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Templar Secrets
A SOCIETY WILLING TO KILL FOR ITS SECRETS
The Knights Templar get their name from the Temple Hiram built, two thousand years earlier. But they end up being outlawed and eliminated. Or are they? A select few remain on the run, clinging onto their glorious past (and… the holiest of relics their Order smuggled away). Soon, a covert new entity appears; an underground Society rife with passwords and secrets. In fact, it’s even prepared to kill for them.
Fast forward to the George never wanted to become a Freemason. His friend pressured him into joining. But now he is one, he’s on a quest to find out how this strange institution got started… and by who. Can he decipher Freemasonry’s hidden clues in time? Is he capable of solving an ancient murder without placing humankind in danger?
Delve deep into old rituals, mysteries… and intrigue. Immerse yourself in a tale that fuses facts with fiction… a story 3.000 years in the making.
Scroll up and get “Templar Secrets” today!
The Knights Templar get their name from the Temple Hiram built, two thousand years earlier. But they end up being outlawed and eliminated. Or are they? A select few remain on the run, clinging onto their glorious past (and… the holiest of relics their Order smuggled away). Soon, a covert new entity appears; an underground Society rife with passwords and secrets. In fact, it’s even prepared to kill for them.
Fast forward to the George never wanted to become a Freemason. His friend pressured him into joining. But now he is one, he’s on a quest to find out how this strange institution got started… and by who. Can he decipher Freemasonry’s hidden clues in time? Is he capable of solving an ancient murder without placing humankind in danger?
Delve deep into old rituals, mysteries… and intrigue. Immerse yourself in a tale that fuses facts with fiction… a story 3.000 years in the making.
Scroll up and get “Templar Secrets” today!
474 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 2018
172 people are currently reading
43 people want to read
About the author
Andreas Economou
8 books4 followersAndreas Economou is a former banker and a proud resident of Larnaca, Cyprus. After almost 30 years of 'slaving' in a bank, he now happily spends his days writing.
Always striving to deal with the big picture, "First Adam" is his alternative suggestion on how mankind could have emerged. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01...
And, the more than two decades he used to be a Freemason gave him all the inspiration he needed to write "Templar Secrets." https://www.amazon.com/Templar-Secret...
Always striving to deal with the big picture, "First Adam" is his alternative suggestion on how mankind could have emerged. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01...
And, the more than two decades he used to be a Freemason gave him all the inspiration he needed to write "Templar Secrets." https://www.amazon.com/Templar-Secret...
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
December 29, 2020
A gripping page-turner
The blood-soaked history of the Templars comes alive in this skillfully presented, thoroughly researched, and rich in detail tale. Through real and fictional characters who connect the reader to nowadays (and is amazingly resonant in today’s environment.), the author takes the reader on the journey to the subject which is shrouded in myth yet is so relevant to our times.
In the words of Dr. Henry Foster, one of the characters, I’d say about Templar Secrets: “I believe it is a solid treatise.” In the words of the author, “My aim isn’t only to entertain, but to inform as well.” And he did it brilliantly, I must admit, which perhaps, in part, comes from Economou’s personal experience as a member of a Masonic lodge.
The further I read, the more the narrative captured my imagination and enhanced my limited knowledge of the Templars and (as they adopted their ideas and practices and morphed into) Freemasons. The tale awoke in me an overwhelming urge to visit Cyprus and has inspired me to learn more about the entire period.
Anyone interested in the Templar Knights should consider this book, which is a brilliant introduction to a fascinating historic era and what it was like to live in those perilous times. Highly recommended.
The blood-soaked history of the Templars comes alive in this skillfully presented, thoroughly researched, and rich in detail tale. Through real and fictional characters who connect the reader to nowadays (and is amazingly resonant in today’s environment.), the author takes the reader on the journey to the subject which is shrouded in myth yet is so relevant to our times.
In the words of Dr. Henry Foster, one of the characters, I’d say about Templar Secrets: “I believe it is a solid treatise.” In the words of the author, “My aim isn’t only to entertain, but to inform as well.” And he did it brilliantly, I must admit, which perhaps, in part, comes from Economou’s personal experience as a member of a Masonic lodge.
The further I read, the more the narrative captured my imagination and enhanced my limited knowledge of the Templars and (as they adopted their ideas and practices and morphed into) Freemasons. The tale awoke in me an overwhelming urge to visit Cyprus and has inspired me to learn more about the entire period.
Anyone interested in the Templar Knights should consider this book, which is a brilliant introduction to a fascinating historic era and what it was like to live in those perilous times. Highly recommended.
June 4, 2019
this is an historical novel that purports to discuss the link between the Templar Knights (The Poor Fellow-Soldiers of Christ) who were destroyed by the French King Phillip on Friday 13 1307, and today's Freemasonry. This connection has been made many times and Economou does a good job with the history of Templars, their fighting during the Crusades and the protection of pilgrims to the Holy Land. When the last of the Crusader kingdoms (Acra) fell, they moved onto Cyprus, then Rhodes and finally Europe. (The offshoot of the Teutonic Knights, participated in the conversion of the Germanic tribes and founded Koenigberg (now Kaliningrad) as their main castle.
Forward to a time when the few remaining Templars were able to meet and to reform under the guild of the Masons. They Templars were supposed to have found the Ark of the Covenant under the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. They had settled at the bottom of the Temple Mount (in what had been the stables) where they found a secret tunnel that led them to a subterranean chamber where they found the Ark. Supposedly the brought the Ark out from Jerusalem when they left and over many years it was purported to be hidden in a safe place that only the top echelon of the Freemasons knew.
Enter two friends in Modern Britain who have joined the Freemasons. Using their knowledge learned from their initiations into the mysteries of the masons, history and a ability of decipher clues (like in the Da Vinci Code) they begin to track down where the Ark might be. It's a good story worth reading.
NOTE: though for centuries people have looked for the Ark, it was most likely taken to Roman by Titus after he destroyed the Temple in 70AD, along with all of the booty from Jerusalem. See Titus's Arch in Rome.
Forward to a time when the few remaining Templars were able to meet and to reform under the guild of the Masons. They Templars were supposed to have found the Ark of the Covenant under the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. They had settled at the bottom of the Temple Mount (in what had been the stables) where they found a secret tunnel that led them to a subterranean chamber where they found the Ark. Supposedly the brought the Ark out from Jerusalem when they left and over many years it was purported to be hidden in a safe place that only the top echelon of the Freemasons knew.
Enter two friends in Modern Britain who have joined the Freemasons. Using their knowledge learned from their initiations into the mysteries of the masons, history and a ability of decipher clues (like in the Da Vinci Code) they begin to track down where the Ark might be. It's a good story worth reading.
NOTE: though for centuries people have looked for the Ark, it was most likely taken to Roman by Titus after he destroyed the Temple in 70AD, along with all of the booty from Jerusalem. See Titus's Arch in Rome.
March 9, 2019
Intriguing story
I really enjoyed this book I was so interested in the stories of Hiram Abiff the architect of King Solomon’s temple. I loved the stories between him and the Queen of Sheba. I feel she really loved Hiram and he admired her. However his love for his wife and family over ruled his feelings towards her. I found the stories intriguing on how the leaders of the society had people killed to protect their secret. I’ve always been intrigued by the Knights Templar’s and Masons. My grandfather was a Mason. This is a great book explaining how history could have been played out.
I really enjoyed this book I was so interested in the stories of Hiram Abiff the architect of King Solomon’s temple. I loved the stories between him and the Queen of Sheba. I feel she really loved Hiram and he admired her. However his love for his wife and family over ruled his feelings towards her. I found the stories intriguing on how the leaders of the society had people killed to protect their secret. I’ve always been intrigued by the Knights Templar’s and Masons. My grandfather was a Mason. This is a great book explaining how history could have been played out.
December 3, 2020
An amazing story which will linger for a long time in your mind
Be prepared to embark on an amazing journey spanning from antiquity to present day, discovering not only the most treasured Templar secrets but also mesmerizing fabled historical places. This is not a banal Indiana Jones style book, it’s a cleverly staged adventure full of breathtaking cliffhangers. The effort of the author was tremendous in order to bring such a historical accuracy to the plot and description. This was not just an amazing story, it felt so real you could almost feel the author’s soul. A truly enlightening experience, I hope to read more of his books.
Be prepared to embark on an amazing journey spanning from antiquity to present day, discovering not only the most treasured Templar secrets but also mesmerizing fabled historical places. This is not a banal Indiana Jones style book, it’s a cleverly staged adventure full of breathtaking cliffhangers. The effort of the author was tremendous in order to bring such a historical accuracy to the plot and description. This was not just an amazing story, it felt so real you could almost feel the author’s soul. A truly enlightening experience, I hope to read more of his books.
May 27, 2019
Excellent historical fiction with a great blend of ancient and modern history, relationships, adventure, and suspense. Characters that you care about weave the past and present together in a very interesting story.
September 3, 2019
This book is told alternately between four different timelines and four stories. George Makrides is a 28 year old math professor at a local university in Cypress. He has just been initiated as an apprenticed Freemason. What does that mean.? Another storyline come fro Hiram the builder of King Solomon’s Temple. One other storyline have Father Pierre de Bologna and William de Grafton which became known as the Grand Masters of the secret society known later as Freemasonry. The last storyline includes Sir Hugh de Payns and Father Nickodemus became known as the founders of the Knights Templar.
This is a fascinating book as the author includes historical events and figures which made me think that it was done to make the story more realistic. The book was a page turner for me. I kept wanting to know more. The descriptions of the four different timelines is done exceptionally well by the author. Needless to say that I think that the characters engaging. I kept wanting to understand why there were four different timelines. Even though this book is an excellent read, it is long. It was something I didn’t expect. I don’t think that the book could be made shorter without losing some important material being left out.
Disclaimer: I received an arc of this book from the author/publisher from Netgalley. I wasn’t obligated to write a favorable review or any review at all. The opinions expressed are strictly my own.
This is a fascinating book as the author includes historical events and figures which made me think that it was done to make the story more realistic. The book was a page turner for me. I kept wanting to know more. The descriptions of the four different timelines is done exceptionally well by the author. Needless to say that I think that the characters engaging. I kept wanting to understand why there were four different timelines. Even though this book is an excellent read, it is long. It was something I didn’t expect. I don’t think that the book could be made shorter without losing some important material being left out.
Disclaimer: I received an arc of this book from the author/publisher from Netgalley. I wasn’t obligated to write a favorable review or any review at all. The opinions expressed are strictly my own.
November 20, 2019
I really enjoyed reading this book that has so many historical points. Exploring the link between the Knights Templar and the Freemasons was very interesting. I was so very interested in the stories of Hiram Abiff the architect of King Solomon’s temple. And reading the love story between him and the Queen of Sheba kept me glued to the story. It was a bigger book then what I was used to reading and even tho I wanted to read this all in one sitting I wasnt able to so it took me some time. But I think that it also gave me the time I needed to really absorb all the information packed into this book.
July 21, 2020
A GOOD Templar Book
Most Templar books fall apart because the author hasn't done their research or because they believe in crazy conspiracy theories. This is an exciting book that is plausible.
And well edited.
Most Templar books fall apart because the author hasn't done their research or because they believe in crazy conspiracy theories. This is an exciting book that is plausible.
And well edited.
December 13, 2020
A book about the Knights Templar and Freemasons, with a skillful blend between historical facts and delightful storytelling. How far are people willing to go to make sure that some secrets remain uncovered? The author introduces us to the blood-soaked history of the Knights Templar, and I was really impressed with how well-researched the book was.
A delicious reading experience which includes no less than four separate storylines. Meet Hiram, the one who built Solomon’s Temple, and see how he is connected to the Mason Hiram Abiff. Travel forward in time to get acquainted with George, a young Greek Cypriot. Joining the Freemasonry will bring a number of interesting changes to his otherwise simple life. While traveling between the past and the present, you will discover riveting facts about the Knights Templar and the Freemasonry. The story will come together in the end, standing as proof of the immense writing talent of the author.
To say that this book captured my imagination would be an understatement. I found it fascinating! Backed by thorough research, the author has managed to create a story that links the Knight Templars to the Freemasons, and it’s great! Not only did I feel like I was in the story myself, but I wanted to travel to Cyprus, right then and there. I was eager to discover more about the most treasured Templar secret and I loved the cliffhangers introduced so brilliantly throughout the book.
I applaud the tremendous effort the author has made to maintain the historical accuracy, and the way he blended real facts with fiction. It was clear that he poured his heart and soul into the book, and I found the whole reading experience to be enlightening. From the story of Hiram Abiff to the journey George takes into the universe of Freemasonry, you won’t find a single page of this book to be dull.
Verdict:
A beautiful book that introduces you to a story like no author. The author makes a compelling argument about the link between the Knights Templar and the Freemasonry, based on thorough research. You will feel like you are part of the story, falling in love with the extraordinary storytelling and the ingeniously-crafted suspense. Highly recommended!
A delicious reading experience which includes no less than four separate storylines. Meet Hiram, the one who built Solomon’s Temple, and see how he is connected to the Mason Hiram Abiff. Travel forward in time to get acquainted with George, a young Greek Cypriot. Joining the Freemasonry will bring a number of interesting changes to his otherwise simple life. While traveling between the past and the present, you will discover riveting facts about the Knights Templar and the Freemasonry. The story will come together in the end, standing as proof of the immense writing talent of the author.
To say that this book captured my imagination would be an understatement. I found it fascinating! Backed by thorough research, the author has managed to create a story that links the Knight Templars to the Freemasons, and it’s great! Not only did I feel like I was in the story myself, but I wanted to travel to Cyprus, right then and there. I was eager to discover more about the most treasured Templar secret and I loved the cliffhangers introduced so brilliantly throughout the book.
I applaud the tremendous effort the author has made to maintain the historical accuracy, and the way he blended real facts with fiction. It was clear that he poured his heart and soul into the book, and I found the whole reading experience to be enlightening. From the story of Hiram Abiff to the journey George takes into the universe of Freemasonry, you won’t find a single page of this book to be dull.
Verdict:
A beautiful book that introduces you to a story like no author. The author makes a compelling argument about the link between the Knights Templar and the Freemasonry, based on thorough research. You will feel like you are part of the story, falling in love with the extraordinary storytelling and the ingeniously-crafted suspense. Highly recommended!
July 5, 2019
"Templar Secrets" eBook was published in 2018 and was written by Andreas Economou (https://www.aeconomouauthor.com). This is Mr. Economou's second publication.
I received an ARC of this novel through https://www.netgalley.com in return for a fair and honest review. I categorize this novel as ‘R’ because it contains scenes of Violence. The story is set across the ages as it tells a story of the Templars and the Masons.
This story is a mixture of facts and fiction. In the present is George Makrides living in Cyprus. He has recently joined the Masons and has been seeking the secrets that he expected to be revealed.
Starting in 966 BCE Hiram is sent by his king to design and build King Soloman's temple, but there is intrigue between the kings. Later the crusades take the Holy Land and established the Kingdom of Jerusalem. There is a need to protect pilgrims as they travel to Jerusalem from Europe and the Knights Templar are born. Much later the French nobility and church view the Templars as a wealthy threat and they are persecuted. The Templars are eventually officially disbanded.
Foreseeing trouble, the Templar leadership hides their treasure on Cyprus. The head of the order forms the Masonic lodge to maintain and hand down clues to where the order's treasure has been hidden. The Masonic order evolves over the decades, but the essential clues in their ceremonies remain.
George and his friend and Masonic brother Alex are becoming disillusioned with the Masons, but their interest in the Templars has expanded. They wonder if the fabled Templar treasure exists and if it really is hidden on Cyprus.
I enjoyed the 11 hours I spent reading this 474-page mystery. While the primary plot of the story is the mystery of the Templar treasure which George and Alex pursue, I found the historical fiction of the Templars and the Masonic lodge much more interesting. I like the selected cover art. I give this novel a 4.1 (rounded down to a 4) out of 5.
Further book reviews I have written can be accessed at https://johnpurvis.wordpress.com/blog/.
I received an ARC of this novel through https://www.netgalley.com in return for a fair and honest review. I categorize this novel as ‘R’ because it contains scenes of Violence. The story is set across the ages as it tells a story of the Templars and the Masons.
This story is a mixture of facts and fiction. In the present is George Makrides living in Cyprus. He has recently joined the Masons and has been seeking the secrets that he expected to be revealed.
Starting in 966 BCE Hiram is sent by his king to design and build King Soloman's temple, but there is intrigue between the kings. Later the crusades take the Holy Land and established the Kingdom of Jerusalem. There is a need to protect pilgrims as they travel to Jerusalem from Europe and the Knights Templar are born. Much later the French nobility and church view the Templars as a wealthy threat and they are persecuted. The Templars are eventually officially disbanded.
Foreseeing trouble, the Templar leadership hides their treasure on Cyprus. The head of the order forms the Masonic lodge to maintain and hand down clues to where the order's treasure has been hidden. The Masonic order evolves over the decades, but the essential clues in their ceremonies remain.
George and his friend and Masonic brother Alex are becoming disillusioned with the Masons, but their interest in the Templars has expanded. They wonder if the fabled Templar treasure exists and if it really is hidden on Cyprus.
I enjoyed the 11 hours I spent reading this 474-page mystery. While the primary plot of the story is the mystery of the Templar treasure which George and Alex pursue, I found the historical fiction of the Templars and the Masonic lodge much more interesting. I like the selected cover art. I give this novel a 4.1 (rounded down to a 4) out of 5.
Further book reviews I have written can be accessed at https://johnpurvis.wordpress.com/blog/.
August 3, 2019
Review featured at www.books-n-kisses.com
I found this novel interesting if not all of it was true. I wish I knew exactly what part of it is true and which is not.
As with The Da Vinci Code it is based on truth with a splash of fiction. I have already found this subject interesting. There is so much mystery wrapped around the subject that again I am not sure exactly what part of the leaked information is myth or legend.
That being said the story makes you think and puts a new spin on the subject. The story is well written and interesting.
Any person interested in the subject will enjoy this story. Well worth the read.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
I found this novel interesting if not all of it was true. I wish I knew exactly what part of it is true and which is not.
As with The Da Vinci Code it is based on truth with a splash of fiction. I have already found this subject interesting. There is so much mystery wrapped around the subject that again I am not sure exactly what part of the leaked information is myth or legend.
That being said the story makes you think and puts a new spin on the subject. The story is well written and interesting.
Any person interested in the subject will enjoy this story. Well worth the read.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
January 29, 2021
I loved this book! Yes, it is fiction, but it's totally believable. The Knights Templar and The Freemasons, secretly connected? OK that might sound a little like a conspiracy theory, but Economou skillfully weaves together the story in such a way that you quickly get lost in its pages. I liked this more than I did The DaVinci Code honestly.
July 2, 2019
I found this to be a well-written and interesting book. Are Freemasonry and the Knights Templar connected?
While this book is fiction, it is intervowen with historical facts that make the story feel real. I enjoyed reading this boo
February 29, 2020
Interesting take on Templar story
Started slow, it worth the wait for a fresh take on the Templars and the Masons. Well-researched and a fun read.
Started slow, it worth the wait for a fresh take on the Templars and the Masons. Well-researched and a fun read.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews