Three short reviews of the God's Lions Series by John Lyman As Read in 2011-2012
The Secret Chapel (Book 1, God's Lions)Summoned to Rome by an old friend, a Jesuit scholar finds himself using a code discovered in the Bible to unearth an ancient, hidden chapel in the catacombs under the city. When a rogue force of Vatican security officials are alerted to his discovery, the priest flees to the Holy Land with a clue ... a clue that will lead him and a team of Israeli Christians to a much larger secret in the middle of the barren Negev Desert.
Meticulously researched and drawing on scientific fact, John Lyman's intriguing story takes readers into the world of scholars, archaeologists, code-breakers, and intelligence specialists who have discovered a prophetic code hidden within the Old Testament that authenticates the Bible as a book of supernatural origin and points to a divine plan. This gripping novel is truly a thought-provoking and action-packed thriller with implications for our future.
The Secret Chapel is currently in development as a major motion picture.
I enjoyed this novel. Lyman has developed the plot very well and has plenty of twists and turns.
Having being brought up Catholic and then converting to Pentecostalism, I found it difficult this plot being very Catholic orientated. I do understand that a main part of the plot is located in the tunnels and catacombs under the Vatican but does that mean that it has to be Catholic orientated? Maybe this is because the author is Catholic? From this I can understand his view.
My only criticism is that the characters needed to be fleshed out more, they seem to be a bit shallow and two dimensional.
I loved the spiritual warfare and the supernatural elements; not far from how this is in real life as far know. I hope Lyman includes this in the next installment. This is one reason for me buying this book.
I do look forward to his next novel. He does write well and I am sure he will be even better next time round.
Highly recommended.
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Returning to Rome from a forced sabbatical, a Jesuit cardinal discovers that a dark force born of vengeance from an ancient religion has been unleashed against the world. Thrust into an end-game scenario, the cardinal joins with a dedicated team of Israeli and Spanish scientists as they race across the globe to stop a unspeakable evil ... only to discover that they may already be too late.
Once again, the meticulous background research that has become the hallmark of author John Lyman's novels is evident in this bone-chilling sequel to his bestselling book, God's Lions - The Secret Chapel, as readers are transported into the cloistered world of scholars, archaeologists, code-breakers, and intelligence specialists who have discovered evidence of an evil force that has ruled a single family for over seven hundred years. Put on a pot of coffee. This page-turning thriller will keep you up until the wee hours of the morning.
Review:
Will The Bible Code Team Be Able To Conquer Evil Again? This is the question readers are confronted with in this second instalment of the God's Lions trilogy. Here is the set up:
"Returning to Rome from a forced sabbatical, Jesuit cardinal, Leo Amodeo, discovers that a dark force born of vengeance from an ancient religion has been unleashed against the world. Thrust into an end-game scenario, the cardinal joins with a dedicated team of Israeli and Spanish scientists as they race across the globe to stop an unspeakable evil ... only to discover that they may already be too late." (Amazon Product Description).
After reading this description from Amazon, I knew I was in for a great ride, a cannot put down this book experience and to again be reunited with friends, well researched history and a great plot.
This time round Lyman has developed the characters further and the relationships between each of The Bible Code Team. More like minded characters are added to this team, and I hope they are part of the third and hopefully not last instalment.
Despite the plot and pace that keeps you reading and no wanting to put this down, it is the atmosphere that Lyman creates in his writing. It is simple yet descriptive. Even the segments that provide background information or history to plot do not make you frustrated or want to skim over. Again, in this novel I felt at home with the characters as if I am there with them but as a silent observer. This makes the story to feel as if it would not end. When I get like this, I am in another world and as happy as a pig in mud!
John Lyman is an author to keep an eye on. He is on a winner here with this trilogy. I highly recommend this novel and also the first book, The Secret Chapel (God's Lions).
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Forty years after a mysterious billionaire disappears, he suddenly resurfaces with a dark secret that shocks the world. In this enthralling third novel in the "God's Lions" series, Cardinal Leopold Amodeo is once again teamed with a group of scientists and archaeologists who are led to the inescapable conclusion that a very real evil has arrived in the world.
Based on recently de-classified documents and real-life technological breakthroughs that are already on the drawing board, John Lyman takes readers on a wild ride into a future that is already here, where technology takes flight in the hands of one who has vowed to destroy mankind. Make sure your coffee pot is in good working order, because you'll need it when you curl up with this book into the wee hours of the morning.
Review:
The Bible Code team are back in this third instalment of the God's Lions Trilogy. However, the way this book ends, it cannot be classed as a trilogy. There has to be a fourth book to continue this story. It has ended with the Antichrist beginning to wage his wrath and hatred towards the Team and the remaining Cathars.
The supernatural elements are there again in this story although in this instalment they are darker and more satanic, leading up to the possession of Adrian Acerbi with satan's spirit and then being the Antichrist.
Storylines from the previous book are developed further especially between Leo and Evita. Two characters are killed off which adds to the fast pace and depth of this plot.
The reader learns more about the Acerbi and Cathar history from started in the previous book. This also serves to imply that there will have to be a fourth book in this series.
Like the previous two books, the pace is fast, and you cannot put this one down. It is an easy read as the author writes well.
I am looking forward to seeing where a fourth book with take the reader, if indeed there is to be one, but as I have stated, there are two many obvious plot lines not finished at the end of this instalment. You are left hanging from the last page with the thought, there has to be a fourth book.
Highly recommended.
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