The first thrilling novel in Raymond Khoury’s New York Times bestselling Templar series. In 1291, a young Templar knight flees the fallen holy land in a hail of fire and flashing sword, setting out to sea with a mysterious chest entrusted to him by the Order's dying grand master. The ship vanishes without a trace. In present day Manhattan, four masked horsemen dressed as Templar Knights stage a bloody raid on the Metropolitan Museum of Art during an exhibit of Vatican treasures. Emerging with a strange geared device, they disappear into the night. The investigation that follows draws archaeologist Tess Chaykin and FBI agent Sean Reilly into the dark, hidden history of the crusading knights—and into a deadly game of cat and mouse with ruthless killers—as they race across three continents to recover the lost secret of the Templars.
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"Great history of the Knights Templar, geography, Early Christian church history.....crime, murder, suspense, recommend it as a change of pace. It actually dovetails nicely with the other book I am reading.Finished this one while waiting for a helicopter flight for work.... "
— John (4 out of 5 stars)
" this book had a lot of hype surrounding it, and i have to be honest, i wasn't that crazy about it... i liked the plot, the way the story was set, and most of the main characters... i really thought the ending sucked bigtime though. "
— Jennifer, 2/19/2014" I had to force myself to finish the book. It's like the Da Vinci Code without the thrilling suspense. If you are into different theories about religion it would be an ok read. "
— Ginny, 2/15/2014" I explained this to people as like a Dan Brown novel, but not quite as good. I read it for a book club and wasn't a big fan. "
— Hillary, 2/15/2014" The whole story was pretty unsuspensful and the ending was very disappointing. Had the premise for a great story but the author did not quite deliver. There were only a few chapters that really drew me in and they didn't come until later in the book. "
— Krista, 2/13/2014" Four men on horse back dressed as Templar Knights stage a bloody raid on the Metropolitan Museum of Art during an exhibit of lost Vatican Treasures. An FBI agent, Sean, and archeologist, Tess, work closely to find why these men took a strange geared device. As the investigation continues so do the killings, lies, and mysteries. In a desperate attempt to discover the archeological find of a lifetime the investigation moves to Turkey where Tess and Sean learn who really is friend and foe. Could things not be what meets the eye? Could they uncover the greatest hoax the Vatican has ever pulled off? It is a race between time and near certain death to find the answers to hundreds of questions. I thought this book was very interesting. It definitely made me think. There were lots of twists and turns in this fast passed story. This would be a great book for anyone looking for an adventure book set in present day with some interesting history mixed in. "
— Abby, 2/12/2014" While not the best book I have read this year, once I got past a slow beginning it did keep my interest, but more because I just hate to quit a book more than I just couldn't put it down. I don't plan to seek out other works by this author. "
— Adam, 2/11/2014" Crappy book, just reading it now because I'm near the end. "
— Megan, 1/16/2014" The book, as is the case many times, has an ending that is more satisfying than the movie. Action, mystery ... it has it all. "
— Pam, 1/5/2014" I really loved this book until about 2/3's of the way through when it really died off. It picked up again, but the ending really fell flat. I don't recommend it. "
— Lindasueanne, 12/7/2013" I find these types of books fasinating "
— Courtney, 11/18/2013" If you have read Dan Brown's Da Vinci Code or Angels and Demons, this is only a shade of those two. Entertaining to a point but follows the same old outline of trying to disprove religion. In my opinion, was not written at a high level. "
— Ryley, 11/15/2013" Very good story....you could almost believe its true....I like the plot... "
— Marjana, 11/2/2013" Reminded me of the Da Vinci Code. I liked it enough to keep reading, but I won't be rereading it. "
— Elizabeth, 10/30/2013" Really like this book. Am reading another one of his now. I would recommend. "
— Matt, 8/4/2013" In a similar vein to The Da Vinci Code, this search for an ancient document hidden by the Templars is about as engrossing. At least, I enjoyed it, and it was interesting to see how long the author held out on telling you what the search was actually for. "
— april, 5/19/2013" Really formulaic and obvious. The characters were just ridiculously shallow, and anyone who has read anything about the Crusades or the Middle Ages (or seen an Indiana Jones movie, for that matter) will just yawn and hand it on. Or throw it out. "
— Diane, 2/5/2013" verkligen urusel bok. inte vart tiden det tog att lasa den.......... "
— Robert, 1/24/2013" I think of this book kind of like, "The DaVinci Code" just from a different angle. Man, there are a lot of people out there with an ax to grind with the Catholic church!!! "
— Tlnorz, 11/13/2012" Dan Brown clone. Still entertaining read though... "
— Marcel, 10/19/2012" It was really good and so much better than the tv version. "
— Chatterbox, 4/14/2012" Not a great book, but an enjoyable read nonetheless. Khoury's style makes you want to keep reading to find out what happens next. "
— Poindextra, 3/31/2012" Reread for second time. Good fast paced action. Coincidence stretches plausibility several times. "
— Chuck, 1/10/2012" While the story is alright, the writing annoyed me to the point where I almost stopped reading. Too much telling, not enough showing. I won't be reading any more by this author. "
— Suzie, 12/29/2011" Just loved this adventure. Another great author hits the book shelves - a thoroughly enjoyable read. "
— Winnie, 10/30/2011" very good and has you on the edge of you seat through out the book! "
— Jeremey, 8/10/2011" This is a faster-paced, somewhat more interesting Davinci Code. I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys Dan Brown's writing but finds it a little plodding. Well-written, fun and adventerous. It's really a wild ride. "
— J.P., 6/22/2011" A nice entertainment for those who like Adventure and Ancient History :) "
— Andre, 6/1/2011" This book is very interesting. I enjoyed reading this book. "
— Charlie, 5/10/2011" An exciting regular fiction story. Not too bad, but I wanted lots more knights. Ah well. =) "
— Bradley, 5/1/2011" Really great first half, which was difficult to put down. It was very similar in structure and plot to <em>The Da Vinci Code</em>. The ending was a bit of a let-down in the way it was handled. "
— Marissa, 4/23/2011" if you liked the Da Vinci Code (or even if you didn't!), you will LOVE this book. i will not spoil it but what i will say is this: the ending will blow you away. "
— Ruby, 4/18/2011" It was a good story - very similar to Dan Brown's style. "
— Dominique, 4/18/2011" If I could have given this book a 3.5 I would have. I liked the story it was interested and different then say a Dan Brown book. It felt somewhat far-fetched, but it's a work of fiction it's allowed to be! I will be reading the sequel “The Templar Salvation” next. "
— Matthew, 4/11/2011" It is an excellent book with an engaging story but is somewhat predictable. "
— Alan, 4/11/2011" Recommended by Candi Prizer. I enjoyed this book as I did his other book titled "The Sign". The second book in this series was disappointing (Templar Salavation). "
— Wendy, 4/3/2011" Started out nice, then boring until half way through. Interesting plot. Romance interest a bit forced. "
— Dan, 3/31/2011" I wanted to rate this higher, but it really started to drag towards the end. Also, the secret of the templars isn't anything new or surprising. Maybe i was expecting too much. Or maybe I've just read too many similar stories. "
— Lauren, 3/23/2011" Anyone interested in Dan Brown's "Da Vinci Code" would enjoy this book. Full of adventure and history. "
— Kristy, 3/19/2011Raymond Khoury is the New York Times bestselling author of The Last Templar, The Sanctuary, The Sign, The Templar Salvation, and The Devil’s Elixir. Also an acclaimed screenwriter and producer, he lives in London with his family.
Richard Ferrone recorded over 150 audiobooks including thrillers, romances, science fiction, and inspirational novels. He won the prestigious Audie Award and was a finalist for four Audie Awards, including for Best Solo Male Narrator. He was named an AudioFile "Voice of the Last Century" and a "Rising and Shining Star." He earned many AudioFile Earphones Awards, including being named the 2011 Best Voice in Mystery and Suspense as well as the 2009 Best Voice in Science Fiction and Fantasy. A science fiction fan, he narrated Kim Stanley Robinson’s Mars trilogy. He also narrated works by James Patterson, Walter Mosley, John Sandford, Eric Van Lustbader, and Stuart Woods.