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Templars in America #3
Powdered Gold: Templars and the American Ark of the Covenant
In this stand-alone novel in the "Templars in America" series, Cameron Thorne and Amanda Spencer continue their investigation of ancient artifacts which reveal the true, secret history of North America.
Cam and Amanda don’t for a second believe the Ark of the Covenant is hidden in a cave in the Arizona desert. But when a militant survivalist leads them to a radioactive replica of the Ark, filled with a mysterious white powder, they begin to wonder if legends of Templar Knights visiting the American Southwest on a secret mission might be true. What is this strange white powder? And is it the key to understanding the true power of both Moses and the sacred Ark of the Covenant?
Cam and Amanda don’t for a second believe the Ark of the Covenant is hidden in a cave in the Arizona desert. But when a militant survivalist leads them to a radioactive replica of the Ark, filled with a mysterious white powder, they begin to wonder if legends of Templar Knights visiting the American Southwest on a secret mission might be true. What is this strange white powder? And is it the key to understanding the true power of both Moses and the sacred Ark of the Covenant?
349 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 19, 2013
992 people are currently reading
551 people want to read
About the author
David S. Brody
34 books86 followersDavid S. Brody is a Boston Globe bestselling fiction writer named Boston's "Best Local Author" by the Boston Phoenix newspaper. A graduate of Tufts University and Georgetown Law School, he is a former Director of the New England Antiquities Research Association (NEARA) and is an avid researcher in the subject of pre-Columbian exploration of America. He has appeared as a guest expert on documentaries airing on History Channel, Travel Channel, PBS and Discovery Channel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 110 reviews
June 7, 2019
Powdered Gold: Templars and the American Ark of the Covenant (Templars in America Series Book 3) By David S. Brody
In this latest installment, Cameron (Cam) Thorne and his fiancée Amanda are brought to the Arizona desert. Cam is giving a lecture on the Knight's Templar and is approached by Survivalist William Smoot. He has heard that a golden ancient treasure is buried in the mountains on Arizona. At first, Cam is spooked by Smoot, but as it turns out the US government wants Cam to infiltrate the compound to help alleviate the increase situation happening with Smoot's group. Cam, Amanda, and Smoot find a replica of the Ark of The Covenant. It's radioactive and it's been propelled by "white powder of gold."
The feds have a dual scheme: apparently, Smoot has invented a potent and renewable source of energy and they have sent Agent Ellis Kinkaid to recover it at any cost. They also have Charlie Boone infiltrated in the camp who is monitoring the anarchy angle.
Twists and turns occur, and Cam and Amanda save the day right after their daughter Astarte is kidnapped.
The book is narrated from the third person point of view. The characters are real and interesting. Mr. Brody's prose is very easy to read and quite enjoyable. The plot is quite amazing as it is filled with real artifacts --for which there are pictures -- that tend to add a sense of reality to the story. The amount of research is astounding. You may not agree with the writer's conclusions--indeed, there is a warning to religious zealots to stay away-- but I would rebut you with the author's own words: "All religions seem like a fairy tale to people of other religions. If you're, say Hindu, the idea of God appearing on Mount Sinai to give Moses Ten Commandments is just plain silly. But to Jews or Christians or Muslims, the thought of being reincarnated as a mosquito or something is equally ludicrous." p 288.
I loved the book and highly recommend it!
In this latest installment, Cameron (Cam) Thorne and his fiancée Amanda are brought to the Arizona desert. Cam is giving a lecture on the Knight's Templar and is approached by Survivalist William Smoot. He has heard that a golden ancient treasure is buried in the mountains on Arizona. At first, Cam is spooked by Smoot, but as it turns out the US government wants Cam to infiltrate the compound to help alleviate the increase situation happening with Smoot's group. Cam, Amanda, and Smoot find a replica of the Ark of The Covenant. It's radioactive and it's been propelled by "white powder of gold."
The feds have a dual scheme: apparently, Smoot has invented a potent and renewable source of energy and they have sent Agent Ellis Kinkaid to recover it at any cost. They also have Charlie Boone infiltrated in the camp who is monitoring the anarchy angle.
Twists and turns occur, and Cam and Amanda save the day right after their daughter Astarte is kidnapped.
The book is narrated from the third person point of view. The characters are real and interesting. Mr. Brody's prose is very easy to read and quite enjoyable. The plot is quite amazing as it is filled with real artifacts --for which there are pictures -- that tend to add a sense of reality to the story. The amount of research is astounding. You may not agree with the writer's conclusions--indeed, there is a warning to religious zealots to stay away-- but I would rebut you with the author's own words: "All religions seem like a fairy tale to people of other religions. If you're, say Hindu, the idea of God appearing on Mount Sinai to give Moses Ten Commandments is just plain silly. But to Jews or Christians or Muslims, the thought of being reincarnated as a mosquito or something is equally ludicrous." p 288.
I loved the book and highly recommend it!
October 3, 2017
you've seen the films. You've watched History Channel and Science. The Ark of the Covenant is suuposed to be in Etheopia, hikden in a church, guarded by monks, unseen for years. All the myths are here. Mr Brody's third novel adds a very iknteresting ingredient (sorry): strange white powder in the Ark. This mix of fable, religion and archeology keeps the reader interested. The characters, if you are a fan of his novels, Cain and Amelia, are here and getting into more and more trouble with terrorists and politics. Dan Brown would be proud!
March 19, 2019
Another win
This time our family of amateur archeologists/historians head off to the American Southwest and find some very interesting relics, and a substance that may literally be the manna the Jews ate for forty years while being led out of the desert by Moses!
Once again, they are in danger by rogue government agents and shady cult like survival group members. Not sure who to trust, and running out of time they have to think fast to stay alive and keep their new family together.
This time our family of amateur archeologists/historians head off to the American Southwest and find some very interesting relics, and a substance that may literally be the manna the Jews ate for forty years while being led out of the desert by Moses!
Once again, they are in danger by rogue government agents and shady cult like survival group members. Not sure who to trust, and running out of time they have to think fast to stay alive and keep their new family together.
January 1, 2021
Powdered Gold : Templars & American Ark of the Covenant by David S Brody is an extremely interesting and exciting book involving ancient pre Columbian artifacts discovered across the US indicating that ancient Phoenicians, Egyptians, Jews, Vikings and Templars may have explored the US 1,000 or more years ago. A chemist, Willum Smoot builds a Survivalist fortification in the Arizona desert, seeks a golden Ark of the Covenant and builds an energy source desired by world governments. Willum meets Cameron Thorne, his girl friend Amanda and a child they want to raise, Astarte. Cam is giving a public lecture on the ancient artifacts and he and Willum connect to search for the Ark, which they find, but lose control of. Willum's compound is put under siege by the US government in an effort to gain control over the energy source and eventually the government exchanges the Ark for the energy source and release of Astante who has been kidnapped. Willum outfoxes the Government by releasing all the data on the internet, so the government will not have a monopoly on the energy. The Ark turns out to be a slightly modified copy of the original. Brody attacks many religious dogmas, which many people may find objectionable.
May 9, 2021
Wow imagine if the Ark of the Covenant was discovered in our lifetime? Imagine if its location and presence challenged everything we hold to be true about all faiths in existence.
This story grips you from the very beginning with two unlikely characters Cam and Amanda and their adopted "princess" daughter Astarte. The storylines very cleverly wind in stories of Moses, along with some contraversial challenges about Jesus and Mary Magdelaine. But most importantly it connects these stories with the hunt for energy efficient power generation and conspiracy theorists and survivalists.
This was a fantastic read and it was brilliantly narrated. I was hooked from start to finish. I am left wondering what happens of the characters long after the story ends. This is a sign of a captivating read for me. Well done Mr Brody.
This story grips you from the very beginning with two unlikely characters Cam and Amanda and their adopted "princess" daughter Astarte. The storylines very cleverly wind in stories of Moses, along with some contraversial challenges about Jesus and Mary Magdelaine. But most importantly it connects these stories with the hunt for energy efficient power generation and conspiracy theorists and survivalists.
This was a fantastic read and it was brilliantly narrated. I was hooked from start to finish. I am left wondering what happens of the characters long after the story ends. This is a sign of a captivating read for me. Well done Mr Brody.
December 18, 2017
Bit annoying
This third in the series jumped around too much for me to truly enjoy it, the little girl and Georgia were annoying, and the "technical" info was way more than I really needed to know. Not the best in the series.
This third in the series jumped around too much for me to truly enjoy it, the little girl and Georgia were annoying, and the "technical" info was way more than I really needed to know. Not the best in the series.
November 6, 2022
A somewhat plausible story regarding early visitations in the 'New World' by the Knights Templar.
February 11, 2021
Overall, I really enjoyed reading the book. The story was intriguing with plenty of surprises, in addition to pictures of authentic ancient artifacts, for the reader to grasp along the way. The story contained many curious and unusual details that are meant to stimulate the reader's curiosity about American history and the influence that other cultures may have played on its development. James Brody's fascination with the Knights Templar continues to motivate the story with the Templar's influence on pre-Colombus American civilizations and the impact they may have contributed to the growth of America and its civilizations.
The story revolves around an ancient chest that a survivalist leader discovered in a cave in the Arizona desert. The mysterious chest possesses dangerous powers and a mystical white powder that is originally thought to be, or connect to, the Ark of the Covenant. The story's protagonist, Cameron Thorne and his fiancée Amanda Spencer, being somewhat experts with a history of the subject, are recruited by a secret government agency to investigate the chest. Of course, nothing seems to appear as it is and soon the entire expedition is set on its ear.
Mystery and History buffs should enjoy this novel, one that I highly recommend.
The story revolves around an ancient chest that a survivalist leader discovered in a cave in the Arizona desert. The mysterious chest possesses dangerous powers and a mystical white powder that is originally thought to be, or connect to, the Ark of the Covenant. The story's protagonist, Cameron Thorne and his fiancée Amanda Spencer, being somewhat experts with a history of the subject, are recruited by a secret government agency to investigate the chest. Of course, nothing seems to appear as it is and soon the entire expedition is set on its ear.
Mystery and History buffs should enjoy this novel, one that I highly recommend.
October 29, 2023
I love reading about the adventures of the night Templars, but this is the must far fetched of them all so far. I definitely believe that explorer's came to North America before Christopher Columbus, I believe that the artifacts found at sites both in Europe and North America can prove that the Nights Temple r found something in Jerusalem and brought th the knowledge and artifacts back with the to Europe and were eventually wiped out for that knowledge by the church. It is how David Brody interprets these artifacts that may make his books controversial but also an enjoyable read. I just had problems agreeing with is premises in this book. The Israelites were never truly agreeable or living in a pack environments. They were always rebelling against Moses or G-d and getting punished or killed for it. So the powder gold must not have worked on them for long. But I will definitely be buying the next book because I do enjoy his storys.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 18, 2020
Willum Smoot has two problems. First, he thinks the U. S. government is out of control because they threw him in jail when he wouldn't design a high efficiency fuel cell for the military. Second, he thinks he knows where the Ark of the Covenant is hidden, near his "survivalist" compound in the Arizona desert. Enter Cameron Thorne, his fiancee Amanda, and Astarte, a nine year old that they are in the process of adopting. Cameron and Amanda are, when all is said and done, experts on the Knights Templar, and are developing information that the Templars landed in America four hundred years before Columbus. They work with Willum to uncover the Ark of the Covenant, while a group of federal agents start making threatening moves to force Willum to design fuel cell that the military wants. There is a lot of double dealing, and not everyone is who he/she appears to be.
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May 16, 2020I've enjoyed Powdered Gold and the first two books in this series. While I love listening to audible books, I really recommend that other audible listeners get the ebook version first, then listen in sync with the book in print. I love the pics and especially the historical information at the end of the book. That is such a bonus. All the stories have been exciting and informative. Powdered Gold shows how some people can go down the wrong path for all the right reasons. I was so glad to see Cameron, Amanda and Astarte get through all the challenges and stay firm in their 'family' strength. I must admit I hope the following books in the series show Astarte getting mature enough to make better decisions!
May 22, 2020
Enthralling
Kept my attention all the way through. So persuasive is the political side of the story that I felt like organizing a lynching party for the nearest fed. If I were still religious, I would be incensed at or the number of assaults on Judeo-christian history/theology.
On the use of the fish as a symbol for Christ, the novel asserts that Christ was born in the age of Aquarius and the fish was a sign of Aquarius. My religious education said the fish was an anagram. The Greek word for fish is icthos: Jesu Christos theou oujos soter, Jesus Christ, of God, the son, savior. (Excuse my greek. It's been 62 years since I studied New Testament Greek.)
If you're very religious, you might want to skip this book and save a stroke.
Kept my attention all the way through. So persuasive is the political side of the story that I felt like organizing a lynching party for the nearest fed. If I were still religious, I would be incensed at or the number of assaults on Judeo-christian history/theology.
On the use of the fish as a symbol for Christ, the novel asserts that Christ was born in the age of Aquarius and the fish was a sign of Aquarius. My religious education said the fish was an anagram. The Greek word for fish is icthos: Jesu Christos theou oujos soter, Jesus Christ, of God, the son, savior. (Excuse my greek. It's been 62 years since I studied New Testament Greek.)
If you're very religious, you might want to skip this book and save a stroke.
July 13, 2021
The federal government and future energy sources
I chose because I found the characters to be well grounded. If you consider the feds to be the bad guys of the story the one agent truly liked William and pulled strings so that Violin could spend time with his son. The story was actions packed . the story presented an alternative history of America and interpretation of religious relics and history. I would recommend this book to anyone willing to consider an alternate interpretation of the Bible and the history of America. I wound not recommend this to anyone with strong religious beliefs or a strong patriotism as they may be offended by the beliefs put forth by the characters in this book.
I chose because I found the characters to be well grounded. If you consider the feds to be the bad guys of the story the one agent truly liked William and pulled strings so that Violin could spend time with his son. The story was actions packed . the story presented an alternative history of America and interpretation of religious relics and history. I would recommend this book to anyone willing to consider an alternate interpretation of the Bible and the history of America. I wound not recommend this to anyone with strong religious beliefs or a strong patriotism as they may be offended by the beliefs put forth by the characters in this book.
May 26, 2022
Loved the research notes
In my humble opinion, the character development and plotline rose into the high 3 star range, but the research notes at the end pushed it to a 4. It is well-written with well developed characters, but I found it a little slow for the first third. It has been criticized for triggering those of a more fundamental Christian faith and for critiquing the Mormon faith. I come from a strong Catholic background and was not offended -ultimately it is FICTION. It does challenge the allegories told by nearly all faiths. I had read THE THIEF ON THE CROSS and I intend to read others in this series. If you are a fan of Steve Berry or James Rollins, you may find this a bit drier, but still enjoyable.
In my humble opinion, the character development and plotline rose into the high 3 star range, but the research notes at the end pushed it to a 4. It is well-written with well developed characters, but I found it a little slow for the first third. It has been criticized for triggering those of a more fundamental Christian faith and for critiquing the Mormon faith. I come from a strong Catholic background and was not offended -ultimately it is FICTION. It does challenge the allegories told by nearly all faiths. I had read THE THIEF ON THE CROSS and I intend to read others in this series. If you are a fan of Steve Berry or James Rollins, you may find this a bit drier, but still enjoyable.
May 1, 2019
We Do Not Agree
I have contacted Mr. Brody directly. He and I don't agree on many things in this book. I find the book interesting and some of his conclusions are probably valid.
Disagreement over ideas is normal and even healthy. In the past it was said of prominent rabbis that if there were six in a room discussing a topic of great interest there would be at least twelve different opinions.
But I take strong objection to lies about my religion. DO NOT BELIEVE ONE WORD David Brody says about the Mormons. And we prefer to be called The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
I have contacted Mr. Brody directly. He and I don't agree on many things in this book. I find the book interesting and some of his conclusions are probably valid.
Disagreement over ideas is normal and even healthy. In the past it was said of prominent rabbis that if there were six in a room discussing a topic of great interest there would be at least twelve different opinions.
But I take strong objection to lies about my religion. DO NOT BELIEVE ONE WORD David Brody says about the Mormons. And we prefer to be called The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
July 30, 2020
Excellent read. The reason I got this book is that I have read the first two previous books in the series.
Only thing that jumped out at me was the Newport Tower showing the 35 possible days for Easter. While this idea is fine the hole in that it lacked an explanation of how particular day was selected. I wouldn't think it would have been random. I can however allow for literary license and I am getting all the books listed at the end of this one. I very much enjoy the religious/archeological "thriller" as it were.
BTW I am an open minded Mason.
Only thing that jumped out at me was the Newport Tower showing the 35 possible days for Easter. While this idea is fine the hole in that it lacked an explanation of how particular day was selected. I wouldn't think it would have been random. I can however allow for literary license and I am getting all the books listed at the end of this one. I very much enjoy the religious/archeological "thriller" as it were.
BTW I am an open minded Mason.
November 5, 2020
The Templars in Arizona???
Another book in the Templars in America series. Cameron, Amanda, and Astarte make their way to the Deserts of Southern Arizona in their quest to establish explorers came to America BEFORE Columbus. Political intrigue again follows them. Although this is book 3 in the series, there is no need to read books 1 & 2 first in order to enjoy this thriller. Warning: there may be subjects discussed that may be contrary to Christian and Jewish beliefs. Much like the DaVinci Code books. Just remember this IS a work of fiction. Enjoy!
Another book in the Templars in America series. Cameron, Amanda, and Astarte make their way to the Deserts of Southern Arizona in their quest to establish explorers came to America BEFORE Columbus. Political intrigue again follows them. Although this is book 3 in the series, there is no need to read books 1 & 2 first in order to enjoy this thriller. Warning: there may be subjects discussed that may be contrary to Christian and Jewish beliefs. Much like the DaVinci Code books. Just remember this IS a work of fiction. Enjoy!
November 11, 2020
This is a very entertaining book on many levels. There are real places and real artifacts interwoven into the plot and that makes the impossible seem probable. The characters have a depth and like all people have their strengths and weaknesses which also adds to the realism of the story. There were several plot twists and people were not who you expected them to be. The ending was really surprising and novel. This is a stand alone book, don't need to read the others in the series to understand the characters.
April 12, 2021
This is another story in the Templars in America series that challenges popular thinking about when America was discovered. Because it backs up some of the story with photos so you know what is being said is based on fact, it also makes you want to visit the places that are mentioned. The book is also very informative and you can learn a lot along the way e.g. I had never heard of the Baghdad battery before. It also challenges thinking about characters in the Bible (I won't say more here because I don't want to spoil the story for you!) All in all, this was a very enjoyable read.
December 17, 2021
Flawed history?
What a story! David Brody has cornered the market on his brand of writing that captures the essence of The Davinci Code and combines it with the mystery of Indiana Jones. Wonderfully entertaining and spiritually challenging, this book, and others in the series, pulls you in and keeps tugging away from start to finish. You will find yourself fighting that pull as you regroup your thoughts on a lot of history and you question the possibility that traditional history has its flaws. Great read!
What a story! David Brody has cornered the market on his brand of writing that captures the essence of The Davinci Code and combines it with the mystery of Indiana Jones. Wonderfully entertaining and spiritually challenging, this book, and others in the series, pulls you in and keeps tugging away from start to finish. You will find yourself fighting that pull as you regroup your thoughts on a lot of history and you question the possibility that traditional history has its flaws. Great read!
November 3, 2018
Cameron and Amanda, and Astarte
I have always loved history. The Nights Templar especially arouse my curiosity. This book combines their history, along with the Jewes, Christians, Muslims, and American as well as Middle Eastern, Egyptian and European. It combines Survivilasts, Government and crooked agents, as well as seekers of truth. Great characters, excellent plotting, and a fully believable story with characters both loveable and easily hated. Terrific book!
I have always loved history. The Nights Templar especially arouse my curiosity. This book combines their history, along with the Jewes, Christians, Muslims, and American as well as Middle Eastern, Egyptian and European. It combines Survivilasts, Government and crooked agents, as well as seekers of truth. Great characters, excellent plotting, and a fully believable story with characters both loveable and easily hated. Terrific book!
June 9, 2019
Kind of a National treasure lands in a socialist camp and the feds want a piece of the science action. Bring the Ark o the Covenant and the Templars in the story and you have an adventure.Cam and Amanda are smart cookies who use science and history to debunk what has been accepted and help solve the mysteries sort of. Like Dan Brown there are plenty of Christian stories destroyed. But it is fiction.
November 17, 2020
Well written tale...
This entry in the series is more engaging than some of the earlier stories, and is largely free of the typos and grammatical problems evidenced previously. However, the author’s anti-religion biases are again on full display to the point of strident preachiness, which effectively undermines his obvious objective: to undermine organized religion of any sort. So we can be thankful for small favors...
This entry in the series is more engaging than some of the earlier stories, and is largely free of the typos and grammatical problems evidenced previously. However, the author’s anti-religion biases are again on full display to the point of strident preachiness, which effectively undermines his obvious objective: to undermine organized religion of any sort. So we can be thankful for small favors...
November 25, 2020
I enjoy these types of "Indiana Jone-ish" books-hidden treasure, ancient power, race against the bad guys, but I really didn't like the negative portrayal of my church-The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Some things the author got correct, but most things were quite untrue and negative. He did say in the preface that he forewarns us that some themes may be offensive and he was correct.
February 8, 2022
Book 3: Is the Ark of the Covenant hidden somewhere in the Americas? A strange question to ask, but why not. No one has found it and it is rumored that the Templar Knights reproduced the ark and used it in their battle plans. Did early Christian Jews from France somehow make their way to the southwestern deserts of Arizona? More questions, but there are artifacts that lend credence to these claims. Keep reading the series.
July 23, 2022
Exciting shame full truths in all " manna" of ways
Cam Amanda and Astarte are once again drawn into a hunt for historical information, people been drawn in unexpectedly without realising the impact it has on more than one person but a group of like minded. A good read and once again it shows the interpretation of some reality of life may not be what it seems but keep open mined. Recommended
Cam Amanda and Astarte are once again drawn into a hunt for historical information, people been drawn in unexpectedly without realising the impact it has on more than one person but a group of like minded. A good read and once again it shows the interpretation of some reality of life may not be what it seems but keep open mined. Recommended
March 29, 2023
Laughably bad. The characters are only ever right because the plot dictates they should be. The protagonists are constant hypocrites. The antagonists, fools who do stupidly cruel things for dumb reasons.
This reads like a love letter to paranoid America and the right wing.
Also, blaming yourself for the fate of someone who died to your booby trap isn't 'victim blaming'. It's putting the blame right where it belongs. It's your fault. You killed them.
This reads like a love letter to paranoid America and the right wing.
Also, blaming yourself for the fate of someone who died to your booby trap isn't 'victim blaming'. It's putting the blame right where it belongs. It's your fault. You killed them.
February 2, 2025
Astounding as always!!!
This book is riveting, absorbing and amazing! But it was disappointing that the exact location of Willium's compound in Casa Grande was not mentioned particularly for me as a long time resident of this beautiful town!! I was also disappointed that Cam and Amanda didn't much care for my beloved home state of Arizona!!
Oh well.. can't expect everyone to have the same sentiment as I do!!!
Thank you for another stupendous read, David !!
This book is riveting, absorbing and amazing! But it was disappointing that the exact location of Willium's compound in Casa Grande was not mentioned particularly for me as a long time resident of this beautiful town!! I was also disappointed that Cam and Amanda didn't much care for my beloved home state of Arizona!!
Oh well.. can't expect everyone to have the same sentiment as I do!!!
Thank you for another stupendous read, David !!
June 17, 2019
Believe it or not
A totally evidence backed premise of the way yhe ark and Templars related and exposed hidden facts and agendas. Is it factual? Whether it is or not is in the hands and minds of different minds, cultures and religions. Need for in depth personal thought and investigation
A totally evidence backed premise of the way yhe ark and Templars related and exposed hidden facts and agendas. Is it factual? Whether it is or not is in the hands and minds of different minds, cultures and religions. Need for in depth personal thought and investigation
October 27, 2019
The third in group of books asserting other cultures visited America
The Templars, Moses, the Ark of the Covenant.....It makes you remember that all religious text often contain truth and convenient fiction. People were afraid that the words would not be followed. They forgot faith sometimes overlooks scientific truths
The Templars, Moses, the Ark of the Covenant.....It makes you remember that all religious text often contain truth and convenient fiction. People were afraid that the words would not be followed. They forgot faith sometimes overlooks scientific truths
Displaying 1 - 30 of 110 reviews