The Samson Effect

by Tony Eldridge

Since discovering an ancient scroll in a cave in Hebron, Israel, American biblical archeologist Thomas Hamilton and his trusted friend and colleague, Israeli biblical linguist Michael Sieff, have been consumed with the notion of the Samson Effect-the idea that a long-lost elixir can allow an ordinary person to perform superhuman feats. When they happen upon a worn Hebrew parchment that not only confirms the existence of the Samson Effect but could potentially lead them to its source, the scholars embark on an impassioned crusade for the truth behind the myth. But Hamilton and Sieff aren't the only ones intent on uncovering the secret of Samson's strength. An unrelenting sect of Jewish protectors will let no one stand in the way of their mission to reclaim what they had hidden nearly three thousand years ago, and a brilliant but ruthless Palestinian leader will stop at nothing to find and use the Samson Effect to empower his army of soldiers for a jihad against the world in the name of Allah. It isn't long before their joint pursuit becomes a deadly one, and Hamilton and Sieff come to the grim realization that the Samson Effect is more powerful and far-reaching than they ever anticipated. In the wrong hands, it could trigger a worldwide catastrophe. A chilling and suspenseful tale of political and religious intrigue set in the unforgiving landscape of the Middle East, The Samson Effect wanders the boundaries of obsession and love, betrayal and allegiance, and vengeance and justice.

Genres: Adventure, Fiction, Thriller, Suspense, Mystery, Mystery Thriller

214 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2007

About the author

Tony Eldridge is a former marketing professional and the author of the action/adventure novel, The Samson Effect, that Clive Cussler called a "first rate thriller brimming with intrigue and adventure." He is also the creator of Marketing Tips for Authors, a daily blog that gives low cost/no cost marketing advice and tips for authors trying to sell their books, especially if they are on a shoestring budget. Tony also has a free newsletter that gives subscribers access to free weekly video tips for authors.

**Tony just released his new novel, The Lottery Ticket via the Kindle platform.

Home page: Marketing Tips For Authors Homepage
Daily Blog: Marketing Tips For Authors Blog

To sign up for Tony’s Weekly Free Video Marketing Tips For Authors, visit the following link:

Free Weekly Video Tips For Authors Newsletter

You can also see a sample video tip before joining the newsletter at that link.

Reviews

[Susane · Rating 5 out of 5]

My cousin wrote this book! Tony is a first cousin to my husband and he and his wife actually introduced us! In fact, Tony married us, too! Anyhow, this is Tony's first work and so far, it's pretty action-packed! I just wish I had more time to sit and read the entire thing at once!

[Derek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bang!

I slammed the book shut with a tremendous rush of satisfaction and called out in one of those obnoxious fan grunts, when their home team obliterates the opposition.

This is one excellent book and made me jealous. I want to grow up and write like Tony. (Insert appropriate whining here). He does suspense like a pro. No wonder Clive Cussler gave such a rave review. No wonder this is going to be made into a movie.

All of this elation was followed by sadness, because I want more and Tony should drop everything he's doing and write more thrillers. Come on Tony, who needs a job, who needs to pay bills, who needs to eat?

Okay, back to reality. Please, people, if you're reading this review, take me seriously about what a great book this is. I reverently slipped Tony's novel in between Alistair Maclean and Jack Higgins on my favorites book shelf. To me, at least, that's a sign that I was greatly impressed.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book takes you on a wild ride. You will feel that you are very involved with the characters as they jump off the page and include you in their journey. An excellent debut novel. Tony Eldridge will go far in the publishing world.

[Janie Pendleton · Rating 5 out of 5]

SIX STARS< move over Dan Brown, here comes Tony Eldridge, writing books the way they should be written! Janie

[Rai · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ancient Mystery & Intrigue awaits you in The Samson Effect

I am a big fan of ancient mysteries, action adventure stories & thrillers, so I was immediately intrigued when I came across The Samson Effect & the blurb from Clive Cussler sealed the deal. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, it's an engaging read with a good sense of place, relentlessly fast pacing, and is populated with lively, colorful characters. A secret held since biblical times has been protected by an ancient order, but there are opposing forces closing in on it. It can impart superhuman powers & near invincibility, so the draw is irresistible. Should it fall into the wrong hands, the consequences could be disastrous.

Mr. Eldridge certainly has a flair for storytelling and creating an interesting mystery. I would have liked it if he had taken even more time in telling it - relationships & events happened quickly and could have afforded a lengthier path to develop.

The ending hints at more mysteries to come, which I hope does happen. I would not hesitate to pick up the next novel by this author. Recommended for readers who enjoy thrillers, action adventure tales, quick reads, and ancient mysteries.


Rai Aren, co-author of the award-winning mystery novel SECRET OF THE SANDS

[Dennis Batchelder · Rating 5 out of 5]

intriguing premise; lots of action

Tony Eldridge's premise in THE SAMSON EFFECT: the "Lord's Strength" of the Old Testament heroes was derived from an ancient, thought-to-be-extinct plant. Fast forward to today: two biblical researchers' quest to find the plant's one remaining seed trigger deadly reactions from both the protectors of the secret and a Palestinian terrorist.

The book is pretty much non-stop action: right from the start people get shot and buildings get bombed. In the midst of all the action, friendship, love, and betrayal, Eldgridge presents an interesting take on what would happen if a superman susbtance was out there for the taking.

[Kerry Frey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't begin to add a better review than what Clive Cussler wrote for this wonderful debut novel, but I will add that the author is one of the most outstanding and talented individuals you will ever meet. If you don't own a copy of The Samson Effect, one could only ask "why"?

[Al · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very good first offering. I will be looking forward to seeing Tony's next offering......

Thanks!

[Sharon L. Robertson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read

I did not think I would like to his book when I first started it but the book draws the reader deeper into it. Great writing and a great plot. Could the story be possible? Read it and make your own determination.

[Philip Corbett · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fantastic concept here, executed incredibly well by Tony Eldridge who, I believe, is a first time novelist.
The likening to a modern day Indiana Jones is not an exaggeration, this is a real roller coaster, thrill a minute page turner. Think Indiana Jones meets Jack Bauer, and you’ll get the idea.
Criticisms? One minor one. Mr. Eldridge has a tendency to use too many words on occasion - I stumbled over the odd sentence, but it in no way detracts from the detailed plot and the terrific action. If a movie is in the pipeline, I’ll be there. Well done.

[Denise · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Samson Effect is a mix of The Da Vinci Code and Raiders of the Lost Ark: ancient religious artifacts are tied into current political and religious groups, everyone is pitted against one another, and the plot is abundant with spies and double-crossing and unrealistic scenarios that somehow make for page-turning adventure even as the reader suspends disbelief.

It won't win any awards, but I quite liked it.

[Adam · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is engaging and well-developed, however, my only complaint is in the resolution. Following the climactic scene, the author wraps up the plot line and character storylines as if he was restricted to a page limit. It was uncharactistic of the detail provided earlier in this work. Nevertheless, I enjoyed this book for the beach-house reading it provided.

[Shelley Hitz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once I started reading, "The Sampson Effect" this weekend, I couldn't put it down. It was fast-paced and kept me interested. As the story unfolded, there were twists and turns in the plot that I didn't expect and kept it interesting.

I don't have time to read many fiction novels these days, but I'm definitely glad I read this one! Highly recommended.

[Carol · Rating 3 out of 5]

I should probably give this book more stars. I had a hard time putting the book down. The characters were a little predictable, especially the females. The idea that there was something that gave Sampson his super strength is an interesting concept.

[Adam Wallace · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a pretty good book. Kept my attention and I would look for the author in the future. The read was fast.

[Steve · Rating 1 out of 5]

Really, not very good.

[Audrey · Rating 1 out of 5]

cliches abound, as do poor writing. didn't bother to finish it

[Mike · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great (and unique) storyline and overall an enjoyable read.

[Ruth · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good book, but I have to say the romantic connections within the four main characters was very weak and juvenile. I did not like that part of the story at all.

[Holly Hilbrands · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fairly good read, but it had a hard time keeping my interest

[Carol Horton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Authors sudden shift in Hannah character not realistic (Jew & Muslim romance) based on all his other characters.

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

A suspenseful and thrilling biblical adventure. It was nice to read a local Forney, Texas author. I liken it to a fast paced Indiana Jones thrill ride.

[Renee Smithson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had Tony Eldridge's son in my classroom . His sweet son told me his dad wrote books one day during show and tell. I'm so glad he shared his GREAT book with me. LOVED it! So many twist & turns!

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story line and plenty of action. I really liked this book!