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Crown of Thorns #1
The Messiah Conspiracy: Book One
A young student at Oxford University has an idea for his doctor’s thesis (PhD), which fulfils not only the criteria for ‘originality’, but goes far beyond it. For if Jason Dyke is right, his idea will soon change the world and shift the delicate balance of power from one nation to another.
Jason’s idea is simple: In the genetics laboratory at Oxford University, he will clone Jesus Christ.
But when the CIA finds out about his plan, the President of America realises that if the UK succeeds, the balance of power will shift from the USA to Europe. And he realises that the only way to stop this happening is for America to create its very own clone of Jesus Christ.
The race is on...
Whoever reads this book will never forget it. And they will ask….one of two questions:-
1: Is it really possible?
2: When will it happen?
Jason’s idea is simple: In the genetics laboratory at Oxford University, he will clone Jesus Christ.
But when the CIA finds out about his plan, the President of America realises that if the UK succeeds, the balance of power will shift from the USA to Europe. And he realises that the only way to stop this happening is for America to create its very own clone of Jesus Christ.
The race is on...
Whoever reads this book will never forget it. And they will ask….one of two questions:-
1: Is it really possible?
2: When will it happen?
Kindle Edition
First published December 20, 2011
1380 people are currently reading
724 people want to read
About the author
Ian C.P. Irvine
64 books144 followersIan Irvine was brought up in Scotland, and studied Physics for far too many years, before travelling the world working for high-technology companies. Ian has spent a career helping build the internet and delivering its benefits to users throughout the world,...as well as helping to bring up a family. Ian enjoys writing, painting and composing in his spare time. His particular joy is found in taking scientific fact and creating a thrilling story around it in such a way that readers learn science whilst enjoying the thrill of the ride. It is Ian's hope that everyone who reads an I.C.P.Irvine novel will come away learning something interesting that they would never otherwise have found an interest in. Never Science fiction. Always science fact. With a twist.
The first of Ian's novels is a Genetic Conspiracy Thriller which explores the world of Stem Cell Research and encourages us all to ask some very searching questions about the advances that science is making, and how much we, or others, should let it affect society. A contemporary adventure, "The Orlando File" takes the reader around the world and back, and creates a unique moral dilemma that the reader cannot help but get embroiled in: at the end, the reader must ask themself, what would they do in that situation?
His second novel "The Crown of Thorns" explores the power of genetics, explores the questions that the potential to clone humans will raise, and asks the ultimate question...what would happen if a scientist found a way to clone Jesus Christ?
Ian's third novel "London 2012 : What If?" departs from the world of genetics and explores an interesting possibility that Quantum Physics raises:the possibility for parallel worlds to exist alongside each other...and what would happen if a man who wondered what other types of lives he could be living had he made other choices, where unexpectedly to step from one world into another parallel world. "What If" is also an interesting voyage through human emotions, and many readers will find themselves asking themselves similar questions that the lead character does as they read the book. As with both "The Crown of Thorns" and "The Orlando File", at the end of the book the reader is left thinking...and different readers may take away different views on how the novels did, or should have ended... It is hoped that in this way, the novels will make themselves ideal subjects for reading clubs or book clubs.
Ian hopes that if you honour him by spending the time reading one his novels, that you will find it a positive experience, and enjoy it. He also invites you to email him and let him know if you did or did not enjoy the novel. And if you did, what were your favourite parts?
Happy Reading!
The first of Ian's novels is a Genetic Conspiracy Thriller which explores the world of Stem Cell Research and encourages us all to ask some very searching questions about the advances that science is making, and how much we, or others, should let it affect society. A contemporary adventure, "The Orlando File" takes the reader around the world and back, and creates a unique moral dilemma that the reader cannot help but get embroiled in: at the end, the reader must ask themself, what would they do in that situation?
His second novel "The Crown of Thorns" explores the power of genetics, explores the questions that the potential to clone humans will raise, and asks the ultimate question...what would happen if a scientist found a way to clone Jesus Christ?
Ian's third novel "London 2012 : What If?" departs from the world of genetics and explores an interesting possibility that Quantum Physics raises:the possibility for parallel worlds to exist alongside each other...and what would happen if a man who wondered what other types of lives he could be living had he made other choices, where unexpectedly to step from one world into another parallel world. "What If" is also an interesting voyage through human emotions, and many readers will find themselves asking themselves similar questions that the lead character does as they read the book. As with both "The Crown of Thorns" and "The Orlando File", at the end of the book the reader is left thinking...and different readers may take away different views on how the novels did, or should have ended... It is hoped that in this way, the novels will make themselves ideal subjects for reading clubs or book clubs.
Ian hopes that if you honour him by spending the time reading one his novels, that you will find it a positive experience, and enjoy it. He also invites you to email him and let him know if you did or did not enjoy the novel. And if you did, what were your favourite parts?
Happy Reading!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
November 14, 2014
The only good thing I can think to say about this book is that it appears to be well-researched regarding what is known about Jesus Christ, and about the science of genetics. Oh, and it was a freebie on Kindle, I will add. I could not call it a thriller, as everything falls into place far too easily. I can't call it a sleazy romance, as the sex scenes are very subdued. Can't think why I finished it, except that it was free. I will not bother with the sequel, even if Kindle offers it as a freebie.
February 13, 2023
Very amateurish writing. No character development. The subject is one that done properly could be fascinating.
March 12, 2016
In the distant future most Earth population have been wiped out by SARs 2 virus. And Government has legalised Human Cloning. Noble Prize winner Professor Wainright privately funded Institute of Genetic Evolution of the Greater Good of Mankind (I.G.E.G.G.M.) has made a breakthrough in cloning, the key that unlocked the blueprint within the DNA, allowing them to take samples which were thousands of years old to repair them, reproduce them and then introduce them to a donor egg to create an embryo which could be cultivated and grown to maturity.
Professor Wainwright who is obsessed with cloning a long lost Pharaoh makes arrangement to take the DNA sample of untouched pharaoh's tomb. One of his assistant Jason visits Egypt and gets the required sample. While cloning of the Pharaoh is going on, Jason with his girl friend Lydia visits Notre Dame and there he gets an idea for his Doctorate DPhil to resurrect and clone the God (Jesus Christ). He comes to know about the "Crown of Thorns". Professor consents for the beautiful idea of his student and persuades The Cardinal of Notre Dame to deliver the Crown of Thorns in research for DPhil on 'the analysis and application of computer techniques to the verification of historical artifacts using genetic coding', unknown to the Cardinal that they are trying to take the blood sample from the crown and use it for cloning Jesus Christ.
After receiving the specimen they name the project as Haissem reversing the spelling of Messiah. The work goes on, while Mike who is an undercover agent working for America uses hypnotism and switches the original Crown of Thorns with their fake.
While both countries fighting to win the race to clone Jesus, the book ends with a cliff-hanger.
I liked the idea of the book, with 200 pages and fast paced the author Ian C.P.Irvine had made easy to understand what is DNA and the process of cloning.
The book has some sentimental moments like the healing of Professor's cancer and belief in God. I got goose bumps when Professors gets healed, it made me to remember Ben Hur's mother and sister cured by the blood of Jesus Christ in the movie Ben Hur.
The author has cleverly mixed supernatural (God) and Science and made a enjoyable read.
Professor Wainwright who is obsessed with cloning a long lost Pharaoh makes arrangement to take the DNA sample of untouched pharaoh's tomb. One of his assistant Jason visits Egypt and gets the required sample. While cloning of the Pharaoh is going on, Jason with his girl friend Lydia visits Notre Dame and there he gets an idea for his Doctorate DPhil to resurrect and clone the God (Jesus Christ). He comes to know about the "Crown of Thorns". Professor consents for the beautiful idea of his student and persuades The Cardinal of Notre Dame to deliver the Crown of Thorns in research for DPhil on 'the analysis and application of computer techniques to the verification of historical artifacts using genetic coding', unknown to the Cardinal that they are trying to take the blood sample from the crown and use it for cloning Jesus Christ.
After receiving the specimen they name the project as Haissem reversing the spelling of Messiah. The work goes on, while Mike who is an undercover agent working for America uses hypnotism and switches the original Crown of Thorns with their fake.
While both countries fighting to win the race to clone Jesus, the book ends with a cliff-hanger.
I liked the idea of the book, with 200 pages and fast paced the author Ian C.P.Irvine had made easy to understand what is DNA and the process of cloning.
The book has some sentimental moments like the healing of Professor's cancer and belief in God. I got goose bumps when Professors gets healed, it made me to remember Ben Hur's mother and sister cured by the blood of Jesus Christ in the movie Ben Hur.
The author has cleverly mixed supernatural (God) and Science and made a enjoyable read.
December 30, 2015
I read through several blurbs for his novels and it looks like they may all share the same fate as this series: cool ideas that never really get anywhere. sometimes asking the question isn't enough.
May 13, 2018
Could it really happen?
This novel made me wonder just where is the line between fact and fiction? The science was so well written that it all made sense! I was most skeptical about the scenes that induced the hypnosis. Can't wait to read the next.
This novel made me wonder just where is the line between fact and fiction? The science was so well written that it all made sense! I was most skeptical about the scenes that induced the hypnosis. Can't wait to read the next.
June 15, 2014
This is a very interesting read. A mix of science, religion with a touch of romance. (I became curious if the hypnotic that was used in this book was factual. ) If you are into science, you'll probably enjoy this book to the fullest. It's very detailed in terms of the genetics materials--such as the waiting for the division of the enucleated egg cells. Lots of scientific lingo such as when the egg went in one side of the ventilated hood, and the artificial nucleus with the full chromosome set went in the other. Given the nature of the story, though some say it’s far fetch and unrealistic, I’d like to call it high concept. After all, reading a thriller fiction. In addition, this is not a stand alone book and here are so many questions that remained unanswered. I would like to know whether the project in cloning Jesus would be very successful. Will I be seeing baby Jesus. There are lots of mysteries that compels me to pick up the book #2.
November 11, 2018
The Messiah Conspiracy Book 1 is by Ian C.P. Irvine. This is a medical suspense novel. The suspense comes from the creation of a clone from basic blood materials. Scientists in England have managed to clone a human being. They then tried to clone a person from blood and cell segments from an Egyptian pharaoh. So far, only one of the fetuses is still viable. Will this be the end of the cloning.
Jason Dyke had watched his Father die in the SARS2 attack when he was only fifteen. This was just days before the cure was discovered. Jason was devastated. He had turned to a friend who became his mentor, Dr. Professor Wainwright. Dr. Wainwright and his team had the idea to clone a baby from the blood of Egypt’s Rahipti-Ani. They found the unopened tomb and were able to find some cells which were still viable. They cloned three children and so far, only one was still alive. Jason wanted to get his DPhil but needed a project. He and Lydia, whom he had med in Egypt, decided to focus on getting a DNA sample from the Crown of Thrones and cloning Jesus. They, along with Dr. Wainwright’s team, persuaded France to loan them the Crown of Thornes for sixty days and they would give a provenance to France. While they proved it was from the time and region where Christ was crucified, they also got the blood samples. Now they could clone humans from the samples. However, the US got wind of the project and needed to find it first. They arranged to steal the Crown of Thornes and put a replica in its place.
Would they get away with it? Which one would get the clone first? I did not like that this was in two different books. It could have been put into one book and I would have liked it better
November 9, 2017
Did not finish.
Two stars because of the interesting premise. I am a sucker for sci-fi and I am a biochemist, so of course I was intrigued by a book talking about DNA and cloning. Throw in the possibility for some good political and religious intrigue happening internationally, and it seemed worth trying out.
I got about 5 chapters in and just could not take it anymore. The characters were so shallow, stereotypical and trite, the dialogue was weird and stilted. The scenes and dialogue did not flow well. It was honestly so cheesy and fake that I literally cringed reading it. The science was also just not holding up well for me. I did not find it exciting. The ONLY reason I would have finished this is just to know what the final outcome was; I would not have finished it because I cared about the plot or the characters.
Perhaps the end was worth the cring-worthy writing; I don't know.
Two stars because of the interesting premise. I am a sucker for sci-fi and I am a biochemist, so of course I was intrigued by a book talking about DNA and cloning. Throw in the possibility for some good political and religious intrigue happening internationally, and it seemed worth trying out.
I got about 5 chapters in and just could not take it anymore. The characters were so shallow, stereotypical and trite, the dialogue was weird and stilted. The scenes and dialogue did not flow well. It was honestly so cheesy and fake that I literally cringed reading it. The science was also just not holding up well for me. I did not find it exciting. The ONLY reason I would have finished this is just to know what the final outcome was; I would not have finished it because I cared about the plot or the characters.
Perhaps the end was worth the cring-worthy writing; I don't know.
June 28, 2022
Although this is fiction it is based on some very real science that is already happening today. Various animals have already been cloned--One can only wonder if the geneticists of the near(?) future will begin to clone humans. Woman can already be artificially inseminated when natural means do not work. This author actually explains in words almost anyone can understand about DNA, Genes etc and how the procedure works.
The political ramifications could be very real. Scientists do not mean harm---Politicians---well----
This book ends on a major cliffhanger--enough so that I immediately went in and bought the second. It is also sold as two books in one-I actually suggest you get it that way as I am sure you will want to keep reading immediately!
The political ramifications could be very real. Scientists do not mean harm---Politicians---well----
This book ends on a major cliffhanger--enough so that I immediately went in and bought the second. It is also sold as two books in one-I actually suggest you get it that way as I am sure you will want to keep reading immediately!
March 3, 2019
I guess I liked it. It's a compelling story but there's just too much religious BS and untenable science to make it a good book. By the time I got to the end of part I, I was just glad for it to be over, but wait, there's a part II! To produce an embryo and clone from a blood cell is certainly plausible but the buzzing, red colors lights, and the "G" (for God) blood type just require more faith in "God" than I can muster. Gotta love the president though, modeled after our very own megalomaniacal Donald J Trump.
May 1, 2018
Not interested
Thinking it would be mostly medical, I thought I would give the book a try. Some interesting twists and turns kept me going at first. Then it got more heavily into miracles and religion, which I had hoped this book would only gently touch on while remaining a good mystery. I'm hardly interested in reading the second book as I'm certain it will be much heavier in the areas where I not interested.
Thinking it would be mostly medical, I thought I would give the book a try. Some interesting twists and turns kept me going at first. Then it got more heavily into miracles and religion, which I had hoped this book would only gently touch on while remaining a good mystery. I'm hardly interested in reading the second book as I'm certain it will be much heavier in the areas where I not interested.
November 18, 2019
Controversially interesting subject matter. Quite far fetched in parts, particularly the hypnotism bit. Scientifically it gets you thinking 'what if' but without engaging too much of your brain. Certainly not the best example of fiction I've ever read, but I feel the urge to read the second book just to see how it all ends, so it's got something going for it.....Damn you Mr. Irvine for drawing me in and piquing my interest just a bit too much !
August 13, 2020
As an atheist, I wasn't sure if I would enjoy this book or not. Jason has been to Egypt in a bid to find the tomb of a particular pharoah. In a moment of epiphany, he realises he wants to create a clone of Jesus from blood on the 'crown of thorns'. Everything seems to be falling in to place until an undercover american gets in the way. It was an educational read with reference to the genetic side of cloning and I will look out for further books in the series.
January 9, 2023
Miracle Cloning
The Messiah Conspiracy is a simple tale of cloning that has historical possibilities from bringing back Jesus Christ. I am a Christian with my own understanding of the Messiah and power. The mathematical number of ways the crown could be compromised in 2000 years makes this story line way too improbable, but I look at the story flow rather thanthe story veracity. I expect it to be a little tighter in book 2.
The Messiah Conspiracy is a simple tale of cloning that has historical possibilities from bringing back Jesus Christ. I am a Christian with my own understanding of the Messiah and power. The mathematical number of ways the crown could be compromised in 2000 years makes this story line way too improbable, but I look at the story flow rather thanthe story veracity. I expect it to be a little tighter in book 2.
November 17, 2019
Very amateurish writing. The characters were not developed properly and did not allow for any connection with readers. The only slight plus was there was an interesting premise and the genetics-related information was well researched. But other than that the book was not engaging and alot could have been done to engage readers with this plot but it did not meet expectations.
November 2, 2017
This is not the most well-written book. But it IS entertaining, and I'm loving the concept. And yep, I had to buy book 2 right away. My only complaint? The first book doesn't really end. It's just a cliff-hanger to make you buy the second book.
March 17, 2018
Very fast and gripping story very well narrated. It is gripping throughout and very nicely plotted and communicated. Wish this is going to be true one day, then good people are cloned to save the planet from the greedy and criminals.
July 20, 2018
Interesting, well written story about cloning of Jesus, could it happen ????
A fascinating well written account of what might happen in the future. Enjoyed the in sight of the possibilities of cloning. Looking forward to reading the continuing story in the next book...
A fascinating well written account of what might happen in the future. Enjoyed the in sight of the possibilities of cloning. Looking forward to reading the continuing story in the next book...
December 29, 2018
Not the best writing, but the subject was fascinating. There is enough tension in the story to keep you reading and I couldn't wait to see what was going to happen next. Have book 2 ready to go because this one ends abruptly and you'll definitely want to know what happens next!
January 25, 2019
Great start
This is a well written beginning to a plausible and intriguing story. Characters are well developed and as a reader you are 'sucked into' the plot regardless of whether you want to or not. Starting book 2 now.
This is a well written beginning to a plausible and intriguing story. Characters are well developed and as a reader you are 'sucked into' the plot regardless of whether you want to or not. Starting book 2 now.
February 8, 2019
Fantastic Thriller
I enjoyed this book so much. From the beginning thesis of the cloning of Jesus Christ through the parallels of science and espionage, this novel was spellbinding. I can’t wait to read book 2.
I enjoyed this book so much. From the beginning thesis of the cloning of Jesus Christ through the parallels of science and espionage, this novel was spellbinding. I can’t wait to read book 2.
December 15, 2020
Fantastic
Did I think I was going to enjoy a book about resurrecting Jesus Christ so much?? No. Did I enjoy the story? Most definitely!! The author really drags you in and the twists keep you reading to the very end
Did I think I was going to enjoy a book about resurrecting Jesus Christ so much?? No. Did I enjoy the story? Most definitely!! The author really drags you in and the twists keep you reading to the very end
January 31, 2022
DNF. First because the conclusion is in the second book and though I liked the premise, the book had shallow characters and mistakes about the C.C. and the succession to the British throne. Some readers will enjoy.
February 25, 2022
Interesting concept...
but the typographical errors were so prevalent it ruined the reading experience for me. I probably won't read the continuation of the story due to this. So I can't recommend the book, unfortunately.
but the typographical errors were so prevalent it ruined the reading experience for me. I probably won't read the continuation of the story due to this. So I can't recommend the book, unfortunately.
March 3, 2022
I really enjoyed this story, it kept me gripped to see how it would end,
Ian C P Irvine is always an excellent story teller & always makes the unbelievable sound like it’s true. Have enjoyed all his books & this one was no exception.
Ian C P Irvine is always an excellent story teller & always makes the unbelievable sound like it’s true. Have enjoyed all his books & this one was no exception.
May 21, 2022
Fantastic Reading.
Great topic thats creates a spellbinding reading journey! Can't wait to start Book 2! The author does a fantastic job of pulling the reader into the experiment! Well done.
Great topic thats creates a spellbinding reading journey! Can't wait to start Book 2! The author does a fantastic job of pulling the reader into the experiment! Well done.
February 10, 2023
Wow! This was a great read. I’m taking an anthropology class that touches on genetics and DNA and this was well written. The characters were relatable and I will be purchasing book 2 to finish this off.
April 28, 2023
This was an interesting read a scifi fantasy supernatural thriller, it also made me think about the ethics of cloning, and control of the masses, a fast moving thriller. This is a review for both books
January 13, 2017
Good reading/listening
I listened to this boom. The plot is very good. I like that the scenes switch back and forth. That keeps the story line going.
I listened to this boom. The plot is very good. I like that the scenes switch back and forth. That keeps the story line going.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews