It is December 1999. In the Sinai Desert, archaeologist Catherine Alexander has unearthed six ancient papyrus scrolls that reveal vital secrets--secrets that the world's governments would give anything to possess. But even more important, the seventh scroll is missing--and it contains a secret of unfathomable power. In a race against Armageddon, Catherine must outwit the FBI, Vatican operatives, and a sinister millionaire--to find that parchment.

Customer Rating:
Summary: Abridged audio version choppy
Comment: This review refers to the abridged audio version.

This abridgement is a prime example why I normally do NOT read abridged versions! The story is so chopped up that it sounds more like a summary. In one scene, for instance, the heroine has escaped and is in another country - without any info on how she got there.

Even putting aside the problems inherent with abridgements, though, the plot of this book was so full of clichés and preaching that it was almost unbearable at times.

How many books (and movies) are we going to have with a beautiful, young, single historian/archeologist (who, of course, all by herself makes an important find that will turn all religion upside down) then hooks up with a handsome, young, single male (who may be a friend or a foe) to save the find from the evil government/church hierarchy. And, naturally, the two fall in love, sleep together, and solve all the puzzles at the end. Zzzzzzzzzz........

I happen to be a feminist who applauds attempts to balance the gender scales in religion, but books like this are just laughable.

Another pet peeve is that the author's references to the internet were, in turn, completely outdated and absolutely absurd. POSSIBLE SPOILER: For instance, with one keystroke, she's supposedly able to transmit a file to "every one of the millions of computers linked to the internet." Why not just have her capable of flying? If an author is going to include science and technology, make it real.

All in all, a big thumbs down, especially for the abridged audio version.

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Customer Rating:
Summary: A great book read many times
Comment: I first read this book when it appeared in paperback. I picked it up in the grocery store of all places just for something to read. I quickly became caught up in the story and was literally unable to put it down. I loved the scroll story of Sabina and her travels to find the Redeemer as much as the actual story of Dr. Alexander and her adventures as she tries to unravel the mystery of where the seventh scroll is.

I have read it many times since and never fail to be inspired by Sabina's message. I was not offended by the content, I found it very human.

I feel this book brings up many questions about what we know of Christianity. It certainly made me stop and think.

Overall an excellent book. OH, and to the writer who said she felt comparisons to the DaVinci Code, I point out this book was written well prior to that one and in my opinion was not only better written but also had a much more plausible story line. (I found it hard to believe Sophie could be so ignorant of everything. I really grew annoyed with her as the story progressed.)

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Customer Rating:
Summary: a story of hope, and a great thriller
Comment: I borrowed this book from a library, it seemed like it might be interesting, so I gave it 30 pages. 130 pages later, I had lunch. Since it was my day off, I had the luxury of finishing this book after dinner.

So...it is a great "page turner". But more that that, it makes you think very hard about what religion is all about.

The story is that of an archaeologist who discovers some ancient scrolls giving new light on the origins of Christianity. The scrolls tells of an "early Christian era" woman's search for the Redeemer, the importance of women in early Christianity, and what she learned on her journey.

The tale of the archaeologist, and her friends, and their efforts to bring the scrolls to light is riveting, fast-paced, and compelling.

I hope that I do not demean either author, but, I could not help noticing the similarity with the Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown. Both authors have recognized the importance of women in church history. They also both recognize the importance of Mary Magdalene.

Last comment....this is a book that gives me faith...I think that that is a good thing.

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Customer Rating:
Summary: It Haunts Me... ....In A Good Way
Comment: I casually picked this book up from the library a number of years ago and was immediately interested in the story. I read it cover to cover and then returned it to the library. I had since forgotten the title and author of the book, but I was constantly reminded that I had greatly enjoyed reading it. More recently as I have further explored my religious (or non-religious as the case may be) faith, I have been more haunted by the memory of this long lost book I once read. Biting the bullet, I spent a lovely bit of time reading over the titles under the keywords "egypt" and "fiction" from the same library. I finally came across the right title and my mind truly cleared. This was the mystery book. Now that my search is over, I have my very own copy of this treasure so that I will not let it fade from me again.

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Customer Rating:
Summary: A first rate book on so many levels...
Comment: This is a book that once finished, you think about for many days to come. I could hardly put it down, and was anxious to pick it up again. Bravo!

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