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Chris Bronson #1
The First Apostle
An Englishwoman is found dead in a house near Rome, her neck broken. Her distraught husband enlists the help of his closest friend, policeman Chris Bronson, who discovers an ancient inscription on a slab of stone above their fireplace. It translates as ‘Here Lie the Liars.’ Pursued across Europe, Bronson and his ex-wife uncover a trail of clues that lead them back to the shadowy beginnings of Christianity; to an ancient code inscribed upon a stone; to a chalice decorated with mysterious symbols. And to a deadly conspiracy which will rock the foundations of our modern world if revealed.
482 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 5, 2008
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3939 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 225 reviews
June 30, 2012
I’m giving this book a so-so score because I never got over the “it’s okay, but…” feeling while reading it. I know others may feel it is a stronger, better book, but for me it is one of the weaker historical-secret/knowledge-race-to-the-truth stories. I don’t fault the author’s research or basic idea about the first apostle, but the plot was too improbable for me.
That may sound a bit harsh when dealing with fiction, but this book and others like it purport to take a few facts either from our own history or created to fit that past and then work mostly within the “normal” world. Here the components of coincidences and personal relationships and the “chasers” felt very contrived; so much so that I never really cared about the outcome – even when I could not predict the next plot turn.
For me the book’s best feature was the historical facts that were woven into it to give the story some heft. I knew pretty much everything that was included about 1st Century Rome and the Empire, but the material about the Cathars was new and interesting to me. I didn't even mind that the information was imparted by long speeches form various characters, although others might find that a bit tedious.
No, I read because i enjoy reading and this book just missed the mark. But, if you have loved every conspiracy theory book-cum-theories about the Templars or other medieval fall guys, then you might find it a joy. It could happen.
That may sound a bit harsh when dealing with fiction, but this book and others like it purport to take a few facts either from our own history or created to fit that past and then work mostly within the “normal” world. Here the components of coincidences and personal relationships and the “chasers” felt very contrived; so much so that I never really cared about the outcome – even when I could not predict the next plot turn.
For me the book’s best feature was the historical facts that were woven into it to give the story some heft. I knew pretty much everything that was included about 1st Century Rome and the Empire, but the material about the Cathars was new and interesting to me. I didn't even mind that the information was imparted by long speeches form various characters, although others might find that a bit tedious.
No, I read because i enjoy reading and this book just missed the mark. But, if you have loved every conspiracy theory book-cum-theories about the Templars or other medieval fall guys, then you might find it a joy. It could happen.
October 4, 2021
Un thriller religios cu o "aroma" pregnanta de 'Codul lui Da Vinci' al lui Dan Brown. Ca toate cartile de acest fel se bazeaza foarte mult pe speculatii, supozitii, conspiratii, interpretari fortate si rastalmacite si mai putin pe dovezi reale. Pana la urma tot acest "try-hard" de a dovedi ceva oboseste cititorul.
Romanul are un prolog in care ne sunt prezentate evenimente din anul 68 d.Hr. din Roma, cand Senatul il acuza pe Nero de tradare si acesta se sinucide. Dupa moartea imparatului un papirus controversat si bine pazit de-al sau dispare fara urma.
Ne intoarcem in zilele noastre si il cunoastem pe detectivul Chris Bronson care este chemat de catre prietenul sau la o veche casa din Italia. Acolo avusese loc moartea "accidentala" a sotiei sale care descoperise, in urma unor renovari, deasupra semineului o piatra antica avand urmatoarea inscriptie: "Hic Vanidici Latitant" (Aici se odihnesc cei mincinosi). Acesta este un prim indiciu ce il va conduce spre descoperirea altor secrete ce vor zgudui lumea religioasa. Chris isi da seama ca sotia prietenului nu a murit accidental si in curand, niste ucigasi feroce se vor pune pe urmele sale.
Romanul cuprinde tot felul de supozitii si speculatii, printre care cea mai surprinzatoare este colaborarea Vaticanului cu Mafia. Astfel ca, mercenari platiti de Cosa Nostra se pun pe urmele detectivului incercand sa-l opreasca din a descoperi papirusul lui Nero ce ar clatina din temelii intregul fundament al Crestinismului si pe care Vaticanul incearca sa-l protejeze cu orice pret.
Din categoria controverse, la pagina 48 se pune intrebarea: De ce Iisus nu este mentionat in niciun fel de surse ale celorlalte civilizatii care au existat pe timpul sau? De asemenea, de ce Noul Testament reprezinta singura sursa despre existenta Sa?
Ni se releva apoi ca in 1939 papa Pius al XI-lea a fost asasinat pentru a fi impiedicat sa tina un discurs in care dorea sa condamne fascismul. Deloc surprinzator, succesorul sau, papa Pius al XII-lea a sprijinit in mod deschis al Treilea Reich.
In ceea ce ma priveste, trebuie sa recunosc ca nu ma dau in vant in mod special dupa asemenea romane deoarece prefer dovezile incontestabile, imi place stiinta si nu-mi plac presupunerile si speculatiile in anumite domenii cum ar fi Religia. Stiu ca asemenea romane sunt destul de populare si chiar m-am gandit cum ar fi sa scriu unul - destul de simplu:
Sa presupunem ca Rufus al II-lea capetenia extraterestrilor de pe Uranus (ati avut ocazia sa-l cunoasteti in recenzia mea de la "Ring 2") ar fi avut o fituica scrisa intr-o limba codificata, avand un continut controversat si foarte daunator pentru ordinea mondiala si pentru Vatican.
De exemplu, in ea s-ar zice ca de fapt noi am fi extraterestrii si ei ar fi fost primii locuitori ai Terrei. Cum ar veni, noi am aterizat, le-am luat casele si le-am uzurpat planeta iar acum un tip interesant precum Chris Bronson (sau daca vreti, Robert Langdon al lui Dan Brown) e pe cale sa descopere acest pretios artefact si bineinteles Vaticanul incearca sa-l opreasca. Iata ca nu e chiar asa de greu sa arunci niste fumigene si 'red-herringi' pentru a crea o intriga de bestseller conspirationist.
Romanul are un prolog in care ne sunt prezentate evenimente din anul 68 d.Hr. din Roma, cand Senatul il acuza pe Nero de tradare si acesta se sinucide. Dupa moartea imparatului un papirus controversat si bine pazit de-al sau dispare fara urma.
Ne intoarcem in zilele noastre si il cunoastem pe detectivul Chris Bronson care este chemat de catre prietenul sau la o veche casa din Italia. Acolo avusese loc moartea "accidentala" a sotiei sale care descoperise, in urma unor renovari, deasupra semineului o piatra antica avand urmatoarea inscriptie: "Hic Vanidici Latitant" (Aici se odihnesc cei mincinosi). Acesta este un prim indiciu ce il va conduce spre descoperirea altor secrete ce vor zgudui lumea religioasa. Chris isi da seama ca sotia prietenului nu a murit accidental si in curand, niste ucigasi feroce se vor pune pe urmele sale.
Romanul cuprinde tot felul de supozitii si speculatii, printre care cea mai surprinzatoare este colaborarea Vaticanului cu Mafia. Astfel ca, mercenari platiti de Cosa Nostra se pun pe urmele detectivului incercand sa-l opreasca din a descoperi papirusul lui Nero ce ar clatina din temelii intregul fundament al Crestinismului si pe care Vaticanul incearca sa-l protejeze cu orice pret.
Din categoria controverse, la pagina 48 se pune intrebarea: De ce Iisus nu este mentionat in niciun fel de surse ale celorlalte civilizatii care au existat pe timpul sau? De asemenea, de ce Noul Testament reprezinta singura sursa despre existenta Sa?
Ni se releva apoi ca in 1939 papa Pius al XI-lea a fost asasinat pentru a fi impiedicat sa tina un discurs in care dorea sa condamne fascismul. Deloc surprinzator, succesorul sau, papa Pius al XII-lea a sprijinit in mod deschis al Treilea Reich.
In ceea ce ma priveste, trebuie sa recunosc ca nu ma dau in vant in mod special dupa asemenea romane deoarece prefer dovezile incontestabile, imi place stiinta si nu-mi plac presupunerile si speculatiile in anumite domenii cum ar fi Religia. Stiu ca asemenea romane sunt destul de populare si chiar m-am gandit cum ar fi sa scriu unul - destul de simplu:
Sa presupunem ca Rufus al II-lea capetenia extraterestrilor de pe Uranus (ati avut ocazia sa-l cunoasteti in recenzia mea de la "Ring 2") ar fi avut o fituica scrisa intr-o limba codificata, avand un continut controversat si foarte daunator pentru ordinea mondiala si pentru Vatican.
De exemplu, in ea s-ar zice ca de fapt noi am fi extraterestrii si ei ar fi fost primii locuitori ai Terrei. Cum ar veni, noi am aterizat, le-am luat casele si le-am uzurpat planeta iar acum un tip interesant precum Chris Bronson (sau daca vreti, Robert Langdon al lui Dan Brown) e pe cale sa descopere acest pretios artefact si bineinteles Vaticanul incearca sa-l opreasca. Iata ca nu e chiar asa de greu sa arunci niste fumigene si 'red-herringi' pentru a crea o intriga de bestseller conspirationist.
July 12, 2012
I always enjoy a good religious thriller and James Becker did not disappoint. A book that forces the reader to examine what they (may) believe, leaving more questions than answers, is one that I will always praise, as long as it is written in a convincing manner. Becker uses some historical event (accurate or not, he narrates it as though it could happen) and places a great murder mystery atop it, all in the hopes of luring the reader to keep their focus on the end result.
Becker's examination of the foundation and tenets of the Christian Church is quite well done and needs the reader to be but an interested entity instead of a biblical scholar. Becker weaves through the story, using the key characters we find in many of the genre (a non-devout main character who discovers something and the Vatican who seeks to eliminate the finding and the person), leaving the reader to wonder if it is all smoke and mirrors or if, perhaps, there could be some truth to it afterall.
Kudos, Mr. Becker. I will be sure to get the entire collection and devour them all!
Becker's examination of the foundation and tenets of the Christian Church is quite well done and needs the reader to be but an interested entity instead of a biblical scholar. Becker weaves through the story, using the key characters we find in many of the genre (a non-devout main character who discovers something and the Vatican who seeks to eliminate the finding and the person), leaving the reader to wonder if it is all smoke and mirrors or if, perhaps, there could be some truth to it afterall.
Kudos, Mr. Becker. I will be sure to get the entire collection and devour them all!
June 23, 2021
When an English woman is discovered dead in her Italian house, her husband and his friend are caught in network of crimes and secrets deep fot over 1500 years. Secrets which could break the world from its bases...
Following the main character through Europe and USA, in his reach for the criminal, Becker sketches a breathtaking action which develops in a fast paced way.
Following the main character through Europe and USA, in his reach for the criminal, Becker sketches a breathtaking action which develops in a fast paced way.
August 8, 2012
This book is based around the race to discover proof of the origins of christianity, and has a pretty good plot line on the face of it. Much of the information comes in the form of long rather bizarre explanations from one or other of lie main characters which is a let down, and frankly chris bronson makes some of the most outlandish deductive leaps I have ever come across, and despite having no apparent background knowledge of the early church fathers or the first century Roman Empire these leaps are always shockingly accurate. These flaws aside it was an entertaining read on par with anything I've read by Dan Brown although falling way short of books such as Rule of Four. I'll happily read the other books in the series.
November 5, 2019
Me gustó. es una novela que, sin ser la gran cosa, mantiene el interés hasta el final y no defrauda. El tema religioso, sí, está algo difuso, como que no termina de cerrar y no se sabe bien dónde quiere llegar el autor con las teorías que expone. En fin, una lectura para las vacaciones o para un fin de semana, no esperen más que eso.
May 12, 2011
Brilliant! A much better version of the Da Vinci code that is lighter than Angels and Demons. A nice adventure/thriller read, you can't put it down. I expected some bull about Christianity stuff but this book is actually worth reading.
September 13, 2012
This book had potential which never came to anything. The writing was terrible. All characters sounded like their words sprung from the same brain. It's not enough to describe people differently, they then have to have different ways of talking, using different phrases. Although most of the characters were italian, they spoke in a stereotypical english gentlemen's fashion, with a stiff upper lip and no emotions showing. Hello, is this how the italians talk? I don't believe so.
The plot, although it had such great potential was let down by everyone coveniently coming to the perfectly right conclusion every time a puzzle presented itself. How very impossible. I would expect this from a young adult book, but not from one for adults. The idea that Chris Bronson, the police detective, would have studied latin is rediculous. You can't have mobile internet and hope the reader will believe the characters had a mid 20th century education. Not unless the characters are also in their 70s.
The main character, Chris Bronson is not actually a very likable character and must have undergone a humour-removal procedure. So don't expect to get a laugh out of this book or you'll be sorely disappointed.
I had the additional disappointing experience that I had the audio version of this book.
The reader was too inept to produce the minimum 4 different male style voices needed and in order to portray the thugs (the mafia helper boys)he resorted to give them some sort of cockney accent. Hello? These are italian thugs and he makes them speak an english common accent? It made me laugh out loud. He ought to have tried to at least make them speak with an italian accent.
In all the book left me wanting at the end. Not an enjoyable read.
The plot, although it had such great potential was let down by everyone coveniently coming to the perfectly right conclusion every time a puzzle presented itself. How very impossible. I would expect this from a young adult book, but not from one for adults. The idea that Chris Bronson, the police detective, would have studied latin is rediculous. You can't have mobile internet and hope the reader will believe the characters had a mid 20th century education. Not unless the characters are also in their 70s.
The main character, Chris Bronson is not actually a very likable character and must have undergone a humour-removal procedure. So don't expect to get a laugh out of this book or you'll be sorely disappointed.
I had the additional disappointing experience that I had the audio version of this book.
The reader was too inept to produce the minimum 4 different male style voices needed and in order to portray the thugs (the mafia helper boys)he resorted to give them some sort of cockney accent. Hello? These are italian thugs and he makes them speak an english common accent? It made me laugh out loud. He ought to have tried to at least make them speak with an italian accent.
In all the book left me wanting at the end. Not an enjoyable read.
December 29, 2010
At first glance, I told myself "aah, another Da Vinci Code plot". Its true. But somehow, after a few pages, the book draws me in. I find myself having difficulties in putting this book down. I will surely go and pick up the sequel - Moses Stone.
Read it guys, you wont be disappointed.
Read it guys, you wont be disappointed.
October 14, 2015
La primera parte del libro es muy interesante y se merece cinco estrellas, pero entonces, en mi opinión, la trama pierde fuerza. Me hubiese gustado más si la acción se hubiese desarrollado por entero en Italia, porque al cambiar de escenario y de personajes, la historia es menos interesante.
May 15, 2013
Will give James Becker another go. Enjoyed this one. Along the lines of Paul Christopher and Chris Kuzneski.
February 23, 2022
So this time on I don't remember buying that but it must have been a while ago judging by the dust, I have The First Apostle. For a hot minute in the early two thousand with the release of The Davinci Code religious thrillers were all the rage. You couldn't walk into a book store without seeing if you like that one you will love this one. But over time they seem to have fallen a little out of favor. This sort of boy's own adventure seems to have been replaced with domestic thrillers and a strong thread of modern fantasy. But back then just like everyone else I devoured them with bated breath. Each time getting thoroughly lost in whichever corner they had chosen to pick apart and send their heroes in search of. Now I may not really be a religious person in any sense but a good adventure will pull me time and again. So add in a shadowy organization and a secret that will rock the foundations of, and I'm there with the rest of you. But I guess it's been a fair old while since I've opened the pages of such a book. Enough in fact, for them to grow dust as it would turn out.
Now having looked up the author it turns out he has been at this a while with eight books under his belt in this series he must be doing something right. It is also worth pointing out that for once more by luck than any sort of pre-thought I have managed to pick the first one in the series up. I honestly never thought that day would come but anyway moving on. Beckers stable of heroes come out fighting strong. The lead on this merry dance is is Bronson a no-nonsense cop who sees his life torn apart within the first couple of chapters. But this is not going to stop him from finding out why this is happening to him. To say he has a bit of the British bulldog attitude in him is an understatement. This is a man that once he has sunk his teeth into something he ain't going to let go. Becker is also someone who knows his limits, hence bringing among others his ex-wife into the fold. Her expertise proving invaluable in solving a mystery as old as the Christian faith. I do wonder why these sorts of books always revolve around the catholic church but maybe that's with good reason. Anyway, the author has done what any good author should and gets you to care about his leads. As we witness their near-death scapes we bond with them egging them on and hoping beyond hope that they will beat the villains of this piece.
I must confess how much I have missed these kinds of books. They are these big blockbuster adventures that see our heroes flying around the globe escaping death or mutilation by the narrowest of margins. I feel that if me or you were to find ourselves in such a perilous situation we probably would be curled up in the corner crying and hoping for it to all be over soon. Anyway, I think what books like this bring to the table is they are genuinely fun to read. Becker builds his world so close to our own but allows for this flight of fancy. It becomes the sort of thing that you go I can just imagine them doing that. This is a story that holds up with each twist and turn it pulled me deeper into this web of intrigue. I found myself racing through each chapter trying to guess how our heroes were going to get through their next scrap. I was hard press to put this book down and in fact, when it came to the final reveals I stayed up way later than I had intended to do so just find out what had been taking place.
All in all, this was a book that I truly enjoyed. I feel it's been a good long while since I read a book that I didn't have to take too seriously. This is I suppose one of those perfect holiday books to enjoy around the pool. That withstanding the author has clearly put a great deal of time and effort into crafting this narrative. Maybe that's why it becomes so effortless to read and so completely captivating. Not only do you care about our heroes but you hold your breath along with them as age-old secrets are finally revealed. If it's been a while since you dipped your toe into this genre then I would kindly off this suggestion for your consideration.
Now having looked up the author it turns out he has been at this a while with eight books under his belt in this series he must be doing something right. It is also worth pointing out that for once more by luck than any sort of pre-thought I have managed to pick the first one in the series up. I honestly never thought that day would come but anyway moving on. Beckers stable of heroes come out fighting strong. The lead on this merry dance is is Bronson a no-nonsense cop who sees his life torn apart within the first couple of chapters. But this is not going to stop him from finding out why this is happening to him. To say he has a bit of the British bulldog attitude in him is an understatement. This is a man that once he has sunk his teeth into something he ain't going to let go. Becker is also someone who knows his limits, hence bringing among others his ex-wife into the fold. Her expertise proving invaluable in solving a mystery as old as the Christian faith. I do wonder why these sorts of books always revolve around the catholic church but maybe that's with good reason. Anyway, the author has done what any good author should and gets you to care about his leads. As we witness their near-death scapes we bond with them egging them on and hoping beyond hope that they will beat the villains of this piece.
I must confess how much I have missed these kinds of books. They are these big blockbuster adventures that see our heroes flying around the globe escaping death or mutilation by the narrowest of margins. I feel that if me or you were to find ourselves in such a perilous situation we probably would be curled up in the corner crying and hoping for it to all be over soon. Anyway, I think what books like this bring to the table is they are genuinely fun to read. Becker builds his world so close to our own but allows for this flight of fancy. It becomes the sort of thing that you go I can just imagine them doing that. This is a story that holds up with each twist and turn it pulled me deeper into this web of intrigue. I found myself racing through each chapter trying to guess how our heroes were going to get through their next scrap. I was hard press to put this book down and in fact, when it came to the final reveals I stayed up way later than I had intended to do so just find out what had been taking place.
All in all, this was a book that I truly enjoyed. I feel it's been a good long while since I read a book that I didn't have to take too seriously. This is I suppose one of those perfect holiday books to enjoy around the pool. That withstanding the author has clearly put a great deal of time and effort into crafting this narrative. Maybe that's why it becomes so effortless to read and so completely captivating. Not only do you care about our heroes but you hold your breath along with them as age-old secrets are finally revealed. If it's been a while since you dipped your toe into this genre then I would kindly off this suggestion for your consideration.
November 16, 2024
Tu nopērc skaistu māju ar vairāku gadsimtu vēsturi burvīgā Itālijas lokācijā nepavisam tālu no Romas. Atliek vien to vēl renovēt un uzprišināt, lai kopdzīves gadi ar mīļoto sievu būtu vēl jo krāšņāki. Bet tad tavu nelaimi, kad vīra Marka komandējuma laikā celtnieki nejauši atklāj sienā iemūrētu senu akmeni ar latīnisku gravējumu uz tā. Protams, jau pirmajā nodaļā ieslēdzas romānu sakritības moments, jo sieva Džekija bija plānojusi doties Markam līdzi, bet tagad nejaušais atklājums un pašas ziņkārība aizsāk pakaļdzīšanos relikvijai un šokējošai patiesībai, ja tā nāktu dienas gaismā.
https://poseidons99.com/2024/11/16/pe...
https://poseidons99.com/2024/11/16/pe...
June 24, 2022
I found another favourite author. I need more!
June 29, 2017
Freilich ein interessantes Setting. Aber mal ganz ehrlich: die Mafia, die den Vatikan unterstützt um eines seiner Geheimnisse zu schützen? Gut, das könnte im Licht so mancher Enthüllung der Vergangenheit ja noch gehen. Aber die Mafia hat die Kontrolle über alle Suchmaschinen, die einen Schrei ausstoßen, wenn jemand nach der Phrase "Hic vanidici latitant" sucht? Und aufgrund dessen wissen sie gleich was zu tun ist? Bei jemandem einbrechen und dort die Restaurierungsarbeiten ungeschehen machen? Bei allem was recht ist, aber das ist einfach zu abstrus. Ebenso schließt Bronson (die Hauptfigur dieses Romans und der ganzen Serie) regelmäßig aus wenigen völlig beliebigen Fakten sofort auf die richtige Lösung.
Die Dialoge sind sehr einfach gehalten und direkt Ziel gerichtet. Es gibt über das ganze Buch hinweg keine Umwege, alle ziehen immer gleich richtige Schlüsse.
Die Personen sind sehr einfach, schwarz-weiß und blutleer gezeichnet. Und auch wenn ich selbst Atheist bin, finde ich die Darstellung der Verschwörung einfach zu plump. Davon wie schnell alle immer die Wahrheit sagen (auch die größten Verbrecher), rede ich noch gar nicht. Insgesamt also ein Buch das nicht gerade einlädt einen weiteren Roman aus der Serie zu lesen - höchstens mal kurz hineinlesen, um zu sehen, wie der Hauptplot weitergezeichnet wird, denn mit dem Ende kann man nicht einfach einen weiteren Roman in die Serie schreiben, der auf einer unveränderten Welt aufsetzt. Ergo habe ich mal mit dem zweiten Band begonnen, und siehe da, die ersten paar Seiten lesen sich da plötzlich ganz anders. Mal schauen.
Die Beschreibungen - wenn auch in ordentlichem Englisch verfasst - muten jedenfalls fast kindlich an, eben weil den Personen und der Story die Seele fehlt.
Die Dialoge sind sehr einfach gehalten und direkt Ziel gerichtet. Es gibt über das ganze Buch hinweg keine Umwege, alle ziehen immer gleich richtige Schlüsse.
Die Personen sind sehr einfach, schwarz-weiß und blutleer gezeichnet. Und auch wenn ich selbst Atheist bin, finde ich die Darstellung der Verschwörung einfach zu plump. Davon wie schnell alle immer die Wahrheit sagen (auch die größten Verbrecher), rede ich noch gar nicht. Insgesamt also ein Buch das nicht gerade einlädt einen weiteren Roman aus der Serie zu lesen - höchstens mal kurz hineinlesen, um zu sehen, wie der Hauptplot weitergezeichnet wird, denn mit dem Ende kann man nicht einfach einen weiteren Roman in die Serie schreiben, der auf einer unveränderten Welt aufsetzt. Ergo habe ich mal mit dem zweiten Band begonnen, und siehe da, die ersten paar Seiten lesen sich da plötzlich ganz anders. Mal schauen.
Die Beschreibungen - wenn auch in ordentlichem Englisch verfasst - muten jedenfalls fast kindlich an, eben weil den Personen und der Story die Seele fehlt.
March 12, 2017
First, and best, of the Chris Bronson series. I was rooting for Chris from the start.
June 10, 2018
Good read.
January 23, 2021
What I liked:
-Different POVs showing what was happening at the same time, but different places.
-How the chapters were "short" and straight to the point.
-How high were the risks.
What I didn't liked:
-Some of the characters. Specially Mark. He had no personality whatsoever. Was kinda glad when he died, even thought it was tragic.
-How the good guys find stuff out at the same time that the bad guys and vice versa. It's not that I didn't like this, but it happened a lot and it was just handled poorly.
-How long it took at first to learn more information about the stuff that Jackie and the boys found at the house.
The book started strong and so good, I was very excited to "learn" more about the story.
But then, the more I read, the less information was introduced. After about 100 pages, they literally kept repeating the same shit over and over again, and sometimes they would find something new, but not very important. So for a second there I was like:
I was just waiting to learn more and for the characters to find out more.
But I think the book picks up when
I really liked the dynamic between Angela and Bronson. I guess they're better off as a couple who haunts down mysteries than being married. Hopefully she's in the next book.
As to the story itself...
It wasn't bad by all means, it's just that I expected more, I guess? I wasn't going to give it 4/5 stars, but then I read the author's note and how some true events inspired the novel and how this is kinda his interpretation of those events, and I found myself liking the novel more then I did before.
Overall, I would recommend this book to someone who wants to read some "fictional" stuff about church while not taking it very seriously.
-Different POVs showing what was happening at the same time, but different places.
-How the chapters were "short" and straight to the point.
-How high were the risks.
What I didn't liked:
-Some of the characters. Specially Mark. He had no personality whatsoever. Was kinda glad when he died, even thought it was tragic.
-How the good guys find stuff out at the same time that the bad guys and vice versa. It's not that I didn't like this, but it happened a lot and it was just handled poorly.
-How long it took at first to learn more information about the stuff that Jackie and the boys found at the house.
The book started strong and so good, I was very excited to "learn" more about the story.
But then, the more I read, the less information was introduced. After about 100 pages, they literally kept repeating the same shit over and over again, and sometimes they would find something new, but not very important. So for a second there I was like:
I was just waiting to learn more and for the characters to find out more.
But I think the book picks up when
I really liked the dynamic between Angela and Bronson. I guess they're better off as a couple who haunts down mysteries than being married. Hopefully she's in the next book.
As to the story itself...
It wasn't bad by all means, it's just that I expected more, I guess? I wasn't going to give it 4/5 stars, but then I read the author's note and how some true events inspired the novel and how this is kinda his interpretation of those events, and I found myself liking the novel more then I did before.
Overall, I would recommend this book to someone who wants to read some "fictional" stuff about church while not taking it very seriously.
April 3, 2023
Words can barely describe how frustrated this book made me. It had nothing to do with the synopsis, and everything to do with the writing style and the superficialness of the characters. The dialogue is repetitive as well as many of the scenes between the protagonists, and alternatively the antagonists. I really didn’t need to read the exact same dialogue conclusions that the protagonists made, a few pages later by the people who were chasing them. It was rather ridiculous. The characters - all the characters (main, secondary, minor mentions) - were all very superficial in nature. I don’t expect to relate to every character in every book I read (that’s not the point of reading), but I do hope to find at least one character endearing at best. Unfortunately, I can’t say that about anyone in this book. The fact that Bronson and Angela, were both professionals in their fields - police detective and museum antiquities specialist, respectively - they seemed to be lacking in the intelligence needed to outwit the bad guys in this book. Each time they would be escaping their pursuers, I would think, okay, THIS is the moment that they get the upper hand on them, and will outwit them. But alas, that never happened. I just found the whole interplay incredibly disappointing.
Aside from that, it was a very slow moving book. It didn’t pick up pace until around page 150, and I really should have DNF’d it at that point, but I really wanted to find out what the “dangerous secret” was. Which was revealed in the last few pages of the book, and was shocking, but had been alluded to through much of the book, that wasn’t *that* shocking. I found the author’s notes on the historical basis for the book far more fascinating than the actual book.
Aside from that, it was a very slow moving book. It didn’t pick up pace until around page 150, and I really should have DNF’d it at that point, but I really wanted to find out what the “dangerous secret” was. Which was revealed in the last few pages of the book, and was shocking, but had been alluded to through much of the book, that wasn’t *that* shocking. I found the author’s notes on the historical basis for the book far more fascinating than the actual book.
October 1, 2021
Primăvara 67 d.Hr.
Jotapata, Iudeea
În mijlocul grupului de oameni tăcuţi, evreul dezbrăcat se zbătea violent, dar înverşunarea lui era inutilă. Câte un soldat roman vânjos îngenunchease pe fiecare braţ al lui, ţinându-i-le lipite de bârna de lemn tare – patibulum - iar un altul îl strângea zdravăn de picioare. Generalul Vespasian urmărea crucificarea, aşa cum le urmărea pe toate. Din câte ştia, acest evreu nu comisese nicio faptă ilegală împotriva imperiului roman, dar îşi pierduse de mult răbdarea în ceea ce îi privea pe
apărătorii Jotapatei şi îi executa pe toţi cei prinşi de armată. Unul dintre soldaţi eliberă uşor braţul stâng al evreului, suficient pentru a-i permite altuia să îi lege încheietura mâinii cu o cârpă groasă.
Romanii erau experţi în această metodă de execuţie – aveau o practică îndelungată – şi ştiau că acea cârpă oprea sângele care curgea din răni. Crucificarea trebuia să fie un proces lent, dureros şi public, iar ultimul lucru pe care şi-l doreau era ca omul condamnat să moară în câteva ore din cauza sângerărilor. În mod normal, victimele crucificării erau mai întâi supuse flagelării, dar oamenii lui Vespasian nu aveau nici timpul, nici dorinţa să facă asta. Ei ştiau însă că evreii rezistau mai mult dacă nu erau flagelaţi, iar acest lucru îi ajuta să transmită şi mai eficient oraşului asediat, care se afla la o aruncătură de băţ, mesajul necruţător al generalului.
Jotapata, Iudeea
În mijlocul grupului de oameni tăcuţi, evreul dezbrăcat se zbătea violent, dar înverşunarea lui era inutilă. Câte un soldat roman vânjos îngenunchease pe fiecare braţ al lui, ţinându-i-le lipite de bârna de lemn tare – patibulum - iar un altul îl strângea zdravăn de picioare. Generalul Vespasian urmărea crucificarea, aşa cum le urmărea pe toate. Din câte ştia, acest evreu nu comisese nicio faptă ilegală împotriva imperiului roman, dar îşi pierduse de mult răbdarea în ceea ce îi privea pe
apărătorii Jotapatei şi îi executa pe toţi cei prinşi de armată. Unul dintre soldaţi eliberă uşor braţul stâng al evreului, suficient pentru a-i permite altuia să îi lege încheietura mâinii cu o cârpă groasă.
Romanii erau experţi în această metodă de execuţie – aveau o practică îndelungată – şi ştiau că acea cârpă oprea sângele care curgea din răni. Crucificarea trebuia să fie un proces lent, dureros şi public, iar ultimul lucru pe care şi-l doreau era ca omul condamnat să moară în câteva ore din cauza sângerărilor. În mod normal, victimele crucificării erau mai întâi supuse flagelării, dar oamenii lui Vespasian nu aveau nici timpul, nici dorinţa să facă asta. Ei ştiau însă că evreii rezistau mai mult dacă nu erau flagelaţi, iar acest lucru îi ajuta să transmită şi mai eficient oraşului asediat, care se afla la o aruncătură de băţ, mesajul necruţător al generalului.
August 31, 2017
Este libro lo obtuve en un intercambio de libros de mi universidad. Puedo decir que tuve mucha suerte.
Es libro es muy bueno, tiene toques excelentes de acción y suspenso. La idea de describir un secreto de hace miles de años mantiene al lector con la atención a tope. Sin embargo, tuve algunos conflictos con la lectura: en ocasiones eran pesado leer, debido a que eran puros datos e información relativamente difícil de comprender (al menos para mí), y no me emocionaba el hecho de leer cómo a los protagonistas se les abrían las puertas tan fácilmente para hacer cualquier cosa; ¿dinero?, ¿coches?, ¿escapar?, ¿saber a dónde ir y cómo hacerlo? Pues lo tenían en la palma de la mano. Sí, no eran idiotas y tenían que salir de los obstáculos, pero hubiera estado mejor que al menos un problema los hubiera llevado al límite, junto con nosotros los lectores.
El libro es interesante, es leíble y no es un libro religioso, tiene temas de la iglesia y religión, pero no estás leyendo la Biblia. Es un libro de acción, ciencia ficción, suspenso.
A pesar de los malos puntos, la historia me gustó, y quiero leer los demás.
Es libro es muy bueno, tiene toques excelentes de acción y suspenso. La idea de describir un secreto de hace miles de años mantiene al lector con la atención a tope. Sin embargo, tuve algunos conflictos con la lectura: en ocasiones eran pesado leer, debido a que eran puros datos e información relativamente difícil de comprender (al menos para mí), y no me emocionaba el hecho de leer cómo a los protagonistas se les abrían las puertas tan fácilmente para hacer cualquier cosa; ¿dinero?, ¿coches?, ¿escapar?, ¿saber a dónde ir y cómo hacerlo? Pues lo tenían en la palma de la mano. Sí, no eran idiotas y tenían que salir de los obstáculos, pero hubiera estado mejor que al menos un problema los hubiera llevado al límite, junto con nosotros los lectores.
El libro es interesante, es leíble y no es un libro religioso, tiene temas de la iglesia y religión, pero no estás leyendo la Biblia. Es un libro de acción, ciencia ficción, suspenso.
A pesar de los malos puntos, la historia me gustó, y quiero leer los demás.
September 23, 2025
Chris Bronson #1- As a first book in this series, it started off with a bang! (Quite literally) apart from the unexpected deaths, I was surprised with the accuracy and research behind the plot. As a history nerd myself, I did not expect how deep the plot would be.
What started off as a mafia crime novel was interesting in its own but the introduction of the the Pope and involvement of the Roman Catholic Church pulled me into the story.
I loved the pacing the book. It was quite a page turner without rushing the plot. It was quite an adventure following the lead characters in their Euro-Trip in search of the truth behind the death of their friend Jackie (not a spoiler) and also a deeper conspiracy that is thousands of years old.
In conclusion- This book might be offensive to devout Catholics in implication but the author’s note is a nice clarification on which parts are fictional/ disputed and which parts are accurate and documented. This was the first book I read by James Becker but this won’t be the last. Looking forward to reading more!
Actual rating- 4.5 / 5.
What started off as a mafia crime novel was interesting in its own but the introduction of the the Pope and involvement of the Roman Catholic Church pulled me into the story.
I loved the pacing the book. It was quite a page turner without rushing the plot. It was quite an adventure following the lead characters in their Euro-Trip in search of the truth behind the death of their friend Jackie (not a spoiler) and also a deeper conspiracy that is thousands of years old.
In conclusion- This book might be offensive to devout Catholics in implication but the author’s note is a nice clarification on which parts are fictional/ disputed and which parts are accurate and documented. This was the first book I read by James Becker but this won’t be the last. Looking forward to reading more!
Actual rating- 4.5 / 5.
April 4, 2020
Brilliant thriller that examines the myths and secrets of the church
I loved this story. It starts off with a brief introduction and then your right into it. The relic and the mystery is fascinating and well managed as the action moves the characters around the UK and Europe. I love a story that uses the atrocities committed by the church. It brings them from the bowels of history to the modern day and reminds us it’s corruption over the course of history. This novel uses this history well interleaving the tale with events in a way that seems realistic. The lead character is very likeable. He’s tough enough but not infallible ... which makes it that much more exciting to read for me. He’s smart but not so smart you think it’s not believable. The actions there and the pace is fast enough to keep the pages turning. A great start to what I hope will be a good series to read as time goes by.
I loved this story. It starts off with a brief introduction and then your right into it. The relic and the mystery is fascinating and well managed as the action moves the characters around the UK and Europe. I love a story that uses the atrocities committed by the church. It brings them from the bowels of history to the modern day and reminds us it’s corruption over the course of history. This novel uses this history well interleaving the tale with events in a way that seems realistic. The lead character is very likeable. He’s tough enough but not infallible ... which makes it that much more exciting to read for me. He’s smart but not so smart you think it’s not believable. The actions there and the pace is fast enough to keep the pages turning. A great start to what I hope will be a good series to read as time goes by.
March 23, 2017
I found this book in the garage while tidying up. It was probably left there by the previous owner of our house because I don't recall buying it. The cover looked engaging so I decided to read it.
It started out very interesting, and the first few characters were captivating, but it soon became unrealistic and started to fall flat. I mean, the fact that Angela a museum worker and Branson a copper was able to decipher historical puzzles that had eluded scholars for centuries with minimal help was so unrealistic. And the whole ease at which they did so, was just not exciting at all.
This book had so much potential when I began but it lost steam half way in.
I don't regret reading it though, but I'm glad I didn't purchase it! I'll donate it to the local charity shop... someone else may enjoy it
It started out very interesting, and the first few characters were captivating, but it soon became unrealistic and started to fall flat. I mean, the fact that Angela a museum worker and Branson a copper was able to decipher historical puzzles that had eluded scholars for centuries with minimal help was so unrealistic. And the whole ease at which they did so, was just not exciting at all.
This book had so much potential when I began but it lost steam half way in.
I don't regret reading it though, but I'm glad I didn't purchase it! I'll donate it to the local charity shop... someone else may enjoy it
July 18, 2017
The historical prologue is relevant to the story, but I only understood it in retrospect when I re-read it.
In modern times, we start with a young woman murdered during a break-in at her home in Italy. Then we meet Chris Bronson, a young detective and friend of the victim's husband. Chris speaks Italian. Soon they are in Italy, investigating the intrusion that was concerned more with history than burglary. Conveniently, Chris's ex-wife works in the field of antiquities.
In Rome, a cardinal confers with a Senior Causa Nostra figure, determined to find an ancient document that could challenge the basis of Christianity. Our heroes unravel the mystery, with the Mafia on their heels. At times I thought they made it too easy for their pursuers to trace them. The showdown is dramatic.
The narrative seems to point towards the Christian faith being based upon a conspiracy. I wonder whether it might have been better to omit the prologue and leave us wondering whether the ancient document is truth or falsehood.
In modern times, we start with a young woman murdered during a break-in at her home in Italy. Then we meet Chris Bronson, a young detective and friend of the victim's husband. Chris speaks Italian. Soon they are in Italy, investigating the intrusion that was concerned more with history than burglary. Conveniently, Chris's ex-wife works in the field of antiquities.
In Rome, a cardinal confers with a Senior Causa Nostra figure, determined to find an ancient document that could challenge the basis of Christianity. Our heroes unravel the mystery, with the Mafia on their heels. At times I thought they made it too easy for their pursuers to trace them. The showdown is dramatic.
The narrative seems to point towards the Christian faith being based upon a conspiracy. I wonder whether it might have been better to omit the prologue and leave us wondering whether the ancient document is truth or falsehood.
October 4, 2018
Has the whole of Christianity been living a lie? Hopefully not, but the premise behind this book would have us thinking that it might. We meet DS Bronson (not surprisingly known as “death wish “) who goes to help his best friend when his wife dies very suddenly in Italy. This leads to discoveries involving The Vatican and The Mafia, delivering a great deal of violence and hectic journeys across Europe. The ending, in Barcelona, is quite a satisfactory one.
The characters are interesting - Chris Bronson is obviously very good at his job, and his ex-wife, Angela, proves to be very helpful with her contacts in languages and ancient history. The Vatican Cardinal is really believable, fearing for his religion, and the Mafia are just as you would expect, although with a touch of humanity at the end which is both good and surprising, and allows our new heroes to go on to other things.
The characters are interesting - Chris Bronson is obviously very good at his job, and his ex-wife, Angela, proves to be very helpful with her contacts in languages and ancient history. The Vatican Cardinal is really believable, fearing for his religion, and the Mafia are just as you would expect, although with a touch of humanity at the end which is both good and surprising, and allows our new heroes to go on to other things.
August 27, 2018
Interesting Epilogue – "Author's Note”
I rated this book at three stars. I feel I could have easily given it two stars, but given the swiftness of its pace and the ease with which I was able to keep up my interest, I felt I could go with the three. That said, the book is an adventure novel – fast paced and (almost) believable. I titled this short review "Interesting Epilogue" , mentioning the author's note that appears at its conclusion. Therein lies the interesting stuff! –facts about which this tale is told. I suppose it's fair enough for a novelist to create a fast-moving, supermarket shelf novel out of these researched facts. For readers of THE DA VINCI CODE, and others like it, this book could be somewhat enjoyable. For me, it served its sole purpose of keeping my brain focused on one book over the last week of my summer vacation. I will not read the sequels.
I rated this book at three stars. I feel I could have easily given it two stars, but given the swiftness of its pace and the ease with which I was able to keep up my interest, I felt I could go with the three. That said, the book is an adventure novel – fast paced and (almost) believable. I titled this short review "Interesting Epilogue" , mentioning the author's note that appears at its conclusion. Therein lies the interesting stuff! –facts about which this tale is told. I suppose it's fair enough for a novelist to create a fast-moving, supermarket shelf novel out of these researched facts. For readers of THE DA VINCI CODE, and others like it, this book could be somewhat enjoyable. For me, it served its sole purpose of keeping my brain focused on one book over the last week of my summer vacation. I will not read the sequels.
August 31, 2019
Hier liggen de leugenaars. Nadat deze tekst is gevonden gebeuren er drie moorden. Eerst de vrouw van Mark in hun huis in Italie . Mark vraagt hulp van Bronson, een politie die problemen heeft met zijn baas en verlof neemt om zijn vriend te helpen. Wanneer zij terugkeren naar Engeland verdwijnt Mark van de aardbol. Bronson die zijn ex om raad had gevraagd, moet met zijn ex ook gaan lopen voor de moordenaars. Alles lijkt te gaan om een oude tekst en documenten van het Vaticaan. Zij moeten deze documenten vinden want de maffia, in opdracht van het Vaticaan zitten ook achter deze documenten
Spannend vanaf het begin en men krijgt nog wat geschiedkundige info over het oude Romeinse rijk.
Spannend vanaf het begin en men krijgt nog wat geschiedkundige info over het oude Romeinse rijk.
February 17, 2021
Me intereso mucho.
Suelo elegir mis lecturas de una manera muy sencilla, esta no la elegí yo, en donde lo compre costaba 2 dolares, así pues decidí adentrarme en la historia que contaba, que no era que fuera de mi mayor interés, dicho esto tuve problema para empezar la lectura, no me enganchaba y me resultaba muy confusa, es decir, yo me preguntaba porque me contaban tal cosa si no sucedia en la misma ciudad.
Cuando fui llegando a la mitad fue mejorando, pues lo que me contaban fue tomando poder, se veía que todo estaba conectado, pero aun así no fue perfecta, habían varias cosas que se veian venir de alguna manera u otra, pero el final fue algo explendido y muy reconfortante.
Suelo elegir mis lecturas de una manera muy sencilla, esta no la elegí yo, en donde lo compre costaba 2 dolares, así pues decidí adentrarme en la historia que contaba, que no era que fuera de mi mayor interés, dicho esto tuve problema para empezar la lectura, no me enganchaba y me resultaba muy confusa, es decir, yo me preguntaba porque me contaban tal cosa si no sucedia en la misma ciudad.
Cuando fui llegando a la mitad fue mejorando, pues lo que me contaban fue tomando poder, se veía que todo estaba conectado, pero aun así no fue perfecta, habían varias cosas que se veian venir de alguna manera u otra, pero el final fue algo explendido y muy reconfortante.
April 7, 2021
This was better than I expected. It has been on my shelf for several years. I enjoy books that are archeological adventures ss I call them. I enjoyed the charactets mostly. The main character is a British policeman whose secret love who is married to his best friend is killed by the mafia. He then gets involved in the search for some early Christian relics. He gets assistance from his ex-wife. They travel from England thrugh France to Italy and then Spain.
The writing style was easy to read, the characters were interesting and the plot was interesting and well conceived. I will read more in this series.
The writing style was easy to read, the characters were interesting and the plot was interesting and well conceived. I will read more in this series.
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