Hunting the King

by Peter Clenott

On the eve of the American invasion of Saddam Hussein’s Iraq, an international cast of schemers, spies, clergy, and scientists race to claim the greatest prize the world has ever seen. American archaeologist Molly O’Dwyer has unearthed a long-lost burial mound in ancient Babylon. Whose remains are in it? Are they related to the mysterious Gospel of Hannaniah, the alleged daughter of Jesus of Nazareth? Will the revelation of her shocking findings destroy the church and the faith of billions? This tale of intrigue, betrayal, and ruthless ambition set against the treacherous background of the Middle East on the brink of war, piles on the suspense until the final gripping scenes.

Genres: Fiction, Historical Fiction

384 pages, Hardcover

First published April 1, 2008

Reviews

[Melissa · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was suggested to me through goodreads by the author. It looked interesting since he said it was a lot like The Di Vinci Code. Truth is I just could not get into it. It was TOO much like the Code only the writing is not nearly as good. The word hack flooded my head as I tried (painstakingly) to get past the first few chapters. I wouldn’t recommend the book. Unless maybe you didn’t read The Di Vinci Code and you don’t mind cheesy characterization.

[Buck · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book that was suggested to me through Goodreads by the author, peter clenott.

The book follows the exploits of archaeologist, Molly O'Dwyer as she searches for the burial site of the unrisen Jesus Christ amid the deserts of Iraq in the midst of the Iraq War.

O'Dwyer, who has strange dreams of a woman named Hannaniah is driven to find her burial site and believes that Hannaniah is the daughter of Jesus Christ. If she finds her grave, she will also find Jesus' grave as well.

The action develops quickly and continues at a break neck pace throughout the book. A combination of The DaVinci Code and Raiders of the Lost Ark, the story entertains and also manages to ask some interesting questions about religion and politics.

The varying ideologies of the characters bring them into frequent conflict as they search for Jesus of Nazareth beneath the desert sands. From fundamentalist Christians working for the Department of Defense, to Mossad agents, to Islamic Imams, to representatives of the Vatican; each character has a desire not just for the truth but also for what the revelation of that truth will do for his/her beliefs.

In the end, this is a work about the power of belief over truth. After all, as Molly realizes, can she ever prove that the body in the desert is the "real" Jesus? Would she even want to try? For Molly, her faith is powerful and comforting and she is plagued by what the revelation of an unrisen Jesus could do to those whose only comfort is faith.

Well written, fast, and thought provoking with many twists and turns and a dash of paranormal spice, Hunting the King is certainly worth a read!

[Rhonda · Rating 3 out of 5]

i read this book because the author contacted me through good reads and asked me to. the book had an interesting premise - sort of davinci code-esque, as a team of archaeologists and others, all with different motives, search for the tomb of hannaniah ( the supposed daughter of jesus of nazareth) and ultimately, the tomb of jesus, himself. such a find would rock the world, because it would imply that jesus had survived the crucifixion, and had not actually died and risen from the dead. some wanted to secure the find for fame and glory, and others for more personal reasons. i thought some of the dialogue was a bit cheesey, and there were a couple of times when i thought it was confusing. there were so many characters all in pursuit, that occasionally i had to stop and think - now who is that again and what was his motive? overall, an enjoyable story with a neat twist at the end. i'm a sucker for an archaelogical story, and enjoy the ones that involve religious history and mystery.

[Phil Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is hard to read Hunting the King without comparing it to The DaVinci Code. They are both religious based thrillers and both give an alternate biography of Jesus after the crucifixion, but the comparisons stop there. The DaVinci Code is an adventurous treasure hunt through Europe, where Hunting the King is a metaphysical journey through the Middle East and the past lives of the books characters.
The books main character, Molly O'Dwyer is a Boston archeologist who gets caught up in the hunt for the greatest find in human history, Jesus' grave and on the way interperts her dreams to think she was Hannaniah, the daughter of Jesus Christ.
It is an enjoyable adventure story though not as clever as The DaVinci Code and the past lives regression was a bit much for me to swallow but then so is the concept of God.

[Eric_W · Rating 2 out of 5]

Disappointing. Does have some of the same feel as the DaVinci Code, but I didn't feel it had the same energy. Others have liked it so it's probably just me. I'm reading a lot of non-fiction at the moment and perhaps the basic premise struck me as somewhat preposterous.

[Connie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I felt the swearing by the main character was not necessary. I wanted more archaeology than was in the book. It was confusing and hard to follow in the beginning. I wanted to enjoy the book more than I did.

[Jeanine Malarsky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Peter Clenott writes well and weaves an interesting, fast-moving story. If you enjoy a mystery set in the troubled mid-east with links to historic times, this is a good option. If you liked Dan Brown's The Da Vinci Code, you will enjoy reading Hunting the King.

[Violet · Rating 3 out of 5]

Molly, an archaeologist, becomes involved in a find during the midst of the invasion in Iraq. Molly is looking for Hannaniah's burial site, and that of her father(Jesus). Many people are out to intercept her and her finds, some are even on her team. Some of the clues she has are difficult to figure out, but that is what Molly likes to do best.

Molly has visions of Hannaiah and seems to go back in time to the time of Jesus. Other members on the team also seem to be part of the past. Was Molly Hannaniah? In a way she seems to think so.

Does she find the burial site and the remains of Hannaiah and her father, who are the other members who are part of the past. Read the book to find out.

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

I ultimately enjoyed this book a lot. The excitement started immediately and continued through out the story. It was captivating, although farfetched, as Dan Brown's books are. I had trouble keeping the foreign names and places straight, but that is only because of my own ignorance. It was jarring to hear the characters who were searching for Jesus to use our Lord's name in vain when there are other ways to express yourself. Peter, are you a Believer or more of a Doubting Thomas? Definitely a worthy first novel.

[Gina · Rating 2 out of 5]

I finished this book. I liked the adventure of going through Iraq, it's desert, it's towns and villages. It was interesting to see and experience it's people through this book. It definitely was along the same vein as "Davinci Code".
I'm a Christian and believe in the living God and Jesus so I had issue with the premise of the story. I had the same issue with Davinci Code. But again, it was interesting to be taken into Iraq. As I read, I picture Molly as looking like Julianne Moore.

[Jamie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I finished the book only because the concept was intriguing. That said, the writing was trite and poorly developed. The book has much more potential to it that a better writer could turn into a genuinely good story. As it stands, the characters were only half developed, the story running in circles, the plot half developed, and the writing style limp. I've been on a religious suspense/conspiracy fiction kick lately, which is probably the only reason I pushed through to give it a go.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

Local writer from Portland, ME spun this one out. I was seriously impressed with this book. Not only is it a unique story, but the author keeps accurate track of several characters simultaneously. Interactions are relevant and believable. The premise is laid out and supported sufficiently to bring one into the story. I would recommend anyone request this book from their local book seller.

[Limopilot · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great read on a subject that has been hashed over a few times.
Clenott does a great job on the believability of the story line - The relationship between the main characters and the "past" is a little far-fetched, but is a good spin on the overall read.

Expected but still well written ending...

[Weavre]

Looks interesting, and I'd not mind a bit of light adventure about now ... but Luzerne doesn't have it, so we'll see. I kinda want to read it just because it's the first time the author wrote me to suggest it (even if he also wrote a few thousand others here, of course!).

[Victoria · Rating 2 out of 5]

On a global level this was a good story. Very Da Vinci Code-esque. The characters were well developed. However, on a page level, the story was improbable, confusing, and the timelines and relationships made no sense.

[Jeanine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Somewhat in the same vein as Dan Brown's books with some supernatural overtones. I had some trouble with the character names in the beginning but it got easier. Very interesting, entertaining read.

[Dawn Baca · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book years ago, it was a gift from a friend who was even able to introduce me to the author.

It's similar in scope to the Da Vinci Code, but with it's own twist.
I enjoyed it, it was a very fast read.

[Laura · Rating 1 out of 5]

Another "DaVinci Code" knockoff....but boring. It's hard to believe that this is supposed to be the first of a series featuring the main character, Molly O'Dwyer, because it was extremely dull.

[Kathy-Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fascinating read on the origins of Christianity.

[Paul · Rating 3 out of 5]

DaVinci Code lite. Not a bad book but it requires a huge suspension of disbelief. It is a page-turner, though some of the situations were implausible. Grade B-

[Ruth · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was hoping for more than it delivered. Not a bad story, just fell short

[Laura Schmidt]

I got a message from the author that if I liked DaVinci Code, I should check out his book. Looks cool - I shall! :)

[Josh]

The author tells me that I'd like it. ;-)

[Jason · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great read. It has history, religion, mysticism, romance, murder, international intrigue. A little bit of everything for everyone! Lots of twists and turns, and fascinating characters.

[Tricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very good book.
Adventures of the biblical nature always fascinate me.
If you are a fan of Dan Brown and Chris Kuzneski, you will love this1

[Tara]

A Maine writer. Might just have to check it out. :)

[Susan]

Sounds interesting. On my "to read list". Looking forward to checking it out.