Scan barcode
ladyoflochness's review against another edition
3.0
Two stars for the actual story and book - some of the writing was fumbled and difficult to follow.
One star for the effort put forth by the author. I can tell she put a lot of thought into this and a lot of research into this project. Judging from the rest of her works, this book appears to be above her usual writing genre. I really have to give her kudos for trying to write something above and beyond her usual. I would possibly give the author another chance in the future.
One star for the effort put forth by the author. I can tell she put a lot of thought into this and a lot of research into this project. Judging from the rest of her works, this book appears to be above her usual writing genre. I really have to give her kudos for trying to write something above and beyond her usual. I would possibly give the author another chance in the future.
Spoiler
The Raiders of the Lost Ark scene seemed a bit too ripped off. Just my two cents.jennifermreads's review against another edition
3.0
Lots of buzz for this book ….or maybe it just seemed like a lot because of Maureen Johnson’s Twitter campaign!
At times, the book felt long and tedious. I am appalled it took me 8 days to finish – I cannot recall the last time a book took so long for me to read! However, while it was drawn out at times, the mystery was intriguing, the connections between Nora and Elizabeth (and current day & 1500s) were eerie, the historical treasure hunt compelling, and the secret societies curious. Everyone loves a conspiracy and secret society, right?! Lots of twists and turns, and I was suspicious to the end as to whether Max was innocent or not (NOT).
Not a light read but definitely entertaining – as long as one is patient and keeps going through the parts that seem like they are tedious and pointless.
At times, the book felt long and tedious. I am appalled it took me 8 days to finish – I cannot recall the last time a book took so long for me to read! However, while it was drawn out at times, the mystery was intriguing, the connections between Nora and Elizabeth (and current day & 1500s) were eerie, the historical treasure hunt compelling, and the secret societies curious. Everyone loves a conspiracy and secret society, right?! Lots of twists and turns, and I was suspicious to the end as to whether Max was innocent or not (NOT).
Not a light read but definitely entertaining – as long as one is patient and keeps going through the parts that seem like they are tedious and pointless.
ceruleanheather's review against another edition
4.0
This book was like the da Vinci code for teens. It was very interesting!
karenavila85's review against another edition
1.0
Oh damn... This was such a waste because half way through the book I got so bored. All the letters became so long and boring that I literally skipped over them since Nora would summarize it anyway. I thought I would like this book because I love mysteries and find it interesting when it's nicely mixed with history BUT I could not make it through. At the end I just didn't care if Nora survived. I know she meant well but she was just so blinded by her friends that she couldn't see passed reason. Even when she had evidence in front of her of how her friends betrayed her, she would refuse to believe. What more proof does she need?!? Ugh so glad this book is over and done with
hlizmarie's review against another edition
2.0
I think the bottom line is I'm just not a fan of this author's writing style. Nothing personal intended by that statement but the books simply don't do it for me.
camihawk's review against another edition
3.0
Pretty slow the second time around, dropped it from 5 stars to 3 stars, still I love the character development
erinarkin20's review against another edition
2.0
I have mixed feelings about this book. It was interesting in parts and in others it really dragged. I will say that the reviews that say this is a ya version of The DaVinci Code are fairly accurate.
The story revolves around Nora who is somewhat underwhelming as a character. A tragedy causes her to make some major changes in her life. Because of those changes, she meets Chris and Adriane who become her closest friends. When Chris goes to college, his roommate Max enters the picture as well. I won't go into the entire background of what leads into the heart of the story as there is a lot going on in this book. In short, Nora, Chris and Max are assisting with a research/translation project for a history professor and while doing so, uncover a mystery around the Lumen Dei.
The story has mystery, murder, religious cults/sects, and quite a bit of deception. I did enjoy the story but felt some pieces were a bit out there...namely, the fact that seniors in high school are able to go overseas as part of a school trip and essentially just walk away from the group they are supposed to be with. I will say I enjoyed the part where the author channels a scene from Indiana Jones - Raiders of the Lost Ark...
Overall I would probably rate this a 2.5 if I were able to. Anyone reading this should know there is a lot of background and reading of letters early on....the action doesn't really start until about 1/4 of the way into the book. If you power through that, don't give up.
The story revolves around Nora who is somewhat underwhelming as a character. A tragedy causes her to make some major changes in her life. Because of those changes, she meets Chris and Adriane who become her closest friends. When Chris goes to college, his roommate Max enters the picture as well. I won't go into the entire background of what leads into the heart of the story as there is a lot going on in this book. In short, Nora, Chris and Max are assisting with a research/translation project for a history professor and while doing so, uncover a mystery around the Lumen Dei.
The story has mystery, murder, religious cults/sects, and quite a bit of deception. I did enjoy the story but felt some pieces were a bit out there...namely, the fact that seniors in high school are able to go overseas as part of a school trip and essentially just walk away from the group they are supposed to be with. I will say I enjoyed the part where the author channels a scene from Indiana Jones - Raiders of the Lost Ark...
Spoiler
let's just say there is mention of face melting and I immediately thought of that scene in the movie.Overall I would probably rate this a 2.5 if I were able to. Anyone reading this should know there is a lot of background and reading of letters early on....the action doesn't really start until about 1/4 of the way into the book. If you power through that, don't give up.
cancourtneyread's review against another edition
3.0
Reminded me a lot of The Da Vinci Code....not sure how I feel about this book yet