What do you think?
Rate this book
The Dark Horizon Trilogy #1
The History of Things to Come
The mind of a genius can hold the darkest of secrets
A razor-sharp thriller
A Bosnian gangster is gunned down in a packed London restaurant. In his possession is a notebook once belonging to Isaac Newton. This is just the latest in a series of shocking crimes connected to objects once belonging to the famous scientist. The police are stumped and the pressure for an arrest is mounting.
Enter Vincent Blake, London's leading stolen-art investigator. As Blake sets out to solve the case, a series of devastating events threaten to destroy everything he holds dear. Broken but undeterred, he comes upon a shocking discovery: within the coded pages of a mysterious crimson book, annotated in Newton’s own handwriting, is an explosive revelation. Possessing this secret knowledge turns Blake into a marked man.
Caught in the crosshairs of two sadistic hitmen, Blake is propelled into a breathtaking race through London and its dark historical secrets.
With time running out, will Blake solve Newton’s deadly puzzle before the world is plunged into a catastrophe of biblical proportions?
˃˃˃326 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 12, 2015
1107 people are currently reading
2450 people want to read
About the author
Duncan Simpson
5 books120 followersThriller writer, Duncan Simpson spent his childhood in Cornwall, England. As a teenager he gained experience in a variety of jobs: from working in a mine, to doing shifts as a security guard in an American airport. After graduating from the University of Leeds with a physics degree, he spent a year backpacking around the world. On returning to the UK, he embarked on a successful career in business. Along the way, he became the finance director for a technology company and a partner in a leading management consultancy firm.
His debut novel, The History of Things to Come was born out of his lifelong fascination with the relationship between science and religion. A keen student of the history of London, he loves exploring the ancient stories and myths surrounding the city. When he's not writing or consulting, you'll find him: playing guitar in a rock band, running by the Thames, or drinking tea with his wife and three children in their home in Berkshire, England.
Find out more by visiting:
Website & Blog: http://www.duncansimpsonauthor.com
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/dsimpsonauthor
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/duncansimpson...
His debut novel, The History of Things to Come was born out of his lifelong fascination with the relationship between science and religion. A keen student of the history of London, he loves exploring the ancient stories and myths surrounding the city. When he's not writing or consulting, you'll find him: playing guitar in a rock band, running by the Thames, or drinking tea with his wife and three children in their home in Berkshire, England.
Find out more by visiting:
Website & Blog: http://www.duncansimpsonauthor.com
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/dsimpsonauthor
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/duncansimpson...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 186 reviews
May 8, 2017
I'm always on the hunt for new authors. I love a book that have science, religion, conspiracy, especially if the story line leads me to do some research of my own. This author did the job and did it well. I highly encourage you to sit, relax and enjoy the treasure hunt. really fascinating!
November 16, 2017
4,75 stars - Free Kindle ebook-
-The flats of the book read... Isaac Newton : Miscellaneous Papers . Acquiered Sotherby's sale, 15 July . Lot - 249 -
This book is a wonderful mix of a Historical Mystery and a mystical thriller. A great bad person in the character of the Drakon only revieled on the last pages of the book and a beautiful character of Dr Vincent Blake, consultant to Detective Chief inspector Lukas Milton. Somebody is steeling papers and artafects who onces belonged to Sir Isaac Newton. The papers conserning the Early Chruch. The storyline is well written out and easy to follow. I feel voor Blake, I hated the Drakon. More characters a put into his book but all subtitute to the two main characters. The battle between good and evil.
A few lines out of the book to give a little taste:
- auction July 1936, Sotherby's and co lot 249: a ......-
- Detective Chief Lukas Milton didn't like it one bit: to many people, too many guns-
-After exiting through his eye shocket in cloudof red mist skull fragments-
-" I 'll need you to tell me why people are being killed because of this bloody books".-
- Clavis ? Its Latin for the key...-
-A sudder shock of terror pulled at his insides When he saw the two lifeless bodies lying on the tarmac-
-The flats of the book read... Isaac Newton : Miscellaneous Papers . Acquiered Sotherby's sale, 15 July . Lot - 249 -
This book is a wonderful mix of a Historical Mystery and a mystical thriller. A great bad person in the character of the Drakon only revieled on the last pages of the book and a beautiful character of Dr Vincent Blake, consultant to Detective Chief inspector Lukas Milton. Somebody is steeling papers and artafects who onces belonged to Sir Isaac Newton. The papers conserning the Early Chruch. The storyline is well written out and easy to follow. I feel voor Blake, I hated the Drakon. More characters a put into his book but all subtitute to the two main characters. The battle between good and evil.
A few lines out of the book to give a little taste:
- auction July 1936, Sotherby's and co lot 249: a ......-
- Detective Chief Lukas Milton didn't like it one bit: to many people, too many guns-
-After exiting through his eye shocket in cloudof red mist skull fragments-
-" I 'll need you to tell me why people are being killed because of this bloody books".-
- Clavis ? Its Latin for the key...-
-A sudder shock of terror pulled at his insides When he saw the two lifeless bodies lying on the tarmac-
December 19, 2015
This contemporary thriller follows in the footsteps of "The DaVinci Code" but in this case the mystery and intrigue surround the works of Isaac Newton, particularly those that go beyond the scientific prowess with which most of us are most familiar. His interests also included alchemy, religion, and various sacred relics, which allegedly possessed mystical powers.
As a physicist myself, Newton is one of my favorite people, further enhanced by the fact we were both born on Christmas Day, albeit 305 years apart. Well, okay, that's not entirely accurate since the calendars changed during that time, placing his birthday on January 4. That's relevant to me, too, since I'm not only a physicist but also a professional astrologer, which Newton was as well, though of course the history books tend to leave out that little detail. Perhaps the author will include that particular angle in a future volume, which could introduce some interesting prophetic angles. There's plenty of fodder to explore between science, religion and astrology, which I plan to pursue at some point myself. Thus, I was excited to find this book that promised to delve into areas in which I have a strong personal interest; I was not disappointed.
Of course anything that might wield considerable power is going to attract bad guys who want it for all the wrong reasons; think Indiana Jones and "Raiders of the Lost Ark". In this case, however, rather than Hitler and the Nazis, it's a single, powerful entity known only as the Drakon, who sends a variety of henchmen to obtain any and all of Newton's writings and artifacts, which places anyone in possession of such items in mortal danger.
The main character, Vincent Blake, is an experienced detective whose specialty is tracking down stolen art and other antiquities, so he's quickly pulled into the case as those who get close to anything Newtonian are dropping like flies. Many of Newton's books and notebooks have already been acquired by The Vatican, which have been studied in detail by Brother Nathan Vittori, Chief Librarian at the Vatican Observatory, as well as his friend, Dr. Carla Sabatini, a former research student. Brother Nathan discovers a fascinating notebook of Newton's in the archives that contains a considerable amount of new information and the plot thickens.
This story is richly detailed which brings it to life through various historical tidbits, well-developed characters and an intriguing plot that includes a plethora of interesting individuals including a mysterious homeless woman named Mary. In some respects it moves too fast since it's so detailed that some can easily be missed as you plunge forward reading to find out who'll survive and how it will end. Thus, it's one that I would probably read again at some point to savor those elements I blew past initially. The ending was reasonably satisfying, yet left enough unanswered questions to carry over into future volumes.
The writing style is strong and engaging, my only criticism related to awkward viewpoint transitions. Nicely edited otherwise, I'm surprised that no one suggested section breaks to cue the reader when the point of view shifted, often abruptly and in the middle of a scene which was enough of a distraction to pull you out of the story action until you got oriented again. Nonetheless, it was a great read that I enjoyed tremendously and I definitely look forward to any sequels.
As a physicist myself, Newton is one of my favorite people, further enhanced by the fact we were both born on Christmas Day, albeit 305 years apart. Well, okay, that's not entirely accurate since the calendars changed during that time, placing his birthday on January 4. That's relevant to me, too, since I'm not only a physicist but also a professional astrologer, which Newton was as well, though of course the history books tend to leave out that little detail. Perhaps the author will include that particular angle in a future volume, which could introduce some interesting prophetic angles. There's plenty of fodder to explore between science, religion and astrology, which I plan to pursue at some point myself. Thus, I was excited to find this book that promised to delve into areas in which I have a strong personal interest; I was not disappointed.
Of course anything that might wield considerable power is going to attract bad guys who want it for all the wrong reasons; think Indiana Jones and "Raiders of the Lost Ark". In this case, however, rather than Hitler and the Nazis, it's a single, powerful entity known only as the Drakon, who sends a variety of henchmen to obtain any and all of Newton's writings and artifacts, which places anyone in possession of such items in mortal danger.
The main character, Vincent Blake, is an experienced detective whose specialty is tracking down stolen art and other antiquities, so he's quickly pulled into the case as those who get close to anything Newtonian are dropping like flies. Many of Newton's books and notebooks have already been acquired by The Vatican, which have been studied in detail by Brother Nathan Vittori, Chief Librarian at the Vatican Observatory, as well as his friend, Dr. Carla Sabatini, a former research student. Brother Nathan discovers a fascinating notebook of Newton's in the archives that contains a considerable amount of new information and the plot thickens.
This story is richly detailed which brings it to life through various historical tidbits, well-developed characters and an intriguing plot that includes a plethora of interesting individuals including a mysterious homeless woman named Mary. In some respects it moves too fast since it's so detailed that some can easily be missed as you plunge forward reading to find out who'll survive and how it will end. Thus, it's one that I would probably read again at some point to savor those elements I blew past initially. The ending was reasonably satisfying, yet left enough unanswered questions to carry over into future volumes.
The writing style is strong and engaging, my only criticism related to awkward viewpoint transitions. Nicely edited otherwise, I'm surprised that no one suggested section breaks to cue the reader when the point of view shifted, often abruptly and in the middle of a scene which was enough of a distraction to pull you out of the story action until you got oriented again. Nonetheless, it was a great read that I enjoyed tremendously and I definitely look forward to any sequels.
September 21, 2015
Very accomplished seat of the pants thriller. Deeply researched and dark. One down, two to go and who knows what will become of Mastema ?
Do yourselves a favour and read it. And you'll see London in a different and twitchier light
Can't wait for the next one !
Do yourselves a favour and read it. And you'll see London in a different and twitchier light
Can't wait for the next one !
December 5, 2015
I found this novel not to be the amazing 5-star thriller that many others did. It was terribly slow and was annoyingly broken up by sections of multiple pages (in a row!) printed in italics. These were sections purported to be the writings of Isaac Newton and are so aggravating because the story flow stops in its tracks every time the reader is forced to wade through yet another section of pages in italics. The pacing did not improve until about the last 30% of the book, and by that time I hardly cared anymore; I just wanted it to be over. There were also grammar errors. The idea is good and that alone pretty much barely saved the book. Two and a half stars rounded up.
April 10, 2019
I really enjoyed this sci-fi biblical action thriller set primarily in England. The story revolves around some historical artifacts of Sir Isaac Newtown, the countdown to the end of times, and the rod of Aaron. I loved Dr. Vincent Blake who serves as an antiquities expert for Scotland Yard, and how he helps Dr. Sabatini from the Vatican. The story reminded me a bit of Dan Brown's Robert Langdon series. Great fun and excitement and historical references.
January 7, 2016
Complex, so Pay Attention:
Duncan Simpson writes descriptively in a style not seen very much anymore. It took me a chapter or two to get over my impatience as he used more words to say things than a today’s typical novelist. By then, I was fully hooked and immersed in enjoying the imagery. It made the story richer.
The fast-paced, full-steam ahead story combines true historical events (the Afterword explains some of this) into a complex, modern day mystery. It was interesting to learn about Isaac Newton in the context of a mystery. (You’ll want to do some Googling for the fun of it.) I don’t usually care if the history in a novel is accurate as long as it is plausible. That said, this was a readable, plausible story that kept me eager to turn the pages.
It’s easy to say in a first novel that the characters could be more well-rounded. In reading Michael Connelly’s Bosch novels from the mid-2000s and then going back and reading from the beginning—well, his characters kept improving. I predict the same thing will happen with Mr. Simpson’s books. Each one will bring new depths to the people I already like.
When I try a new author, one of my tests is diving into the first 4-5 chapters and then walking away for a day or two. If I’m drawn back, then I know something in the book has caught my attention. That can be writing style, plot, characters—or as in this case--all of them. I was eager to pick this book up again and see how the story was going to end.
This is a mystery/thriller in the vein of the Preston/Child Pendergast books. The envelope of reality is pushed to the edges and I’m okay with that. Will you be?
*I received this book for free in request for providing an honest review.
Duncan Simpson writes descriptively in a style not seen very much anymore. It took me a chapter or two to get over my impatience as he used more words to say things than a today’s typical novelist. By then, I was fully hooked and immersed in enjoying the imagery. It made the story richer.
The fast-paced, full-steam ahead story combines true historical events (the Afterword explains some of this) into a complex, modern day mystery. It was interesting to learn about Isaac Newton in the context of a mystery. (You’ll want to do some Googling for the fun of it.) I don’t usually care if the history in a novel is accurate as long as it is plausible. That said, this was a readable, plausible story that kept me eager to turn the pages.
It’s easy to say in a first novel that the characters could be more well-rounded. In reading Michael Connelly’s Bosch novels from the mid-2000s and then going back and reading from the beginning—well, his characters kept improving. I predict the same thing will happen with Mr. Simpson’s books. Each one will bring new depths to the people I already like.
When I try a new author, one of my tests is diving into the first 4-5 chapters and then walking away for a day or two. If I’m drawn back, then I know something in the book has caught my attention. That can be writing style, plot, characters—or as in this case--all of them. I was eager to pick this book up again and see how the story was going to end.
This is a mystery/thriller in the vein of the Preston/Child Pendergast books. The envelope of reality is pushed to the edges and I’m okay with that. Will you be?
*I received this book for free in request for providing an honest review.
December 6, 2015
I received this book through the Goodreads Giveaways and will not repeat the summary of the book which can be found on the back cover.
This is a really well crafted novel with well developed characters, interesting historical facts to ground the story and plenty of action to keep the readers engaged. I enjoyed this novel as much as The DaVinci Code and look forward to reading the other books in the trilogy. I was particularly impressed with the quality of the writing, I believed the characters and was taken with the descriptions of the action pieces that made it so easy to picture exactly what was happening.
This is a really well crafted novel with well developed characters, interesting historical facts to ground the story and plenty of action to keep the readers engaged. I enjoyed this novel as much as The DaVinci Code and look forward to reading the other books in the trilogy. I was particularly impressed with the quality of the writing, I believed the characters and was taken with the descriptions of the action pieces that made it so easy to picture exactly what was happening.
October 25, 2015
Move aside Dan Brown and Robert Langdon, there is a new hero in town.
This is a brilliant debut novel from a very promising writer. The ‘Da Vinci code’ genre is now familiar territory, but Duncan Simpson turns the genre upside down. The plot and characters in this book are engrossing and totally original. I found myself thinking about the story all day, waiting to return to my reading in the evening. The book gives an enticing introduction to some fascinating historical facts and some compelling characters. Some of the previous reviews have compared Blake to an English version of Robert Langdon, but I think these comparisons do Simpson’s hero a disservice. Vincent Blake is a fascinating character – a man whose world has been ripped out from under his feet - flawed and broken and yet brilliant and intriguing. From a few pages in I was hooked. The book was full of mystery and took turns I could not predict. There are plenty of nail biting moments, lots of action and I always wanted to find out what happened next! If you like Dan Brown, James Rollins, or Steve Berry, you'll love Duncan Simpson. All in all, what a find! Simpson rocks. Can't wait to read more.
This is a brilliant debut novel from a very promising writer. The ‘Da Vinci code’ genre is now familiar territory, but Duncan Simpson turns the genre upside down. The plot and characters in this book are engrossing and totally original. I found myself thinking about the story all day, waiting to return to my reading in the evening. The book gives an enticing introduction to some fascinating historical facts and some compelling characters. Some of the previous reviews have compared Blake to an English version of Robert Langdon, but I think these comparisons do Simpson’s hero a disservice. Vincent Blake is a fascinating character – a man whose world has been ripped out from under his feet - flawed and broken and yet brilliant and intriguing. From a few pages in I was hooked. The book was full of mystery and took turns I could not predict. There are plenty of nail biting moments, lots of action and I always wanted to find out what happened next! If you like Dan Brown, James Rollins, or Steve Berry, you'll love Duncan Simpson. All in all, what a find! Simpson rocks. Can't wait to read more.
May 12, 2018
First of all - Thanks to Duncan Simpson for making this book available to me.
The plot of the story is excellent but I found the early going rather difficult to follow. This was because the most of the sentences were crammed with adjectives. I think that when there are no simple sentences, the reader is desperate for a rest occasionally. The characters were interesting and the details about Newton's notebooks extremely fascinating.
I would have liked more information on the main character, particularly as this is intended to be the first in a series. It felt as if we were being launched into the story without knowing who this man is. Instead, we only know that he is London's leading stolen-art investigator. Perhaps there was more about Vincent Blake and I missed it due to my comments about the earlier sections.
I wonder if others have felt this way or could my recollections of the book be mistaken?
The plot of the story is excellent but I found the early going rather difficult to follow. This was because the most of the sentences were crammed with adjectives. I think that when there are no simple sentences, the reader is desperate for a rest occasionally. The characters were interesting and the details about Newton's notebooks extremely fascinating.
I would have liked more information on the main character, particularly as this is intended to be the first in a series. It felt as if we were being launched into the story without knowing who this man is. Instead, we only know that he is London's leading stolen-art investigator. Perhaps there was more about Vincent Blake and I missed it due to my comments about the earlier sections.
I wonder if others have felt this way or could my recollections of the book be mistaken?
April 22, 2017
Loved it. For a hidden knowledge geek like me, the revelations in Newton's journal was a treat. First time I've read of the rod connected to a prophecy, and so I'm researching the topic now. Very interesting. The book is a supernatural thriller. There are characters that are not quite human.
Vincent Blake was called in to handle a murder case. He comes into possession of Newton's Journal. Being a stolen art investigator, Blake was hooked and astounded as the mystery was revealed. His involvement, though, cost him dearly. I didn't fall in love with his character.
History of Things to Come is a fascinating read for fans of Dan Brown, who likes the knowledge more than anything else. For me, it was like reading a documentary. The mystery was intriguing, but it was 'putdownable', if you know what I mean. While it was a worthy read, sharp writing, edited, with only a few irrelevant typos, it didn't keep me up all night with the urge to finish it. Somehow, it lacked the emotional pull of a gripping page turner. There were parts that gripped me, but then it let me go. This is the only reason for the 4 stars.
The best part for me was Newton's journal, and reading about the revelations of this great man. And the mystery of the rod. I would love for the author to expound on this mystery.
Overall, a recommended read! Duncan Simpson is a topnotch writer.
Vincent Blake was called in to handle a murder case. He comes into possession of Newton's Journal. Being a stolen art investigator, Blake was hooked and astounded as the mystery was revealed. His involvement, though, cost him dearly. I didn't fall in love with his character.
History of Things to Come is a fascinating read for fans of Dan Brown, who likes the knowledge more than anything else. For me, it was like reading a documentary. The mystery was intriguing, but it was 'putdownable', if you know what I mean. While it was a worthy read, sharp writing, edited, with only a few irrelevant typos, it didn't keep me up all night with the urge to finish it. Somehow, it lacked the emotional pull of a gripping page turner. There were parts that gripped me, but then it let me go. This is the only reason for the 4 stars.
The best part for me was Newton's journal, and reading about the revelations of this great man. And the mystery of the rod. I would love for the author to expound on this mystery.
Overall, a recommended read! Duncan Simpson is a topnotch writer.
September 11, 2017
A really suspenseful novel with twists & surprises along the way. Simpson's writing is clean, powerful & eloquently propels the story forward. I'm hooked and ready for more!
August 23, 2017
very exciting. kept me on the edge of my seat. great characters. if you like Dan Brown you'll like this book.
May 15, 2017
This was a slow moving book. I just couldn't get into it.
February 19, 2016
This is a GoodReads First Reads Review:
A very exciting take on the thriller genre that has traces of The Da Vinci Code, but only minor. I am glad it didn't parallel that series too closely, instead this takes it more in the direction of mystery and hones it the focus to the works of Newton, science, alchemy, and the relics themselves.
I love the scientific elements added to this, where I feel like Da Vinci was more action/adventure I felt this novel took the time to remain contemplative. To ask questions and allow the reader to ask questions themselves. It doesn't shove anything down your throat, it takes you throughout this mystic realm patiently, guiding you and showing you with prowess.
Vincent Blake, is a well-written character with a honed ability in tracking down pilfered artifacts and relics. Therefore it makes logical sense that he's recruited to the case, and why it would interest him as it does.
There are a lot of intricate details interwoven that one might miss on a first-pass read, so I rate this highly as a book with re-read potential. You might miss bits and pieces on the first read, and as you go back and analyze everything again see just how much love was put into this book.
I thoroughly enjoyed this, as I knew I would when I entered the giveaway. I was not disappointed despite my high expectations, it met them all if not exceeded them. 5/5!
A very exciting take on the thriller genre that has traces of The Da Vinci Code, but only minor. I am glad it didn't parallel that series too closely, instead this takes it more in the direction of mystery and hones it the focus to the works of Newton, science, alchemy, and the relics themselves.
I love the scientific elements added to this, where I feel like Da Vinci was more action/adventure I felt this novel took the time to remain contemplative. To ask questions and allow the reader to ask questions themselves. It doesn't shove anything down your throat, it takes you throughout this mystic realm patiently, guiding you and showing you with prowess.
Vincent Blake, is a well-written character with a honed ability in tracking down pilfered artifacts and relics. Therefore it makes logical sense that he's recruited to the case, and why it would interest him as it does.
There are a lot of intricate details interwoven that one might miss on a first-pass read, so I rate this highly as a book with re-read potential. You might miss bits and pieces on the first read, and as you go back and analyze everything again see just how much love was put into this book.
I thoroughly enjoyed this, as I knew I would when I entered the giveaway. I was not disappointed despite my high expectations, it met them all if not exceeded them. 5/5!
November 4, 2015
I won this book in a Goodreads contest. I really enjoyed reading this novel and loved the suspense. I thought it was a really cool concept and loved all the Isaac Newton references. The suspense built nicely and kept drawing me along for more. The ending wrapped up the loose threads nicely while still leaving a few small ones dangling for later novels. I do wonder where the next in the series will go and look forward to reading more. The one thing I didn't like about the novel, and this is my opinion, was the point of view switching. I felt like the author was head hopping and it was disconcerting, especially in a fight scene. While this is a style of writing, I don't encounter it much and felt it detracted a little from the story as it would pull me out of the world. Otherwise, the story and plot itself were enjoyable to read.
March 18, 2016
First I would like to state that I have received this book through the Goodreads giveaway in exchange for an honest review. I would like to thank the author for giving me this opportunity and honor in being able to read this book. When I received this book I began reading it at once.
I just loved it. The story line felt so original and one of a kind. The characters and plot were both very good. I really enjoyed the Authors writing style. When this book arrived I began reading it at once. This book was a very interesting read. The authors writing style kept you interested from the first chapter to the very last. I will be checking out more of this authors works. It was a truly excellent read.
I just loved it. The story line felt so original and one of a kind. The characters and plot were both very good. I really enjoyed the Authors writing style. When this book arrived I began reading it at once. This book was a very interesting read. The authors writing style kept you interested from the first chapter to the very last. I will be checking out more of this authors works. It was a truly excellent read.
December 1, 2015
This book is well-written, moves rapidly, and gives exactly enough detail to take the reader into the scene at all times. While it has some things in common with The Da Vinci Code, this is definitely its own story. THe pace is fast, the switches from character to character and scene to scene are done so well, with no lack of suspense in any of them. Everything leads to a surprise ending, and when you think the last thing has happened, another surprise occurs.
February 2, 2016
At first I wasn't sure if I was going to like this book because of the violence and what I felt was an over use of the "F" word. Once I got past the first few chapters and the story turned to the writings of Isaac Newton, I couldn't put the book down. I'm not sure I can write a review without giving away the ending, but if you like history, mystery and intrigue then you must definitely read this book!
October 27, 2015
It's hard to imagine this is the authors first book. It's well written with an amazing plot yet to be revealed in its entirety but there is enough in the first book to keep you hooked and eager to read the next instalment! I would describe it as an intelligent thriller with a supernatural/religion edge. If you enjoyed The Da Vinci Code then this book will more than hit your approval mark!
November 28, 2015
Mysterious and Dark
An expansive tale surrounding the mysterious collaboration between two giants, Newton and Wren, to safeguard a relic of Biblical antiquity from dark forces dedicated to the destruction of humankind. Sometimes graphically brutal, sometimes confusing with detail, but generally compelling.
An expansive tale surrounding the mysterious collaboration between two giants, Newton and Wren, to safeguard a relic of Biblical antiquity from dark forces dedicated to the destruction of humankind. Sometimes graphically brutal, sometimes confusing with detail, but generally compelling.
November 12, 2015
Brilliant thriller. An excellent plot, that had me hooked in right from the start and didn't let up - also packed full of interesting historical and religious facts. The explanatory notes at the end of the book were fantastic - just underlined what a clever book this really is. Highly recommended. Can't wait to see what the author has in store for Part 2.
February 23, 2016
This was a goodreads give away.
As previously mentioned, the story line is very much in the Da Vinci Code mould. I thoroughly enjoyed the story line - although the ending with The Drakon came and went very swiftly ! Will certainly read the next in the series.
As previously mentioned, the story line is very much in the Da Vinci Code mould. I thoroughly enjoyed the story line - although the ending with The Drakon came and went very swiftly ! Will certainly read the next in the series.
July 10, 2017
Newtonitis
By Bob Gelms
I have a clear memory of the day, in the history of my education, that I encountered the unholy creation of a deranged mind. This thing was called Calculus. Mathematics: OK. Algebra: OK. Geometry: OK. Trigonometry: OK. Physics:OK Calculus: Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.
I had to find out what piece of inhuman excrement devised this……. THING. I went to an encyclopedia (You remember what that is. It’s kind of like Wikipedia in book form where you have no worries about the accuracy of any of the entries (posts).) Flipping through the “C” volume I came upon the dreadful thing. I cannot relay to you the jolt my brain, no, my entire being took reading about the part Isaac Newton played in all of this.
The History of Things to Come by Duncan Simpson, as sharp a thriller as they come, uses Isaac Newton as its central character even though he has been dead for some 290 years. The book revolves around a number of Newton’s personal effects that were being auctioned off. The Vatican had almost all of Newton’s manuscripts and unpublished notebooks. A very few of his personal items were scattered throughout museums around the world. One in particular is a notebook in Newton’s own hand. It has a red cover. Possessing it or even thinking about possessing it could have easily lead to your death in gruesome and very violent ways.
The first death occurs in the first few pages. The walking dead man is shot in the head in the middle of a crowded London restaurant by a sniper using a high-powered rifle from an incredibly long way away. One could almost say a supernatural aim from an inhumanly impossible distance and you would be in the ballpark. He had the red book. Something you should know, and something that didn’t bother me at all, is that Mr. Simpson describes, in detail, all of the ghastly murders in living color.
Some of the ancient, biblical artifacts owned by Isaac Newton go missing almost at the same time from a Cambridge University museum. Enter, stage left, Vincent Blake, a world-renowned specialist in tracking down and recovering stolen art, artifacts, and just plain old valuable stuff. Mostly he works for insurance companies but also individuals and museums. Immediately, horrific things start to happen to him and we meet the bad guy, The Drakon. The first thing you notice is that he’s not from around these parts. The Drakon has some very unusual characteristics that one would conclude come from some kind of powerful mystical source.
You need to know this: Newton was 84 when he died. That was an incredibly old age for the 18th century. Not well known is the fact that he spent the last half of his life investigating alchemy, astrology, occult powers attributed to biblical artifacts, and a detailed study looking for scientific information in the Old Testament. He taught himself Hebrew so he could read the OT in the language in which it was written. (of course he did.) It is precisely this interest in occult matters that makes the characters in the book so vitally interested in these possessions of Newton’s.
The book quickly becomes a battle royal between Vincent Blake = Good and the forces of The Drakon = Evil. Both sides suffer great losses in their struggle and I kept reading as if my eyes were glued to the page. This is a thriller’s thriller. Highly recommended.
Isaac Newton, almost by acclimation, is the greatest scientist of all time. This is the man who uncovered the eternal Laws of Motion, Universal Gravitation, laid the foundation for classical mechanics and made influential contributions to the study of Optics. His calculations proved to a certainty the validity of Kepler’s heliocentric model of the solar system. He wrote one of the two or three most important books in all of science (in Latin) Mathematical Principles of Natural Philosophy. In order to do all these calculations, Newton found that existing mathematics wasn’t up to the job at all, not even a little bit. So, he invented a mathematical system that WAS. I find that incontrovertibly mind boggling and I completely changed my mind about his solution to the problem, Calculus.
By Bob Gelms
I have a clear memory of the day, in the history of my education, that I encountered the unholy creation of a deranged mind. This thing was called Calculus. Mathematics: OK. Algebra: OK. Geometry: OK. Trigonometry: OK. Physics:OK Calculus: Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.
I had to find out what piece of inhuman excrement devised this……. THING. I went to an encyclopedia (You remember what that is. It’s kind of like Wikipedia in book form where you have no worries about the accuracy of any of the entries (posts).) Flipping through the “C” volume I came upon the dreadful thing. I cannot relay to you the jolt my brain, no, my entire being took reading about the part Isaac Newton played in all of this.
The History of Things to Come by Duncan Simpson, as sharp a thriller as they come, uses Isaac Newton as its central character even though he has been dead for some 290 years. The book revolves around a number of Newton’s personal effects that were being auctioned off. The Vatican had almost all of Newton’s manuscripts and unpublished notebooks. A very few of his personal items were scattered throughout museums around the world. One in particular is a notebook in Newton’s own hand. It has a red cover. Possessing it or even thinking about possessing it could have easily lead to your death in gruesome and very violent ways.
The first death occurs in the first few pages. The walking dead man is shot in the head in the middle of a crowded London restaurant by a sniper using a high-powered rifle from an incredibly long way away. One could almost say a supernatural aim from an inhumanly impossible distance and you would be in the ballpark. He had the red book. Something you should know, and something that didn’t bother me at all, is that Mr. Simpson describes, in detail, all of the ghastly murders in living color.
Some of the ancient, biblical artifacts owned by Isaac Newton go missing almost at the same time from a Cambridge University museum. Enter, stage left, Vincent Blake, a world-renowned specialist in tracking down and recovering stolen art, artifacts, and just plain old valuable stuff. Mostly he works for insurance companies but also individuals and museums. Immediately, horrific things start to happen to him and we meet the bad guy, The Drakon. The first thing you notice is that he’s not from around these parts. The Drakon has some very unusual characteristics that one would conclude come from some kind of powerful mystical source.
You need to know this: Newton was 84 when he died. That was an incredibly old age for the 18th century. Not well known is the fact that he spent the last half of his life investigating alchemy, astrology, occult powers attributed to biblical artifacts, and a detailed study looking for scientific information in the Old Testament. He taught himself Hebrew so he could read the OT in the language in which it was written. (of course he did.) It is precisely this interest in occult matters that makes the characters in the book so vitally interested in these possessions of Newton’s.
The book quickly becomes a battle royal between Vincent Blake = Good and the forces of The Drakon = Evil. Both sides suffer great losses in their struggle and I kept reading as if my eyes were glued to the page. This is a thriller’s thriller. Highly recommended.
Isaac Newton, almost by acclimation, is the greatest scientist of all time. This is the man who uncovered the eternal Laws of Motion, Universal Gravitation, laid the foundation for classical mechanics and made influential contributions to the study of Optics. His calculations proved to a certainty the validity of Kepler’s heliocentric model of the solar system. He wrote one of the two or three most important books in all of science (in Latin) Mathematical Principles of Natural Philosophy. In order to do all these calculations, Newton found that existing mathematics wasn’t up to the job at all, not even a little bit. So, he invented a mathematical system that WAS. I find that incontrovertibly mind boggling and I completely changed my mind about his solution to the problem, Calculus.
July 28, 2017
7/14-15/1936 Sotheby’s & Co (34 & 35 New Bond St., London, England). The auctioneer hollered at the crowd; Lot # 249 Isaac Newton’s collection about the history of the Church in his time.
Next item; Lot # 250 Newton’s unpublished 1 & 2 treatise on metals.
The bidder/buyer was Dr. Roberto Martinelli Books & Manuscript Broker Representative for the Vatican.
12/1, Marshall St. Soho. The Faversham restaurant. DCI Lukas Milton (Afro-Caribbean) where outside in the police van scoping the place out.
Tarek Vinka pulled up in his car & was on the way into the restaurant.
Drakon (assassin, ex-army, Bosnian mercenary) in a building higher up had his scope’s crosshairs on the target.
Confirmed hit!
DCI Milton (Art Crime Unit) didn’t have much of an explanation for Dr. Vincent Blake (husband/father, Independent Art Recovery Investigator, Oxford).
Eight Ball (Haiti) was the music promoter, & mgr. of the Koko Club (Camden).
Sarah Blake (10, daughter), & Dr. Nomsa Blake (wife/mother, human rights lawyer, U of Cambridge, Zimbabwe), had been out shopping & had lunch.
A black Jaguar XJ saloon was headed right toward them.
Blake who barely managed his mishap with the assailant looked upon the 2 mangled bodies in the road.
Sarah is a coma & on life support in the London Bridge Hospital.
The funeral/burial was held for Dr. Nomsa Adimu Blake (39).
3/19, The Snakeheads band were playing at the Koko Club.
Blake was headed for Eight Ball’s (cocaine dealer) office.
Rome, Italy (Lake Albano). Father Nathan Vittori (Vatican Observatory Chief Librarian) was inspecting the contents of the box he had received.
Father Vittori (70, aka Brother Hummingbird, Trinity College, Cambridge) called Dr. Carla Sabatini (Pontifical Academy of Sciences director) to share/talk with her about the valuable artifacts he had received.
Dover Ferry Port. François Pineau (aka Denic) was being held/questioned by immigration officer about his passport.
The officer fell to the floor dead as Denic exited the into the hall.
What later happened at the Wren Library at Cambridge University?
The Jerusalem Tavern (Clerkenwell). What update news did Dr. Sabatini have for Dr. Blake?
What happened at London Bridge Hospital in Room # 4?
Who is Ema Mats?
Would the case get solved?
Will Sarah ever recover?
Dr St (.)
Warning: This book contains extremely graphic adult content, or violence which is only suitable for mature readers. It may be offensive to some readers.
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review, only an honest one. All thoughts & opinions are entirely my own.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. Wow, a very well written paranormal book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a large set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great paranormal thriller movie, an animated cartoon or better yet a mini TV series. To be continued. A very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free Whitefort publishing; Smashwords; Instafreebie; Author; PDF book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
Next item; Lot # 250 Newton’s unpublished 1 & 2 treatise on metals.
The bidder/buyer was Dr. Roberto Martinelli Books & Manuscript Broker Representative for the Vatican.
12/1, Marshall St. Soho. The Faversham restaurant. DCI Lukas Milton (Afro-Caribbean) where outside in the police van scoping the place out.
Tarek Vinka pulled up in his car & was on the way into the restaurant.
Drakon (assassin, ex-army, Bosnian mercenary) in a building higher up had his scope’s crosshairs on the target.
Confirmed hit!
DCI Milton (Art Crime Unit) didn’t have much of an explanation for Dr. Vincent Blake (husband/father, Independent Art Recovery Investigator, Oxford).
Eight Ball (Haiti) was the music promoter, & mgr. of the Koko Club (Camden).
Sarah Blake (10, daughter), & Dr. Nomsa Blake (wife/mother, human rights lawyer, U of Cambridge, Zimbabwe), had been out shopping & had lunch.
A black Jaguar XJ saloon was headed right toward them.
Blake who barely managed his mishap with the assailant looked upon the 2 mangled bodies in the road.
Sarah is a coma & on life support in the London Bridge Hospital.
The funeral/burial was held for Dr. Nomsa Adimu Blake (39).
3/19, The Snakeheads band were playing at the Koko Club.
Blake was headed for Eight Ball’s (cocaine dealer) office.
Rome, Italy (Lake Albano). Father Nathan Vittori (Vatican Observatory Chief Librarian) was inspecting the contents of the box he had received.
Father Vittori (70, aka Brother Hummingbird, Trinity College, Cambridge) called Dr. Carla Sabatini (Pontifical Academy of Sciences director) to share/talk with her about the valuable artifacts he had received.
Dover Ferry Port. François Pineau (aka Denic) was being held/questioned by immigration officer about his passport.
The officer fell to the floor dead as Denic exited the into the hall.
What later happened at the Wren Library at Cambridge University?
The Jerusalem Tavern (Clerkenwell). What update news did Dr. Sabatini have for Dr. Blake?
What happened at London Bridge Hospital in Room # 4?
Who is Ema Mats?
Would the case get solved?
Will Sarah ever recover?
Dr St (.)
Warning: This book contains extremely graphic adult content, or violence which is only suitable for mature readers. It may be offensive to some readers.
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review, only an honest one. All thoughts & opinions are entirely my own.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. Wow, a very well written paranormal book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a large set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great paranormal thriller movie, an animated cartoon or better yet a mini TV series. To be continued. A very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free Whitefort publishing; Smashwords; Instafreebie; Author; PDF book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
September 17, 2018
The History of Things to Come #1 - This is my first read by this author and I enjoyed the story immensely. The ultimate battle between Good and Evil, and the coming of the Tribulation. Mr. Simpson wrote a book worth reading, with his well thought out story lines; his well defined characters; and a large blend of history with fiction. The story is fast paced with plenty of suspense; some predictable episodes, but an entertaining, substantial book.
Unfortunately, he didn't edit with a fine tooth comb, making mistakes that are noticeable but doesn't stop the flow of the story. 4*
The Devil's Architect #2 - Having read the first book, I was happy to find Devil's was even better. Extremely intriguing, full of London's history, ranging from the Druids to the Romans to the present, blended with stories from the Bible give the reader a substantial read that difficult to put down. Well written and thought out, the story lines are suspense filled with various events through time brought into play keeping the reader immersed in the pages. The characters are developed enough, and the main characters keep growing, to keep the reader's interest; some are fascinating.
With owning the first book of the series, I contacted the author to review this book since the third book was available for review. He kindly shared this book with me and I was well entertained. Needs minor editing. Included are various bits of information used in the story; some repeated verbatim from the story, some additional; and all were interesting. 5*
The Logos Code #3 - A fabulous ending to an intriguing, mesmerizing trilogy. Well written and well thought with a wonderful blend of history, religion, science, fact and fiction. The story is difficult to put down and I relish having all three books to chain read. This is a substantial, interesting read and the research and preparation that the author did makes this series of books a must read.
The characters add to the adhesion of the elements composing the trilogy. The main set of characters have developed incrementally, while the supporting characters add depth and meaning along the story lines. The locations and artifacts are important characters, too, and the blending in of several religions add reinforcement to the story lines. The author's vivid descriptions, along with the fast paced, action packed plot, and understandable, relaxed writing style reinforce the must read element. I received this after contacting the author to review his trilogy. 5*
Unfortunately, he didn't edit with a fine tooth comb, making mistakes that are noticeable but doesn't stop the flow of the story. 4*
The Devil's Architect #2 - Having read the first book, I was happy to find Devil's was even better. Extremely intriguing, full of London's history, ranging from the Druids to the Romans to the present, blended with stories from the Bible give the reader a substantial read that difficult to put down. Well written and thought out, the story lines are suspense filled with various events through time brought into play keeping the reader immersed in the pages. The characters are developed enough, and the main characters keep growing, to keep the reader's interest; some are fascinating.
With owning the first book of the series, I contacted the author to review this book since the third book was available for review. He kindly shared this book with me and I was well entertained. Needs minor editing. Included are various bits of information used in the story; some repeated verbatim from the story, some additional; and all were interesting. 5*
The Logos Code #3 - A fabulous ending to an intriguing, mesmerizing trilogy. Well written and well thought with a wonderful blend of history, religion, science, fact and fiction. The story is difficult to put down and I relish having all three books to chain read. This is a substantial, interesting read and the research and preparation that the author did makes this series of books a must read.
The characters add to the adhesion of the elements composing the trilogy. The main set of characters have developed incrementally, while the supporting characters add depth and meaning along the story lines. The locations and artifacts are important characters, too, and the blending in of several religions add reinforcement to the story lines. The author's vivid descriptions, along with the fast paced, action packed plot, and understandable, relaxed writing style reinforce the must read element. I received this after contacting the author to review his trilogy. 5*
May 14, 2018
As I read this book, I thought "The DaVinci Code" meets "National Treasure". I've seen the movies "The DaVinci Code" and both "National Treasure" films, so this was really my first time of reading a book of this magnitude.
Dr. Vincent Blake is called in on a case after Father Nathan Vittori is murdered during a robbery. But this isn't an ordinary robbery. The criminals are after specific items that belonged to Sir Issac Newton. Father Vittori was obsessed much like Issac Newton was about a connection between God and Science.
Father Vittori gave his life for the sake of protecting a very important artifact. It ended up in the hands of Vincent Blake who was then actively pursued by the marauders after they discovered that the pocket watch they had was a fake. Blake discovers the secret with the artifact, which led to a whole lot bigger deal than that little artifact.
The one character to really watch in this story is Mary. She doesn't seem to be any more than a vagrant, but keep an eye on her. I wasn't sure how she fit into the story until the very end.
This book was thrilling, exciting, had some twists and heartbreaks, and filled with facts mixed with fiction. I loved how all of the characters came together at the end as extensive writings by Issac Newton worked the plot into a frenzy.
I haven't read anything this fascinating in a long time and want to read more from this author.
Dr. Vincent Blake is called in on a case after Father Nathan Vittori is murdered during a robbery. But this isn't an ordinary robbery. The criminals are after specific items that belonged to Sir Issac Newton. Father Vittori was obsessed much like Issac Newton was about a connection between God and Science.
Father Vittori gave his life for the sake of protecting a very important artifact. It ended up in the hands of Vincent Blake who was then actively pursued by the marauders after they discovered that the pocket watch they had was a fake. Blake discovers the secret with the artifact, which led to a whole lot bigger deal than that little artifact.
The one character to really watch in this story is Mary. She doesn't seem to be any more than a vagrant, but keep an eye on her. I wasn't sure how she fit into the story until the very end.
This book was thrilling, exciting, had some twists and heartbreaks, and filled with facts mixed with fiction. I loved how all of the characters came together at the end as extensive writings by Issac Newton worked the plot into a frenzy.
I haven't read anything this fascinating in a long time and want to read more from this author.
October 1, 2017
This story had very many similarities to "Da Vinci Code". An academic turned detectve researching artifacts with historical and religious significance as part of an investigation into a series of robberies and murders. Foreign woman (in this case Italian) plays non romantic role as assistant/scholarly advisor. Sound familiar?
Anyway, the execution is pretty good. The action is fast paced and the villains are well organized, devious, evil minded and brutal. The characters are fairly basic good /bad guys nothing fancy.. except the evil genius behind all the criminal activity. Now that was an interesting character!
I did have a problem with some scenes.. at the climax of the story..when trying to figure out an important part of the puzzle, whilst the aforementioned brutal thugs are beating down the door with murder on their minds.. that does not seem the right time for a "teaching moment" uh..tell the story later lady! Get to the point quickly!
Since some of the story is based on facts, I have concluded that religion is very dangerous if even an intelligent man such as Newton can be turned into a nut job because of it.
As usual in these cases, (both real and fictional) the bible is cherry picked for a few phrases which in turn are used to create a fantasy/horror regarding the end of the world. All utter clap trap but entertaining reading nonetheless.
Anyway, the execution is pretty good. The action is fast paced and the villains are well organized, devious, evil minded and brutal. The characters are fairly basic good /bad guys nothing fancy.. except the evil genius behind all the criminal activity. Now that was an interesting character!
I did have a problem with some scenes.. at the climax of the story..when trying to figure out an important part of the puzzle, whilst the aforementioned brutal thugs are beating down the door with murder on their minds.. that does not seem the right time for a "teaching moment" uh..tell the story later lady! Get to the point quickly!
Since some of the story is based on facts, I have concluded that religion is very dangerous if even an intelligent man such as Newton can be turned into a nut job because of it.
As usual in these cases, (both real and fictional) the bible is cherry picked for a few phrases which in turn are used to create a fantasy/horror regarding the end of the world. All utter clap trap but entertaining reading nonetheless.
June 13, 2018
I received this novel as an e-book giveaway by the author after its publication.
In this supernatural thriller, Vincent Blake, a British private investigator who specializes in recovery of stolen art, races to find a precious Biblical relic, the rod of Aaron, before it falls into the wrong hands. These hands belong to an entity referred to as the Drakon, a being whose quest for power is only exceeded by its ruthlessness.
The story is intriguing, blending facts about Isaac Newton's interest in Biblical prophecy, history of the redesigned St. Paul's Cathedral by Christopher Wrenn and tales of medieval adventurers. Blake and his allies, notably a Dr. Carla Sabatini, must unravel a set of clues left by Newton to prevent setting in motion a Doomsday scenario.
As a thriller, the plot conforms to reader expectations of narrow escapes, rising action, and high-stakes risks. The plot takes precedence, also as expected, over character development. It's apparent that Duncan Simpson did a great deal of background research and, to me, this historical information was more fascinating than any of the characters.
I also need to mention that his descriptions of violence may turn off more squeamish readers. Overall, I found the book to be an enjoyable thriller that is first in a trilogy featuring Vincent Blake.
In this supernatural thriller, Vincent Blake, a British private investigator who specializes in recovery of stolen art, races to find a precious Biblical relic, the rod of Aaron, before it falls into the wrong hands. These hands belong to an entity referred to as the Drakon, a being whose quest for power is only exceeded by its ruthlessness.
The story is intriguing, blending facts about Isaac Newton's interest in Biblical prophecy, history of the redesigned St. Paul's Cathedral by Christopher Wrenn and tales of medieval adventurers. Blake and his allies, notably a Dr. Carla Sabatini, must unravel a set of clues left by Newton to prevent setting in motion a Doomsday scenario.
As a thriller, the plot conforms to reader expectations of narrow escapes, rising action, and high-stakes risks. The plot takes precedence, also as expected, over character development. It's apparent that Duncan Simpson did a great deal of background research and, to me, this historical information was more fascinating than any of the characters.
I also need to mention that his descriptions of violence may turn off more squeamish readers. Overall, I found the book to be an enjoyable thriller that is first in a trilogy featuring Vincent Blake.
December 17, 2018
Better than a Dan Brown novel
This thriller is a free download from Amazon. I had it on my Kindle for at least six months, but – perhaps due to how I perceived the original cover – I didn’t bother to open it. Receiving an email from the author, which really grabbed my attention, prompted me to contact him and respond to the content of his email and to give the book a try.
I am biased to suggest that fans of Dan Brown, who are used to a writing style depending mainly on sensationalism in terms of symbols and action, are not going to give this one a lot of consideration. A History of Things to Come is a carefully crafted story, well-researched, and with a descriptive style that discourages the reader from skimming pages. And the parts devoted to Sir Robert Newton are as gripping as the novel events that take place 400 years after his death.
This is the first book in a trilogy. I initially thought it was a one-off, and worked very well as a stand-alone. I am actually excited at the prospect of digging into the other two. I do recommend you purchase the box set, as its price is less than the total of purchasing books two and three separately.
This thriller is a free download from Amazon. I had it on my Kindle for at least six months, but – perhaps due to how I perceived the original cover – I didn’t bother to open it. Receiving an email from the author, which really grabbed my attention, prompted me to contact him and respond to the content of his email and to give the book a try.
I am biased to suggest that fans of Dan Brown, who are used to a writing style depending mainly on sensationalism in terms of symbols and action, are not going to give this one a lot of consideration. A History of Things to Come is a carefully crafted story, well-researched, and with a descriptive style that discourages the reader from skimming pages. And the parts devoted to Sir Robert Newton are as gripping as the novel events that take place 400 years after his death.
This is the first book in a trilogy. I initially thought it was a one-off, and worked very well as a stand-alone. I am actually excited at the prospect of digging into the other two. I do recommend you purchase the box set, as its price is less than the total of purchasing books two and three separately.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 186 reviews