A dying millionaire hires historian Cameron Thorne to help raise what he claims is a Roman-era ship wrecked off the coast of Massachusetts’ Plum Island. Roman coins and artifacts scattered around New England and the Ohio River Valley appear to confirm legends of early Romans crossing the Atlantic. It seems like a harmless assignment until a sultry Mossad agent threatens Cam’s life. Why would the Mossad care about ancient Roman artifacts? The answer, it turns out, could destabilize the Middle East for generations to come.
Based on actual historical artifacts, and illustrated.
Publishers Weekly says of the author, "BRODY DOES A TERRIFIC JOB OF WRAPPING HIS RESEARCH IN A FAST-PACED THRILL RIDE."
This is a stand-alone novel with recurring characters. The books in this series can be read in any order.
David S. Brody is a Boston Globe bestselling fiction writer named Boston's "Best Local Author" by the Boston Phoenix newspaper. A graduate of Tufts University and Georgetown Law School, he is a former Director of the New England Antiquities Research Association (NEARA) and is an avid researcher in the subject of pre-Columbian exploration of America. He has appeared as a guest expert on documentaries airing on History Channel, Travel Channel, PBS and Discovery Channel.
Reminds me of J. Robert Kennedy's James Acton series: archaeologist hunting Templar artifacts. Both intriguing and fun to read. This one goes in search of the Jewish Temple Menorah and other artifacts needed to rebuild the temple.
Okay start, saggy middle, goodish end. That's the one-line verdict.
My second read of Cameron Thorne's adventures. In the previous one--I'm forgetting the name of the novel, I'm sorry--his wife Amanda was alive and his adopted daughter Astarte was a small kid. In fact, that's the story where they find Astarte and adopt her, if I remember right. In this one, Cam has lost his wife to an accident and Astarte is all grown up--all of 17, that is--and has a native Indian boyfriend, Matthias. And yes, Cam speaks to Amanda in his mind, crucial conversations that work to explain his internal turmoil and/ or the thinking-through to clearing his mind.
That the Americas have been visited by older cultures is perhaps well accepted (more among the open-minded, maybe) and the pain Brody takes in laying out the evidence in support mainly works. The plot, I found, a little convoluted. And why Marconi? Other than the blood relationship shown it didn't add to anything more--which is what I was expecting. The Mossad, some minor local toughs, and the Vatican are deployed to spice up the tale, including a woman Mossad agent who casts longing eyes at Cam... anyway, some of it gelled, some didn't. Personally, I felt a little let down when the hugely significant find is unable to be brought out to see the light of day and I was left with a small hope to nurse. Maybe in a sequel.
Another excellent read from author David Brody, as he takes the reader through ancient artifacts along the Ohio River Valley to back up protagonist Cameron Thorne and his daughter Astarte as they look for signs of pre-Columbian exploration in America. This time the reader is drawn to an adventure with Mossad Agents and a host of would be killers on their tails as they look for actual artifacts and proof that an ancient Roman Ship off the Atlantic Coast really made it to America 3000 years ago. Another exciting adventure that keeps the reader engrossed at a rapid pace only to find both religious and political reasons as to why the world is not ready to learn the truth.
Where previous books in the series have concentrated on the Templars in America, this story takes the timeline even further back to investigate the possible presence of Romans in America and the treasures they might have brought with them. As with previous books, the narrative is backed up with images of actual artefacts relevant to the storyline giving credibility to the fictional aspects of the book. Groups of people in the book all have their own agenda and want different outcomes from the quest that Cam is sent on. One such group is the Israeli Mossad and that, in itself, adds extra excitement to the story. This is another well-written and well-researched book in the series.
I always find it amazing how the author has done such amazing research for all hos historic books that I have read .How the Free masons were descended, the influence they brought to America from the Knights ,to the Mandans, .Plus so much more Like caves, and artifacts found throughoutt America, and historic sites All this to bring stories theorizing what may have influenced history as we know it ,and then some. I absolutely recommend reading all books in the series and See how things MAY have happened. Kudos to the author.
You get caught within the first chapter of the first book. You stay up all night reading. Then you read the next books in quick succession. When they are all done, you know a lot more about America then you did before you started to read, back by references.. I personally could not wait for this book to come out. Now I’m waiting for the next.. they are such treats to read
Vikings, Romans and Templars before Columbus......?..
....and still the official account says nothing. I wondered if Amanda's death would spell the end of this series, but no, it's back and as good as it was. Certainly a plausible scenario, especially where the actions of Rome are concerned. I enjoyed this book, Amanda's wit continues post-mortem via Astarte, and RIVKA has added more dry humour. Hopefully the series will continue
I really enjoyed the early to about three quarters of the book. It was dealing with all the evidence of Romans coming to America in conclusion from the many second and third century Roman Coin finds. Fascinating!
The end of the book, though interesting in ways, the dilemmas IF the Menorah was found was thought provoking. It just didn’t grab me as much as when dealing with the Roman artifacts known to be in this country.
I read David Brody's books in order, after stumbling onto them in Kindle. As a fan of historical fiction, his prose matched my interest. I especially enjoyed his use of real artifacts' photos, diagrams, and maps to illustrate and augment his story. I absolutely hated that Amanda died in the 9th book, but was somewhat appeased by their continuing conversations. Overall, all ten books were a great read.
Exciting thrilling dangerous its all that and more
Cameron starts this adventure by being offered a job in researching if it was possible for the Romans to have gotten to America before it all. Talk about the good bad and the ugly it's all here. Astarte is growing into a fine young woman and Cameron is now on his own could Rivika fill the void. A remarkable story filled with the danger a thriller brings. Highly recommend
David S. Brody has become one of my favorite authors in the area of historical fiction.
Every time I read one of Mr. Brody's books I walk away with more knowledge of the history of this country (even some things that others would prefer stayed buried) then I had before. He is a master of weaving history throughout a tale of fiction. Mr. Brody, as long as you keep writing these wonderful books, I will, most certainly, continue to read them.
I absolutely love every book in this series. I’m still bummed about Amanda dying but this book carves the next chapter in his life. As always the real pictures lend credence to the fact that over 3,000 years ago there were non native people in America. The plot is fast paced and leaves open the next lady in cams life. Great read
The author again weaves his tale with precision and great acumen. Good to see Cam up and about, and back trying to prove pre-columbian discovery of the Americas. An apt reading of the geopolitical tea leaves sets the stage for this books skull drudgery. Truly enjoyable.
The related events of history and religion and world government made this book a great read. There is a lot of truth in events as the book unfolded,I had a hard time of trying to put it down. It is a continuation of the previous books that Mr Brody has written. His detail of actual evidence and the story makes sense.
Unlike the previous stories which are mostly about the Templars this one, like the title says, is mostly about the Romans. Brody managed to weave a great story around the reality of all the Roman finds in America which surely gives proof that there were many visitors before Columbus
It was a good read of fiction with a little controversial historical ooparts peppered through out. Didn't care for the clearly anti Christian bias but that seems par for the course in this age...over all , a good storyteller.
Roman trading ships in America cir. 300 ad. Why not. Very plausible evidence is all over the continent and throughout the river valleys of the Midwest. Fun historical fiction entertaining light read.
A fast pace story with historical facts, something that is spellbinding for me. But whoever proof reads these books, should do a better job-misspelled words and incorrect words inserted. Not what is expected from in print books.
I chose the rating because this story wraps up the storyline from the other books. I would recommend it to anyone who likes historical fiction. The characters and their interactions keeps the story going.
I really enjoyed this book! Cam and the gang make for easy reading. The story had it all. Action, adventure, religion and a little romance. Love the series and the author is pretty good too.
This is my 8th read, not in order, of the Templars books. I always find the stories educational & entertaining. I like having pictures of artifacts to reference to while reading the history. On to the next story.
Ancient history mixed with modern politics, a ghost who talks to her surviving husband, Vatican hijinks and Israeli Mossad commandos ... what's not to like?
I really enjoy this series with it’s mixture of truth,adventure and fiction. Each successive book is better than the previous one. Definitely worth reading.