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Sometimes the truth is

anything but honest



Sometimes the stories everyone

knows by heart are lies.



Sometimes lies are all we have left.


Two thousand years ago, thirty silver Tyrian shekels were paid to secure the most infamous betrayal of all time. Melted down by the grandsons of Judas Iscariot, Menahem and Eleazar ben Jair, in the dark heart of the Sicarii fortress, Masada, the silver was re-forged as a dagger. When the Sicarii zealots committed mass suicide in AD73 the dagger of Iscariot and the truth of his sacrifice were lost. Until now.


A religious cult calling itself the Disciples of Judas has risen in the Middle East. Its influence is pernicious, its reach long. In thirteen cities across Europe thirteen people martyr themselves in the name of Judas, promising forty days and forty nights of terror. They twist the worlds of ancient prophecies to drive home the fear. Everything you believe in will be proved wrong. Everything you hold true will fail.


Day by day the West wakes to increasingly harrowing acts of terror. As fear cripples the capitals of Europe, who will be the next to fall? London? Rome? Berlin?


In a race against time - and prophecy - believing the terrorists intend to assassinate the Pope as part of their plan to bring down the Catholic Church, Sir Charles Wyndham's team of combat specailists, codename Ogmios, tracks a labyrinthine course through truth, shades of truth and outright lies that takes them from the backstreets of London to the shadow of Checkpoint Charlie in Berlin and all the way into the heart of the Holy See itself.


Forty days and forty nights of fear. And today is day one.

Nook

First published January 1, 2010

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924 people want to read

About the author

Steven Savile

246 books250 followers
Steven Savile (born October 12, 1969, in Newcastle, England) is a British fantasy, horror and thriller writer, and editor living in Sala, Sweden.

Under the Ronan Frost penname (inspired by the hero of his bestselling novel, Silver) he has also written the action thriller White Peak, and as Matt Langley was a finalist for the People's Book Prize.

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5 stars
143 (22%)
4 stars
209 (33%)
3 stars
179 (28%)
2 stars
62 (9%)
1 star
37 (5%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
Profile Image for K. E..
173 reviews6 followers
October 22, 2022
"Kimi zaman kurnazlık, kabiliyetten daha mühimdir. "
Profile Image for EJ Knapp.
Author 7 books7 followers
January 15, 2011
Silver by Steven Savile is everything you could hope for in a thriller: a fast, exciting pace, a well wrought and fresh plot line, dynamic, well-rounded, well defined characters and some of the best writing I’ve seen in a thriller in a good while. If Dan Brown could write half as well as Steven Savile, The Da Vinci Code would have been a much more tolerable read.

There are six main characters in Silver: Sir Charles Wyndham, Noah Larkin, Ronan Frost, Orla Nyrén, Jude Lethe and Konstantin Khavin and, as Noah Larkin observes, each has his/her own story, each their own flaws. Mr. Savile manages to keep each true to his/her own unique voice, not always the easiest of tasks in a multiple protagonist story. Throw in some great secondary characters, a triple dose of bad guys, a backer’s dozen worth of martyrs, an assassination or two or three and a whole lot of innocent dead people coupled with an interesting twist on an old Biblical tale, all of it woven together with some seriously great writing, and you’ve got a book that is hard, if not impossible, to put down until the last page is turned. Had I not just started my own third novel, I would have read this in a single sitting. As it was, it was one of those rare books where I found myself racing toward the end while at the same time not wanting to turn that last page.

You can read my whole review on my website: www.ejknapp.com
Profile Image for Neil.
543 reviews56 followers
June 6, 2016
This book initially begins in Biblical times, and follows Judas Iscariot and the 30 pieces of Silver. It then proceeds to modern times, and whatever became of those Silver pieces. A series of suicides, in 13 different European cities, shocks the world. These in turn pave the way for the introduction of a shadowy organisation known as Ogmios, who battle to prevent even greater atrocities happening. The book follows the various agents, and gives a slightly disjointed read.
The plot is well thought out, and blends various prophecies with the events as they unfold. The characters are well crafted, although seem a bit prone to 'shoot first, ask questions later'. The main downside for me was the ending, it was almost as though I was missing part of the book. As this was the first in the series perhaps it continues.
For those who like their thrillers in the style of Dan Brown et al, then this is a book worth reading.
Profile Image for Stan Tremblay.
9 reviews5 followers
January 20, 2010
Where do I start with SILVER? It is a page turner, amazing read, and fast paced and with loads of twists and turns and some hellish surprises. Certainly at the top of my list for Book of the Year. The characters are flawed, the locales in the post-9/11 terrorist world, which adds a whole new tier to the DA VINCI CODE imitators (but this certainly is no copy-cat!), easily putting him in a league of his own, every bit as good as James Rollins and Steve Berry, in the genre. Not getting this book is a grave mistake.
Profile Image for Alex.
33 reviews
December 31, 2011
There is tension, and there is action. The characters are credible enough. The storyline is gripping.
But it fails to get more than 3 stars from me, because it's too violent, and especially the heroes are (you expect it from the villains). I'm also not a friend of open endings. This book stops in the middle of the story. The whole religious theme didn't really get to me, either.
All in all, worth reading. I have to say, i expected a different book. I usually read fantasy, and this is an espionage thriller. Misson Impossible all the way.
Profile Image for Hilma.
20 reviews
June 3, 2011
Really liked this, until about 20 pages from the end... I may well be missing something, but the grand finale is not there! The writing is good, the characters interesting, and the Dan Brown-esque religio-terrorism plot fun is well handled and not riddled with errors (I'm looking at you, Mr Brown!) but honestly, you need a good ending!

Maybe the next one in the series will pick up where this left off...?
770 reviews
July 24, 2014
I gave this book 3 stars, because it was hard to follow and spent a lot of time on religious stuff. I found it to easy to put down a lot of the times. I finally forced myself to finish it. I didn't really get to care about any of the characters.

i realize that some of the religious background was necessary to set the scene, but i think it was excessive. I also didn't appreciate the way it ended.

Otherwise it is an action adventure type of book which i like.
Profile Image for Julie Carter.
1,011 reviews13 followers
April 12, 2015
Just wow! Steven Savile writes such riveting stories, no matter which genre they are in. This is such a great read. The action was non-stop, the character development was amazing and the mixture of history and religion made for an interesting read. I need the next book to be finished this weekend!
Profile Image for Adele Wharton.
91 reviews
March 25, 2019
loved this - a great conspiracy type thriller (I think Dan Brown is always going to get referenced with this type of story but you get the idea). Plenty of twists and turns, I didn't want to put it down! Also satisfying that it didn't end how I thought it would. I'm new to this author, but will definitely be reading the next one!
Profile Image for Ronnan Bangis.
Author 2 books7 followers
August 6, 2019
Exhilirating and Exciting

I really enjoyed this book. It was thrilling and I was at the edge of my seat as I read further. The only problem I had was these agents are a bit reckless.

Though I wanna know what gonna happen next so I'll be waiting for the next book. I like the Ronan character.
Profile Image for David Foster.
193 reviews2 followers
January 30, 2011
I found this "over the top" with unbelievable scenarios, especially the ending. I just couldn't get there. The action scenes are spellbinding but they are joined with details that take too long to develop and often feel like a "stretch".
Profile Image for Edward.
Author 19 books26 followers
December 24, 2010
Great plot and very unique writing. I can't wait for the sequel. At times the inner dialogue was too much for a thriller but overall this was a cut above even most thrillers on the NYT bestseller list.
Profile Image for Neil Plakcy.
Author 238 books650 followers
August 15, 2015
I did like this book at the start but eventually gave up because I found that I didn't care for any of the characters and the plot at the heart of the book seemed too over the top.
Profile Image for Bryan Thomas Schmidt.
Author 52 books169 followers
June 7, 2018
In fairness, the author has talent. This just is not his best work. It is early work. And it shows. Character development is weak, with plot taking focus. And as a result, there's no one I know well enough to care about beyond the fact they are fighting on the side of justice against evil doers. The religious backstory was a bit silly and underdeveloped to me, and I thought the story felt rushed to an unsatisfying cliffhanger. Perhaps since it has sequels, the ending is intentional but I found it a disappointment. Also, the book is dated. In post 9/11 early days, it might have seemed fresh and intriguing but now it just feels cliche, like the by the numbers terrorist thriller such an event might inspire. Forgettable but do not miss PARALLEL LINES which is a brilliant thriller he wrote a decade later.
Profile Image for Luis Roo Club de Tordos.
26 reviews
February 24, 2022
Me agrado la novela por su toque historico y por mezclar espías y conspiraciones para derrocar el orden mundial religioso, pero debo de recalcar que no me gusta mucho como escribe el escritor, hay datos aveces muy buenos y luego hay descripciones que siento que no tienen cabida en la historia o solo son para rellenar.

Aun con esto último quizás busque leer la siguiente novela de la saga de Ogmios.
Profile Image for Stephen.
1,240 reviews8 followers
March 2, 2018
Interesting book on the premise of an alternative version of the Christ story and the basis that Judas was the true hero. A cult stemming from the child of Judas and Mary Magdalene has decided to rewrite the word's religion... through terrorism. A small group of British agents will be tested beyond their limits as they try to stop the oncoming tide.
Profile Image for Monnie.
1,625 reviews790 followers
January 19, 2013
Flash back to the death of Judas Iscariot, the man who betrayed Jesus for 30 pieces of silver. Or did he? In a book that seems to channel Dan Brown (not quite as expertly, but close enough for horseshoes), the "fact" that he was a traitor is brought into question. The theory that he really did it as a "favor" to his friend Jesus -- without whose death on the cross there could be no resurrection and no Christian Messiah -- is far from a new concept. But the author makes it sound quite plausible, weaving a thrilling tale that for the most part kept me turning the pages.

The silver coins, it seems, were melted down and forged to become a dagger by the grandsons of Judas in a fortress in Masada, which was lost in 73 A.D. along with the "truth" about Judas's actions on that fateful night. Back to the future -- now -- 13 people burn themselves alive on the same day in 13 different cities throughout Europe. Their message? As in Biblical days, there will be 40 days and 40 nights of terror -- a message that's followed up by unexplained acts of terrorism against masses of people.

As details unfold, it becomes clear that the Pope is the intended victim; his death is sure to topple the entire Catholic Church, which of course has long denied the notion that Judas might have been a hero. A team of combat specialists known as Ogmios (who in true combat specialist tradition don't really exist and therefore have no official jurisdiction or protection should they find themselves in trouble), take on the task of stopping the worst from happening.

The book held my attention thoroughly until toward the end as the author began to wrap things up. Suddenly, everything started moving much too quickly, and -- maybe as a result -- too many of the situations seemed to stretch the imagination beyond its limits (although I suppose the argument could be made that if you buy into the plausibility that Judas wasn't a traitor, you won't have trouble accepting much else).

A villain who's described as morbidly obese and barely able to turn his head, for instance, doesn't seem one who would have his home office on an upper floor -- especially since he's filthy rich and certainly could afford to remodel a downstairs room. And what's the likelihood that the heroine who sets out to do him in just happens to wear the exact same size clothing as his dead wife? Then there's the issue of those 30 pieces of silver: Long ago and far away, they were forged into a dagger. So how, then (SPOILER ALERT!!), did they once again become silver coins (another resurrection, perhaps)? C'mon, gimme a break!

Despite a bit of a shaky ending, though, I enjoyed this book. According to the author's notes, the sequel -- Gold -- was to follow in 2011. As of this writing, it was to be released early this year, but so far I've not seen or heard anything about it. When and if it does, I'll give it a try.
Profile Image for Michele Lee.
Author 17 books50 followers
January 24, 2010
I was given this book to review.

Silver is a tome, one hell of a book, in scope, complexity and power. Twinning a secret religious cult made up of the descendants of the misunderstood Judas and a handful of highly organized acts of terrorism that begins with 13 people burning themselves alive at the same moment in time across the world, Silver pits a team of secretive investigators against a worldwide religious-political threat.
Move over Dan Brown, Saville threads in more flavor, texture and dimension into a story than most authors dream of. Moving from the U.S. to Israel, Rome and Germany and including a vast cast that will make other international thrillers appear pale in comparison, Silver is a hefty read.
The pace is even, but not always speedy and the layered details might not be intriguing to all readers. The emphasis here is strongly on large scope character and world building. Silver would appeal to readers who enjoy more of a mainstream slant to genre fiction, such as those who find Stephen King and Michael Crichton's detail and character-oriented styles to their taste. Even readers who might find this storytelling method slow will have to admit that Saville backs it up with a lot of plot interest and intrigue and a twist on the Christian theological mythos that's edgy and new.
Profile Image for Dominika.
11 reviews10 followers
April 13, 2014
I've been eyeing this book for the longest time but when I started reading I couldn't take my hands of it. It sucks you right in with the characters, the plot, the background and everything.

The author introduces us to the characters after 13 synchronised suicides around the world. The group called OGMIOS starts their investigation on this case. The group consistng of not-anymore-soldiers is trying to solve the case and find who made it hapened and stop 40 days and night of fear and death. Will they succeed??

This book is perfection! Steven Savile's style of writing is really, really amazing, you can actually feel like you're standing next to the person you're reading about. It can be confusing at tmes but in the end everthing will jump into place and become clear. I loved Dan Brown books (yes, I will also compare the two.of them) but the the fact that in 'Silver' you have many people separated from each other and 'fighting' for the same cause makes it way better! I highly recommend reading this and I'm tellng you, you'll be waiting for 'Gold'!
Profile Image for D.g. Gass.
Author 2 books4 followers
March 27, 2011
In "Silver", the author, Steven Savile, introduces us to Noah Larkin and the rest of the Omgios Team. After thirteen, very public, suicides in thirteen different cities, a new terrorist group emerges threatening forty days and forty nights of terror. In a race against time, the author takes us from England, to Germany, to Rome and, even, to Israel as they piece together the connection of the martyrs. The question is, can they fit all the pieces together to save the Pope, who is the apparent target of this new terror group.

"Silver" is a well written, suspense filled novel. I like the fact that he went outside of the "norm" in terms of the religious fanaticism. What makes this novel spectacular, though, is that you never see it coming. Just when you think you have it figured out, you realize that you're wrong. Trust me, you don't see it coming. When I finished with it, all I could say was, wow.
Profile Image for David Dalton.
3,060 reviews
Read
October 3, 2013
I was really getting into Silver, the story was racing towards an exciting ending and then the story just ended. What happened? Nothing in any of the other reviews I have read even gave that hint that this book has no real ending and is basically an incomplete book. I have read other books that were parts of a trilogy or such, but I knew that going in (case in point: Ghost Road Blues by Jonathan Maberry or the last 3 books by Matt Reilly).

I enjoyed the action, the characters, and the plot of Silver, it's just the ending that I am not fond of. Thank goodness I only paid $2.99 (Kindle) for this story, down in Kindle price from $9.99. I will probably get Gold when it comes out, but only after reading reviews and even then I'll probably wait until the price comes down.

Good story overall, and I like the idea of the Ogmios Team.
46 reviews5 followers
November 29, 2014
If you are a fan of Dan Brown, Clive Cussler or Steve Berry, Silver will be a book you will enjoy. The stakes are high and the tension keeps building throughout. The author creates a great ensemble of characters that we follow across the world to help try and prevent a wave of terrible terrorist attacks. The story is draped in religious mystery that will tickle the palate of anyone who's a fan of the religious/historical thriller. The action will keep you on the edge of your seat and everything weaves together to generate a heart pounding climax. The author takes a lot of risks with this book and I think the payoff is great. This is a great introduction to what should be an exiting and high stakes series.
35 reviews1 follower
June 23, 2011
I liked the story and each facet of the chase to find the villain. Each agent was well drawn and interesting. I wished that there could have been a bit more interaction between them. There were odd sentences that hinted at their relationships but not enough to impact on their actions or emotions. It seemed superfluous to the plot but perhaps there are plans for developements in later books.
The different locations were cleverly described and the atmosphere of each city neatly engendered. I love stories that make me speed-read and hold my breath through the action and there were several moments of this in Silver.
I shall look forward to reading Mr Savile's next book.
Profile Image for Shaun Allan.
Author 37 books252 followers
July 3, 2011
I found this book on a random seach on on my Kindle app. I love the Dan Brown style books, so thought this would be in a similar vein.

I also thought it might be one of those myriad clones you see covering the walls of your local bookstore, but the premise intrigued me. I won't mention what that is, but I was so wrong about this being a mere clone.

The book held me from the start and gripped me to the end. It was a fast paced thriller with great characters and scenes and an excellent story. And when it ended I was desperate to read more. None of the fizzle of the Lost Symbol, this made you hope for a sequel.

Can't wait to read Gold.
Profile Image for Jacque Brant.
66 reviews3 followers
June 29, 2015
EXTRAORDINARY THRILLER!!

This book left me speechless!!! I can only say YOU MUST READ IT!! From the first words, the suspense didn't stop...I now understand what "FANATICAL" means and how a terrorist organization forms. Just MIND BLOWING & POWERFUL READING!! Steven Savile is pure genius!! This story will stay with me forever because of the times we live in, this really hit home!! Gritty, horrific, heart wrenching and very fast paced!! I literally couldn't stop until the last word and my jaw dropped!!! On to the next Ogmios novel!!! God bless this world...
Author 6 books2 followers
May 14, 2011
Better paced than Dan Brown. Better use of the English language than Matthew Reilly. However the subject matter seemed better left to theologians than thriller writers, the characters felt too much like cyphers, the plot a bit too disjointed and the ending was (deliberately) unsatisfying - which didn't make me want to look up the next in the series. Which is not to say I don't think the author shows promise - just feel that he needs a bit more seasoning.
Profile Image for Luisa B..
Author 1 book24 followers
August 1, 2014
OMG
SEGUNDO LIBRO VEN A MÍ!!!
Que libro más espectacular. De verdad.
Desde todo lo relacionado con Judas, los asesinos, los suicidas, el equipo bad-ass que aún así se equivoca...
¡MARAVILLOSO!
Si no lo terminé antes fue por falta de tiempo.
Necesito encontrar el segundo libro para YA
Profile Image for Nigel.
554 reviews5 followers
February 23, 2013
A good start to what promises to be a interesting new series.
This concerns the story of Judas and the thirty pieces of Silver, featuring a overt organisation, with some great characters which hopefully will develop in future stories, mad sects and acts of terrorism to make you shudder. This was well researched and put together to keep the reader turning the pages. The ending will leave you in shock and is wide open for a follow up which I will certainly be reading.
Profile Image for Misterh.
1 review
October 18, 2013
A good balance of conspiracy and historical fact mixed with some dan brown-esque what could be. Really cool characters scattered round the globe working for the mysterious Ogmyosis group. One of my favourite reads of last year I'm only disappointed that his follow-up "Gold" didnt come out at the end of 2011 as promised.
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