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Harker Chronicles #2
The 4th Secret
The Magi return…When a brutal attack leaves a priest close to death and screaming of dark prophecies, Professor Alex Harker once again finds himself pulled into the shadowy world of the Magi.
On dubious pretenses, Harker must join a desperate search for the missing child he has sworn to protect.
But as he edges closer to the truth, he realises the child’s importance pales in significance to the cataclysmic events unfolding around him. When reality and prophecy start to merge, and nations begin to crumble, Harker knows the future of the planet is in his hands.
Its salvation lies in the discovery of one The 4th Secret.
A heart-stopping rollercoaster that won’t let go, R.D. Shah’s brilliant thriller is perfect for fans of Dan Brown, Scott Mariani and Chris Kuzneski.
On dubious pretenses, Harker must join a desperate search for the missing child he has sworn to protect.
But as he edges closer to the truth, he realises the child’s importance pales in significance to the cataclysmic events unfolding around him. When reality and prophecy start to merge, and nations begin to crumble, Harker knows the future of the planet is in his hands.
Its salvation lies in the discovery of one The 4th Secret.
A heart-stopping rollercoaster that won’t let go, R.D. Shah’s brilliant thriller is perfect for fans of Dan Brown, Scott Mariani and Chris Kuzneski.
479 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 10, 2017
189 people are currently reading
158 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
December 26, 2022
While I did not expect much from this work, I was nonetheless disappointed. This cheap and badly written imitation of Dan Brown must be as near as I have got to experiencing the literary equivalent of Ruskin's allegation that Whistler had flung a pot of paint in the face of the public.
The feeble derivative plot involves rival secret organisations battling for control of the Catholic Church. One of these has cloned Jesus, has genetically engineered werewolf-like monsters and viral weapons and has seized control of the HAARP research project to use it as an earthquake inducing superweapon. (There may be some more conspiracy theories as well, it was hard to keep alert while reading this drivel). The other possesses moles within Mossad and MI6. As is common to the genre, there are constant vague allusions to Christianity, but anything specific enough to raise claims of blasphemy, rather than indignity, are always avoided.
The hero and new-found girlfriend (yes, that old chestnut appears too) hurtle around the world in a private jet (provided by the Knights Templar, no less) visiting a range of places apparently chosen because Americans will have heard of them: the Vatican, the Temple Mount in Jerusalem, Chernobyl, Westminster Abbey and Moreton-in-Marsh (the latter puzzled me until I remembered how many coachloads of American tourists it attracts). The ridiculous reference to getting from London to Moreton-in-Marsh by flying to Swindon then hiring a car was surely not aimed at an English audience. Needless to say the two complete amateurs succeed where the combined professional forces of the world failed.
On the subject of combined forces, there is a spectacular military rescue of the hero and girlfriend from a rural spot in Venezuela by "Chinook helicopters ... a mix of British, US, Chinese and Russian". Since when did China or Russia operate Chinooks? How would Chinooks from Britain, China or Russia get to Venezuela at short notice? They cannot fly across oceans and ships are slow. Why would a delicate personnel recovery and evacuation mission be handled by mixed forces who could not even speak each other's languages?
And the clone of Jesus? We are just told that he is safe. What he does when he grows up is left hanging, presumably for a sequel I will not trouble to read.
The feeble derivative plot involves rival secret organisations battling for control of the Catholic Church. One of these has cloned Jesus, has genetically engineered werewolf-like monsters and viral weapons and has seized control of the HAARP research project to use it as an earthquake inducing superweapon. (There may be some more conspiracy theories as well, it was hard to keep alert while reading this drivel). The other possesses moles within Mossad and MI6. As is common to the genre, there are constant vague allusions to Christianity, but anything specific enough to raise claims of blasphemy, rather than indignity, are always avoided.
The hero and new-found girlfriend (yes, that old chestnut appears too) hurtle around the world in a private jet (provided by the Knights Templar, no less) visiting a range of places apparently chosen because Americans will have heard of them: the Vatican, the Temple Mount in Jerusalem, Chernobyl, Westminster Abbey and Moreton-in-Marsh (the latter puzzled me until I remembered how many coachloads of American tourists it attracts). The ridiculous reference to getting from London to Moreton-in-Marsh by flying to Swindon then hiring a car was surely not aimed at an English audience. Needless to say the two complete amateurs succeed where the combined professional forces of the world failed.
On the subject of combined forces, there is a spectacular military rescue of the hero and girlfriend from a rural spot in Venezuela by "Chinook helicopters ... a mix of British, US, Chinese and Russian". Since when did China or Russia operate Chinooks? How would Chinooks from Britain, China or Russia get to Venezuela at short notice? They cannot fly across oceans and ships are slow. Why would a delicate personnel recovery and evacuation mission be handled by mixed forces who could not even speak each other's languages?
And the clone of Jesus? We are just told that he is safe. What he does when he grows up is left hanging, presumably for a sequel I will not trouble to read.
May 14, 2018
Can't Believe It Was Better Than the First Book
This book kept me so intrigued and kind of antsy trying to figure out what might happen next. Characters were developed extremely well and my prior thoughts of a comparison to Dan Brown was shot to bits.
In my estimation this book was soon much bette than the Da Vinci Code. It had more plot twists and action than I could have ever imagined. You can be certain that R D Shah books will be a required read for me in the future.
This book kept me so intrigued and kind of antsy trying to figure out what might happen next. Characters were developed extremely well and my prior thoughts of a comparison to Dan Brown was shot to bits.
In my estimation this book was soon much bette than the Da Vinci Code. It had more plot twists and action than I could have ever imagined. You can be certain that R D Shah books will be a required read for me in the future.
July 22, 2018
Gripping while being on the unbelievable side
The story line was intriguing but I wish the editor was better at correcting grammar. The consistent use of double pronouns was distracting for example, "I myself", "you yourself" and eliminating the use of an adverb ... "near to" instead of nearly.
The story line was intriguing but I wish the editor was better at correcting grammar. The consistent use of double pronouns was distracting for example, "I myself", "you yourself" and eliminating the use of an adverb ... "near to" instead of nearly.
March 24, 2018
A WHOPPER OF A TALE IT IS.....
Hello, these stories keep getting better and better. Very well written and entertaining to read. The author did a really good job of telling the story. Thanks.
Hello, these stories keep getting better and better. Very well written and entertaining to read. The author did a really good job of telling the story. Thanks.
April 25, 2018
Good story but...
The story really is good. A better editor might have made it a superb story. Grammar,'spelling and poor word choices got in the way of a fully enjoyable book. But as long as you can overlook such issues, it is a nice way to spend some leisure time.
The story really is good. A better editor might have made it a superb story. Grammar,'spelling and poor word choices got in the way of a fully enjoyable book. But as long as you can overlook such issues, it is a nice way to spend some leisure time.
December 23, 2017
Excellent read with fast paced action
I read this book completely over two days. It was riveting storyline that engaged me completely. I do hope there will be a third novel soon.
I read this book completely over two days. It was riveting storyline that engaged me completely. I do hope there will be a third novel soon.
January 29, 2018
Great adventure
Another great adventure. Not too far fetched. Keeps you wanting more. Looking forward to the next edition in the life of Mr Harker
Another great adventure. Not too far fetched. Keeps you wanting more. Looking forward to the next edition in the life of Mr Harker
February 6, 2021
A jaw-dropping thrilling sequel to "Relics" that keeps the reader hooked on to their seats. The book is fast-paced with numerous twists and turns and keeps the reader guessing until the climax of the plot. The anecdote revolves around the outcast pope of the Vatican aka John Wilcox's plans to bring about new world order in the name of religion and faith by creating fear and annihilation of humanity through the secret prophecies of Fatima. On the other hand, the protagonist Alex Harker has sworn to find and protect the blessed child. Amidst this frantic search, he is dragged into finding the fourth secret of Fatima in the murky world of Magi. As he begins to unfold these secrets, the world begins to reel under cataclysmic events causing loss of life and property worldwide. At all times, he is under the watchful and protective eyes of the templars who have sworn to protect the world order. The last few chapters of the book are extremely gripping as the secrets behind global destruction are unfolded one at a time by the antagonist. How he manipulates the secrets to his advantage to fuel his nefarious dreams of global power and to reign at the helm of mankind using stashed away technological innovations is extremely difficult to comprehend. The plot culminates with the victory of truth, the revelation of the fourth secret, and Alex Harker finally reuniting with the child he had sworn to protect. A roller-coaster conspiracy which if the reader wishes to enjoy must read the prequel to this one. Interesting to see what the author has in store in the third of the Alex Harker chronicles.
January 18, 2025
This seems to carry from the first book whereas professor Alex Harker finds himself investigating the secret organisation called the Magi after the brutal attack of a priest leaving him almost dead. The priest tells him of a missing child and if found is sworn to protect him. He then learns of an ancient Prophecy concerning the three secrets of Fatima. Moving more and more into horrific dangers and devastating events happening across the globe and with the help of his psychiatrist friend Doctor Chloe Stanton, and also once again the Knight's Templar, he realises that the end of the world could very well be a reality.
Written at a fast and furious pace, which doesn't let up until the end and with a very slight similarity to Dan Brown, this is quite the page turner and a very enjoyable and entertaining read. I do love Action Thrillers, they are mostly far fetched and have you thinking that "that could never happen, could it?" but for me that is all part of the ride. So if you read this book just clear your mind, sit back, let the fun begin and I think you will be highly entertained.
I do though hope for the next book to have a different theme, nevertheless an excellent 4/5.
Written at a fast and furious pace, which doesn't let up until the end and with a very slight similarity to Dan Brown, this is quite the page turner and a very enjoyable and entertaining read. I do love Action Thrillers, they are mostly far fetched and have you thinking that "that could never happen, could it?" but for me that is all part of the ride. So if you read this book just clear your mind, sit back, let the fun begin and I think you will be highly entertained.
I do though hope for the next book to have a different theme, nevertheless an excellent 4/5.
December 30, 2024
I couldn't put this one down. I had read the first of the series and this one was the sequel. After reading the first novel, I had to know the conclusion of the story. I learned that there really is H.A.A.R.P technology and what it is and there really was a group of religious fanatics with unusual practices known as the Skoptsy. (I had to do a little research on both items to verify if they were real or a product of the author's imagination.)
I loved Sebastian Brulet, Grandmaster of the Knights Templar, and M16 Agent Shroder, and detested the Magi characters, Michael Wilcox and Captain McCray.
Tense drama with a lot of action. I'd recommend this series to anyone, especially those who enjoy conspiracy theories.
I loved Sebastian Brulet, Grandmaster of the Knights Templar, and M16 Agent Shroder, and detested the Magi characters, Michael Wilcox and Captain McCray.
Tense drama with a lot of action. I'd recommend this series to anyone, especially those who enjoy conspiracy theories.
October 21, 2023
Willing Suspension of Disbelief
That clumsy phrase describes how you must approach this book - the second volume of the Harker Chronicles. The tale began in volume one where we learned that the Knights Templar and the Magi organizations still exist in secret in the modern world. That is astonishing but in this volume the world starts experiencing massive devastation and death in selective locations world wide. Is such power truly available to man or is it divine intervention? I won’t ruin a highly engaging read with an answer but encourage you to experience it for yourself.
That clumsy phrase describes how you must approach this book - the second volume of the Harker Chronicles. The tale began in volume one where we learned that the Knights Templar and the Magi organizations still exist in secret in the modern world. That is astonishing but in this volume the world starts experiencing massive devastation and death in selective locations world wide. Is such power truly available to man or is it divine intervention? I won’t ruin a highly engaging read with an answer but encourage you to experience it for yourself.
November 30, 2021
The Worst You Can Imagine
Professor Harker finds himself in the thick of things again. He is rapidly becoming the go to guy for a certain secret society he became involved with in book one. This adventure has Murphy's Law stamped on it. Everything that can go wrong does.If we think the Covid 19 pandemic feels like the start of the end of days, it is just a taste of the events Harker endures.
Professor Harker finds himself in the thick of things again. He is rapidly becoming the go to guy for a certain secret society he became involved with in book one. This adventure has Murphy's Law stamped on it. Everything that can go wrong does.If we think the Covid 19 pandemic feels like the start of the end of days, it is just a taste of the events Harker endures.
October 4, 2020
A Fully Enjoyable Read
This second instalment did not disappoint, fast paced, full of twists and turns that keep you guessing right to the end. If you enjoyed the first instalment, you certainly will enjoy this.
This second instalment did not disappoint, fast paced, full of twists and turns that keep you guessing right to the end. If you enjoyed the first instalment, you certainly will enjoy this.
October 24, 2020
Another great story in the Harker Chronicles series. This is a great thriller which at times borders on the fantastic but always delivers on the thrills. Once again a teaser leaves you wondering what will happen next and I can’t wait to get on with the next book in the series.
December 23, 2019
Great read
Love the characters and the plot. Keeps you turning the pages. Also a lot to think about with the state of the world now.
Love the characters and the plot. Keeps you turning the pages. Also a lot to think about with the state of the world now.
July 23, 2020
Well written and holds your attention. A little thin in plot line in places but holds the reader attention. Fast paced which tends to hold the reader. Look forward to the next installment.
August 25, 2020
Revoked my earlier review.
September 22, 2021
Suspend logic and sit back and enjoy! A real page turner and much better written than the prequel.
November 15, 2021
Brilliant
Not many books really hold my attention. This did all the way through. Excellent read and I look forward to the next one.
Not many books really hold my attention. This did all the way through. Excellent read and I look forward to the next one.
July 21, 2023
I really want to like this series but I just can’t.
I can stretch belief so far - but this really does push my limits I’m afraid.
I can stretch belief so far - but this really does push my limits I’m afraid.
October 8, 2023
While a decent story, there were so many spelling and grammatical errors in the book to make it seem shoddily done. Seems like getting another decent editor could’ve really helped this book.
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September 8, 2025Plodding and too fanciful
Gripping? No?
Too tall a tale? Yes
Recommend? No
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Gripping? No?
Too tall a tale? Yes
Recommend? No
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September 14, 2020
Fanciful, but fun reading, story of the battles between the Magi and the Knights Templars, which ends in a final, cataclysmic, showdown.
October 21, 2021
Great book with plenty of twists and turns with religious overtones. Great characters and look forward to the next one!
August 5, 2025
These books are so nostalgic for me. I read them for the first time just as I was getting back into reading and they made me fall in love with the conspiracy genre. Returning to them feels like coming home to a hot chocolate. This one has such an explosive start and it gripped me just like it did last time I read it years ago. I got creeped out so hard even though I knew what was going to happen. Mark of a good book. Still gives me the shivers the second time I’ve read it.
Yet again, I’ve found that the author’s writing is let down so hard by the dodgy editing. The editing is lacking with every book from this publisher that I read. It gets to me every time I read this series because the author’s style is brilliant and compliments the plot so well. It could just be showcased so much better if the editor was more on it.
That said, however, I’m still looking forward to rereading book three.
Yet again, I’ve found that the author’s writing is let down so hard by the dodgy editing. The editing is lacking with every book from this publisher that I read. It gets to me every time I read this series because the author’s style is brilliant and compliments the plot so well. It could just be showcased so much better if the editor was more on it.
That said, however, I’m still looking forward to rereading book three.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews