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The Mahabharata Quest #3
The Secret of the Druids
55 BC and 54 BC. Julius Caesar invades Britain twice...only to leave empty handed.
60 AD. The Romans single-mindedly target the extermination of the Druids and the destruction of their sacred sites. What fear drives them to do so?
Present Who were the Druids? Were they priests or astronomers? Scientists or sorcerers? What is the ancient and terrifying secret from the Mahabharata that links the megalithic sites of Britain to the Druids, Julius Caesar and a mysterious Queen who lived 4,000 years ago? These are the riddles that Vijay Singh and the task force must answer if they are to save the world from a fate worse than death. But time is running out....
Explore the science behind the Mahabharata in this explosive thriller packed with action, puzzles and mysteries from the past.
Please This audiobook is in Hindi.
60 AD. The Romans single-mindedly target the extermination of the Druids and the destruction of their sacred sites. What fear drives them to do so?
Present Who were the Druids? Were they priests or astronomers? Scientists or sorcerers? What is the ancient and terrifying secret from the Mahabharata that links the megalithic sites of Britain to the Druids, Julius Caesar and a mysterious Queen who lived 4,000 years ago? These are the riddles that Vijay Singh and the task force must answer if they are to save the world from a fate worse than death. But time is running out....
Explore the science behind the Mahabharata in this explosive thriller packed with action, puzzles and mysteries from the past.
Please This audiobook is in Hindi.
Audible Audio
First published June 21, 2016
347 people are currently reading
1510 people want to read
About the author
Christopher C. Doyle
15 books421 followersChristopher C. Doyle pursued a career in the corporate world, graduating from St. Stephens College, Delhi with a degree in Economics and studying business management at IIM Calcutta. He now helps companies to grow profitably and sustainably.
He is also a musician and lives his passion for music through his band called Mid Life Crisis which plays classic rock.
He is also a musician and lives his passion for music through his band called Mid Life Crisis which plays classic rock.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 141 reviews
September 25, 2016
‘I realised that people weren’t going to easily give up beliefs instilled in them through long years of indoctrination in schools, even if those beliefs were not backed by data and evidence. And it is going to be a long time before people start realising, on a large scale, that absence of evidence doesn’t mean evidence of absence.’ -The Secret of the Druids by CHRISTOPHER DOYLE
You know when a writer has done a good job with a book when you begin to wish that the events happening in the book were true or hope that they are not! Of course, opinions may differ on the true worth of a book or an author!
I have always loved historicals and science fiction. They are the most difficult genres which require extensive research and an academician’s aptitude, diligence and tenacity. So, it was with a lot of curiosity that I bought this book by an Indian author who writes a story, straddling centuries, across several timelines from the ancient to the modern. Picking up one event or topic is easy for anyone. But taking many threads from both fact and fiction to intertwine them successfully and create a beautiful tapestry is a master’s work! And it was worth every moment of my time spent deciphering it.
The plot- Vijay Singh and his team of investigators are hunting for an ancient divine weapon that they discover has links to the Mahabharata and is now buried somewhere in Britain. The story takes you on a roller coaster ride across centuries from the times of the Druids (the great men of wisdom), to many rulers from the ancient to the modern times who want to control this divine weapon to satisfy their lust for power.
The book started slowly for me, since there were so many ends to grab hold of before I could actually get into the pace of the mystery. Initially it was a bit vague. Several events happened simultaneously. And since the events happening were not in a linear fashion, as Doyle keeps slipping back and forth in the timeline to throw us a clue, I had to flip back the pages every few minutes to check if I had missed any. Very soon I was stopping at every page, verifying facts from fiction, checking out all the names, maps and events from BC to AD.
There is a child-like simplicity in the way Doyle tells the tale and the excitement of stumbling upon clues is contagious. He weaves a mesmeric tale here playing with multiple genres. And yet it makes perfect sense when it all comes full circle in the end.
Theme- I personally believe that every legend or myth has a grain of truth in it. It is not necessary that what we believe in is the ultimate truth, or what we do not believe in, does not exist.
World history is strewn with events that go back thousands of years. But to choose the events, cut across timelines in a credible manner, and then incorporate it into the modern day scenario is most certainly a humongous task. Especially, when the event has to be corroborated with solid data. There will always be different perspectives to the same event. The vast amount of research that goes into a historical or science fiction requires painstaking work and an ability to delve deep into a historical fact that may or may not have happened in reality but is only corroborated by what someone has reported in writing.
It was clever of Doyle to have picked up events that do have thorough proof and also those that were only myths or legends. I am sure the choice would always have veered towards what to not write, as there is always the danger of digging up controversial events or appearing foolish in tagging along after the things that were merely considered hearsay.
Doyle does a fantastic job of the fine balancing act of filling in the gaps where history is missing.
Characters-Yes, the characters are one dimensional. At some places even the physical description of a person is rudimentary. But then it was good in a way because it would have become too complex to write about the deeper levels of interaction between people which was not the aim of the author. The people in the book are commoners doing their job without the gloss of heroism.
Here the plot is the protagonist. It took me a while to realize that Doyle was giving an aerial view of events. The whole book was like a map with different events happening at different places and timelines. The people did not matter. Neither the rulers nor the common man. They were just caught up in the marauding juggernaut of history. Even the most powerful emperor Caesar does not succeed, proving that power is an illusion. It can change the dynamics any time, reducing the humans involved, into merely functional or even disposable.
The Secret of the Druids when revealed in the end was explosive (literally!) and so beautiful! Logic is beautiful in its symmetry! The learning experience was enriching.
The glossary and the explanation at the end of the book were very helpful and reader-friendly. I would definitely read the rest of the series.
Highly recommend to anyone who is interested in history, mythology, science and fast-paced complex mysteries.
Source: Bought
You know when a writer has done a good job with a book when you begin to wish that the events happening in the book were true or hope that they are not! Of course, opinions may differ on the true worth of a book or an author!
I have always loved historicals and science fiction. They are the most difficult genres which require extensive research and an academician’s aptitude, diligence and tenacity. So, it was with a lot of curiosity that I bought this book by an Indian author who writes a story, straddling centuries, across several timelines from the ancient to the modern. Picking up one event or topic is easy for anyone. But taking many threads from both fact and fiction to intertwine them successfully and create a beautiful tapestry is a master’s work! And it was worth every moment of my time spent deciphering it.
The plot- Vijay Singh and his team of investigators are hunting for an ancient divine weapon that they discover has links to the Mahabharata and is now buried somewhere in Britain. The story takes you on a roller coaster ride across centuries from the times of the Druids (the great men of wisdom), to many rulers from the ancient to the modern times who want to control this divine weapon to satisfy their lust for power.
The book started slowly for me, since there were so many ends to grab hold of before I could actually get into the pace of the mystery. Initially it was a bit vague. Several events happened simultaneously. And since the events happening were not in a linear fashion, as Doyle keeps slipping back and forth in the timeline to throw us a clue, I had to flip back the pages every few minutes to check if I had missed any. Very soon I was stopping at every page, verifying facts from fiction, checking out all the names, maps and events from BC to AD.
There is a child-like simplicity in the way Doyle tells the tale and the excitement of stumbling upon clues is contagious. He weaves a mesmeric tale here playing with multiple genres. And yet it makes perfect sense when it all comes full circle in the end.
Theme- I personally believe that every legend or myth has a grain of truth in it. It is not necessary that what we believe in is the ultimate truth, or what we do not believe in, does not exist.
World history is strewn with events that go back thousands of years. But to choose the events, cut across timelines in a credible manner, and then incorporate it into the modern day scenario is most certainly a humongous task. Especially, when the event has to be corroborated with solid data. There will always be different perspectives to the same event. The vast amount of research that goes into a historical or science fiction requires painstaking work and an ability to delve deep into a historical fact that may or may not have happened in reality but is only corroborated by what someone has reported in writing.
It was clever of Doyle to have picked up events that do have thorough proof and also those that were only myths or legends. I am sure the choice would always have veered towards what to not write, as there is always the danger of digging up controversial events or appearing foolish in tagging along after the things that were merely considered hearsay.
Doyle does a fantastic job of the fine balancing act of filling in the gaps where history is missing.
Characters-Yes, the characters are one dimensional. At some places even the physical description of a person is rudimentary. But then it was good in a way because it would have become too complex to write about the deeper levels of interaction between people which was not the aim of the author. The people in the book are commoners doing their job without the gloss of heroism.
Here the plot is the protagonist. It took me a while to realize that Doyle was giving an aerial view of events. The whole book was like a map with different events happening at different places and timelines. The people did not matter. Neither the rulers nor the common man. They were just caught up in the marauding juggernaut of history. Even the most powerful emperor Caesar does not succeed, proving that power is an illusion. It can change the dynamics any time, reducing the humans involved, into merely functional or even disposable.
The Secret of the Druids when revealed in the end was explosive (literally!) and so beautiful! Logic is beautiful in its symmetry! The learning experience was enriching.
The glossary and the explanation at the end of the book were very helpful and reader-friendly. I would definitely read the rest of the series.
Highly recommend to anyone who is interested in history, mythology, science and fast-paced complex mysteries.
Source: Bought
August 7, 2019
After two previous block busters, this is a big let down. One would have expected a closure and tying up of all loose ends as the plot developed from the first book in the trilogy. Rather than that there is a new plot added which has a loose connection with the original. Lot of painstaking research has gone behind the book, which in parts appears to be factual. However compared to the first two books, this is a dampener. Too many coincidences, too many unanswered questions make this book an average read.
August 7, 2016
"Very Well Researched."
The book, i must say, comes after some incredible research into the Babylonian, Indian, Celtic and Roman history. While the previous book, "The Alexander Secret" was based on a secret mentioned in the 'Mahabharata' which to many of us Indians itself is a myth., this one was better off with some relatable history of the romans and the brits. It talks about a historical period of time and players (read:Druids;Celts and Romans) i'm not much aware of, hence the interest.
However, the writing style of the author is a bit drab; the way the plot progresses and each layer of suspense is revealed is quite boring; Often its a monologue by one character or the other and some research they did on their own and not really an adventure that reveals itself at every step, which we find in a 'Dan Brown'. The interesting aspect of the writing is two different periods; the time of Julius Caesar and present day being told paralelly, unraveling each layer of the secret.
The plot is intriguing and keeps the interest of the reader alive. It talks about a secret which has been passed down in the ancient history through many hands and how Caesar gets to know of it and acquires it. Continuing from the last book, 'the order' is out to get its hands on the secret and how Vijay and his team race against them to prevent it from falling into the order's hands.
The amazing part is where the author has amalgamated science and ancient history to explain the secret, everyone is after.
There are quite a few parts of the story from the last book and the mini book, 'The secret revealed' left unexplained, which makes me draw the conclusion that there'd be a next book in the series.
All in all, it was an average read.
The book, i must say, comes after some incredible research into the Babylonian, Indian, Celtic and Roman history. While the previous book, "The Alexander Secret" was based on a secret mentioned in the 'Mahabharata' which to many of us Indians itself is a myth., this one was better off with some relatable history of the romans and the brits. It talks about a historical period of time and players (read:Druids;Celts and Romans) i'm not much aware of, hence the interest.
However, the writing style of the author is a bit drab; the way the plot progresses and each layer of suspense is revealed is quite boring; Often its a monologue by one character or the other and some research they did on their own and not really an adventure that reveals itself at every step, which we find in a 'Dan Brown'. The interesting aspect of the writing is two different periods; the time of Julius Caesar and present day being told paralelly, unraveling each layer of the secret.
The plot is intriguing and keeps the interest of the reader alive. It talks about a secret which has been passed down in the ancient history through many hands and how Caesar gets to know of it and acquires it. Continuing from the last book, 'the order' is out to get its hands on the secret and how Vijay and his team race against them to prevent it from falling into the order's hands.
The amazing part is where the author has amalgamated science and ancient history to explain the secret, everyone is after.
There are quite a few parts of the story from the last book and the mini book, 'The secret revealed' left unexplained, which makes me draw the conclusion that there'd be a next book in the series.
All in all, it was an average read.
June 30, 2016
Ever since I read The Mahabharata Secret, I've been a fan of Christopher C. Doyle's work, eagerly looking forward to the next book or the next part of the puzzle. The Mahabharata Secret was an action filled debut, followed by The Mahabharata Quest- The Alexander Secret that really set the tone of mystery to the series. There were some questions that were left unanswered or just lingered in the back of your head, simply wondering about the fate of certain characters of this gripping series of books.
Now, nearly 2 years since the release of The Mahabharata Quest-The Alexander Secret, comes The Secret of the Druids. I think it's safe to say this book was worth the wait and probably my favourite out of all of Christopher C. Doyle's work. It's 393 pages of pure perfection and nothing less. It's impossible to put this book down after reading a couple of pages. The way it's written is amazing and grasps 100% of your attention. It’s extremely informative thanks to the thorough research that has been done by the author to a point where you cannot fault a single sentence.
It's an action packed book which sheds some light to the many questions about the apparent accidental death of Vijay's parents, The Order along with Radha's death,etc. Majority of the book isn't based in India but there are certain connections pointed out in the book that make you realise how truly intertwined the world really is.
This book is a real page turner and a must buy for sure. I think it's safe to say that Christopher C. Doyle has established himself enough in this genre after his previous bestsellers that words don't do this book justice. I can't wait to see what he's got in store for us in his upcoming books.
Looking forward to lots of adventure!
Now, nearly 2 years since the release of The Mahabharata Quest-The Alexander Secret, comes The Secret of the Druids. I think it's safe to say this book was worth the wait and probably my favourite out of all of Christopher C. Doyle's work. It's 393 pages of pure perfection and nothing less. It's impossible to put this book down after reading a couple of pages. The way it's written is amazing and grasps 100% of your attention. It’s extremely informative thanks to the thorough research that has been done by the author to a point where you cannot fault a single sentence.
It's an action packed book which sheds some light to the many questions about the apparent accidental death of Vijay's parents, The Order along with Radha's death,etc. Majority of the book isn't based in India but there are certain connections pointed out in the book that make you realise how truly intertwined the world really is.
This book is a real page turner and a must buy for sure. I think it's safe to say that Christopher C. Doyle has established himself enough in this genre after his previous bestsellers that words don't do this book justice. I can't wait to see what he's got in store for us in his upcoming books.
Looking forward to lots of adventure!
February 12, 2017
Read this one only because I really liked the first book in the series and wanted to see how the story moved forward. Really not a fan of 'forcibly' complicated mysteries and multiple plot lines. But the research and the creativity deserve a special mention.
July 9, 2016
Not the best book by the author... if you go by the reviews , you would be disappointed.....wondering if the existing reviewers really read this book !!
February 19, 2020
This one is the 2nd part of Mahabharata quest series by the author. I have read and reviewed earlier two parts, one by one, here some time back. It's best, if all books are read one after another in a quick succession (which I could not), otherwise, the plot is so intricate with deep, ancient Indian & foreign history that one can have a difficulty in putting two plus two together. The main characters as Vijay Singh & his team gets to the end of last secret -as the secret itself as an ancient weapon & it's location are revealed in this book after intense puzzle solving by main character & his team like in previous parts; that on maps and rare coins and with vicious, blood thirsty enemy on tail who wanted this ancient secret to rule the world. The author has tried to merge science with ancient history of Mahabharata, weaving that with history of ancient wars by Julius cezar, in Italy , Rome with other fable of Semiramis queen. Sometimes, it get too much nerve racking. Compared to heavy duty puzzle solving & history as articulated in book, the end seemed rather mild & little unbelievable. But all in all, the last book that you would like to read, if you have read earlier parts and want to get to the end to finish the mystery. 03 stars for this one.
May 29, 2020
There's a lot of theorizing and a lot of sitting around in rooms explaining stuff and too little action for this to be counted as a thriller. Still, there's a decent amount of research done and the story is enticing. I'm still waiting for Chris Doyle to reach the level of his debut attempt which still remains his best work yet.
May 17, 2020
অসাধারণ বই
October 3, 2021
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The Secret Of The Druids
(The Mahabharata Quest #3)
by Christopher C. Doyle.
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As one begins reading, it's gripping, not because it's changing rapidly from an assaulted or murdered - we aren't told which - woman's body vanishing, even as her associate watches; to Julius Caesar across Gaul, to Semiramis at Sindhu attacking India long before Alexander, to excavation of a grave in U.K., to pursuit of an "Order", Stonehenge and "other Henges" all over U.K., Celts and Druids, ... we know it's a trick to grip, the rapid switches and the half glimpses of information before each switch that's not why it's gripping, and the writing is barely adequate, without grace that simple writing can have with better authors.
Gripping is the part of sheer volume of information, from diverse times around globe, that is pouring in as one reads, and the thought that it was connected. It only gets more so towards the end, with piezoelectricity and resonance, Stonehenge like structures and uses thereof by Druids, which is fictional theory by the author like much of it - especially where anything is connected to India in any way, which when not factual is badly imagined.
Funny, one wonders why he's writing about India when it's so obvious he knows nothing. Then it begins to become clear he's attempting to emulate and outdo Dan Brown, but had to find somewhere other than church of Rome to do so, and what's more mysterious - and safer to make mistakes, or lie, about - to Western readership, than India!
Later a slender clue, the connection of ancient prehistory of Druids and connection with India apparent via nomenclature and concepts, emerges. Well, he missed on an obvious one - but then, his education probably wouldn't let him question Macaulay policy of education in India, feeding lies; for, while one assumes this author is of U.S. upbringing, and his post epilogue writing thanking his family and friend clears his connection to India, it's only his photograph finally that reveals he's of Indian ancestry.
Much of interesting stuff one could quote is now not possible, because the book has been removed from kindle unlimited.
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"‘You do realise, Ms Turner, that I cannot permit you to physically remove the artefact from the premises of the museum? So I am curious to learn how you will find the answers you seek.’"
Stilted dialogue - wrong in sp very many ways! It's not that he's attempting a piece of literature, he's obviously far from averse to writing this as a ready screenplay a la Chetan Bhagat, and yet here simple, natural dialogue fails him.
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""Who knows what other discoveries we have cast by the wayside just because we want to stick to our academic dogmas? Or because most of us are too afraid to challenge them?’"
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"‘Much of what we know about Semiramis comes from a Greek historian called Diodorus Siculus, who lived around the same time as Julius Caesar. He, in turn, is said to have taken his material for the Semiramis story largely from Ctesias of Cnide. But today, many historians believe that much of his writings, especially the stories concerning Semiramis were a mix of fantasy and legend and had little to do with historical facts. According to Diodorus, King Ninus of Assyria built a city that became Nineveh, which you are familiar with from the Bible. Of course, the Bible attributes the building of Nineveh to Nimrod, a descendent of Noah, better known as the chief instigator of the Tower of Babel. Scholars have placed Ninus or Nimrod at around 2180 B.C. and assumed that both are the same person. There is no historical basis for this.’"
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"After all, hadn’t he discovered secrets from the Mahabharata that had long been assumed to be myths, only to learn that at least some of the so-called myths had a kernel of truth in them, wrapped in mysticism and fantasy? Who knew if this wasn’t the case with Semiramis? A queen forgotten by history, her story buried in obscurity, maybe even deliberately ignored for some reason? It wouldn’t be the first time this had happened.""
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"‘The story on the prism starts with a meeting between Semiramis and a priest of some sort from the north-west, an elderly man who is described in quite a bit of detail actually. He’s bearded, with long hair, fair skin and blue eyes and is dressed in white robes. This priest tells Semiramis about a secret legend that has been passed down for generations by an ancient people referred to as the “Lords of Light”. The legend describes an ancient and powerful device, which is hidden in a secret location in the land where Semiramis was born. He asks her, as the all-powerful ruler of the world, to go back and find this device. He tells her that the “brothers in the east”, whatever that means, guard this device. And he also, quite conveniently, gives her the location of the device—a secret that has been transmitted orally for generations and is known to none but the “brothers”."
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" ... ‘Then, the story gets into more familiar territory, though it goes against the grain of the legend narrated by Diodorus. It narrates how Semiramis musters a large army and marches to the banks of the Indus, which is where the device is hidden. She is challenged by the “brothers of the east” led by a priest king called Sthavarapati who rules a kingdom on the banks of the Indus. A fierce battle follows, in which Semiramis is missing in action. She is nowhere to be found on the battlefield. The inscriptions say that she disappears into the desert without an explanation, leaving her generals to lead the Assyrians into battle. Her army, dispirited by her absence, begins to wilt under the aggression of the opponent. Eventually, they are routed and flee back across the Indus in retreat. This is when Semiramis makes a dramatic appearance, with the device that she has come all this way to find. She reveals her possession of the device to Sthavarapati and the “brothers of the east”, who shrink back and allow her to return in peace. Semiramis returns to Nineveh, defeated in battle but victorious in her mission.
"‘Her joy, however, is short-lived, as her son has been plotting against her in her absence and decides to stake his claim as the true ruler of Assyria. According to the story, Semiramis had once consulted the Oracle of Jupiter-Ammon in Ethiopia and was told that her reign would end when her son rebelled against her. She realises that the prophecy has come to pass and travels to the land of the priests in the northwest, carrying the device with her. The story ends with a description of her death and burial on a hill that is sacred to the priests. There is no mention of what happens to the device.’ ‘Does the story say what the device is?’ Alice wanted to know. ‘None of the myths about Semiramis mention any kind of device though they all seem to agree that Semiramis was routed and almost lost her life in India.’
"‘Not really,’ Goldfeld perused his notes once more. ‘The only clue to the nature of the device lies in what the priest tells Semiramis. He calls it a…’ Goldfeld hesitated as he looked at his notes and then again at the laptop screen. ‘Yes, I guess that’s the best translation I have for what’s on the prism. It says, “sceptre of light”. That’s odd and doesn’t really make sense. The priest says that the “sceptre of light” will enable his people to regain the power that the Lords of Light once possessed in their lands.’"
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"Semiramis swept out of Sthavarapati’s palace and rode back across the river to her army. She roused them and instructed them to prepare for war."
This was about Sindhu; where exactly is it so facile to cross it, once it is down from Himaalayan ranges?
Later on, he mentions a bridge - was there one, and if so, why was it considered, by outsiders, so difficult to cross into India? So much so, Alexander was supposed to have turned back, persuaded by his tired soldiers, without crossing Sindhu- they were daunted enough at the thought of rivers mightier further East, such as Gangaa, that they had heard fearsome stories about the flow and might of; was it all a lie, covering up his defeat?
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"‘Don’t worry,’ she said. She was taking a small band of trusted soldiers with her. ‘I know where I am going. It will take me not more than three days to return. Engage with the enemy. Ensure that you do not give ground until I am back, no matter what happens. Once I am back, we will be victorious, I promise you.’
"The generals nodded. But their confidence levels were low. For them, as it was for the people of Assyria, Semiramis was more than a queen. She was Ishtar, the goddess of fertility, war and storms. She was the consort of Baal. If the goddess of war was going to abandon them just before a battle, what chance did they stand?
"Semiramis rode away, filled with misgivings. She knew where to look for the device. The Makran desert was large. But the priest from the northwest had given her clear instructions. His knowledge was derived, through generations of oral transmission, from the time of the Lords of Light. And maybe even before them. From the days of old. When gods, not men, ruled the earth.
"She was going to find the celestial device. And when she had it in her possession, she was truly going to be a goddess."
" ... "going to be" a goddess.""???!!!
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"Goldfeld parked the car and they walked across to the Visitor Centre, which was just opening. They were among the first few people in the queue and quickly boarded the minibus that would take them to the stone circle."
Since when is there a minibus for the two minute walk from visitors centre? We'd have used one if there were one, early in the millennium.
" ... With his connections, the historian had got them access to the inner circle of stones, where semi-darkness lurked in the shadow of some of the larger stones, reflecting the mood of the sky above."
Access to the inner circle? What access? Everyone can, if he means the stone circles. Walk another few feet
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"He gestured around them, to the circular banks of earth, which were clearly delineated, surrounding the circle of stones at the centre, interspersed at intervals with gaps in the structure where the ground was flat rather than concave. ‘This is the original henge. A henge, by the way, refers to the circular banks of earth with a parallel internal ditch, and not to the stones themselves. The stone monument was built around 4500 years ago and was modelled on a timber structure that was built much earlier.’
"‘How do you date stone?’ Vijay wanted to know. ‘I’ve heard of radio carbon dating for organic matter and thermo luminescence dating for shards of pottery, but never of any technique to date stone.’
"‘We don’t actually date the stone,’ Alice explained. ‘We look for organic material—bones, remains of hearths or fires—and pottery shards in the ground under the stones, if they can be lifted; or at the site if the stones are too heavy to lift, as in the case of Stonehenge. If we find animal or human bones or even pottery under the stones, we can date those and since they would have to have been there before the stone was placed at that spot, the structure, rather than the stone, can be dated to the time the organic remains or pottery were buried there.’
"‘But the stones could have been placed there later,’ Vijay observed. ‘For example, if you found bones that you could date to 2500 B.C., the stones could have been put over the bones in 1000 B.C. but you would date the structure to 2500 B.C. That would mean an error of 1500 years in the dating of the structure.’ ‘It is a bit approximate,’ Alice admitted, ‘but that’s the accepted manner of dating all sites where stone is used in construction.’
"‘Not just that,’ Vijay persisted. ‘For something like Stonehenge, if you found organic matter in a ditch and dated it to 2000 B.C., that doesn’t mean the stones were placed there at the same time, right? The stones could have been erected in, say, 5000 B.C. but the organic matter could have been buried 3000 years later. How does that help?’ ‘Actually it isn’t that random, Vijay,’ Alice clarified. ‘It isn’t just about finding organic matter anywhere. For accurate dating, you need organic matter that is closely associated with the stones. For Stonehenge, there was an excavation a few years ago—the first excavation permitted since 1946—when a small patch of turf between the two circles of the sarsen stones was dug up. The objective was to collect organic matter from the original bluestone sockets that are now buried under the monument. A selection of samples from the organic matter was then carbon-dated using modern techniques and a date range of 2400 to 2200 B.C. was arrived at.’ She looked at Vijay and laughed. ‘Does that convince you, Mr Sceptic?’"
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"‘The Orkney Islands are quite far,’ Goldfeld replied. ‘Maybe two hours by plane. But if you want to see some good megalithic burial chambers, we could go to Bryn Celli Ddu and Barclodiad y Gawres in Wales. That’s closer. We can take a train to Holyhead, which is on the island of Anglesey, where the most famous mounds are located. We can hire a car there and look around.’"
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"The passage opened up into a small rocky chamber. The rock that had been used to build the walls clearly contained crystals of some sort, since it shone even in the dim light that penetrated through to the chamber."
"‘See these carvings here,’ Goldfeld pointed out the cup marks carved into one of the rock walls. ‘These cup marks and this spiral here,’ he indicated a spiral carved into one of the slabs forming a wall, ‘are very common in these megalithic monuments.’"
Egypt, across South Atlantic, and all over UK.
"The small group reached the banks of the Indus and looked across the river. The bridge across it was in shambles. Bodies floated in the river, testimony to the fierceness of the battle that had been fought here."
Floated in Sindhu? It isn't a placid European stream.
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"With the flag borne high, and with no small amount of trepidation, the emissary from Semiramis rode slowly over the bridge towards the camp of the natives."
Stinking colonial invader.
................................................................................................
Chapter 23 titled Jaungarh Fort.
Do they mean Junagarh?
Is there a Jaungarh?
................................................................................................
Nonsense.
"trail of clues across India, through two-thousand-year-old ruins, and uncovered a secret from the time of Asoka the Great; a secret linked to a secret society called the Brotherhood of the Nine Unknown Men, which Asoka had created. Only, the Nine—as they were commonly known—hadn’t restricted themselves to writing nine books on advanced scientific subjects, as the traditional legend went. Vijay and his friends had discovered that the Nine had been formed by Asoka to protect—and conceal from the world—a secret from the Mahabharata, that Asoka had decided was too dangerous to reveal. It was a secret that could destroy the world, and the emperor wanted to ensure that it never fell into the wrong hands. The traditional legend of the Nine was just a smokescreen to hide their real purpose. The world would believe the story of the nine books and never know the true secret that the Nine had been created to protect and hide away forever."
................................................................................................
Nonsense:-
"The yearning to make her own place in the world, unfettered by the compulsions of society and independent of the status of her parents or her social standing, had been powerful and perceptible.
The author confuses post contraceptive era with ancient days. Worse, he is confusing islamic and arab ways with civilisation that was India.
"The young Semiramis had been defiant to the point of being rebellious. Wild and uncontrollable, she had decided, at the age of fifteen, that she would not be held back anymore. Her life, she had declared, was stifled by the customs of her society, and the obligations of her social standing, where women were veiled and kept behind screens. Never to be seen, only to be heard—little more than possessions for the men to fight over."
Women were not veiled, much less kept behind screens and fought over, in India - not until islamic invaders behaved like wild beasts attacking humans.
................................................................................................
"Julius Caesar frowned at the man sitting in the chair opposite him."
They had chairs?
"The Druid had first made Caesar’s acquaintance on a visit to Rome four years ago, when Divitiacus had appeared before the Roman senate to appeal for help after the conquest of the Aedui by the Sequani who were allied with Ariovistus, the king of the invading Teutonic tribe of the Suebi."
................................................................................................
................................................................................................
................................................................................................
The Secret Of The Druids
(The Mahabharata Quest #3)
by Christopher C. Doyle.
................................................................................................
................................................................................................
As one begins reading, it's gripping, not because it's changing rapidly from an assaulted or murdered - we aren't told which - woman's body vanishing, even as her associate watches; to Julius Caesar across Gaul, to Semiramis at Sindhu attacking India long before Alexander, to excavation of a grave in U.K., to pursuit of an "Order", Stonehenge and "other Henges" all over U.K., Celts and Druids, ... we know it's a trick to grip, the rapid switches and the half glimpses of information before each switch that's not why it's gripping, and the writing is barely adequate, without grace that simple writing can have with better authors.
Gripping is the part of sheer volume of information, from diverse times around globe, that is pouring in as one reads, and the thought that it was connected. It only gets more so towards the end, with piezoelectricity and resonance, Stonehenge like structures and uses thereof by Druids, which is fictional theory by the author like much of it - especially where anything is connected to India in any way, which when not factual is badly imagined.
Funny, one wonders why he's writing about India when it's so obvious he knows nothing. Then it begins to become clear he's attempting to emulate and outdo Dan Brown, but had to find somewhere other than church of Rome to do so, and what's more mysterious - and safer to make mistakes, or lie, about - to Western readership, than India!
Later a slender clue, the connection of ancient prehistory of Druids and connection with India apparent via nomenclature and concepts, emerges. Well, he missed on an obvious one - but then, his education probably wouldn't let him question Macaulay policy of education in India, feeding lies; for, while one assumes this author is of U.S. upbringing, and his post epilogue writing thanking his family and friend clears his connection to India, it's only his photograph finally that reveals he's of Indian ancestry.
Much of interesting stuff one could quote is now not possible, because the book has been removed from kindle unlimited.
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"‘You do realise, Ms Turner, that I cannot permit you to physically remove the artefact from the premises of the museum? So I am curious to learn how you will find the answers you seek.’"
Stilted dialogue - wrong in sp very many ways! It's not that he's attempting a piece of literature, he's obviously far from averse to writing this as a ready screenplay a la Chetan Bhagat, and yet here simple, natural dialogue fails him.
................................................................................................
""Who knows what other discoveries we have cast by the wayside just because we want to stick to our academic dogmas? Or because most of us are too afraid to challenge them?’"
................................................................................................
"‘Much of what we know about Semiramis comes from a Greek historian called Diodorus Siculus, who lived around the same time as Julius Caesar. He, in turn, is said to have taken his material for the Semiramis story largely from Ctesias of Cnide. But today, many historians believe that much of his writings, especially the stories concerning Semiramis were a mix of fantasy and legend and had little to do with historical facts. According to Diodorus, King Ninus of Assyria built a city that became Nineveh, which you are familiar with from the Bible. Of course, the Bible attributes the building of Nineveh to Nimrod, a descendent of Noah, better known as the chief instigator of the Tower of Babel. Scholars have placed Ninus or Nimrod at around 2180 B.C. and assumed that both are the same person. There is no historical basis for this.’"
................................................................................................
"After all, hadn’t he discovered secrets from the Mahabharata that had long been assumed to be myths, only to learn that at least some of the so-called myths had a kernel of truth in them, wrapped in mysticism and fantasy? Who knew if this wasn’t the case with Semiramis? A queen forgotten by history, her story buried in obscurity, maybe even deliberately ignored for some reason? It wouldn’t be the first time this had happened.""
................................................................................................
"‘The story on the prism starts with a meeting between Semiramis and a priest of some sort from the north-west, an elderly man who is described in quite a bit of detail actually. He’s bearded, with long hair, fair skin and blue eyes and is dressed in white robes. This priest tells Semiramis about a secret legend that has been passed down for generations by an ancient people referred to as the “Lords of Light”. The legend describes an ancient and powerful device, which is hidden in a secret location in the land where Semiramis was born. He asks her, as the all-powerful ruler of the world, to go back and find this device. He tells her that the “brothers in the east”, whatever that means, guard this device. And he also, quite conveniently, gives her the location of the device—a secret that has been transmitted orally for generations and is known to none but the “brothers”."
................................................................................................
" ... ‘Then, the story gets into more familiar territory, though it goes against the grain of the legend narrated by Diodorus. It narrates how Semiramis musters a large army and marches to the banks of the Indus, which is where the device is hidden. She is challenged by the “brothers of the east” led by a priest king called Sthavarapati who rules a kingdom on the banks of the Indus. A fierce battle follows, in which Semiramis is missing in action. She is nowhere to be found on the battlefield. The inscriptions say that she disappears into the desert without an explanation, leaving her generals to lead the Assyrians into battle. Her army, dispirited by her absence, begins to wilt under the aggression of the opponent. Eventually, they are routed and flee back across the Indus in retreat. This is when Semiramis makes a dramatic appearance, with the device that she has come all this way to find. She reveals her possession of the device to Sthavarapati and the “brothers of the east”, who shrink back and allow her to return in peace. Semiramis returns to Nineveh, defeated in battle but victorious in her mission.
"‘Her joy, however, is short-lived, as her son has been plotting against her in her absence and decides to stake his claim as the true ruler of Assyria. According to the story, Semiramis had once consulted the Oracle of Jupiter-Ammon in Ethiopia and was told that her reign would end when her son rebelled against her. She realises that the prophecy has come to pass and travels to the land of the priests in the northwest, carrying the device with her. The story ends with a description of her death and burial on a hill that is sacred to the priests. There is no mention of what happens to the device.’ ‘Does the story say what the device is?’ Alice wanted to know. ‘None of the myths about Semiramis mention any kind of device though they all seem to agree that Semiramis was routed and almost lost her life in India.’
"‘Not really,’ Goldfeld perused his notes once more. ‘The only clue to the nature of the device lies in what the priest tells Semiramis. He calls it a…’ Goldfeld hesitated as he looked at his notes and then again at the laptop screen. ‘Yes, I guess that’s the best translation I have for what’s on the prism. It says, “sceptre of light”. That’s odd and doesn’t really make sense. The priest says that the “sceptre of light” will enable his people to regain the power that the Lords of Light once possessed in their lands.’"
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"Semiramis swept out of Sthavarapati’s palace and rode back across the river to her army. She roused them and instructed them to prepare for war."
This was about Sindhu; where exactly is it so facile to cross it, once it is down from Himaalayan ranges?
Later on, he mentions a bridge - was there one, and if so, why was it considered, by outsiders, so difficult to cross into India? So much so, Alexander was supposed to have turned back, persuaded by his tired soldiers, without crossing Sindhu- they were daunted enough at the thought of rivers mightier further East, such as Gangaa, that they had heard fearsome stories about the flow and might of; was it all a lie, covering up his defeat?
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"‘Don’t worry,’ she said. She was taking a small band of trusted soldiers with her. ‘I know where I am going. It will take me not more than three days to return. Engage with the enemy. Ensure that you do not give ground until I am back, no matter what happens. Once I am back, we will be victorious, I promise you.’
"The generals nodded. But their confidence levels were low. For them, as it was for the people of Assyria, Semiramis was more than a queen. She was Ishtar, the goddess of fertility, war and storms. She was the consort of Baal. If the goddess of war was going to abandon them just before a battle, what chance did they stand?
"Semiramis rode away, filled with misgivings. She knew where to look for the device. The Makran desert was large. But the priest from the northwest had given her clear instructions. His knowledge was derived, through generations of oral transmission, from the time of the Lords of Light. And maybe even before them. From the days of old. When gods, not men, ruled the earth.
"She was going to find the celestial device. And when she had it in her possession, she was truly going to be a goddess."
" ... "going to be" a goddess.""???!!!
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"Goldfeld parked the car and they walked across to the Visitor Centre, which was just opening. They were among the first few people in the queue and quickly boarded the minibus that would take them to the stone circle."
Since when is there a minibus for the two minute walk from visitors centre? We'd have used one if there were one, early in the millennium.
" ... With his connections, the historian had got them access to the inner circle of stones, where semi-darkness lurked in the shadow of some of the larger stones, reflecting the mood of the sky above."
Access to the inner circle? What access? Everyone can, if he means the stone circles. Walk another few feet
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"He gestured around them, to the circular banks of earth, which were clearly delineated, surrounding the circle of stones at the centre, interspersed at intervals with gaps in the structure where the ground was flat rather than concave. ‘This is the original henge. A henge, by the way, refers to the circular banks of earth with a parallel internal ditch, and not to the stones themselves. The stone monument was built around 4500 years ago and was modelled on a timber structure that was built much earlier.’
"‘How do you date stone?’ Vijay wanted to know. ‘I’ve heard of radio carbon dating for organic matter and thermo luminescence dating for shards of pottery, but never of any technique to date stone.’
"‘We don’t actually date the stone,’ Alice explained. ‘We look for organic material—bones, remains of hearths or fires—and pottery shards in the ground under the stones, if they can be lifted; or at the site if the stones are too heavy to lift, as in the case of Stonehenge. If we find animal or human bones or even pottery under the stones, we can date those and since they would have to have been there before the stone was placed at that spot, the structure, rather than the stone, can be dated to the time the organic remains or pottery were buried there.’
"‘But the stones could have been placed there later,’ Vijay observed. ‘For example, if you found bones that you could date to 2500 B.C., the stones could have been put over the bones in 1000 B.C. but you would date the structure to 2500 B.C. That would mean an error of 1500 years in the dating of the structure.’ ‘It is a bit approximate,’ Alice admitted, ‘but that’s the accepted manner of dating all sites where stone is used in construction.’
"‘Not just that,’ Vijay persisted. ‘For something like Stonehenge, if you found organic matter in a ditch and dated it to 2000 B.C., that doesn’t mean the stones were placed there at the same time, right? The stones could have been erected in, say, 5000 B.C. but the organic matter could have been buried 3000 years later. How does that help?’ ‘Actually it isn’t that random, Vijay,’ Alice clarified. ‘It isn’t just about finding organic matter anywhere. For accurate dating, you need organic matter that is closely associated with the stones. For Stonehenge, there was an excavation a few years ago—the first excavation permitted since 1946—when a small patch of turf between the two circles of the sarsen stones was dug up. The objective was to collect organic matter from the original bluestone sockets that are now buried under the monument. A selection of samples from the organic matter was then carbon-dated using modern techniques and a date range of 2400 to 2200 B.C. was arrived at.’ She looked at Vijay and laughed. ‘Does that convince you, Mr Sceptic?’"
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"‘The Orkney Islands are quite far,’ Goldfeld replied. ‘Maybe two hours by plane. But if you want to see some good megalithic burial chambers, we could go to Bryn Celli Ddu and Barclodiad y Gawres in Wales. That’s closer. We can take a train to Holyhead, which is on the island of Anglesey, where the most famous mounds are located. We can hire a car there and look around.’"
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"The passage opened up into a small rocky chamber. The rock that had been used to build the walls clearly contained crystals of some sort, since it shone even in the dim light that penetrated through to the chamber."
"‘See these carvings here,’ Goldfeld pointed out the cup marks carved into one of the rock walls. ‘These cup marks and this spiral here,’ he indicated a spiral carved into one of the slabs forming a wall, ‘are very common in these megalithic monuments.’"
Egypt, across South Atlantic, and all over UK.
"The small group reached the banks of the Indus and looked across the river. The bridge across it was in shambles. Bodies floated in the river, testimony to the fierceness of the battle that had been fought here."
Floated in Sindhu? It isn't a placid European stream.
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"With the flag borne high, and with no small amount of trepidation, the emissary from Semiramis rode slowly over the bridge towards the camp of the natives."
Stinking colonial invader.
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Chapter 23 titled Jaungarh Fort.
Do they mean Junagarh?
Is there a Jaungarh?
................................................................................................
Nonsense.
"trail of clues across India, through two-thousand-year-old ruins, and uncovered a secret from the time of Asoka the Great; a secret linked to a secret society called the Brotherhood of the Nine Unknown Men, which Asoka had created. Only, the Nine—as they were commonly known—hadn’t restricted themselves to writing nine books on advanced scientific subjects, as the traditional legend went. Vijay and his friends had discovered that the Nine had been formed by Asoka to protect—and conceal from the world—a secret from the Mahabharata, that Asoka had decided was too dangerous to reveal. It was a secret that could destroy the world, and the emperor wanted to ensure that it never fell into the wrong hands. The traditional legend of the Nine was just a smokescreen to hide their real purpose. The world would believe the story of the nine books and never know the true secret that the Nine had been created to protect and hide away forever."
................................................................................................
Nonsense:-
"The yearning to make her own place in the world, unfettered by the compulsions of society and independent of the status of her parents or her social standing, had been powerful and perceptible.
The author confuses post contraceptive era with ancient days. Worse, he is confusing islamic and arab ways with civilisation that was India.
"The young Semiramis had been defiant to the point of being rebellious. Wild and uncontrollable, she had decided, at the age of fifteen, that she would not be held back anymore. Her life, she had declared, was stifled by the customs of her society, and the obligations of her social standing, where women were veiled and kept behind screens. Never to be seen, only to be heard—little more than possessions for the men to fight over."
Women were not veiled, much less kept behind screens and fought over, in India - not until islamic invaders behaved like wild beasts attacking humans.
................................................................................................
"Julius Caesar frowned at the man sitting in the chair opposite him."
They had chairs?
"The Druid had first made Caesar’s acquaintance on a visit to Rome four years ago, when Divitiacus had appeared before the Roman senate to appeal for help after the conquest of the Aedui by the Sequani who were allied with Ariovistus, the king of the invading Teutonic tribe of the Suebi."
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September 20, 2017
As interesting as the earlier books. I liked it that the author roamed along previously unexplored territories.
I felt like a co-conspirator as I could deduce what they would unearth in the end. I was right about even the name and purpose it was used.
I felt like a co-conspirator as I could deduce what they would unearth in the end. I was right about even the name and purpose it was used.
April 25, 2020
A very well written plot which jumps from 55 B.C to present day world, where two secret organisations are struggling to find the truth and get hold of the epic possession left behind by a centuries old cult.
The storyline keeps you gripped at the edge. The deep secrets when revealed are so satisfying and supported with scientific explanations (which are too much to handle if you are from non science background).
I enjoyed reading hope you do too.
The storyline keeps you gripped at the edge. The deep secrets when revealed are so satisfying and supported with scientific explanations (which are too much to handle if you are from non science background).
I enjoyed reading hope you do too.
February 21, 2017
The series starting from the Alexander's secret is definitely a good thriller. The link between the mythology, history and the archeological excavations sites is portrayed well with imaginative hypotheses. The narrative is thrilling and at times seems to be scripts of Hollywood movies. Definitely an interesting concoction of past and present.
July 20, 2016
Note: I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange of an honest review.
The Secret of the Druids is the Book 2 of the Mahabharata Quest Series. Though I haven’t read the first book, I had no difficulty in following the story line as the Author has briefed about the events of the first book which is highly appreciated.
Christopher C Doyle weaves a wonderful story with the right proportion Mythology, technology and history. The author has taken efforts to research on the subjects and it shows. The author connects the Druids from the west and the Vedic Brahmins from the east and provides quite a number of logical reasons which are convincing. The correlations are hard to miss.
The book starts off slowly and once you hit the story of Semiramis, it gets better and keeps you on the edge to know what happens next. The narration of places and events transports the reader to the past. The book explores the mystery in which the Celt was able to subdue the Roman army, remember Getafix from Asterix? There is science behind it and the author explains that in great detail. Wish Physics was explained this way in school and college.
The language is sophisticated and the plot gets racy once you get through couple of pages. At places the plot is predictable which makes the story lag. Overall a great read if you love historical fiction.
The Secret of the Druids is the Book 2 of the Mahabharata Quest Series. Though I haven’t read the first book, I had no difficulty in following the story line as the Author has briefed about the events of the first book which is highly appreciated.
Christopher C Doyle weaves a wonderful story with the right proportion Mythology, technology and history. The author has taken efforts to research on the subjects and it shows. The author connects the Druids from the west and the Vedic Brahmins from the east and provides quite a number of logical reasons which are convincing. The correlations are hard to miss.
The book starts off slowly and once you hit the story of Semiramis, it gets better and keeps you on the edge to know what happens next. The narration of places and events transports the reader to the past. The book explores the mystery in which the Celt was able to subdue the Roman army, remember Getafix from Asterix? There is science behind it and the author explains that in great detail. Wish Physics was explained this way in school and college.
The language is sophisticated and the plot gets racy once you get through couple of pages. At places the plot is predictable which makes the story lag. Overall a great read if you love historical fiction.
January 8, 2017
Plot.
My major takeaway from this book was the main theme of Druids, and a few other legends mentioned as well. Very similar to Dan Brown's style of referring to myths and legends and deriving a story out of the mystery and fascination behind these legends, I was quite hooked into the story only because I wanted to know more. My knowledge in history/myths/legends is limited, and this book did well to quench the thirst to know more. Also, being one of the greatest mysteries of all ages, how can one avoid a book that weaves in the mystery that is Stonehenge?
Writing style.
I'm starting to see a recurring pattern in Doyle's manner of writing; the similarity in his structure of writing these stories is quite obvious: lots of clues are dished out to the reader from the start of the novel, with seemingly no connections to each other, only to later on let the different pieces of clue fall into place, one by one. A clear, and concise way of narrating the story, in a way it was nice to know at least the method of how the story will unfold.
Characters.
There are deaths/murders in the book, but from a descriptive point of view, it failed to chill me to my bones, making their "sacrifice" not worth it.
Overall.
Recommended for the mention of the various mysteries/myth in the book. A great starting point to expand your knowledge!
Recommended Age.
12-22
My major takeaway from this book was the main theme of Druids, and a few other legends mentioned as well. Very similar to Dan Brown's style of referring to myths and legends and deriving a story out of the mystery and fascination behind these legends, I was quite hooked into the story only because I wanted to know more. My knowledge in history/myths/legends is limited, and this book did well to quench the thirst to know more. Also, being one of the greatest mysteries of all ages, how can one avoid a book that weaves in the mystery that is Stonehenge?
Writing style.
I'm starting to see a recurring pattern in Doyle's manner of writing; the similarity in his structure of writing these stories is quite obvious: lots of clues are dished out to the reader from the start of the novel, with seemingly no connections to each other, only to later on let the different pieces of clue fall into place, one by one. A clear, and concise way of narrating the story, in a way it was nice to know at least the method of how the story will unfold.
Characters.
There are deaths/murders in the book, but from a descriptive point of view, it failed to chill me to my bones, making their "sacrifice" not worth it.
Overall.
Recommended for the mention of the various mysteries/myth in the book. A great starting point to expand your knowledge!
Recommended Age.
12-22
July 14, 2016
After reading the first part of this series, my expectations from this book was too high. I'm sorry to say that this book didn't climb that high. Specially, the Western history is bit confusing.
Anyway, the story gets interesting once you understand who is who and how they are related. I think, because of poor story, it will force the reader to read most content twice.
Anyway, the story gets interesting once you understand who is who and how they are related. I think, because of poor story, it will force the reader to read most content twice.
January 28, 2024
"The Secrets of the Druids" by Christopher Doyle, the second in the “The Mahabharata Quest” series is a captivating and enlightening journey into the mysterious world of the ancient Druids. Doyle takes readers on an enthralling quest to uncover the hidden knowledge and practices of this enigmatic Celtic society. One aspect that immediately stands out about this book is Doyle's meticulous research and attention to historical detail. He delves deep into the ancient texts, archaeological findings, and folklore surrounding the Druids, bringing their world to life with vivid descriptions and engaging storytelling.
The book opens in 48 BC, in Alexandria, Egypt where Julius Caesar is on an ambitious plan to conquer the world. He is out there to find out a secret that would supposedly give him control over the secret to rule mankind. Fast-forward to 1305 AD, near Bathgate, West Lothian, UK, a grave was being dug up atop a hill. Ancient myths had it that a goddess was buried here and when the Romans invaded Britain, the Druids had flourished in the region. Present day in the UK, a group of mercenaries belonging to the ancient “Order”, headed by Van Klueck is determined to get their hands on the three gold coins that belonged to Julius Caesar. The coins allegedly have clues that would give them power to rule the world. Across the ocean, Vijay Singh from the IB and a member of the Global Task Force (GTF) owns a prism that was passed on by his dad shortly before he was killed in an accident. An identical twin of this prism was in the British Museum, and both bore cuneiform inscriptions. Vijay firmly believed that these prisms concealed some secret that led to his parents’ death.
Saul Goldeld, a linguist, and historian deciphered that the inscriptions were close to 4000 years old that revealed the existence of a Queen Semiramis, who was till then considered to be only a mythical figure. A queen of the Assyrian empire, she conquered all northern Africa, and Asia and waged a battle on the banks of the Indus River, where she was defeated. But before, this war, she met an elderly, wise man who informed Semiramis about a secret hidden celestial weapon and the directions to retrieve it.
So, what was hidden in the clues of the coins that the “Order” was desperately searching for? And what did the inscriptions in the prism and Semiramis reveal to Vijay Singh? Were they in any way interlinked? As the mystery deepens, and the investigative journey of the GTF takes them through the ancient and historical ruins in the UK and Scotland, the power and the secret of the Druids starts to unveil. The origin of the celestial weapon goes deep into the Mahabharata and later reached the Druids who mastered the use of the weapon which ultimately led them to repeatedly vanquish the invasion of Julius Caesar. What is that ancient and terrifying secret from the Mahabharata that linked the megalithic sites of Britain to the Druids, Julius Caesar, and a mysterious Queen, Semiramis who lived 4000 years ago?
Doyle's writing style is both informative and accessible, making the complex subject matter easy to comprehend. He breaks down complex concepts and theories in a way that is suitable for both casual readers and enthusiasts of ancient history. Additionally, his ability to seamlessly weave together historical facts with a captivating narrative keeps readers constantly engaged and eager for more.
Overall, "The Secrets of the Druids" is a fascinating exploration of ancient Celtic culture and the profound impact of the Druids on society. Christopher Doyle's passion, thorough research, and engaging storytelling make this book a must-read for anyone interested in the mysteries and wisdom of the Druids. From start to finish, readers are transported to a world that is both magical and mysterious, leaving them with a deep appreciation for the knowledge and traditions that continue to captivate our imagination today.
The book opens in 48 BC, in Alexandria, Egypt where Julius Caesar is on an ambitious plan to conquer the world. He is out there to find out a secret that would supposedly give him control over the secret to rule mankind. Fast-forward to 1305 AD, near Bathgate, West Lothian, UK, a grave was being dug up atop a hill. Ancient myths had it that a goddess was buried here and when the Romans invaded Britain, the Druids had flourished in the region. Present day in the UK, a group of mercenaries belonging to the ancient “Order”, headed by Van Klueck is determined to get their hands on the three gold coins that belonged to Julius Caesar. The coins allegedly have clues that would give them power to rule the world. Across the ocean, Vijay Singh from the IB and a member of the Global Task Force (GTF) owns a prism that was passed on by his dad shortly before he was killed in an accident. An identical twin of this prism was in the British Museum, and both bore cuneiform inscriptions. Vijay firmly believed that these prisms concealed some secret that led to his parents’ death.
Saul Goldeld, a linguist, and historian deciphered that the inscriptions were close to 4000 years old that revealed the existence of a Queen Semiramis, who was till then considered to be only a mythical figure. A queen of the Assyrian empire, she conquered all northern Africa, and Asia and waged a battle on the banks of the Indus River, where she was defeated. But before, this war, she met an elderly, wise man who informed Semiramis about a secret hidden celestial weapon and the directions to retrieve it.
So, what was hidden in the clues of the coins that the “Order” was desperately searching for? And what did the inscriptions in the prism and Semiramis reveal to Vijay Singh? Were they in any way interlinked? As the mystery deepens, and the investigative journey of the GTF takes them through the ancient and historical ruins in the UK and Scotland, the power and the secret of the Druids starts to unveil. The origin of the celestial weapon goes deep into the Mahabharata and later reached the Druids who mastered the use of the weapon which ultimately led them to repeatedly vanquish the invasion of Julius Caesar. What is that ancient and terrifying secret from the Mahabharata that linked the megalithic sites of Britain to the Druids, Julius Caesar, and a mysterious Queen, Semiramis who lived 4000 years ago?
Doyle's writing style is both informative and accessible, making the complex subject matter easy to comprehend. He breaks down complex concepts and theories in a way that is suitable for both casual readers and enthusiasts of ancient history. Additionally, his ability to seamlessly weave together historical facts with a captivating narrative keeps readers constantly engaged and eager for more.
Overall, "The Secrets of the Druids" is a fascinating exploration of ancient Celtic culture and the profound impact of the Druids on society. Christopher Doyle's passion, thorough research, and engaging storytelling make this book a must-read for anyone interested in the mysteries and wisdom of the Druids. From start to finish, readers are transported to a world that is both magical and mysterious, leaving them with a deep appreciation for the knowledge and traditions that continue to captivate our imagination today.
July 28, 2021
This was actually not one of the good books of the series. The first two books had so much potential, that I really looked forward to reading a bang-up finale to the Quest series.
The dialogues, and the English in general were juvenile, almost like a first draft. For example "Alice got a peck on her cheek and Vijay got the customary warm hug." It was painful getting through to the end of the book. The same continues throughout, till the end, and finishing it was a task.
It was less of a narrative and more of a history lesson. Almost as if the author wanted to fit in all of his research, somehow into the pages. If you are interested in history (and I am), those parts are interesting, but as stand-alones. They don't really go well with the story.
At the end of the second book, Radha was only injured and held captive to urge Vijay to solve the mystery quickly. I literally started reading this book, to know how she is saved or even if she dies, whether Vijay finally gets ahold of involved people and finds her corpse for a proper burial.
But No!! Forget about finding Radha, or anything about her, Vijay has accepted she is dead (without solid proof). Even if I overlook that, Vijay is looking for a link to his parents' murders. Fine! But he seems to have forgotten everything as he goes around gallivanting through UK, satiating his own sense of adventure and curiosity by solving the mystery. Alice is in her own bubble, not even giving a second thought to Radha, her case partner's fiance. Colin comes in whooping! Yayayy!! Except Imran, no one seems to be affected by her death or "disappearance" as it stands right now! I mean, what exactly is going on?
I knew this novel was a spin-off. But I picked it up to know the fate of Radha. But she seems to have been forgotten. No proper ending for her. Ernest Hamilton killed, and his daughter has no idea (still understandable, but Radha? She was a protagonist for crying out loud!). So many loose ends. Seems like Semiramis story rather than an individual novel.
One particular chapter that's really nasty: Vijay meets Wallace, the owner of the company trying to recreate the Alexander secret, the company that abducted his fiance. Agreed his hands are tied, but he could have dug around. Instead, what does he do? Sit, have tea and discuss Semiramis and Caesar with his.! Agreed it's a story, and the characters belong to the author to play with, but the story seemed quite forced. The author could have just written a hypothetical history book! That would have been better for a lot of reasons. I agree to the fact, that the lack of "Vijay-Radha" duo has made me biased against this novel. Vijay-Alice duo juat does not have the chemistry of the former.
But few things were good as well. Like I said, the history was extremely well researched, the conjectures, hypothesis, coming together flawlessly. It was a little far-fetched undoubtedly, but the creativity was amazing. The scientific and historical descriptions were detailed, and interesting. The only interesting part of the book, in fact!
The dialogues, and the English in general were juvenile, almost like a first draft. For example "Alice got a peck on her cheek and Vijay got the customary warm hug." It was painful getting through to the end of the book. The same continues throughout, till the end, and finishing it was a task.
It was less of a narrative and more of a history lesson. Almost as if the author wanted to fit in all of his research, somehow into the pages. If you are interested in history (and I am), those parts are interesting, but as stand-alones. They don't really go well with the story.
At the end of the second book, Radha was only injured and held captive to urge Vijay to solve the mystery quickly. I literally started reading this book, to know how she is saved or even if she dies, whether Vijay finally gets ahold of involved people and finds her corpse for a proper burial.
But No!! Forget about finding Radha, or anything about her, Vijay has accepted she is dead (without solid proof). Even if I overlook that, Vijay is looking for a link to his parents' murders. Fine! But he seems to have forgotten everything as he goes around gallivanting through UK, satiating his own sense of adventure and curiosity by solving the mystery. Alice is in her own bubble, not even giving a second thought to Radha, her case partner's fiance. Colin comes in whooping! Yayayy!! Except Imran, no one seems to be affected by her death or "disappearance" as it stands right now! I mean, what exactly is going on?
I knew this novel was a spin-off. But I picked it up to know the fate of Radha. But she seems to have been forgotten. No proper ending for her. Ernest Hamilton killed, and his daughter has no idea (still understandable, but Radha? She was a protagonist for crying out loud!). So many loose ends. Seems like Semiramis story rather than an individual novel.
One particular chapter that's really nasty: Vijay meets Wallace, the owner of the company trying to recreate the Alexander secret, the company that abducted his fiance. Agreed his hands are tied, but he could have dug around. Instead, what does he do? Sit, have tea and discuss Semiramis and Caesar with his.! Agreed it's a story, and the characters belong to the author to play with, but the story seemed quite forced. The author could have just written a hypothetical history book! That would have been better for a lot of reasons. I agree to the fact, that the lack of "Vijay-Radha" duo has made me biased against this novel. Vijay-Alice duo juat does not have the chemistry of the former.
But few things were good as well. Like I said, the history was extremely well researched, the conjectures, hypothesis, coming together flawlessly. It was a little far-fetched undoubtedly, but the creativity was amazing. The scientific and historical descriptions were detailed, and interesting. The only interesting part of the book, in fact!
June 25, 2023
"The Secret of the Druids" by Christopher C. Doyle is a captivating adventure that takes readers on a spellbinding journey into the realm of ancient mysteries. Set in a backdrop of Celtic mythology, this book combines history, mythology, and thrilling action to deliver an exhilarating reading experience.
Doyle's meticulous research and attention to detail shine through in the narrative, as he seamlessly weaves together elements of Celtic folklore, Druidic traditions, and modern-day intrigue. The story follows the protagonist, Vishnu, an astrophysicist who becomes entangled in a quest to unravel the enigma of the Druids and their ancient knowledge.
From the very first page, the book grips readers with its fast-paced plot and intriguing mysteries. Doyle's writing style is immersive, creating vivid imagery that brings the mystical landscapes and hidden enclaves of the Druids to life. The author's ability to seamlessly blend fact and fiction makes the story feel both grounded and fantastical at the same time.
One of the book's standout aspects is its well-developed characters. Vishnu, the protagonist, is relatable and carries the weight of his quest with determination and curiosity. The supporting cast adds depth to the narrative, each with their unique skills and motivations. Additionally, the author delves into the personal growth of the characters, allowing readers to connect with their emotional journey.
"The Secret of the Druids" is a treasure trove of historical and mythological knowledge. Doyle effortlessly incorporates ancient Celtic traditions, rituals, and legends into the storyline, educating readers while keeping them thoroughly entertained. It's evident that the author has conducted extensive research, adding an authentic layer to the narrative and making the world of the Druids all the more believable.
The book's pacing is well-maintained, with moments of intense action interspersed with contemplative moments that allow readers to catch their breath. The suspenseful twists and turns keep readers guessing and engrossed until the very end. Doyle expertly balances historical exposition with thrilling sequences, ensuring a satisfying blend of intellectual stimulation and gripping entertainment.
"The Secret of the Druids" is a delightful fusion of mystery, adventure, and ancient lore. Christopher C. Doyle's ability to transport readers to a world brimming with secrets, magic, and intrigue is truly commendable. If you enjoy gripping tales with a touch of history and mythology, this book is an absolute must-read. Prepare to be enthralled by the enigma of the Druids and embark on an unforgettable literary journey.
October 1, 2019
Vijay is back and he is on a different mission, a more personal one. Soon after the order manages to succeed in their mission and win the second round, Vijay is contacted by a former colleague of his father asking to meet privately. he tells him something that sets Vijay on a path to find out the truth about the death of his parents. The search makes Vijay end up in British Museum, where a mysterious quest about druids awaits him.
Julius Ceasar dreams of being conqueror of all. He wants his legacy to be like no one before. He has an army organized to perfection who can decimate whoever stands between their King's aspirations. Until they meet the Celts. Not even close to matching the Ceasar's army in numbers, there is something about them, that just makes the best of Ceasar's men go crazy. There is something about them, that the ruthless army which rolls over any enemy behaves anxious, panicked and as if they have forgotten to fight a war. There is something about them, or is there something about this strange sound that feels like somebody is beating a drum near the battleground?
The order has got hold of some documents pertaining to Ceasar himself. It mentions about a serect weapon from the beginning of times, now hidden, buried somewhere in history. This mission is so big that they have a 'true blood' of the order take up this mission for they can not trust anyone else with a mission that could potentially complete their sinister goal. One they have been pursuing for thousands of years. What the order doesn't have though is the complete location of the weapon and to have that the order must get something from British Museum.
Coincidence Vijay has to be there to find out about his parent's death or the fate wants him stand in the way of order again or maybe his time has run out and is it time when the order takes care of him once and for all? What was this weapon the order was after? Who are the druids? What was their secret? Sages, weapon makers, kings, or the gods of the times? The quest really is a rollercoaster of ride that holds you right till the end. A delight for mythological, theological thriller lovers.
Julius Ceasar dreams of being conqueror of all. He wants his legacy to be like no one before. He has an army organized to perfection who can decimate whoever stands between their King's aspirations. Until they meet the Celts. Not even close to matching the Ceasar's army in numbers, there is something about them, that just makes the best of Ceasar's men go crazy. There is something about them, that the ruthless army which rolls over any enemy behaves anxious, panicked and as if they have forgotten to fight a war. There is something about them, or is there something about this strange sound that feels like somebody is beating a drum near the battleground?
The order has got hold of some documents pertaining to Ceasar himself. It mentions about a serect weapon from the beginning of times, now hidden, buried somewhere in history. This mission is so big that they have a 'true blood' of the order take up this mission for they can not trust anyone else with a mission that could potentially complete their sinister goal. One they have been pursuing for thousands of years. What the order doesn't have though is the complete location of the weapon and to have that the order must get something from British Museum.
Coincidence Vijay has to be there to find out about his parent's death or the fate wants him stand in the way of order again or maybe his time has run out and is it time when the order takes care of him once and for all? What was this weapon the order was after? Who are the druids? What was their secret? Sages, weapon makers, kings, or the gods of the times? The quest really is a rollercoaster of ride that holds you right till the end. A delight for mythological, theological thriller lovers.
January 25, 2020
Ok, the final part of the Mahabharata series turned out to be one hell of a tiring history class. instead of concentrating on the character development and plot pace and sequences, the author has put in much of his efforts into the theme setting which seemed to be pretty elaborate and not so gripping. Like his previous books, some scenes are interesting - here, for example, the starting scene of Dee's arrival and professor's escape was pacy; the fight sequence inside apartment building with lights out, in order to apprehend the villains, was neatly done with Harry stealing the show. I have never been impressed with the characters in this series - particularly the main people like Vijay, Colin and none of the antagonists stay rooted inside the reader's mind. Too much research work and the intention of the author in establishing all those details simply felt like - 'I have seen those and you have to too'. The development of Semiramis story and Druids' power all seemed to evaporate into thin air with the revelations not at all kindling any feel of surprise, thrill or intensity for that matter. The author misses some parts of the equation of a perfect mythological thriller that makes the book's failure attempt into catapulting up to Dan Brownian standards.
December 7, 2016
With full of historical reference and connections between ancient myths and legends from Stone Age and Vedic Period to The Roman Empire,The Secret of the Druids provides a brilliant plot as the 2nd book of the Mahabharata Quest Series.
While i really enjoyed the way all the diverse historical events and myths,ranging from Vedic period Devas and Rakshashas to Mahabharata,Brahmins of India,Druids and Celtic cultures,Stone Henge,Assyrian Goddess and Julius Ceaser were connected together through a single thread-line of a brilliant mystery, the story at some point lacks conviction.It felt as if too much assumption has been made by the protagonist while solving the riddles and events simply rolled in for the sake of the story to progress.
Additionally,it would have helped if images of the places of events described were provided instead of sketchy drawings.
The plot line is brilliant and very well researched indeed.
While i really enjoyed the way all the diverse historical events and myths,ranging from Vedic period Devas and Rakshashas to Mahabharata,Brahmins of India,Druids and Celtic cultures,Stone Henge,Assyrian Goddess and Julius Ceaser were connected together through a single thread-line of a brilliant mystery, the story at some point lacks conviction.It felt as if too much assumption has been made by the protagonist while solving the riddles and events simply rolled in for the sake of the story to progress.
Additionally,it would have helped if images of the places of events described were provided instead of sketchy drawings.
The plot line is brilliant and very well researched indeed.
April 5, 2024
Every book He writes he improves I'll give him that.
The dialogue remains stilted and characters are just lines of text, when it comes to action and suspense in the book that is well done. However when explaining stuff we do not need a gigantic scientific exposition dump.
It would be greater if there was a steady drip of information and people figuring stuff out.
One more complaint, I have is that the books though bearing the Mahabharat's name are tangentially related to it . Except the first book even then the secret vimana parva should have been discussed there more as well.
I found myself interested in the mystery and conclusion far more this time.
The biggest problem is the fact that storylines from the previous book are not resolved, they just sort of fade away.
I will buy the next book perhaps it will be the best? Going by his track record he improves on every previous book, that he writes.
The dialogue remains stilted and characters are just lines of text, when it comes to action and suspense in the book that is well done. However when explaining stuff we do not need a gigantic scientific exposition dump.
It would be greater if there was a steady drip of information and people figuring stuff out.
One more complaint, I have is that the books though bearing the Mahabharat's name are tangentially related to it . Except the first book even then the secret vimana parva should have been discussed there more as well.
I found myself interested in the mystery and conclusion far more this time.
The biggest problem is the fact that storylines from the previous book are not resolved, they just sort of fade away.
I will buy the next book perhaps it will be the best? Going by his track record he improves on every previous book, that he writes.
March 16, 2022
This book is without a doubt "a blockbuster". The author had set the standard of the first book itself "The Mahabharata Secret" so high that exceeding the bar in his forthcoming books would have been an impossible task. While "The Alexander Secret" was a pool of mysteries and puzzles which really did set the plot, "The secret of Druids" was an absolute roller coaster of all those twists. The author has done tremendous research in getting his facts right. This grip hooking book is an fascinating amalgamation of history, science, technology and mythology which stirs the readers and keep them glued until the last page.
The author has introduced some new characters who help Vijay unravel the very secret. What's more interesting to note is that there are multiple puzzles and stories which turns out to be bound by a single string and thus a single secret. Overall a very intriguing read.
The author has introduced some new characters who help Vijay unravel the very secret. What's more interesting to note is that there are multiple puzzles and stories which turns out to be bound by a single string and thus a single secret. Overall a very intriguing read.
August 16, 2018
The secret of Mahabharata series held great promise for me from Christopher Doyle. He has written a great book where he has extensively researched a great deal of archaeology & history, amalgamated them with various races & brought out a good khichdi. Why I say khichdi is though he has a lot of history & research in the book it has not done enough justice to the narration & the plot is anything but gripping. The long narration & references to historical facts make it more of a history textbook rather than a fictional thriller. The integration of Samiramis with Ceaser & the Druids, finally giving an Indian origin is brilliant. However the book lacks pace & the promise to be a thrilling potboiler falls flat. Speed & twists are both missing elements from this one.
August 29, 2018
There is no doubt that the Author has gone so deep into the story taking history in line with it to make it smooth & full of suspense. I read all previous books & then I read this. Now let me be very frank, in the first book "The Mahabharat Secret", the Ancient weapon (from Mahabharat) & their possible use in the modern world by understanding the secret behind the same was very convincing for me. But in this book, I am little disappointed as I am not fully convinced about the Ancient weapon name (from the same Mahabharat but a different one) as it has been explained in different functionality & was very difficult for me to digest. Still, the plot, research, twist are awesome in this book & I can guarantee if you are a Suspense freak, you will enjoy every bit of it.
September 28, 2018
This was the 1st book that I read by Christopher C. Doyle and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The pacing of the story was fantastic. Unlike most readers, I am reading this series in a disorder. Soon after I finished this, I jumped to Book 1(The Mahabharata Secret). But it was kind of let-down. I don't know (I am sure it's not because of the Spoiler ). Maybe the pacing was not fast enough. But, I agree it is only because of the 1st Book that the pacing of the 3rd Book is so fast. Book 1 has introduced the Characters and all the Author had to do was focus on the New Characters and the Plot. I will hold my judgement until I have read the 2nd Book. Which I might soon after completing 2 Other Books that I plan to read (Night World Vol. 2 and Twilight Saga's Official Guide)
March 15, 2020
The author has done a lot of research to frame a story around historical foundings and fiction. This definitely results in story that do not get out of line that much.
The story line and the writing is quite thrilling and you get quite a good idea about some of the characters in the story.
My only problem was that in some places the conversation between the characters sounds weird. Like I started thinking "who talks like that". And some of the characters were not explained properly.
But anyway the research done to write is splendid and it's a must read for someone who like reading stuff like this.
The story line and the writing is quite thrilling and you get quite a good idea about some of the characters in the story.
My only problem was that in some places the conversation between the characters sounds weird. Like I started thinking "who talks like that". And some of the characters were not explained properly.
But anyway the research done to write is splendid and it's a must read for someone who like reading stuff like this.
November 16, 2017
Not as fulfilling
Doyle doesn't secure the 4-5 star book rating on this one. His previous books in the series had the ability to draw you in and keep you enticed to read more. This one leaves the reader lacking that drive to continue to read on.
While I appreciate all the research and valuable historical information Doyle pours into his books, this one was lackluster.
Look forward to reading the next book...
Doyle doesn't secure the 4-5 star book rating on this one. His previous books in the series had the ability to draw you in and keep you enticed to read more. This one leaves the reader lacking that drive to continue to read on.
While I appreciate all the research and valuable historical information Doyle pours into his books, this one was lackluster.
Look forward to reading the next book...
January 7, 2018
Appreciate the amount of research which has gone into the book but still found it a bit bland when compared to the mahabharata (quest and secret) and too stuffed with facts. The story of Radha runs into a dead end !, would really like to know what happens with her , Sometimes the book does seem in a hurry as it doesnt dwell upon some of the characters. Would have been nice to have a back story on Dee.
Overall decent read
Overall decent read
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