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Temple
Watchmen meets Jason Bourne in the latest genre-defying thriller from USA Today bestselling author Robert Swartwood.
Elijah Shepherd isn't like most people. He never gets sick. He doesn't age as fast as others. And he heals quickly, sometimes within seconds. Because of this, Elijah, now sixty-five years old, has hidden himself in the Colorado mountains to wait to die.
But after an attempt on his life, Elijah must return to New York City to find out what's become of his son, who the world only knows as Temple, and in the process uncovers a conspiracy that threatens the world.
Elijah Shepherd isn't like most people. He never gets sick. He doesn't age as fast as others. And he heals quickly, sometimes within seconds. Because of this, Elijah, now sixty-five years old, has hidden himself in the Colorado mountains to wait to die.
But after an attempt on his life, Elijah must return to New York City to find out what's become of his son, who the world only knows as Temple, and in the process uncovers a conspiracy that threatens the world.
442 pages, Paperback
Published November 19, 2016
130 people are currently reading
375 people want to read
About the author
Robert Swartwood
62 books308 followersUSA Today bestselling and ITW Thriller Award–winning author of The Serial Killer's Wife, The Killing Room, Man of Wax, and several other novels. He created the term "hint fiction" and edited Hint Fiction: An Anthology of Stories in 25 Words or Fewer.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
September 28, 2016
For once the tag line to a book isn't misleading: Temple really does feel like a cross between Jason Bourne and The Watchmen, combining the best parts of each to create a perfectly crafted and original thriller.
Temple is the closest thing to a superhero that exists in the world, though comic fans would classify his abilities as more of a super-soldier ala Captain America. The cowl is passed from father to son. Elijah, father of the current Temple, is hiding out in a deserted cabin far from civilization. When he is attacked by highly trained and well equipped men that have somehow located him, he knows his life of solitude is over and he is forced to take action.
The novel is fairly long but moves at breakneck speed. I'm usually not a fan of short chapters but for this type of story they work. Robert Swartwood is a great writer but also immensely readable; the reader will be breezing through chapters so fast that the book will be over before they know it. The action scenes are perfectly described but not so complicated the reader has to decipher what is going on.
I wouldn't describe myself as a fan of thrillers, but Temple hits the spot. I would recommend this to anyone. Five stars.
I was provided an advance copy by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Temple is the closest thing to a superhero that exists in the world, though comic fans would classify his abilities as more of a super-soldier ala Captain America. The cowl is passed from father to son. Elijah, father of the current Temple, is hiding out in a deserted cabin far from civilization. When he is attacked by highly trained and well equipped men that have somehow located him, he knows his life of solitude is over and he is forced to take action.
The novel is fairly long but moves at breakneck speed. I'm usually not a fan of short chapters but for this type of story they work. Robert Swartwood is a great writer but also immensely readable; the reader will be breezing through chapters so fast that the book will be over before they know it. The action scenes are perfectly described but not so complicated the reader has to decipher what is going on.
I wouldn't describe myself as a fan of thrillers, but Temple hits the spot. I would recommend this to anyone. Five stars.
I was provided an advance copy by the author in exchange for an honest review.
October 22, 2016
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this novel. As with most books by Robert Swartwood I could not put this down. The pacing is excellent. I'm a big fan of superheroes but have grown tired of reading comics. This novel really scratched by superhero itch.
I was provided an advance copy by the author in exchange for an honest review.
I was provided an advance copy by the author in exchange for an honest review.
October 17, 2016
Let me start off by saying that I am a real fan of Robert Swartwood's books. The Man of Wax series, The Serial Killer's Wife, and his healthy collection of horror stories have made every new book an immediate purchase for me.
"Temple" is another great story from Swartwood. As the description says, the main character is kindred to Jason Bourne or a superhero (without crazy abilities like flying, laser eyes, etc.). But instead of following an extraordinarily-powerful man as he dominates all of his enemies, we get a different kind of story. Temple has enhanced abilities, yes, but he is frequently stuck with just enough information to get him into dangerous situations, but not enough to completely unravel who or what is trying to destroy him. He is often behind the curve, surviving on instinct and ability as he tries to figure out what exactly he is supposed to be stopping.
In the meantime, the "bad guys" have tons of information and resources at their fingertips, which more than makes up for their lack of special powers. It is clear that they are after Temple. It is clear that they can move in the world with near-impunity. But who exactly are they? And why do they want Temple dead?
That's a great setup for a novel. And it works well, with a constant sense of forward momentum as Temple fights for his life.
Swartwood is known for surprising brutality in some of his stories (the Man of Wax series in particular) and he doesn't let up in "Temple." Shocking things happen. People die in gruesome ways and even though you think "that couldn't have really happened!" it did happen. This adds to the immediacy of Temple's situation, creating real tension and danger for our hero. This isn't the kind of story where everyone lives happily ever after. The stakes for the characters are real.
So why didn't I give the book five stars? It's a matter of clarity and editing. I was sent an advance copy of the book for review, so it is possible that some of my complaints will be fixed before the final manuscript comes out. But the story I read had a few issues.
For example, in the second or third chapter, a character uses a derogatory racial slur in front of Temple and a convenience store owner. I thought it was odd, and it was only after reading a bit further that I realized something: Temple is black. And so is the store owner. I had assumed they were white, since up to that point there hadn't been any indication otherwise (a sign of my own preconceived notions, I know), but it confused me. I wold have preferred some sort of description to make this clear before I stumbled across it via context.
This lack of clarity occurs a couple of other times in the book. At another point a chapter ends by saying a character is staring straight into the eyes of other character(s). But as the next chapter begins, it turns out that the phrase "staring straight into the eyes" didn't mean what I naturally assumed it would mean. The fact that it had a different connotation pulled me out of the story and caused me to have to go back and re-read the previous section. Not a big deal, but definitely something that could have been edited to flow better.
The book also has more editing errors than it should. I have OCD (the real kind that requires medication, not the kind *everybody* claims to have), so these errors snag my thoughts and interrupt the flow of the story. There are a few times the wrong word is used or a word is spelled wrong.
The clarity and editing issues aren't a huge deal, in the end, because the story was good enough to keep me interested in reading. I wanted to find out what the bad guys were doing and how/if Temple would be able to stop it. "Temple" is fast-paced, thrilling, and typical of Swartwood's storytelling style. I would highly recommend it and I look forward to his next book. Just be prepared to ignore some minor mistakes.
"Temple" is another great story from Swartwood. As the description says, the main character is kindred to Jason Bourne or a superhero (without crazy abilities like flying, laser eyes, etc.). But instead of following an extraordinarily-powerful man as he dominates all of his enemies, we get a different kind of story. Temple has enhanced abilities, yes, but he is frequently stuck with just enough information to get him into dangerous situations, but not enough to completely unravel who or what is trying to destroy him. He is often behind the curve, surviving on instinct and ability as he tries to figure out what exactly he is supposed to be stopping.
In the meantime, the "bad guys" have tons of information and resources at their fingertips, which more than makes up for their lack of special powers. It is clear that they are after Temple. It is clear that they can move in the world with near-impunity. But who exactly are they? And why do they want Temple dead?
That's a great setup for a novel. And it works well, with a constant sense of forward momentum as Temple fights for his life.
Swartwood is known for surprising brutality in some of his stories (the Man of Wax series in particular) and he doesn't let up in "Temple." Shocking things happen. People die in gruesome ways and even though you think "that couldn't have really happened!" it did happen. This adds to the immediacy of Temple's situation, creating real tension and danger for our hero. This isn't the kind of story where everyone lives happily ever after. The stakes for the characters are real.
So why didn't I give the book five stars? It's a matter of clarity and editing. I was sent an advance copy of the book for review, so it is possible that some of my complaints will be fixed before the final manuscript comes out. But the story I read had a few issues.
For example, in the second or third chapter, a character uses a derogatory racial slur in front of Temple and a convenience store owner. I thought it was odd, and it was only after reading a bit further that I realized something: Temple is black. And so is the store owner. I had assumed they were white, since up to that point there hadn't been any indication otherwise (a sign of my own preconceived notions, I know), but it confused me. I wold have preferred some sort of description to make this clear before I stumbled across it via context.
This lack of clarity occurs a couple of other times in the book. At another point a chapter ends by saying a character is staring straight into the eyes of other character(s). But as the next chapter begins, it turns out that the phrase "staring straight into the eyes" didn't mean what I naturally assumed it would mean. The fact that it had a different connotation pulled me out of the story and caused me to have to go back and re-read the previous section. Not a big deal, but definitely something that could have been edited to flow better.
The book also has more editing errors than it should. I have OCD (the real kind that requires medication, not the kind *everybody* claims to have), so these errors snag my thoughts and interrupt the flow of the story. There are a few times the wrong word is used or a word is spelled wrong.
The clarity and editing issues aren't a huge deal, in the end, because the story was good enough to keep me interested in reading. I wanted to find out what the bad guys were doing and how/if Temple would be able to stop it. "Temple" is fast-paced, thrilling, and typical of Swartwood's storytelling style. I would highly recommend it and I look forward to his next book. Just be prepared to ignore some minor mistakes.
October 2, 2016
This book is a must read! Other reviewers have given an overview so I won't, but I have to say that I had a hard time putting it down. I missed my bedtime on at least two nights. The mix of a little bit of sci-fi(ish) with a great novel that keeps you guessing is what has makes me recommend this book to others. I'm really glad I got to do a pre-review.
As stated, I was given the opportunity to read this book before it is published, in exchange for my honest opinion.
Read. This. Book
As stated, I was given the opportunity to read this book before it is published, in exchange for my honest opinion.
Read. This. Book
February 9, 2017
Hero...
Our very own superstar! Enjoyable read. We have three generations of heroes here. The original Temple, his son & grandson.
Not really sure how he became so powerful, but of course it was the military trying to make a super hero.
The characters were very well written. The storyline is exciting. Lots of action & twists you don't see coming.
If you like something different, this book is for you...
Our very own superstar! Enjoyable read. We have three generations of heroes here. The original Temple, his son & grandson.
Not really sure how he became so powerful, but of course it was the military trying to make a super hero.
The characters were very well written. The storyline is exciting. Lots of action & twists you don't see coming.
If you like something different, this book is for you...
September 2, 2022
I am actually angry at myself for reading this whole.book. There were several times I just wanted to give up but I kept hoping it would get better. It did not. The characters were written with NO emotion whatsoever. Some truly awful things happen throughout and the main character has NO EMOTIONAL REACTION - NONE... The entire book is like that, emotionless. It is so strange and WRONG and just ruins anything that could have been good. It's like robots.... the storyline was so thin and basically went nowhere. Truly disappointing.
February 10, 2023
Exciting character.
I hope to see more Temple books in the future. I loved this character and all the twists and turns throughout the story. His friend, Darrell being his brother.....did not see that coming!! This book kept me reading long into the night just to see what happens next. I closed the book, then tried to go to sleep, only to get up and continue reading. So glad I discovered Robert Swartwood. Thank you for the great read.
I hope to see more Temple books in the future. I loved this character and all the twists and turns throughout the story. His friend, Darrell being his brother.....did not see that coming!! This book kept me reading long into the night just to see what happens next. I closed the book, then tried to go to sleep, only to get up and continue reading. So glad I discovered Robert Swartwood. Thank you for the great read.
December 29, 2020
What a great way to end a year of great books.
I have given this five stars because that is what I feel it deserves. The story works, the characters are great, the action and suspense is unrelenting. If you are looking for a super hero, look no farther. I have read a number of Swartwood's work and this one rocks...
I have given this five stars because that is what I feel it deserves. The story works, the characters are great, the action and suspense is unrelenting. If you are looking for a super hero, look no farther. I have read a number of Swartwood's work and this one rocks...
January 28, 2017
The storyline of this one is quite unlike most anything I've read, and I read a lot. Interesting concept, cool characters. Technically, he's a super hero, but not exactly by his choice, lots of fun twists and turns along the way.
November 27, 2018
I was not sure what to expect but this was a unexpected pleasure to read. The "superhero action" aspect of the story is minimal but that does not stop the action. There are a number of twits and turns that I did not see coming and made the book that much more enjoyable.
December 9, 2020
Temple was interesting
This was an interesting read in that my imagination was pulled in different directions progressing through it. The transitioning from the opening through the book was great.
This was an interesting read in that my imagination was pulled in different directions progressing through it. The transitioning from the opening through the book was great.
January 17, 2021
I could not put this book down other than when I had to to work, lol. I really enjoyed it. I got it for an exceedingly good price as well, so that helped.
It has a few unexpected twists so it is intellectually stimulating. A little testosterone filled, superhero fun.
It has a few unexpected twists so it is intellectually stimulating. A little testosterone filled, superhero fun.
July 15, 2023
Extremely different
This book was unlike any I have previously read.Extremely different and very exciting An adventure to please everyone who enjoys a story that keeps the reader glued to the very end.Recommended!!!!!!
This book was unlike any I have previously read.Extremely different and very exciting An adventure to please everyone who enjoys a story that keeps the reader glued to the very end.Recommended!!!!!!
February 2, 2017
Great book
Hard to putdown. Lots lots of action ,suspense , and surprising turns in the action and the plot. The ending was a total surprise.
Hard to putdown. Lots lots of action ,suspense , and surprising turns in the action and the plot. The ending was a total surprise.
August 7, 2019
Fast paced with plenty of twist and turns s
The story was just close enough to the truth it made you keep turning the pages. Well written keeps you turning pages.
The story was just close enough to the truth it made you keep turning the pages. Well written keeps you turning pages.
January 26, 2021
Page Turner
A thrill ride from start to finish. A black super hero other than the Black Panther. Read this until 4:30 in the morning!
A thrill ride from start to finish. A black super hero other than the Black Panther. Read this until 4:30 in the morning!
December 22, 2021
Very boring. And waaaaaaaaaaaaaaay too long.
February 13, 2023
This is titled Temple: A Thriller
it is a thriller. I enjoyed it.
Superhero character.
it is a thriller. I enjoyed it.
Superhero character.
February 13, 2017
Meh - it was OK for moments when I was too tired, but mostly it was a mildly entertaining way to help me become sleepy. Unnecessarily convoluted plot (an attempt to leave room for a sequel?), and stilted dialogue and vagueness, especially in action scenes. Later in the book, events transpired with little satisfactory explanation (how did he come back to life after three bullets through the heart?). Also, important relationships came and went without so much as a "by your leave." I finished it, but if I hadn't, it wouldn't have bothered me.
February 10, 2017
The best novel that I have read so far this year!
I began reading this without having read anything else by Mr Swartwood and having very little knowledge of the content. I was in for a surprise. The novel took hold after the opening chapter and my interest never wavered, instead I anticipated each chapter to come. I read a lot of books so my headline that it was the best novel that I have read this year was not a joke. Superb!
I began reading this without having read anything else by Mr Swartwood and having very little knowledge of the content. I was in for a surprise. The novel took hold after the opening chapter and my interest never wavered, instead I anticipated each chapter to come. I read a lot of books so my headline that it was the best novel that I have read this year was not a joke. Superb!
January 19, 2017
DNF: Started out ok as a mindless superhero read, but 70% through the plot became WAY too complicated and unbelievable, to the point where the action dragged down because the characters had to explain all the plot meanderings to justify their behavior.
January 26, 2017
It was an interesting read.
It was an interesting read with some shocking twists and turns to it. I loved the Charger coming as a gimmick throughout the book. I may watch and purchase others by this author.
It was an interesting read with some shocking twists and turns to it. I loved the Charger coming as a gimmick throughout the book. I may watch and purchase others by this author.
October 26, 2016
Just fantastic exciting as are all of this author's books
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews