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Ethan Warner #1
Covenant
In the tradition of books by Michael Crichton and James Rollins, Dean Crawford has written a fast-paced and thrilling debut that combines science, suspense, and ingenious speculation to create an action-packed blockbuster not to be missed.
ARE THEY ALIENS . . . OR ANGELS? In the remote desert depths of the Middle East, archaeologist Lucy Morgan finds a seven-millennia-old tomb holding the bones of a mysterious being, but the price she pays for her discovery could easily be her life. Because somebody will stop at nothing to possess the secrets the tomb reveals.
At the request of Lucy’s family, war correspondent Ethan Warner agrees to aid a desperate effort to find the young archaeologist, who was abducted shortly after her momentous discovery. While Ethan flies to Israel, police detectives in Washington, D.C., confront another baffling a man who appears to have died of hypothermia in the sweltering August heat. And both investigations are leading straight to the same shadowy corporation . . . one with a bizarre goal that threatens not just Lucy’s life, but the fate of every person in the world.
ARE THEY ALIENS . . . OR ANGELS? In the remote desert depths of the Middle East, archaeologist Lucy Morgan finds a seven-millennia-old tomb holding the bones of a mysterious being, but the price she pays for her discovery could easily be her life. Because somebody will stop at nothing to possess the secrets the tomb reveals.
At the request of Lucy’s family, war correspondent Ethan Warner agrees to aid a desperate effort to find the young archaeologist, who was abducted shortly after her momentous discovery. While Ethan flies to Israel, police detectives in Washington, D.C., confront another baffling a man who appears to have died of hypothermia in the sweltering August heat. And both investigations are leading straight to the same shadowy corporation . . . one with a bizarre goal that threatens not just Lucy’s life, but the fate of every person in the world.
544 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2011
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853 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 129 reviews
June 15, 2012
Running out of books by my favorite authors, I roamed the shelves of the local library and found this gem of a book! In all honesty, the cover intruiged me (as I am fond of books creating fictional stories with real science of controversial/questionable topics: ie. the life of christ, secret societies,origins of the universe,conspiracies etc.)and after reading the summary I was convinced. However, the first 3-4 chapters were a bit confusing as they bounced back and forth between characters in different locations, with different connections to the plot; I decided to push on ignoring the fact that this wasn't my favorite writing style. I am SO glad I did. As the story continued I found I couldn't put it down and prior goals of stopping at certain chapters vanished! The plot kept me guessing as to how all the characters were connected and how the story would end. I must say, the conclusion didn't dissapoint! It was a fantastic debut novel and I can't wait to read "IMMORTAL" when it releases in January! I definitely recommend this read to anyone interested in a little bit of science/science fiction, adventure, and mystery all rolled into one! Crawford is definitely right next to Dan Brown on my favorites shelf :)
November 14, 2011
Disclaimer - I received a copy of this book directly from the publisher.
Point Number one - this cover FUCKING ROCKS! In person it's all iridescent and shiny and shit and I love it. It depicts in one image everything I want out of a book. And then tragically there's the book itself which doesn't live up AT ALL.
I would like to organize my review in a slightly different way then usual. It will be broken down into the four equal parts:
1 - MOST AWESOME STORY AND CONCEPT AND IDEA EVER - 5 stars for awesometude and sci-fi originality
2 - Info Dump Disaster Area - 1 star for craft
3 - This is not the literary fiction section - 1 star for forgetting your genre
4 - The most boring and unsatisfying characters and ending ever in the history of books. - 1 star for pissing me off
As you may be able to tell, I'm in a mood. This book had so much potential and I was SO excited to have won it but it's really just badly written, structurally overdone (really? how many scenes in limousines with the mysterious "Texan" do we need?) I think if it wasn't sci-fi and was just a fun romp I would have disliked it but not been so angry about it. I feel personally offended by this one.
1 - MOST AWESOME STORY AND CONCEPT AND IDEA EVER
The idea here is that an archaeologist uncovers an ancient or alien or something species. It's genetically impossible. It's discovery and dating put it at about 6k years ago, the same time as Mesopotamia and the beginning of civilization. We then learn all kinds of cool stuff about Cargo Cults and how the entirety of human culture is just a Cargo Cult to aliens. So cool right? And then you add in genetic experiments on humans and blood type transfers and the attempt to clone alien DNA and to have real people hyper cooled to transfuse their blood types so they can transform into aliens oh and the alien baby embryo chimera stuff. SO COOL!
Then there's all this religion stuff and how this pastor thinks the alien remains are proof of Nephilim "Son's Of God". They're some angel species the supposedly interbred with humans back in the biblical days.
I can't even talk about it coherently because it was so awesome it just made my brain explode. Except none of it ever closed circle and none of it came to fruition and what could have been an awesomesause sci-fi book pussied out and tried to be John Grisham. God love Grisham for what he does, but this could have be SO MUCH MORE.
2 - Info Dump Disaster Area
You know that scene where the scientist explains everything to the other characters because no one is smart enough to figure it out on their own? Yeah, try like 100 pages of that. And then have one character make an AMAZING conclusion only to in the next chapter have another character make the same AMAZING conclusion, only to have the next chapter have the first character make a phone call to tell someone about this AMAZING conclusion and they're so blown away they are going to explain this AMAZING conclusion in great detail to the next 7 people they talk to. OMG SHUT UP!
3 - This is not the literary fiction section
All good books should have elements of literature in them. However, someone seems to have forgotten to tell Mr. Crawford that this book is not doing to be shelved with Dostoevsky. Beautiful turns of phrase are great, imaginative and innovative use of language are appreciated, but pompous over written drivel is annoying. Especially when I really want to hear about the aliens. I tagged some sections to make my point.
Seriously? Chantal would have called my ass out if I wrote that. Where's this guy's editor? I turned down pages of like 9 other passages that just made me laugh. Come on dude.
4 - The most boring and unsatisfying characters and ending ever in the history of books.
So without giving away the plot let me list the unsatisfying things that happen:
1 - Pages and pages of whining about Ethan's wife with NO RESOLUTION
2 - The only person in the whole book with a clue gets killed (Tyrell)
3 - The scientists who did all that info dumping that we just HAD to understand to get the book? Yeah, they disappear and never come back and live happily ever after not studying the amazing find we just had or explaining any of what just happened. If you're going to info dump - at least finish the damn load.
4 - The most annoying and useless character shows up in a pretty dress in the end, pretending to be the heroine.
5 - The book ends without actually solving anything and offers the two most useless people in the whole book who didn't manage to figure ANY of it out for themselves new awesome MIB jobs for the gov't.
If this book is the beginning of a series for these two going on adventures with Mulder and Scully I'm going to shoot someone in the head and then shred the book. Don't read this. It will only get your hopes up and make you angry.
Now in closing and because I'm a bitch, I'd like to point out that this book was published by SIMON AND SCHUSTER. I found 5 grammatical/spelling errors. I normally don't call folks out on that kind of thing and this is in no way a mark against the author. But the next time some twat of a reviewer picks on an Indie book for 1 or 2 misspelled words I'm going to lose my shit. EVERY BOOK HAS ERRORS.
Point Number one - this cover FUCKING ROCKS! In person it's all iridescent and shiny and shit and I love it. It depicts in one image everything I want out of a book. And then tragically there's the book itself which doesn't live up AT ALL.
I would like to organize my review in a slightly different way then usual. It will be broken down into the four equal parts:
1 - MOST AWESOME STORY AND CONCEPT AND IDEA EVER - 5 stars for awesometude and sci-fi originality
2 - Info Dump Disaster Area - 1 star for craft
3 - This is not the literary fiction section - 1 star for forgetting your genre
4 - The most boring and unsatisfying characters and ending ever in the history of books. - 1 star for pissing me off
As you may be able to tell, I'm in a mood. This book had so much potential and I was SO excited to have won it but it's really just badly written, structurally overdone (really? how many scenes in limousines with the mysterious "Texan" do we need?) I think if it wasn't sci-fi and was just a fun romp I would have disliked it but not been so angry about it. I feel personally offended by this one.
1 - MOST AWESOME STORY AND CONCEPT AND IDEA EVER
The idea here is that an archaeologist uncovers an ancient or alien or something species. It's genetically impossible. It's discovery and dating put it at about 6k years ago, the same time as Mesopotamia and the beginning of civilization. We then learn all kinds of cool stuff about Cargo Cults and how the entirety of human culture is just a Cargo Cult to aliens. So cool right? And then you add in genetic experiments on humans and blood type transfers and the attempt to clone alien DNA and to have real people hyper cooled to transfuse their blood types so they can transform into aliens oh and the alien baby embryo chimera stuff. SO COOL!
Then there's all this religion stuff and how this pastor thinks the alien remains are proof of Nephilim "Son's Of God". They're some angel species the supposedly interbred with humans back in the biblical days.
I can't even talk about it coherently because it was so awesome it just made my brain explode. Except none of it ever closed circle and none of it came to fruition and what could have been an awesomesause sci-fi book pussied out and tried to be John Grisham. God love Grisham for what he does, but this could have be SO MUCH MORE.
2 - Info Dump Disaster Area
You know that scene where the scientist explains everything to the other characters because no one is smart enough to figure it out on their own? Yeah, try like 100 pages of that. And then have one character make an AMAZING conclusion only to in the next chapter have another character make the same AMAZING conclusion, only to have the next chapter have the first character make a phone call to tell someone about this AMAZING conclusion and they're so blown away they are going to explain this AMAZING conclusion in great detail to the next 7 people they talk to. OMG SHUT UP!
3 - This is not the literary fiction section
All good books should have elements of literature in them. However, someone seems to have forgotten to tell Mr. Crawford that this book is not doing to be shelved with Dostoevsky. Beautiful turns of phrase are great, imaginative and innovative use of language are appreciated, but pompous over written drivel is annoying. Especially when I really want to hear about the aliens. I tagged some sections to make my point.
The darkness changed shape.
From a deep and featureless blackness came distant textures, touching her skin and caressing her hair. Slowly, the fragments of her awareness began reassembling themselves one by one as they tumbled from the abyss.
Seriously? Chantal would have called my ass out if I wrote that. Where's this guy's editor? I turned down pages of like 9 other passages that just made me laugh. Come on dude.
4 - The most boring and unsatisfying characters and ending ever in the history of books.
So without giving away the plot let me list the unsatisfying things that happen:
1 - Pages and pages of whining about Ethan's wife with NO RESOLUTION
2 - The only person in the whole book with a clue gets killed (Tyrell)
3 - The scientists who did all that info dumping that we just HAD to understand to get the book? Yeah, they disappear and never come back and live happily ever after not studying the amazing find we just had or explaining any of what just happened. If you're going to info dump - at least finish the damn load.
4 - The most annoying and useless character shows up in a pretty dress in the end, pretending to be the heroine.
5 - The book ends without actually solving anything and offers the two most useless people in the whole book who didn't manage to figure ANY of it out for themselves new awesome MIB jobs for the gov't.
If this book is the beginning of a series for these two going on adventures with Mulder and Scully I'm going to shoot someone in the head and then shred the book. Don't read this. It will only get your hopes up and make you angry.
Now in closing and because I'm a bitch, I'd like to point out that this book was published by SIMON AND SCHUSTER. I found 5 grammatical/spelling errors. I normally don't call folks out on that kind of thing and this is in no way a mark against the author. But the next time some twat of a reviewer picks on an Indie book for 1 or 2 misspelled words I'm going to lose my shit. EVERY BOOK HAS ERRORS.
March 20, 2023
Meh. 350 pages before I found a story and 450 pages before I found something interesting about the story. This could have been half the length and I probably wouldn't have missed much. So. Much. Filler. I stuck with all 672 pages though because it's actually the later books that interest me and I felt like I needed to get this one under my belt in order to get there. With a tighter edit this would have been better but whatever. On to the next one.
June 17, 2012
In the spirit of full disclosure, I did not read all of this book; I got halfway through and skipped over the rest to get a gist of what happens and then read the last chapter. I know many would say this is blasphemy, but in my humble opinion I was giving this book all the respect and attention it deserved.
I see that many readers enjoyed the book and gave it good ratings and high praises, but I simply could not summon that degree of enthusiasm. I accept that the fault could be mine. The author does seem to know his stuff, his writing is solid and the amount of research and knowledge of his subjects, impressive. That is why I have given his book a star.
Otherwise, my experience with this book was "I've read this before", and much better. I could imagine the author visualising the movie version as he was writing it while images of dollar signs (or pound notes) danced in his head. The book was loaded with cliché upon cliché and had all the usual suspects. The action was unrealistic and ultimately boring and, as another reader pointed out in an earlier review, there was a political/ideological agenda that came across as fatuous and self-serving.
The characters were one dimensional - even the main character, Ethan, who is shown to struggle with his own demons, but his is a character we have all met before in many other books. The villains were to be expected, merciless and brutal; they only lacked the handlebar moustaches required to truly look the part. Other characters served their purposes in driving the plot (which was frustratingly convoluted), but the one character I truly hated was Rachel, the mother of kidnapped Lucy; the novel would have been significantly better without her in it.
I see that many readers enjoyed the book and gave it good ratings and high praises, but I simply could not summon that degree of enthusiasm. I accept that the fault could be mine. The author does seem to know his stuff, his writing is solid and the amount of research and knowledge of his subjects, impressive. That is why I have given his book a star.
Otherwise, my experience with this book was "I've read this before", and much better. I could imagine the author visualising the movie version as he was writing it while images of dollar signs (or pound notes) danced in his head. The book was loaded with cliché upon cliché and had all the usual suspects. The action was unrealistic and ultimately boring and, as another reader pointed out in an earlier review, there was a political/ideological agenda that came across as fatuous and self-serving.
The characters were one dimensional - even the main character, Ethan, who is shown to struggle with his own demons, but his is a character we have all met before in many other books. The villains were to be expected, merciless and brutal; they only lacked the handlebar moustaches required to truly look the part. Other characters served their purposes in driving the plot (which was frustratingly convoluted), but the one character I truly hated was Rachel, the mother of kidnapped Lucy; the novel would have been significantly better without her in it.
February 28, 2013
This got reviews at both ends of the spectrum. Reading some of those from the low end I see some people who are bitching just to bitch. I see this quite often and it really puzzles me. Read the synopsis of this book. That is what the book is about. I myself have read some books that I was disappointed in but generally knew what I was getting into when I read the synopsis. Sure sometimes a book might not live up to the expectations of where you think the story may go. But to bitch about a book knowing what it is about going into it is just goofy. Of course some people like to bitch just for bitching's sake. I really enjoyed this book and the action and story line lived up to my expectations. For folks who like thrillers with an Aliens meets Indiana Jones flavor this might work. And for those folks who cranked off some of those crackpot reviews I am adding Dean Crawford to my favorite authors list just for you.
June 21, 2012
Great first novel from author Dean Crawford. "Covenant" is the first book in the Ethan Warner series and reminds me of the intrigue of "The Da Vinci Code" blended with supernatural events akin to the television shows "Fringe" and "The X-Files". The best part is that while the plot of the novel centers around alien remains found in the desert, the supernatural elements don't dominate the story, but rather focus on the interactions of the human characters and their own agendas for trying to recover the remains.
The many narrative threads give the book an uneven pace at times (The narration changes amongst a few characters throughout the book), but the premise is interesting and there are very few lulls as the action starts almost at the very beginning of the book. An excellent debut that sets the stage for what promises to be a very entertaining series of novels involving Ethan Warner.
The many narrative threads give the book an uneven pace at times (The narration changes amongst a few characters throughout the book), but the premise is interesting and there are very few lulls as the action starts almost at the very beginning of the book. An excellent debut that sets the stage for what promises to be a very entertaining series of novels involving Ethan Warner.
October 24, 2011
From the very beginning of Covenant, the reader is drawn into the story through intrigue and action.
American archaeologist, Doctor Lucy Morgan disappears and in steps maverick Ethan Warner, who has the skill of finding lost people. His mantra starts with ‘If you’ve got nothing, then nothing matters.’
Reluctant to work discreetly for the Defence Agency, the leverage of a promise to find out what happened to Ethan’s fiancée Joanna (who went missing in Gaza three years ago) is used if he will help find the missing archaeologist. He is presented with a photograph of Joanna in a hostage situation earlier that year.
After a briefing session of what is known about Lucy Morgan’s disappearance, Ethan’s mantra changes to ‘If you’ve got nothing, you’ve everything to gain.’
A couple of unrelated incidences follow … which only hooks the reader in. You want to know where they fit into the story, what part do they have to play.
What follows is a blending and merging of the threads as the reader becomes a part of this thrilling journey into science/mythology, politics/conflict and religion/belief.
The characters became real for me – we find out what Ethan looks like through his own scrutiny of his reflection in a car’s wing mirror while being a passenger – I thought this was a different and much more interesting way to get to know what he looks like! How the characters relate to each other and their own pasts make them believable and you find yourself either hoping everything works out for them or they get what they deserve...
For me, Covenant was a real page turner. I was hooked in from the beginning and didn’t lose my absorption until the last full stop. The writing flows with tension that alters your breathing and gets your own adrenalin pumping!
The book ends as Ethan is given a new brief in New Mexico and we find out that the next novel to be released in May 2012 is called ‘Elixir.’ I would definitely read more from this author.
I think Covenant will be a popular book choice in its genre of adventure-thriller fiction. I would also recommend for anyone who is interested in science and mythology. Author Dean Crawford says on his website ‘All of my novels contain a core of real science around which the stories are constructed.’
I also think that Covenant would translate really well to the silver screen. Is that a prediction?
American archaeologist, Doctor Lucy Morgan disappears and in steps maverick Ethan Warner, who has the skill of finding lost people. His mantra starts with ‘If you’ve got nothing, then nothing matters.’
Reluctant to work discreetly for the Defence Agency, the leverage of a promise to find out what happened to Ethan’s fiancée Joanna (who went missing in Gaza three years ago) is used if he will help find the missing archaeologist. He is presented with a photograph of Joanna in a hostage situation earlier that year.
After a briefing session of what is known about Lucy Morgan’s disappearance, Ethan’s mantra changes to ‘If you’ve got nothing, you’ve everything to gain.’
A couple of unrelated incidences follow … which only hooks the reader in. You want to know where they fit into the story, what part do they have to play.
What follows is a blending and merging of the threads as the reader becomes a part of this thrilling journey into science/mythology, politics/conflict and religion/belief.
The characters became real for me – we find out what Ethan looks like through his own scrutiny of his reflection in a car’s wing mirror while being a passenger – I thought this was a different and much more interesting way to get to know what he looks like! How the characters relate to each other and their own pasts make them believable and you find yourself either hoping everything works out for them or they get what they deserve...
For me, Covenant was a real page turner. I was hooked in from the beginning and didn’t lose my absorption until the last full stop. The writing flows with tension that alters your breathing and gets your own adrenalin pumping!
The book ends as Ethan is given a new brief in New Mexico and we find out that the next novel to be released in May 2012 is called ‘Elixir.’ I would definitely read more from this author.
I think Covenant will be a popular book choice in its genre of adventure-thriller fiction. I would also recommend for anyone who is interested in science and mythology. Author Dean Crawford says on his website ‘All of my novels contain a core of real science around which the stories are constructed.’
I also think that Covenant would translate really well to the silver screen. Is that a prediction?
October 18, 2011
Newly released today is Dean Crawford's debut novel Covenant.
Archaeologist Lucy Morgan is on a sanctioned dig in Israel. But it is what she discovers on her own time nearby that is unbelievable.
"The remains bore testimony to an enormously powerful creature, the internment a cavity over eight feet long....Ahmed looked at the bones, confused now by the unfamiliar terminology and the doctor's excitement. 'What's so special about it ?' A ghost of a smile touched Lucy's lips. "It's not human'."
But before Lucy can share her discovery with the world, she is abducted. When her family is unable to get assistance from either the American or Israeli government, they turn to former marine and war correspondent Ethan Warner for help. As Warner and Lucy's mother Rachel search, they find a conspiracy deeper than anyone could have imagined - governments, church, military and many unsavoury individuals - all with their own agendas.
Covenant's first five or six chapters introduce us to all the players - and there are quite a few. I did find I had to refer back to some of the opening chapters in order to keep everyone straight for the first bit. Protagonist Ethan Warner is an interesting character who is still fighting demons from his own past. I was glad to see that Crawford did not make him omnipotent - able to figure out every puzzle right away or fight his way out of every situation. It allowed him to be both believable and likable. But I think my favourite character was actually Lopez, one of the DC cops who stumble onto the collusion. I was glad to see she will be brought back along with Warner in the next book of this planned series.
As for the plot - in some ways it seems a bit far fetched - a take on Area 51. But Crawford had me running to my computer many times to check out the science and historical references he makes in the book. And you know, they're out there and documented. Enough to really get you thinking and wondering. I thought it was an inventive, ambitious storyline. There are many twists and turns on the way to the final page.
For those who love mysteries, history, conspiracies and adventure, Covenant has it all. Recommended for fans of James Rollins and Michael Crichton.
On his blog, Dean Crawford describes himself as "A thriller writer with a good chance (I think) of success." I think so too Dean!
Archaeologist Lucy Morgan is on a sanctioned dig in Israel. But it is what she discovers on her own time nearby that is unbelievable.
"The remains bore testimony to an enormously powerful creature, the internment a cavity over eight feet long....Ahmed looked at the bones, confused now by the unfamiliar terminology and the doctor's excitement. 'What's so special about it ?' A ghost of a smile touched Lucy's lips. "It's not human'."
But before Lucy can share her discovery with the world, she is abducted. When her family is unable to get assistance from either the American or Israeli government, they turn to former marine and war correspondent Ethan Warner for help. As Warner and Lucy's mother Rachel search, they find a conspiracy deeper than anyone could have imagined - governments, church, military and many unsavoury individuals - all with their own agendas.
Covenant's first five or six chapters introduce us to all the players - and there are quite a few. I did find I had to refer back to some of the opening chapters in order to keep everyone straight for the first bit. Protagonist Ethan Warner is an interesting character who is still fighting demons from his own past. I was glad to see that Crawford did not make him omnipotent - able to figure out every puzzle right away or fight his way out of every situation. It allowed him to be both believable and likable. But I think my favourite character was actually Lopez, one of the DC cops who stumble onto the collusion. I was glad to see she will be brought back along with Warner in the next book of this planned series.
As for the plot - in some ways it seems a bit far fetched - a take on Area 51. But Crawford had me running to my computer many times to check out the science and historical references he makes in the book. And you know, they're out there and documented. Enough to really get you thinking and wondering. I thought it was an inventive, ambitious storyline. There are many twists and turns on the way to the final page.
For those who love mysteries, history, conspiracies and adventure, Covenant has it all. Recommended for fans of James Rollins and Michael Crichton.
On his blog, Dean Crawford describes himself as "A thriller writer with a good chance (I think) of success." I think so too Dean!
November 13, 2011
For a more detailed review, please visit my blog at http://cornishamy.blogspot.com/2011/1...
I was looking forward to reading this book, as Crawford has been compared to writers who I enjoy, such as James Rollins and Chris Kuzneski.
Dean Crawford's hero is Ethan Warner, an ex-marine turned investigative journalist who lost his reason for living when his fiancee, Joanna, was abducted while in Gaza. Ethan is brought in by the Defense Intelligence Agency due to his skill at finding missing people - excepting the one he really wants to find - to help Rachel Morgan locate her scientist daughter, Lucy, who has disappeared from the site of a remote and highly secretive dig in Israel. He is convinced to help Rachel by the promise of further investigation into his fiancee's disappearance.
This was an entertaining novel of its kind - a little bit Indiana Jones, quite a lot X-Files - and, while I personally still prefer Rollins, I enjoyed this enough to want to read the upcoming sequel (Elixir) and see where Crawford is taking his character and ideas next.
January 23, 2012
In full disclosure I won an Advanced Reader's Edition of this book in a Goodreads Giveaway.
Ethan Warner, ex-marine and ex-journalist is sent to Israel to investigate the disappearance of archeologist Lucy Morgan who vanished while uncovering the remains of what was either an Alien or an Angel. Ethan along with Lucy's mother Rachael begin to uncover a plot that involves unsanctioned human experiments with the genetic material from the Alien/Angel and government/corporation/church conspiracies. Meanwhile back in the USA, officers Tyrell and Lopez investigate apparent drug overdoses that they believe to be murders caused by some very unusual experiments.
This book reminded me of a mixture of 'the X-files', 'Angels and Demons' with a little '24' and 'Indiana Jones' thrown in. The story itself is exciting and interesting and moves along at a good pace.
The sights, sounds and smells of the various places are described excellently by the author, it is very easy to visualize what is happening in the book. When the author explains various ideas and theories he does an excellent job, for example in chapters 12 and 43 the characters give interesting details on the creation of the universe, evolution, and the development of civilization. Chapter 54 tells us about 'cargo cults' I found this very interesting as I had never heard about them before. However it should be stated this is WHEN the author gives these details, there are several times where the details are not given, (mostly medical procedures and religious organizations) and this can make the story hard to follow.
Another problem that could make the story hard to follow was the use of unusual words when simpler ones would have sufficed. Most of the time these were words I was familiar with if I thought about for a second or two, but that can be enough to break up the flow of the story and take you out of the moment. There were also a few times I needed a dictionary.
The author clearly has a good understanding of science and history, and they bring them into the story well, although they do occasionally tweak a fact (for example claiming that the Nazca lines can only be seen from the air) or take an unusual view of the facts (pyramids were used to communicate with aliens). This does make for a great story as long as a reader doesn't count it all for fact.
There are several "Hollywood" action sequences, exciting and engrossing but unrealistic and unbelievable, while this is okay for a movie or TV show, it doesn't really work for me in a book. Characters would also have "Hollywood healing" in that the could be badly hurt then shorty afterwards be running around and back in the action. The chapters are very short (average chapter length is less than four pages), while this made for quick reading, the problem I had with it was that the chapters often broke in the middle of a piece of action or conversation as if the author was saying there was a "commercial break here"
Most of the main characters on the good side were interesting and exciting to read about. Ethan has an interesting back story, and the relationship between the two officers is great to read about. I did find Rachael pretty annoying for most of the book though. The main 'bad' guys are very stereotypical and unoriginal, mostly mad and evil, I was half expecting them to have a secret underground cave under a volcano island somewhere in the Pacific, while that didn't happen one of them DID have a secret underground laboratory hidden under his house.
The characters too often made HUGE (and correct) leaps in logic based on little information, for example early in the book a surgeon is able to correctly diagnose the exact details of unusual experiments carried out on some bodies despite being given a small amount of information about them. Occasionally the minor characters will act randomly to help guide the story one way or another.
In my opinion there was an overuse of similes some of which were quite strange, one was something like "his face fell like a pile of granite slabs"
Overall this was an exciting book with great descriptions of the world. The good characters were interesting but the evil ones were unoriginal. The action sequences while entertaining were unrealistic and has a feel of a TV show or movie rather than a book. With that being said the ideas and theories were described excellently and intelligently.
For the benefit of the author/publisher I include the one editing error that I spotted.
p142 "The air became slightly coder" should read "The air became slightly colder"
Ethan Warner, ex-marine and ex-journalist is sent to Israel to investigate the disappearance of archeologist Lucy Morgan who vanished while uncovering the remains of what was either an Alien or an Angel. Ethan along with Lucy's mother Rachael begin to uncover a plot that involves unsanctioned human experiments with the genetic material from the Alien/Angel and government/corporation/church conspiracies. Meanwhile back in the USA, officers Tyrell and Lopez investigate apparent drug overdoses that they believe to be murders caused by some very unusual experiments.
This book reminded me of a mixture of 'the X-files', 'Angels and Demons' with a little '24' and 'Indiana Jones' thrown in. The story itself is exciting and interesting and moves along at a good pace.
The sights, sounds and smells of the various places are described excellently by the author, it is very easy to visualize what is happening in the book. When the author explains various ideas and theories he does an excellent job, for example in chapters 12 and 43 the characters give interesting details on the creation of the universe, evolution, and the development of civilization. Chapter 54 tells us about 'cargo cults' I found this very interesting as I had never heard about them before. However it should be stated this is WHEN the author gives these details, there are several times where the details are not given, (mostly medical procedures and religious organizations) and this can make the story hard to follow.
Another problem that could make the story hard to follow was the use of unusual words when simpler ones would have sufficed. Most of the time these were words I was familiar with if I thought about for a second or two, but that can be enough to break up the flow of the story and take you out of the moment. There were also a few times I needed a dictionary.
The author clearly has a good understanding of science and history, and they bring them into the story well, although they do occasionally tweak a fact (for example claiming that the Nazca lines can only be seen from the air) or take an unusual view of the facts (pyramids were used to communicate with aliens). This does make for a great story as long as a reader doesn't count it all for fact.
There are several "Hollywood" action sequences, exciting and engrossing but unrealistic and unbelievable, while this is okay for a movie or TV show, it doesn't really work for me in a book. Characters would also have "Hollywood healing" in that the could be badly hurt then shorty afterwards be running around and back in the action. The chapters are very short (average chapter length is less than four pages), while this made for quick reading, the problem I had with it was that the chapters often broke in the middle of a piece of action or conversation as if the author was saying there was a "commercial break here"
Most of the main characters on the good side were interesting and exciting to read about. Ethan has an interesting back story, and the relationship between the two officers is great to read about. I did find Rachael pretty annoying for most of the book though. The main 'bad' guys are very stereotypical and unoriginal, mostly mad and evil, I was half expecting them to have a secret underground cave under a volcano island somewhere in the Pacific, while that didn't happen one of them DID have a secret underground laboratory hidden under his house.
The characters too often made HUGE (and correct) leaps in logic based on little information, for example early in the book a surgeon is able to correctly diagnose the exact details of unusual experiments carried out on some bodies despite being given a small amount of information about them. Occasionally the minor characters will act randomly to help guide the story one way or another.
In my opinion there was an overuse of similes some of which were quite strange, one was something like "his face fell like a pile of granite slabs"
Overall this was an exciting book with great descriptions of the world. The good characters were interesting but the evil ones were unoriginal. The action sequences while entertaining were unrealistic and has a feel of a TV show or movie rather than a book. With that being said the ideas and theories were described excellently and intelligently.
For the benefit of the author/publisher I include the one editing error that I spotted.
p142 "The air became slightly coder" should read "The air became slightly colder"
November 4, 2011
How do I begin to describe this book? Well it’s quite long (almost 700 pages) and pretty much all of those pages are action packed. The story has multiple threads and the action takes place in both the USA and Israel / Palestine. The main thread of the story is the disappearance of Lucy Morgan, an American paleontologist, last seen in a restricted area of the Negev desert in Israel. Lucy has been investigating a dig-site independently and found remains which appear to be extraterrestrial. Unfortunately there’s a peace treaty about to be signed to bring stability to the area, and the authorities are reluctant to get involved, so Lucy’s grandfather persuades war correspondent and ex-Marine Ethan Warner to help. Warner is a troubled man, though, and has his own agenda when it comes to visiting the Middle East.
Coincidental (or is it?) to Lucy’s disappearance, three bodies are found in an abandoned house in Washington DC, apparently the result of a drugs overdose, but the investigating officers aren’t so sure. Toxic fumes from one of the bodies which hospitalise a surgeon during the autopsy only increase their suspicions that all is not what it seems.
There’s also an evangelical preacher, a Senator who has his sights set on the White House, and a mysterious military organisation called MACE.
Warner is our action hero – accompanying Lucy’s mother to Israel he soon gets on the wrong side of the authorities there and plenty of action ensues – car chases, fights, explosions, aerobatics. Warner is determined in his quest to find Lucy, though, and bring those responsible for her capture to some sort of justice. Some of the action is pretty brutal and described in graphic detail.
For me the characters were a little lacking in depth, in Crawford’s defense there were a lot of characters, but there are a few more main ones who could have done with more development. Warner himself was an odd mix of violent and sensitive.
The language at times is a little flowery, especially considering the subject matter and I think I would have expected something a bit more masculine and down-to-earth from this author & in this genre.
I found the main premise of the book an interesting one, and something which I think will see me having a search on Google to find out more. It all made sense at the time, but I’m curious to know how much of the background Crawford provided is based in fact – or if I’m on Google “fact”.
It’s no surprise that Crawford counts Michael Crichton and Wilbur Smith amongst his favourite reads, but I would hazard a guess that he’s also read some Clive Cussler. And I noticed at least one nod to Indiana Jones too. A fun read with a complex plot and plenty of action.
If I could have half marks this would be a 3.5.
Coincidental (or is it?) to Lucy’s disappearance, three bodies are found in an abandoned house in Washington DC, apparently the result of a drugs overdose, but the investigating officers aren’t so sure. Toxic fumes from one of the bodies which hospitalise a surgeon during the autopsy only increase their suspicions that all is not what it seems.
There’s also an evangelical preacher, a Senator who has his sights set on the White House, and a mysterious military organisation called MACE.
Warner is our action hero – accompanying Lucy’s mother to Israel he soon gets on the wrong side of the authorities there and plenty of action ensues – car chases, fights, explosions, aerobatics. Warner is determined in his quest to find Lucy, though, and bring those responsible for her capture to some sort of justice. Some of the action is pretty brutal and described in graphic detail.
For me the characters were a little lacking in depth, in Crawford’s defense there were a lot of characters, but there are a few more main ones who could have done with more development. Warner himself was an odd mix of violent and sensitive.
The language at times is a little flowery, especially considering the subject matter and I think I would have expected something a bit more masculine and down-to-earth from this author & in this genre.
I found the main premise of the book an interesting one, and something which I think will see me having a search on Google to find out more. It all made sense at the time, but I’m curious to know how much of the background Crawford provided is based in fact – or if I’m on Google “fact”.
It’s no surprise that Crawford counts Michael Crichton and Wilbur Smith amongst his favourite reads, but I would hazard a guess that he’s also read some Clive Cussler. And I noticed at least one nod to Indiana Jones too. A fun read with a complex plot and plenty of action.
If I could have half marks this would be a 3.5.
November 19, 2011
When humanoid bones are found in a remote dig in Israel, scientists start going missing. Ex war correspondent Ethan Warner is called in to conduct a missing persons search for Lucy and keep it under the radar to prevent derailing the peace talks between Israelis and Palestinians. However he must take with him Lucy's desperate mother, Rachel, and keep her safe in a troubled land. It soon becomes clear that there's more to these bones than meets the eye. Why are they so important? Are they the bones of our ancestors, a fallen angel or could it be an extra-terrestrial life-form?
Now, I'll freely admit to avoiding "conspiracy thrillers" like the plague. Unfortunately, publishers market them as Dan Brown wannabes which just doesn't appeal to me but I know I'm being prejudiced. As I was sent a copy to review, and I'm all for giving every genre a shot, I'd thought I'd better see what I was missing out on. To be fair, the blurb says it's more like Michael Crichton and it does have a science element. Although when the science or history just got interesting it would seem to stop and carry on with the plot. Being over 600 pages long, I certainly wouldn't have wanted extra pages, so I think Crawford is just trying to fit in too much.
Saying that, it is a pacy read so you'll soon whizz through those pages. There are a lot of characters too and I found myself getting confused a little with who's who, a side effect of not enough time time spent of developing their personalities. It was also lacking a bit in emotion when people, who you're supposedly meant to care about, die. Description was spent on the actual physicality of their deaths rather than the after-effects. This probably isn't a concern to regular thriller readers and possibly what puts me off them.
With so many characters and things going on, you start to feel the story is being wrapped up when there's 200 pages left to go, yet each character seems to get their own ending. Along side Ethan's adventures in Israel, there is a police investigation running back in Washington DC. I enjoyed this side of it though it also suffered from over-population of characters.
It's positive to see a book that tackles Christian extremist views at a time when everyone thinks it's only other religions that harbour fundamentalists. The evangelical pastor is a rather scary character, and whilst taken to extremes here, there are people like him in the world.
There is a follow-up novel next year, Elixir, and I'd be tempted to know how Ethan gets on with the search for his wife, who disappeared in Israel years earlier. I shall have to wait and see how many pages it's got!
Now, I'll freely admit to avoiding "conspiracy thrillers" like the plague. Unfortunately, publishers market them as Dan Brown wannabes which just doesn't appeal to me but I know I'm being prejudiced. As I was sent a copy to review, and I'm all for giving every genre a shot, I'd thought I'd better see what I was missing out on. To be fair, the blurb says it's more like Michael Crichton and it does have a science element. Although when the science or history just got interesting it would seem to stop and carry on with the plot. Being over 600 pages long, I certainly wouldn't have wanted extra pages, so I think Crawford is just trying to fit in too much.
Saying that, it is a pacy read so you'll soon whizz through those pages. There are a lot of characters too and I found myself getting confused a little with who's who, a side effect of not enough time time spent of developing their personalities. It was also lacking a bit in emotion when people, who you're supposedly meant to care about, die. Description was spent on the actual physicality of their deaths rather than the after-effects. This probably isn't a concern to regular thriller readers and possibly what puts me off them.
With so many characters and things going on, you start to feel the story is being wrapped up when there's 200 pages left to go, yet each character seems to get their own ending. Along side Ethan's adventures in Israel, there is a police investigation running back in Washington DC. I enjoyed this side of it though it also suffered from over-population of characters.
It's positive to see a book that tackles Christian extremist views at a time when everyone thinks it's only other religions that harbour fundamentalists. The evangelical pastor is a rather scary character, and whilst taken to extremes here, there are people like him in the world.
There is a follow-up novel next year, Elixir, and I'd be tempted to know how Ethan gets on with the search for his wife, who disappeared in Israel years earlier. I shall have to wait and see how many pages it's got!
June 14, 2024
With Covenant, I judged the book by it's cover, literally. A skeleton semi buried in dirt and big yellow lettering - COVENANT. It was attention grabbing. I was convinced that I was not making a mistake purchasing it upon reading its impressive blurb. Now I know next time to not use just my perception of the book's cover and minimal information regarding its story to read it. The action and mystery contained in the story were structured entirely to cause a 'when does this chapter end' book to become quite the page-turner, and the author did a good job at it. However the thing that put me off was how Crawford made most of the characters have a high degree of knowledge as they conduct unnecessarily lengthy dialogue with each other which makes the readers assume that they are indeed experienced in the field of extraterrestrial beings when they are introduced as being just your ordinary 'good-cop'. And what really poisoned such a promising story was its religiously embroiled antagonist that rebukes such progression in science. Very banal, and a let down it was. Just as annoying to accept as the 'I must tell you something very important, for I know something that will truly alter the face of mankind' moments that are nearly always abruptly interfered with an endless venture of chapter-ending cliffhangers. Sure, that's a technique wildly used to lure the reader to read further, but in Covenant, it was overused.
Otherwise, it was ok for what it unveiled to be, and hopefully the sequel can quench my thirst for a good action thriller.
2.75*
Otherwise, it was ok for what it unveiled to be, and hopefully the sequel can quench my thirst for a good action thriller.
2.75*
December 20, 2011
In short - I thoroughly enjoyed this book!
After reading the numbers 1 to 4 in the Song of Ice & Fire books in quick succession I decided to read Covenant for a 'break'. After being immersed in the the Ice & Fire 'world' for so long, I worried that I wouldn't be able to get into this, but the short action packed chapters soon had me gripped and curious to know more - especially how the different strands of the story would come together.
If I were to have any minor criticism, it would be that I found a few of the characters a tad clichéd, although in fairness to the author I am sure those clichés exist for a reason. I hope to learn more about the main character(s) in the next book, Elixir. (Incidentally, I avoided reading the first 5 chapters of Elixir which are at the end of Covenant, as I'm too impatient to wait once I've started reading something!) I felt that the action-packed plot and the characters would translate brilliantly onto the big screen. The writing is well paced, concise and sufficiently descriptive without being laboured. The "sciencey-bits" are also written in an accessible way and left me with lots of questions and things I'd like to read up on, which is good.
Having read a number of Michael Crichton novels in the past, I can totally see why Dean Crawford has been likened to him.
I really enjoyed Covenant and will certainly be buying the next book when it's out. I would recommend it to friends.
After reading the numbers 1 to 4 in the Song of Ice & Fire books in quick succession I decided to read Covenant for a 'break'. After being immersed in the the Ice & Fire 'world' for so long, I worried that I wouldn't be able to get into this, but the short action packed chapters soon had me gripped and curious to know more - especially how the different strands of the story would come together.
If I were to have any minor criticism, it would be that I found a few of the characters a tad clichéd, although in fairness to the author I am sure those clichés exist for a reason. I hope to learn more about the main character(s) in the next book, Elixir. (Incidentally, I avoided reading the first 5 chapters of Elixir which are at the end of Covenant, as I'm too impatient to wait once I've started reading something!) I felt that the action-packed plot and the characters would translate brilliantly onto the big screen. The writing is well paced, concise and sufficiently descriptive without being laboured. The "sciencey-bits" are also written in an accessible way and left me with lots of questions and things I'd like to read up on, which is good.
Having read a number of Michael Crichton novels in the past, I can totally see why Dean Crawford has been likened to him.
I really enjoyed Covenant and will certainly be buying the next book when it's out. I would recommend it to friends.
January 30, 2012
Not having anything to read for my journey one day, this was the only book within my preferable genres. I was a bit pessimistic at first, with the standard of writing not matching up to Michael Crichton, for whom the author had been compared to.
The storyline was good and easy to get into with likeable characters. Finishing one chapter made you want to read on to the next immediately, something indicative of a good read! This is the first book by Crawford and he has got off to a good start, I wouldn't go back on my decision to buy this book and I am interested in buying his next, which follows the same main characters from this one.
One downside to the book was over-use of science. I enjoy books where the author has used sound science, having done a science degree. Crawford, although using sound science, feels the need to over explain terminology rather than get on with the storyline and I found myself sometimes being bored with drawn out explanations of simple science and then brief explanations of very technical procedures on the same page.
I would not choose this book over other authors but I would recommend giving it a read, especially if you like well thought out Sci-Fi.
The storyline was good and easy to get into with likeable characters. Finishing one chapter made you want to read on to the next immediately, something indicative of a good read! This is the first book by Crawford and he has got off to a good start, I wouldn't go back on my decision to buy this book and I am interested in buying his next, which follows the same main characters from this one.
One downside to the book was over-use of science. I enjoy books where the author has used sound science, having done a science degree. Crawford, although using sound science, feels the need to over explain terminology rather than get on with the storyline and I found myself sometimes being bored with drawn out explanations of simple science and then brief explanations of very technical procedures on the same page.
I would not choose this book over other authors but I would recommend giving it a read, especially if you like well thought out Sci-Fi.
December 26, 2018
While the easy style keeps the pages turning, this is a mostly unsatisfying read. The two strands of the plot fit awkwardly together, in both style and tone.
The leads are slightly drawn, and we’re told their heroic - but they are more accurately the receivers of good luck and the results of other characters’ hard work.
The last section of the story is all set up for the remainder of the series, and takes a sharp turn that nullifies much of what came before.
But, saying that, although the final pairing of Warner and Lopez feels forced - it does offer a promise of an intriguing series.
The leads are slightly drawn, and we’re told their heroic - but they are more accurately the receivers of good luck and the results of other characters’ hard work.
The last section of the story is all set up for the remainder of the series, and takes a sharp turn that nullifies much of what came before.
But, saying that, although the final pairing of Warner and Lopez feels forced - it does offer a promise of an intriguing series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 14, 2013
I really loved this book. I felt it was well researched and put together in a way that I definitely found compelling. I did think some of the writing was a bit clumsy, but that was to be expected as I believe it was Crawford's first book. I am searching for the sequel desperately as I want to find out what happens next!
January 29, 2012
Quite facinating- extremely well researched- a great mix of sci-fi, thriller and drama- very much enjoyed the thr three separate yet connecting storylines- well done indeed.
Rick Friedman
Founder
THE JAMES MASON COMMUNITY BOOK CLUB
Rick Friedman
Founder
THE JAMES MASON COMMUNITY BOOK CLUB
March 13, 2017
A good read, kept me interested the whole time. Interesting plot, will try to remember to see about other books with same main character.
November 8, 2011
Humanity has always believed it is the only intelligent species of life in the universe.
But while excavating in Israel, an archaeologist unearths a tomb that has remained hidden for 7,000 years. Inside lies a secret of such magnitude that the story of mankind is instantly rewritten – and its future thrown into terrible danger.
Only one man can piece history back together again. Only one man will risk everything to prevent a catastrophe that could tear the world apart.
That man is Ethan Warner.
I always envisaged that putting together a decent thriller novel is much like making a cake. There is a recipe that outlines all the key ingredients that need to be included to make it turn out perfectly. The instructions would probably read something like this. Start with a slightly jaded hero, if you can get one who has a troubled past so much the better. Add a couple of dashes of political intrigue and, if you have it, a sprinkling of potentially controversial subject matter. Mix well with a secondary narrative that will eventually shed additional light on the first, then after around six hundred pages you’ll have an ideal thriller.
Covenant is a pretty good example of this mix of ingredients. There is plenty of action and the plot zips along at a decent pace. Crawford’s debut novel certainly feels like an entertainingly solid read. It’s the sort of thing that I can easily lose myself in for a couple of hours at a time.
Ethan Warner is a far more realistic protagonist than you tend to come across in many other novels of this type. When he is first introduced he has just suffered a beating and has a hangover. He fits into the slightly flawed category quite nicely. I have to admit that I do sometimes get a bit sick of heroes in thrillers who win every single fight they are in. It’s nice to find a character that isn’t perfect. This sort of detail certainly makes it far easier to empathize. Ethan is ex military and now makes a living as an investigative journalist, you quickly get the sense that he has fallen on hard times. He is offered the chance to get his life back on track when he is tasked with leading a group on the hunt for a missing archaeologist deep in Israel’s Negev desert.
Meanwhile over six thousand miles away, in Washington DC, a gruesome multiple homicide is discovered by local police officers. Lucas Tyrell and Nicola Lopez are the two detectives who are unwittingly thrown into the middle of a mystery that will have wide reaching consequences for them both. The good news is that their chapters of the story are as entertaining as those that feature Warner.
Neither set of events appears to be linked to one another but as the plot unfolds it becomes clear that there is a much bigger conspiracy developing. How are these two seemingly unrelated events connected and who is behind them? Crawford does a good job of slowly weaving these disparate strands together while managing to leave enough questions unanswered that guarantee you will continue to read.
Overall reading Covenant is a similar experience to discovering the pilot episode of a new television show. The story acts as a fitting set up for the main characters and there is a definite sense that now they have come together a larger journey is about to begin. This is a good start and shows a great deal of potential. I’ll be looking out for more of this author’s work in the future.
Covenant is released on 11 November 2011 from Simon & Schuster. A sequel, Elixir, is due out in May 2012.
But while excavating in Israel, an archaeologist unearths a tomb that has remained hidden for 7,000 years. Inside lies a secret of such magnitude that the story of mankind is instantly rewritten – and its future thrown into terrible danger.
Only one man can piece history back together again. Only one man will risk everything to prevent a catastrophe that could tear the world apart.
That man is Ethan Warner.
I always envisaged that putting together a decent thriller novel is much like making a cake. There is a recipe that outlines all the key ingredients that need to be included to make it turn out perfectly. The instructions would probably read something like this. Start with a slightly jaded hero, if you can get one who has a troubled past so much the better. Add a couple of dashes of political intrigue and, if you have it, a sprinkling of potentially controversial subject matter. Mix well with a secondary narrative that will eventually shed additional light on the first, then after around six hundred pages you’ll have an ideal thriller.
Covenant is a pretty good example of this mix of ingredients. There is plenty of action and the plot zips along at a decent pace. Crawford’s debut novel certainly feels like an entertainingly solid read. It’s the sort of thing that I can easily lose myself in for a couple of hours at a time.
Ethan Warner is a far more realistic protagonist than you tend to come across in many other novels of this type. When he is first introduced he has just suffered a beating and has a hangover. He fits into the slightly flawed category quite nicely. I have to admit that I do sometimes get a bit sick of heroes in thrillers who win every single fight they are in. It’s nice to find a character that isn’t perfect. This sort of detail certainly makes it far easier to empathize. Ethan is ex military and now makes a living as an investigative journalist, you quickly get the sense that he has fallen on hard times. He is offered the chance to get his life back on track when he is tasked with leading a group on the hunt for a missing archaeologist deep in Israel’s Negev desert.
Meanwhile over six thousand miles away, in Washington DC, a gruesome multiple homicide is discovered by local police officers. Lucas Tyrell and Nicola Lopez are the two detectives who are unwittingly thrown into the middle of a mystery that will have wide reaching consequences for them both. The good news is that their chapters of the story are as entertaining as those that feature Warner.
Neither set of events appears to be linked to one another but as the plot unfolds it becomes clear that there is a much bigger conspiracy developing. How are these two seemingly unrelated events connected and who is behind them? Crawford does a good job of slowly weaving these disparate strands together while managing to leave enough questions unanswered that guarantee you will continue to read.
Overall reading Covenant is a similar experience to discovering the pilot episode of a new television show. The story acts as a fitting set up for the main characters and there is a definite sense that now they have come together a larger journey is about to begin. This is a good start and shows a great deal of potential. I’ll be looking out for more of this author’s work in the future.
Covenant is released on 11 November 2011 from Simon & Schuster. A sequel, Elixir, is due out in May 2012.
August 3, 2015
When I started this book, I had difficulty seeing past shortcomings in the writing style to the rather fun aliens conspiracy storyline.
The writing style is like that of Dan Brown, say, with rather clunkily convenient expository passages, e.g. where a character will pause to review their own life stories, for the benefit of the reader. The use of imagery and metaphor, especially in the portayal of emotions is also often melodramatic.
However, I persisted and am now over halfway through the book and it is quite fun, if still rather clunky. The chapters are quite short and the action races along quite briskly.
The author makes two of the leading characters overly ignorant about what seems to me like commonplace knowledge about the development of our universe and life within it. Another iffy note is the use of multiple anecdotes as evidence for the visitation of aliens in historical times, a la Erich von Daniken and his book Chariot of the Gods, which quickly persuades two main characters, but left this reader as sceptical as ever.
Before starting Covenant, I had just read the first Jack Reacher book, Killing Floor, by Lee Child, where Reacher, a very similar character in many ways to Ethan Warner, avoids hitting someone in the head for fear of breaking bones in his hand. Warner has no such worries, making Crawford's hand fighting scenes less credible to me.
Looking at some other reviews, I agree that the author should be applauded for including Christian fundamentalists among the bad guys, and for the espousal of science.
There are a lot of pretty interesting characters: the US evangelical church leader and political lobbyist and his relationship with Senator Black, the kickass assassin Rafael, the Washingon cops Tyrell and Lopez. The villains are pretty well realised and pretty believable.
I was also happy to see that I was not unique in getting a bit confused occasionally between some of the many supporting characters.
I guess I was hoping for more of a science fiction mode, rather than thriller mode, but what the heck.
On balance, this is a successful first novel.
The writing style is like that of Dan Brown, say, with rather clunkily convenient expository passages, e.g. where a character will pause to review their own life stories, for the benefit of the reader. The use of imagery and metaphor, especially in the portayal of emotions is also often melodramatic.
However, I persisted and am now over halfway through the book and it is quite fun, if still rather clunky. The chapters are quite short and the action races along quite briskly.
The author makes two of the leading characters overly ignorant about what seems to me like commonplace knowledge about the development of our universe and life within it. Another iffy note is the use of multiple anecdotes as evidence for the visitation of aliens in historical times, a la Erich von Daniken and his book Chariot of the Gods, which quickly persuades two main characters, but left this reader as sceptical as ever.
Before starting Covenant, I had just read the first Jack Reacher book, Killing Floor, by Lee Child, where Reacher, a very similar character in many ways to Ethan Warner, avoids hitting someone in the head for fear of breaking bones in his hand. Warner has no such worries, making Crawford's hand fighting scenes less credible to me.
Looking at some other reviews, I agree that the author should be applauded for including Christian fundamentalists among the bad guys, and for the espousal of science.
There are a lot of pretty interesting characters: the US evangelical church leader and political lobbyist and his relationship with Senator Black, the kickass assassin Rafael, the Washingon cops Tyrell and Lopez. The villains are pretty well realised and pretty believable.
I was also happy to see that I was not unique in getting a bit confused occasionally between some of the many supporting characters.
I guess I was hoping for more of a science fiction mode, rather than thriller mode, but what the heck.
On balance, this is a successful first novel.
October 5, 2011
“Covenant” by Dean Crawford, published by Touchstone Books.
Category – Mystery/Thriller
Lucy Morgan has found the biggest discovery in history, a find that could destroy the teachings of all religions. She has discovered a seven thousand year old tomb that contains the bones of an alien.
Lucy and her discovery are abducted by a group called MACE (Munitions for Advanced Combat Environments). This group is headed by a church calling itself, American Evangelical Association. Pastor Kelvin Patterson is a strict fundamentalist and believes that he can change the world by manipulating DNA.
He believes that the alien as an angel of God and that he can use the DNA and stem cell technology to “recreate” these angels.
Ethan Warner is being asked to help find Lucy, but is unaware of any other complications in the case.
Lucas Tyrell and Nicola Lopez are detectives working out of Washington, D.C., and are working on a case of three dead overdose victims, however one victim was not an addict and shows signs of having had an unusual operation that stopped his heart and had an entire blood transfusion.
The book, remember this is fiction, explores the possibility of aliens inhabiting the earth long before the Egyptians, and that these visits were the reason for the many ancient monuments in existence today. It also gives a medical and physics lesson when the author explains how all this can become a possibility. Having, neither a Physics or Medical background, I cannot attest to its veracity, however it is fun to imagine if something like this could be reality.
I found this to be a very interesting book that showed a lot of creativity and will cause the reader to use his imagination.
Category – Mystery/Thriller
Lucy Morgan has found the biggest discovery in history, a find that could destroy the teachings of all religions. She has discovered a seven thousand year old tomb that contains the bones of an alien.
Lucy and her discovery are abducted by a group called MACE (Munitions for Advanced Combat Environments). This group is headed by a church calling itself, American Evangelical Association. Pastor Kelvin Patterson is a strict fundamentalist and believes that he can change the world by manipulating DNA.
He believes that the alien as an angel of God and that he can use the DNA and stem cell technology to “recreate” these angels.
Ethan Warner is being asked to help find Lucy, but is unaware of any other complications in the case.
Lucas Tyrell and Nicola Lopez are detectives working out of Washington, D.C., and are working on a case of three dead overdose victims, however one victim was not an addict and shows signs of having had an unusual operation that stopped his heart and had an entire blood transfusion.
The book, remember this is fiction, explores the possibility of aliens inhabiting the earth long before the Egyptians, and that these visits were the reason for the many ancient monuments in existence today. It also gives a medical and physics lesson when the author explains how all this can become a possibility. Having, neither a Physics or Medical background, I cannot attest to its veracity, however it is fun to imagine if something like this could be reality.
I found this to be a very interesting book that showed a lot of creativity and will cause the reader to use his imagination.
March 13, 2012
A heavily researched thriller that asks, "what if mankind were not alone in the universe?" and answers the question by mixing religion, Middle Eastern politics, and alien lore. The plot begins swiftly when archaeologist Lucy Morgan makes a startling discovery: humanoid remains at least 7,000 years old but she's then kidnapped and her mother, Rachel, asks former war correspondant Ethan Wagner to help find Lucy.
The action then switches to America, where a well-liked senator faces the potential loss of 30 million constituents, due to his distancing himself from a charismatic television preacher, who wants to see Armageddon come as soon as possible. Two detectives find evidence of humans being used as biological experiments as well as a shadowy corporation called MACE, and the author nicely ties together these plot threads in the ensuing chapters.
However, sometimes you can have too much of a good thing. The book is well researched, but the research often comes across in clunky dialogue or as pages of exposition that doesn't really advance the plot. The book overall isn't a bad read, but it's not my favorite thriller ever. The religious views espoused are simply the polarizing fundamental ones often heard in the media; surely the author knows that moderates exist, right? The concept of the biblical nephilim (the giants who came shortly before the Noachian flood) being an advanced alien civilization who aided humanity to its greatest discoveries is a nice plot point, though.
The action then switches to America, where a well-liked senator faces the potential loss of 30 million constituents, due to his distancing himself from a charismatic television preacher, who wants to see Armageddon come as soon as possible. Two detectives find evidence of humans being used as biological experiments as well as a shadowy corporation called MACE, and the author nicely ties together these plot threads in the ensuing chapters.
However, sometimes you can have too much of a good thing. The book is well researched, but the research often comes across in clunky dialogue or as pages of exposition that doesn't really advance the plot. The book overall isn't a bad read, but it's not my favorite thriller ever. The religious views espoused are simply the polarizing fundamental ones often heard in the media; surely the author knows that moderates exist, right? The concept of the biblical nephilim (the giants who came shortly before the Noachian flood) being an advanced alien civilization who aided humanity to its greatest discoveries is a nice plot point, though.
January 28, 2012
I had high hopes for this book… but was disappointed. The premise of the book was sound, and Crawford had clearly done his research. However, the story was in many parts contrived. There were pages and pages of technical scientific explanation, and long-winded description of the middle-eastern conflicts, that were beyond the comprehension of your average reader. This made some of the text pretty hard to get through. Cramming so much technical information in was at the cost of character development. I didn’t really get a chance to ‘get to know’ any character in depth, except perhaps Ethan Warner. Even then, I usually get overly attached to characters, but there was no love lost when people tried to kill Warner – which happened often.
Another frustration was that the three storylines didn’t really overlap and interact enough until the very end. Not to mention the cliques ending that more than paved the way for the upcoming sequel.
What had the promise to be a provoking story about the possibility of finding another species in the universe and the lengths that people would go to in protecting that information, became an overly complicated big guys with guns story.
It’s possible I’ll still pick up the sequel… I’d be interested to find out the answer to the mystery that is Warner’s missing fiance. But hopefully Crawford has learned a lesson and cuts the technicalities for some character development.
Another frustration was that the three storylines didn’t really overlap and interact enough until the very end. Not to mention the cliques ending that more than paved the way for the upcoming sequel.
What had the promise to be a provoking story about the possibility of finding another species in the universe and the lengths that people would go to in protecting that information, became an overly complicated big guys with guns story.
It’s possible I’ll still pick up the sequel… I’d be interested to find out the answer to the mystery that is Warner’s missing fiance. But hopefully Crawford has learned a lesson and cuts the technicalities for some character development.
October 17, 2011
Covenant is a terrific debut from author, Dean Crawford. The writing style is superb, rich in vivid imagery with very tight but fluid prose. The storyline barrels along at a tremendous pace, the narrative populated by interesting characters that stand out for their totally individual and discernible mannerisms, disposition, and nuances of speech. The real crowning glory for me, however, is the author’s effortless ability to tell the story from multiple viewpoints whilst slowly and cleverly bringing these different plot elements together on a crash collision course before hurtling at a ferocious pace toward the climax and resolution. And watch out for a major twist that I never saw coming. Ethan Warner is not your run of the mill action hero in that he has personal issues from the past that give him an endearing vulnerability and, hence, greater reader empathy. Mind you, Warner is still not afraid to take out the bad guys with a gun or knock out punch. On the whole, this is a killer debut with a convincing and authentic premise supported by a believable and interesting cast of characters, the plot woven tightly around a tremendous thriller writing style. Personally I can’t wait for the second instalment, Elixir, a tantalising teaser for which was included at the end of the novel. First rate stuff all round.
July 25, 2013
I bought this sucker for two bucks in a Half Price Books under the reasoning that, by God, I was going to leave the store with a crappy techno thriller to laugh my way through.
For that two bucks, I got what I paid for - a vague mish-mash of a half-dozen conspiratorial theories slammed up into a badly written screed about... well, I'm still not sure what precisely. As I write this, I am halfway through and the teeth-gritting pain has set in. We have 9-11, we have aliens, we have Evil Mercenary Corporations, we have religious eeeevil, we have politics and cops and some like ex-military dude who is way more competent than his emotional whining at the start belies.
This is not a good book. It is faintly entertaining original content fanfiction. Maybe it was a November writing challenge at some point in this fella's life. Maybe it would have been improved by a good friend, an involved editor, and a copy of Strunk & White. The long internal diatribes about the Cause of the Moment do it no favors.
I cannot in good faith recommend this book with any vestige of seriousness. I can tell you that if you find it for two bucks and feel the urge, spend another fifteen for a good bottle of rum and have at it. It's dogballs terrible, but I'm getting my torturous entertainment from it.
For that two bucks, I got what I paid for - a vague mish-mash of a half-dozen conspiratorial theories slammed up into a badly written screed about... well, I'm still not sure what precisely. As I write this, I am halfway through and the teeth-gritting pain has set in. We have 9-11, we have aliens, we have Evil Mercenary Corporations, we have religious eeeevil, we have politics and cops and some like ex-military dude who is way more competent than his emotional whining at the start belies.
This is not a good book. It is faintly entertaining original content fanfiction. Maybe it was a November writing challenge at some point in this fella's life. Maybe it would have been improved by a good friend, an involved editor, and a copy of Strunk & White. The long internal diatribes about the Cause of the Moment do it no favors.
I cannot in good faith recommend this book with any vestige of seriousness. I can tell you that if you find it for two bucks and feel the urge, spend another fifteen for a good bottle of rum and have at it. It's dogballs terrible, but I'm getting my torturous entertainment from it.
February 8, 2012
I won an Advanced Reader's Edition through Goodreads.
Ok, very interesting book. I liked the plot and the whole idea. The writing, as a whole, was very descriptive.
However,....
I can't put my finger on it, but I didn't get "lost" in the story. You know, like when you feel you are there.
Although I enjoyed the scientific view of the origin of life, I found the book to be preachy about it about half-way through. I'm all for educating the reader about a topic, but it was like a long, boring lecture. Way too many technical details were included to keep it engaging.
And in chapter 92 (keep in mind that this is from the Advanced Reader Edition),.. "Ethan rushed forward in complete darkness,........andfaintly saw the syringe needle glinting in the light."
It became very disconcerting when the author called a peron by his last name in one sentence, and then his first name in the very next sentence.
And what's with Tyrell's dog, Bailey? He is constantly being left in a hot, sweltering car with the engine off!!! And he serves no purpose in the story, unless, of course, you got tugs at your heartstrings when he curled up with his owner when died. Could have been a good moment if there was any bond shown throughout the book.
All in all, a good and interesting book. Just needs some fine tuning.
Ok, very interesting book. I liked the plot and the whole idea. The writing, as a whole, was very descriptive.
However,....
I can't put my finger on it, but I didn't get "lost" in the story. You know, like when you feel you are there.
Although I enjoyed the scientific view of the origin of life, I found the book to be preachy about it about half-way through. I'm all for educating the reader about a topic, but it was like a long, boring lecture. Way too many technical details were included to keep it engaging.
And in chapter 92 (keep in mind that this is from the Advanced Reader Edition),.. "Ethan rushed forward in complete darkness,........andfaintly saw the syringe needle glinting in the light."
It became very disconcerting when the author called a peron by his last name in one sentence, and then his first name in the very next sentence.
And what's with Tyrell's dog, Bailey? He is constantly being left in a hot, sweltering car with the engine off!!! And he serves no purpose in the story, unless, of course, you got tugs at your heartstrings when he curled up with his owner when died. Could have been a good moment if there was any bond shown throughout the book.
All in all, a good and interesting book. Just needs some fine tuning.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 20, 2011
This is Dean Crawford's first thriller and it's got a rip-roaring premise. A female scientist has stumbled on the remains of a 7000-year-old giant humanoid buried in the Middle East. When the scientist is kidnapped, former Marine Ethan Warner is bailed out of jail to unofficially to look for her in Israel and Gaza. Ethan has given up on life, but this mission not only gives him the chance to locate Lucy Morgan, but also find out what happened to his fiancee, who went missing in the region several years before.
Part of the yarn concerns the Erich von Daniken thesis, outlined in his 1968 bestseller, that aliens came to Earth to help man move forward technologically. We've got a creationist pastor in Washington acting through an arms corporation to hijack the alien remains so that he can steal its DNA and – as it were – meet his maker by regenerating the nephilim, or angel (as he sees it). The narrative knits three strands of this fast-moving story skilfully – Ethan's search, a murder investigation in Washington and the pastor's mad power games.
Occasionally, it hits a duff note, such as when a detective in the US, on being asked if she would like to view the alien remains, ignores the offer so she can carry on asking police questions. AS IF!
Otherwise, there's plenty of hectic action, and Ethan Warner is set to return in Crawford's follow-up, Elixir.
Part of the yarn concerns the Erich von Daniken thesis, outlined in his 1968 bestseller, that aliens came to Earth to help man move forward technologically. We've got a creationist pastor in Washington acting through an arms corporation to hijack the alien remains so that he can steal its DNA and – as it were – meet his maker by regenerating the nephilim, or angel (as he sees it). The narrative knits three strands of this fast-moving story skilfully – Ethan's search, a murder investigation in Washington and the pastor's mad power games.
Occasionally, it hits a duff note, such as when a detective in the US, on being asked if she would like to view the alien remains, ignores the offer so she can carry on asking police questions. AS IF!
Otherwise, there's plenty of hectic action, and Ethan Warner is set to return in Crawford's follow-up, Elixir.
June 18, 2013
I think we should have a genre specifically for thrillers with conspiracies running rampant in them. (Think Dan Brown and you'll catch my drift.)
In this debut novel of what will by all accounts be a new series by Crawford, an archaeological find of what seems to be a celestial being or Alien is highjacked by a ultra conservative Christian sect run by a misguided if not diabolical minister. As he is also bent on undermining any attempt at peace in the Middle East, he has also purchased controlling shares in a private military company(think Blackwater). And thrown into this mess is Ethan Warner, a former Marine officer and journalist, with his own combat experiences and ghosts. Warner is hired to find the missing archaeologist but first has to stumble through all of the mess.
Actually, I'm exhausted just trying to tell you what happened in the convoluted plot. But believe it or not, I liked it. It was fast paced -- like Indiana Jones with automatic weapons and drones. And since I know that the 2nd and 3rd books have been released (the 3rd only in the UK), someone somewhere is buying them with sufficient regularity to renew Crawford's contract. I'm intrigued enough to try the 2nd -- just to see if Crawford can tighten up his prose and plot lines.
In this debut novel of what will by all accounts be a new series by Crawford, an archaeological find of what seems to be a celestial being or Alien is highjacked by a ultra conservative Christian sect run by a misguided if not diabolical minister. As he is also bent on undermining any attempt at peace in the Middle East, he has also purchased controlling shares in a private military company(think Blackwater). And thrown into this mess is Ethan Warner, a former Marine officer and journalist, with his own combat experiences and ghosts. Warner is hired to find the missing archaeologist but first has to stumble through all of the mess.
Actually, I'm exhausted just trying to tell you what happened in the convoluted plot. But believe it or not, I liked it. It was fast paced -- like Indiana Jones with automatic weapons and drones. And since I know that the 2nd and 3rd books have been released (the 3rd only in the UK), someone somewhere is buying them with sufficient regularity to renew Crawford's contract. I'm intrigued enough to try the 2nd -- just to see if Crawford can tighten up his prose and plot lines.
February 13, 2015
I confess, I would not have picked this book up were I not in holiday in the sun and in want of an easy read. My mum read it before me and raved about it (she fully believes in the alien conspiracy theory that drives the plot of this book), so I thought meh, why not.
I did not expect much, but I did expect more than what I got. I found the plot predictable, formulaic, and the lead character had an awful lot of cliché 'manpain' going on that got on my nerves. The lead female character (I use the term 'lead' very loosely as she was pretty flat) also completely dropped off the radar about halfway through the book, which was a bit jarring. Although I don't believe in this conspiracy theory at all -- that ancient cultures were not only visited by extraterrestrial beings, but aided by them as well -- I was really into Crawford's scientific descriptions and 'historical' observations, so I was disappointed that he chose to primarily focus on the action and military side of things. I guess I was expecting Indiana Jones and wound up with Modern Warfare instead.
Typical conspiracy theory thriller. A good beach read. Nothing special or life-changing.
I did not expect much, but I did expect more than what I got. I found the plot predictable, formulaic, and the lead character had an awful lot of cliché 'manpain' going on that got on my nerves. The lead female character (I use the term 'lead' very loosely as she was pretty flat) also completely dropped off the radar about halfway through the book, which was a bit jarring. Although I don't believe in this conspiracy theory at all -- that ancient cultures were not only visited by extraterrestrial beings, but aided by them as well -- I was really into Crawford's scientific descriptions and 'historical' observations, so I was disappointed that he chose to primarily focus on the action and military side of things. I guess I was expecting Indiana Jones and wound up with Modern Warfare instead.
Typical conspiracy theory thriller. A good beach read. Nothing special or life-changing.
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