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The Vatican Archives
Gods in the Ruins
An ancient tomb is discovered in the ruins of Babylon. The Pope sends Vatican archeologist Fr. Daniel Azar and his best friend, Swiss Guard Luca Rohner to Iraq to investigate the tomb’s warning of the end of the world and the terrible beast that will usher in the coming apocalypse. From the start of their journey, the two find their lives threatened by unknown assassins.Meanwhile in Washington, D. C., the Director of the CIA, also aware of the momentous find sends her own team to Iraq to find out whether the United States is in danger because of the discovery.In a race to uncover the truth, the Vatican and the CIA join forces to fight a resurgent ISIS Caliphate and an enemy out of myth and legend. Whoever wins will have the power to bring the world to destruction or prevent the extinction of the human race.
349 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 21, 2021
244 people are currently reading
137 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
June 6, 2021
E.R. Barr has written some great fantasy novels, such as The Tales of Conor Archer series. This newest book deals with an Apocalyptic event. The story follows many different groups with real and fictional people., but focuses on a young Catholic Friar named Daniel Azar who grew up in Baghdad, Iraq during the Invasion of Iraq. As a young boy he was gifted an ancient and magical ring called the Star Sapphire which has the power to heal and protect. His parents are Archeologists and they sent young Daniel to Rome to stay with his Godfather Liam who is a Vatican Archivist.
Daniel becomes well educated and becomes a Friar while in Rome. Around this time, Daniel's father Markoz makes an amazing discovery at an excavation site in Babylon at the Temple of Marduk. The discovery has an Akkadian inscription and an English date of November 1st of that year which is only about 6 months away.
This discovery catches the attention of the CIA, the Vatican, Iran, Iraq and other spies and religious groups. Many people are sent to Babylon to investigate the mysterious message that needs to be translated to understand its significance.
Daniel is sent to the archeology site by the Vatican because he has studied Akkadian and to get information from his father. His friend Luca who is from the Swiss Guard accompanies him as protection.
This is a very exciting story that moves at a fast pace. Daniel Azar has dreams and flashbacks that help explain his character. Barr's writing is able to transport readers to distant places. There is a lot of action and mysticism involved as political and religious groups try to understand the newly discovered inscription at Babylon.
Daniel becomes well educated and becomes a Friar while in Rome. Around this time, Daniel's father Markoz makes an amazing discovery at an excavation site in Babylon at the Temple of Marduk. The discovery has an Akkadian inscription and an English date of November 1st of that year which is only about 6 months away.
This discovery catches the attention of the CIA, the Vatican, Iran, Iraq and other spies and religious groups. Many people are sent to Babylon to investigate the mysterious message that needs to be translated to understand its significance.
Daniel is sent to the archeology site by the Vatican because he has studied Akkadian and to get information from his father. His friend Luca who is from the Swiss Guard accompanies him as protection.
This is a very exciting story that moves at a fast pace. Daniel Azar has dreams and flashbacks that help explain his character. Barr's writing is able to transport readers to distant places. There is a lot of action and mysticism involved as political and religious groups try to understand the newly discovered inscription at Babylon.
September 29, 2021
Gods in the ruins
An incredible story of a young Boy named Daniel, who was given a ring by Saddam Hussein during the time of shock and awe. The ring possessing a powerful aura about it sealed itself to Daniels hand, and could not be removed. As Daniel grows up he becomes a priest as he has lived with his uncle who is the pope and has wanted to carry on in the church after him. Growing up Daniel‘s parents were archaeologist in Babylon, where they were digging in an underground tomb, Where they have discovered a secret chamber and are expecting to find something that will change the course of The world today. There are many dangers trying to keep it secret from mystical beings to Isis and others in great power that want to know and possess what is in this tomb, they will go to great lengths to get there hands on what lies below.They will also discover that there are many spies among them, who are either after the ring on Daniels finger or what lies in the tomb. Daniels ring has healing powers and he has saved his mother from a very high fever, his father being shot at close range.After a great battle that they win, they must then figure out how to tell the world about the end of time tablet. It will not be easy for people to hear that the end is near nor will it be easy to keep the Pope and the Vatican safe.
An incredible story of a young Boy named Daniel, who was given a ring by Saddam Hussein during the time of shock and awe. The ring possessing a powerful aura about it sealed itself to Daniels hand, and could not be removed. As Daniel grows up he becomes a priest as he has lived with his uncle who is the pope and has wanted to carry on in the church after him. Growing up Daniel‘s parents were archaeologist in Babylon, where they were digging in an underground tomb, Where they have discovered a secret chamber and are expecting to find something that will change the course of The world today. There are many dangers trying to keep it secret from mystical beings to Isis and others in great power that want to know and possess what is in this tomb, they will go to great lengths to get there hands on what lies below.They will also discover that there are many spies among them, who are either after the ring on Daniels finger or what lies in the tomb. Daniels ring has healing powers and he has saved his mother from a very high fever, his father being shot at close range.After a great battle that they win, they must then figure out how to tell the world about the end of time tablet. It will not be easy for people to hear that the end is near nor will it be easy to keep the Pope and the Vatican safe.
February 5, 2022
More of a fantasy than a thriller
The storyline began well, kept reader interested until it went too far into fantasy mode.
Very believable at the beginning, not so much towards the end.
I'd like to read another book in this series just see where the author would take it next, but I understand that he mixes it with another series, which I am not at all interested in. Too bad.
Stick with Father Daniel & Luca, stay away from fantasy writing. It ruins your stories.
Would have gotten 5 stars if the book didn't turn into hard to believe fantasy. Sorry, cannot recommend.
The storyline began well, kept reader interested until it went too far into fantasy mode.
Very believable at the beginning, not so much towards the end.
I'd like to read another book in this series just see where the author would take it next, but I understand that he mixes it with another series, which I am not at all interested in. Too bad.
Stick with Father Daniel & Luca, stay away from fantasy writing. It ruins your stories.
Would have gotten 5 stars if the book didn't turn into hard to believe fantasy. Sorry, cannot recommend.
December 9, 2022
Another book where the author struggled to find a satisfactory ending for the yarn he spun! BARR expands this genre of archeology mysteries by adding a level of the supernatural. But he fails to tie all the pieces together at the end.
A readable book that I found somewhat disappointing because of the untidy ending.
A readable book that I found somewhat disappointing because of the untidy ending.
July 31, 2022
This book was entered in The Wishing Shelf Book Awards. This is what our readers thought:
Title: GODS IN THE RUINS: A VATICAN ARCHIVES THRILLER
Author: E. R. Barr
Star Rating: 3.5 Stars
Number of Readers: 17
Stats
Editing: 7/10
Writing Style: 7/10
Content: 7/10
Cover: 2/5
Of the 17 readers:
12 would read another book by this author.
8 thought the cover was good or excellent.
17 felt it was easy to follow.
14 would recommend this book to another reader to try.
Of all the readers, 6 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘plotting a story’.
Of all the readers, 7 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘developing the characters’.
Of all the readers, 4 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘writing style’.
17 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
14 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.
Readers’ Comments
“I did enjoy this story; the first half anyway. Then I felt it all got a bit silly. Sort of went from gritty thriller to crazy fantasy. I think, having thriller in the title was a bit misleading. But if over-the-top is for you, this book is for you.” Male reader, aged 55
“Has a Da Vinci Code feel to it which, as that book happens to be one of the biggest selling book of all time, that´s not a bad thing. The author´s a good writer who knows how important it is with a thriller to keep things moving. And, I must say, there´s plenty happening here! Plenty of twists, turns, with a little (a lot) of super-natural thrown into the mix. You´ll never be bored reading this!” Female reader, aged 47
“Plenty of suspense, intrigue, and excitement. This reminded me of Indiana Jones and the Crystal Skull; excellent first half, but totally over-the-top second half. Still enjoyed it though.” Female reader, aged 59
To Sum It Up:
‘A fast-paced thriller packed full of suspense.’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
Title: GODS IN THE RUINS: A VATICAN ARCHIVES THRILLER
Author: E. R. Barr
Star Rating: 3.5 Stars
Number of Readers: 17
Stats
Editing: 7/10
Writing Style: 7/10
Content: 7/10
Cover: 2/5
Of the 17 readers:
12 would read another book by this author.
8 thought the cover was good or excellent.
17 felt it was easy to follow.
14 would recommend this book to another reader to try.
Of all the readers, 6 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘plotting a story’.
Of all the readers, 7 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘developing the characters’.
Of all the readers, 4 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘writing style’.
17 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
14 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.
Readers’ Comments
“I did enjoy this story; the first half anyway. Then I felt it all got a bit silly. Sort of went from gritty thriller to crazy fantasy. I think, having thriller in the title was a bit misleading. But if over-the-top is for you, this book is for you.” Male reader, aged 55
“Has a Da Vinci Code feel to it which, as that book happens to be one of the biggest selling book of all time, that´s not a bad thing. The author´s a good writer who knows how important it is with a thriller to keep things moving. And, I must say, there´s plenty happening here! Plenty of twists, turns, with a little (a lot) of super-natural thrown into the mix. You´ll never be bored reading this!” Female reader, aged 47
“Plenty of suspense, intrigue, and excitement. This reminded me of Indiana Jones and the Crystal Skull; excellent first half, but totally over-the-top second half. Still enjoyed it though.” Female reader, aged 59
To Sum It Up:
‘A fast-paced thriller packed full of suspense.’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
May 26, 2023
This was one fascinating story. It’s about archeologist Fr. Daniel Aza and his friend, Swiss Guard Luca Rohner. Daniel was asked to investigate inscriptions on a tomb and invites his friend along. There’s a lot of mystery surrounding this tomb, and so much so that assassins were after them. There is a ring involved, one that was given to Daniel as a kid by his father. This ring carries some magical powers. There is also a political side to it, but not serious. It’s on the humor side which made the story all the more enjoyable.
I liked how the author opened the story with Daniel as a young kid. We learn about who he is and why it’s important to know him. As an adult, he is pulled into a situation he might not have been considered for if it weren’t for a certain language he was trained in as an archeologist. Personally, I felt Daniel came across very ordinary, but sometimes that’s what’s needed to create this type of story. He sort of just takes us through the story. Questions are asked/events are told and we observe these with Daniel. In the end, he ends up doing the right thing.
There is a lot going on in the story, and even though this is a fast-paced read, you have to really pay attention to the details. I’d have to say, I was most intrigued by the mash/mashing of the political figures, Christianity, and the Muslim religion. It was nicely done and had me smiling. I should also mention that the scene of the creature really had me. Most thrillers I’ve read don’t really go that direction. It gave the story a fantasy feel, which is something I love. If you enjoy stories about mystery tied with historical events or people with a touch a fantasy and humor, this one is it.
I liked how the author opened the story with Daniel as a young kid. We learn about who he is and why it’s important to know him. As an adult, he is pulled into a situation he might not have been considered for if it weren’t for a certain language he was trained in as an archeologist. Personally, I felt Daniel came across very ordinary, but sometimes that’s what’s needed to create this type of story. He sort of just takes us through the story. Questions are asked/events are told and we observe these with Daniel. In the end, he ends up doing the right thing.
There is a lot going on in the story, and even though this is a fast-paced read, you have to really pay attention to the details. I’d have to say, I was most intrigued by the mash/mashing of the political figures, Christianity, and the Muslim religion. It was nicely done and had me smiling. I should also mention that the scene of the creature really had me. Most thrillers I’ve read don’t really go that direction. It gave the story a fantasy feel, which is something I love. If you enjoy stories about mystery tied with historical events or people with a touch a fantasy and humor, this one is it.
August 6, 2023
Interesting storytelling.
A young boy is taken to Saddam Hussein, who gives the child a valuable ring. The boy goes back to his parents' current archaeological dig. When the child becomes a man, the ring he had been given is fused to his hand, even when he becomes a Roman Catholic Priest.
Father Daniel Azar is sent by his uncle/godfather, the Pope, to investigate strange occurrences in Iraq, where Daniel's parents are excavating an old tomb.
As the dig goes ahead, strange things begin to happen. There are several murders, explosions and threats that are soon attributed to ISIS. But as the story develops, we learn of spies in the archaeological party, big Bedouins, clad in black, riding mythological creatures from Iraqi legend. The characters seem to know how to access the rift in time to get to the mysterious 'Otherworld' where the evil power resides.
Eventually, with the help of three men from the tomb that Father Daniel's parents are excavating, and the Pope himself, evil is once again overcome.
Interesting story,. Enjoyable enough, but slightly surreal.
A young boy is taken to Saddam Hussein, who gives the child a valuable ring. The boy goes back to his parents' current archaeological dig. When the child becomes a man, the ring he had been given is fused to his hand, even when he becomes a Roman Catholic Priest.
Father Daniel Azar is sent by his uncle/godfather, the Pope, to investigate strange occurrences in Iraq, where Daniel's parents are excavating an old tomb.
As the dig goes ahead, strange things begin to happen. There are several murders, explosions and threats that are soon attributed to ISIS. But as the story develops, we learn of spies in the archaeological party, big Bedouins, clad in black, riding mythological creatures from Iraqi legend. The characters seem to know how to access the rift in time to get to the mysterious 'Otherworld' where the evil power resides.
Eventually, with the help of three men from the tomb that Father Daniel's parents are excavating, and the Pope himself, evil is once again overcome.
Interesting story,. Enjoyable enough, but slightly surreal.
August 27, 2023
Nice characters and smooth action, but I had trouble getting around the plot inconsistencies. Ancient Babylonians were supposed to have sophisticated modern technology, but still used sun baked bricks to build their buildings. They had knowledge that requires equipment that left no trace of having or of the activities required to build that technology. They did not understand why fields would not grow any more after a certain cycle of usage. Ancient gods are still around in a parallel universe, along with many mystical creatures.
July 12, 2024
Gods In The Ruins (A Vatican Archives Thriller #1) by E.B. Barr
An archeological dig in Iraq could prove an end of times project on NOV 1,2023. Dr.’s Markoz& his Wife Frankie Azar, are archeologists are about to open up the tomb, from the time of the Babylonian era.The Azars have spent 20 years digging out this tomb. The information have world governments looking to see how this info could help their country for good or evil.
This was a very intriguing read, I could not put it down. This story would be ideal to watch as a series on TV.
An archeological dig in Iraq could prove an end of times project on NOV 1,2023. Dr.’s Markoz& his Wife Frankie Azar, are archeologists are about to open up the tomb, from the time of the Babylonian era.The Azars have spent 20 years digging out this tomb. The information have world governments looking to see how this info could help their country for good or evil.
This was a very intriguing read, I could not put it down. This story would be ideal to watch as a series on TV.
August 5, 2022
Lots of history involving the Middle East and Babylon.
This book shows how a priest in the Vatican, whose uncle happens to be the Pope, tries to solve a mystery surrounding a tomb in the ancient city of Babylon (the tomb is being excavated by the priests' mother and father). There is a lot of blending of present time, and biblical times with certain ancient monsters becoming real.
This book shows how a priest in the Vatican, whose uncle happens to be the Pope, tries to solve a mystery surrounding a tomb in the ancient city of Babylon (the tomb is being excavated by the priests' mother and father). There is a lot of blending of present time, and biblical times with certain ancient monsters becoming real.
November 19, 2024
Gods in Ruins
I really enjoyed this story. Not all,but most.
What I liked most was the mystical,supernatural parts. It had just enough facts thrown in to make it believable.
What I did not like were the array of characters. Way to many for me to remember, and I refused to check the directory included in the front of the book.
So in conclusion, this book is a story you will enjoy. Also it is a duet.
I really enjoyed this story. Not all,but most.
What I liked most was the mystical,supernatural parts. It had just enough facts thrown in to make it believable.
What I did not like were the array of characters. Way to many for me to remember, and I refused to check the directory included in the front of the book.
So in conclusion, this book is a story you will enjoy. Also it is a duet.
November 1, 2022
This is the first book in a new Vacation Archive thriller Series .
This was a great beginning to a new series by this Author although we have a new set of characters and a new Pope . It's still the nail biting on the edge of your seat thrill ride that the other series where . Looking forward to the next book in this series .
This was a great beginning to a new series by this Author although we have a new set of characters and a new Pope . It's still the nail biting on the edge of your seat thrill ride that the other series where . Looking forward to the next book in this series .
September 6, 2024
Indiana Jones meets Dan Brown: A very good story mixing fantasy, myths of various religions, and real events, plus very likeable and mostly realistic protagonists, good narration style and a much appreciated pinch of humour - hours of sheer enjoyable reading. Fast-paced, with lots of suspense.
More please!
More please!
July 2, 2022
Great read!
This was a fun adventure that the author created. The story line was well put together and the characters were solid and believable. I will be reading the follow on book, for sure. This does not disappoint, something was always happening.
This was a fun adventure that the author created. The story line was well put together and the characters were solid and believable. I will be reading the follow on book, for sure. This does not disappoint, something was always happening.
July 11, 2022
This book should have been listed under the Sci-fi genre
Decent book but totally in the Sci-fi genre. As long as you keep that in mind, you will probably like the book just fine. However, I was very glad when I finished reading this book. I
Decent book but totally in the Sci-fi genre. As long as you keep that in mind, you will probably like the book just fine. However, I was very glad when I finished reading this book. I
July 18, 2022
A Great Read!
A real surprise! Full of adventure and very hard to know when to stop. The author touches on every imaginable fantasy, and emotion possible. Each page has so many details you find yourself guessing what is next.
A real surprise! Full of adventure and very hard to know when to stop. The author touches on every imaginable fantasy, and emotion possible. Each page has so many details you find yourself guessing what is next.
October 1, 2022
mesmerizing
I stayed up most of the night. A story I couldn’t put down because I wanted know “what’s next?”. Ancient Babylonian history mixed with modern day
, futuristic doings. A Pope, a priest, archeologists, even a fighting hologram.
I stayed up most of the night. A story I couldn’t put down because I wanted know “what’s next?”. Ancient Babylonian history mixed with modern day
, futuristic doings. A Pope, a priest, archeologists, even a fighting hologram.
February 21, 2023
Supernatural twist
Finished like a typical first novel. Interesting at first but took speed reading to get to the end. I expect that there is a sequel but I won't spend the time needed to read it.
Finished like a typical first novel. Interesting at first but took speed reading to get to the end. I expect that there is a sequel but I won't spend the time needed to read it.
July 18, 2022
different
A little heavy on the super natural. We’ll written and interesting plot. I think I’d read another book in this series .
A little heavy on the super natural. We’ll written and interesting plot. I think I’d read another book in this series .
October 4, 2022
fast paced paranormal thriller
The discoveries and paranormal individuals were excellently fleshed out. It was hard to put this book down. Worth the read!!
The discoveries and paranormal individuals were excellently fleshed out. It was hard to put this book down. Worth the read!!
November 24, 2022
good
Gods in the ruins is a great book. Doesn’t ever slow down. Can’t wait to read some more by E R Barr
Gods in the ruins is a great book. Doesn’t ever slow down. Can’t wait to read some more by E R Barr
December 9, 2022
Loved it! & just the right amount of action, intrigue & twists and turns. Far fetched ... somewhat, sure, but still believeable as fiction. Can hardly wait to read book 2 in this series.
February 14, 2023
Couldn't put it down
Actually read this 3x in 24 hours! A brilliant combination of science,religion, and history! A read that needs to experience!
Actually read this 3x in 24 hours! A brilliant combination of science,religion, and history! A read that needs to experience!
April 19, 2023
awesome book
I love this author I couldn’t put this book down I read it in 2 days I recommend to anyone who likes biblical stories
I love this author I couldn’t put this book down I read it in 2 days I recommend to anyone who likes biblical stories
April 26, 2023
Exciting
I loved this trip to Babylonian times. The book is a page turner! An exciting blast from the past... Highly recommend it.
I loved this trip to Babylonian times. The book is a page turner! An exciting blast from the past... Highly recommend it.
April 28, 2023
Gods in ruin
This book was awesome,I was totally into this storyline,the characters were interesting and everything was fast paced,I didn't want the book to end,loved the dog!!!
This book was awesome,I was totally into this storyline,the characters were interesting and everything was fast paced,I didn't want the book to end,loved the dog!!!
July 19, 2023
This is filled with chills and thrills and lots of action-somewhat reminded me of Raider's of the Lost Ark (one of my all time favorite movies! This kept me reading, entranced to the very end.
October 5, 2023
The ending left me hanging.
December 11, 2024
Fast pace and flourishes that leave you wondering. I enjoyed this book even though I seldom delve into the world of fantasy.
August 17, 2025
great book
One cannot stop until he finishes it. It just attracts you more and more into the unfolding story of past and present.
One cannot stop until he finishes it. It just attracts you more and more into the unfolding story of past and present.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews