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abbieday01's review against another edition
4.0
On a archaeological dig Shannon is disappointed at what she has unearthed, hoping to have found something of more value she decides to visit an old church built on ancient grounds. There in the dusty caverns of the library she comes across a codex (or letters) tucked into a book. Not knowing exactly what she has stumbled upon she asks to take the manuscript home with her for her husband Jon, a Professor and renowned author, to look at. Upon looking at it they find what appears to be an important manuscript that may rival the dead sea scrolls.
However, before they can discover more controversy over Jon's book erupts and threatens to tear apart their world as the Muslims declare a Fatwa on Jon. Thus the non stop action, suspense, twists and turns begin.
Though the plot is very well developed and the story line is good I found this book difficult for more to get involved in. In fact I had to begin it again several times after putting it back on my "to be read" shelf behind the other books there. It is no fault of the author - I believe those who enjoy books that are based on such themes would greatly enjoy this. The author has done an extraordinary job at developing every part of this book. The characters and plot are well developed and the descriptive nature is wonderful. One can actually imagine one's self in the places and feel the tension and excitement at each twist and turn.
If you read the Da Vinci Code you will love this book because it is similar only more action packed.
If you have read and enjoyed other books by this author I have no doubt you will enjoy this one also. I just expected something different and found it to be a little dry at parts.
Thank you to Glass Roads Public Relations for this review copy.
However, before they can discover more controversy over Jon's book erupts and threatens to tear apart their world as the Muslims declare a Fatwa on Jon. Thus the non stop action, suspense, twists and turns begin.
Though the plot is very well developed and the story line is good I found this book difficult for more to get involved in. In fact I had to begin it again several times after putting it back on my "to be read" shelf behind the other books there. It is no fault of the author - I believe those who enjoy books that are based on such themes would greatly enjoy this. The author has done an extraordinary job at developing every part of this book. The characters and plot are well developed and the descriptive nature is wonderful. One can actually imagine one's self in the places and feel the tension and excitement at each twist and turn.
If you read the Da Vinci Code you will love this book because it is similar only more action packed.
If you have read and enjoyed other books by this author I have no doubt you will enjoy this one also. I just expected something different and found it to be a little dry at parts.
Thank you to Glass Roads Public Relations for this review copy.
gbdill's review against another edition
1.0
Maier's first novel, "A Skeleton in God's Closet" was excellent. But, this one was... SLOOOOOWWWW! I couldn't get into it. Not to mention the characters seemed shallow and the plot contrived. Cool cover though.
lreay89's review against another edition
This is quiet possibly one of the worst books I have ever had the misfortune to try and read. I'm usually pretty good with finishing books and I don't have hugely high expectations but this was really dire.
I got to 30% into the story and nothing had really happened. I mistakenly thought this book would be similar to Dan Browns books. How wrong I was. Finishing the manuscript was so mundane I almost didn't realise that would play a role in the book. The narrative between the two main characters who are supposed to be married was stilted, boring and repetitive. I couldn't find any empathy for them and could not warm to their story at all.
I found the FBI involvement laughable to be honest. That's not to say that I don't believe such errors as described during the story can cause such outrage across different communities in the modern world but the way it was dealt with instead of being something the characters were worried about and adding tension to the book it just seemed to create a way to fill 30% of the book (and ongoing as I did not finish it).
I really am not a snobbish reader and will read almost anything but this was not something that I personally enjoyed which I'm sad about as I think the premise had great potential, it just wasted it on being a tourist guide for several different places throughout the world.
That being said I do think the author is a very intelligent person and some of the points he was trying to raise are important for the 21st century it was just the style of writing and the pace that I struggled with.
A book to avoid.
I got to 30% into the story and nothing had really happened. I mistakenly thought this book would be similar to Dan Browns books. How wrong I was. Finishing the manuscript was so mundane I almost didn't realise that would play a role in the book. The narrative between the two main characters who are supposed to be married was stilted, boring and repetitive. I couldn't find any empathy for them and could not warm to their story at all.
I found the FBI involvement laughable to be honest. That's not to say that I don't believe such errors as described during the story can cause such outrage across different communities in the modern world but the way it was dealt with instead of being something the characters were worried about and adding tension to the book it just seemed to create a way to fill 30% of the book (and ongoing as I did not finish it).
I really am not a snobbish reader and will read almost anything but this was not something that I personally enjoyed which I'm sad about as I think the premise had great potential, it just wasted it on being a tourist guide for several different places throughout the world.
That being said I do think the author is a very intelligent person and some of the points he was trying to raise are important for the 21st century it was just the style of writing and the pace that I struggled with.
A book to avoid.
ivantable's review against another edition
3.0
Fun Christian fiction. And you learn a lot of Church History in the process.
luvbug7554's review against another edition
3.0
Almost good. The start of the book was better than the end. It was almost believable. Until the author delved into the husband/wife relationship, and interpersonal relationships as a whole.
The ending was too neat.
The ending was too neat.
catrev's review against another edition
3.0
The Constantine Codex by Paul L. Maier is the third book in the Skeleton series. Harvard Professor Jonathan Weber acquired a national reputation for great discoveries and wife, Shannon in previous books in the series. In this volume, Shannon is working on a dig in Pella when she discovers some fourth century pages that refer to a long lost book of the Bible. As the couple investigates those documents, they stumble upon a book that has the capacity to rock the Christian world. In the midst of the investigation, Jonathan has a fatwa placed upon his head and ends up in an internationally televised debate a Muslim professor about the viability of their respective religions. When the book disappears, Jonathan must scramble to recover it. Maier has created a fascinating "what if" story answering some of the hardest questions about the New Testament. His scholarship in ancient history gives the story lots of color and fascinating detail. The author digresses often, but the detours are often pleasant, adding insight to an aspect of faith or religion. However, the debate just eats up pages and kills any suspense building about the Codex. It has interesting dialogue about the differences between Christianity and Islam, but it seriously slows down the story. Maier suffers from the tendency of many professors in that he loves to teach his readers rather than entertain. The history and concepts are truly intriguing, but the romantic aspects are a bit clumsy, and Shannon, despite Maier's efforts, often serves as Jonathan's straight man for his numerous pranks and his student to allow him to show off his wealth of knowledge. I think Maier needs a sterner editor for future works to help him pare down the unnecessary side tracks and to strengthen the tension and keep suspense building.
windyskirt's review against another edition
The book is billed as a thriller, and the book blurb sounded promising. My problem with the book is that I'm 30% into the book, and it's not thrilling me at all.
The wife finds an ancient manuscript, and the dashing duo is off to find answers!!! Well hold your horses there sparky. There's a few non-related death threats and debates to get through first, but I'm just not that patient.
The wife finds an ancient manuscript, and the dashing duo is off to find answers!!! Well hold your horses there sparky. There's a few non-related death threats and debates to get through first, but I'm just not that patient.
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