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The Last Pope
+++In Memory of Pope Francis+++
In 2014, Pope Francis opened the Pontifical Gardens of Castel Gandolfo to the public for the first time, transforming a place of private contemplation into a space accessible to all. This act of openness and humility, so deeply aligned with his Franciscan spirit, became a profound source of inspiration for this novel. Without his gesture of sharing, this story could never have come to life.
An electrifying thriller for our age of chaos.
From the quiet gardens of Castel Gandolfo to the deepest vaults of the Vatican, one man holds the fate of the world in his hands. In the final 60 minutes before nuclear catastrophe, the Pope must unleash a power hidden for more than two millennia—or watch humanity fall.
As sirens wail across cities and leaders vanish behind bunkers, the world’s last hope lies not in weapons—but in a secret whispered through centuries, guarded by saints and stained by blood.
What if salvation was never political… but spiritual?
What if the Church’s oldest relic wasn’t just symbolic—but real?
Blending ancient secrets with modern political turmoil, The Last Pope is a pulse-pounding journey through time, faith, and the dark side of power.
After the most explosive U.S. election in history and as global tensions reach a boiling point, one relic—long hidden beneath Rome—could unite humanity… or destroy it forever.
Ancient Rome. Baroque Rome. Present Day.
Three men. One relic. One last chance to alter the course of history.
As Emperor Domitian, Pope Urban VIII, and the modern Pope each confront the relic in their final moments, history’s obsessions—and failures—echo forward with terrifying clarity.
Will today's Pope break the cycle? Or repeat the sins of the past?
Why You’ll Be Hooked
Timely, Thrilling, and Uncannily In an age of disinformation, nuclear threats, and rising extremism, The Last Pope strikes deep.
Real History, Real From ancient temples and hidden tunnels to the candle-lit silence of the Vatican archives, the setting is as rich and intense as the plot.
Perfect for fans of The Da Vinci Code, House of Cards, and Tom Clancy thrillers.
Teaser
The world is one hour from extinction.
The key to salvation lies buried beneath Rome.
Only the Pope can tip the scales.
And this time… there’s no second coming.
🔥 Be Part of the Countdown
If you crave high-stakes thrillers where ancient prophecy meets global crisis, The Last Pope is your next obsession.
Order now. Decode the secrets.
And join the final hour—before it’s too late.
In 2014, Pope Francis opened the Pontifical Gardens of Castel Gandolfo to the public for the first time, transforming a place of private contemplation into a space accessible to all. This act of openness and humility, so deeply aligned with his Franciscan spirit, became a profound source of inspiration for this novel. Without his gesture of sharing, this story could never have come to life.
An electrifying thriller for our age of chaos.
From the quiet gardens of Castel Gandolfo to the deepest vaults of the Vatican, one man holds the fate of the world in his hands. In the final 60 minutes before nuclear catastrophe, the Pope must unleash a power hidden for more than two millennia—or watch humanity fall.
As sirens wail across cities and leaders vanish behind bunkers, the world’s last hope lies not in weapons—but in a secret whispered through centuries, guarded by saints and stained by blood.
What if salvation was never political… but spiritual?
What if the Church’s oldest relic wasn’t just symbolic—but real?
Blending ancient secrets with modern political turmoil, The Last Pope is a pulse-pounding journey through time, faith, and the dark side of power.
After the most explosive U.S. election in history and as global tensions reach a boiling point, one relic—long hidden beneath Rome—could unite humanity… or destroy it forever.
Ancient Rome. Baroque Rome. Present Day.
Three men. One relic. One last chance to alter the course of history.
As Emperor Domitian, Pope Urban VIII, and the modern Pope each confront the relic in their final moments, history’s obsessions—and failures—echo forward with terrifying clarity.
Will today's Pope break the cycle? Or repeat the sins of the past?
Why You’ll Be Hooked
Timely, Thrilling, and Uncannily In an age of disinformation, nuclear threats, and rising extremism, The Last Pope strikes deep.
Real History, Real From ancient temples and hidden tunnels to the candle-lit silence of the Vatican archives, the setting is as rich and intense as the plot.
Perfect for fans of The Da Vinci Code, House of Cards, and Tom Clancy thrillers.
Teaser
The world is one hour from extinction.
The key to salvation lies buried beneath Rome.
Only the Pope can tip the scales.
And this time… there’s no second coming.
🔥 Be Part of the Countdown
If you crave high-stakes thrillers where ancient prophecy meets global crisis, The Last Pope is your next obsession.
Order now. Decode the secrets.
And join the final hour—before it’s too late.
253 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 11, 2025
105 people are currently reading
42 people want to read
About the author
Sebastian Kentor
9 books37 followersThis is not a marketing trick, it’s the naked truth... I could not wait anymore for Dan Brown’s next book...;I followed his writing MasterClass and his advice was a revelation to me: “If you want to write a book just write the book you always wanted to read”. The next day I started researching and writing and here we are ...two years later 😍, maybe you could give a chance to the feminine version of Robert Langdon? My mystery thriller will reveal the secret deep hidden in the Great Pyramid🌀✨ Here is its trailer: https://youtu.be/JSsbAZ3SCoY
PS: I am not sorry for giving up two years of my life, researching and writing non stop: in the plane, boat, train, holidays, weekends and nights ...driving my family a bit crazy. I am just super excited to share my book with you... hoping you would love it just a little bit as you adore Dan's masterpieces...
Sebastian Kentor is working for one of the European Union's institutions. He dedicated this book to his family, who supported his daily writing despite the problematic period of confinement, and to all COVID-19 outbreak victims, especially the ones who still suffer its effects. He hopes that humanity will learn from its mistakes and focus on the future to rebuild and avoid further affliction of its most vulnerable members. We are at a turning point in the history of our civilization, and we have the tremendous responsibility of shaping the future for our children. he also hopes that the scientific discoveries combined with the will to do good in this world will unite us all in a common goal—the survival of our race—and to improve in a sustainable way our society’s quality of life.
PS: I am not sorry for giving up two years of my life, researching and writing non stop: in the plane, boat, train, holidays, weekends and nights ...driving my family a bit crazy. I am just super excited to share my book with you... hoping you would love it just a little bit as you adore Dan's masterpieces...
Sebastian Kentor is working for one of the European Union's institutions. He dedicated this book to his family, who supported his daily writing despite the problematic period of confinement, and to all COVID-19 outbreak victims, especially the ones who still suffer its effects. He hopes that humanity will learn from its mistakes and focus on the future to rebuild and avoid further affliction of its most vulnerable members. We are at a turning point in the history of our civilization, and we have the tremendous responsibility of shaping the future for our children. he also hopes that the scientific discoveries combined with the will to do good in this world will unite us all in a common goal—the survival of our race—and to improve in a sustainable way our society’s quality of life.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
January 22, 2025
In the realm of high-stakes thrillers, The Da Vinci Code set the benchmark for weaving historical intrigue, religious conspiracies, and relentless pacing into a global bestseller. But The Last Pope by Sebastian Kentor takes the genre to an entirely new level, delivering a narrative that is not only more intense but also more thought-provoking, emotionally charged, and philosophically profound.
A Plot That Redefines Suspense
Unlike Dan Brown’s focus on unraveling ancient mysteries through puzzles and symbology, The Last Pope plunges readers into the heart of a modern-day crisis—the final moments of the papacy as the world spirals toward catastrophe. Set against the backdrop of a nuclear strike on Rome, the novel explores the fates of three popes, each trapped in a different space yet connected by the haunting beauty of the papal gardens and the weight of divine destiny.
The book unfolds like a ticking time bomb, each chapter a countdown to an inevitable yet shocking conclusion. Whereas The Da Vinci Code often relied on abrupt twists and cliffhangers to maintain suspense, The Last Pope crafts tension with elegant precision, immersing readers in the psychological, political, and theological turmoil of its protagonists.
A Deeper Exploration of Faith, Power, and Fate
One of the standout aspects of The Last Pope is its depth. While The Da Vinci Code entertained with its alternative interpretations of religious history, Kentor’s novel forces readers to confront profound existential questions. What happens when faith meets its final hour? Can power survive without belief? Is destiny truly written, or can it be defied?
Each pope in the novel is a fully realized character, wrestling with their own past and their place in the collapsing present. Their inner conflicts—between duty and doubt, faith and reason—are as gripping as the external threats that loom over them. This level of psychological complexity far surpasses the somewhat static and intellectual approach of Robert Langdon in The Da Vinci Code.
Cinematic Storytelling with Literary Weight
Sebastian Kentor writes with a style that is both cinematic and deeply evocative. His descriptions of the Vatican’s hidden corridors, the whispering gardens, and the apocalyptic Rome outside its walls create a world that feels both ethereal and terrifyingly real. Every sentence is purposeful, every dialogue charged with meaning.
Unlike Dan Brown’s tendency to over-explain or dump historical exposition, Kentor trusts his readers, allowing them to absorb the grandeur and horror of the unfolding events organically. The result is a thriller that reads as effortlessly as a blockbuster film but lingers in the mind long after the final page.
A Thriller for the Ages
The Last Pope is not just another thriller; it is a novel that redefines what the genre can achieve. It takes the reader on a heart-pounding journey through faith, mortality, and the weight of history, delivering a climax that is as shocking as it is inevitable.
For fans of The Da Vinci Code seeking something more intellectually and emotionally gripping, The Last Pope is the definitive upgrade—a masterpiece of suspense that does not just entertain but transforms the way we perceive history, power, and the very nature of belief.
January 1, 2025
Early Reader Review: The Last Pope by Sebastian Kentor
Sebastian Kentor’s The Last Pope is an electrifying and haunting meditation on power, faith, and the fragility of human life. Set against the backdrop of a near-future global conflict that culminates in a nuclear strike on Rome, the novel explores the final moments of three pontiffs, weaving their individual struggles into a tense and philosophical narrative that is as thought-provoking as it is devastating.
The story’s brilliance lies in its structure, with the gardens of the papal palace serving as a poignant and recurring stage for each pope’s reckoning. Kentor masterfully captures the internal turmoil and raw humanity of these figures, offering readers not just a glimpse into their souls but also an intimate reflection on mortality and legacy.
The pacing is sharp, yet Kentor allows for reflective pauses, building an atmosphere of suspense that crescendos to the inevitable. The side character of Pope Clement V provides a subtle yet crucial counterbalance to the narrative, embodying themes of resilience and the weight of history.
What truly sets The Last Pope apart is its emotional depth and thematic ambition. Kentor does not shy away from asking difficult questions about leadership in the face of catastrophe and the role of spirituality in an increasingly fractured world.
For readers drawn to philosophical thrillers with high stakes and profound character studies, The Last Pope is an absolute triumph. Kentor’s prose is sharp, evocative, and laced with a quiet intensity that lingers long after the final page. This is not just a novel—it is an experience, and one that should not be missed.
Rating: ★★★★★
Sebastian Kentor’s The Last Pope is an electrifying and haunting meditation on power, faith, and the fragility of human life. Set against the backdrop of a near-future global conflict that culminates in a nuclear strike on Rome, the novel explores the final moments of three pontiffs, weaving their individual struggles into a tense and philosophical narrative that is as thought-provoking as it is devastating.
The story’s brilliance lies in its structure, with the gardens of the papal palace serving as a poignant and recurring stage for each pope’s reckoning. Kentor masterfully captures the internal turmoil and raw humanity of these figures, offering readers not just a glimpse into their souls but also an intimate reflection on mortality and legacy.
The pacing is sharp, yet Kentor allows for reflective pauses, building an atmosphere of suspense that crescendos to the inevitable. The side character of Pope Clement V provides a subtle yet crucial counterbalance to the narrative, embodying themes of resilience and the weight of history.
What truly sets The Last Pope apart is its emotional depth and thematic ambition. Kentor does not shy away from asking difficult questions about leadership in the face of catastrophe and the role of spirituality in an increasingly fractured world.
For readers drawn to philosophical thrillers with high stakes and profound character studies, The Last Pope is an absolute triumph. Kentor’s prose is sharp, evocative, and laced with a quiet intensity that lingers long after the final page. This is not just a novel—it is an experience, and one that should not be missed.
Rating: ★★★★★
January 14, 2025
Dan Brown’s fans will not be disappointed
Kentor’s narrative is a masterful tapestry woven with historical depth and contemporary urgency. The novel seamlessly shifts between ancient Rome, during Emperor Domitian’s reign, and Baroque Rome under Pope Urban VIII, highlighting how the lust for power and immortality transcends eras. His meticulous research and vivid descriptions bring to life the enigmatic world of the Vatican, echoing the immersive experience found in Dan Brown’s books.
For those who relish the intellectual thrill of deciphering historical puzzles and the adrenaline of fast-paced storytelling, “The Last Pope” offers a journey that is both thought-provoking and pulse-pounding. It’s a narrative where faith clashes with power, and every decision could mean the difference between peace and devastation.
Kentor’s narrative is a masterful tapestry woven with historical depth and contemporary urgency. The novel seamlessly shifts between ancient Rome, during Emperor Domitian’s reign, and Baroque Rome under Pope Urban VIII, highlighting how the lust for power and immortality transcends eras. His meticulous research and vivid descriptions bring to life the enigmatic world of the Vatican, echoing the immersive experience found in Dan Brown’s books.
For those who relish the intellectual thrill of deciphering historical puzzles and the adrenaline of fast-paced storytelling, “The Last Pope” offers a journey that is both thought-provoking and pulse-pounding. It’s a narrative where faith clashes with power, and every decision could mean the difference between peace and devastation.
March 17, 2025
Told over several different time periods from Ancient Rome to Present Day this is a rather intriguing and thought provoking tale that is intricately woven, taken in world and religious history and turning it into a clever thriller. A prophecy that tells about the end of the world encourages people throughout history to prepare and reverse the inevitable. In the present day the pope makes it his mission to find an ancient artefact but even if he does find it all boils down to one questions: Will humanity choose evolution over destruction? Or will they unite over division? You need to read to find that out.
January 26, 2026
Interesting and different
I didn't know what to expect with this book. I only skimmed the preview, so it was quite surprised as to the content of it. I could very easily see something ealike that happening historically. Man is consumed with various things. Political and religious parties want power. Power to influence men and society, actually the whole world.. to watch how this relic that holds all this power could bring men to their knees and cause their insanity and their demise. The story brings us to the end of it all, and to the last pope who helps fulfill it it there.
The Computer narration was what's nicer than I expected.
I didn't know what to expect with this book. I only skimmed the preview, so it was quite surprised as to the content of it. I could very easily see something ealike that happening historically. Man is consumed with various things. Political and religious parties want power. Power to influence men and society, actually the whole world.. to watch how this relic that holds all this power could bring men to their knees and cause their insanity and their demise. The story brings us to the end of it all, and to the last pope who helps fulfill it it there.
The Computer narration was what's nicer than I expected.
September 10, 2025
I was very disappointed with the book. I did not like the ending, and I found it hard to keep reading. The plot is that the pope needs to save the world from destruction but to do this he needs to call upon powers that prior popes knew of but kept secret. He needs to access a relic that contains the power to do this. The author covers Roman Emperor Domitian, Baroque era Pope Urban VIII and the present-day pope. The author was trying to write something like The DaVinci Code by Dan Brown, but I can say he was not successful.
August 26, 2025
This novel showcases Kentor’s flair for weaving suspense into moments of profound human vulnerability. Set against the backdrop of a looming catastrophe in the Vatican, the story unfolds during the final hour of three pontiffs, capturing their struggle, doubt, and fleeting faith as Rome faces annihilation. With its minimalist setting yet high-stakes tension, the book resonates as both a page-turner and a meditation on mortality and power.
September 25, 2025
I see people saying that if you are a Dan Brown fan you will love this book. Well, I'm a Dan Brown fan and have just ordered his latest book. Very excited to read it. This was not anywhere close to a Dan Brown book!! It was nothing but mystical nonsense, no excitement, no real plot and just a huge bore. The only thing good about it was that it was not too long so I could read it quickly and move on to a true author.
March 23, 2025
The story was good and I enjoyed the characters and the book. I would have rated it a bit higher but the editing errors (duplicated paragraph, typos) were distracting. It appears to be a self-published book.
January 17, 2025
Very slow.
January 22, 2025
Wow, this author is awesome ! Dan Brown …he can stay retired , please write more !
February 3, 2025
An engaging book, I recommend it! I am very much looking forward to the translation of all the books into Lithuanian!
February 9, 2025
Best thing before reading the new book of Dan Brown ‘s The Secret of Secrets . Really loved how History intertwines with mystery.
February 11, 2025
Amazing.
March 6, 2025
Love this author!
March 9, 2025
Great book
R
R
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 9, 2025
Truly wonderful.
March 23, 2025
Involving, mysterious, good read
April 11, 2025
chilling
Goosebumps and raised hair from the first word to the last. Stephen Kentor has become one of my new favorite authors.
Goosebumps and raised hair from the first word to the last. Stephen Kentor has become one of my new favorite authors.
April 12, 2025
so unic
May 20, 2025
Timeless
A good mystery that leads, after many religious twists to global Armageddon. Very entertaining and historically accurate. Enjoyable. Conrad Samayoa.
A good mystery that leads, after many religious twists to global Armageddon. Very entertaining and historically accurate. Enjoyable. Conrad Samayoa.
July 1, 2025
Very good! You should read
August 10, 2025
History of Rome interspersed with papal history leading to a major disaster. Personally did not care for the jumping from one pope to another and one time period to another, but facts are right
August 23, 2025
Too true
Brilliant and terrifying. The story is so close to the truth of what is happening all around us. Let's hope this story's ending is fiction not fact.
Brilliant and terrifying. The story is so close to the truth of what is happening all around us. Let's hope this story's ending is fiction not fact.
August 27, 2025
This blew my mind ! Apocalyptic and prophetic!
November 21, 2025
Very good
Kind regard
Tiger
Kind regard
Tiger
December 2, 2025
🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹
Your fan ,yaqoub hamidi
Your fan ,yaqoub hamidi
January 17, 2026
Simply breathtaking, amazing!
January 17, 2026
This was a real rollercoaster. Short, but much better than Dan Brown’s last book, The Secret of Secrets, which bored me to death. The ending was very sad—I agree with other reviewers—but it felt intentional, as if the author wanted to deliver a warning. It’s a fast, engaging read and excellent value for the low price I paid on Kindle. It kept me entertained on a short flight between Paris and Dubai.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews