I was really excited to read this book because it was on a subject matter that, as a history major, I have encountered from time to time in my studies but more so because I was really eager to see how the author would have added an element of fiction to the whole story. After reading a few chapters of the story however, I found my self being really disappointed.
Firstly, let me start off by saying that the concept of the book was really intriguing and I think that would work in the author’s favor. The ideas about Jesus raised in the book were really thought provoking. The book utilizes the method of telling a story both in the past and the present time with the intention to have both stories come together and make the overall story coherent. One part of the book details the ancient letter written by a man who traveled with Jesus and John the Baptist as one of their disciples. The other part details a young scholar and his attempt to make a discovery that could catapult his academic career. These two parts of the story fail to connect with each other and you felt as though you were reading two books rather than one.
The writing style of the author was also a soar point for me. It was a bit too mechanical and failed to help me connect with any of the characters or the situations that they were in. Ultimately i felt cheated out for the suspense and the romance that the author incorporated in the story.
I honestly do not think that the story was really bad. However I think that the way in which the story was executed is what needs some work. To the credit of the author, I did enjoy the details of the ancient letter and i was compelled to do research on the authenticity of it. I know that history geeks like myself and readers who enjoy thought provoking pieces would give this book a try.