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Ark: A Templar Thriller Series: Book 1

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His sister is murdered. The Church shuts down the case.
So Father Jonathan Rose breaks his vows—and uncovers a conspiracy eight centuries in the making.

Drawn into the hidden world of the modern-day Knights Templar, Rose must confront a secret that powerful forces have killed to protect. To find the truth, he must trust an Order built on lies… before he becomes their next target.

A relentless conspiracy thriller where ancient secrets collide with modern power.

When his sister is murdered and the investigation is abruptly shut down, Father Jonathan Rose is forced to confront a truth the Church has hidden for centuries:
some secrets are worth killing for.

Haunted by guilt and driven by fury, Rose abandons his collar and follows the only lead he has—one that pulls him into a world of covert societies, forbidden knowledge, and a conspiracy eight centuries in the making.

As he crosses continents searching for answers, Rose discovers he’s not the only one hunting the truth.
A dying Templar order is fighting to survive, and their last hope is a man who no longer believes in anything.

To uncover his sister’s killer, Rose must decide whether to trust the people who have lied for generations—or become their next target.

ARK launches a fast-paced thriller series where ancient secrets collide with modern power, and one priest-turned-fugitive stands between justice and annihilation.

Perfect for fans of Dan Brown, Scott Mariani, Gary McAvoy, and anyone who loves Templar conspiracies, high-stakes mysteries, and relentless action.

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P.J. Humphreys

10 books22 followers

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5 stars
495 (59%)
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248 (29%)
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60 (7%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
81 reviews1 follower
January 12, 2026
Incredible. Best book Ive read since the last incredible book I read. Which is not long ago but Im lucky with book choices I guess. Read in a day...its fast paced, thrilling i was so invested in those people!
Profile Image for James Cambell.
28 reviews
October 2, 2020
Story is opposite to Assassin's Creed

The priest went to the dinner party at one of the US Senators' mansion. He lost his sister, Courtney and her body was found burnt next to her abandoned car fifty miles away.

Father Jonathan Rose asked the police about Courtney's murder many times and they failed to answer him. One of the investigating off told Jonathan the clues at the conspiracy theorist's house for the case. The name, St Clair, led him to the castle in Scotland and the Knight Templars. They had the common enemy, S.E.D.

The Knight Templars played good guys as opposed to the video game franchise, Assassin's Creed.

Caesar XIII
Profile Image for Julia.
3,089 reviews95 followers
August 6, 2020
Ark: Return Of The Templars by Paul Humphreys is a thrilling suspense set in 2008.
The book shows the continuing fight between good and evil that has existed since biblical times. An ancient order of Knights is pitted against evil criminal masterminds.
The plot is complex and well executed. The action was fast paced and would make a marvellous movie.
This was not my usual genre but I found it exciting and absorbing.
Profile Image for Angel (Bookn.All.Night).
1,681 reviews45 followers
January 21, 2021
This isn't normally the type of book I read and I'm glad I took the chance. I've always loved movies set in the Crusade time period and have always been fascinated by secret societies.

This was not only an engaging and well written story but had a lot of historical aspects which were fascinating to read. The last few chapters had me on edge as it was action-packed and thrilling! I cannot wait to receive Book 2 and continue this adventure.

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed herein are mine and mine alone.
Profile Image for Melva Metivier.
7 reviews
January 13, 2026
Great story and foundation for more

Very good idea for an amazing story I couldn’t stop ready it and am going to start the next book right now!
308 reviews1 follower
January 3, 2026
Loved it!

I have always been a fan of stories involving all things ancient, the Templars in particular - and this does not disappoint. A good and involving plot, with some of the character's backstory provided. The pace is good and the characters well drawn. I am looking forward to the next book.
1 review1 follower
December 29, 2025
Great reading

I had not read a book in years, when I decided to start reading again my search brought me to this book; series. Can't to start reading the next one.
170 reviews
January 12, 2026
This was such a good book. A little bit intense but lots of interesting characters. Since I have an interest and have studied The Templers, I wondered if perhaps this group of interesting men and women could possibly continue their quest.
Like I said, good read but intense. Some of the happenings are hard to read and I had to put it down and take a breath but I will read Book 2.
Profile Image for Kristel Greer.
646 reviews13 followers
February 24, 2021
I was sent a copy of this book for review.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~.
Jonathan attends a party with his sister Courtney. Courtney confronts two mysterious men and then leaves. When she is later found brutally murdered Jonathan's belief in God and his priesthood is shattered. After speaking with the cops on her case and receiving cryptic messages from Courtney from beyond the grave, Jonathan sets out to discover what dangerous situation she got mixed up in. This leads him to someone called St Clair located in Scotland.


St Clair and his associates are part of a secret society known as the Knights Templar and are hunting for the nefarious criminal Saladin who is determined to expose their identities and discover the location of their Charge –the fabled Ark of the Covenant. St Clair reveals to Jonathan the truth about the Templars and their sacred calling to guard the Ark. He enlists his help to track and capture Saladin as Jonathan is the only one seen him in person as he was at the party he attended. Strategies are put in motion to take out Saladin's finances, avenues of attack and a Knight within Saladin's ranks is activated to thwart his sinister plans to reveal the Knights' secrets and wreak havoc around the world. St. Clair recalls Knights from across the globe to secure and protect the Ark.


This is 🌟🌟🌟🌟 as it was filled with intrigue, thrilling cat and mouse action, an interesting take on Templar myths as well as shocking twists and turns along the way. Jonathan was a great character. His personal journey from losing his faith to being confronted with possible proof of God was compelling. His determination fuelled by anger and grief at the start to find his sister's killer which transforms into a passionate fight against Saladin for more than just his own grievances was fascinating to read. Overall an interesting retelling of the Knights Templar and Ark of the Covenant legends. I liked all the main characters as they had diverse and surprisingly intricate backgrounds which added depth to the plot. I eagerly await book 2 to continue the story.
Profile Image for Siddhant Agarwal.
566 reviews25 followers
December 11, 2020
The plot of the book is quite interesting, and the storytelling is engaging. The author has taken the central idea of the Knights Templar and built it into a modern-day thriller that hooks the reader from the very first page. Paul has taken the basic question of faith and through the Priest, we actually see that getting tested time and again as the plot unravels. A lot of historical references have been tapped and I would have loved to read a bit more in detail about them and a bit less detail of the operations conducted because at places it did become tiresome. The back story of the Fallen Knight could have been better utilized, and I am hoping that it does come to light in the subsequent books. The first part was quite pacy, but the second half of the book did seem a bit rushed and that sort of went against the book.

The characterization and the level of detail in the characters is amazing. I loved the fact that the author dedicated a part of the book setting the past of the main characters so that their motivation in doing what they do becomes apparent and easy to comprehend. For me, the character that stood out was that of Jonathan and the manner in which his part unravels. I am quite sure that he would form a pivotal role in the books to come. The anti-hero, Saladin, also did intrigue me because he had a certain feeling of heroism in what he did, and while it was wrong from a perspective, his courage and determination was amazing.
13 reviews
June 23, 2024
I picked this up because I thought it would be interesting - typically Amazon had recommended the third in the series to me but I don’t like coming in half way through so I thought I’d start at the beginning.
It’s a strange start and for the first several pages I wasn’t quite sure what was going on but I stuck with it and am glad I did.
It is a well written book (though he goes have quite an odd staccato style about his writing and the plot does wander around a little bit and you don’t quite know where it’s all going but stick with it -I was up till the very early hours wanting to finish this !!
Profile Image for Denny Howard.
155 reviews1 follower
January 2, 2024
I keep telling myself the book is fiction, not fact. Then I get engrossed again and feel totally stupid thinking Humphrey has discovered the Ark and it’s inside a secret castle in Scotland. But, here’s my deal: I don’t know where the Ark is! Who does? And, I’m reading a “love story of sorts” with Templar knights and characters that are alive and vibrant and…okay, I got caught-up reading it, just absorbed in the whole of it. And, I’m glad I was. It has now become part of my life, as I have lived in its pages. You should too!
Profile Image for Yvonne.
101 reviews10 followers
January 21, 2024
Remembrance

An interesting story with the secret society, The Templars.. As evil.seems to flourish throughout the world, the Templars work to end the mastermind behind the evil. Yet, even the Templars are unable to save the life of FBI computer genius, Courtney Rose. Her brother, Jonathan leaves his faith and the priesthood to find her murderers, only to discover that he is being led to a place where he can begin his remembrance to his sister. Ark is a captivating novel about one man's grief can lead to the end of evil and rejoicing of lives thought gone.
735 reviews5 followers
May 18, 2024
Intriguing, Determination

FBI Agent Courtney Rose , who is not a field agent, comes across some interesting information while doing her job. She decides to check it out herself. Asking her brother, Father Jonathan Rose to accompany her to a fund raiser being held by the governor. Courtney disappear s from the party and is found hours later next to her car disfigured and burned. This affects Fr. Jonathan so badly he leaves the priesthood to go on a quest to find her killer. And on the story goes. This is a must read. Great job. Thank you. On to Book 2.
Profile Image for Lucinda Clarke.
Author 26 books157 followers
August 3, 2017
THOUGHT I’D LIKE IT
Since I had enjoyed The Homework Club by the same author when I was offered an early copy to review I snapped it up. Written in a very different vein, not a comedy this time I found it an easy read and it also contained many interesting facts – lots of information I didn’t know. I read this in two days, found it very difficult to put down. Highly recommended.
Profile Image for Paul.
78 reviews1 follower
May 1, 2020
What an absolutely fantastic book. This book popped up on my Facebook timeline as a sponsored post. I get lots of books on my timeline but this one sounded intriguing. I borrowed it on Amazon Lending and was so pleased I did.

I thought the story had good momentum and despite been gripping, you still got to know and connect with all of the characters.

I can’t wait for a sequel if there is one
Profile Image for Adrian B.
4 reviews
August 19, 2023
Couldn't put it down

I read a lot of books electronic and other. Some I read more than one at a time. The twists, turns, storyline kept me engrossed from start to end. Despite its religious connotations it has all, crime, terrorism, murder, love , hate, romance, mystery and religion. Now for book 2, and probably no sleep if it's a good as this one
25 reviews
April 15, 2025
Exciting and interesting

An absolutely amazing read. Loved the characters, the plot and the legend of the Ark.
Started reading and could not put this one down as it raced to the end. Now I have to put all other books aside and read the rest. If you love history and adventure in your fiction this is an absolute must read.
3 reviews1 follower
January 13, 2020
Brilliant read

Modern day Templar story? That won't work! WRONG. Had serious problems putting this down. Can't wait for the next chapter, as these characters develop I think we will end up wanting more and more
Profile Image for gillian.
104 reviews1 follower
May 15, 2020
Brilliant

Really enjoyed this book from start to finish. It keeps you wanting more. I love all things to do with the Templars and this does not disappoint. I just hope that there will be a sequel .
4 reviews
May 9, 2021
Thoroughly enjoyable read

I am looking forward to reading book two, in fact will do just that, once I've posted this.

I'm no history or religious buff, I enjoyed this book for what it is an - an entertaining and engaging read.
21 reviews
November 4, 2023
The start of an amazing adventure!!

Amazing. I could not put this book down. Full if twists, turns, and lots of secrets. I can't wait to pick up the story in the second book. WOW!!!
Profile Image for Kenneth Hardy.
5 reviews
December 8, 2023
The edge of your sit read...

Emotional, uplifting, strength, love, courage, fear, secrets, and the rest you will have to find out yourself... Not unto me, not unto me , but God we give the glory...
32 reviews
March 16, 2024
Loved this book

As a Templar myse!f I was drawn to the book. I could not put it down and read it on a journey back from Jamaica to the UK in one sitting. Cannot wait to read the others. Maybe then I will be enlisted into the order ????!!!
8 reviews
October 31, 2024
Fantastic

I'm a big templar fan. So I try read pretty much thing connected to the knights templar. From start to finish this was fantastic. The end with the combat was awesome. I really really liked this book. I would assume the second book carries on in russia.
Profile Image for noreen benjamin.
26 reviews
March 12, 2025
this series has a great start

Ark, has begun the new Templar with everything it needs to keep you interested. The characters are well developed and the story.Is easy to follow .I highly recommended
18 reviews2 followers
April 10, 2025
Fascinating premise!

The premise that the Knights Templar still exist, still have the Ark, and are still keeping the world safe from evil is a fascinating one. It was an entertaining read....one I highly recommend!
215 reviews1 follower
May 10, 2025
Fantastic and exciting!!

My self being mason and Catholic,I have always been intrigued about the Templars . So this book brought all of my imagination to life and was well written. I am definitely going to continue on this series.
10 reviews
August 24, 2025
Hooked on the first chapter.

I literally could not stop turning the pages. Wonderful characters. Amazing descriptions, knowledgeable references to the Bible and more. If you love Biblical history and mystery, you'll love it.
114 reviews
June 26, 2021
Surprisingly good

I didn't think I'd like this but it's a great read exciting & very different hope he writes another would love to know what happens next
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews

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