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librarydoc's review against another edition
4.0
Interesting read, reminded me of National Treasure with some Angels and Demons mixed in. Fast paced, kept me entertained.
kristinhzta90's review
4.0
I really enjoyed this story especially the historical aspects along with the different locations that the story took place in. It got a little crazy in a few places, but this is fiction after all. It ended neatly while leaving an opening for the next book.
cecile87's review against another edition
3.0
MMmm, not sure what to think of it. Entertaining. I completed it as I was curious about where it was going. The vampire stuff and related critters was not what I was expecting. I will move on to the next one as I did like the troika--the archeologist whose name I've forgotten already, the soldier, Jordan, and the vampire priest, Rhun. So, I'll trudge through the the next one and see if I'm still committed to the storyline.
hirvimaki's review against another edition
2.0
I like James Rollins' books - his stand-alone adventure books and his Sigma series. I like vampires. I thought this would be a good match. It wasn't.
Nothing wrong with the writing and it doesn't lack editorial polish, but I just didn't find the story or the characters compelling. And I found the underlying mythology of it to be...well, silly. I rarely read a book in a series without reading the entire series, but I'm uncertain of this one. I'm only mildly interested in the seeing where the plot will meander.
The religious theme of the book did not put me off - other than I thought it was taken in that rather silly direction - but some may be put off by it. Rollins takes great liberty with Christianity and Catholicism to drive the plot. I don't have a problem with this. I rather enjoy books that tinker with or expand upon or stretch the vast history and traditions of religion in general and the Catholic Church specifically, but what started as an interesting take on vampirism and Christianity slowly slid into just being goofy. But really only because it was turned up to 11, so to speak.
Some people may find the religiosity of the book uncomfortable or even blasphemous, so if your sensitivities lean toward being offended by bending around religious doctrine to match a book plot, you might think twice about picking this novel. On the other hand, if you like vampires and want a Byzantine back story for them that includes priestly intrigues, give it a whirl. It may be your cup of tea. It just wasn't mine.
Nothing wrong with the writing and it doesn't lack editorial polish, but I just didn't find the story or the characters compelling. And I found the underlying mythology of it to be...well, silly. I rarely read a book in a series without reading the entire series, but I'm uncertain of this one. I'm only mildly interested in the seeing where the plot will meander.
The religious theme of the book did not put me off - other than I thought it was taken in that rather silly direction - but some may be put off by it. Rollins takes great liberty with Christianity and Catholicism to drive the plot. I don't have a problem with this. I rather enjoy books that tinker with or expand upon or stretch the vast history and traditions of religion in general and the Catholic Church specifically, but what started as an interesting take on vampirism and Christianity slowly slid into just being goofy. But really only because it was turned up to 11, so to speak.
Some people may find the religiosity of the book uncomfortable or even blasphemous, so if your sensitivities lean toward being offended by bending around religious doctrine to match a book plot, you might think twice about picking this novel. On the other hand, if you like vampires and want a Byzantine back story for them that includes priestly intrigues, give it a whirl. It may be your cup of tea. It just wasn't mine.
mattschiller's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
I read the novella included with the novel “City of Screams first and the angle of a forensic military team solving mysteries with a supernatural bent was initially intriguing. And then the main book started off promising as well but just went off the rails with too much unnecessary stuff thrown in (forced, whippet banter, unnecessary romance, main villain goes nowhere, etc.) There is the bones of an interesting novel here with some interesting idea but this is just a schlocky, bloated, predictable fantasy thriller.
ingo_lembcke's review
4.0
Started yesterday, January 11th, 2013.
Too long, too much action, the heroes should have paused and thought about the implications a few times.
The usual page-turner from Rollins, cannot see how much of the story was influenced by Cantell.
Fantastic ideas, and the fast paced action and puzzles are worthy of a Dan Brown, who also would never get 5 stars for most of his books.
The pause I missed is where the book ends - which will be followed by a sequel barring doomsday and the world ending before it is written.
4 stars it is.
But to be sure, I will read the sequel.
Next is the newest Preston-Child: Two graves, where the ebook finally got cheaper, my barrier is usually Us$ 10, which I broke with the Blood Gospel, having ordered it as soon as I saw it, before it was released. (Updated to insert "the heroes" in the beginning and to correct a spelling error).
Too long, too much action, the heroes should have paused and thought about the implications a few times.
The usual page-turner from Rollins, cannot see how much of the story was influenced by Cantell.
Fantastic ideas, and the fast paced action and puzzles are worthy of a Dan Brown, who also would never get 5 stars for most of his books.
The pause I missed is where the book ends - which will be followed by a sequel barring doomsday and the world ending before it is written.
4 stars it is.
But to be sure, I will read the sequel.
Next is the newest Preston-Child: Two graves, where the ebook finally got cheaper, my barrier is usually Us$ 10, which I broke with the Blood Gospel, having ordered it as soon as I saw it, before it was released. (Updated to insert "the heroes" in the beginning and to correct a spelling error).
muhavipi's review against another edition
4.0
A good novel in it's own right. I might suggest seeking out help from someone intimate with aspects of the setting, however. For instance, someone with better knowledge of minute aspects of the Catholic Church. Consecrated wine is never left over after mass, so it wouldn't be found in a German church, especially behind the altar, where nothing is stored. You would look for items used in mass in a sacristy. Also, a cardinal wears a red cassock. A bishop wears a purple cassock. Minor things but they help the story along.
sweetbtothe3's review against another edition
5.0
I think I may like this series better than his sigma force series. I am in love with this book.