Paul L. Maier

Some people pride themselves on being quick learners. I am one of those, though I do admit I am also quite hopeful that man can redeem himself of his former follies. It was with that mindset that I ordered this book just after finishing Maier's, A Skeleton in God's Closet. While the first was super lousy, I thought just maybe the author would make a great comeback with the second. Excuse me, I'm choking.

The dialogue in this story is just as awful as the first. WHY did I read this?? Since show more beginning the first book in this "series", I've been trying to figure out the right word to fit both the dialogue and general writing style of these books. It's something like "bawdy" or "crude" but not necessarily indecent. Just kind of gross. Like greasy, red-faced and sweaty--slamming double cheeseburgers without wiping your face--kind of gross. The back of this book details it as a "thriller". Excuse me, I'm choking again.

I think sometimes authors get too big for their britches that editors just slide them through the process the same way the "hero" of this book, Jon, gets through security in every. single. instance. Breezily and effortlessly. (and unbelievably?!) The book needs a series edit (rewrite?) or at least they could decide if he is Jon or John?

Stupidness aside, there was far too much middle eastern politics that the average Western reader would not understand---many names and titles dropped without explanations. He also spent a lot of time name-dropping all his cronies in the writing industry---severely dating this work worse than its references to 90s technology was already doing. Ugh.

Back to stupidness: there were SO many crazy and distracting tangents---far too many to list here. There was too much discussion about their time on the pyramid, random discussions about Catholic celibacy...what do these things have to do with anything? Nothing. Nothing at all.

Plot holes abound... I find it seriously unlikely that Jon would be duped again so soon by planted evidence. NO ONE remembers Shimon having a twin?? Shannon is a complete schizoid: screaming and calling him all kinds of names one minute, humbly apologizing and joking around about the SAME STUFF the next. I can see one outburst, but I think there were like four...and then Jon contemplates suicide over it? What? This author is a complete idiot to even suggest that when the guy is obviously rich, famous, positive, and very level-headed, showing no former signs of issues that would even hint at suicide. Please... Oh, and then there's the part where Jon hears a "little girl" voice apologizing. Of course it's his wife: fierce and feminist on one hand, a simpering child in bed. This author grosses me out to no end.

I just have to stop here. If this review lacks any organization or meaningfulness, just know my writing abilities have been heavily influenced by one of the most moronic stories in history. Please, future self, never touch this book again. show less

The depth of his understanding of the historical background of the Holy Land is impressive, but Paul Maier's style in this book for children does not have the same vivacity and immediacy as his style when writing for adults. It plods a bit. As one reviewer suggested, looking at the pictures and summarizing could be a good workaround. Or you could find a different book.

While the main plot of the book is a thrilling search after an archeological find to uncover an ancient manuscript that could lead to another bible, and the forces who don't want this codex to be made public, I found the secondary plot more interesting, as it contained a debate between a Harvard professor and a expert theologian in Islam comparing Christianity with Islam. The content of the debate provides good arguments equally for each religion, while not shying away from pointing out show more inconsistencies in both.

Maier provides us with a look at biblical history while holding us enthralled by the twists in the complex thriller. show less

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.