Vessel

Vessel #1

by John Bowen

When Holly Reilly finds herself on the run carrying a piece of technology with the potential to change what it even means to be human, she calls the only person she trusts with the skills necessary to keep her alive, her estranged husband, Gabriel.

Gabe and Holly soon find themselves caught up in a secret conflict that has raged for centuries, a battle poised to spill into the modern world, threatening chaos and bloodshed.

Genres: Thriller, Fiction, Suspense, Science Fiction, Fantasy, Mystery, Action

343 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 31, 2014

About the author

John Bowen is a multi genre thriller author who lives in the UK. When not playing video-games, reading, catching up on movies, going to the gym, and enjoying time with his wife and children, he occasionally finds time to write...

His debut novel supernatural suspense thriller WHERE THE DEAD WALK is an Amazon Top #100 Bestseller, his second novel, action adventure thriller, VESSEL a #1 Bestseller in Kindle Thriller and Mystery, his short story collection COLD SWEATS & VIGNETTES a #1 Bestseller in Short Fiction, and his most recent novel, murder mystery DEATH STALKS KETTLE STREET also an Amazon Top #100 Bestseller.

You're welcome to visit his site and sign up for news, promotional discounts and giveaways - and find out how to pick up a FREE book at:

https://johnbowenauthor.wordpress.com

Find him on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/JohnBowenWrites

or contact him directly at:
johnybwrites@gmail.com

or visit him on Facebook at www.facebook.com/JohnBowenWrites

Reviews

[Kath Middleton · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you enjoy fast-paced action adventures, this is the book for you. It hits the ground running and barely lets up. Holly phones her ex-husband Gabriel for help when she finds her life is in danger. She has in her possession a mysterious vessel which two factions want and will kill to get. She herself was working for one of them as part of a team analysing it. Her boss tells an incredible tale, naming the vessel the Holy Grail though it bears no resemblance to the Last Supper cup of legend. It’s very old but appears super-modern and seems to employ nanotechnology.

The story takes place both in the present day and in historic times and is well written. The ex-husband and wife are nicely drawn characters and I felt they still held considerable attraction for one another. The finale is fast and exciting and, having made my mind up right at the end what the denouement should be, I really enjoyed the ending. Highly recommended for action/thriller fans.

[Joel Hames · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is paced to perfection. The contemporary action is truly thrilling, racing from scene to scene with barely a pause for breath. The fascinating back-story, for want of a better phrase, is thoroughly absorbing, merging history, legend and character in a way that should put many better-known writers to shame. The writing is smart, snappy and original. The gripping final sequence is particularly satisfying, in a genuinely can't-put-it-down sort of way. This is the book Dan Brown would write if he had cleverer ideas and a hell of a lot more style than he does, and I'd recommend it to anyone with a liking for action.

[Terry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audiobook review
First off not what I expected at all! John Bowen can mix a story so well. He’s got different books that just give a whole mix of his writing talents. Well worth reading or listening to.
Ok ! This book, it starts with gentle historic intro, then you get into the thriller side, then the links to them both just...no way to describe. Fab.
I actually rewound a couple of times to relisten to chapters as I wanted to get all the info again. It wasn’t complicated it was excellent.
It crosses modern day, visits into The Templar’s & links them so well, can’t recommend enough.
The narrator was very good too. Kept the tempo & mood so well.

[Melanie Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am berating myself for my tardiness in getting around to reading this book. Boy, have I lost out because it is SUPERB! There was a lovely, believable connection between Gabe and Holly, which demonstrates the exceptional quality of Mr Bowen's writing. I could feel the love and chemistry they have for each other. Nicholas and Jin were also fascinating and strangely convincing as men aged in their 100s! The back story threads wove together to make a tapestry full of delight and wonderment. The whole tale is an utter joy, keeping you on the edge of your seat, wide-eyed with amazement and heart full of love in turn. Craig Beck's narration was good, although there were times when his Australian accent sounded most peculiar. However, the audio book is such perfection that it in no way detracts from the pleasure and gratification gained from listening. Don't be an idiot like I was, get Vessel and listen to it today! Now! (You can thank me later)!

[Sandra Leivesley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read or listened to all of Mr Bowens other books and absolutely loved them all but I was a little reluctant to listen to this one because I wasn't sure if it was something I'd enjoy. Anyway I did start listening and to be honest I didn't enjoy the first 15 minutes or so. It just wasn't my cup of tea but I persevered and I am so glad I did because it turned into a rip-roaring action packed adventure story about the Knights Templar and the Holy Grail. The book is well written and the characters and their back story was fascinating.

Overall I'd say this isn't my favourite John Bowen book but I did enjoy it and am very pleased I listened.

[Andrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

It has always been amazing to me in books of this genre, that the hero is able to perform deeds of superhuman action, even though he is just about mortally wounded, most of his blood having poured out from his numerous wounds, a leg, arm, or both having been broken, blinded, and having to deal with things that would stop most mere mortals, yet these are simply something for our hero to laugh off and does not stop him from going on fighting. Heck, as a kid, I remember reading about a cowboy hero, who, when confronted with an avalanche (started by the bad guys), merely jumped from rock to rock to the bottom of the mountain, mounted his horse, and rode off in pursuit of the villains, eliminating them all with his six-shooter that held at least 200 rounds of ammo.

For the most part, one could accept the actions of the characters in Vessel at face value, and I did like the various characters. However (and what led to a rating of just three stars), it is simply beyond the pale when, in the middle of a horrendous thunderstorm with pouring rain, lightning, and gale-force wind that wipes out all electrical service, the heroes and heroine are able to see by the "moonlight" coming through the windows. If it happened only once, I might overlook it. But to have it happen several times simply boggles the imagination.

Now, things may be different in Scotland, but I have lived through some pretty major thunderstorms here in the USA, and even a hurricane or two, but I have never seen the moon shining and lighting the rooms of a house to enable you to roam from room to room escaping the antagonists who are bent on your destruction.

That is simply a bridge too far, and as I said, led to a mediocre score, because I don't appreciate having the author insulting my intelligence.

[Steve Johnson · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's heavy on action and not much else, at times reading like a comic book without the pictures and without words like boom, oof and pow. It's Gabe, a soldier, and Holly, a scientist, against a cast of bad guys, all after an ancient artifact that bestows special gifts on those in contact with it. Gabe and Holly are estranged spouses reunited in time of trouble. Holly calls on Gabe to help her save the day. They are befriended by Nicholas, at first an enemy, later an ally. Lengthy flashbacks and information dumps hinder the story. After a while, it all becomes monotonous as many people get shot by more bullets fired by the old TV show A-Team and some of the same people later get sliced and diced by swords. They run through burning buildings, up and down burning staircases and through hundreds of doorways. The author seems to think of a new doorway as a creative plot device. The story has some interesting elements but is deficient in character development and meaningful dialogue. It's difficult for the reader to care much about this cast of superheroes who come off as escapees from a comic book.

[Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The tale was riveting! I imagined myself watching an action-packed movie as I read. Fast paced with bits of actual history and romance as well, I did enjoy it.
I'm no expert at grammar and punctuation but my one recommendation is to recheck these two in your writing. There were a few words here and there which had the wrong spelling. There were also moments when I had to start the sentences again because what I read made little sense, all because a comma was absent.
P.S.
Since I liked "Vessel" so much, I bought "Where the Dead Walk". ;)

[Gary · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is the first book in a long time that I could not wait for it to be over.... I hung in but it was painful. A standard cookie cutter book, good guy, bad guy, girl and then a strange plot full of weird *gory battles) and inserted "stuff". Rarely do I dislike a book that I have chosen to read but this was boring and dull. The ending was extremely disappointing and then I realized that there is a sequel. It just STOPPED. TERRIBLY DISAPPONINTING ..........

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

In a word - Brilliant! Exceptionally well written. The story was immediately gripping and held my interest for the entire book. Full of action, danger, a little history mixed with fantasy, and a beautiful love story. I won't spoil the ending for you, but - just Wow! I predict this author will be on the best seller list soon.

[Tulay · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not my kind of story.

Tried reading first third of the book carefully, skipped to the last couple of chapters. Action scenes are very long, flash backs were confusing. Device invented thousands years ago healed life ending cuts in a seconds, hundreds years old humans. Strange story.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another John Bowen genre-bending tour de force. A self-described multi-genre author, you’ll find this the perfect, if unlikely, blend of historical fiction, paranormal fiction, action-thriller, and techno-thriller. But lest you think this a highly experimental and wholly unorthodox storytelling technique, I should tell you I’ve found that Clive Cussler and James Rollins (two of my favorite authors) blend their stories together in just this fashion. And they’re loads of fun. So it is with The Vessel.

Our action-thriller hero, who it is clear from the get-go would be far more comfortable in your standard FBI Special Agent investigation, is drawn into the most unusual case of his life when an all-too-familiar woman (the love of his life) calls him and explains that she’s in need of his special skills if she’s to survive the night. Now, I should tell you, that at the outset of the story these lovers are entirely estranged and their relationship ended one-too-many life-and-death missions abroad ago, one more than she could take, anyway. But he can’t exactly say no to her plea for help, and well, I mean, what a made-to-order setup if he ever hopes to reconcile with her.

Reconciliation will have to wait, however. First they have to escape the people after what’s in her shiny metal case. Turns out their kind have been protecting this secret for millennia. And that’s where the story shifts to historical fiction for the backstory before bringing us back to the present. But it’s not history like you know it. The history you know, apparently, has been manufactured to keep you from the truth. And the real story behind the lies is one wild ride you’ll just have to experience for yourself.

Highly recommended for people of fine minds and discerning tastes. Plebeians and small-minded types should probably stick with stock and trade genre fare, lest they blow a fuse. (Apologies. It’s late at night and I’m feeling a bit cheeky.)

His Death Stalks Kettle Street was one of my favorite novels of Q1, 2017. This one seems to be destined to make my favorites list yet again for Q2, 2017.

[Iain Hart · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love historical stories, especially ones with a sharp thriller element like this one has, I enjoy every incarnation of the holy grail story I hear but this one put a completely different twist on it that kept me interested from beginning to end.

This globetrotting and time trotting adventure takes you here, there and everywhere, I loved the history soaked tales of the Knights Templar onto Japan, the adrenaline spilling over each bit like an overflowing bucket (or chalice). The attention to detail was excellent, the way the story weaved effortlessly through the different time periods and back to current without missing a beat.

I found the relationship between Gabe and Holly sweet and believable even in mortal danger Gabe was both a gentleman and a hero and Holly to be feisty and more than capable of taking care of herself.

The device they call the grail was brilliantly imagined from its description to the explanation of what it does.

every character was superbly written, showing many different layers and that was another facet that kept my interest.

This fine story was told to us by Craig Beck, who did a first class job of narrating this non stop rollercoaster of historical goodness.

If you want a mix of history, action, revenge and great storytelling then this is one not to miss

[Bobbie McCathern]

I found this book mentioned on Facebook, it sounded like something different and I have never read any of this author’s (John Bowen) books before. The story of a Vessel that was discovered during the Crusades, starts in present day with the research being done by a team of different specialists in different fields of work. Holly Reilly, blood specialist is working late into the night when she gets a call from her boss telling her to get the Vessel out of the safe and leave the lab as fast as she can, don’t stop for anything else, just run and Someone that he sends to her will come to where she has gone to for safety, but leave now. As she is leaving she hears someone coming and decides to hide. Just in time she is in her hiding space the doors open for a group of man with one of her co-worker specialists in language. Realizing that they have a gun to his head she keeps still trying to figure out what is going on. After forcing him to open the safe to get the Vessel out of, which they soon discover it is not there, when the specialist could not tell them where it was or who had it they kill him. The rest of the story leads you on a great trip of adventurer, interesting interpretations of history with a great new twist. Really enjoyed the book and the ending. I liked it so much I got his Where the Dead Walk series, which I’m reading now.

[Simon Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vessel picks you and sweeps you along from the very first page on a breakneck ride, we are introduced to two warring factions desperate to get their hands on an atefact that has changed the course of history and could lead to ultimate power......Thundering along from the Crusades and Medieval Japan......all the way up to present times, this is where we meet Holly an unsuspecting scientist who is soon on the run trying to keep the Vessel safe and escape merciless killers, lucky for Holly she has the perfect person to tun to, her estranged husband Gabriel.....ex SAS now working as a bodyguard he definitely has what it takes......
Finding themselves up against an implacable foe with the weight of ages set against them Gabe and Holly find allies in their mad rush to stay alive and unlock the mysterious Vessel but will these allies and their own skills and strengths be enough to win out in the end....
This books considering the expanse of history involved moves at a perfect pace....fast! with daring escapes and gun battles, car chases and fist fights this is like Dan Brown on steroids. Culminating in a wonderfully realised finally scene......an action thriller to look out for!

[Brenda Nichols · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vessel starts out with a bang and doesn't let up. This was an interesting twist to the Templar legends for sure. The research and insights, though wordy, were intriguing and well written.

Though I enjoyed the characters, I learned more about them from exposition rather than personal interaction. The backstory, even when written in dialogue, was long swathes of information, with little room to breathe. I often had to stop to figure out who exactly was speaking.

The book was action packed, but I tended to skim over the chase and many of the fight scenes which seemed to go on forever. But I tend to fast forward through those types of scenes in movies too.

The ending was a bit odd, leaving it up to the reader's imagination as to what followed. Perhaps there'll be a sequel explaining just what happened to Jin, Gabe, Holly, and the artifact. One can only hope.

[John Podlaski · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed "Vessel" by John Bowen, especially, his input regarding the Templars and the Holy Grail. I wasn't prepared to learn about this interpretation of the Grail, the "gifts", and its protectors. A real good vs. evil story, full of action, deceit, love, and spans almost a millennium of time.

I did not enjoy the "open" ending and thought the author could have continued for a few more pages. Personally, I would have thought the Grail would be used to recruit and heal the survivors after the final showdown. I'd recommend it, especially, if you are interested in the Templars and Crusade era.

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not sure what the genre for this story should be. On one hand, there is an ancient device, called the Holy Grail. However, this device has a lot of capabilities not normally associated with a wine goblet. Physical contact can impart some astounding physical changes to the person making the contact. Add in a couple of groups of youthful appearing people who claim to be several hundred years old, an ex--SAS trooper, his estranged wife, and you have the formula for a lot of action. Most of the story takes place in typical cold, stormy English weather, somewhere north of London. What is behind the device, and why are people so bent on acquiring it?

[Carol Butler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Was not sure about this audio as I have not heard of John Bower, but wow was I taken agog, not into Star Trekky thinks but I do like books on the Templers etc so this one was just the ticket. Started off with a prologue which is imperative to the story, and then progressed to the present day. Holly a scientist witnesses a brutal murder and the theft of an attache case and in turn runs for her life not really understanding the content of the briefcase. It is a modern-day thriller full of mystery and action and well narrated by Craig Beck. As this is not full of space ships etc I could easily listen to another by this author, and not at all dull and kept me on tenterhooks till the very end.

[M. Lovell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read

I enjoyed this book, even though the story is not overwhelmingly original nor is the ending unexpected. The author told the story well, adding enough of his own voice to make it interesting. I could have read more, I wanted a glimpse beyond the ending as cliched as that might have been for the author to write. If you want something that's complex and totally original, this is not the book for you. If you want a book to hold your interest and to raise your pulse a bit, then by all means dive in.

[Sandy Adams · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good adventure yarn but....

While this book had it's moments, what ruined it for me was the ending. I loathe it when do much is left up in the air presumably to force the reader to purchase a follow-up. This one was really annoying as this does not appear to be the case - instead, after all the action, blood and gore the story just kind of stops. No resolution at all...do they get away? Did Jin survive? What happened to the 'artifact' and what was it really? Could the author not come up with a satisfying conclusion after all the other gory details?

[Anadarko52 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just OK

This was just another ancient artifact tale involving the Templars. Lots of action. Decent character development. The only thing distinguishing this novel from others in the same genre was the nature of the artifact. I won't spoil it by describing the artifact, but I thought there could have been more backstory regarding the origin and nature of the artifact. This novel went back and forth in time, so that could have blended well. Finally, I did not like the open ending.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Format: audiobook
Narrator: Craig Beck
This is a riveting story that spans centuries. It’s modern day but spins a tantalising tale of Templar knights, ninjas, the ‘Holy Grail’ and an ex SAS soldier who finds himself in the middle of a centuries old feud.
Great narration helps bring the story to life and this narrator did just that.
The drama and danger has you holding your breath at times willing the outcome to be a positive one but knowing no one will be left unscathed.
This story ended before I was ready for it to, leaving me needing to know ...... was the question asked?

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would really like to give this book 3.5 stars. It is not quite a 4 star book but deserves more than 3 stars really. It is a good action adventure featuring the secrets of the Templars, some nifty ancient technology, some nice heroic characters and some rather nasty or insane villains. A jolly good romp that kept me reading into the early hours, don't expect anything taxing or too intellectual, just entertainment. I might read something slightly more challenging before reading the second book but I will definitely read the second book pretty soon.

[Sandra Rae · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gripping tale of Templar’s

Fast paced and gripping, from the beginning. A tale that crosses centuries, Templar’s, knighthood and honor, protecting a biblical treasure.
An adventure with great story telling, details, pulling you into its grip.
How do you protect an ancient treasure, who do you trust when you need help. Holly and Gabe learn an age old secret, it’s story through time, but will they and the protectors live to continue the journey?
Excellent read!

[Judith Roberts · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting

The book included hundreds of years, the long trip thru time simply added to the intensity of story. My biggest complaint the book ended
In a cliffhanger. I really don't care for that method of writing, and is the reason the book is not rated higher. The story and premise are good and the action is too notch. If you aren't bothered by the way the book ends, I am sure you will enjoy it tremendously.

[Stephen Washburn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Vessel

An interesting g story. I didn't like the time that was sent going into the history Nicholas spent explaining it. I think that should have been better explained at the start of the story when he and Gabe first met and in a much shorter explanation. I evaluated the ending g. After spending so much time reading and then finding g that there was no ending it wad truly disappointing. I would not recommend this book to others.

[kathleen r. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Imaginative plot

This is going to be a rocking good story but it isn't over yet.
I can't write a review for a book without an ending.
In a way that's too bad because there is much to praise and little to dog, but because I have no idea how this story resolves a review is quite impossible.
If you want to know what happens you have to buy the next product.
I simply don't do that.
3 stars for decent action but for a completely entertaining saga, this is a fail for me

[Paul Sparks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Templars? Holy Grail?

What’s not to like about just those two arcs in this tale! Let me start by thanking Madame Melanie from the audible book group for allowing me to enjoy this book, the story was good, the narration was good and the premises were excellent, if I have a bone to pick then it’s the inevitable superhuman supersoldier hero that turns up in most thriller books, I have already purchased the sequel and I am hoping the hero in that is overweight, short in stature and clumsy 😉

[Allison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dragged at times developing the story and how everyone came to be. A different spin on the “Holy Grail” story. He did do well merging the present with the past, even if it take a bit to move to the climax. Since so much of the storyline was in the past the characters did not have too much development. You could feel the love and attachment Gabe had for Holly but her feelings for him were still embroiled in the past.