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Leonardo and Gabriel: A historical thriller with a jaw-dropping twist that will change your life
LEONARDO DA VINCI HAS A PROBLEM. A serious problem. The soul-wrenching kind. The career killing kind. He needs to finish a piece for the Pope—but doesn’t know how. Alas, figuring it out is no trivial task. In fact, nobody ever has. Of all the great and grand quests that humans have undertaken, none has been more attempted or elusive than gaining a comprehensive grasp of God. When seeking to know Him with the head rather than the heart, to rely on reason rather than faith, the obstacles appear insurmountable. If He is all powerful, and we are His children, why do so many suffer so horribly? Why would He punish people who don’t believe in Him? Why haven’t we seen or heard from Him for thousands of years? Join Leonardo and the Archangel Gabriel as they survey and surmount these stumbling blocks. Listen in as Gabriel reveals why obvious answers remain obscured. Follow along as he leads Leonardo all the way to an intuitive understanding of the Almighty. Set during Da Vinci’s struggle to give God a face in his masterpiece, The Last Supper, Leonardo and Gabriel is no less entertaining than it is educational. Although the framework is historically accurate, the conclusions of this original work are as unpredictable as they are compelling. Engage with an open mind—as Gabriel councils Leonardo to do—and it may even change your life. _________________________ Do you like logic puzzles? Pondering big philosophical questions? Are you open-minded and eager to learn life-improving lessons? Then this book’s for you. On the other hand, if you prefer to sit in the pews, repeating along while scripture is passionately delivered from the pulpit, then you should probably pass on this one. _________________________ BEFORE YOU BUY, PLEASE NOTE TWO 1) This novella is considerably shorter than the author’s novels. The price reflects the caliber of the content, not the page count, and was selected to discourage impetuous purchase. 2) This is essentially an entertaining self-help book, a philosophy text that reads like a thriller. It is intended to stimulate life-improving thought and adequately answer one of history’s most perplexing questions by creatively presenting original analysis on an important topic that touches us all.
144 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 1, 2019
2174 people are currently reading
233 people want to read
About the author
Tim Tigner
23 books1,051 followersTim began his career in Soviet Counterintelligence with the US Army Special Forces, the Green Berets. That was back in the Cold War days when, “We learned Russian so you didn't have to,” something he did at the Presidio of Monterey alongside Recon Marines and Navy SEALs.
With the fall of the Berlin Wall, Tim switched from espionage to arbitrage. Armed with a Wharton MBA rather than a Colt M16, he moved to Moscow in the midst of Perestroika. There, he led prominent multinational medical companies, worked with cosmonauts on the MIR Space Station (from Earth, alas), chaired the Association of International Pharmaceutical Manufacturers, and helped write Russia’s first law on healthcare.
Moving to Brussels during the formation of the EU, Tim ran Europe, Middle East, and Africa for a Johnson & Johnson company and traveled like a character in a Robert Ludlum novel. He eventually landed in Silicon Valley, where he launched new medical technologies as a startup CEO.
In his free time, Tim has climbed the peaks of Mount Olympus, went hang gliding from the cliffs of Rio de Janeiro, and ballooned over Belgium. He earned scuba certification in Turkey, learned to ski in Slovenia, and ran the Serengeti with a Maasai warrior. He acted on stage in Portugal, taught negotiations in Germany, and chaired a healthcare conference in Holland. Tim studied psychology in France, radiology in England, and philosophy in Greece. He has enjoyed ballet at the Bolshoi, the opera on Lake Como, and the symphony in Vienna. He’s been a marathoner, paratrooper, triathlete, and yogi.
Intent on combining his creativity with his experience, Tim began writing thrillers in 1996 from an apartment overlooking Moscow’s Gorky Park. Twenty years later, his passion for creative writing continues to grow every day. His home office now overlooks a vineyard in Northern California.
Tim grew up in the Midwest, and graduated from Hanover College with a BA in Philosophy and Mathematics. After military service and work as a financial analyst and foreign-exchange trader, he earned an MBA in Finance and an MA in International Studies from the University of Pennsylvania.
Thank you for taking the time to read about the author. Tim loves to correspond with readers like you. You are welcome to reach him through Goodreads or directly at timtigner.com/contact
With the fall of the Berlin Wall, Tim switched from espionage to arbitrage. Armed with a Wharton MBA rather than a Colt M16, he moved to Moscow in the midst of Perestroika. There, he led prominent multinational medical companies, worked with cosmonauts on the MIR Space Station (from Earth, alas), chaired the Association of International Pharmaceutical Manufacturers, and helped write Russia’s first law on healthcare.
Moving to Brussels during the formation of the EU, Tim ran Europe, Middle East, and Africa for a Johnson & Johnson company and traveled like a character in a Robert Ludlum novel. He eventually landed in Silicon Valley, where he launched new medical technologies as a startup CEO.
In his free time, Tim has climbed the peaks of Mount Olympus, went hang gliding from the cliffs of Rio de Janeiro, and ballooned over Belgium. He earned scuba certification in Turkey, learned to ski in Slovenia, and ran the Serengeti with a Maasai warrior. He acted on stage in Portugal, taught negotiations in Germany, and chaired a healthcare conference in Holland. Tim studied psychology in France, radiology in England, and philosophy in Greece. He has enjoyed ballet at the Bolshoi, the opera on Lake Como, and the symphony in Vienna. He’s been a marathoner, paratrooper, triathlete, and yogi.
Intent on combining his creativity with his experience, Tim began writing thrillers in 1996 from an apartment overlooking Moscow’s Gorky Park. Twenty years later, his passion for creative writing continues to grow every day. His home office now overlooks a vineyard in Northern California.
Tim grew up in the Midwest, and graduated from Hanover College with a BA in Philosophy and Mathematics. After military service and work as a financial analyst and foreign-exchange trader, he earned an MBA in Finance and an MA in International Studies from the University of Pennsylvania.
Thank you for taking the time to read about the author. Tim loves to correspond with readers like you. You are welcome to reach him through Goodreads or directly at timtigner.com/contact
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
July 29, 2019
I leave reading Leonardo and Gabriel reluctantly. In many senses I want to continue “discussing” the thoughts further. Unlike some others have mentioned in their reviews, I am not an atheist. I have a deep and abiding Christian faith and many of my friends would dismiss the book as being opposed to our shared beliefs. But others, like me, would consider it thought provoking and an incentive to deep thinking about the reality of what we believe. I have some disagreement with the “conclusion” Leonardo and Gabriel reach, but many of the foundational concepts are ones I share.
I don’t think Mr. Tigner’s book is, by any means, anti-religion. I think it is pro-thinking. What we believe and what constructs we impose on those beliefs because of the “organization” portion of communal worship many times would benefit from some out-of-the-box thinking. I think all religious thinking would benefit from discarding the concept of the bearded, white-robed magician with the magic wand. Our concepts of God/Supreme Being need to be broader than that presented by most in organized religion. Mr. Tigner’s book did a good job of making me think about what I believe. I hope it does the same for others.
To be transparent, I received the book from Mr Tigner without cost. Even with my limited resources I now believe it would worth paying for the book!
I don’t think Mr. Tigner’s book is, by any means, anti-religion. I think it is pro-thinking. What we believe and what constructs we impose on those beliefs because of the “organization” portion of communal worship many times would benefit from some out-of-the-box thinking. I think all religious thinking would benefit from discarding the concept of the bearded, white-robed magician with the magic wand. Our concepts of God/Supreme Being need to be broader than that presented by most in organized religion. Mr. Tigner’s book did a good job of making me think about what I believe. I hope it does the same for others.
To be transparent, I received the book from Mr Tigner without cost. Even with my limited resources I now believe it would worth paying for the book!
July 21, 2019
Stroke of Genius
This book is staggeringly brilliant! Tim Tigner is known for his ingeniously inventive thrillers. Leonardo and Gabriel is a totally different novel. I can only describe it as a meditation on genius through the main character of Leonardo da Vinci, who many consider the world’s greatest mind. The plot is simple: Leonardo is artistically blocked. He must complete his masterpiece, The Last Supper, but cannot conjure the faves of Jesus and Judas (the ultimate Good and Evil). The angel Gabriel comes to him in dreams to help him. What follows is a series of dialogues on the nature of God and humanity, which brought to my mind Hamlet’s quote — “There are more things in Heaven and Earth, Horacio, than are dreamt of in your philosophy.”
The story plays out on multiple layers. Leonardo’s daily life in Milan details the colliding spheres of politics, religion, and art in this nerve center of the Renaissance. His dream discussions with Gabriel are exquisitely elegant as well as thought-provoking. They soar with brilliance. Niccolo Machiavelli, Leonardo’s friend and confidante, adds a layer of earthiness and political reality as well as support. This book is a literary symphony: every movement works in concert and harmony building to a transcendent crescendo.
As other reviewers have said, Leonardo and Gabriel should be mandatory reading in almost any college course. It combines philosophical and religious discussions on the nature of God and man, political debates, an historical depiction of life in Renaissance Italy, and finally, a portrait of an artist in crisis and the psychology of artistic creation. A must-read to treasure.
This book is staggeringly brilliant! Tim Tigner is known for his ingeniously inventive thrillers. Leonardo and Gabriel is a totally different novel. I can only describe it as a meditation on genius through the main character of Leonardo da Vinci, who many consider the world’s greatest mind. The plot is simple: Leonardo is artistically blocked. He must complete his masterpiece, The Last Supper, but cannot conjure the faves of Jesus and Judas (the ultimate Good and Evil). The angel Gabriel comes to him in dreams to help him. What follows is a series of dialogues on the nature of God and humanity, which brought to my mind Hamlet’s quote — “There are more things in Heaven and Earth, Horacio, than are dreamt of in your philosophy.”
The story plays out on multiple layers. Leonardo’s daily life in Milan details the colliding spheres of politics, religion, and art in this nerve center of the Renaissance. His dream discussions with Gabriel are exquisitely elegant as well as thought-provoking. They soar with brilliance. Niccolo Machiavelli, Leonardo’s friend and confidante, adds a layer of earthiness and political reality as well as support. This book is a literary symphony: every movement works in concert and harmony building to a transcendent crescendo.
As other reviewers have said, Leonardo and Gabriel should be mandatory reading in almost any college course. It combines philosophical and religious discussions on the nature of God and man, political debates, an historical depiction of life in Renaissance Italy, and finally, a portrait of an artist in crisis and the psychology of artistic creation. A must-read to treasure.
July 13, 2019
I hate leaving reviews but I must in this case. So simple. So beautiful. How logical. I hope everyone reads this book, has an open mind and the willingness to think
See above. I'm not meant to leave reviews. Just take the TIME to read this novella. Thank you for blowing my mind
See above. I'm not meant to leave reviews. Just take the TIME to read this novella. Thank you for blowing my mind
August 28, 2019
Not A Story, Just Philosophy
This book is merely the author's spiritual philosophies wrapped in the guise of a poorly written story. The philosophy doesn't even make sense. The conclusion of some illogical statements: God is time.
Don't waste your time, God is waiting for you to use the gift of time more wisely.
This book is merely the author's spiritual philosophies wrapped in the guise of a poorly written story. The philosophy doesn't even make sense. The conclusion of some illogical statements: God is time.
Don't waste your time, God is waiting for you to use the gift of time more wisely.
August 4, 2019
I want everyone to read this book.
I'm still processing what I learned and read. I have to re read this a few times to grasp what was written. This story is about Da Vinci painting the last supper, his struggles and his interaction with the Arc angel Gabriel.
I'm still processing what I learned and read. I have to re read this a few times to grasp what was written. This story is about Da Vinci painting the last supper, his struggles and his interaction with the Arc angel Gabriel.
July 7, 2019
Tim Tigner is best know for his amazing thrillers - especially those featuring Kyle Achilles. Seeing the title of tis novella I wasn't sure what to expect. Was it something akin to The DaVinci Code? I'd not read anything by Tigner that seemed the least bit derivative, so I didn't think so.
And I was right! The work deals with the historical Leonardo Davinci in a fictional but practical way focusing more on his intellect than his art. The novella is set during the time when The Last Supper is nearing completion and LDV is missing only figures of Judas and Jesus. DaVinci is seeking inspiration for these two most important figures when he is visited by the Archangel Gabriel. Gabriel, aware of LDV's religious doubts, leads him through an intellectual exercise to reveal the true nature of God.
The arguments are interesting and even convincing to a devout atheist like myself. I think you will find the work a very good investment of your time. Recommended for everyone!
Tim Tigner, your talent never ceases to amaze me!
And I was right! The work deals with the historical Leonardo Davinci in a fictional but practical way focusing more on his intellect than his art. The novella is set during the time when The Last Supper is nearing completion and LDV is missing only figures of Judas and Jesus. DaVinci is seeking inspiration for these two most important figures when he is visited by the Archangel Gabriel. Gabriel, aware of LDV's religious doubts, leads him through an intellectual exercise to reveal the true nature of God.
The arguments are interesting and even convincing to a devout atheist like myself. I think you will find the work a very good investment of your time. Recommended for everyone!
Tim Tigner, your talent never ceases to amaze me!
August 10, 2019
Interesting
I enjoyed this book basically because Leonardo Da Vinci is one of my favorite artists. I was wondering what kind of conversations he would have with the archangel Gabriel. It was thought provoking to say the least. I recommend it to everyone.
I enjoyed this book basically because Leonardo Da Vinci is one of my favorite artists. I was wondering what kind of conversations he would have with the archangel Gabriel. It was thought provoking to say the least. I recommend it to everyone.
September 7, 2019
I liked it, I hated it and I loved it! Don’t cheat yourself by not giving it a chance. Actually I didn’t hate it at all but I thought I did for a couple of confused minutes, which maybe in retrospect made me like it even more, for making me go through the progress. Thanks Tim, for thinking outside the box we now got used to you normally “restraining” yourself with ;-)
July 8, 2019
One of the most thought provoking works I have ever read.
September 22, 2019
One of those MIND reads
Excellent! I love a book that makes me question why I thought something had to be the way I was taught! Changes the perspective a great deal!
Excellent! I love a book that makes me question why I thought something had to be the way I was taught! Changes the perspective a great deal!
March 17, 2020
Very interesting theory
Definitely one to read and think about. It's actually quite fascinating. I'll be chewing on this one for quite a while, if not always.
Definitely one to read and think about. It's actually quite fascinating. I'll be chewing on this one for quite a while, if not always.
August 8, 2019
CC1
I thought this book was excellent change of pace. The entire story was later out so well!!!! The whole idea and the conclusion I totally agree with. Never have seen it out into this context. But it was a fantastic read !!! Carl Clause
I thought this book was excellent change of pace. The entire story was later out so well!!!! The whole idea and the conclusion I totally agree with. Never have seen it out into this context. But it was a fantastic read !!! Carl Clause
September 2, 2019
The good book
It good to think about God when you read. You have strength where you think it was not there at all.
It good to think about God when you read. You have strength where you think it was not there at all.
September 2, 2019
Provocative. My brain hurts trying to process Tigner's words. Will definitely need to reread.
September 2, 2019
Spiritually philosophical
Many questions, with many answers. An inspiring read leaving me with a desire to re-read, so I may focus on the details knowing the outcome.
Many questions, with many answers. An inspiring read leaving me with a desire to re-read, so I may focus on the details knowing the outcome.
August 28, 2019
Wow
I've read other Tigner books and enjoyed them, but this book is delightfully different. It reminded me stylistically of Ismael by Daniel Quinn. It's deep philosophy wrapped in a story to help with understanding. There are some profound concepts to ponder for anyone involved in a spiritual life. Highly recommended.
I've read other Tigner books and enjoyed them, but this book is delightfully different. It reminded me stylistically of Ismael by Daniel Quinn. It's deep philosophy wrapped in a story to help with understanding. There are some profound concepts to ponder for anyone involved in a spiritual life. Highly recommended.
October 4, 2019
Brilliant and Logical - read it with an open mind and it makes you think.............alot!
August 29, 2019
A great book
This short book is as good as a 500 page novel! Tim Tiger you've done a great job on your book!
This short book is as good as a 500 page novel! Tim Tiger you've done a great job on your book!
September 5, 2019
So much food for thought even if it is fiction. What brilliant thinking, questions and ideas it stimulates. A great read though I wanted it to be longer. Absolutely love it💜.
November 10, 2019
Genius
This is a "Must Read" book.....Tim Tigner at his finest!
A book to be read, and then reread......every word valuable and thought provoking. It will change your perspective and perhaps even your view of life.......
This is a "Must Read" book.....Tim Tigner at his finest!
A book to be read, and then reread......every word valuable and thought provoking. It will change your perspective and perhaps even your view of life.......
November 26, 2019
A wonderfully fun novella for those who enjoy thought provoking topics and ideas. The characters are entertaining and likable and the ideas presented are brilliant. I will definitely read it again, as my own ideas expand from that of the book.
December 10, 2019
You will never forget this book, particularly if you are a Christian. I want to read it again because it made me think about my spirituality.
August 19, 2019
Challenging and thought provoking
Enjoyed the combination of da Vinci and religious open mindedness. A very quick read with bits of history, religion and Leonardo’s genius.
Enjoyed the combination of da Vinci and religious open mindedness. A very quick read with bits of history, religion and Leonardo’s genius.
August 18, 2019
I gave it a 5! Fascinating, funny at times & truly thought provoking.I found myself on the scaffold with Leonardo,that's how much I was "taken in" by the narrative.I had a big grin & as big a sigh when I read the last page.
January 3, 2020
Talk about a book that makes you think... I will be processing this one for a long time.
August 19, 2019
An enlightening discovery about God! I can see why Leonardo's art, famously known for The Mona Lisa and The Last Supper, has captivated viewers for 500 years! A timeless legend, worthy of unbiased philosophical consideration.
August 21, 2019
Thought Provoking
Read with an open mind and you will receive knowledge.
I enjoyed this novella immensely & will be reading again & again.
Read with an open mind and you will receive knowledge.
I enjoyed this novella immensely & will be reading again & again.
September 3, 2019
Very thought provoking. Probably would need a second read, as I think I got some of the ideas upside down the first time through. Well done, as arguments go. Can’t say much more without spoilers.
December 28, 2019
The best book I read in 2019. The author has managed to create a contemporary philosophy book using characters from the 15th century. Well written, captivating and thought provoking. A quick read that DEMANDS a reread...just to make sure!
September 21, 2019
Bad writing, interesting ideas
The writing is contrived and heavy handed, but the idea expressed has merit. It was a bit difficult to read, not because it was complicated, but because it was clumsy.
The writing is contrived and heavy handed, but the idea expressed has merit. It was a bit difficult to read, not because it was complicated, but because it was clumsy.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews