The Last Templar by Raymond Khoury Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of The Last Templar
Book Review: A craftsman-like first novel by Khoury
Summary: 3 Stars
I won't bother re-hashing the story line, as you can read the summary in the publishing reviews. This is Khoury's first novel, and it's a pretty good entry effort. You can see that he's an experienced storyteller (screenwriting) from the pacing, settings and well-described visuals.
His opening scene is gripping, and the interplay from modern times to the Crusader era is very well done. I really enjoyed the archeological aspects of this book, and thought their exposition was set forth in an interesting and engaging manner.
The comparisons to "The Da Vinci Code" are going to be inevitable, I think. I'll preface by saying I didn't like Brown's book and found his attacks on Christianity muddled, boring and implausible, as well as offensive.
That having been said, there's a point in this book (at about page 300 in the hard cover version) where you'll roll your eyes and think, "Oh, no, here we go again". I know I did. Well, don't. Give the book a chance. The last half page of the book clears things up well, at least in my estimation.
So, you ask, why only three stars? Well, it was very subjective, and may not be an issue for some readers, but I found the book didn't really engage me on an emotional level. I found the protagonists (Tess and Reilly) to be simple (as opposed to complex and fully fleshed-out) characters, as were the two antagonists (whom I won't name in the interest of not revealing the plot line). The modern-day storyline (the majority of the book) was a fairly straightforward adventure story, and on that level works well. Surprisingly, the real treat of the book was the interwoven Crusader-era story, which I found to be better visualized than the rest of the book, with more fully realized characterization.
I don't think you'll be disappointed if you buy this book. I certainly am glad I read it, and look forward to more from Khoury as his skills develop.
Book Review: A fun read!
Summary: 4 Stars
I thought this was an excellent novel. The characters are well developed, despite being somewhat cliched. If you enjoyed the Da Vinci Code however, you will enjoy this book.
Something that is still lingering in my mind is the author's P.S. above. "Look closely at those last few pages"...is there a code hidden in the book? I searched carefully and found nothing. Any ideas?
Book Review: A good read...but...
Summary: 3 Stars
I think Mr. Khoury has done a fine job on his first novel. The story is compelling, and the characters are believable. However, I feel the plot is a little forced, and feels - well, like a screenplay. The novel format allows the author to explore a lot more than a movie, and I think a lot of opportunities existed to do just that.
The most obvious "force" is in the sheer number of "co-inky-dinks" that the plot goes through. I knew, pages ahead, where some of this was going. That is not to say it wasn't enjoyable; they were the RIGHT plat twists, I just felt they could be developed a little better.
All in all - I recommend this book. And I recommend Mr. Khoury keep writing. There is a lot of novel-talent in there, and I look forward to the next one.
Book Review: A great read
Summary: 4 Stars
Well this is the way I see it. I usually do not read books. I think the last time I read a book from cover to cover was 7 years ago. This book had my attention from page one and I could not wait until the moment I had time to pick it up again. I just hope that the author comes out with another novel. In my opinion he did a great job.Book Review: A great thriller with a lot to say
Summary: 5 Stars
After reading and loving the Da Vinci Code months ago, this book is so welcome. I read it over the weekend and couldn't put it down. It was more satisfying and even more enjoyable. The last part of Dan Brown's book kind of disappointed me, whereas this one just keeps going and gets bigger and more interesting. And that final twist was just awesome.
I loved the historic chapters set in the time of the crusaders and the fall of the templars, they were so epic and moving I wanted to read that story in a book of its own. And while the main story gripped me right from that great opening scene at the museum, what made this book really special for me was that although it's this huge adventure, it felt very real and credible and human. The moments when the characters are discussing religion and the history of the church and the bible were really interesting, it's rare to come across a thriller that has so much to say. It really made me think and it inspired me so positively. Tess and Reilly's conflicting opinions and the way they help each other grow and find each other was a lovely touch.
In the interviews with the author that I read on the book's website and on bookreporter.com, it seems Khoury first wrote it as a screenplay ten years ago and got a big book offer which he turned down when he found out the publishers wanted to "lose the religion" and turn it into a hunt for gold. I'm glad he did, I loved this book and can't recommend it enough.