Helpful Score: 5
Makes you think about the basis of Christianity and the Knights Templar. A page turner with good character development, plot twists, factual and fiction historical descriptions (as reveiled in the author's notes at the end). Slightly similar to the Di Vinci Code and the movie National Treasure (my appologies if there is a book). I will defientely be checking out my works by this author.
Helpful Score: 4
It was a good mystery, with lots of twists and turns in the plot. Has a lot of history in it.
The author distinguishes between fact and fiction in the writers notes!
The author distinguishes between fact and fiction in the writers notes!
Helpful Score: 4
OMG !!!! This is the WORST book I've ever had to suffer through. This beats Christopher Rice's "Light Before Day" as the worst book I've ever read. I didn't think that could happen because Light Before Day was pretty awful.
Steve Berry did a horrible job at story telling in this book. All he wanted to do was show off his knowledge about the Templar Knights mixed in with some rubbish to fill in the holes in history. Usually I love books with secret socities and real life history mixed in with the story, but this was just horrible. From page one, I couldn't follow the story. I didn't care one bit about any of the characters. There were so many different names of places and people being thrown around that I couldn't keep it all straight. The dialog was so unbelievable. It's like the author is just way out of touch with real people. Maybe he just hangs around way over smart know it alls and he doesn't know how to relate to average people. I'm so glad I'm done with this book!!
At certain points, it was as if even the author knew his story wasn't believable. There were parts were the characters had to over explain their actions because it just didn't make any sense why they were saying or doing what they were doing.
The only reason I kept reading this book is because I received the 4th book from the Librarything Early Reviewers program and agreed to review it, but I wanted to read the first 3 of the series. This was the first book. There's no way I can put up 3 more of these books, but I was willing to give book 2 a try. The info on the jacket was already WAY better than the first book so I gave book 2 a chance. I'm on page 150 right now and its a million times better than "The Templar Legacy". It's still not that great, but I'm at least interested. I doubt book 4 will get a raving review from me on Librarything.
Steve Berry did a horrible job at story telling in this book. All he wanted to do was show off his knowledge about the Templar Knights mixed in with some rubbish to fill in the holes in history. Usually I love books with secret socities and real life history mixed in with the story, but this was just horrible. From page one, I couldn't follow the story. I didn't care one bit about any of the characters. There were so many different names of places and people being thrown around that I couldn't keep it all straight. The dialog was so unbelievable. It's like the author is just way out of touch with real people. Maybe he just hangs around way over smart know it alls and he doesn't know how to relate to average people. I'm so glad I'm done with this book!!
At certain points, it was as if even the author knew his story wasn't believable. There were parts were the characters had to over explain their actions because it just didn't make any sense why they were saying or doing what they were doing.
The only reason I kept reading this book is because I received the 4th book from the Librarything Early Reviewers program and agreed to review it, but I wanted to read the first 3 of the series. This was the first book. There's no way I can put up 3 more of these books, but I was willing to give book 2 a try. The info on the jacket was already WAY better than the first book so I gave book 2 a chance. I'm on page 150 right now and its a million times better than "The Templar Legacy". It's still not that great, but I'm at least interested. I doubt book 4 will get a raving review from me on Librarything.
Helpful Score: 3
If you liked the DaVinci Code, you will like this one. The Knights Templar, the Catholic Church, lost and hidden treasure, espionage, and treachery. What more could you want? Mr. Berry makes it almost seem possible. As good as (or maybe better than The DaVinci Code). I highly recommend this book!
Helpful Score: 3
One of the better Templar books, now that there are thousands of them. A first class writer.
Helpful Score: 2
I had read all the books in Cotton Malone series by Steve Berry except for this one and really enjoyed them. I decided to go back and read the first book and I was not disappointed.
I had heard about the Knight Templars but not really understood what they were about. This book provided me with that information plus a good introduction to Cotton Malone, Stephanie, Thor and Cassiopia, all characters you will encounter in the series.
It was worth reading!
I had heard about the Knight Templars but not really understood what they were about. This book provided me with that information plus a good introduction to Cotton Malone, Stephanie, Thor and Cassiopia, all characters you will encounter in the series.
It was worth reading!
Helpful Score: 1
Another excellent adventure! Mr. Berry does such a wonderful job of weaving fact and fiction together, it is very difficult to tell were one ends and the other begins. This novel does suffer from too many major players, but it'll be interesting to see how they play out in later novels. Very highly recommended!
Helpful Score: 1
I loved this book ~ it didn't have all the sex most books seem to find a place for, it was a great story & exciting~ some of it you could anticipate, but the writer did a great job putting in quirks too that you didn't expect or see coming ~ at least for me. I got one for my Dad for father's day.
I'm a fan of Steve Berry as well as anything Templar. If you like Templar mysteries...read this.
Cotton Malone and Stepanie Nelle search to find the legendary treasure thought to have been lost when the Knights Templar were eliminated in 14th century Europe. However, they are not the only ones searching. A man claiming to be the Master of the Order has many men and resources at his disposal to aid in his search and to terminate Malone and Nelle. They decipher clues to make their way to a discovery that could change modern religion.
Surprisingly good read. Not at all "like" DaVinci Code. It reads a bit like a Clancy with the intrigue, but more enjoyable. I highly recommend this novel.
Christa S. (misschrista) reviewed The Templar Legacy (Cotton Malone, Bk 1) on + 19 more book reviews
I ordered this after reading Dan Brown's books - which I loved! Steve Berry weaves an even more intricate story delving more into the history of the templars and with lots of twists turns and dirty politics. Very very good read!! I'm looking forward to reading his other about The Alexandria Link soon.
I am a big Steve Berry fan and I found this book to be a very good read. Not too far fetched from Dan Brown's own take on the Templar's this book is very fast paced and full of sharp intellect. I would recommend this book to anyone who is a Dan Brown fan.
While I understand why this book will be appealing to some, it was a tough, plodding read for me.
In many respects, this is a similar novel to The Da Vinci Code - with a little more history and less ingenious puzzles. The book does parallel a fair amount of real history (covered in an Afterword) and goes down a path of questioning discrepancies in the New Testament and the validity of Christ's crucifixion and resurrection (so tread carefully if this will rile you up).
I didn't empathize much with the characters, wasn't very interested in the history, found the puzzles forced, and the character relationships bizarre.
2 stars out of 5
In many respects, this is a similar novel to The Da Vinci Code - with a little more history and less ingenious puzzles. The book does parallel a fair amount of real history (covered in an Afterword) and goes down a path of questioning discrepancies in the New Testament and the validity of Christ's crucifixion and resurrection (so tread carefully if this will rile you up).
I didn't empathize much with the characters, wasn't very interested in the history, found the puzzles forced, and the character relationships bizarre.
2 stars out of 5
Well written but complex story of a search across Europe by an ex-US operative and his former supervisor.Malone and Nelle, armed with clues find themselves competing with a zealot and his army of assassins. Fasten your seatbelt for a wild ride into adventure.
if you have an interest in the templars and their legacy you will enjoy this mystery novel. the plot surrounds the legenday cache of wealth and forbidden knowledge of the knights templar. follow cotten malone a onetime u.s. operative with stephanie nelle his former supervisor along their trip thru out europe to solve the clues to the series of centuries-old puzzles while keeping a lookout for an army of assassins and trying to find out who are their allies. i couldn't put this book down and enjoyed reading this book very much. steve berry is a great writer and a new author for me.
Very good historical fiction.
Pretty good. 7 out of 10
another great book, if you liked the Da Vinci code be sure and read this.
Super fast read!! Cotton Malone is a great, first book he appeared in!!
Any book about the Templars will have some controversial themes in the development of the story, and is bound to offend some people. This book is no different in that respect.
The Templars were an order of monks who originated to ensure safe passage for Christians while travelling in the Holy Land in the 1300's (I think that was the time period). There is much mystery associated with this group of religious men. There is a supposed secret that these elite members possessed. Some believe there is a secret treasure and/or knowledge of some fact that, if made public, would jeopardize the whole Christian faith (some fictional developments in this and other novels include maybe Jesus and Mary Magdalene had children, Jesus's death and ressurection was a hoax, and hint that the Templars are still in existence, still protecting whatever the secret is.)
So, the crux of what is believed to be the secret held by the Templars is controversial. And this book, like others I've read with Templar mystery in the plot, puts forth some facts to help substantiate thoughts that refute some of the basic tenents on which Christianity is based.
But...without spoiling the story and ending, I just need to say that the end of this book was well-written to reinstate and support faith in Jesus, regardless of what may or may not be found, proven, or otherwise argued against our religion.
If you are sensitive to contradictions about what you believe as a Christian, you may want to avoid this book. If you are confident enough with your faith and can accept alternative viewpoints, you will find this book interesting.
The Templars were an order of monks who originated to ensure safe passage for Christians while travelling in the Holy Land in the 1300's (I think that was the time period). There is much mystery associated with this group of religious men. There is a supposed secret that these elite members possessed. Some believe there is a secret treasure and/or knowledge of some fact that, if made public, would jeopardize the whole Christian faith (some fictional developments in this and other novels include maybe Jesus and Mary Magdalene had children, Jesus's death and ressurection was a hoax, and hint that the Templars are still in existence, still protecting whatever the secret is.)
So, the crux of what is believed to be the secret held by the Templars is controversial. And this book, like others I've read with Templar mystery in the plot, puts forth some facts to help substantiate thoughts that refute some of the basic tenents on which Christianity is based.
But...without spoiling the story and ending, I just need to say that the end of this book was well-written to reinstate and support faith in Jesus, regardless of what may or may not be found, proven, or otherwise argued against our religion.
If you are sensitive to contradictions about what you believe as a Christian, you may want to avoid this book. If you are confident enough with your faith and can accept alternative viewpoints, you will find this book interesting.
This is an excellent book in a "Da Vinci Code" kind of way. Many surprises that you don't see coming, even if you're good at guessing. Some of the history and locations in the story are real, which is always fascinating. I was so impressed that I plan to read all of Berry's other works.
Sherry C. (sheshe2madison) reviewed The Templar Legacy (Cotton Malone, Bk 1) on + 24 more book reviews
I have found another author that I like as much as James Rollins! If you like thrillers, then this is a book for you; it is very enjoyable.
In 2003 Dan Brown wrote the thriller The Da Vinci Code, whose main purpose seemed to be to place doubt in the validity of Jesus Christ and Christianity. In 2006 this became a blockbuster movie. Also in 2006 The Templar Legacy by Steve Berry was released. This book has no other purpose than to jump on the bandwagon and use the Templar Knights to promote more doubt of Jesus and the Christian Church/Catholic Church.
Steve Berry has woven together an exciting then and now thriller that appears to take historical facts from the middle ages and a fictional story about an American ex-pat who has to outwit the 'present day' Templars. Cotton Malone is the main character in The Templar Legacy, the 1st of, so far, 15 books where the ex-Justice Department lawyer gets into trouble overseas.
This book shows that Steve Berry is good at planning a novel with thriller style surprises and at describing places and situations to keep a reader interested in a story line. But at this point he is still learning how to develop realistic dialog between his characters. It also takes considerable time to follow and get through the historical sections early in the manuscript. Overall is would be a good start to a series -- except that its' focus is to tear down Christian beliefs.
Overall, I was frustrated by the direction of the story. The Templars focus was to "pay back" the Catholic Church for things that happened to them 1000 years ago. The focus of Cotton Malone was to 'help' a friend who didn't want his help. And of course they all stepped into traps that most high schoolers would have spotted. Due to the focus of this material I am unlikely to ever see if Steve Berry has grown into a top author. Fortunately there are many others to read instead.
Steve Berry has woven together an exciting then and now thriller that appears to take historical facts from the middle ages and a fictional story about an American ex-pat who has to outwit the 'present day' Templars. Cotton Malone is the main character in The Templar Legacy, the 1st of, so far, 15 books where the ex-Justice Department lawyer gets into trouble overseas.
This book shows that Steve Berry is good at planning a novel with thriller style surprises and at describing places and situations to keep a reader interested in a story line. But at this point he is still learning how to develop realistic dialog between his characters. It also takes considerable time to follow and get through the historical sections early in the manuscript. Overall is would be a good start to a series -- except that its' focus is to tear down Christian beliefs.
Overall, I was frustrated by the direction of the story. The Templars focus was to "pay back" the Catholic Church for things that happened to them 1000 years ago. The focus of Cotton Malone was to 'help' a friend who didn't want his help. And of course they all stepped into traps that most high schoolers would have spotted. Due to the focus of this material I am unlikely to ever see if Steve Berry has grown into a top author. Fortunately there are many others to read instead.
Kathryn S. (Katbeth) - , reviewed The Templar Legacy (Cotton Malone, Bk 1) on + 66 more book reviews
Great book, well written, and lots of action!
Interesting - good, probably not as good as the DaVinci Code, but in a similar vein.
You'll love this book if you're into history based fiction.
Anyone who liked ANGELS AND DEMONS will be fascinated by the tricksy unveiling of this novel as well!
From back cover:
Onetime U.S. operative Cotton Malone teams up with his former supervisor, Stephanie Nelle, to find the legendary cache of wealth and forbidden knowledge thought to have been lost forever when the Knights Templar were exterminated in the fourteenth century. Nelle is armed with vital clues to a series of centuries-old puzzles scattered across Europe, but also in pursuit of the historic prize is a shadowy zealot with an army of assassins at his command. At the end of the trail lies a discovery that could rock the civilized world--and, in the wrong hands, bring it to its knees.
From back cover:
Onetime U.S. operative Cotton Malone teams up with his former supervisor, Stephanie Nelle, to find the legendary cache of wealth and forbidden knowledge thought to have been lost forever when the Knights Templar were exterminated in the fourteenth century. Nelle is armed with vital clues to a series of centuries-old puzzles scattered across Europe, but also in pursuit of the historic prize is a shadowy zealot with an army of assassins at his command. At the end of the trail lies a discovery that could rock the civilized world--and, in the wrong hands, bring it to its knees.
If you liked the Da Vinci Code, you'll love Templar Legacy. It does pretty much follow the Da Vinci Code formula but the plot revolves around the Templar Knights and their interesting history.
Like the Dan Brown's book, the focus of the book is a secret which, if revealed to the world, would potentially rock the foundation of Christianity. You have the requisite heroes and requisite bad guys, although this time the "bad" guys aren't with the Vatican; instead they are Templars themselves under the leadership of a Templar which seeks revenge against the Pope and the Catholic Church. Steve Berry does a exemplary job of weaving together fact and fiction to produce a book that could be as controversial as The Da Vinci Code.
Like the Dan Brown's book, the focus of the book is a secret which, if revealed to the world, would potentially rock the foundation of Christianity. You have the requisite heroes and requisite bad guys, although this time the "bad" guys aren't with the Vatican; instead they are Templars themselves under the leadership of a Templar which seeks revenge against the Pope and the Catholic Church. Steve Berry does a exemplary job of weaving together fact and fiction to produce a book that could be as controversial as The Da Vinci Code.
Steve Berry is a fun read. Story is about discovery of the Templar mystery. Very educational about the Templar's history.
a little convoluted at times, pacing is generally good
if you liked Angels & Demons & The DaVinci Code you will enjoy this book!
Calmia Y. (underwriter) reviewed The Templar Legacy (Cotton Malone, Bk 1) on + 219 more book reviews
IF YOU LIKED THE DA VINCI CODE YOU WILL LOVE THIS!
This is a fabulous book! Very fast paced and hard to put down!
Former US operative Cotton Malone teams up with his former supervior, Stephanie Nelle to find legendary cache of wealth of the Knights Templar. What lies ahead?
great read I like Berrys style giving you a history lesson in a action packed story
kind-of slow read... the secret message path was a bit hard to follow. none of the characters were very fleshed out...
Marci and Duane S. (flame60) reviewed The Templar Legacy (Cotton Malone, Bk 1) on + 200 more book reviews
Cotton Malone is involved in serching for the lost Templar treasure.
Fastpaced action that rivets your attention
Fastpaced action that rivets your attention
Eadie B. (eadieburke) -
Book Description
The ancient order of the Knights Templar possessed untold wealth and absolute power over kings and popes . . . until the Inquisition, when they were wiped from the face of the earth, their hidden riches lost. But now two forces vying for the treasure have learned that it is not at all what they thought it wasand its true nature could change the modern world.
Cotton Malone, one-time top operative for the U.S. Justice Department, is enjoying his quiet new life as an antiquarian book dealer in Copenhagen when an unexpected call to action reawakens his hair-trigger instinctsand plunges him back into the cloak-and-dagger world he thought he'd left behind.
It begins with a violent robbery attempt on Cotton's former supervisor, Stephanie Nelle, who's far from home on a mission that has nothing to do with national security. Armed with vital clues to a series of centuries-old puzzles scattered across Europe, she means to crack a mystery that has tantalized scholars and fortune-hunters through the ages by finding the legendary cache of wealth and forbidden knowledge thought to have been lost forever when the order of the Knights Templar was exterminated in the fourteenth century. But she's not alone. Competing for the historic prizeand desperate for the crucial information Stephanie possessesis Raymond de Roquefort, a shadowy zealot with an army of assassins at his command.
Welcome or not, Cotton seeks to even the odds in the perilous race. But the more he learns about the ancient conspiracy surrounding the Knights Templar, the more he realizes that even more than lives are at stake. At the end of a lethal game of conquest, rife with intrigue, treachery, and craven lust for power, lies a shattering discovery that could rock the civilized worldand, in the wrong hands, bring it to its knees.
My Review
This was the first installment of the Cotton Malone series. I enjoyed Steve Berry's writing and found the character of Malone to be a very likable and believable character. The plot of finding the Templar treasure made for a very adventurous tale. I learned a lot about the history of the Templars, the Rennes-le-Chateau, Avignon and Pyrenees areas of France which was very fascinating. The religious aspects regarding the crucifixion of Christ challenges a Christian belief so an open mind is necessary. All in all, the book is a real page-turner which leaves you with a feeling of wanting to know more about these various subjects. I anxiously look forward to reading another of Steve Berry's historical novels and highly recommend them to anyone who loves history.
The ancient order of the Knights Templar possessed untold wealth and absolute power over kings and popes . . . until the Inquisition, when they were wiped from the face of the earth, their hidden riches lost. But now two forces vying for the treasure have learned that it is not at all what they thought it wasand its true nature could change the modern world.
Cotton Malone, one-time top operative for the U.S. Justice Department, is enjoying his quiet new life as an antiquarian book dealer in Copenhagen when an unexpected call to action reawakens his hair-trigger instinctsand plunges him back into the cloak-and-dagger world he thought he'd left behind.
It begins with a violent robbery attempt on Cotton's former supervisor, Stephanie Nelle, who's far from home on a mission that has nothing to do with national security. Armed with vital clues to a series of centuries-old puzzles scattered across Europe, she means to crack a mystery that has tantalized scholars and fortune-hunters through the ages by finding the legendary cache of wealth and forbidden knowledge thought to have been lost forever when the order of the Knights Templar was exterminated in the fourteenth century. But she's not alone. Competing for the historic prizeand desperate for the crucial information Stephanie possessesis Raymond de Roquefort, a shadowy zealot with an army of assassins at his command.
Welcome or not, Cotton seeks to even the odds in the perilous race. But the more he learns about the ancient conspiracy surrounding the Knights Templar, the more he realizes that even more than lives are at stake. At the end of a lethal game of conquest, rife with intrigue, treachery, and craven lust for power, lies a shattering discovery that could rock the civilized worldand, in the wrong hands, bring it to its knees.
My Review
This was the first installment of the Cotton Malone series. I enjoyed Steve Berry's writing and found the character of Malone to be a very likable and believable character. The plot of finding the Templar treasure made for a very adventurous tale. I learned a lot about the history of the Templars, the Rennes-le-Chateau, Avignon and Pyrenees areas of France which was very fascinating. The religious aspects regarding the crucifixion of Christ challenges a Christian belief so an open mind is necessary. All in all, the book is a real page-turner which leaves you with a feeling of wanting to know more about these various subjects. I anxiously look forward to reading another of Steve Berry's historical novels and highly recommend them to anyone who loves history.
Good series. Just getting into them. Looking forward to reading another.
Da Vinic Code fans might experience a bit of Deja vu, but this book is more thrilling-RedEye Chicago. "Fantastically suspenseful,this thriller grips the reader for a wild literary ride that continues until the very last page"=Tucson Citizen.
great book...more intrigue about the Knights Templar, their history, and mysterious treasure...highly recommend it.
What great fun! While I have an interest in the Templars I usually stay away from the fiction as it tends to out there. This has some decent research and it shows. Recommended.
This is by the author of The Third Secret.Ancient Order of the Knights Templar and myster and where it leads.
could not get into it
did Jesus rise in the Resurrection? does it matter?...?
"A complex thriller....nonstop adventure." Fredericksburg Free Lance-Star
Nina W. (purplewitch) - , reviewed The Templar Legacy (Cotton Malone, Bk 1) on + 22 more book reviews
I removed this book from my bookshelf and threw my copy away. The main point of the book besides being an action/suspense book was to discredit the validity of the Bible and Jesus Christ as the risen Son of God. I personally believe that Jesus in the Son Of God and risen from the dead therefore I can't in good conscience pass this book on to other readers who may not be able to read this as "fiction".
Another good book by Steve Berry
Excellent reading. Complex thriller, nonstop adventure.
Exciting and engrossing fiction based on the treasure and secrets of the Knights Templar. A well written story that pulls you in.
Onetime U.S. operative Cotton Malone teams up with his former supervisor, Stephanie Nelle, to find the legendary cache of wealth and forbidden knowledge thought to have been lost forever when the Knights Templar were exterminated in the fourteenth century. Nelle is armed with vital clues to a series of centuries-old puzzles scattered across Europe, but also in pursuit of the historic prize is a shadowy zealot with an army of assassins at his command. At the end of the trail lies a discovery that could rock the civilized world - and, in the wrong hands, bring it to its knees.
"Highly recommended...not to be missed...Berry distinguishes himself with a complex, well-written, and extremely readable story." Library Journal
"Fantastically suspenseful, this thriller grips the reader for a wild literary ride that continues until the very last page." Tuscon Citizen
"Highly recommended...not to be missed...Berry distinguishes himself with a complex, well-written, and extremely readable story." Library Journal
"Fantastically suspenseful, this thriller grips the reader for a wild literary ride that continues until the very last page." Tuscon Citizen
verry good
Couldn't get into it.
Thought this was a christian book but it wasn't did not like the language in it even though it was mild,so didn't read it
JAMES B. (grumpyjimball) reviewed The Templar Legacy (Cotton Malone, Bk 1) on + 37 more book reviews
he did it agin!
Had a hard time getting into the story.
