The Sacred Order : And The Mystical Legend Of Saint Francis Of Assisi

by Roger L. Brooks

“The Sacred Order will leave readers breathless and enlightened.” —New York Weekly

“A heart-pounding, mind-bending journey of discovery.” —MSN

“Masterful storytelling at its absolute finest.” —The American Reporter

While in Vatican City, renowned photorealist Anthony Brunelli is summoned from an art reception honoring his latest masterpiece to an unexpected private audience with Pope Benedict XVI. There, he receives a shocking uncover an 800-year-old secret left by Saint Francis of Assisi—a revelation with the power to reshape the very foundations of Christianity.

Brunelli has always known of his family's ancient duty to protect a sacred truth, but never imagined he would be the one chosen to unveil it—let alone at the Pope's command.

Joined by gifted art historian Dr. Vera Valentino, Brunelli follows a trail of hidden clues ingeniously encoded within Renaissance masterpieces. Their investigation uncovers a chilling revelation about Pontius Pilate's secret testament regarding the Virgin Mary—a truth so explosive it threatens to overturn centuries of religious doctrine.

As shadowy forces within the Vatican close in, determined to keep these secrets buried, Brunelli must confront his own wavering faith, ensure his safety, and solve the mysterious disappearance of his father—all while racing to unlock a mystery hidden in plain sight for centuries.

The Sacred Order is an electrifying journey through Renaissance art, ancient beliefs, and dangerous betrayals—where the line between faith and heresy may be drawn in blood.

thesacredorder.com

359 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 4, 2025

Reviews

[Marianne Long · Rating 3 out of 5]

A modern encounter with the spirit of St Francis

The overarching theme of this novel is that all life is one. Serious consideration is given to the personal embrace of monastic ideals.
Falls short of the bar set by Morris West's novel about a papal enclave, THE SHOES OF A FISHERMAN. Recommended with 3.5 stars 🌟.

[Vickie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is about a modern-day man whose family line goes back to the time of St. Francis of Assisi. The man, Anthony Brunelli, is given the task of finding artifacts that St. Francis left behind to be found at a future date as the Church at that time was in turmoil. The Vatican assigns an authenticator-historian, Vera Valentino, to him to help unravel the mysteries of the artifacts. This book is not meant for the unbeliever, as it addresses the point of where salvation springs, from the institution or the individual. The author uses historical facts and people as the anchor for this book, even though it is fictional.

[Dave · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to love this book but, alas, I didn't. Too preachy. The "mystery" is weak and disappointing. Maybe I'm just the wrong audience: I'm not an atheist but nor am I religious - especially not catholic. It just hit all the wrong nerves for me but I did finish it - I don't like giving up on a story - but maybe I should have with this one.

[Pam Belcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

very interesting!

I thought I was reading a great novel, lots of action and intrigue. But, when I got to the end, I found out that except for a few characters it was all real. I remember the last papal enclave but had no clue about the strategy and intrigue behind it. Great reading!

[Habiba Curtis-Joseph · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life is it a coincidence or happenstance

There’s no such thing as a coincidence or happenstance. Everything that was, was. Everything that has yet to happen, will. There is no past… There is no future… There is only the present moment in time. All was well.

[cheri witko · Rating 5 out of 5]

interesting book

A page turner. Well written and full of suspense. Loved it. I was impressed with history and research taken to write this book. Thanks for sharing this patch of history and the story of St Francisl

[Ann Malmrose · Rating 5 out of 5]

excellent read

Kept my attention throughout the book. Did not want this to end. Got you emotionally involved in what was happening.

[Mitchell Kaufman · Rating 2 out of 5]

There is potential here, but it takes forever to get anywhere. Some writers could make it enjoyable. As is, it is just a pale attempt at a Dan Brown book.

[Margaret Dalton · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounded up. The plot was intriguing. The writing ebbed and flowed, and it almost felt as if two different writers contributed as the style shifted around.

[Andrew Buttery · Rating 4 out of 5]

a well written story with a decent pace and some very good biblical history.
some areas came across as incomplete and left hanging with a rushed solution at the end.
overall, well written and, I believe, will be enjoyed by fans of Dan Brown as well as biblical scholars