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The Magus Covenant
Book 1 in the series. The world as we know it is in peril - unless one man can uncover the truth. A conspiracy thriller featuring a long-forgotten sect, a deadly Brotherhood, a billionaire who trades in relics and a race across Europe in pursuit of a killer.
Jotham Fletcher is in Rome to give a lecture on Simon Magus at the church where he fell to his death beside the Roman Forum. Magus was a cult leader mentioned in the Bible and his libertine sect disappeared by 400 AD.
But did it really die out?
A robed man is pushed from the belltower of the church at midnight and Jotham becomes the prime suspect. His lover Antonella, an expert on ancient documents, has a shocking secret. Rumours fly about a papyrus scroll that mentions Magus. A ruthless Catholic Brotherhood will stop at nothing in their hunt for the Simonian Sect. And a reclusive billionaire has the chance of a lifetime to get his revenge.
Jotham is kidnapped, tortured and on the run. He races from Italy to England to Sweden. But the body count continues to rise and so does the heat in this non-stop thriller that will leave you breathless.
Featuring: a fast-paced and gripping plot, chase sequences, Italian police, religious mysteries, fascinating historical details, kidnapping, murders and an ending that you won’t see coming.
Jotham Fletcher is in Rome to give a lecture on Simon Magus at the church where he fell to his death beside the Roman Forum. Magus was a cult leader mentioned in the Bible and his libertine sect disappeared by 400 AD.
But did it really die out?
A robed man is pushed from the belltower of the church at midnight and Jotham becomes the prime suspect. His lover Antonella, an expert on ancient documents, has a shocking secret. Rumours fly about a papyrus scroll that mentions Magus. A ruthless Catholic Brotherhood will stop at nothing in their hunt for the Simonian Sect. And a reclusive billionaire has the chance of a lifetime to get his revenge.
Jotham is kidnapped, tortured and on the run. He races from Italy to England to Sweden. But the body count continues to rise and so does the heat in this non-stop thriller that will leave you breathless.
Featuring: a fast-paced and gripping plot, chase sequences, Italian police, religious mysteries, fascinating historical details, kidnapping, murders and an ending that you won’t see coming.
ebook
Published December 3, 2015
40 people are currently reading
52 people want to read
About the author
Toni Pike
12 books27 followersToni Pike is a multi-genre author who enjoys writing page-turning fiction for adults, hilarious books for children, and non-fiction. She also loves travelling and being with family and friends. She lives in Australia and firmly believes that coffee and long walks are an essential part of any day.
Do you like books that you can’t stop reading? Pike is the author of LINDA’S MIDLIFE CRISIS, DESOLATION BLUFF, DEAD DRY HEART and The Jotham Fletcher Mystery Thriller Series: THE MAGUS COVENANT, THE ROCK OF MAGUS, THE MAGUS EPIPHANY and HOLY SPEAR OF MAGUS.
The Brody Cody Series is for children aged 6-9: BRODY CODY AND THE STEPMOTHER FROM OUTER SPACE and BRODY CODY AND THE HAUNTED VACATION HOUSE.
She’s also the author of two non-fiction books. THE ONE WAY DIET is a no-nonsense guide to losing weight. HAPPY TRAVELS 101 is a short book of travel tips with advice for anyone who wants to travel overseas.
To find out more, her website is tonipike.com.
Do you like books that you can’t stop reading? Pike is the author of LINDA’S MIDLIFE CRISIS, DESOLATION BLUFF, DEAD DRY HEART and The Jotham Fletcher Mystery Thriller Series: THE MAGUS COVENANT, THE ROCK OF MAGUS, THE MAGUS EPIPHANY and HOLY SPEAR OF MAGUS.
The Brody Cody Series is for children aged 6-9: BRODY CODY AND THE STEPMOTHER FROM OUTER SPACE and BRODY CODY AND THE HAUNTED VACATION HOUSE.
She’s also the author of two non-fiction books. THE ONE WAY DIET is a no-nonsense guide to losing weight. HAPPY TRAVELS 101 is a short book of travel tips with advice for anyone who wants to travel overseas.
To find out more, her website is tonipike.com.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
January 9, 2016
The Magus Covenant is the ideal read for fans that love books like The Da Vinci Code.
With sort chapters and quite a fast paced storyline, I flew through this book in no time at all.
I don't read many books like The Magus Covenant and to be honest I really don't know why as the whole church and religion storyline really fascinates me. The Roman catholic church for one has always been steeped in history with rumours and secrets that will always be something that intrigues many of us.
Jotham is on the run and you can really feel the adrenalin that is coursing through him and the constant mixture of emotions that he is experiencing. I enjoyed the closeness and relationship that he has with Antonella.
The Magus Covenant is a story steeped with lies and secrets. It's one of those story's where you become a bit like the main character and trust no one. There are certainly some twists that I didn't see coming that makes the novel even more enjoyable.
Many thanks to the author for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
With sort chapters and quite a fast paced storyline, I flew through this book in no time at all.
I don't read many books like The Magus Covenant and to be honest I really don't know why as the whole church and religion storyline really fascinates me. The Roman catholic church for one has always been steeped in history with rumours and secrets that will always be something that intrigues many of us.
Jotham is on the run and you can really feel the adrenalin that is coursing through him and the constant mixture of emotions that he is experiencing. I enjoyed the closeness and relationship that he has with Antonella.
The Magus Covenant is a story steeped with lies and secrets. It's one of those story's where you become a bit like the main character and trust no one. There are certainly some twists that I didn't see coming that makes the novel even more enjoyable.
Many thanks to the author for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
December 14, 2015
Anglican Priest Jotham Fletcher is due to give a lecture about Simon Magnus at the church in Rome where Magnus died. Magnus was the leader of a religious cult that is thought to have vanished around 400 AD. When a mysterious robed man is found murdered at the church not long before the lecture, Jotham becomes the main suspect.
As rumours surface about a papyrus scroll mentioning Magnus, things get worse and more dead bodies start to appear. Jotham gets kidnapped and tortured and ends up on the run, a journey that takes him across Europe. Meanwhile his Lover Antonella might know more about what is going on than she admits.
It’s up to Jotham to fit the pieces of the puzzle together and find out what the Brotherhood, a religious order that will stop at nothing to protect their beliefs, has to do with it all? And did the Simonean Sect really cease to exist or are they somehow also involved? And can Iago Visser, the rich reclusive billionaire friend of Antonella, be trusted or does he have his own agenda?
This is a thoroughly enjoyable story full of action and adventure. The plot is well developed, gripping, fast-paced and suspenseful with unexpected twists and turns. The characters were interesting, not superhuman as in some action and adventure stories and all the more realistic because of it.
The book fits into the same genre as Dan Brown’s “The Da Vinci Code” or “Angels and Demons”. I would recommend it to anyone who wants to read a good action and adventure novel.
Review copy provided by Story Cartel in exchange for a honest review.
As rumours surface about a papyrus scroll mentioning Magnus, things get worse and more dead bodies start to appear. Jotham gets kidnapped and tortured and ends up on the run, a journey that takes him across Europe. Meanwhile his Lover Antonella might know more about what is going on than she admits.
It’s up to Jotham to fit the pieces of the puzzle together and find out what the Brotherhood, a religious order that will stop at nothing to protect their beliefs, has to do with it all? And did the Simonean Sect really cease to exist or are they somehow also involved? And can Iago Visser, the rich reclusive billionaire friend of Antonella, be trusted or does he have his own agenda?
This is a thoroughly enjoyable story full of action and adventure. The plot is well developed, gripping, fast-paced and suspenseful with unexpected twists and turns. The characters were interesting, not superhuman as in some action and adventure stories and all the more realistic because of it.
The book fits into the same genre as Dan Brown’s “The Da Vinci Code” or “Angels and Demons”. I would recommend it to anyone who wants to read a good action and adventure novel.
Review copy provided by Story Cartel in exchange for a honest review.
June 12, 2023
The Magnus Covenant is an exciting thriller that starts of with an unusual and strange murder. From there the excitement and pace just keep increasing, keeping you on the edge of your seat.
Jotham Fletcher and his girlfriend, Antonella Pavoni, a lecturer at the University of Rome, arrive at a famous Catholic Church where Jotham is expecting to deliver a lecture about Simon Magnus just in time to view the body of an elderly man in a black cape who may have committed suicide. As an expert on Simon Magnus, a cult leader from the time of Jesus, who thought he should be the head of the church and who was believed to have been a magician, Jotham mentions to the police the similarities between the deaths of Simon Magnus and this old man. Unfortunately, Jotham's comments and interventions make him a prime suspect for murder.
Jotham does give his lecture and is the recipient of an extraordinary question from a journalist who subsequently disappears. He is also the recipient of antagonistic comments from a young Catholic brother who is also a member of the audience.
Shortly after the delivery of the lecture, Jotham is kidnapped and becomes embroiled in a complicated intrigue involving the members of the Simon Magnus cult, which has been in existence for 2,000 years, a brotherhood of extreme Catholics and a wealthy individual who may be the cause of all the agitation through the discovery and restoration of an ancient document. Jotham quickly realises that he can't trust anyone he knows or meets and that his life is in danger.
Jotham is a great character. He has suffered personal loss through the deaths of his wife and child and is struggling with his faith. He'd thrown himself into researching Simon Magnus as a distraction from his loss and emotional turmoil. The deception of many people around him comes as a complete surprise to Jotham and he gets himself into a mess. He is able to pull himself together, discover his survival instincts and set about unravelling the intrigue all around him.
I thought the plot of this book was clever and interesting and the action kept me interested throughout.
Jotham Fletcher and his girlfriend, Antonella Pavoni, a lecturer at the University of Rome, arrive at a famous Catholic Church where Jotham is expecting to deliver a lecture about Simon Magnus just in time to view the body of an elderly man in a black cape who may have committed suicide. As an expert on Simon Magnus, a cult leader from the time of Jesus, who thought he should be the head of the church and who was believed to have been a magician, Jotham mentions to the police the similarities between the deaths of Simon Magnus and this old man. Unfortunately, Jotham's comments and interventions make him a prime suspect for murder.
Jotham does give his lecture and is the recipient of an extraordinary question from a journalist who subsequently disappears. He is also the recipient of antagonistic comments from a young Catholic brother who is also a member of the audience.
Shortly after the delivery of the lecture, Jotham is kidnapped and becomes embroiled in a complicated intrigue involving the members of the Simon Magnus cult, which has been in existence for 2,000 years, a brotherhood of extreme Catholics and a wealthy individual who may be the cause of all the agitation through the discovery and restoration of an ancient document. Jotham quickly realises that he can't trust anyone he knows or meets and that his life is in danger.
Jotham is a great character. He has suffered personal loss through the deaths of his wife and child and is struggling with his faith. He'd thrown himself into researching Simon Magnus as a distraction from his loss and emotional turmoil. The deception of many people around him comes as a complete surprise to Jotham and he gets himself into a mess. He is able to pull himself together, discover his survival instincts and set about unravelling the intrigue all around him.
I thought the plot of this book was clever and interesting and the action kept me interested throughout.
April 13, 2020
If you like Dan Brown (as in The Da Vinci Code) you will like this. I only just got on to this book through reading a review on a blog post. I'm glad I did.
This is the first in the Jotham Fletcher series. He is a rector in an Anglican parish in Australia. His research into Simon Magus leads him to deliver a lecture in Rome. (Could not help but recall the Silver Chalice--where Jack Palance portraying Magus, believes he can fly. I saw it as a child).
Like Brown's Logdon, Pike's Fletcher gets embroiled in controversial sectarian elements within the Catholic Church. Unlike Logdon, Fletcher faces much more serious danger personally. So, this story is really stronger in that respect. I have never been a Catholic, so I have no preconceived notions, much less actual knowledge, of the possible intrigues within a 2,000 year old faith. Yet, I find it all very intriguing and perhaps potentially possible, (if somewhat implausible) given human nature.
Pike's book follows the mystery/thriller precepts of plot/suspense progression well and builds to a climax with heightened tension and twists. If you like the genre, you will like this book--it's well written.
This is the first in the Jotham Fletcher series. He is a rector in an Anglican parish in Australia. His research into Simon Magus leads him to deliver a lecture in Rome. (Could not help but recall the Silver Chalice--where Jack Palance portraying Magus, believes he can fly. I saw it as a child).
Like Brown's Logdon, Pike's Fletcher gets embroiled in controversial sectarian elements within the Catholic Church. Unlike Logdon, Fletcher faces much more serious danger personally. So, this story is really stronger in that respect. I have never been a Catholic, so I have no preconceived notions, much less actual knowledge, of the possible intrigues within a 2,000 year old faith. Yet, I find it all very intriguing and perhaps potentially possible, (if somewhat implausible) given human nature.
Pike's book follows the mystery/thriller precepts of plot/suspense progression well and builds to a climax with heightened tension and twists. If you like the genre, you will like this book--it's well written.
August 16, 2025
Toni Pike's "The Magus Covenant" is a fast-paced thriller that transported me to a world of ancient secrets, deadly factions, and high-stakes chases across Europe. The novel begins with a mystery and disturbing murder in Rome that drew me into the plot. This is a brilliant, twist-filled story. With relics, a millionaire collector, and a long-forgotten fraternity at its center, the novel maintains great tension and a relentless pace.
Toni Pike’s writing style is cinematic and immersive, combining brisk pacing with richly descriptive settings to heighten suspense. She balances fast-moving action with detailed sensory cues. Pike’s prose alternates between external action and the characters’ internal reactions, allowing readers to feel the adrenaline, fear, and uncertainty. Dialogue is functional but realistic, often propelling the plot forward while revealing character traits under pressure. Overall, her style fuses thriller intensity with vivid world-building, keeping the reader both engaged and on edge
This is a gripping, edge-of-your-seat book for fans of action-packed thrillers.
A KU read.
Toni Pike’s writing style is cinematic and immersive, combining brisk pacing with richly descriptive settings to heighten suspense. She balances fast-moving action with detailed sensory cues. Pike’s prose alternates between external action and the characters’ internal reactions, allowing readers to feel the adrenaline, fear, and uncertainty. Dialogue is functional but realistic, often propelling the plot forward while revealing character traits under pressure. Overall, her style fuses thriller intensity with vivid world-building, keeping the reader both engaged and on edge
This is a gripping, edge-of-your-seat book for fans of action-packed thrillers.
A KU read.
July 27, 2020
An Anglican priest with a scholarly interest in Simon Magus becomes the unwitting target of two determined and deadly cults. In Italy to present a paper on Magus, he teams up with a beautiful Italian professor. It does not take long before he becomes the prime suspect ina murder. The body count rises as he and the Italian woman find refuge with a billionaire with an agenda of his own.
This book is very Dan Browneque but still fun to read. The action is non-stop and there are some very exciting scenes. The whole secret society thing is kind of silly but it is entertaining. Too bad the main character, Jotham Fletcher is so bland. It is fast and furious and worth a read.
This book is very Dan Browneque but still fun to read. The action is non-stop and there are some very exciting scenes. The whole secret society thing is kind of silly but it is entertaining. Too bad the main character, Jotham Fletcher is so bland. It is fast and furious and worth a read.
November 8, 2017
Great biblical fiction
This story was a cleverly crafted fictional work that expertly intertwined many characters to make a fulfilling and intriguing start as the first of many new books in series By Toni Pike embarks on a tantalizing new series which is well written and excellent by an exquisite author who I look forward to reading every book in her new series.
This story was a cleverly crafted fictional work that expertly intertwined many characters to make a fulfilling and intriguing start as the first of many new books in series By Toni Pike embarks on a tantalizing new series which is well written and excellent by an exquisite author who I look forward to reading every book in her new series.
August 11, 2019
Enjoyable page turner.
Dan Brown fans will certainly recognise a few similarities to his style in this story, however, they would most likely still enjoy the twists and turns of this particular plot.
See my review also at:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B...
Dan Brown fans will certainly recognise a few similarities to his style in this story, however, they would most likely still enjoy the twists and turns of this particular plot.
See my review also at:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B...
November 7, 2017
The magus covenant
I really enjoyed reading this book. What a great story line. I can wait to read more by Tim author.
I really enjoyed reading this book. What a great story line. I can wait to read more by Tim author.
September 24, 2016
Thank you to the author who gave me a free digital copy in exchange for an honest review.
My Review:
The Magnus Covenant was an interesting read, to say the least. The religious aspect of it was a fun twist and created a whole new meaning to the usual standard murder mystery.
Jotham goes on quite the adventure as he tries to figure out what exactly is going on. In the end, you find out the reason behind everything and Jotham, despite everything he went through, realizes that he needs to stop it.
Like Jotham, I felt as though I didn’t really know what was going on in the story. There was no clear motive right off the bat. Being a mystery, that’s fine. We’re supposed to figure that out.
However, I even had a hard time following the characters. There were a lot of page breaks switching between each character’s point of view (especially in the beginning of the book), but the point of views were all third-person. So there weren’t any need for page breaks and sometimes the character switch went to a character who wasn’t part of the main cast, which confused me even more. A lot of characters were introduced at the beginning and it was hard to follow.
The book was a quick read and each chapter was about three pages long. But there were sometimes about five or six page breaks and it made the story jarring to read.
While I liked the characters, Jotham, Antonella, and even Iago at the end, I couldn’t relate to any of them. When someone died, I didn’t care. The dialogue was a bit bland at times so often I had to reread what they said because I found myself not paying attention.
Overall, the plot drew me in. I was curious about where the story was going to end up, who killed who and why. It was a unique thriller and a fun mystery to follow, but I think I would have been into it more with a different set of characters.
The Magnus Covenant by Toni Pike gets 3 out of 5 stars.
Favorite Quote:
“There was a subdued round of applause. It was far too polite, as if they were not there for the lecture but for the fireworks that came afterwards.” –Toni Pike, The Magnus Covenant
My Review:
The Magnus Covenant was an interesting read, to say the least. The religious aspect of it was a fun twist and created a whole new meaning to the usual standard murder mystery.
Jotham goes on quite the adventure as he tries to figure out what exactly is going on. In the end, you find out the reason behind everything and Jotham, despite everything he went through, realizes that he needs to stop it.
Like Jotham, I felt as though I didn’t really know what was going on in the story. There was no clear motive right off the bat. Being a mystery, that’s fine. We’re supposed to figure that out.
However, I even had a hard time following the characters. There were a lot of page breaks switching between each character’s point of view (especially in the beginning of the book), but the point of views were all third-person. So there weren’t any need for page breaks and sometimes the character switch went to a character who wasn’t part of the main cast, which confused me even more. A lot of characters were introduced at the beginning and it was hard to follow.
The book was a quick read and each chapter was about three pages long. But there were sometimes about five or six page breaks and it made the story jarring to read.
While I liked the characters, Jotham, Antonella, and even Iago at the end, I couldn’t relate to any of them. When someone died, I didn’t care. The dialogue was a bit bland at times so often I had to reread what they said because I found myself not paying attention.
Overall, the plot drew me in. I was curious about where the story was going to end up, who killed who and why. It was a unique thriller and a fun mystery to follow, but I think I would have been into it more with a different set of characters.
The Magnus Covenant by Toni Pike gets 3 out of 5 stars.
Favorite Quote:
“There was a subdued round of applause. It was far too polite, as if they were not there for the lecture but for the fireworks that came afterwards.” –Toni Pike, The Magnus Covenant
May 23, 2016
I received this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.
Father Jonathan Fletcher, an Anglican priest, travels to Italy to give a lecture about the thesis he wrote regarding Simon Magus.
On the eve of his lecture, an elderly leader of the church is found dead in the courtyard of the church where the lecture is to take place. The exact spot where Simon Magus fell to his death during a demonstration of his "levitation" powers, about two thousand years prior.
As Father Fletcher is en route to his lecture, they come upon a scene of confusion and emergency vehicles. The scene is at the church and his car is escorted by police to the court yard. When he asks to see the deceased, he is shocked to realize that the body on the ground is an uncanny resemblance to Simon Magus. Even the method of death is similar. This raises some questions. When he informs the officials of his thoughts, he is immediately questioned of his whereabouts the night before, and in an indirect way, is looked upon as a suspect.
He proceeds with his lecture and has some trouble with one of the audience members, also a priest.
He takes note of certain details and information that he overhears about a sacred scroll that is being sought out by several parties. This scroll is said to contain information about who the real leader of the Catholic Church is and how the Church is to be controlled. He decides to go on a search to find out more about this scroll
His search takes him on an action filled adventure across many continents and narrowly escaping death several times.
He finally discovers the answers he seeks, only to find out that things aren't what they appear, especially in the people he has enlisted to help him.
No lack of mystery, thrills, and suspense in this story. Very gripping and will keep you on the edge of your seat. Once you start reading, you won't be able to put it down.
kmf
Father Jonathan Fletcher, an Anglican priest, travels to Italy to give a lecture about the thesis he wrote regarding Simon Magus.
On the eve of his lecture, an elderly leader of the church is found dead in the courtyard of the church where the lecture is to take place. The exact spot where Simon Magus fell to his death during a demonstration of his "levitation" powers, about two thousand years prior.
As Father Fletcher is en route to his lecture, they come upon a scene of confusion and emergency vehicles. The scene is at the church and his car is escorted by police to the court yard. When he asks to see the deceased, he is shocked to realize that the body on the ground is an uncanny resemblance to Simon Magus. Even the method of death is similar. This raises some questions. When he informs the officials of his thoughts, he is immediately questioned of his whereabouts the night before, and in an indirect way, is looked upon as a suspect.
He proceeds with his lecture and has some trouble with one of the audience members, also a priest.
He takes note of certain details and information that he overhears about a sacred scroll that is being sought out by several parties. This scroll is said to contain information about who the real leader of the Catholic Church is and how the Church is to be controlled. He decides to go on a search to find out more about this scroll
His search takes him on an action filled adventure across many continents and narrowly escaping death several times.
He finally discovers the answers he seeks, only to find out that things aren't what they appear, especially in the people he has enlisted to help him.
No lack of mystery, thrills, and suspense in this story. Very gripping and will keep you on the edge of your seat. Once you start reading, you won't be able to put it down.
kmf
May 25, 2016
The Magus Covenant by Toni Pike
Shades of Dan Brown this is a religious conspiracy theory novel. An unsuspecting Anglican priest and scholar is thrust into situations that test his faith and physical rigor. The Magus Covenant is a threat to the Catholic church and some of the churches members and clergy use despicable means to contain the threat.
Jotham Fletcher is still struggling with the grief of losing his wife and child in an auto accident. Asked to speak about his research into Simon Magus or Simon the Magician, who was a contemporary of Christ's disciples, he makes the trip from Australia at the behest of Antonella Pavoni, a fellow scholar.
Shortly after his arrival, Jotham is accused of murder, kidnapped by a rogue church group, saved by a billionaire and followed by a fanatic. The action takes place across Europe and includes a bilious Cabrini captain and his unhappy assistant.
The book was entertaining but stretched the imagination to accept that a simple Anglican priest would have the wherewithal and stamina to survive his travails.
https://tonipike.com/
Shades of Dan Brown this is a religious conspiracy theory novel. An unsuspecting Anglican priest and scholar is thrust into situations that test his faith and physical rigor. The Magus Covenant is a threat to the Catholic church and some of the churches members and clergy use despicable means to contain the threat.
Jotham Fletcher is still struggling with the grief of losing his wife and child in an auto accident. Asked to speak about his research into Simon Magus or Simon the Magician, who was a contemporary of Christ's disciples, he makes the trip from Australia at the behest of Antonella Pavoni, a fellow scholar.
Shortly after his arrival, Jotham is accused of murder, kidnapped by a rogue church group, saved by a billionaire and followed by a fanatic. The action takes place across Europe and includes a bilious Cabrini captain and his unhappy assistant.
The book was entertaining but stretched the imagination to accept that a simple Anglican priest would have the wherewithal and stamina to survive his travails.
https://tonipike.com/
February 5, 2017
I got this from Story Cartel in exchange for an honest review review.
I'm giving this one 4 stars, but I'd say a 3.75 would be more accurate.
The Magus Covenant is a pretty good book. The only real problems I had with it were the European writing style (you know, 'U's where they aren't in American writing; "said *name*" instead of "*name* said"; things like that). But those problems didn't take me out of the story.
One minor thing that did drive me a little at times, though, was the lack of description. In the early chapters, there was plenty. Later on, not very much at all. I'd rather have the writer's words telling me what the plane looked like instead of having just saying that it's a plane.
All of the characters were pretty good. Not a single one stood out as being uninteresting. Everyone, except for the main character, seemed to be hiding something. And when those hidden secrets came out, I found them pretty interesting.
One last note. This book has 72 chapters. None of which are more than six pages, though. It's a very quick read if you have little time to waste.
I'm giving this one 4 stars, but I'd say a 3.75 would be more accurate.
The Magus Covenant is a pretty good book. The only real problems I had with it were the European writing style (you know, 'U's where they aren't in American writing; "said *name*" instead of "*name* said"; things like that). But those problems didn't take me out of the story.
One minor thing that did drive me a little at times, though, was the lack of description. In the early chapters, there was plenty. Later on, not very much at all. I'd rather have the writer's words telling me what the plane looked like instead of having just saying that it's a plane.
All of the characters were pretty good. Not a single one stood out as being uninteresting. Everyone, except for the main character, seemed to be hiding something. And when those hidden secrets came out, I found them pretty interesting.
One last note. This book has 72 chapters. None of which are more than six pages, though. It's a very quick read if you have little time to waste.
June 14, 2016
Exciting new series that leaves you wanting more immediately!
With hints of Dan Brown conspiracies and Steve Berry and James Rollins mystery and intrigue, The Magus Covenant, by Australian author Toni Pike is a must read. Following Anglican priest Jotham Fletcher, a small parish rector from Australia in the wake of personal tragedy, the story twists and turns leaving you unsure of quite who to trust. Does the mysterious sect of Simon Magus still exist? If so what do they have in store for the world? Only Jotham can solve the mystery as he avoids being killed while racing through Europe on an adventure that will change his life. I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
With hints of Dan Brown conspiracies and Steve Berry and James Rollins mystery and intrigue, The Magus Covenant, by Australian author Toni Pike is a must read. Following Anglican priest Jotham Fletcher, a small parish rector from Australia in the wake of personal tragedy, the story twists and turns leaving you unsure of quite who to trust. Does the mysterious sect of Simon Magus still exist? If so what do they have in store for the world? Only Jotham can solve the mystery as he avoids being killed while racing through Europe on an adventure that will change his life. I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
February 9, 2016
Based on obscure Biblical fact, Pike set out to write a thriller of epic proportions and she knocked it out of the park! From page one, the characters are engrossing and clever. The plot line is action packed with more twists and turns than that street in San Francisco.
Pike's apparent knowledge of Italy and it's law enforcement as well as the inner workings of the Catholic church is simply amazing.
This is one of the few books I've read that I didn't have the antagonist pegged by Chapter three.
Highly recommended 4 star read!
Pike's apparent knowledge of Italy and it's law enforcement as well as the inner workings of the Catholic church is simply amazing.
This is one of the few books I've read that I didn't have the antagonist pegged by Chapter three.
Highly recommended 4 star read!
April 16, 2016
The premise of this book was very interesting and the plot moved very quickly. For the first part of the book the conversation seemed somewhat stilted and choppy, but that seemed to move to the background as I read further on. This was definitely a good first book by the author. I was given a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
January 11, 2016
A fast moving mystery thriller concerning the search for an ancient scroll linked to Simon Magus. The action is fast and the reader is engrossed as the search for the scroll moves through different locations. An enjoyable and well written novel.
January 17, 2016
A cult within Rome
This is an interesting book in the style of The DeVinci Code. The characters are well drawn and the suspense kept me turning the pages. I had not heard of the author previously, but I found the book well worth reading.
This is an interesting book in the style of The DeVinci Code. The characters are well drawn and the suspense kept me turning the pages. I had not heard of the author previously, but I found the book well worth reading.
March 19, 2016
An enjoyable read with an intriguing premise and interesting characters, although the premise and characters could have been more well developed. The conversation among the characters was often a little hollow. Overall it is a good read.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews