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Paul Marcus #1
Destiny
When former CIA code-breaker, Paul Marcus, receives the call he thinks it's a hoax. He's asked to analyze a cache of papers found locked in an old trunk. They were the last manuscripts written by Isaac Newton. Using Newton's math and notes, Marcus begins to see a pattern leading to a prophecy so frightening that to reveal it will change world events. At the time of his death. Newton was searching for ancient biblical codes that may open a locked window into future events. Newton helped explain gravity --- but could he do the same for human destiny?
528 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 10, 2015
137 people are currently reading
526 people want to read
About the author
Tom Lowe
27 books241 followersTom Lowe's latest novel is THE ALIBI. It's the 18th book in the Sean O'Brien series. The mystery-thriller novels are published in the following order: A FALSE DAWN, THE 24th LETTER, THE BUTTERFLY FOREST, THE BLACK BULLET, BLOOD OF CAIN, BLACK RIVER, CEMETERY ROAD, A MURDER OF CROWS, DRAGONFLY, THE ORCHID KEEPER, MERMAID, FLASH OF GOLD, INVISIBLE, THE WHITE DRAGON, THE FOUNTAIN, JUSTICE, GYPSY TEARS, and THE ALIBI. The Sean O'Brien books can be read in any order.
The Elizabeth Monroe novels are psychological thrillers. There are three books, including WRATH, THE CONFESSION. and ALTERED STATE.
The Paul Marcus books are international thrillers. There are three novels in the series. They are: DESTINY, THE JEFFERSON PROPHECY, and THE POPPY SCORE.
Tom has written two novels about love lost and found. They are: MIDNIGHT'S WHISPERER and THE PAINTER. MIDNIGHT'S WHISPERER won the coveted 2021 Spur Award from the Western Writers of America.
Tom is an award-winning screenwriter and filmmaker. As he writes his books, Tom draws from his travels around the world and his background as a print and broadcast journalist. Tom is a sailor and SCUBA diver. He lives with his wife, Keri, in Florida.
To subscribe to Tom Lowe's newsletter for new release information, updates and more, please visit Tom's website, tomlowebooks.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
June 18, 2015
This is an ode to conspiracy theories big and small. If you like your mysteries filled with cryptanalysis, Isaac Newton, spy agencies across the world, and religion this may be the book for you. This book falls into the category of beach reads or something I would pick up in an airport on my vacation. It's fun but you will have to suspend your disbelief. This isn't going to be something you mistake for fact, and if you have watched a history channel documentary on the subjects of Issac Newton or Bible Code you likely will know as much as you will learn here. It's not meant for deep analysis. It's meant for entertainment.
I felt a distinct familiarity with 'Davinci Code.' This is not a criticism. It's a thriller, it has a lead guy who is intelligent, it has a leading lady who helps him solve the mystery. A distinct difference is the theme of religious predestination . People come into his life at right times to point him in the direction he needs to go. He finds faith and he finds access to code/pathways only he is meant to find. This is fine but it is important for people to recognize it is not an objective approach to the material. This does not take away from an atmosphere of fun but its something to be aware of prior to picking it up.
The international thriller takes you from America to Jerusalem and from there to France followed by England and back again. Paul Marcus gets himself caught in the nets of Mossad, the NSA, Iranian spies, and even an International Cabal. How much trouble can one Nobel Peace prize winner get himself in? This guys family has been murdered, he worked as a cryptanalyst, solved his daughter's heart problem (unfortunately too late) and he is going to crack the bible code, albeit with the help of Isaac Newton's old notes. I mentioned you have to suspend your belief, didn't I? I wasn't joking this stretches all limits of credulity. That said, if you can turn off your inner skeptic and settle yourself into enjoy a piece of pulpy fun you can laugh and cheer along with it.
I listened to the audible version. Mikael Naramore narrates it. I loved his narration of the Tao Series. He does a great job with 'Destiny' as well. He differentiates the characters and he handled a long list of accents with ease. I recommend you have a healthy chunk of time. The audio book is roughly seventeen hours. It's not a small commitment but if your sitting back with a drink in your hand watching the waves crash on the sand or dealing with an international flight you'll be just fine.
I felt a distinct familiarity with 'Davinci Code.' This is not a criticism. It's a thriller, it has a lead guy who is intelligent, it has a leading lady who helps him solve the mystery. A distinct difference is the theme of religious predestination . People come into his life at right times to point him in the direction he needs to go. He finds faith and he finds access to code/pathways only he is meant to find. This is fine but it is important for people to recognize it is not an objective approach to the material. This does not take away from an atmosphere of fun but its something to be aware of prior to picking it up.
The international thriller takes you from America to Jerusalem and from there to France followed by England and back again. Paul Marcus gets himself caught in the nets of Mossad, the NSA, Iranian spies, and even an International Cabal. How much trouble can one Nobel Peace prize winner get himself in? This guys family has been murdered, he worked as a cryptanalyst, solved his daughter's heart problem (unfortunately too late) and he is going to crack the bible code, albeit with the help of Isaac Newton's old notes. I mentioned you have to suspend your belief, didn't I? I wasn't joking this stretches all limits of credulity. That said, if you can turn off your inner skeptic and settle yourself into enjoy a piece of pulpy fun you can laugh and cheer along with it.
I listened to the audible version. Mikael Naramore narrates it. I loved his narration of the Tao Series. He does a great job with 'Destiny' as well. He differentiates the characters and he handled a long list of accents with ease. I recommend you have a healthy chunk of time. The audio book is roughly seventeen hours. It's not a small commitment but if your sitting back with a drink in your hand watching the waves crash on the sand or dealing with an international flight you'll be just fine.
April 27, 2015
Kind of a high tech Indiana Jones!
A wildly unlikely premise with Isaac Newton, God, global prophecies, Jesus's lance AND the arc all rolled up with international spies, train car helicopter ferry airplane and street chases! And assassin's. Lots of action, maybe a little too much detail, but I just sped read over some of that. It was fun.
A wildly unlikely premise with Isaac Newton, God, global prophecies, Jesus's lance AND the arc all rolled up with international spies, train car helicopter ferry airplane and street chases! And assassin's. Lots of action, maybe a little too much detail, but I just sped read over some of that. It was fun.
September 7, 2021
Wow!! What a story!
As I read this intriguing story, I was reminded of a book from early 70's, about a small group comprised of the world's richest and most powerful men, who met, secretly, solely to discuss and decide how to influence and control specific situations around the world. I think they may have been called The Group of 8 whose members included decendants of Knights Templar, Freemasonry, leaders of powerful nations, even a Founding Father or two. Back then, it was interesting to me though hardly concerning. Fast forward almost 50 years to reading Tom Lowe's Destiny, while realizing what's happening in today's world was begun decades ago. The dumbing down of America: check. Increased self absorption and greed: check, Loss of self-respect and respect for others: check, Lack of pride in a job well done/lack of personal responsibility: check. Rampant corruption throughout. Just look at our Country's leaders, proof that brains are not necessary to do their jobs though a strong desire for money and power combined with an eager willingness to sell their soul to the devil to is. They honestly don't care anything about America or Americans, as long as they can build their wealth and power. Dumber than donkey dung, yet will do whatever it takes to achieve their goals. Anyway... Destiny is a well written, fascinating, frightening, thought provoking story, as exciting as Dan Brown's controversial, very popular stories. I'm looking forward to reading Book 2, just as soon as I submit this review.
As I read this intriguing story, I was reminded of a book from early 70's, about a small group comprised of the world's richest and most powerful men, who met, secretly, solely to discuss and decide how to influence and control specific situations around the world. I think they may have been called The Group of 8 whose members included decendants of Knights Templar, Freemasonry, leaders of powerful nations, even a Founding Father or two. Back then, it was interesting to me though hardly concerning. Fast forward almost 50 years to reading Tom Lowe's Destiny, while realizing what's happening in today's world was begun decades ago. The dumbing down of America: check. Increased self absorption and greed: check, Loss of self-respect and respect for others: check, Lack of pride in a job well done/lack of personal responsibility: check. Rampant corruption throughout. Just look at our Country's leaders, proof that brains are not necessary to do their jobs though a strong desire for money and power combined with an eager willingness to sell their soul to the devil to is. They honestly don't care anything about America or Americans, as long as they can build their wealth and power. Dumber than donkey dung, yet will do whatever it takes to achieve their goals. Anyway... Destiny is a well written, fascinating, frightening, thought provoking story, as exciting as Dan Brown's controversial, very popular stories. I'm looking forward to reading Book 2, just as soon as I submit this review.
September 28, 2019
I wish I had understood that this was Christian story. Just as Christian movies are routinely awful, yet the devout keep going to see them anyway, Christian books sell and get great praise even when they are really bad, as this book is.
Never mind that Lowe didn't even bother to have someone who understands computers turn his techno-babble into something vaguely coherent. Never mind that a key component of the story is just a very slightly changed version of the real-world Stuxnet virus. Never mind that the whole thing is built up as a massive conspiracy theory which draws from a bunch of the crazy stuff that lies on the far-right corners of the Internet.
The real problem is that the entire book is built on deus ex machina. The "hero" has no agency - the outcome of his story was prophesied back when the Bible was written - and God will manipulate whatever is necessary, and provide whatever necessary improbable in the help of a person that happens to be both incredibly friendly and helpful and have just the necessary information or insight. There are several such people along the way, each perfectly positioned to have a boring conversation filled with exposition. It's just lazy writing.
If you believe that the real world works this way - that all is foreordained by God and God will do whatever is necessary to achieve that outcome regardless of the suffering imposed along the way - then you might enjoy the highly implausible and deeply unsatisfying nature of this book. And even though I hated it, I'm giving it two stars rather than one, because it did at least contain a coherent, mostly proofread, story.
Never mind that Lowe didn't even bother to have someone who understands computers turn his techno-babble into something vaguely coherent. Never mind that a key component of the story is just a very slightly changed version of the real-world Stuxnet virus. Never mind that the whole thing is built up as a massive conspiracy theory which draws from a bunch of the crazy stuff that lies on the far-right corners of the Internet.
The real problem is that the entire book is built on deus ex machina. The "hero" has no agency - the outcome of his story was prophesied back when the Bible was written - and God will manipulate whatever is necessary, and provide whatever necessary improbable in the help of a person that happens to be both incredibly friendly and helpful and have just the necessary information or insight. There are several such people along the way, each perfectly positioned to have a boring conversation filled with exposition. It's just lazy writing.
If you believe that the real world works this way - that all is foreordained by God and God will do whatever is necessary to achieve that outcome regardless of the suffering imposed along the way - then you might enjoy the highly implausible and deeply unsatisfying nature of this book. And even though I hated it, I'm giving it two stars rather than one, because it did at least contain a coherent, mostly proofread, story.
April 30, 2018
I have enjoyed Tom Lowe's writing, reading all of the Sean O'Brien series books. This stand alone novel begins with former NSA code breaker Paul Marcus surviving an ambush where his wife and daughter are killed. Several years later, he is living a solitary life, but has won a Nobel Prize in medicine that he doesn't plan on accepting. A letter from an Israeli scholar and a visit from a former co worker set the stage for a set of life changing experiences for him.
Like O'Brien, Paul Marcus is a likable and believable character and the several heroes and villains in this novel are also believable. The action is sometimes over the top, but the premise is viable, and prescient considering the 2015 publication date. Certainly recent events in our 2016 elections and the aftermath lend credence to wealthy and sinister people working behind the scenes to manipulate the world's economy and politics.
Well worth reading, as are the Sean O'Brien novels.
Like O'Brien, Paul Marcus is a likable and believable character and the several heroes and villains in this novel are also believable. The action is sometimes over the top, but the premise is viable, and prescient considering the 2015 publication date. Certainly recent events in our 2016 elections and the aftermath lend credence to wealthy and sinister people working behind the scenes to manipulate the world's economy and politics.
Well worth reading, as are the Sean O'Brien novels.
November 29, 2018
FANTASTIC THRILLER. WELL WORTH THE READ
At first I wasn't too sure about reading this book. I am glad I didn't make that mistake. This author did a fantastic job of creating this conspiracy, full of suspense and thrilling action. Each character had a significant and important role in making this story unique. This story was amazing, eerie and gave a few goosebumps along the way.
At first I wasn't too sure about reading this book. I am glad I didn't make that mistake. This author did a fantastic job of creating this conspiracy, full of suspense and thrilling action. Each character had a significant and important role in making this story unique. This story was amazing, eerie and gave a few goosebumps along the way.
January 12, 2020
Makes you think....
Love Lowe's books as they turn an adventure story into a contemporary possibility. Here we have the past, the bible, current events (in a way) intertwined to make a terrific and thoughtful story. I only chose 4 stars as I felt some events were a bit too far reaching and coincidental.
Love Lowe's books as they turn an adventure story into a contemporary possibility. Here we have the past, the bible, current events (in a way) intertwined to make a terrific and thoughtful story. I only chose 4 stars as I felt some events were a bit too far reaching and coincidental.
March 13, 2019
What a ride...
Wow...that's all I can say! You know that the story is fiction, but there are so many things that go with the times now. Really makes me cock my head and think about our government of today!!
Wow...that's all I can say! You know that the story is fiction, but there are so many things that go with the times now. Really makes me cock my head and think about our government of today!!
September 18, 2019
Wow!
I read the second book before this one and had to read the first also.I thoroughly enjoyed both books. The twists and turns along with the prophecies are intriguing. Makes you think and ponder.
I read the second book before this one and had to read the first also.I thoroughly enjoyed both books. The twists and turns along with the prophecies are intriguing. Makes you think and ponder.
July 17, 2017
Well worth reading.
A great book. It reminded me of the DaVinci Code. The historical facts throughout the book were fascinating and I truly felt that I was right there.
A great book. It reminded me of the DaVinci Code. The historical facts throughout the book were fascinating and I truly felt that I was right there.
October 1, 2017
a formula thriller. could use some editing: a character would say something, then a page later would say essentially the same thing...
October 9, 2017
Could be today
Very strong plot that makes a statement about the state of the world today. Hard to put down.
I am looking forward for the next book.
Very strong plot that makes a statement about the state of the world today. Hard to put down.
I am looking forward for the next book.
April 12, 2018
this would make a good movie!
November 12, 2018
Long boring novel
Too many moving parts, hard to keep up almost needs a score card. Too long, lost interest towards the end..
Too many moving parts, hard to keep up almost needs a score card. Too long, lost interest towards the end..
February 24, 2019
Wow!!!
What a book the twist and turns. Good Bible Proficiency. When I got into it I had a hard time putting it down when it come time to cook or going to bed.
What a book the twist and turns. Good Bible Proficiency. When I got into it I had a hard time putting it down when it come time to cook or going to bed.
June 5, 2019
Just incredible, I liked this as much as I did The Divinci Code.
August 5, 2019
Okay
Kind of convoluted. Hard to follow, too many characters and twists. The ending did manage to wrap it all up.
Kind of convoluted. Hard to follow, too many characters and twists. The ending did manage to wrap it all up.
May 10, 2020
This author thoroughly satisfies my reading habits. Awesome!!
August 11, 2020
Destiny
I've read most of Tom Lowe's books and this was by far the best, most exciting novel he has written. I totally loved it, lots of action, suspense, etc.
I've read most of Tom Lowe's books and this was by far the best, most exciting novel he has written. I totally loved it, lots of action, suspense, etc.
December 18, 2024
Da Vinci Code meets Raiders of the Lost Ark and not in a good way.
July 26, 2020
Could not put it down
Enthralling, could not put it down. Full of twists and turns. Loved the mystical aspect of the book. A thrill a minute
Enthralling, could not put it down. Full of twists and turns. Loved the mystical aspect of the book. A thrill a minute
June 22, 2015
Well worth every minute of reading “I can calculate the motion of heavenly bodies, but not the madness of people.” - Isaac Newton
Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power. -- Abraham Lincoln
There are very few people who are going to look into the mirror and say, 'That person I see is a savage monster;' instead, they make up some construction that justifies what they do. -- Noam Chomsky
“There is no denying that Hitler and Stalin are alive today... they are waiting for us to forget, because this is what makes possible the resurrection of these two monsters.” - Simon Wiesenthal
Isaac Newton. Arguably the greatest scientist who has ever lived, and some say the greatest who will ever live. Newton’s time was as unique as him – a time of great learning living alongside the darkness of ignorance, brutality and savage poverty – often encouraged by a church that held down the populace with the whip of superstition.
Nature and Nature's laws lay hid in night: God said, "Let Newton be!" and all was light. Alexander Pope.
A brilliant scientist, without a doubt. But what could he have accomplished if he hadn’t spent thousands of hours, thousands of pages, on superstition?
* * *
Paul Marcus is a broken man. His wife and young daughter were murdered on the side of a dark, rainy road, Paul barely surviving a bullet and knife. His family slaughtered, he retreats from his work at the NSA. A brilliant mathematician and cryptographer, Paul leaves it all behind to spend time on his farm with his wife and daughter’s horses and the family dog Buddy. It is a quiet life, not truly fulfilling mentally, but he simply can’t force himself to return to his old life.
Suddenly, Paul finds himself forced back into the world. And all hell breaks loose. The newest Nobel Laureate in Medicine, he has no interest in accepting a prize he is being offered for decoding the portions of human DNA that controls a particular heart disease – a disease his daughter suffered. It didn’t save her – nothing could have, not when a bullet tore her life away. But the President of the United States is up for the Nobel Peace Prize, and it just wouldn’t look good for him if Paul refuses to accept the award.
Then he receives a telephone call that could change not only his own life, but the lives of every being on earth. Isaac Newton’s studies into the Bible have been found. But what do they mean? Are they the ramblings of a man so determined to find meaning where none exists that he is jousting at shadows? Or are the hundreds of thousands of words he wrote truly a window into the thoughts of god, and a warning of a coming Armageddon?
To be honest, I didn’t really think, once I figured out what the story was truly about, that I would be able to tolerate it, much less enjoy it. Was I ever completely and utterly wrong. 17 hours and 35 minutes of narration by Mikael Naramore and I was totally immersed in the story the whole time. Yes, parts of it made me smack my forehead and growl. The Bible was written by humans, rewritten and translated over and over through many languages – Hebrew, Greek, Roman, Arabic, Persian, Turkish, the list goes on and on, portions left out that didn’t conform to the church’s current thought processes, power struggles or intentions. Anything that might have been learned has long since been lost. But Newton was absolutely certain that the Bible was truly the word of god, and his findings would save the world.
Called to Jerusalem to interpret the papers and decode the work, he finds himself drawn into a world of intrigue, international espionage and murder, and shocking (horrifying) views into world politics and plots going back to the Nazi regime – and then further back to the 16th century. Plots that feed the fortunes of a select few families with intentions of ruling the world – and plans to destroy the very world that cradles us all. All. For. Money. Well, and power, we can’t forget power. Power beyond anything any rational human being could possibly realize.
I was completely enthralled by the amount of research that went into this book. It was, in a word, amazingly well researched and thought out. History, politics, finance, it’s all there, and all captivating. I could rattle on and on, but I will leave it for you to find for yourself. Well worth all 17 hours 36 minutes!
I received this book from the publisher in exchange for a realistic review. Highly recommended if you are prepared to open your mind to it.
Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power. -- Abraham Lincoln
There are very few people who are going to look into the mirror and say, 'That person I see is a savage monster;' instead, they make up some construction that justifies what they do. -- Noam Chomsky
“There is no denying that Hitler and Stalin are alive today... they are waiting for us to forget, because this is what makes possible the resurrection of these two monsters.” - Simon Wiesenthal
Isaac Newton. Arguably the greatest scientist who has ever lived, and some say the greatest who will ever live. Newton’s time was as unique as him – a time of great learning living alongside the darkness of ignorance, brutality and savage poverty – often encouraged by a church that held down the populace with the whip of superstition.
Nature and Nature's laws lay hid in night: God said, "Let Newton be!" and all was light. Alexander Pope.
A brilliant scientist, without a doubt. But what could he have accomplished if he hadn’t spent thousands of hours, thousands of pages, on superstition?
* * *
Paul Marcus is a broken man. His wife and young daughter were murdered on the side of a dark, rainy road, Paul barely surviving a bullet and knife. His family slaughtered, he retreats from his work at the NSA. A brilliant mathematician and cryptographer, Paul leaves it all behind to spend time on his farm with his wife and daughter’s horses and the family dog Buddy. It is a quiet life, not truly fulfilling mentally, but he simply can’t force himself to return to his old life.
Suddenly, Paul finds himself forced back into the world. And all hell breaks loose. The newest Nobel Laureate in Medicine, he has no interest in accepting a prize he is being offered for decoding the portions of human DNA that controls a particular heart disease – a disease his daughter suffered. It didn’t save her – nothing could have, not when a bullet tore her life away. But the President of the United States is up for the Nobel Peace Prize, and it just wouldn’t look good for him if Paul refuses to accept the award.
Then he receives a telephone call that could change not only his own life, but the lives of every being on earth. Isaac Newton’s studies into the Bible have been found. But what do they mean? Are they the ramblings of a man so determined to find meaning where none exists that he is jousting at shadows? Or are the hundreds of thousands of words he wrote truly a window into the thoughts of god, and a warning of a coming Armageddon?
To be honest, I didn’t really think, once I figured out what the story was truly about, that I would be able to tolerate it, much less enjoy it. Was I ever completely and utterly wrong. 17 hours and 35 minutes of narration by Mikael Naramore and I was totally immersed in the story the whole time. Yes, parts of it made me smack my forehead and growl. The Bible was written by humans, rewritten and translated over and over through many languages – Hebrew, Greek, Roman, Arabic, Persian, Turkish, the list goes on and on, portions left out that didn’t conform to the church’s current thought processes, power struggles or intentions. Anything that might have been learned has long since been lost. But Newton was absolutely certain that the Bible was truly the word of god, and his findings would save the world.
Called to Jerusalem to interpret the papers and decode the work, he finds himself drawn into a world of intrigue, international espionage and murder, and shocking (horrifying) views into world politics and plots going back to the Nazi regime – and then further back to the 16th century. Plots that feed the fortunes of a select few families with intentions of ruling the world – and plans to destroy the very world that cradles us all. All. For. Money. Well, and power, we can’t forget power. Power beyond anything any rational human being could possibly realize.
I was completely enthralled by the amount of research that went into this book. It was, in a word, amazingly well researched and thought out. History, politics, finance, it’s all there, and all captivating. I could rattle on and on, but I will leave it for you to find for yourself. Well worth all 17 hours 36 minutes!
I received this book from the publisher in exchange for a realistic review. Highly recommended if you are prepared to open your mind to it.
February 15, 2017
finished this one moments ago...1:12 p.m. 15th of february. what is this? the 35th i've read this year? ballpark. excellent story...4.5 stars. gave it half a star deduction 'cause of nothing much...something that requires the ole willing suspension of disbelief to stretch. sure...could happen that way. nothing major in the greater scheme of things and the story is a page-turner and that's all i'll say about it. i really enjoyed this one...intense, lot of mystery, suspense, thrills, chases, deceit, honesty, the whole ball of wax. unfortunately, i think i'm nearing the end of what lowe has available. don't ya hate when that happens?
September 5, 2016
"Destiny" is a fairly long (~525 pages) suspense/thriller with a lot of references to Christianity and the Bible, cryptanalysis, history, Isaac Newton, the NSA, Israel, the Mossad, Iran, medicine, global politics, and Nobel prizes, among other things.
Paul Marcus is asked to analyze a bunch of old notes supposedly written by Isaac Newton. Newton had apparently been searching for ancient Biblical codes which he believed foretold certain future events. Paul is not a particularly religious man, especially after his wife and daughter are murdered and he himself barely survives being shot and stabbed. But he is a certifiable genius, as he follows a career as an NSA cryptanalyst by solving his daughter's heart problem by inventing a new medical procedure that will benefit others with the same condition. Since he was too late to help his daughter, though, he declines the Nobel Prize for medicine. But that gives him time to try to build on Newton's work by cracking the Bible code. However, his task is made more difficult by Mid-East nuclear power plays, American governmental mistrust and interference, and an Evil Cabal™ that quietly rules the world and doesn't like him messing with Codes that reveal too much.
"Destiny" requires the reader to suspend a LOT of disbelief and to wade through a LOT of details. (Did I mention that the book was long?) But I enjoyed it nonetheless as Paul slowly solves many problems and eventually finds religion. I think it's definitely worth 4 stars.
Paul Marcus is asked to analyze a bunch of old notes supposedly written by Isaac Newton. Newton had apparently been searching for ancient Biblical codes which he believed foretold certain future events. Paul is not a particularly religious man, especially after his wife and daughter are murdered and he himself barely survives being shot and stabbed. But he is a certifiable genius, as he follows a career as an NSA cryptanalyst by solving his daughter's heart problem by inventing a new medical procedure that will benefit others with the same condition. Since he was too late to help his daughter, though, he declines the Nobel Prize for medicine. But that gives him time to try to build on Newton's work by cracking the Bible code. However, his task is made more difficult by Mid-East nuclear power plays, American governmental mistrust and interference, and an Evil Cabal™ that quietly rules the world and doesn't like him messing with Codes that reveal too much.
"Destiny" requires the reader to suspend a LOT of disbelief and to wade through a LOT of details. (Did I mention that the book was long?) But I enjoyed it nonetheless as Paul slowly solves many problems and eventually finds religion. I think it's definitely worth 4 stars.
September 12, 2016
The main character has an amazing ability to know what Isaac Newton was thinking, and linking stuff to the bible. So amazing in fact that it's just not believable. Constantly jumping to conclusions without the reader being able to follow the logic. The dialogue doesn't feel natural at all. I feel like the author wants to make something along the lines of The Da Vinci Code, Angels and Demons etc, and the basic idea is good, but it just ends up messy and unlikely. The book could easily have been shorter, feels like there's a lot of pages without a lot going on. I never start a book without finishing it, but with Destiny, I seriously considered just giving up.
September 5, 2016
Bond has nothing over Paul Marcus
Wow...... this is a hold your breath read. The main characters go from one heart stopping incident to another! As you read this book you wonder if it could be real!
Wow...... this is a hold your breath read. The main characters go from one heart stopping incident to another! As you read this book you wonder if it could be real!
September 5, 2016
Thoroughly Enjoyable
This book read like a high budget movie. It had everything you would expect from the leading man to the leading lady to the leading dog and a numerous cast of characters that you wouldn't expect to be together in one book. The supporting cast ran from the likes of Sir Isaac Newton, the Nazi war machine, all manner of pilots from airplane to boat to helicopter to frisbee. The long and the short of it is this book is a real action thriller. If you want an excellent book to read then this is it. It's not a short story by any means.
This book read like a high budget movie. It had everything you would expect from the leading man to the leading lady to the leading dog and a numerous cast of characters that you wouldn't expect to be together in one book. The supporting cast ran from the likes of Sir Isaac Newton, the Nazi war machine, all manner of pilots from airplane to boat to helicopter to frisbee. The long and the short of it is this book is a real action thriller. If you want an excellent book to read then this is it. It's not a short story by any means.
July 29, 2015
With mystery, adventure, conspiracy, and the potential end of life on earth, this story has all the elements of an epic novel. It's fun but you will have to suspend your disbelief. Lots of action, maybe a little too much detail...I skipped the middle third. It's got technical computer talk and biblical info. Maybe I'll read another Lowe.
July 15, 2015
I struggled with my rating because I really enjoyed this book and will probably read more from this author. My issues are that several times circumstances seemed to 'pat' and answers were provided to move the story along that appeared out of thin air and there was no reasonable explanation as to why the characters came up with that answer. Otherwise the premise and the writing was well done.
January 18, 2016
Wonderful yarn, even hopeful!
First book I've read by Lowe. At this point, I wonder how his other books could possibly measure up. This was a fantastical tale, exciting for sure, and super-real, both in its theme and in the plausibility that anyone could survive such an adventure. As I turn to consider another Tom Lowe book, I hope it will not be the same.
First book I've read by Lowe. At this point, I wonder how his other books could possibly measure up. This was a fantastical tale, exciting for sure, and super-real, both in its theme and in the plausibility that anyone could survive such an adventure. As I turn to consider another Tom Lowe book, I hope it will not be the same.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews