What do you think?
Rate this book
Templars in America #14
The Serpent Oracle: Templars, Mormons and the Lilith Legacy
Historian Cameron Thorne finds himself in the cross-hairs of a rogue group of serpent-worshiping, venom-injecting Freemasons intent on bringing down Western religions. He is content to walk away from the fight—until they target his daughter Astarte to be their temple oracle.
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.
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.
335 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 13, 2022
208 people are currently reading
146 people want to read
About the author
David S. Brody
32 books86 followersDavid 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
July 14, 2022
I don’t like snakes! This book has a lot to do with snakes, so therefore I had a difficult time ignoring the snakes and just enjoying the book. If you don’t mind snakes, it is a good read.
March 21, 2023
4.5/5 This was quite the fascinating read. I love how Brody fearlessly and boldly explores these unique and unfamiliar topics; it seems there’s nothing that he won’t investigate to find connections to the ancient Templars. This one caught me by surprise as I didn’t know much about how snakes tied into freemasonry. The way he brings in Mormons and Gnostics is interesting as well. Lots to learn! I’ll admit I was a little overwhelmed in the beginning of the story, yet it smoothed out as it went on. I enjoyed his alternate interpretations to snake symbology other than “evil”. As always, there’s a diverse cast of characters- some with ulterior motives. For one character in particular, one of their…let’s just say ‘circumstances’ as I don’t want to give too much away…is sweet justice, and not what you expect. Brilliant. I’ve come to look forward to the dramatic, well-timed plot twists in Brody’s novels. Action, adventure, danger, wit, and wisdom combine to make this a well-rounded novel that was hard to put down.
March 10, 2023
This guy baffles me. He spins a great yarn - it's a fun story with a far-fetched premise. That would be fine. But then he fills it with pictures of artifacts and places and uses loads of pseudo-archaeology to claim that it's all based on fact. (And yes, he seems to believe it.) And then, he keeps going on about how people who fall for conspiracy theories are gullible idiots who just want to feel superior because they know something that "THEY" (whoever they are) want to keep secret.
So... how am I supposed to feel about someone who believes in the Annunaki, people with superpowers who are descended from serpents, and the truth of Mormon myth, and tells me that "mainstream scientists", governments and secret societies have been hiding from us for thousands of years?
Like I said, it's a fun read, if you're willing to suspend your disbelief. It would have been so much better if he hadn't spent so much effort trying to convince me to believe him.
So... how am I supposed to feel about someone who believes in the Annunaki, people with superpowers who are descended from serpents, and the truth of Mormon myth, and tells me that "mainstream scientists", governments and secret societies have been hiding from us for thousands of years?
Like I said, it's a fun read, if you're willing to suspend your disbelief. It would have been so much better if he hadn't spent so much effort trying to convince me to believe him.
October 19, 2023
Snakes?!
I absolutely love David Brody's books! They are so well written, the characters are believable, and the plots are always so compelling! While the snake "theory" is a little far out for me, I still loved the book and found myself drawn in to the possibilities while gaining insightful, informative knowledge about cult worship of snakes. Mr. Brody's research and how he presents it makes everything he writes seem real or, at least, possible! Since I dislike snakes, I was thankful Mr. Brody did not go to great lengths in his description of snakes, but focused on their supposed role in creating oracles. The use of boards to shape the heads of children was much more horrible than the handling of snakes. Again, this is a compelling read!
I absolutely love David Brody's books! They are so well written, the characters are believable, and the plots are always so compelling! While the snake "theory" is a little far out for me, I still loved the book and found myself drawn in to the possibilities while gaining insightful, informative knowledge about cult worship of snakes. Mr. Brody's research and how he presents it makes everything he writes seem real or, at least, possible! Since I dislike snakes, I was thankful Mr. Brody did not go to great lengths in his description of snakes, but focused on their supposed role in creating oracles. The use of boards to shape the heads of children was much more horrible than the handling of snakes. Again, this is a compelling read!
October 30, 2022
Fascinating and sadness too
This is a story of truth, Cameron the historian searches for the truth and so does Astarte his daughter who now has Matthias by her side. The baron thinks we all ascend from snakes and is trying to infiltrate the freemasonry beliefs into snake beliefs but now he needs more. That's when the story gets complicated. I really enjoy Cameron's journey after loosing Amanda and finding Mossad agent Rivika his life is back to searching for the truth. I recommend this book
This is a story of truth, Cameron the historian searches for the truth and so does Astarte his daughter who now has Matthias by her side. The baron thinks we all ascend from snakes and is trying to infiltrate the freemasonry beliefs into snake beliefs but now he needs more. That's when the story gets complicated. I really enjoy Cameron's journey after loosing Amanda and finding Mossad agent Rivika his life is back to searching for the truth. I recommend this book
November 22, 2022
This is another well-researched book in the "Templars in America". Not only is it an exciting read, but I also found it very informative in that I hadn't heard of Lilith before, nor was I aware of how possibly widespread serpent worship is and its link to our own culture. As with other books, as the author says, it is a standalone story but you could possibly get more out of the story if you read the earlier books in the series. If you just read this one then you will possibly find yourself wanting to read more in the series anyway!
Read
December 5, 2022I like all David Brody's novels and especially the historical proof pictures. I keep all the novels I read. The only negative point I have is that some people really believe that some people amoung us; have
serpent blood! I think there were murders; at least, I know that it's imaginative. Maybe those people that take everything they hear as the truth; we all have to be decerning of what we read and hear.
serpent blood! I think there were murders; at least, I know that it's imaginative. Maybe those people that take everything they hear as the truth; we all have to be decerning of what we read and hear.
July 1, 2022
Very interesting
Brody delivers again. Though I don't believe that subverting a Grand Lodge and associated Masonic Lodges to implement a nefarious plan to take over is all that plausible. Furthermore, there are powers attributed to the Grand Master and other masons that are not actually applicable. But that is why this fiction.
Brody delivers again. Though I don't believe that subverting a Grand Lodge and associated Masonic Lodges to implement a nefarious plan to take over is all that plausible. Furthermore, there are powers attributed to the Grand Master and other masons that are not actually applicable. But that is why this fiction.
November 15, 2022
Good read
Good story, but not as easy to follow or as compelling as previous books. Maybe the topic, which was interesting, was not on my wavelength! I still find David S Brody an excellent author and will continue reading his work.
Good story, but not as easy to follow or as compelling as previous books. Maybe the topic, which was interesting, was not on my wavelength! I still find David S Brody an excellent author and will continue reading his work.
November 16, 2022
Another good one
I have read many of the books in this series and this is one of the best. The mixture of facts and fiction is just about the right amount and the storyline behind the books is maturing well. I’m already looking forward to reading the next episode.
I have read many of the books in this series and this is one of the best. The mixture of facts and fiction is just about the right amount and the storyline behind the books is maturing well. I’m already looking forward to reading the next episode.
December 3, 2022
When people don’t understand history, or forget it they start to believe in stupid things.
The best line in the book, and so true.
Cam and Astarte take on snake worshippers and the Mormons, with a little help from Rivka.
The best line in the book, and so true.
Cam and Astarte take on snake worshippers and the Mormons, with a little help from Rivka.
July 29, 2024
David Brody Novels
All of David's books are enjoyable, they are hard to put down! He is very knowledgeable about relics and historical sites in New England. I went to some of the locations with him, Brother Masons, and New England native groups. He really does know history.
All of David's books are enjoyable, they are hard to put down! He is very knowledgeable about relics and historical sites in New England. I went to some of the locations with him, Brother Masons, and New England native groups. He really does know history.
December 29, 2024
History in a story line
Your books are excellent and engaging. I hope that some teachers and professors use them to make their students think about history and help them become intrigued with research. Keep up the good.
Your books are excellent and engaging. I hope that some teachers and professors use them to make their students think about history and help them become intrigued with research. Keep up the good.
July 7, 2022
A fascinating look at snakes in history and religion
Not disappointed at all in this newest novel. Fast moving, believable and a page Turner. Astarte living up to her destiny.
Not disappointed at all in this newest novel. Fast moving, believable and a page Turner. Astarte living up to her destiny.
November 5, 2022
Not his best work but okay.
The story lacks substance. Read more as a crime novel than his earlier works. Not a bad read; just not what I had come to expect from the author.
The story lacks substance. Read more as a crime novel than his earlier works. Not a bad read; just not what I had come to expect from the author.
November 7, 2022
Nice
I enjoy the series. But this one was a little slow. It did keep me in the story. I will keep reading the series because I enjoy the subject.
I enjoy the series. But this one was a little slow. It did keep me in the story. I will keep reading the series because I enjoy the subject.
November 24, 2022
another great book in the series
Can’t ask for much more. Kept my interest from page one to the end and left me wanting more action & suspense.
Can’t ask for much more. Kept my interest from page one to the end and left me wanting more action & suspense.
November 25, 2022
Really enjoyed it.
December 22, 2022
A 3 M mystery
You find Morman, Masons and Maussad in this tale of Serpent worshippers. There are lots of twists and turns ,some a stretch but interesting to the end.
You find Morman, Masons and Maussad in this tale of Serpent worshippers. There are lots of twists and turns ,some a stretch but interesting to the end.
March 10, 2023
A new search
While shorter than the other books, this was a cool one. Basically because it was so out there! It reminded me of Ancient Aliens. Anyway, it was a fun read.
While shorter than the other books, this was a cool one. Basically because it was so out there! It reminded me of Ancient Aliens. Anyway, it was a fun read.
March 27, 2023
Another action packed thriller with archeologist Cam searching all the serpent mounds to unravel truths behind the Book of Mormon. Lots of actual historical sites woven into the plot.
June 28, 2023
A lot of Jack Ryan, but not enough insight into some of the Mormon experience in America, particularly the Great Trek to Utah. A lot of material to cover on that.
June 28, 2023
Good story
I think that it was over complicated. I understand that there has to be twists and turns but not too many or the reader ends up dizzy
I think that it was over complicated. I understand that there has to be twists and turns but not too many or the reader ends up dizzy
December 15, 2022
Interesting story. I always enjoy learning new things and I will probably read more from this author.
October 24, 2023
For the first couple of chapters, I was ready to give up on the series - too many side characters of no real significance being given lengthy internal monologues or conversations. The basis of the plot was especially convoluted and contradicted a lot of the theories put forward in previous books.
Having said that, once the action part of the novel kicked in, it was the usual fast paced story filled with clever twists and turns, just about enough to keep me invested. Matthias is proving to be a decent addition to the regular cat of characters though I'm still not interested at all in Menachem.
Having said that, once the action part of the novel kicked in, it was the usual fast paced story filled with clever twists and turns, just about enough to keep me invested. Matthias is proving to be a decent addition to the regular cat of characters though I'm still not interested at all in Menachem.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews