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Fivefold
What if we got it wrong?
What if the first five chapters of the Bible weren't about good and evil at all?
What if they contained a hidden meaning, evidence of a divine grand plan?
Throughout history, a select few have been entrusted with the knowledge that the future of human civilisation boils down to a single test. A test that's conducted every second century and just happens to coincide with major turning points in human history.
What if the choices you made determined the outcome?
Five ordinary people from London who stumble across a hidden set of ruins are about to find out.
What if the first five chapters of the Bible weren't about good and evil at all?
What if they contained a hidden meaning, evidence of a divine grand plan?
Throughout history, a select few have been entrusted with the knowledge that the future of human civilisation boils down to a single test. A test that's conducted every second century and just happens to coincide with major turning points in human history.
What if the choices you made determined the outcome?
Five ordinary people from London who stumble across a hidden set of ruins are about to find out.
Paperback
First published January 1, 2008
3 people are currently reading
22 people want to read
About the author
Nathan Burrage
12 books35 followersNathan Burrage lives in Sydney, Australia. He is the author of the mystic thriller FIVEFOLD, short story collection Almost Human, and The Salt Lines saga (The Hidden Keystone and The Final Shroud). His fiction has been shortlisted for both the Aurealis and Ditmar Awards in Australia. You can find out more at www.nathanburrage.com
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
August 21, 2020
Soon after I first started reading this novel I frankly didn't hold out a lot of hope for it. The cover and blurb ("What if we got it wrong? What if the first five chapters of the Bible weren't about good and evil at all? What if they contained a hidden meaning, evidence of a divine grand plan?") led me to think this was going to be some sort of Da Vinci Code rip-off; replete with mystical symbols and the hand of God leaving her fingerprints all over the place. Added to that, after an interesting prologue, the next 50 or so pages jump around all over the place following one character for a few pages before changing to another. Allowing the reader little time to settle in. There seemed little to connect any of it to a single story-line. I found it a bit of a struggle. But I have this 60 page rule whereby every novel should be given an hour to find its feet, to captivate the reader and provide a reason to believe the author knows what he (in this case)
knows what he is doing. I'm glad I did.
The novel starts with a prologue set in Yorkshire in 1308. An isolated monastery is threatened by bandits who are intent on stealing some treasure held there. In order to ensure that the object doesn't fall into enemy hands the abbot poisons the other monks, burns down the church and is executed by "friendly" knights sworn to protect him. This is a good start. Sudden and unexpected death always is. The novel then jumps to the present day as we are gradually introduced to five main characters, mid- to late-twenties, living in London, mainly professonals and all with individual characteristics which will have a major bearing on the plot. Somehow these five are connected in some way, and, equally, something seems to be drawing them towards a certain place in Yorkshire - the same place that was destroyed by fire some seven hundred years previously.
Burrage handles this development of the plot very well, though you have to stick with it. The stands do come together and when the true nature of their calling is revealed, and their struggle for survival begins, the reader finds themselves on a fictional ride that maintains the tension and keeps them guessing to the end. As I read this novel I was reminded of two very different artistic items: the film Raiders of the Lost Ark and the novel Black Easter by James Blish. This novel is something of a cross between the two: mixing some of the adventure of the Spielberg/Lucas film with the arcane demonology of Blish's book.
Does it work? In the main, yes. There are times when the requirement for massive "info dumps" slows the pace of the book. But Burrage doesn't belabour the technique, moving on just as you feel he's stayed too long. There is a lot of talent at work here.
This is the author's first novel, and, on this evidence, he's going to be one to watch.
knows what he is doing. I'm glad I did.
The novel starts with a prologue set in Yorkshire in 1308. An isolated monastery is threatened by bandits who are intent on stealing some treasure held there. In order to ensure that the object doesn't fall into enemy hands the abbot poisons the other monks, burns down the church and is executed by "friendly" knights sworn to protect him. This is a good start. Sudden and unexpected death always is. The novel then jumps to the present day as we are gradually introduced to five main characters, mid- to late-twenties, living in London, mainly professonals and all with individual characteristics which will have a major bearing on the plot. Somehow these five are connected in some way, and, equally, something seems to be drawing them towards a certain place in Yorkshire - the same place that was destroyed by fire some seven hundred years previously.
Burrage handles this development of the plot very well, though you have to stick with it. The stands do come together and when the true nature of their calling is revealed, and their struggle for survival begins, the reader finds themselves on a fictional ride that maintains the tension and keeps them guessing to the end. As I read this novel I was reminded of two very different artistic items: the film Raiders of the Lost Ark and the novel Black Easter by James Blish. This novel is something of a cross between the two: mixing some of the adventure of the Spielberg/Lucas film with the arcane demonology of Blish's book.
Does it work? In the main, yes. There are times when the requirement for massive "info dumps" slows the pace of the book. But Burrage doesn't belabour the technique, moving on just as you feel he's stayed too long. There is a lot of talent at work here.
This is the author's first novel, and, on this evidence, he's going to be one to watch.
October 23, 2013
An intelligent and well written debut novel that weaves together impressive character and story threads to form a consistant and thought provoking whole.
Burrage has researched his subject matter and breathed a new life and perspective into a genre that has fascinated millions the world over. With its roots founded in ancient mysteries, Fivefold tells a compelling story that will appeal to a broad cross-section of readers. Though it was placed on odd places in book stores, I'd call this a pretty clear case of a high quality urban fantasy story.
I look forward to what Burrage produces next.
Burrage has researched his subject matter and breathed a new life and perspective into a genre that has fascinated millions the world over. With its roots founded in ancient mysteries, Fivefold tells a compelling story that will appeal to a broad cross-section of readers. Though it was placed on odd places in book stores, I'd call this a pretty clear case of a high quality urban fantasy story.
I look forward to what Burrage produces next.
November 28, 2013
This is not bad for a debut novel. The story flows well (mostly) and the characters are reasonably well-developed. The start and middle of the book are strong, but I felt the ending was a bit weak.
The tagline for this book - "What if the first five chapters of the Bible weren't about Good and Evil at all?" - led me to expect a reinterpretation of the first part of Genesis, but that didn't really occur. Instead the story begins as many books of this type do - ordinary people encountering supernatural forces, but by the end it has changed tack somewhat and become very new-agey.
The tagline for this book - "What if the first five chapters of the Bible weren't about Good and Evil at all?" - led me to expect a reinterpretation of the first part of Genesis, but that didn't really occur. Instead the story begins as many books of this type do - ordinary people encountering supernatural forces, but by the end it has changed tack somewhat and become very new-agey.
January 27, 2024
First novel I read from Nathan Burrage and I fell into it quickly. I could have been one of the five ordinary people in London, and I definitely know who I would like to be if (when?) this were to be cast for a movie production.
February 21, 2011
Already an innovative and respected story-teller in the shorter format, Nathan Burrage has now crossed the often-unattainable threshold of publishing his first novel FIVEFOLD. A work of Art that the author (from what of I've garnered), has been tinkering away on for some time. Upon arrival at my doorstep and a quick perusal through, you get the feeling the toying with this tome has been well worth the wait: holding its weight, you feel the books editorial prowess: nicely condensed in mass and word-count.
Nathan's prologue appears on his site, and some of you might be familiar with it. A common approach used in many novels, we begin our adventure with a bygone-era setting in the Yorkshire Dales. Rudiments that dominated this period are, of course, priests and secular societies , and Nathan springs the foundation of the book with secrets being consumed by the eternal thing that is such a pertinent component in any mystery: fire. This sacrifice guarantees that the classified secret will remain dormant for generations to come - until the curtain is raised again and another cast of actors take to the stage.
One such character is James Steepleton , a British twenty-something almost any young man can relate to: James is in trouble after running afoul of the law in a drunk-driving accident and it suddenly falls to his friends to provide the necessary support , financial and emotional , so James doesn't have to do a stint behind bars and ruin his burgeoning acting career. I don't think I'm giving away any secret when stating his friends (from the heady days of University) are the FIVEFOLD. A cabal of individuals blessed with untapped secrets resembling powerful manifestations of the Mysteries: psychic, extrasensory and mystic abilities that are the benchmarks of a supernatural genre. And FIVEFOLD lies within a genre that isn't easily defined; although anybody who has taken the journey The Crooked Letter by Sean Williams will be familiar with the territory. Elements of religious and mythic structures with names rooted in folk-lore: Kether, Binah, Chokmah , and states of being or deities of the underworld or higher realms.
With chapters heralded by a characters name of the FIVEFOLD, Nathan shifts gear slowly depicting each individuals quirks and faults. Certainly, each character is a character, with clearly defined traits. A small fault is keeping up with the names , you might find yourself backtracking to keep up with whom is pertinent to whom. That said, the sentences are clean-cut and refreshing - rarely does he begin a paragraph with the old tropes. Also, it's pleasing and often downright funny to hear the English language communicated without the American panache. Here, Cell phones are Mobiles. You'll feel as though treading familiar ground with the English locale. And, like a homecoming itself when 'Bollocks' or 'Mate' enter the equation on a regular basis.
It takes a re-awakening in an ancient clearing to give the five just a snippet of what they can accomplish together. And, with any cabal, opposing forces are hot on their tail, trying to usurp them with their own particular brawn and capacity for evil. Some of novel resonates with an early Clive Barker feel; feints and charms are used; possession is a factor. Also, there are philosophical undertones on the nature of pain and pleasure - and whether eternal ecstasy and agony are fundamentally one and the same. James is tempted by the seduction of the opposing forces, but Nathan doesn't do anything run-of ,the-mill here. You'll be surprised, on numerous occasions, on the direction and severe turns the novel takes.
Above all, FIVEFOLD is just plain entertaining. With synaptic sparring, mental warring, and clandestine cabals , FIVEFOLD displays an absolute impressive debut and a novel that could perhaps teach even veterans a thing or two about the game. There are many layers to the plot (an older generational cabal called The Brightening Dawn take James's league, the new torch-bearers of the mysteries into their counsel, are just one), but to reveal more be like displaying used storyboards before sitting down to a celluloid epic.
Technically published in 2008, the majority of this story was read in 2007. Without any question, FIVEFOLD went straight to the top of the list as one of the better novels I read during the year.
Published by Random House, FIVEFOLD is now on the shelves of all the major Australian book chains and many of the independent bookstores. It can even be found in the news-agencies of some Australian airports.
Also, the book will be launched by Margo Lanagan, World Fantasy Award winner and author of a number of acclaimed short story collections, at Galaxy Bookshop on Thursday 17 January. Full details appear on Nathan's website.
Nathan's prologue appears on his site, and some of you might be familiar with it. A common approach used in many novels, we begin our adventure with a bygone-era setting in the Yorkshire Dales. Rudiments that dominated this period are, of course, priests and secular societies , and Nathan springs the foundation of the book with secrets being consumed by the eternal thing that is such a pertinent component in any mystery: fire. This sacrifice guarantees that the classified secret will remain dormant for generations to come - until the curtain is raised again and another cast of actors take to the stage.
One such character is James Steepleton , a British twenty-something almost any young man can relate to: James is in trouble after running afoul of the law in a drunk-driving accident and it suddenly falls to his friends to provide the necessary support , financial and emotional , so James doesn't have to do a stint behind bars and ruin his burgeoning acting career. I don't think I'm giving away any secret when stating his friends (from the heady days of University) are the FIVEFOLD. A cabal of individuals blessed with untapped secrets resembling powerful manifestations of the Mysteries: psychic, extrasensory and mystic abilities that are the benchmarks of a supernatural genre. And FIVEFOLD lies within a genre that isn't easily defined; although anybody who has taken the journey The Crooked Letter by Sean Williams will be familiar with the territory. Elements of religious and mythic structures with names rooted in folk-lore: Kether, Binah, Chokmah , and states of being or deities of the underworld or higher realms.
With chapters heralded by a characters name of the FIVEFOLD, Nathan shifts gear slowly depicting each individuals quirks and faults. Certainly, each character is a character, with clearly defined traits. A small fault is keeping up with the names , you might find yourself backtracking to keep up with whom is pertinent to whom. That said, the sentences are clean-cut and refreshing - rarely does he begin a paragraph with the old tropes. Also, it's pleasing and often downright funny to hear the English language communicated without the American panache. Here, Cell phones are Mobiles. You'll feel as though treading familiar ground with the English locale. And, like a homecoming itself when 'Bollocks' or 'Mate' enter the equation on a regular basis.
It takes a re-awakening in an ancient clearing to give the five just a snippet of what they can accomplish together. And, with any cabal, opposing forces are hot on their tail, trying to usurp them with their own particular brawn and capacity for evil. Some of novel resonates with an early Clive Barker feel; feints and charms are used; possession is a factor. Also, there are philosophical undertones on the nature of pain and pleasure - and whether eternal ecstasy and agony are fundamentally one and the same. James is tempted by the seduction of the opposing forces, but Nathan doesn't do anything run-of ,the-mill here. You'll be surprised, on numerous occasions, on the direction and severe turns the novel takes.
Above all, FIVEFOLD is just plain entertaining. With synaptic sparring, mental warring, and clandestine cabals , FIVEFOLD displays an absolute impressive debut and a novel that could perhaps teach even veterans a thing or two about the game. There are many layers to the plot (an older generational cabal called The Brightening Dawn take James's league, the new torch-bearers of the mysteries into their counsel, are just one), but to reveal more be like displaying used storyboards before sitting down to a celluloid epic.
Technically published in 2008, the majority of this story was read in 2007. Without any question, FIVEFOLD went straight to the top of the list as one of the better novels I read during the year.
Published by Random House, FIVEFOLD is now on the shelves of all the major Australian book chains and many of the independent bookstores. It can even be found in the news-agencies of some Australian airports.
Also, the book will be launched by Margo Lanagan, World Fantasy Award winner and author of a number of acclaimed short story collections, at Galaxy Bookshop on Thursday 17 January. Full details appear on Nathan's website.
September 11, 2010
If you enjoy beautifully written, intelligent and exciting speculative fiction, then this is the book for you. I stayed up until 2am to finish it, because I simply could not put it down. Based on the mystical Kabbalah (but also containing a great deal more), this is both an action/adventure and a deeply philosophical book, but not in a preachy, didactic way - it's too well-paced and the characters too well drawn for that. BUt it does make you think and ponder beyond the page - something I enjoy.
The plot centres around 5 friends who, in a good Samaritan act to help one of their number, stumble upon or are guided towards some strange ruins in the English countryside. Unable to stop themselves, they are drawn underground and it is there that they become the initially unwilling inheritors of ancient powers.
The story then follows the group as they struggle to come to terms with what has happened to them, learn about the gifts they have been given and how to wield them. They also have to face the dark enemy that, aware of the threat this new cabal of five means, threatens their every move. Written from a number of different viewpoints, Burrage manages to tell a unique and at times quite frightening tale of a Manichean battle as old as time itself. If you love the Tarot, mysticism and a damn fine read, then I can highly recommend this book!
The plot centres around 5 friends who, in a good Samaritan act to help one of their number, stumble upon or are guided towards some strange ruins in the English countryside. Unable to stop themselves, they are drawn underground and it is there that they become the initially unwilling inheritors of ancient powers.
The story then follows the group as they struggle to come to terms with what has happened to them, learn about the gifts they have been given and how to wield them. They also have to face the dark enemy that, aware of the threat this new cabal of five means, threatens their every move. Written from a number of different viewpoints, Burrage manages to tell a unique and at times quite frightening tale of a Manichean battle as old as time itself. If you love the Tarot, mysticism and a damn fine read, then I can highly recommend this book!
May 20, 2009
An engrossing journey that straddles the ordinary, the esoteric meaning of the the kabbala and the vast realm of spirituality that, as this tale makes evident, lurks closer to us than we would ever believe. With an imagination that flexes a formidable muscle, Burrage vividly ventures into the no-man's land of entities, beings and other-worldly things that has you marvelling at the well of inspiration he draws from with such facility.
May 23, 2011
When I first started reading, "Fivefold" struck me as a bit of a homage to Guy Kay's first novel...a group of students approached by an otherworldly wise man...later, it became more Dan Brownish. But really, Nathan's characters are much deeper and more complex than anything in "The DaVinci Code" and I really enjoyed their development and the story.
May 5, 2009
Excellent debut novel, hugely enjoyable and would definitely recommend it to all my friends here on GoodReads.
I mean, ripping apart all we have learned from the beginning of the Bible, what's not to like?
I mean, ripping apart all we have learned from the beginning of the Bible, what's not to like?
November 1, 2009
Burrage out-Browns Dan Brown in an intelligent, intriguing story that brings an engaging group of five friends upon an ancient and transforming secret woven into biblical mythology. Leaves the reader hungry for more from this talented Australian novelist – which hopefully isn't far away.
May 19, 2009
Original, beautifully crafted...I couldn't put it down...exciting read! Would recommend it to anyone..
January 3, 2013
Was an excellent read, highly recommend to anybody else to read.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews