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The Christos Mosaic: A Novel
A #1 BESTSELLER IN KINDLE HISTORICAL THRILLERS
Ancient scrolls hold the key to the origins of Christianity—but some will stop at nothing to hide the truth
A suspicious death in Istanbul leaves one ancient scroll and clues to finding another in the hands of Drew Korchula, a thirty-two-year-old American expat, a Turkish dwarf named Kadir, and Zafer, a Special Forces washout. Drew is desperate to turn everything over to the academic community, and in the process redeem himself in the eyes of his estranged wife, but Kadir and Zafer are only interested in what they can get for the scrolls on the black market.
Not everyone wants to see the scrolls go public, however, and some will stop at nothing to protect the Church and believers around the world from the revelations embodied in the priceless manuscripts.
An action-packed intellectual thriller unraveling the mystery of a theological cold case more than two thousand years old, The Christos Mosaic is a monumental work of biblical research wrapped in a story of love, faith, human frailty, friendship, and forgiveness. Author Vincent Czyz takes the reader through the backstreets of Istanbul, Antakya (ancient Antioch), and Cairo, to clandestine negotiations with wealthy antiquities smugglers and ruthless soldiers of fortune, to dusty Egyptian monasteries, on a nautical skirmish off the coast of Alexandria, and finally to the ruins of Constantine's palace buried deep beneath the streets of present-day Istanbul.
Ancient scrolls hold the key to the origins of Christianity—but some will stop at nothing to hide the truth
A suspicious death in Istanbul leaves one ancient scroll and clues to finding another in the hands of Drew Korchula, a thirty-two-year-old American expat, a Turkish dwarf named Kadir, and Zafer, a Special Forces washout. Drew is desperate to turn everything over to the academic community, and in the process redeem himself in the eyes of his estranged wife, but Kadir and Zafer are only interested in what they can get for the scrolls on the black market.
Not everyone wants to see the scrolls go public, however, and some will stop at nothing to protect the Church and believers around the world from the revelations embodied in the priceless manuscripts.
An action-packed intellectual thriller unraveling the mystery of a theological cold case more than two thousand years old, The Christos Mosaic is a monumental work of biblical research wrapped in a story of love, faith, human frailty, friendship, and forgiveness. Author Vincent Czyz takes the reader through the backstreets of Istanbul, Antakya (ancient Antioch), and Cairo, to clandestine negotiations with wealthy antiquities smugglers and ruthless soldiers of fortune, to dusty Egyptian monasteries, on a nautical skirmish off the coast of Alexandria, and finally to the ruins of Constantine's palace buried deep beneath the streets of present-day Istanbul.
559 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 27, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
February 20, 2016
Drew Korchula is drawn into a historical mystery that could change the whole world and especially Christianity. Drew is asked by a friend of his, a Turkish dwarf named Kadir to hide an ancient scroll just for a day and that is the start of an adventure Drew never expected he would participate in. This ancient scroll could rock the foundation of Christianity and there are people out there that would do anything to stop the knowledge to come to light.
I didn't read what the book was about before I started it. All I knew it was a theological mystery. And, I must admit that I was a bit surprised about what the book was about. As a Christian was this, not an easy book to read. But, it's also, in my opinion, healthy to question one's faith because if you don't, the risk is that you will turn into a fanatic. And, much of the things the book wrote about like that Christianity has borrowed from other religions and sects are stuff I already have read about. Still it can probably be hard for those that doesn't haven the theological knowledge.
Now I'm going to spoiler the book a bit so if you don't want to know about the ancient scroll stop reading. The ancient scroll is the Q document. The Q document is a hypothetical collection of Jesus Sayings. You can read more here. The problem with the finding is that it is older than Jesus and that means that it could question the existence of Jesus of Nazareth. And, that is pretty much the essence of this book. It all boils down to; did Jesus exist or not?
Vincent Czyz has done an outstandingly good job with the theological part of the book. For some, it can probably feel too academical, for me was this like reading my favorite subject again. The only change is of course that this is a fiction, not nonfiction. But reading about the Mithras, the Dead Sea scrolls, and The Essenes, etc. was just great. The thing that I had a problem with was actually more the character and the predictability of the story. The theological part was done great, but the book never really surprised me when it came to the story. I just felt it lacked some really good twists. Not even the ending of the book felt that surprising. It was just not that hard to figure out the outcome.
And, that's just too bad. It was really good written otherwise. I read it quickly, despite being over 500 pages. But, I never really found myself caught up in the story and to be honest, Drew and his mundane problems besides finding out the truth and some religious crisis was just not that interesting to read about. Drew has wanted to get back with his wife for two years and still he gets distracted by a woman he hasn't seen for 12 years that suddenly appears? Please!
Still, it was very well researched, I loved the theological part and it was good to read something that gets one to think outside the box. I think Czyz has done a superb work with this book and I would recommend this book to anyone that likes to read religious thrillers or likes to read books with conspiracy theories.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher for a blog tour at TLC Book Tours.
Read this review and others on A Bookaholic Swede
I didn't read what the book was about before I started it. All I knew it was a theological mystery. And, I must admit that I was a bit surprised about what the book was about. As a Christian was this, not an easy book to read. But, it's also, in my opinion, healthy to question one's faith because if you don't, the risk is that you will turn into a fanatic. And, much of the things the book wrote about like that Christianity has borrowed from other religions and sects are stuff I already have read about. Still it can probably be hard for those that doesn't haven the theological knowledge.
Now I'm going to spoiler the book a bit so if you don't want to know about the ancient scroll stop reading. The ancient scroll is the Q document. The Q document is a hypothetical collection of Jesus Sayings. You can read more here. The problem with the finding is that it is older than Jesus and that means that it could question the existence of Jesus of Nazareth. And, that is pretty much the essence of this book. It all boils down to; did Jesus exist or not?
Vincent Czyz has done an outstandingly good job with the theological part of the book. For some, it can probably feel too academical, for me was this like reading my favorite subject again. The only change is of course that this is a fiction, not nonfiction. But reading about the Mithras, the Dead Sea scrolls, and The Essenes, etc. was just great. The thing that I had a problem with was actually more the character and the predictability of the story. The theological part was done great, but the book never really surprised me when it came to the story. I just felt it lacked some really good twists. Not even the ending of the book felt that surprising. It was just not that hard to figure out the outcome.
And, that's just too bad. It was really good written otherwise. I read it quickly, despite being over 500 pages. But, I never really found myself caught up in the story and to be honest, Drew and his mundane problems besides finding out the truth and some religious crisis was just not that interesting to read about. Drew has wanted to get back with his wife for two years and still he gets distracted by a woman he hasn't seen for 12 years that suddenly appears? Please!
Still, it was very well researched, I loved the theological part and it was good to read something that gets one to think outside the box. I think Czyz has done a superb work with this book and I would recommend this book to anyone that likes to read religious thrillers or likes to read books with conspiracy theories.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher for a blog tour at TLC Book Tours.
Read this review and others on A Bookaholic Swede
November 5, 2015
This is an intricately woven adventure tale. Undoubtedly this book will inspire deep debate about faith and theological interpretations. I can see scholars and the general public now inspired to go to libraries to pick up bibles and copies of texts and examine more deeply what is written. Thus, there is the evident taboo draw of the suggestion of a discovery of theological conspiracy. However, putting examinations of faith aside for the moment, what was most unique about this story was the tender and raw relationships of the characters. The characters were certainly rough and tumble but there was an inherent, almost familial feeling between them. Camaraderie is one of the things missing in plenty of tales and.people miss good stories of deep friendships.This story has both. I think this adventure helps remind us who our true family and friends are and it shows that those closest to us will go on spellbinding journeys and risk their lives for those they care about. We all need friends who believe in us and this tale reminds us, that no matter your faith, it is a blessing to have friends who have faith in you.
November 12, 2015
The Christos Mosaic by Vincent Czyz (4 stars)
An intellectual, thrilling and exciting novel – fans of Dan Brown must read!
The Christos Mosaic is the first novel by New Jersey writer Vincent Czyz. It follows the lead character, Drew, who seems directionless and lost, as he becomes increasingly drawn into a mystery which could rock the core of religion as we know it. An ancient scroll has been discovered which suggests, amongst many things, that Jesus Christ never existed. People are prepared to kill to ensure that this information remains secret, and Drew embarks on a personal quest to bring the scroll to light and in doing so, brings purpose to his life once more.
I’m a big fan of The Da Vinci Code series, and for me this novel was very similar in style. A huge amount of religious research has gone into the creation of it, and the result is a fascinating blend of literature and historical writing. It was a few reading sessions before I was fully engaged with the characters and gripped by the plot, but once the storyline captured my mind and imagination I was hooked.
Laura
Breakaway Reviewers were given a copy of the book to review
An intellectual, thrilling and exciting novel – fans of Dan Brown must read!
The Christos Mosaic is the first novel by New Jersey writer Vincent Czyz. It follows the lead character, Drew, who seems directionless and lost, as he becomes increasingly drawn into a mystery which could rock the core of religion as we know it. An ancient scroll has been discovered which suggests, amongst many things, that Jesus Christ never existed. People are prepared to kill to ensure that this information remains secret, and Drew embarks on a personal quest to bring the scroll to light and in doing so, brings purpose to his life once more.
I’m a big fan of The Da Vinci Code series, and for me this novel was very similar in style. A huge amount of religious research has gone into the creation of it, and the result is a fascinating blend of literature and historical writing. It was a few reading sessions before I was fully engaged with the characters and gripped by the plot, but once the storyline captured my mind and imagination I was hooked.
Laura
Breakaway Reviewers were given a copy of the book to review
November 22, 2015
I'm not necessarily a big reader of Dan Brown-styled suspense stories but I really enjoyed this book. Moving through exotic locales like Istanbul, Turkey, and Alexandria, Egypt, we meet a variety of exotic characters that sweep the main character Drew up into his adventures. You have to be patient with the variety of characters but your patience will pay off. This is a well-written, fun book that's worth reading.
June 11, 2016
This book incorporates an intense amount of biblical research but never in a way that never seems tedious. This is the novel a certain other author with interests in biblical mysteries would have written if he had done his homework and if could write a plausible ending. I hope for more of these!
July 20, 2016
I loved this big, complex book. It embodies many theories I've read about the. Jesus Christ history versus mythology in an exciting mystery format. Well researched, always subject to interpretation but definitely not for anyone who holds the bible and Christian doctrine as absolute. Many characters, which at times were confusing, but a great romp through history in the present day.
Read
January 14, 2016The Christos Mosaic will rock the foundation of Christianity. Think you know all there is to know about your faith? Read The Christos Mosaic.
July 18, 2016
Wow
Mind blowing, informative and special. Just stumbled onto it, every so often.....you just get lucky. Maybe one day, Istanbul. Keep writing, sir, we are waiting.
Mind blowing, informative and special. Just stumbled onto it, every so often.....you just get lucky. Maybe one day, Istanbul. Keep writing, sir, we are waiting.
January 22, 2018
I have to start by saying this was the most fascinating exploration of religious themes I've ever read. If you have *any* interest in Christianity (and an open mind!), or even just religion and myth-building in general, you need to check this book out.
Christos Mosaic lays out a fascinating theory: that there was no historical person named Jesus Christ. Instead, the person we think of as JC is actually a combination (=Mosaic) of historical Jewish figures such as James and John the Baptist, shot through the structure and thematics of Greek religious myths. I'm sure there are other "JC was not a real person" theories out there, but it's hard to imagine any of them are as thoroughly developed, researched and explored as this one is. Vincent Czyz clearly worked his tail off to produce this work and it shows on every page.
The reason that I give this 4 stars instead of 5 was I felt like the narrative began to lose a bit of juice towards the second half after
Christos Mosaic lays out a fascinating theory: that there was no historical person named Jesus Christ. Instead, the person we think of as JC is actually a combination (=Mosaic) of historical Jewish figures such as James and John the Baptist, shot through the structure and thematics of Greek religious myths. I'm sure there are other "JC was not a real person" theories out there, but it's hard to imagine any of them are as thoroughly developed, researched and explored as this one is. Vincent Czyz clearly worked his tail off to produce this work and it shows on every page.
The reason that I give this 4 stars instead of 5 was I felt like the narrative began to lose a bit of juice towards the second half after
July 21, 2016
It took me a long time to read this book, partly because of my calendar and partly because of the length of the book and the time I had to devote to it. I give the author kudos for the interesting topic, the extensive cast of characters, and the action packed plot. Early on, I viscerally disagreed with the author's theory that Jesus Christ never lived, and I had difficulty at times following the extensive theological arguments that supported his theory. I was raised in the Lutheran church where every Sunday we read an Old Testament, a New Testament, and a Gospel lesson. I still cannot accept that Jesus never existed, but I appreciate the author's knowledge and scholarly efforts to persuade us, and I wish my knowledge of the Bible were more extensive. In any case, this was an interesting novel, set in Turkey and Egypt, and dealing with a number of interesting topics, including the collection of and black market for antiquities. It went on forever, it seemed, with a cast of interesting characters and unexpected twists and turns, and a plot that alternated between a thriller and treatise on early and ancient religions, including Christianity. I still have mixed feelings about the primary premise of this novel, but definitely would recommend it to anyone interested in a history of Christianity and modern day action set in the ancient sites of early civilization.
June 28, 2017
I love a novel that is both action-packed and informative, and The Christos Mosaic brought it to me in spades! As a Christ mythicist myself, I found this story perfectly suited to my tastes. Yet, as well-versed as I am in the arguments against a historical Jesus (as depicted in the Gospels), Czyz opened my eyes to yet more pieces of the mosaic, especially the Dead Sea Scrolls’ Teacher of Righteousness / James the Just piece. Fascinating possibility!
When I published my own novel, Mythos Christos, I thought it was the first and only fiction that entertained the idea that Jesus of Nazareth was mostly, if not entirely, a literary creation based on previous myths and lore. So when I found The Christos Mosaic, I just had to get a copy. Though they are completely different stories that approach the historicity of Jesus in dissimilar fashion, I was surprised by the similarity of some of the details involved. For example, both books discuss the ancient Mystery cults, Platonism, Pythagoreanism, and the Therapeutae. And both even feature a dwarf as one of the main characters! Sometimes, like Newton/Leibniz or Darwin/Wallace, ideas seem to just be in the air.
I highly recommend The Christos Mosaic for those who don’t mind learning while simultaneously enjoying a nonstop thrill ride.
When I published my own novel, Mythos Christos, I thought it was the first and only fiction that entertained the idea that Jesus of Nazareth was mostly, if not entirely, a literary creation based on previous myths and lore. So when I found The Christos Mosaic, I just had to get a copy. Though they are completely different stories that approach the historicity of Jesus in dissimilar fashion, I was surprised by the similarity of some of the details involved. For example, both books discuss the ancient Mystery cults, Platonism, Pythagoreanism, and the Therapeutae. And both even feature a dwarf as one of the main characters! Sometimes, like Newton/Leibniz or Darwin/Wallace, ideas seem to just be in the air.
I highly recommend The Christos Mosaic for those who don’t mind learning while simultaneously enjoying a nonstop thrill ride.
Read
November 30, 2015Exciting romp through history and religion
This novel will keep you on your toes and make you think. The author uses academic religious findings to weave a suspenseful tale of another "Dead Sea scroll-era" finding that has the potential of changing everything modern Christians believe. Competing religious interests and the main character race to find the scroll and stay alive. While there were occasions when the book seemed almost weighed down by the academic references, I found it a page burner. If you liked The DaVinci Code, this conspiracy-thriller novel is right up your alley.
This novel will keep you on your toes and make you think. The author uses academic religious findings to weave a suspenseful tale of another "Dead Sea scroll-era" finding that has the potential of changing everything modern Christians believe. Competing religious interests and the main character race to find the scroll and stay alive. While there were occasions when the book seemed almost weighed down by the academic references, I found it a page burner. If you liked The DaVinci Code, this conspiracy-thriller novel is right up your alley.
Read
March 4, 2016Review available on Foreword Reviews.
July 28, 2018
Almost DNF
The subject matter is interesting (that's why it's getting 3*) but the story around it kept me from immersing myself. So it took me 6 months to read this. There were so many characters to not like. Ugh.
The subject matter is interesting (that's why it's getting 3*) but the story around it kept me from immersing myself. So it took me 6 months to read this. There were so many characters to not like. Ugh.
July 4, 2016
A story of a story
Yes, its filled with action smartly written, but its a rehash of the old "story" that the true main character of the work, Jesus, was a figment of a long, long "nightmare". What gives? Why not just a well written, fun, thoughtful examination of that era of time rather than a brooding, half-truthed attack? Arguments are based on others of like mind, no true scholarship, just opinionated "works of enlightenment" (see author's list of cited, referenced works).
As is common, the villain in all of this is the organized, well orchestrated monstrosity of an institution with its own city-state. I agree that this entity has done much to destroy what it purports to uphold, while inflicting misery in this world. But, Mr Czyz must look beyond and see that this misguided group is not the reason for the existence of the one so many of this world call upon as their spiritual leader. He existed well before this "organized behemoth" ever sought to enslave others to its cause. Across continents, across cultures, across political structures the true story spread to hearts and minds. The true story was then coopted by others, of this "monarchy", for the sole purpose of enslavement. Pouring ritual over practice and tradition over truth until a putrid mix existed far from the original true story. I don't blame the author for his attack of the true story, because he's been blinded by the craft of the behemoth. I just ask him to look beyond and behind the false story, finagled by the regal-robed ones, to the true Jesus. Here he will find peace!
Yes, its filled with action smartly written, but its a rehash of the old "story" that the true main character of the work, Jesus, was a figment of a long, long "nightmare". What gives? Why not just a well written, fun, thoughtful examination of that era of time rather than a brooding, half-truthed attack? Arguments are based on others of like mind, no true scholarship, just opinionated "works of enlightenment" (see author's list of cited, referenced works).
As is common, the villain in all of this is the organized, well orchestrated monstrosity of an institution with its own city-state. I agree that this entity has done much to destroy what it purports to uphold, while inflicting misery in this world. But, Mr Czyz must look beyond and see that this misguided group is not the reason for the existence of the one so many of this world call upon as their spiritual leader. He existed well before this "organized behemoth" ever sought to enslave others to its cause. Across continents, across cultures, across political structures the true story spread to hearts and minds. The true story was then coopted by others, of this "monarchy", for the sole purpose of enslavement. Pouring ritual over practice and tradition over truth until a putrid mix existed far from the original true story. I don't blame the author for his attack of the true story, because he's been blinded by the craft of the behemoth. I just ask him to look beyond and behind the false story, finagled by the regal-robed ones, to the true Jesus. Here he will find peace!
July 24, 2019
I absolutely LOVED this book. It’s a thriller without the ubiquitous chase scenes and double crosses that are so cliche in so many page turners. Plus it takes an in-depth look at the history of Christianity while allowing the reader to draw their own conclusions. I really can’t recommend this novel enough. If you want an exciting read that will also make you think a little about what you believe (and why you believe it) pick up a copy today.
July 30, 2016
Ok I guess .
You really need to go thru the. Beginning a couple of times to follow this book, I found it interesting but would not try to read it again. As the violence was not. Worth the ending.. Good for. Thought though.
You really need to go thru the. Beginning a couple of times to follow this book, I found it interesting but would not try to read it again. As the violence was not. Worth the ending.. Good for. Thought though.
February 9, 2018
A very good, fast-paced read!
November 11, 2019
It's commonly accepted that the Christian Gospels were written decades after the events they depict. This book takes us on a trip down one possible reason why, in the style of a 'religious thriller' like "The Da Vinci Code." It's fiction, sure, but with just enough factual underpinning to give the reader something to think about, and maybe want to delve into further.
I thought it was a good book - I don't know enough about the various cultures to know if they were represented accurately, but they were distinct enough that Egypt felt different than Turkey, which was good enough for me. The story took a while to get moving, but once it did, it was pretty much non-stop with action and revelations. Some of it was deep and sometimes things felt coincidental, but that's not unusual for the genre - otherwise, the book would be twice as long if everything had to be detailed to the microscopic level.
Personally, I do not think I will do much of the introspection that Czyz asks of the reader... not because I'm afraid of the results, but because one of his characters already summed up my situation. And some people might be offended by the very suggestion - which is core to the book - that Again, this is a work of fiction, and can be enjoyed as such.
I thought it was a good book - I don't know enough about the various cultures to know if they were represented accurately, but they were distinct enough that Egypt felt different than Turkey, which was good enough for me. The story took a while to get moving, but once it did, it was pretty much non-stop with action and revelations. Some of it was deep and sometimes things felt coincidental, but that's not unusual for the genre - otherwise, the book would be twice as long if everything had to be detailed to the microscopic level.
Personally, I do not think I will do much of the introspection that Czyz asks of the reader... not because I'm afraid of the results, but because one of his characters already summed up my situation. And some people might be offended by the very suggestion - which is core to the book - that Again, this is a work of fiction, and can be enjoyed as such.
November 12, 2017
Definitely one for fans of Dan Brown: long kept religious secret that many want to keep hidden, and a slew of shady characters. This has all the elements: adventure, conspiracy, mystery. The religious theology is well researched - some readers may find this a little too heavy, specially if looking for a standard thriller. It stands out from the rest - and could quite easily have have formulaic in its presentation.
My one bug-bear: a few less characters, and a little more development of the main characters. Its quite lengthy at @ 554 pages, so keep in mind when settling in for a quiet read.
For an alternate read: Mythos Christos by Edwin Herbert
My one bug-bear: a few less characters, and a little more development of the main characters. Its quite lengthy at @ 554 pages, so keep in mind when settling in for a quiet read.
For an alternate read: Mythos Christos by Edwin Herbert
January 25, 2024
Thought provoking and suspenseful
Even though I am a devout Christian, my brain enjoyed the complex trip through history examining who Jesus was or wasn’t. The characters were well developed and the action suspenseful. I would recommend this book to friends , even my Christian ones.
Even though I am a devout Christian, my brain enjoyed the complex trip through history examining who Jesus was or wasn’t. The characters were well developed and the action suspenseful. I would recommend this book to friends , even my Christian ones.
December 18, 2024
a must read
Throughout the book there are excerpts to chase which do not deflect from the story. Action packed and so full of insight. However, the ending is perfect closure to allow anyone to make their own choice. Thank you for such a wonderful novel with so much more information to explore.
Throughout the book there are excerpts to chase which do not deflect from the story. Action packed and so full of insight. However, the ending is perfect closure to allow anyone to make their own choice. Thank you for such a wonderful novel with so much more information to explore.
December 20, 2024
If you like historical fiction, fast-paced action, and relationship drama..
The main character is married to a demanding woman, while he has uncontrolled anger issues of his own. The main story is about stolen texts of the Dead Sea Scrolls and how they were eventually returned to the governments of Egypt and Israel.
The main character is married to a demanding woman, while he has uncontrolled anger issues of his own. The main story is about stolen texts of the Dead Sea Scrolls and how they were eventually returned to the governments of Egypt and Israel.
April 5, 2022
Amazing Novel
I was totally engrossed in this novel. Being a Christian, it left me wanting to learn more . Mr. Czyz lays out an amazing amount of information and leaves you to determine what you truly want to believe.
I was totally engrossed in this novel. Being a Christian, it left me wanting to learn more . Mr. Czyz lays out an amazing amount of information and leaves you to determine what you truly want to believe.
October 8, 2022
Truth or Fiction
I'm a Christian and I am a believer. The book was very interesting and very good. I only gave four stars because of the doubt it put in my head. I hope God forgives me.
I'm a Christian and I am a believer. The book was very interesting and very good. I only gave four stars because of the doubt it put in my head. I hope God forgives me.
Read
April 6, 2022DNF
April 18, 2022
Good arguments
It all boils down to what you want to believe
There are certainly more than enough options out there.
Keep the faith !
It all boils down to what you want to believe
There are certainly more than enough options out there.
Keep the faith !
January 18, 2023
I feel sorry for the author having read this miserable piece of literature.
April 16, 2022
The writing was heavy on description, more than I would have preferred. But generally, it was well written. Regarding the premise, I cannot make judgement without further study. But the evidence seemed rather stretched, or too distant to support. For me, the questions raised are more important.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews