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The Jerusalem Prophecies #1
The Sacred Cipher
History's greatest secret could be tomorrow's greatest threat More historically and biblically accurate than The DaVinci Code and just as adventurous as an Indiana Jones movie, The Sacred Cipher , the first book in The Jerusalem Prophecies, combines action and mystery to draw readers into a world of ancient secrets and international escapades. When an ancient scroll appears in a secret room of the Bowery Mission in New York City, Tom Bohannon is both stunned and intrigued. The enigma of the scroll's contents will send Bohannon and his team ricocheting around the world, drawing the heat of both Jewish and Muslim militaries, and bringing the Middle East to the brink of nuclear war in this heart-pounding adventure of historical proportions. The Sacred Cipher is a riveting, fact-based tale of mystery and suspense.
352 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 2009
126 people are currently reading
1310 people want to read
About the author
Terry Brennan
6 books50 followersPart of a team that won a Pulitzer Prize for Editorial Writing at The Mercury in Pottstown, PA.
Twenty-year career in journalism as a sportswriter, newspaper editor and newspaper publisher in Pennsylvania, Illinois and New York State.
Twenty-year career in senior management of not-for-profit agencies working with homeless people in New York City.
Twenty-year career in journalism as a sportswriter, newspaper editor and newspaper publisher in Pennsylvania, Illinois and New York State.
Twenty-year career in senior management of not-for-profit agencies working with homeless people in New York City.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
November 27, 2015
Terry Brennan in his new book “The Sacred Cipher” Book One in The Jerusalem Prophecies series published by Kregel Publications gives us another thriller with Tom Bohannon. History’s Greatest Secret Could Be Tomorrow’s Greatest Threat
From the back cover: A secret room has been discovered in the chapel of the Bowery Mission. And what’s hidden inside could change the world as we know it.
When New Yorker Tom Bohannon uncovers an ancient cipher containing a dead language that has been lost in the sands of time, he doesn’t fully comprehend the danger that’s about to unfold. Though Tom and his team of ragtag scientists and historians want to decode the ancient text, there are others who don’t want the cipher revealed. And they are prepared to kill to keep it hidden.
From a market in 19th century Alexandria to an apartment in present-day New York to the tunnels beneath Jerusalem, the secret of the cipher has spanned the globe–and threatened the lives of everyone in its path. Will Tom be next?
Prophecy, intrigue, and terrorism saturate “The Sacred Cipher“. The Cipher has been found again and a small group of men are working at trying to decipher it. However there is a group that is devoted to making sure that this never happens and sets about to eliminate them. Tom, Doc, Joe and Sammy are not ex-CIA or Navy SEALS or anything like that, they are simply middle-aged men who have discovered something significant and want to know what it is. The Cipher takes them to Jerusalem and they work their way under The Temple Mount to find the answer. There, in addition to the original group that wants them dead, are the terrorists that want them dead and the Israelis that want them stopped because they think our group are terrorists. And the action hasn’t even begun. “The Sacred Cipher” is almost a non-stop action thriller. Mr. Brennan has put in so many twists and turns in his story that it would make a roller coaster envious. Tom, Doc, Joe and Sammy are wonderful characters that we care about, want to see escape the danger that they find themselves in and want them to succeed. Terry Brennan has given us a unique thriller that will keep you on the edge of your chair as you read and flip pages as fast as possible. I recommend this book highly and am looking forward to the next book in the series!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Kregel Publications. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
From the back cover: A secret room has been discovered in the chapel of the Bowery Mission. And what’s hidden inside could change the world as we know it.
When New Yorker Tom Bohannon uncovers an ancient cipher containing a dead language that has been lost in the sands of time, he doesn’t fully comprehend the danger that’s about to unfold. Though Tom and his team of ragtag scientists and historians want to decode the ancient text, there are others who don’t want the cipher revealed. And they are prepared to kill to keep it hidden.
From a market in 19th century Alexandria to an apartment in present-day New York to the tunnels beneath Jerusalem, the secret of the cipher has spanned the globe–and threatened the lives of everyone in its path. Will Tom be next?
Prophecy, intrigue, and terrorism saturate “The Sacred Cipher“. The Cipher has been found again and a small group of men are working at trying to decipher it. However there is a group that is devoted to making sure that this never happens and sets about to eliminate them. Tom, Doc, Joe and Sammy are not ex-CIA or Navy SEALS or anything like that, they are simply middle-aged men who have discovered something significant and want to know what it is. The Cipher takes them to Jerusalem and they work their way under The Temple Mount to find the answer. There, in addition to the original group that wants them dead, are the terrorists that want them dead and the Israelis that want them stopped because they think our group are terrorists. And the action hasn’t even begun. “The Sacred Cipher” is almost a non-stop action thriller. Mr. Brennan has put in so many twists and turns in his story that it would make a roller coaster envious. Tom, Doc, Joe and Sammy are wonderful characters that we care about, want to see escape the danger that they find themselves in and want them to succeed. Terry Brennan has given us a unique thriller that will keep you on the edge of your chair as you read and flip pages as fast as possible. I recommend this book highly and am looking forward to the next book in the series!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Kregel Publications. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
December 3, 2014
This book is an intriguing page turner. From the very beginning to the last word, the author held me riveted to the story, eagerly anticipating what would happen next. An international thriller, the novel leads the reader through plot twists and turns, around unexpected corners, and deep into Biblical history.
Terry Brennan has defined believable characters and launched them on a seemingly impossible quest, riddled with danger and brimming with adventure. He captures the challenge of the mission as he ushers his characters through a cacophony of doubt, fear, disaster, and hope.
The pacing was just right, enough to keep the reader guessing what was coming next, yet detail and imagery never slowed the action. There is nothing preachy about this Christian novel, but it is so well researched and presented that even those who normally don’t read Christian fiction would probably enjoy it.
Great news is that there is a sequel, The Brotherhood Conspiracy, which is on my TBR list.
I would recommend The Sacred Cipher to any reader who enjoys a fast-paced mystery thriller that is exceptionally well-written.
Terry Brennan has defined believable characters and launched them on a seemingly impossible quest, riddled with danger and brimming with adventure. He captures the challenge of the mission as he ushers his characters through a cacophony of doubt, fear, disaster, and hope.
The pacing was just right, enough to keep the reader guessing what was coming next, yet detail and imagery never slowed the action. There is nothing preachy about this Christian novel, but it is so well researched and presented that even those who normally don’t read Christian fiction would probably enjoy it.
Great news is that there is a sequel, The Brotherhood Conspiracy, which is on my TBR list.
I would recommend The Sacred Cipher to any reader who enjoys a fast-paced mystery thriller that is exceptionally well-written.
August 30, 2009
"Sacred Cipher" is the kind of book that sucks you in slowly and then won't let you go til it spits you out at the very end. What I mean to say is that it took me a few chapters to get oriented to what was going on, who everybody was and where the story was going. Then I had to grab on with both hands and just hold on for the ride! There are plenty of seeds of truth in this book and storyline - the preacher Charles Spurgeon and his love of books, the Demotic language and the Rosetta Stone, Sir Edward Elgar and the Dorabella Cipher, Abiathar of Jerusalem and the Bowery Mission - all of these things are real. Terry Brennan takes these items and people of fact and weaves an amazing story of mystery, intrigue and some incredible suspense that kept me up until 3:00 am reading to finish because I couldn't go to bed until I knew how it ended. Archeology, puzzles, theories, Muslims, Israelis, assasins and the President - throw in a couple Americans and a Brit and a Sacred Cipher and what you have is a tale that will set you on edge and keep you holding your breath!
April 23, 2023
This book starts off with action and conspiracy that would please any Dan Brown fan. A stolen scroll from ancient times in an obscure language is found and lost again at the end of the 19th century only to be rediscovered in the modern times. This indecipherable scroll is so valuable that man are willing to kill for it. An unlikely team comes together to solve the cipher and end up traveling to Israel. And this is when book goes all Left Behind https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2... meets DIG https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dig_(TV....
There is one strong female character in the book and she gets jettisoned the moment things get scary dangerous. This is the first in a series and while it ends there is a bit of a cliff hanger.
There is one strong female character in the book and she gets jettisoned the moment things get scary dangerous. This is the first in a series and while it ends there is a bit of a cliff hanger.
March 8, 2014
46% of the way through I pulled the plug.
March 21, 2019
Historia w książce mnie wciągnęła i ciężko było się odrywać.
Częściowo jest oparta na faktach historycznych.
Niestety wydawca w tym przypadku się nie popisał.
Błędy w druku przeszkadzają w czytaniu.
Według mnie nikt nie czytał tekstu przed wydrukowaniem książki.
Częściowo jest oparta na faktach historycznych.
Niestety wydawca w tym przypadku się nie popisał.
Błędy w druku przeszkadzają w czytaniu.
Według mnie nikt nie czytał tekstu przed wydrukowaniem książki.
November 11, 2015
I believe what has always drawn me to the Indiana Jones movies is the possibility of the discovery of an ancient biblical artifact being discovered that might hold untold powers in the right or wrong hands. For those of us that study the Bible, we know that many religious artifacts still remain hidden even continually searched for to this day. That is just the reason for my fascination about novels that deals with that type of genre. A bit action adventure, mystery, and of course, suspense. For those that love such types like National Treasure, The DaVince Code or the Indiana Jones series, you might just want to check out Terry Brenna who has written a series of books called the Jerusalem Prophecies Series.
The first novel in the series, The Sacred Cipher takes readers into the heart of a discovery of an ancient scroll that has been found in the late 1800's by Charles Spurgeon. In the metal case contains a scroll consisting of a series of unknown characters on it and from all appearances is very old. The only issue Charles has with it is knowing what it says and even how to go about reading it. He only knows he must mail it to a professor in London who might be able to help. As he is attempting to do this, he notices a group of men want to stop him from taking the scroll from Egypt and will stop at nothing to ensure they get it back. Nothing.
As the scroll's mysteries deepen Tom Bohannon discovers an old map room hidden in an old church during the present day. Calling in support for what he discovers with scientists and historians he trusts, he unlocks a safe believed to contain a priceless collection of old religious books. Among them he finds a metal case containing a scroll along with a letter warning whoever has it that is must be uncoded and protected whatever the cost and that danger surrounds those in whose possession it remains. It will take an entire team of men to use all the resources available to them to unlock the mystery of the scroll and what they discover could quite possibly mean the end of the world if what is reveals is true. Now all they can do is true to find out if is true or just some kind of random treasure hunt, but if that is the case why are there so many people out there killing others just to stop them?
I received The Sacred Cipher by Terry Brennan compliments of Kregel Publications for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation aside from a free copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. At first the book was hard to get into with so many characters being introduced and understanding the difficulties in dealing with ancient languages and cryptology, but the more further into the story you get, the more involved you become in wanting to know if such a thing is there and if it is possible. By the end, you will do anything to get your hands on the sequel, The Brotherhood Conspiracy. For me, this one was a 4.5 out of 5 stars and now I can't wait to read the next one. Knowing Bible prophecy, things just got a whole lot more interesting.
The first novel in the series, The Sacred Cipher takes readers into the heart of a discovery of an ancient scroll that has been found in the late 1800's by Charles Spurgeon. In the metal case contains a scroll consisting of a series of unknown characters on it and from all appearances is very old. The only issue Charles has with it is knowing what it says and even how to go about reading it. He only knows he must mail it to a professor in London who might be able to help. As he is attempting to do this, he notices a group of men want to stop him from taking the scroll from Egypt and will stop at nothing to ensure they get it back. Nothing.
As the scroll's mysteries deepen Tom Bohannon discovers an old map room hidden in an old church during the present day. Calling in support for what he discovers with scientists and historians he trusts, he unlocks a safe believed to contain a priceless collection of old religious books. Among them he finds a metal case containing a scroll along with a letter warning whoever has it that is must be uncoded and protected whatever the cost and that danger surrounds those in whose possession it remains. It will take an entire team of men to use all the resources available to them to unlock the mystery of the scroll and what they discover could quite possibly mean the end of the world if what is reveals is true. Now all they can do is true to find out if is true or just some kind of random treasure hunt, but if that is the case why are there so many people out there killing others just to stop them?
I received The Sacred Cipher by Terry Brennan compliments of Kregel Publications for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation aside from a free copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. At first the book was hard to get into with so many characters being introduced and understanding the difficulties in dealing with ancient languages and cryptology, but the more further into the story you get, the more involved you become in wanting to know if such a thing is there and if it is possible. By the end, you will do anything to get your hands on the sequel, The Brotherhood Conspiracy. For me, this one was a 4.5 out of 5 stars and now I can't wait to read the next one. Knowing Bible prophecy, things just got a whole lot more interesting.
January 20, 2011
Renovations were underway at the historic Bowery Mission in New York City and by chance, the construction workers came across a hidden room behind the organ pipes of the chapel. Tom Bohannan, executive director of the mission quickly realizes that what they've discovered is the office of Dr. Louis Klopsch, the first president of the Bowery mission. While the office has the traditional furnishings you'd expect, the one piece of furniture that stands out is a large ornate safe. After a bit of searching through Klopsch's desk and file cabinets, Tom discovers the safe's combination. Much to his surprise, the safe is filled to the brim with books, scrolls, manuscripts, and the like. The most unique item in the safe is an ornate mezuzah containing a five by twenty four inch scroll. The writing on the scroll is in a script that Bohannan and his brother-in-law do not recognize. Accompanying the mezuzah was a letter from Charles Spurgeon to Dr. Klopsch warning that there are men who will kill to posses the very scroll that they held in their hands. Their curiosity peaked, Bonannan and his brother-in-law Joe Rodrigurez embark on a journey to uncover the meaning of this mysterious scroll. The deeper they dig, the more dangerous things will get. Their journey will take them from the streets of New York City all way around the world to the city of Jerusalem. What they uncover could be the greatest archaeological discovery of all time. However, it may also be the last straw in the constant struggle between the warring factions in the Middle East.
If you're a fan of archaeological fiction, you need to read The Sacred Cipher. Terry Brennan's engaging style will keep you on the edge of your seat as you work your way through all of this book's 352 pages. This well researched work of fiction will be enjoyable for the both the academic reader as well as the armchair archaeologist. This book was truly a pleasure to read and deserves a rating of five out of five stars.
Terry Brennan has had an extensive career in journalism, winning several awards, including the Valley Forge Award for editorial writing from the Freedoms Foundation. Terry served eleven years as the vice president of operations for the Bowery Mission in New York City and is currently a management consultant
Disclaimer: This book was provided by Kregel Publications for review. The reviewer was under no obligation to offer a favorable review.
If you're a fan of archaeological fiction, you need to read The Sacred Cipher. Terry Brennan's engaging style will keep you on the edge of your seat as you work your way through all of this book's 352 pages. This well researched work of fiction will be enjoyable for the both the academic reader as well as the armchair archaeologist. This book was truly a pleasure to read and deserves a rating of five out of five stars.
Terry Brennan has had an extensive career in journalism, winning several awards, including the Valley Forge Award for editorial writing from the Freedoms Foundation. Terry served eleven years as the vice president of operations for the Bowery Mission in New York City and is currently a management consultant
Disclaimer: This book was provided by Kregel Publications for review. The reviewer was under no obligation to offer a favorable review.
June 25, 2022
I would have given this 3 stars but had to knock off points for blatant sexism. (See below.)
I usually steer away from blatantly religious fiction, as in the author beats you over the head proselytizing. This isn’t quite that bad, but it does get a bit heavy-handed regarding the issue of faith. I can overlook the heavy-handedness if the mystery element is strong enough. I did enjoy the historical element too, especially if it’s about Biblical archaeology.
This is not the best book I’ve ever read, but it’s not the worst, either. As others mentioned, the numerous proofreading and grammatical errors were an annoyance, hence the mediocre rating. (Book 2 is no better in that regard—sigh.) Overall, it was an intriguing read, but I have to call out the author for being a cultural dinosaur. NO one in this day and age should still be demeaning women, even if it isn’t intentional. (Hello, publisher? Did none of you really not notice theses gaffes?) There is a section where Brennan calls an older woman who is a secretary “an old hag” because she dresses conservatively and has gray hair in a bun. Unbelievable. Then he tops it off by making a wolfish comment about another businessman having a young blonde bombshell as a secretary. Hubba hubba! Ugh. (Note also that the term he uses is always “secretary”, never “administrative assistant.”) This guy is a Neanderthal, but if you can overlook the blatant sexism or chauvinism, it doesn’t get any worse than those two instances. Not that the other female characters get much to do other than be supportive. The men would be nowhere without Kallie’s expert knowledge, but once she shares what she knows, the guys get all the action and poor Kallie ends up in the slammer with a wrecked career. Typical.
I usually steer away from blatantly religious fiction, as in the author beats you over the head proselytizing. This isn’t quite that bad, but it does get a bit heavy-handed regarding the issue of faith. I can overlook the heavy-handedness if the mystery element is strong enough. I did enjoy the historical element too, especially if it’s about Biblical archaeology.
This is not the best book I’ve ever read, but it’s not the worst, either. As others mentioned, the numerous proofreading and grammatical errors were an annoyance, hence the mediocre rating. (Book 2 is no better in that regard—sigh.) Overall, it was an intriguing read, but I have to call out the author for being a cultural dinosaur. NO one in this day and age should still be demeaning women, even if it isn’t intentional. (Hello, publisher? Did none of you really not notice theses gaffes?) There is a section where Brennan calls an older woman who is a secretary “an old hag” because she dresses conservatively and has gray hair in a bun. Unbelievable. Then he tops it off by making a wolfish comment about another businessman having a young blonde bombshell as a secretary. Hubba hubba! Ugh. (Note also that the term he uses is always “secretary”, never “administrative assistant.”) This guy is a Neanderthal, but if you can overlook the blatant sexism or chauvinism, it doesn’t get any worse than those two instances. Not that the other female characters get much to do other than be supportive. The men would be nowhere without Kallie’s expert knowledge, but once she shares what she knows, the guys get all the action and poor Kallie ends up in the slammer with a wrecked career. Typical.
March 27, 2015
As a fan of Dan Brown, I was expecting a good reading with 'The Sacred Cipher'. I got well served.
A temple under a temple. A group of diversified people will find themselves prisoners of the quest to discover this hidden temple. They will be hunted by many radicalist groups and by the government. The discovery they thought would make them famous could kill them.
Terry Brennan made a fabulous fiction novel based on some real facts and personnages. The story keeps you alert and intrigued during all its 350 pages.
'The Sacred Cipher' is the kind of book that mix well religion, intrigue, crime and history. This very nice book has not much to envy to 'The Da Vinci Code'.
The question is, will this group of normal people will be able to decrypt the cipher and find what has been hidden for more than a thousand years.
I got to thank Terry Brennan and 'Kregel' for this book I received through Goodreads giveaways.
A temple under a temple. A group of diversified people will find themselves prisoners of the quest to discover this hidden temple. They will be hunted by many radicalist groups and by the government. The discovery they thought would make them famous could kill them.
Terry Brennan made a fabulous fiction novel based on some real facts and personnages. The story keeps you alert and intrigued during all its 350 pages.
'The Sacred Cipher' is the kind of book that mix well religion, intrigue, crime and history. This very nice book has not much to envy to 'The Da Vinci Code'.
The question is, will this group of normal people will be able to decrypt the cipher and find what has been hidden for more than a thousand years.
I got to thank Terry Brennan and 'Kregel' for this book I received through Goodreads giveaways.
June 28, 2015
A good read. I can understand some of the problems mentioned in the negative reviews; but overall I thought it was a good adventure story. Not sure I'll read any of the others in the series. Too many books, too little time; I have to be selective.
July 2, 2010
I thought it was awful. Poorly written. I had to stop reading it.
May 3, 2023
Growing up, I was a huge fan of the Da Vinci Code series by Dan Brown - it was inventive, exhilarating, and engaging. This book felt like the Walmart version of DVC - the only female "protagonist" (if we can even call her that) is brushed off by the gang of merry men and had to force herself onto their adventure because there was no way they would let her go otherwise. She's also portrayed as useless because she gives up their plans whilst being interrogated heavily by the military, yet the man whose live she saved gets to play the hero and go back to Jerusalem to save his friends? Come on. The latter part of the story is broken up into sections: the protagonists, the terrorists, and the military, but each part gets more and more confusing and less descriptive. And the names, so many names - are they important? Or do they just have names just for the sake of introducing another unimportant character for the sake of one scene?
Lastly, religion - if this book were marketed under "Christian Fiction" or something, maybe I would have avoided it. When they're stuck in the a tunnel, one guy just...prays? I have nothing against faith or religion - to each their own - but being stuck in a giant tunnel and praying to God, surviving it *because of God, praying to God to help them decipher a cipher and suddenly someone knows the answer? And to have a conversation about God whilst barely alive, praying to God that his friend could understand his faith and believe, I don't know...something about this all just felt really preach-y and not something I enjoyed reading, especially since faith wasn't even a huge proponent in the beginning and now the main character just goes around praying for everyone.
I feel like this book was less "cool history" and more " us vs them" towards the end, and to be honest, I zoomed through the last half of the book because it was that bad.
I "read" 370+ pages just to find out they found a temple under the ground. Gets buried. Nice.
Lastly, religion - if this book were marketed under "Christian Fiction" or something, maybe I would have avoided it. When they're stuck in the a tunnel, one guy just...prays? I have nothing against faith or religion - to each their own - but being stuck in a giant tunnel and praying to God, surviving it *because of God, praying to God to help them decipher a cipher and suddenly someone knows the answer? And to have a conversation about God whilst barely alive, praying to God that his friend could understand his faith and believe, I don't know...something about this all just felt really preach-y and not something I enjoyed reading, especially since faith wasn't even a huge proponent in the beginning and now the main character just goes around praying for everyone.
I feel like this book was less "cool history" and more " us vs them" towards the end, and to be honest, I zoomed through the last half of the book because it was that bad.
I "read" 370+ pages just to find out they found a temple under the ground. Gets buried. Nice.
December 13, 2019
Renovations at the Bowery Mission in New York City uncover a hundred year old office containing a collection of rare books sent to the director of the mission by a world renowned minister during his travels. But one item of this collection, an ancient scroll, includes a letter from the minister with this warning - “Within it are written certain assertions, which, if true and verified, will dramatically alter our understanding of the past, our perception of the present, and our hope for the future...It is also on of the most dangerous documents in existence. A document I am convinced some men would commit murder to possess and other men would commit murder to destroy.”
Director of the Bowery Mission, former investigative reporter Tom Bohannon, begins pursuit of the the meaning of the scroll, written in a language not used in over 1200 years, and discovers the warning in the letter to be very true.
I would put this into the category of “religious artifact thriller.” This one is more faith based than some in this genre. Bohannon will face obstacles both ancient and modern while attempting to complete the hunt for the answer of the scroll. For me, the reason for the adventure, the challenges and dangers overcome in pursuit, and the main characters all went together in an enjoyable way.
Director of the Bowery Mission, former investigative reporter Tom Bohannon, begins pursuit of the the meaning of the scroll, written in a language not used in over 1200 years, and discovers the warning in the letter to be very true.
I would put this into the category of “religious artifact thriller.” This one is more faith based than some in this genre. Bohannon will face obstacles both ancient and modern while attempting to complete the hunt for the answer of the scroll. For me, the reason for the adventure, the challenges and dangers overcome in pursuit, and the main characters all went together in an enjoyable way.
October 26, 2019
Wonderful novel. I'd give it more stars if they were available. Mystery, adventure, live or death chases, etc., it's all in this book and keeps you guessing to the end. A lost, or perhaps stolen scroll is discovered in a hidden room. Written in an unknown language it contains the biggest secret the world has not known. Ordinary men determine they are going to figure it out and find out if the scroll is real and true. But forces from every part of the world it seems are just as determined to make sure they don't. The discovery will change everything.
January 13, 2018
I thought this was an interesting read. It did take me a long time to get through it, mainly because of other things I had going on. Brennan provided an interesting concept and I thought made it seem plausible. Although, I have to say, it was surprised with the ending as I felt he was mixing different biblical prophecies rather than keeping them distinct. Yet, that didn't detract from the interest of the storyline.
August 24, 2021
It's not a horrible book. This was my second go at it. I just couldn't get beyond the first couple of chapters the first time. This time I was determined to finish it. I think the conflict of the religions in the middle east along with politics and then throw in a miracle from God with prayer just wasn't my cup of tea right now. This is one in a set of 3 books. I won't be reading books 2 and 3.
July 21, 2018
Anything to do with Egypt, antiquity, and finding old scrolls, is a must to read. An intriguing, page turner, you can feel the tension, the anxiety of what may have been found. To all the dust, that covers everything in Egypt to untold secrets, that are still being found. Great plot, a page turner, that is for sure, and on to the next book.
March 29, 2021
**I received this book in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. **
DNF (did not finish)
I have tried several times to finish this book. I just could not do it and I am going to stop trying and just let it go. I just have to admit it just didn't do it for me and remove it from my to read pile.
DNF (did not finish)
I have tried several times to finish this book. I just could not do it and I am going to stop trying and just let it go. I just have to admit it just didn't do it for me and remove it from my to read pile.
January 10, 2019
Excellent story. Too many grammatical errors to get 5 stars.
Loved the story line and the crafty thinking that was necessary to write this book.
There are too many grammatical errors for 5 stars, as grammatical errors make me grind my teeth.
Loved the story line and the crafty thinking that was necessary to write this book.
There are too many grammatical errors for 5 stars, as grammatical errors make me grind my teeth.
August 29, 2019
What a great read!!
I found this book to be relevant to the current times and political situation. If you like Dan Brown this book will grab you and not let go! Mystery, intrigue, archaeology..This book has some of it all. Looking forward to book 2!
I found this book to be relevant to the current times and political situation. If you like Dan Brown this book will grab you and not let go! Mystery, intrigue, archaeology..This book has some of it all. Looking forward to book 2!
March 2, 2021
Delightful distraction for history and adventure buffs.
Great insight into the complexities of the Middle East tensions. Good pace and intriguing twists and turns. Suspend disbelief and enjoy an easy intriguing read.
Great insight into the complexities of the Middle East tensions. Good pace and intriguing twists and turns. Suspend disbelief and enjoy an easy intriguing read.
March 14, 2019
Definitely a good plot that pulled me in but unfortunately some of the writing was just ok.
February 4, 2020
Slow start but really takes off held easy through. Great fun!
October 25, 2020
Had good story line, but ran longer than really necessary - adding some drag.
December 17, 2020
This new-to-me author was such a wonderful surprise! The tale he weaves is fast-paced and extremely interesting. I would highly recommend him and look forward to reading more of his books!
March 26, 2021
It was okay, but dragged in places and then everything blew up at the end.
March 27, 2025
It has a somewhat slow start, but the momentum builds up, making it quite exciting to follow, especially towards the end. Definitely enjoyed it.
June 20, 2017
Good yarn
First half (New York) flows well. Jerusalem begins a little slowly and then picks up
The end... a hard story to round off. And possibly went soft as a result
See what you think
Recommend?
Absolutely
Interesting concepts, decent characterisations. Exciting promise of a hope and a future
(I downloaded it as a "free" ebook from gospelebooks.com)
First half (New York) flows well. Jerusalem begins a little slowly and then picks up
The end... a hard story to round off. And possibly went soft as a result
See what you think
Recommend?
Absolutely
Interesting concepts, decent characterisations. Exciting promise of a hope and a future
(I downloaded it as a "free" ebook from gospelebooks.com)
February 21, 2014
Hidden inside a sealed room in New York's historic Bowery Mission is a cipher that promises to threaten the stability of the world even after centuries. An unlikely band of experts will gather in Jerusalem to try and find the truth. Assuming they can find it before they are killed by one of the several groups who are chasing them, determined to keep the secret safe.
This is the kind of book I am guaranteed to pick up. I love the Dan Brown books and the Indiana Jones movies. Take some historical fact and then spin a wonderful story around it and you've got me hook, line and sinker. So I opened this one with great anticipation.
Brennan draws on a wonderful array of history including the Rosetta Stone, Charles Spurgeon, Edward Elgar and the Dorabella Cipher, and the Bowery Mission itself (where Brennan worked for several years). It felt like we were really going to have some fun.
The problem is that Brennan doesn't seem to know when to say "enough". We get one thing piled onto the next onto the next. That includes the obligatory beautiful young female character and the somewhat more surprising small person character who is in love with her. There's not one, not two but three different groups not only chasing our merry band of would be Indiana's. All of them trying to kill our heroes.
Brennan also tries to sneak a little "Christian literature" into the story as well. It's not overwhelming but it's really cheap since he isn't willing to commit (Brown offers more in depth theological discussions) and delve into the issues. The very strong feeling I got was that someone thought the world needed a "DaVinci Code" aimed at a Christian audience. That comes up short on both the thriller and faith literature standards. Either go for it or don't. This halfway attempt left me (a practicing Christian and confessed genre fan) cold.
At the end we are offered a fairly ridiculous and unlikely ending where all the troubles in the Middle East just sort of miraculously disappear. Yes, it would take a miracle to pull this off. The book doesn't bother to provide it.
So what we're left with is a really great concept, some fair to middling story telling and a bit of a muddle otherwise. After starting with such high hopes I came away disappointed. There's just enough here to make worth having around for one of those slack periods where you can't find anything really good to read.
For reviews of all kinds of media (books, movies and more) go to my blog The View From the Phlipside
This is the kind of book I am guaranteed to pick up. I love the Dan Brown books and the Indiana Jones movies. Take some historical fact and then spin a wonderful story around it and you've got me hook, line and sinker. So I opened this one with great anticipation.
Brennan draws on a wonderful array of history including the Rosetta Stone, Charles Spurgeon, Edward Elgar and the Dorabella Cipher, and the Bowery Mission itself (where Brennan worked for several years). It felt like we were really going to have some fun.
The problem is that Brennan doesn't seem to know when to say "enough". We get one thing piled onto the next onto the next. That includes the obligatory beautiful young female character and the somewhat more surprising small person character who is in love with her. There's not one, not two but three different groups not only chasing our merry band of would be Indiana's. All of them trying to kill our heroes.
Brennan also tries to sneak a little "Christian literature" into the story as well. It's not overwhelming but it's really cheap since he isn't willing to commit (Brown offers more in depth theological discussions) and delve into the issues. The very strong feeling I got was that someone thought the world needed a "DaVinci Code" aimed at a Christian audience. That comes up short on both the thriller and faith literature standards. Either go for it or don't. This halfway attempt left me (a practicing Christian and confessed genre fan) cold.
At the end we are offered a fairly ridiculous and unlikely ending where all the troubles in the Middle East just sort of miraculously disappear. Yes, it would take a miracle to pull this off. The book doesn't bother to provide it.
So what we're left with is a really great concept, some fair to middling story telling and a bit of a muddle otherwise. After starting with such high hopes I came away disappointed. There's just enough here to make worth having around for one of those slack periods where you can't find anything really good to read.
For reviews of all kinds of media (books, movies and more) go to my blog The View From the Phlipside
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