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The First Face of Janus: Secret Society of Nostradamus
#1 AMAZON BESTSELLER Over 250 5-star reviews! WHAT IF THERE WERE A CENTURIES-LONG CONSPIRACY to ensure that Nostradamus’ prophecies came true? This secret society would wield unimaginable power. A sci-fi writer finds a set of quatrains that foretell a horrible catastrophe, a mass murder that will change the course of history. He races against time to decipher the quatrains and stop the slaughter. The next prophecy has begun, and there’s only one man who can stop The First Face of Janus.
246 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 15, 2017
101 people are currently reading
92 people want to read
About the author
Phil Valentine
8 books46 followersPhil Valentine is the #1 bestselling author of The First Face of Janus.
He's also a syndicated talk show host with Westwood One. He's the recipient of 20 AIR Awards in Nashville and Philadelphia and the winner of the prestigious Gold Worldmedal from the New York Festivals.
His screenwriting has won the California Film Awards, the Nevada Film Festival, the Colorado Film Festival, and was a finalist in 10 other festivals, including the American Movie Awards and the Beverly Hills Film Festival. He's also an award-winning movie producer.
He's also a syndicated talk show host with Westwood One. He's the recipient of 20 AIR Awards in Nashville and Philadelphia and the winner of the prestigious Gold Worldmedal from the New York Festivals.
His screenwriting has won the California Film Awards, the Nevada Film Festival, the Colorado Film Festival, and was a finalist in 10 other festivals, including the American Movie Awards and the Beverly Hills Film Festival. He's also an award-winning movie producer.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
July 15, 2017
Obviously I'm a little biased, but I believe this is my best book yet. It's based on the premise that there's a secret society dedicated to making Nostradamus' predictions come true. They're ruthless and relentless. A sci-fi writer is given some strange quatrains that thrust him into the middle of the latest prophecy war. He races against time to stop the catastrophic prophecy from coming true.
If you like The Da Vinci Code this is right up your alley. A globetrotting adventure that takes you from New York to Montreal to Boston and Washington, DC, then on to France and Spain. The prophecy has begun, and there's only one man who can stop The First Face of Janus.
If you like The Da Vinci Code this is right up your alley. A globetrotting adventure that takes you from New York to Montreal to Boston and Washington, DC, then on to France and Spain. The prophecy has begun, and there's only one man who can stop The First Face of Janus.
August 26, 2020
What can I say I'm a sucker for a good ending and this book had a great ending.
September 22, 2018
After completing this book in a matter of days (it would have been sooner had I had the time), I'm honestly not sure if it should be housed in the fiction section or non-fiction. It is entirely plausible to me that something like The First Face of Janus (and the CV) exists in our world. Scary, but plausible with all the stories of the Free Masons, Skulls and Bones, Illuminati, Bohemian Grove, etc. I'll probably think twice next time I see someone staring at me. :)
An intense, action-packed mystery filled with murder and questions of "who-dun-it" from the very start, Phil has captured the formula for a page-turning success. It was hard to put this one down. With very descriptive language, the content theme reminds me very much of the daVinci code which I've seen it compared to often, but I would add that it feels like a mix of Dan Brown and Brad Meltzer whose stories of secrets around the world have captivated me for awhile now.
While I figured out some pieces of the "reveal" at the end, I missed a couple which is always satisfying. There's nothing more disappointing than being able to figure out the entire story before it ends. Phil does a great job of pulling back the curtain a bit, but holding enough back to keep you guessing and thus reading.
Highly recommend!!! I give very few books 5 stars, so for me, a 4 is a great read.
Two critiques...the Kindle version did not divide time remaining out by chapter, so I never knew when I was close to the end of a chapter. Sometimes I'd have to stop mid-chapter due to time constraints and not wanting to flip over to see how close I was and then try to remember where I was going back. A little frustrating, but not a deterrent. Secondly, there are times in the book when you switch scenes and characters (in different locations) from one paragraph to the next back and forth. While it plays out more like a movie scene, most books I've read like this take one scene or character to a point, then have a divider in the chapter to indicate a change. Again, not a deterrent. Once you get the idea of what was done and get used to the style, it works.
An intense, action-packed mystery filled with murder and questions of "who-dun-it" from the very start, Phil has captured the formula for a page-turning success. It was hard to put this one down. With very descriptive language, the content theme reminds me very much of the daVinci code which I've seen it compared to often, but I would add that it feels like a mix of Dan Brown and Brad Meltzer whose stories of secrets around the world have captivated me for awhile now.
While I figured out some pieces of the "reveal" at the end, I missed a couple which is always satisfying. There's nothing more disappointing than being able to figure out the entire story before it ends. Phil does a great job of pulling back the curtain a bit, but holding enough back to keep you guessing and thus reading.
Highly recommend!!! I give very few books 5 stars, so for me, a 4 is a great read.
Two critiques...the Kindle version did not divide time remaining out by chapter, so I never knew when I was close to the end of a chapter. Sometimes I'd have to stop mid-chapter due to time constraints and not wanting to flip over to see how close I was and then try to remember where I was going back. A little frustrating, but not a deterrent. Secondly, there are times in the book when you switch scenes and characters (in different locations) from one paragraph to the next back and forth. While it plays out more like a movie scene, most books I've read like this take one scene or character to a point, then have a divider in the chapter to indicate a change. Again, not a deterrent. Once you get the idea of what was done and get used to the style, it works.
August 28, 2019
Great read.
The First Face of Janus has well developed characters tracing their way through the mystery of the predictions of Nostradamus. The history of the writings come to life with vivid details in a modern setting with intrigue with detailed descriptions of the writings and how they have both been received and denied through the ages. The many faces of the writings of Nostradamus come to life as Benson Crow pursues the riddles of prophecy.
The First Face of Janus has well developed characters tracing their way through the mystery of the predictions of Nostradamus. The history of the writings come to life with vivid details in a modern setting with intrigue with detailed descriptions of the writings and how they have both been received and denied through the ages. The many faces of the writings of Nostradamus come to life as Benson Crow pursues the riddles of prophecy.
August 8, 2024
The good:
The book is much like one of those action/political thrillers movies from the 1980's, which isn't necessarily a bad thing (for me). The author does a great job at painting the canvas for every scene in the book, without breaking up the dialog. The book also appears to be well researched.
The meh:
This book might be a little heavy on the history, if that's not your thing. However I very much enjoyed the mini history lessons encountered throughout the book.
The bad:
Chapter 40. Some people call it the twist. I call it a copout. That's all I'll say about Chapter 40. The book ends with a summation that very much resembles the ending of an episode of Scooby-Doo. The only thing missing was, "If it wasn't for that medaling author."
Overall, I thought the book was decent read. Especially coming from an amateur author. I just think the book could have been shorter, leaving out that cartoonish summation.
The book is much like one of those action/political thrillers movies from the 1980's, which isn't necessarily a bad thing (for me). The author does a great job at painting the canvas for every scene in the book, without breaking up the dialog. The book also appears to be well researched.
The meh:
This book might be a little heavy on the history, if that's not your thing. However I very much enjoyed the mini history lessons encountered throughout the book.
The bad:
Chapter 40. Some people call it the twist. I call it a copout. That's all I'll say about Chapter 40. The book ends with a summation that very much resembles the ending of an episode of Scooby-Doo. The only thing missing was, "If it wasn't for that medaling author."
Overall, I thought the book was decent read. Especially coming from an amateur author. I just think the book could have been shorter, leaving out that cartoonish summation.
July 20, 2017
WOW! I could not hardly put this one down, just when I thought I had the ending figured out total surprise! I loved Phil's first novel God Players, and this latest one even more! If you enjoy fast paced action with a well written plot and very believable characters then you MUST read this book! The first face of Janus is very intriguing and makes the reading stop to think just how much of history is chance and how much is manipulation.
February 4, 2020
This is an edge-of-your-seat mystery that will keep you reading well into the night. It's a fast paced thriller with a surprising twist at the end. With locations spanning multiple countries, Mr. Valentine describes each building, artifact and landscape with great detail. This is Phil Valentine at his finest!
July 20, 2017
A Must Read
The story sucks you in from the very beginning. Then, as soon as you think you've got it all figured out, Ole Uncle Phil proves you wrong. Very well written! I can't wait for the next one!
The story sucks you in from the very beginning. Then, as soon as you think you've got it all figured out, Ole Uncle Phil proves you wrong. Very well written! I can't wait for the next one!
July 31, 2017
Fast paced suspenseful reading
I'm not going to go into detail about the book. I'll leave that to others. Let me just say this is a must read if you like suspense, mystery, intrigue and adventure. Could not put this book down. Can't wait to read more from this author.
I'm not going to go into detail about the book. I'll leave that to others. Let me just say this is a must read if you like suspense, mystery, intrigue and adventure. Could not put this book down. Can't wait to read more from this author.
August 4, 2017
Not your normal book
This is not the type book I would normally pick up,but I 'm glad I did. Five stars for story line and characters.Really a little more thought provoking than I like but Phil does that anyway. I will be watching for next adventure he comes up with.
This is not the type book I would normally pick up,but I 'm glad I did. Five stars for story line and characters.Really a little more thought provoking than I like but Phil does that anyway. I will be watching for next adventure he comes up with.
August 10, 2017
Conspiracy by puppet
I usually can figure out tge who dun ut and tge where. However, Valentine entwined his story so well that the reader will never understand until the end. A puzzle filled with action packed intrique.
I usually can figure out tge who dun ut and tge where. However, Valentine entwined his story so well that the reader will never understand until the end. A puzzle filled with action packed intrique.
September 16, 2017
Great book Phil!!
In Kansas City, your talk show is fairly new to us. Hearing you talk about the book intrigued me to buy it Glad I did.Will I purchase another one of Uncle Phil's books,....you bet ya.
In Kansas City, your talk show is fairly new to us. Hearing you talk about the book intrigued me to buy it Glad I did.Will I purchase another one of Uncle Phil's books,....you bet ya.
December 31, 2017
HIGHLY RECOMMEND I couldn't put it down.
This is not the type or book I normally read, but I literally read it because my best friendly wouldn't shut up about it. FANTASTIC book. AWESOME READ! I I've already bought another book written by Phil Valentine.
This is not the type or book I normally read, but I literally read it because my best friendly wouldn't shut up about it. FANTASTIC book. AWESOME READ! I I've already bought another book written by Phil Valentine.
April 17, 2018
Similar to Divinci Code. Lots of twists and turns. Confusing at times and predictable at times
Would make for a good movie and a sequel too Would read more books by same writer Some of the characters were not very believable
Would make for a good movie and a sequel too Would read more books by same writer Some of the characters were not very believable
May 23, 2018
Enjoyable suspense
A good read wth lots of twists. Keeps you guessing all the way to the end. Good clean read. Love the way Valentine fills the details in while telling the main story.
A good read wth lots of twists. Keeps you guessing all the way to the end. Good clean read. Love the way Valentine fills the details in while telling the main story.
July 21, 2017
Such an intriguing book. I couldn't put it down. Mystery, murder, and secret societies. I can't believe THIS book was written by a radio talk show host.
August 4, 2017
Very exciting read!
This book grabs you from the start and takes you along for the ride, and leaves you breathless! Great read!
This book grabs you from the start and takes you along for the ride, and leaves you breathless! Great read!
August 19, 2017
Couldn't put it down.
Thoroughly enjoyed this book. I've listened to Phil Valentine on the radio for years and was excited to read this. Did not expect what happened.
Thoroughly enjoyed this book. I've listened to Phil Valentine on the radio for years and was excited to read this. Did not expect what happened.
September 5, 2017
Interesting theory
Good read. A little too much explanation at times, but perfect twist at the end. Definitely kept you guessing til end
Good read. A little too much explanation at times, but perfect twist at the end. Definitely kept you guessing til end
September 11, 2017
What a ride!
Lots of twists and turns - want to read this again if nothing but to watch for the details i missed the first time!
Lots of twists and turns - want to read this again if nothing but to watch for the details i missed the first time!
October 11, 2017
Love the book. Read it in two days. Only problem was had Kindle version and lost track of time. Remember to charge your device.
October 26, 2017
Absolutely loved it! Well written and beautifully put together! Each detail comes to life as the story unfolds. Highly recommended and crossing fingers that this one gets made into a movie!
November 5, 2017
Hard to put the book down
This book is hard to put down. It pulls you in and just gets you. Stayed up way past I thought I would reading it because couldn’t put the book down
This book is hard to put down. It pulls you in and just gets you. Stayed up way past I thought I would reading it because couldn’t put the book down
May 24, 2018
Fantastic!
It’s a page turner! Couldn’t put it down so nice I started. Highly recommended. The best part is the end when it takes a turn that you never saw coming!
It’s a page turner! Couldn’t put it down so nice I started. Highly recommended. The best part is the end when it takes a turn that you never saw coming!
June 8, 2018
.
Awesome read! Great story. Lots of action! Lots of history and details helped visualize not bore. Great read. Ready for Phil's next book!
Awesome read! Great story. Lots of action! Lots of history and details helped visualize not bore. Great read. Ready for Phil's next book!
June 29, 2018
Great read
So much is going on. Be sure to pay attention to the details of all you come in contact with. See if you can put it together before the end...
So much is going on. Be sure to pay attention to the details of all you come in contact with. See if you can put it together before the end...
July 14, 2018
Fun read
Easy quick read. Enjoyed the plot and characters. Wish things would have ended slightly differently for our hero. Definitely recommend.
Easy quick read. Enjoyed the plot and characters. Wish things would have ended slightly differently for our hero. Definitely recommend.
August 23, 2018
Smashing
Uncle Phil ya did it again. Great read. Keep them coming mate. Looking forward for your next book. Hope it’s as well done.
Uncle Phil ya did it again. Great read. Keep them coming mate. Looking forward for your next book. Hope it’s as well done.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews