. Because of my Christian belief I was offended and so could not recommend this book. The only positive was the suspense Book 1 was called "The Beginnings- Tomb,Temple and Treasure" and the 2nd "The Priest Secret"
March 17, 2016
Worthy of reading
This is my first foray with this author, but not my last. As someone who reads a lot of this genre, this novel went down a different path than typical. I enjoyed it and am downloading book 2 of this series now.
This is my first foray with this author, but not my last. As someone who reads a lot of this genre, this novel went down a different path than typical. I enjoyed it and am downloading book 2 of this series now.
March 21, 2016
3.5 Stars
This is an interesting read. Full of history, adventure, and multiple bad guys. I know, books like this one, you need to suspend disbelief, but it does need to be more believable. I'll still read the next book. The author has captured my attention.
This is an interesting read. Full of history, adventure, and multiple bad guys. I know, books like this one, you need to suspend disbelief, but it does need to be more believable. I'll still read the next book. The author has captured my attention.
July 6, 2016
An awesome read
Though the beginning was a bit disconnected this turned into an amazing tale. So, I have no choice but to download the 2nd book.
Though the beginning was a bit disconnected this turned into an amazing tale. So, I have no choice but to download the 2nd book.
August 11, 2016
Intriguing
Good read and not one to put down easily. Adventurous with lots of secrets and suspense that keep you wanting more. Can't wait for the next one
Good read and not one to put down easily. Adventurous with lots of secrets and suspense that keep you wanting more. Can't wait for the next one
September 24, 2016
Great book
Can't wait to read the second book. If it keeps me on edge like this one. It will be with reading.
Can't wait to read the second book. If it keeps me on edge like this one. It will be with reading.
January 3, 2017
Eh
It's entertaining enough I'll read the second part. There were parts where the writing was a little lacking in description but.. .99 for the pair wasn't a bad deal.
It's entertaining enough I'll read the second part. There were parts where the writing was a little lacking in description but.. .99 for the pair wasn't a bad deal.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews