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The God Complex
When Cash Harris visits his father for the first time after a fifteen year estrangement, things don't go anywhere near as planned. By the end of the night, he finds himself embroiled in a plot to destabilise the government, his father has been assassinated and he discovers a shocking truth that would have fundamentally altered his life fifteen years earlier.
However, all of this pales into insignificance when, along with his best friend and ex-fiancee, he fights for his innocence and the chance to save a world they didn't even know needed saving. They uncover the truth that has been alluding mankind from its very inception. Life, the universe...everything...nothing is as it really seems.
However, all of this pales into insignificance when, along with his best friend and ex-fiancee, he fights for his innocence and the chance to save a world they didn't even know needed saving. They uncover the truth that has been alluding mankind from its very inception. Life, the universe...everything...nothing is as it really seems.
400 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 28, 2014
174 people are currently reading
487 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews
July 27, 2016
[Straight into explosive action, followed by presidential assasintion plots etc - all within the first chapter - will complete review on finishing.]
finished 2016 07 27:
Bit fantastical and far-fetched with lots of global travel, combat and a bit of swearing but a good old romp around the world, with Ancient Civilisation theories and astronomy thrown in, mixed with a humane message - suspend disbelief and give it a read!
finished 2016 07 27:
Bit fantastical and far-fetched with lots of global travel, combat and a bit of swearing but a good old romp around the world, with Ancient Civilisation theories and astronomy thrown in, mixed with a humane message - suspend disbelief and give it a read!
February 9, 2017
If your faith in conspiracy theories and alien life forms is lagging, read this book. It'll get you going again. Right up until the last paragraph or so. Then there's a nice twist (nasty twist? depends on your point of view, I guess) that made me laugh for five minutes.
There's lots of action in this book. In fact, about halfway through I began to think, "Breathe! Just breathe!" And sure enough, in the next chapter, that's exactly what happened. Didn't last long, but it was enough.
When I started this book and realized in was an action-packed sci-fi novel, I almost put it down. This genre doesn't appeal to me at all, at all. I'm glad I didn't. It turned out to be a pretty good book. Mostly because of that nice (nasty?) twist right at the very end. That alone is worth two stars.
I got this book through Kindle Unlimited. I'm not keeping it. I'm not buying it. And I probably won't read another book by this author. But this one was good enough for me to encourage you to borrow it and read it. Even if you don't like action-packed sci-fi.
There's lots of action in this book. In fact, about halfway through I began to think, "Breathe! Just breathe!" And sure enough, in the next chapter, that's exactly what happened. Didn't last long, but it was enough.
When I started this book and realized in was an action-packed sci-fi novel, I almost put it down. This genre doesn't appeal to me at all, at all. I'm glad I didn't. It turned out to be a pretty good book. Mostly because of that nice (nasty?) twist right at the very end. That alone is worth two stars.
I got this book through Kindle Unlimited. I'm not keeping it. I'm not buying it. And I probably won't read another book by this author. But this one was good enough for me to encourage you to borrow it and read it. Even if you don't like action-packed sci-fi.
August 4, 2015
Ok, that was pretty cool! Until the very last chapters I didn't even know what I was wishing for. Who should win what would be the "right" ending. And in the end it definitely had the right ending, although very different from all the ideas that I had during the book. Very good, full of action, awesome characters and an interesting plot that was not foreseeable (at least for me). It was my first book from this author and I loved it.
May 25, 2015
Interesting thriller.
Some facts are true, learned a lot. Afghanistan terrorist trying to kill President and most of the cabinet, senators. Hubble 2, another New World, what you see in the cover was build? Thought provoking book.
Some facts are true, learned a lot. Afghanistan terrorist trying to kill President and most of the cabinet, senators. Hubble 2, another New World, what you see in the cover was build? Thought provoking book.
June 9, 2014
Outstanding
Excellant read. exciting, intriguing and fast paced. Will definitely hold your attention through the whole journey. We are not alone!
Excellant read. exciting, intriguing and fast paced. Will definitely hold your attention through the whole journey. We are not alone!
January 26, 2019
Too many things being pushed into this. Not all of them necessary or relevant. Poorly written. Gave 2 stars because it had potential.
February 12, 2018
I read this book after it was mentioned in the Author's notes of another book (The World Walker by Ian W. Sainsbury - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...). In those notes, Ian said he was inspired to write his first novel after reading this book and some others (which I haven't read yet).
So after exhausting all of Ian's books (all the World Walker ones and the new one, Children of the Deterrent), I thought I'd read The God Complex.
To put things in context, I don't read many books (6 or 7 last year, 4 of those were The World Walker series). I read my last book (before this one) in about 3-4 weeks, such was my interest in it.
So onto The God Complex. After the first few chapters, I thought I'd break my record for reading, the author had so gripped my attention. From the off, we had some really good character build-up, with Cash and Rigs (neither of which is their real names and the short backstory to those is explained) and the Noble family (although a better name could have been picked, I rather think this was a tongue-in-cheek name given to the family by our author). The storyline intrigued with early twists and turns.
The book itself gets more fantastical as the chapters go on, with a mixture of thriller, action, sci-fi and mild fantasy.
There's a lot of globe-trotting, with ongoing speculation (and facts) about some of the world's Pyramid and Stone wonders. It certainly makes you think about some of the factual elements of these constructions.
Whilst I didn't break my reading record, overall, I'm satisfied with this read, but the ending seemed to come all of a sudden, and along with the epilogue, didn't leave any room for a sequel.
My only disappointment is that my reasons for reading the book were because it had inspired another author who I really liked - however, on the basis of The God Complex, I think the apprentice (Ian W. Sainsbury) has done better than the master (Murray McDonald) on this occasion.
So after exhausting all of Ian's books (all the World Walker ones and the new one, Children of the Deterrent), I thought I'd read The God Complex.
To put things in context, I don't read many books (6 or 7 last year, 4 of those were The World Walker series). I read my last book (before this one) in about 3-4 weeks, such was my interest in it.
So onto The God Complex. After the first few chapters, I thought I'd break my record for reading, the author had so gripped my attention. From the off, we had some really good character build-up, with Cash and Rigs (neither of which is their real names and the short backstory to those is explained) and the Noble family (although a better name could have been picked, I rather think this was a tongue-in-cheek name given to the family by our author). The storyline intrigued with early twists and turns.
The book itself gets more fantastical as the chapters go on, with a mixture of thriller, action, sci-fi and mild fantasy.
There's a lot of globe-trotting, with ongoing speculation (and facts) about some of the world's Pyramid and Stone wonders. It certainly makes you think about some of the factual elements of these constructions.
Whilst I didn't break my reading record, overall, I'm satisfied with this read, but the ending seemed to come all of a sudden, and along with the epilogue, didn't leave any room for a sequel.
My only disappointment is that my reasons for reading the book were because it had inspired another author who I really liked - however, on the basis of The God Complex, I think the apprentice (Ian W. Sainsbury) has done better than the master (Murray McDonald) on this occasion.
February 28, 2018
A fantastic read
A very interesting concept. Generally I enjoy reading about the ancients, always wondering how they could have built the pyramids etc with their limited technology. This gives a really interesting view of what could have happened. The story itself can be a bit confusing at times, thankfully I have kindle and can check who is who when ever I want. There was a lot of travelling so sometimes I didn't know where the characters were if they were on a plane or in Cairo, Peru or Switzerland. For that I give only 4 stars. However the ending was brilliant so good I didn't want the book to end
A very interesting concept. Generally I enjoy reading about the ancients, always wondering how they could have built the pyramids etc with their limited technology. This gives a really interesting view of what could have happened. The story itself can be a bit confusing at times, thankfully I have kindle and can check who is who when ever I want. There was a lot of travelling so sometimes I didn't know where the characters were if they were on a plane or in Cairo, Peru or Switzerland. For that I give only 4 stars. However the ending was brilliant so good I didn't want the book to end
October 28, 2021
entertaining
The story and the characters were great. I wanted to give it a 5, but did not because of its use of curse words. The curse words were not needed because the story was excellent.
I wish the writer would had gone more into what happened to Cash, Rigs and family.
,
The story and the characters were great. I wanted to give it a 5, but did not because of its use of curse words. The curse words were not needed because the story was excellent.
I wish the writer would had gone more into what happened to Cash, Rigs and family.
,
June 12, 2017
Excellent Blend of Sci-Fi and Thriller/Suspense
Engrossing and entertaining combination of international intrigue and intergalactic machinations. The author has written several books, and the ones I've read have been very entertaining and immersive.
Engrossing and entertaining combination of international intrigue and intergalactic machinations. The author has written several books, and the ones I've read have been very entertaining and immersive.
September 6, 2018
Interesting
Interesting plot and characters. Good international intrigue and action. However, the writing was just ok. I did like the last chapter. It was gave a surprising ending to the tale.
Interesting plot and characters. Good international intrigue and action. However, the writing was just ok. I did like the last chapter. It was gave a surprising ending to the tale.
December 26, 2018
Always a sucker for a thiller with a bit of sience fiction
I mean, come on, just how else can you explain the stone work at some of those sites in South America? No, really, tell me.
Fun read!
I mean, come on, just how else can you explain the stone work at some of those sites in South America? No, really, tell me.
Fun read!
November 16, 2019
A must read. Well written, intriguing, filled with information from mystery placesot
around the world. Had a twist at the end. I would highly recommend this book.Had you wondering about some leaders around this world
around the world. Had a twist at the end. I would highly recommend this book.Had you wondering about some leaders around this world
November 28, 2021
A Mindblower
This tale is fascinating and unique. This sci-fi thriller is fast-paced and filled with action and adventure. I liked the loyalty between military brothers and the love of family that binds.
This tale is fascinating and unique. This sci-fi thriller is fast-paced and filled with action and adventure. I liked the loyalty between military brothers and the love of family that binds.
August 27, 2017
Wow
The author has written a great page turner! I loved the whole story. I couldn't out it down. Read it you can't go wrong with this story!
The author has written a great page turner! I loved the whole story. I couldn't out it down. Read it you can't go wrong with this story!
August 25, 2019
Good book
Action packed all the way. Enjoyed this book a lot and read it over this weekend. Interesting and thought provoking.
Action packed all the way. Enjoyed this book a lot and read it over this weekend. Interesting and thought provoking.
November 3, 2019
God Complex
Excellent thriller that keeps you wanting to turn each page for the next twist. One that should be read by all affictionados.
Excellent thriller that keeps you wanting to turn each page for the next twist. One that should be read by all affictionados.
June 2, 2022
Thought provoking
Well developed characters and a fascinating theory of the origin of the human race. I often guess the ending but I didn't see this one coming.
Well developed characters and a fascinating theory of the origin of the human race. I often guess the ending but I didn't see this one coming.
April 19, 2023
very engrossing
I enjoyed this book a great deal. An exciting story that brought those ancient mysteries to life. I read into the wee hours.
I enjoyed this book a great deal. An exciting story that brought those ancient mysteries to life. I read into the wee hours.
March 9, 2017
Worth a read
It's a great idea, how did ancient sites come about with the primate tools civilizations had to work with. But I did honestly find it hard to get through the first half, the twists and turns at the end made the perseverance worth while.
It's a great idea, how did ancient sites come about with the primate tools civilizations had to work with. But I did honestly find it hard to get through the first half, the twists and turns at the end made the perseverance worth while.
March 5, 2017
Very interesting
I'm glad I came across this book. Although not normally the genre I usually read, I thoroughly enjoyed it. It does .take one think and wonder - is it possible ? Although our world is a mess in some ways, generally we humans seem to manage fairly well. I'm glad you came along, Murray McDonald. Thanks for the read! P. D.
I'm glad I came across this book. Although not normally the genre I usually read, I thoroughly enjoyed it. It does .take one think and wonder - is it possible ? Although our world is a mess in some ways, generally we humans seem to manage fairly well. I'm glad you came along, Murray McDonald. Thanks for the read! P. D.
June 9, 2015
It all starts with the assignation of a prominent professor. One clandestine attack on an unsuspecting victim sets the scene for a rollercoaster ride that takes the reader around the world and into the ocean’s depths and in to outer space. The caveat was not lost on Copernicus Armstrong Sagan Harris (Cash) and his best friend Jake Miller (Rigs) who wasted no time in searching for reason. As ex-marines and current intelligence agency elites they were no strangers to the dangers they knew lead ahead of them and went in search of the people responsible for the professor’s, his father’s death. The Noble family is as old as dirt, wealthy beyond belief and behind the scenes string pullers since the beginning of recorded time. What the Noble family wants, the Noble family gets. A nightmare scenario is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat frantically turning pages and devouring their words. The sheer scope of this book boggles the mind. It covers an inconceivable period of time, deals with riches beyond belief and unheard of power, sending the reader into an uncontrollable free fall. Crime, mystery and science fiction are just three genres this tale can claim as its own. I think many readers will enjoy it as much as I have and I highly recommend it to all.
October 31, 2016
The mission log at the start was the perfect intriguing hook - something is happening to earth or the human race, and the possible solution is in space.
Fast paced, with a death in the first few pages. Predictable at times and wildly far fetched at others.
Interesting idea about King William after the untimely death of Charles and abdication of Elizabeth; only very brief but still interesting.
Succinctly demonstrates the dangers when one corporation has interests in a number of fields and are able to influence politics in many countries. This is a thought provoking point, especially in modern times.
Some books you can't help but give a gender to, which I'm sure irritates many people but The God Complex is definitely a man's book.
Overall well written, fast paced and action driven. A good example of the popular large scale adventure conspiracy novel. Just a bit too far fetched for me.
Fast paced, with a death in the first few pages. Predictable at times and wildly far fetched at others.
Interesting idea about King William after the untimely death of Charles and abdication of Elizabeth; only very brief but still interesting.
Succinctly demonstrates the dangers when one corporation has interests in a number of fields and are able to influence politics in many countries. This is a thought provoking point, especially in modern times.
Some books you can't help but give a gender to, which I'm sure irritates many people but The God Complex is definitely a man's book.
Overall well written, fast paced and action driven. A good example of the popular large scale adventure conspiracy novel. Just a bit too far fetched for me.
February 9, 2017
A great fun rollercoaster of a read
Interesting characters. A wild and crazy plot. And a surprise twist at the end. Everything I needed to make a snowy day at home fly by.
Now I just want to know who inherits the estate.
Interesting characters. A wild and crazy plot. And a surprise twist at the end. Everything I needed to make a snowy day at home fly by.
Now I just want to know who inherits the estate.
November 8, 2015
Interesting background story. Disappointing execution.
This is my first by this author. I enjoy thrillers and was attracted by the basic plot line and the mystery surrounding it. However I found the characters hollow and unconvincing, and the content at times needlessly long and complex, occasionally not even necessary to the story or the character development.
After completing the story I still found I didn't feel I knew the characters and felt they were pretty vanilla and lacking in depth.
For a thriller there were surprising few setbacks, and what did happen was quickly resolved by the characters who were seemingly invincible. There was no moral dilemma for the good guys, no growth, just blandness.
It was all too implausible, particularly when everything came together at the end all at the same time, unnecessarily.
I do not recommend.
This is my first by this author. I enjoy thrillers and was attracted by the basic plot line and the mystery surrounding it. However I found the characters hollow and unconvincing, and the content at times needlessly long and complex, occasionally not even necessary to the story or the character development.
After completing the story I still found I didn't feel I knew the characters and felt they were pretty vanilla and lacking in depth.
For a thriller there were surprising few setbacks, and what did happen was quickly resolved by the characters who were seemingly invincible. There was no moral dilemma for the good guys, no growth, just blandness.
It was all too implausible, particularly when everything came together at the end all at the same time, unnecessarily.
I do not recommend.
June 7, 2015
Extreme entertainment warning!
This is a mystery full of action and suspense wrapped in science questions and fantasy. Well done! It hooks you from the start and keeps you quickly turning pages in a race to the finish. The answers are seldom what you think they will be.
Cash and Rigs are not the typical stiff cut outs you often see in action novels, yet they are strong action types without any melodrama.
The questions posed here are ones I love seeing explored. Where did we come from? How were the pyramids and such created, when we can't even recreate them now? What did happen to the Neanderthals? Fact and fiction collide for some interesting results in The God Complex. Nicely done Mr. McDonald!
This is a mystery full of action and suspense wrapped in science questions and fantasy. Well done! It hooks you from the start and keeps you quickly turning pages in a race to the finish. The answers are seldom what you think they will be.
Cash and Rigs are not the typical stiff cut outs you often see in action novels, yet they are strong action types without any melodrama.
The questions posed here are ones I love seeing explored. Where did we come from? How were the pyramids and such created, when we can't even recreate them now? What did happen to the Neanderthals? Fact and fiction collide for some interesting results in The God Complex. Nicely done Mr. McDonald!
March 29, 2014
Another fast paced read from Murray McDonald. And again he spins a story about a corporation that does things in a way to advance their own ends, without regard for any collateral damage. One major difference with this novel, however. There is a touch of science fiction involved in this plot. It made for an interesting read. As science fiction is not a genre I usually read, I’m not really qualified to pass judgment on quality so I’ll just say that I enjoyed the change of pace served up by McDonald.
As with most of his books, McDonald’s plots require the reader to check credulity with the librarian and just enjoy the novel as it was written.
As with most of his books, McDonald’s plots require the reader to check credulity with the librarian and just enjoy the novel as it was written.
May 27, 2015
Well.... This book has everything! Terrorists, Aliens, Megalomaniacs, corrupt officials - yikes. If you have a tiny bit of paranoia about the government or if we have been visited by aliens, I do not suggest reading this book as your paranoia will blossom into a full blown episode. However, what a thriller. The ups and downs were fantastic and also unbelievable but fiction (maybe some fact) is what it is. I found the book a bit too long but kept on keeping on. I would recommend this book for Thriller lovers. Oh, BTW the body count is off the charts but done tastefully if killing is ever tasteful.
July 10, 2015
Intriguing story, weak and predictable ending
I completely enjoyed the first 3/4 of this book. The premise was unusual (I'm not a fantasy reader) and captivating. The writing was mundane, and in places words were used incorrectly. Perhaps this is a hazard of its conversion to an e-book. But I was interested enough to read whenever I had a free moment.
The ending came quickly and felt rushed. It was predictable, and parts were tangled and confusing.
The book contains some solid factual information about the various ancient sites in the world whose existence defies a logical explanation. I'd recommend it for that alone.
I completely enjoyed the first 3/4 of this book. The premise was unusual (I'm not a fantasy reader) and captivating. The writing was mundane, and in places words were used incorrectly. Perhaps this is a hazard of its conversion to an e-book. But I was interested enough to read whenever I had a free moment.
The ending came quickly and felt rushed. It was predictable, and parts were tangled and confusing.
The book contains some solid factual information about the various ancient sites in the world whose existence defies a logical explanation. I'd recommend it for that alone.
February 9, 2017
Another fascinating read!
Happy to have found a new author and this is the second book I have read. Great story, well written and except for a few punctuation mark errors, a fascinating read! Keep up the great work!
Happy to have found a new author and this is the second book I have read. Great story, well written and except for a few punctuation mark errors, a fascinating read! Keep up the great work!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews