The Babylon Idol

Ben Hope #15

by Scott Mariani

THE HUNT IS ON

When a sniper leaves Ben Hope’s friend fighting for his life, the former SAS major declares war on the men responsible. But what begins as a straightforward revenge mission gets complicated when a mysterious letter reveals Ben to be the real target.

And his isn’t the only name on a crazed killer’s list.

Professor Anna Manzini has no idea she’s in grave danger from a man she’d thought dead. She’s on the cusp of a major discovery: the location of the lost Babylon idol, a golden statue of immeasurable value.

But when word of Anna’s work reaches her enemies, it sets off a cat-and-mouse chase that will lead Ben and Anna halfway across Europe and into the heart of war-torn Syria.

To reach the precious idol first, Ben must keep one step ahead of a powerful maniac. If he fails, it won’t just be Ben and Anna’s lives in danger, but the world.

BEN HOPE is one of the most celebrated action adventure heroes in British fiction and Scott Mariani is the author of numerous bestsellers. Join the ever-growing legion of readers who get breathless with anticipation when the countdown to the new Ben Hope thriller begins…

Genres: Thriller, Fiction, Adventure, Mystery Thriller, Crime, Action, Ebooks

424 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 4, 2017

Reviews

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Returning to the series roots, Mariani pens this fifteenth novel in the Ben Hope collection in hopes of revisiting some past skirmishes to shape his current thriller. Still gathering their wits after a harrowing adventure in Africa, Hope and Jeff Dekker return to Le Val to revive the training centre and shape the future of tactical security. While tending to the grounds, Dekker is struck by a sniper’s bullet and clings to life. With Dekker in an induced coma, Hope cannot stand idly by, waiting for answers. He begins planning to seek revenge, which is derailed when he receives a mysterious letter from Italy. Within the letter is a message, indicating that rogue Italian archbishop, Massimiliano Usberti, is alive and plotting to exact revenge on many who foiled his early plot of a highly important alchemical secret. Usberti is still smarting that his organisation, Gladius Domini, was brought down by the likes of a single former member of the British SAS. Hope remembers Usberti from years ago, when he was still involved in the kidnap and ransom game. Seeking to contact many from that long-ago case, Hope learns that they have also been slain, which only goes to solidify in his mind that he was the intended target of that bullet. Hope rushes to contact Dr. Roberta Ryder, whose path crossed his during that original case, but also led to his matrimonial demise more recently as well. Sending her into hiding in Canada, Hope turns his attention towards Professor Anna Manzini, whose clashes with Ryder created much drama all those years ago. Locating the researcher in Greece, Hope makes his way there to learn of her latest book, which details a golden idol from ancient times. It was purported to be of King Nebuchadnezzar, though during one of the Babylonian conflicts, it disappeared. Now, new clues may provide hints to its location, which Manzini wishes to uncover. However, Usberti would do well with this priceless piece as well, fuelling him to hire a handful of men to kill Hope once and for all before locating the idol. As Hope and Manzini rush across ancient biblical lands, they must decipher the clues while dodging Usberti’s men, who will stop at nothing to destroy those they are tasked to find. When Hope falls into a trap, he and Manzini become prisoners and everything seems lost in the deserts of modern-day Syria. With a Civil War raging, their demise might come from a bullet aimed in multiple directions. Mariani brings new life to an early story in the series, impressing series fans with more Ben Hope adventures. Wonderfully paced and developed until the very end.

Having binge read the entire series, I feel a strong connection to Ben Hope and some of the things Scott Mariani has done to energize his protagonist. The arc of Hope’s life in the series has been significantly shaped by the fifteen novels and additional short stories that have comprised the collection. Interestingly enough, the end of my binge brings me back to where it all began (novel-wise, at least) for me, with Gladius Domini and the high-impact thriller that shaped Hope. After all the meandering throughout the series, Hope is back at Le Val and seeks solitude and normalcy, though neither are seen with much regularity for this man who attracts peril. Fuelled to help others and set things right, Hope will not rest until he feels balance has been restored, on his terms. Tossing in many former characters that have graced the pages of the novels, Mariani turns this book into a ‘homecoming’ of sorts, though there are times of despair that offset the joy of seeing old friends return. Turning to his old technique of ‘hinged narratives’, Mariani begins the novel with the dramatic shooting of Jeff Dekker and Hope’s desire to hunt down the sniper, but things soon turn on their head and he is off helping others. There is little time for rest or peace, though a lack of funds never seems to be a problem for either Hope or Manzini throughout the story. Balancing history, biblical storytelling, and a thrilling modern adventure, Mariani weaves together a wonderful story that will remind series readers why they started these novels at the outset. Exciting and leaving the reader wanting more, Mariani has proven himself as a master storyteller.

Kudos, Mr. Mariani for keeping me hooked throughout these varied novels. I cannot wait for the next book in November, though it seems so very far off.

Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/

[Terence M [Quot libros, quam breve tempus!] · Rating 1 out of 5]

1 Star - "I Didn't Like It" - DNF
Audiobook - 12:02 Hours - Narrator: Colin Mace
Listened to: 06:31 Hours - Balance: 05:31 Hours - 55.0%

I resumed listening to this book after some illness-caused distraction ... I cannot remember what it was, but whatever, I have failed to be re-energised by reading more of Ben Hope's Babylonian adventure! Regrettably I had to bail out of "The Babylon Idol" ... DNF @ 55%.

I experienced difficulty following the plot/storyline and I was quite bemused by the scant regard for credibility, normally not an issue for me while listening to "action/hero" stories of this genre.
More's the pity because other than #13 and #14, and now #15, (a pretty poor run I must agree), previously I have I usually devoured and enjoyed Ben Hope's stories. :-((

I hope I remain motivated enough to listen to and finish the next Ben Hope novel, "The Bach Manuscript, (Ben Hope, #16)". I'll load it up soon and see how I feel after I've heard at least 25% or so.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my favourite thriller series and I couldn't gobble this up fast enough. Loved every thrill-packed page. How I love Ben Hope...!

[Jerry Mead · Rating 4 out of 5]

Action packed thriller with Ben Hope the ex sas soldier who uncovers a historical item and defeats the bad guys again.

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was great to see Scott Mariani take Ben Hope back to grass roots with this excellent book. This has to be one of my favourite series, but felt recent ones had dipped with Ben hiding away & frankly feeling sorry for himself! Life has to go on Ben. This has become one of my favourites in this series & I look forward to No 16 which is published this month. If you like adventure books, a great male lead & some history thrown in, give these a read.

[Alan Cotterell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not bad

Vast improvement on last 2 books. Back to the historical treasure hunt type of story. Started really well was a 4 star book early on, but seemed to lose the plot midway. Recovered towards the end. Will look forward to next book. First few chapters sound interesting.

[Hannah Polley · Rating 2 out of 5]

I feel bad rating this book so low as I have not read any of the others in the series and it is book 15 but it did not interest me very much at all unfortunately.

I love the Jack Reacher series and I think this has maybe ruined all ex army protagonist series for me as I always compare them and the main character just never comes close. Ben Hope was just infruriating - always just that bit too slow to get going or figure out what was going on. And what was with all the stopping to sleep and eat?! People were dying! He also seemed to like to play the blame game a lot but never stopped to consider himself cupable. He also never stopped to think about how many innocent people could die because of his stupid car chases.

A positive of this book is that it is so quick to read through so you don't need to spend much time on it. The writing feels very dumbed down for the reader and keeps explaining things you could clearly work out for yourself.

It did get a bit more interesting in more of the action scenes but I was turned off again by the man having to save several "silly" women who all seem to walk around in high heels and fall in love with him.

Not for me.

[Kevin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rare 5-Star Rating

I almost never give a book five stars because I feel perfection is very close to unattainable. But Mr. Mariani crafted a story that is captivating with action, historical info, and adventure, not to mention solid believable characters. In fact, I have already ordered another of his books (also a rare activity).

[David Snape · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a story from the Ben Hope range. After taking some time out and witnessing a friend fighting for his life, a letter tells Ben that someone from his past is back to his old ways. This combines with a discovery that Anna Manzini is researching on. This is a true action book with surprises along the way and great sequences that is on par with your James Bond’s action stunts. A truly wonderful read.

[Joe Geesin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another excellent back-on-track read, although Ben does seem to have more lives than a herd of cats.

[Mark Elvy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good read from this author, I enjoy Scott's writing style and am loving the Ben Hope series

[Sean Loone · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another swashbuckling, rip roaring, action adventure for our hero Ben Hope. X SAS and wanna be priest Ben finds himself hunted before he becomes the hunter. It is what it is but it’s great fun. This is book 15 and there’s no sign of stopping but while there’s bad guys out there we need Ben Hope. I’ll take a break now but in the words of Kevin from Home Alone - I’ll be back for more.

[Ray O'Hare · Rating 4 out of 5]

A bit of a complicated history lesson but action packed throughout. I couldn't put it down

[Marian Pandera · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The Babylon Idol" este apreciat pentru acțiunea sa intensă, povestea captivantă și personajele bine conturate, fiind o lectură recomandată pentru iubitorii de thrillere de acțiune.

[AJRXII · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant as always. Scott is one of my fave authors.

[Trevor Snape · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ben Hope or correctly Major Ben Hope ex SAS is a hero. Think Jason Bourne but with less scruples when it comes to killing the bad guys and girls. He is a loyal friend and will do what ever it takes to take revenge on anyone who hurts his pals. This story revolves around his friend and business partner being shot whilst at there training camp in France. It turns out the bullet was meant for him. Thus starts the journey to find the person or persons who shot his friend who is fighting for their life in hospital but who really wanted him dead. This journey takes Ben to many countries leaving a trail of dead bodies behind him until he meets up with an old enemy. A possible love interest is picked up during this story. Can't wait for the next story in this series.

[Andra Nicoara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was such a ride! The way it started really angered me and, quite honestly, made me really anxious. Revisiting old characters was bittersweet and somehow piled on the stress...
For some reason, one of the twists seemed to be finished off quite abruptly, which made me wonder if the only purpose it served was some sort of Deus ex machina.
What really filled my heart with joy was the ending, which wiped away all the bad things and the heaviness of it all.
A perfect choice for the first read of this year!

[Rosalyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A real rollercoaster of a ride.
Fast paced action side by side with history
Sadly now i am starting to wish my life away
again until the next book in Nov 17
Always a reliable great everyday escapism

[Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

4½ stars

This was another gripping read. I think Ben Hope is my favourite action hero and I love the books by Scott Mariani. This didn't disappoint. I'm already looking forward to reading the next book in the series.

[Melly Dimitrova · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really can't get enough of Ben Hope. I'm ready these books one after another. Until I finally reached the last one published which is the next one in the series. Nooo...
After the very badly events in the two-book sequence Star of Africa and The Devil's Kingdom, Ben is finally taking some rest and more or less enjoying the calm life in Le Val. Well, you know, that can't last for long, not for Ben Hope. So, the peace is rudely interrupted by a specific sniper hitman. For the first time in forever, when I read the summary and I already knew who the injured might be, I wished I wouldn't be right. Unfortunately, there's no such an option and I was too damn right. And that made so sad. A bit of a spoiler but happily, everything is safe and sound in the end, more or less.
In the Babylon Idol, the author decided to do something different. An old enemy rises again and will stop at nothing for revenge. Ben is fast consumed by the new threat and finds himself sprinting through Europe to find an acquaintance of him who's on a death list. Anna Manzini, now a very successful writer, is completely oblivious to the mortal danger she's in and Ben must find her before it's too late.
I like that this time Scott Mariani chose a more historical subject of his book so there was the search, the clues... Ah, archaeology in books and films always sounds so intriguing and exciting making me wish I am an archaeologist but in reality, I don't think it's that fascinating. After all, you don't discover some very fascinating lost or legendary stuff on daily basis. A shame. But anyway, despite not being a historian himself, Ben is very good at this hm, quests and his other abilities are always useful, especially when they're hunted by a maniac who seeks revenge. But still, compared to the previous two books, that one seemed almost not-violent to me. I don't I'll be more impressed anytime soon by whatever it is. Those two are high peaks of violence and some villains don't stand a chance.
How can I love Ben so much? He's such a charismatic character, I can't help but fangirl over him all the time. I'll certainly miss him until the next book then I don't wanna think how much I'll have to wait 'til the next one. *sighs* No matter how much you read about him, you just can't get enough of him.
Again, we have the perfect recipe for a good thriller novel full of action, suspense, humour and all the little bits which makes it so cool. It's a great pleasure for a reader to read Scott Mariani's books. You simply can't get enough of them and you're always fascinated by the new adventure laying beyond. What can I say more, read the Ben Hope series, it's really worth it and you won't regret it!

[Alaa · Rating 4 out of 5]

So, with the electricity situation in my country as bad as it is (they cut it off our homes for hours every single day), reading is my only form of entertainment, so I tried my best to go through this one s-l-o-w-l-y just to savoir it for as long as I could, and I finally got to finishing it last night. So what can I say?
Another fantastic outing from Mr. Mariani, this being my 2nd to read from the same author, the first being 'The Devil's Kingdom' I can say this is a much welcomed improvement! The author has a beautiful writing style that many fellow thriller writers seem to lack of, and great attention for detail, which is always helpful. The action is nonstop and fast paced, and the characters are very lush and alive.
I do have 2 criticisms however, one being the abundance of fortunate coincidences that seem to save the hero at every turn! Its as if Ben Hope will always survive, but not through his own devices, rather by some divine intervention, making him the most lucky hero I've ever came across, whether on screen or in literature! The other is the amount of praise the author heaps upon his main protagonist whenever he gets the chance. Personally I'd disagree with this approach. Its much better to keep your hero as a relatable underdog than turn him into a superman. I think that's why characters such as Rocky Balboa, John McCleane (from the Diehard movie series) and even Batman, who is a normal human being, not a super-powered hero, among the most beloved of characters. I come to the Ben Hope series from the literary Bond, and in my opinion, Ian Fleming's Bond's strongest attribute was his humanity. He was a flawed hero, with weaknesses and self doubts who was struggling with his own demons. Making a point of how your hero can outrun and outfight men half his age, how he never misses a target, how he can drive any vehicle, beat everyone with his hands tied behind his back, and how all women just fall for his charms will wear out after a while, and make some readers actually dislike him. Besides that, I really enjoyed the book, and am looking forward to the next one to see where the series will progress from here, and will there be any future for Ben with Dr. Sandrine whom I found to be one of the best written characters in the story.

[Jim Clark · Rating 3 out of 5]

Having never read any of the other books in the series, I thought the book was pretty decent. Mariani does a great job of ensuring the reader doesn't feel totally lost when picking up this book (which is especially important since the primary antagonists and other secondary characters are from previous stories).

I thought the pacing was great, and Ben Hope fits well in the action/thriller genre. I think there's enough historical background about the treasure to make it at least plausible.

One of my biggest issues about the book is that to a certain extent as a new reader, I don't have the complete background in Hope's abilities, so there were points in the story where I wished there was a couple of sentences of exposition to explain why Hope could do X or was able to decide Y.

The other big thing was too much ex machina, especially late in the story, which, to me, became a bit too unbelievable for its own good.

Overall, the book was an enjoyable read, and I may look into another book in the series.

[Balthazar Lawson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ben Hope keeps trying to put his old life behind him and just run his anti-terrorist training centre in France. But his past won't leave him alone as it in comes back in the form of a bullet that hits his friend Jeff Decker instead of him. There is also a letter saying that he is being targeted out of pure revenge. He soon works out who is responsible and tries to warn others who are also being targeted but it is already too late in some cases. However, one of them is alive and Ben does all he can to protect her as it is soon clear she is not being targeted to kill but to kidnap. She is a professor looking for a famed golden idol that would make the owner the richest man in the world.

What sounds like a bit of an adventure turns out to be a bit disjointed and ridiculous especially the ending. I mean, really, who wanders into a tank battle driving an RV. The ending let this book down as it seemed totally rushed. Unfortunately, this is not one of the better books in the series. A good start but a very bad ending.

[Geoffrey Makstutis · Rating 2 out of 5]

As action thrillers go, Mariani is a consistently good time. His books can be relied upon to give you an almost continuous level of action, and a decent body count. I've read all of the books in the Ben Hope series, and am finding that Ben is getting rather predictable. Despite having had a tremendous range of experiences, across the globe, we don't see a character that is growing or developing. We are continually reminded of his past, and his apparently limitless sorrow for not entering clergy and his failed relationships with women. He does not seem to learn from his experiences.

It is also the case that we have, in the last few books, seen the introduction of new characters and some of his 'partners' take more centre stage. Both Tuesday and Jeff Dekker have had some greater presence on the page, but they are cardboard cut-outs; with no depth or development. Dekker has been a presence in nearly every book, and is a central figure (albeit one that is unconscious throughout the Babylon Idol), but after 15 books we know almost nothing of him as anything other than a relatively silent sidekick.

AT his best, Mariani can write both action and emotional intensity. However, Ben Hope may have been exhausted and without developing some other characters, which might re-invigorate Hope's arc, I worry that the future may continue to be disappointing.

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

After the blood-soaked double header of Star of Africa and The Devil's Kingdom, a brutal story that some thought Scott had gone too far, and too far from the Ben Hope of yore, we are back, in The Babylon Idol, classic Ben Hope territory. And also back are an old adversary and an old friend in a thrilling against-the-clock tale.
Scott Mariani writes fast-paced, bullet-strewn, blood-soaked, thrill-a-minute page-turners and the newest is no exception. All the expected ingredients are here and will satisfy all his fans, and hopefully make some new ones.
And the next book, due in November, called The Bach Manuscript, seems like another great read [there is a prologue and 1st chapter at the end of this one to whet your appetite!], I can't wait!

[Jo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Better than the African adventures. Usual thriller, fast with a historic background

When a sniper leaves Ben Hope’s friend fighting for his life, the former SAS major declares war on the men responsible. But what begins as a straightforward revenge mission gets complicated when a mysterious letter reveals Ben to be the real target.

And his isn’t the only name on a crazed killer’s list.

Professor Anna Manzini has no idea she’s in grave danger from a man she’d thought dead. She’s on the cusp of a major discovery: the location of the lost Babylon idol, a golden statue of immeasurable value.

But when word of Anna’s work reaches her enemies, it sets off a cat-and-mouse chase that will lead Ben and Anna halfway across Europe and into the heart of war-torn Syria.

[D.S. Mac · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘You take care,’ she said. ‘Don’t do anything stupid.’ ‘Why change the habit of a lifetime? I’ll be in touch.’

After the mess in Africa, Ben is back at Le Val alongside his best friend Jeff and newfound ally Tuesday. Their peace doesn't last long as Jeff is shot in a violent sniper attack.

'They wanted blood. They were going to get it.'

As Ben tries to figure out what's going on, more of his past allies are falling victim in Grisly ways.

Old friends and even older enemies battle it out in search of the Babylon Idol and revenge.

Another brilliant adventure with the legendary Ben Hope! Couldn't fault it at all.

‘Let me get this right. You break into someone’s home to pay them for the car you just stole?’ ‘Where else can I leave the money? Someone might steal it.’

[Beach Bum · Rating 3 out of 5]

Entertaining

I won't lie, sometimes I wonder why I keep going with this series, other times I know exactly why
The previous 2 books in the series, based in Africa I hated, but given that I had enjoyed earlier books kept at it. This one is better
They are beach/holiday books, nothing wrong with that, but just to set the expectations of others
This time round Ben is the target, the story revolves around a previous adversary coming back to seek revenge. The treasure hunt is almost a side story. All the main characters are known from previous books, so not much to explain there. However is the usual Ben way, things look bad, then really bad before everything turns out for the best

[Jaume Ayala · Rating 3 out of 5]

An ancient villain cross Ben's life once again and this is starting a new chasing story for him.
I was expecting Ben's collegues/friends being more directly involved in the serie but this is Ben Hope' series and not "Ben & friends" serie.
I like Ben's novels but they are almost all the same when, for whatever reason, somebody/something is passing close him and he is (more or less) forced to be involved in the situation (sometimes because situation is directly related to him, sometimes it's a friend the one involved) and this is resulting in a persecution cross different countries looking for some kind of justice/revenge of what happened at the beginning.

[Tamil · Rating 4 out of 5]

15th book in Ben Hope series. After returning home safe from Africa, Ben hope is in Le Val. One day Jeff got shot by a unknown man. He come to know via a letter that a former villain from his past is set loose and he is planning to seek revenge on Ben and his friends who all responsible for his fall. So Ben Hope against time to save his friends and seek revenge for Jeff. This takes him in the biggest treasure hunt in war torn area of Syria and Turkey. Can Ben Hope once again win his foe this time?
Typical Ben Hope thriller.