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Harker Chronicles #1
Relics: Harker Chronicles, Book 1
When a Catholic priest hangs himself during the pope's inauguration, his friend and ex-priest Alex Harker is dragged into a secret war that has been playing out on the fringes of society since the birth of Christ. The suicide sets into motion a planned timetable of terrifying events that will irrevocably change the world as we know it.
The countdown has begun.
With the clock ticking and pursued by a murderous assassin, Harker must track down and decipher the pieces of the puzzle laid down for him by his dead friend to reveal a truth so shocking, so startling, that it could literally enslave the minds of every human being on the planet and transform mankind's destiny forever.
The countdown has begun.
With the clock ticking and pursued by a murderous assassin, Harker must track down and decipher the pieces of the puzzle laid down for him by his dead friend to reveal a truth so shocking, so startling, that it could literally enslave the minds of every human being on the planet and transform mankind's destiny forever.
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First published March 20, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
March 31, 2015
For the first half of the narrative it seemed like a shameless copy of Dan Brown's Da Vinci code with a very similar plot structure and frustratingly similar characters. The heroic professor who been left a series of clues by a dead man to uncover something unbelievable, the 're-emergence of the Templars who have been guarding the secret, a zealous group intent on claiming the historical prize, a single maniac intent on bringing the prize back to the zealots on his own and a police officer after the lead character all seem to bear a remarkable resemblance to Brown's work. However after the halfway point Shah verges violently away from Brown's work with plot twists and a highly engaging narrative that are definitely his own. Admittedly some of the twists were easy to identify and slightly predictable as if they were twists for the sake of twists but others were brilliantly executed which allows the reader to maintain easy focus. Overall the book is good for a short light read but at times seems to be copying Dan Brown too much
September 7, 2022
A mystery surrounding the Catholic Church. Ancient puzzles to be solved before assassins can stop the former Priest now turned Professer and hero of this story. Hidden histories long thought to be myths. Religious truths set to be revealed. And a thrill ride of danger and mystery in page turner fashion. No, this isn’t a review of Dan Brown’s ‘The Da Vinci Code’, but it sure feels similar doesn’t it?
It’s a popcorn flick of a mystery/thriller novel that is all about the twisty plot and big religious puzzle storylines. Not much in the way of character progression or world building. Frankly, it tells an interesting story… at least slightly interesting and most of the action scenes feel fairly well written.
IF you can separate yourself from The Da Vinci Code(or maybe haven’t read it or watched the film) you’ll likely get a lot of enjoyment from this suspenseful thriller. However, there’s a strong chance you’ll be mentally comparing the two through at least the first half of this book and as such you’ll probably find it’s kind of a re-telling of a story you’ve already tackled… and it’s not a unique enough re-telling to make most want to keep pushing through. While it IS a fairly fast paced read, I think I’d just recommend grabbing Dan Brown’s book instead. Though this DOES bring a bit more violence and mayhem to it’s suspense/mystery twist at the end.
The call is yours, like I said, I didn’t hate it, didn’t love it… I don’t highly recommend it but wouldn’t tell you NOT to read it either.
It’s a popcorn flick of a mystery/thriller novel that is all about the twisty plot and big religious puzzle storylines. Not much in the way of character progression or world building. Frankly, it tells an interesting story… at least slightly interesting and most of the action scenes feel fairly well written.
IF you can separate yourself from The Da Vinci Code(or maybe haven’t read it or watched the film) you’ll likely get a lot of enjoyment from this suspenseful thriller. However, there’s a strong chance you’ll be mentally comparing the two through at least the first half of this book and as such you’ll probably find it’s kind of a re-telling of a story you’ve already tackled… and it’s not a unique enough re-telling to make most want to keep pushing through. While it IS a fairly fast paced read, I think I’d just recommend grabbing Dan Brown’s book instead. Though this DOES bring a bit more violence and mayhem to it’s suspense/mystery twist at the end.
The call is yours, like I said, I didn’t hate it, didn’t love it… I don’t highly recommend it but wouldn’t tell you NOT to read it either.
May 27, 2019
This novel was well paced and practically each chapter ended with a cliff-hanger. Usually it was hard to put the book down. The subject matter was interesting and the characters were sufficiently diverse and fleshed out. The characters were believable in that they were not the ultra heroes of years past. . . you know, the ones that spoke 19 languages, had half a dozen college degrees, were jet pilots and world class marksmen on top of being master ninjas and beer brewers. Yes, them. The characters in this novel were not like that though. They were mainly normal people who were unfamiliar with firearms, not very physically fit, and scared. While this is a bit more believable in terms of the protagonists themselves, it is a lot less believable that they would be in such situations-let alone remain there however. I had to suspend disbelief a bit for that.
Speaking of disbelief, there was this thing about characters carrying concealed swords in their shirt and coat sleeves. This was even more cheesy and goofy. It was like the author had been watching too many episodes of old TV shows like "Highlander."
Another rough edge that needed to be smoothed was that the author didn't seem to know anything about firearms. When they did come up in the novel, incorrect terminology was used and the descriptions of their use seemed rudimentary at best.
Then there were a couple of scenes in the story which seemed like over stretching. For example in one scene in the middle of a fight with a bad guy, the main character sneaks and hides a relic in the seems of his coat without the bad guy even noticing even though he's standing right there opposing him.
In general though, it was overall a good read and I'd recommend it to anyone who likes this kind of genre.
Speaking of disbelief, there was this thing about characters carrying concealed swords in their shirt and coat sleeves. This was even more cheesy and goofy. It was like the author had been watching too many episodes of old TV shows like "Highlander."
Another rough edge that needed to be smoothed was that the author didn't seem to know anything about firearms. When they did come up in the novel, incorrect terminology was used and the descriptions of their use seemed rudimentary at best.
Then there were a couple of scenes in the story which seemed like over stretching. For example in one scene in the middle of a fight with a bad guy, the main character sneaks and hides a relic in the seems of his coat without the bad guy even noticing even though he's standing right there opposing him.
In general though, it was overall a good read and I'd recommend it to anyone who likes this kind of genre.
February 3, 2021
An extraordinary concoction of high octane adventure and intriguing thriller in the first of the Harker Chronicles by R D Shah. The newest book in the series popped up as a recommendation in my kindle and as I read through the preview, I was mystified by the plot. At the same time, it was an instinctual feeling that I start from the first book in the progression and true to my expectation, it was stupendous. The writings of the author are reminiscent of Dan Brown, whose protagonist is also a professor as in this book and is themed around religion and science. The plot revolves around the mysterious death of a cardinal at the time when the new pope is about to make his first public appearance. The protagonist, Alex Harker, an ex-priest at the Vatican and friend of the dead cardinal sets out to unveil the true story shrouded in the death of his friend. As Alex unfolds some cryptic clues, he is caught between the resurgence of a secret war between the templars and Magi. The book is indeed a jaw-dropping page-turner and every chapter ends in a cliffhanger. The author has immensely researched many historical events and places such that it creates visual imagery of the churches, the secret passages, other locations, and the characters in the plot to near perfection. I have become an ardent fan of the series and hope to catch up with all the books in the Harker Chronicles. A well-recommended read for enthusiasts of adventure and thriller combo.
November 14, 2024
As I was sorting books in the library where I volunteer, I came across this novel. It did not sell in our used bookstore, so I was about to put it on our discount table. I read the back of the book and when the opening line of the description reports that a Catholic priest hangs himself at the Pope's inauguration, it caught my interest. Reading the rest of the back cover got me very interested so I decided I would buy it and read it. Professor Alex Harker, a former Catholic priest and now an archaeology professor, is dragged into a puzzle brought on by the priest's suicide.
Very fast moving with a lot of intriguing events, lots of lies, and many people who aren't what they say they are made for an interesting tale. Kind of reminded me of Dan Brown's Professor Langdon.
I'd recommend this book to others.
Very fast moving with a lot of intriguing events, lots of lies, and many people who aren't what they say they are made for an interesting tale. Kind of reminded me of Dan Brown's Professor Langdon.
I'd recommend this book to others.
September 8, 2021
A solid 4 reduced somewhat by poor grammar and a few glaring typos. The plot itself is face-paced and left the reader engaged up to the last although the last 50 or so pages felt rushed. The grammar & typos all took a nosedive here too-foe example, an event (not wanting to spoil the plot) called out as happening firstly in the morning suddenly reverted to the evening a few pages later and remained there!
Despite this Relics was an absorbing read and I for one will be giving Mr Shah the benefit of reading the second in the series despite the apparent lack of a proofreader, albeit that the good lady in question got some Kudos in the acknowledgements!
Despite this Relics was an absorbing read and I for one will be giving Mr Shah the benefit of reading the second in the series despite the apparent lack of a proofreader, albeit that the good lady in question got some Kudos in the acknowledgements!
November 6, 2022
Fanciful but fun. Certainly a better and more plausible story than Dan Brown's, because it's closer to reality. However, there was one puzzling choice by the author which, if taken differently, would have strengthened the story; I will do the author the favor of not spoiling the plot by stating it, but it should bother anyone with knowledge of Church history: a sentence in a bad-guy's speech where he chooses a less important aspect of Protestantism over the obvious one.
As well, the novel is written for the big screen, so villains and heroes must make errors throughout, in order not to terminate the plot prematurely. Again, a fun read and quite suspenseful.
As well, the novel is written for the big screen, so villains and heroes must make errors throughout, in order not to terminate the plot prematurely. Again, a fun read and quite suspenseful.
March 28, 2021
Good read. A fast paced novel with short, punchy chapters that usually end on a cliff edge. The characters are plausible... ordinary folks who become caught up in a world changing conspiracy centred at the heart of the established Catholic Church. As said before by others, this book does have an element of Dan Brown about it but this adds to rather than detracts from the story. The story itself is semi believable using modern day science techniques. The ending is also a cliff hangar ... just when you thought it was over it leaves the door open for the next book. I shall be reading this soon.
June 26, 2021
The Catholic Church of 2020
As a Catholic who has many questions about our current pope whom I believe to part of the New World Order. I am so impressed with the Templars and fantasize being one.This book kept me reading hours on end til I finished tonight.By the way I am of Italian descent
And enjoyed the Rome events. Mr Shaw should write more soon.I am a fan as he used several historical facts as my other favorite author is Dan Brown.good luck on your writing career - I am envious.sincerely Jerry Alano
As a Catholic who has many questions about our current pope whom I believe to part of the New World Order. I am so impressed with the Templars and fantasize being one.This book kept me reading hours on end til I finished tonight.By the way I am of Italian descent
And enjoyed the Rome events. Mr Shaw should write more soon.I am a fan as he used several historical facts as my other favorite author is Dan Brown.good luck on your writing career - I am envious.sincerely Jerry Alano
April 25, 2018
As many have said, the first half of the book is like a copy of a Dan Brown novel. There was a lot of unnecessary background information on characters that did not offer much to the overall story. Seemed this was done more so to hit a certain word count. There was also a lot of info dumps of lengthy dialogue that were a bit much. More proofreading and editing needed to be done. It was a good story line, but felt like Shah was trying to be too much like Dan Brown.
February 16, 2021
This is the first in a long series of adventure books, often including some religious artifacts.
In some ways, they remind me of Dan Brown's books, but move more quickly because Shah does not get bogged down in complex, pseudo-academic discussion about religious symbolism.
If you enjoy this genre, RELICS is an excellent choice. Not a great deal of character development but definitely exciting!
In some ways, they remind me of Dan Brown's books, but move more quickly because Shah does not get bogged down in complex, pseudo-academic discussion about religious symbolism.
If you enjoy this genre, RELICS is an excellent choice. Not a great deal of character development but definitely exciting!
November 13, 2023
Take the formula invented by Dan Brown in The DaVinci Code and rewrite, using almost everything that was original then: church conspiracy, enemies, a giant killer (007 Jaws came to mind imediately), a love interest, an archeologist (too young, too sassy to be taken seriously)... and hope to create a very good and entertaining book... Mission failed. I never leave a book unread after I bought it but this one was very very disappointing.
August 21, 2024
This was such a nostalgic reminder of both what I loved about early Dan Brown books and also what I found a bit far-fetched about Dan Brown books. Either way, it was a fun ride when I didn't take it too seriously. There was a couple interesting conversations about faith and the power of freedom when finding your morality too, though. It was a unique change of pace for book club this month!
P.S. Becky, I hope this review is a better length for your approval.
P.S. Becky, I hope this review is a better length for your approval.
December 19, 2017
A really great adventure!
Shah's writing style is reminiscent of Dan Brown. The story will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end, with plenty of "I didn't see that coming" moments. I gave this book a well earned five stars, and recommend it to all adventure lovers.
Shah's writing style is reminiscent of Dan Brown. The story will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end, with plenty of "I didn't see that coming" moments. I gave this book a well earned five stars, and recommend it to all adventure lovers.
February 22, 2018
A struggle for our beliefs- Catholic Church against Knight Templars
Not being Catholic was probably a good thing as I read this book . I definitely aided more with the Templars' feelings toward religious beliefs than the Church.
Very interesting combining history, religion, and personal beliefs. Good read!
Not being Catholic was probably a good thing as I read this book . I definitely aided more with the Templars' feelings toward religious beliefs than the Church.
Very interesting combining history, religion, and personal beliefs. Good read!
March 1, 2018
Relics by R. D. Shaw
A novel of mystery, mayhem and murder, the author takes the elements of the Catholic church, religion in general and what is believed to be myths and forges a novel of adventure. A good read, leading to another book! Highly enjoyed, I am, sincerely yours, Taborri Walker of the Earth Maid series.
A novel of mystery, mayhem and murder, the author takes the elements of the Catholic church, religion in general and what is believed to be myths and forges a novel of adventure. A good read, leading to another book! Highly enjoyed, I am, sincerely yours, Taborri Walker of the Earth Maid series.
March 20, 2018
Could not put it down.
This book starts out with action but then you are on a race react of pure reading fun. The author puts in more and more twists that keeps you reading. His mixture of so many religious facts and ideas keeps the story interesting until the end. Be careful, if you read this book you will have to read his second book for sure. This is a great read.
This book starts out with action but then you are on a race react of pure reading fun. The author puts in more and more twists that keeps you reading. His mixture of so many religious facts and ideas keeps the story interesting until the end. Be careful, if you read this book you will have to read his second book for sure. This is a great read.
May 10, 2018
And I Thought This Would Be A Poor Man's Dan Brown
As stated above, I am truly happy to say my analogy was totally incorrect. This book went in a different direction and was in my estimation much better.
Loved it so much, I ordered the next book immediately after finishing the first.
Excellent read!
As stated above, I am truly happy to say my analogy was totally incorrect. This book went in a different direction and was in my estimation much better.
Loved it so much, I ordered the next book immediately after finishing the first.
Excellent read!
March 6, 2019
Alex Harker has quickly become one of my favorite literary characters. He is a former priest now turned famous archaeologist with an internal struggle between religion and science. This book takes you on a action packed ride in a secret war between the Knights Templar and the Magi. If you enjoy Dan Brown novels like I, you will love R.D. Shah. I look forward to many more Alex Harker adventures.
September 3, 2020
What a great book
I love me some Alex Harker, but that Clair, she's something else! One thrill after another! I have always been fascinated by the Kinghts Templer! Who wouldn't be intrigued??? Not just one Secret Society but 2 and let us not forget secret rooms & passages!!! I really enjoyed reading this Vatican thriller!!
I love me some Alex Harker, but that Clair, she's something else! One thrill after another! I have always been fascinated by the Kinghts Templer! Who wouldn't be intrigued??? Not just one Secret Society but 2 and let us not forget secret rooms & passages!!! I really enjoyed reading this Vatican thriller!!
March 30, 2024
Textual archaeologist, Alex Harper, is challenged by a mysterious wealthy gentleman to follow clues leading to two important Christian relics. He succeeds, but the Maji want the same relics.
An interesting thriller from the first page. Treats familiar subjects in a new way. Kept my interest through the last page.
An interesting thriller from the first page. Treats familiar subjects in a new way. Kept my interest through the last page.
January 26, 2018
An engaging page turner in the vein of Dan Brown and Steve Berry.
Moves at quite a clip.
Leaves you wanting more.
A writer to watch indeed.
Vastly entertaining.
Bring on the next book.
Moves at quite a clip.
Leaves you wanting more.
A writer to watch indeed.
Vastly entertaining.
Bring on the next book.
February 6, 2018
Excellent reading
It had me glued to the story. The plot interested me so much, I had to research the Templars and the Magi. It intrigued me, and it made me want more. I simply love it
It had me glued to the story. The plot interested me so much, I had to research the Templars and the Magi. It intrigued me, and it made me want more. I simply love it
February 19, 2018
Excellent ride with the Templars
Professor Alex Barker gets involved with the Knights Templar,the Catholic Church and the Vatican. Don't want to give anything away,but I can say the book is fast paced and leaves you looking forward to the next one.
Professor Alex Barker gets involved with the Knights Templar,the Catholic Church and the Vatican. Don't want to give anything away,but I can say the book is fast paced and leaves you looking forward to the next one.
March 20, 2018
BE CAREFUL OF FALSE PEOPLE YOU DO.....
Hello, this is a really cool story. I can't wait to see where it is going to go. The characters are well written and the story is entertaining. Good job. Thanks.
Hello, this is a really cool story. I can't wait to see where it is going to go. The characters are well written and the story is entertaining. Good job. Thanks.
April 11, 2018
Great twists and turns
Enjoyed the characters, and the combination of humor and suspense. An easy and enjoyable read, especially with the protagonists. Looking forward to the next book.
Enjoyed the characters, and the combination of humor and suspense. An easy and enjoyable read, especially with the protagonists. Looking forward to the next book.
November 14, 2018
Great Read
Very entertaining, lots of twists & turns. Looking forward to the next book in this series. I hope there’s another book or two on the way because this story isn’t finished yet.
Very entertaining, lots of twists & turns. Looking forward to the next book in this series. I hope there’s another book or two on the way because this story isn’t finished yet.
May 2, 2020
Readable archaeological thriller
This book was a readable archaeological action thriller involving Catholic relics. It had a couple of plot twists and some interesting characters. It would make a good movie. I plan to read more of Shah’s Harker novels.
This book was a readable archaeological action thriller involving Catholic relics. It had a couple of plot twists and some interesting characters. It would make a good movie. I plan to read more of Shah’s Harker novels.
August 18, 2020
Intriguing
Well written story about the church, the Knights Templar and the Magi and a professor of archaeology who was a former priest. This professor gets pulled into the centuries old war between the Magi and the Templars and barely escapes with his life. Great read
Well written story about the church, the Knights Templar and the Magi and a professor of archaeology who was a former priest. This professor gets pulled into the centuries old war between the Magi and the Templars and barely escapes with his life. Great read
February 26, 2021
An interesting novel, reminiscent of the Davinci Code. The book tugs at the foundation of faith with the advance of science and what happens when one enables the other.
It left a lot to be desired but the constant action and cliffhangers made it fun to read.
It left a lot to be desired but the constant action and cliffhangers made it fun to read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews