27 Mar 2013

THE LAST GOSPEL.

Having just read four less than enjoyable books I had high hopes for this my next read but alas, not to be, it took me all my time to finish it.

THE LAST GOSPEL by DAVID GIBBINS.

Jack Howard is about to discover a secret. Perhaps the greatest secret ever kept.

What if one of the Ancient World's greatest libraries was buried in volcanic ash and then re-discovered two thousand years later?

What if what was found there was a document that could shatter the very foundations of the Western World?

What if you were the one who discovered this secret? And were then forced to confront terrifying enemies determined to destroy you to ensure it goes no further?

David Gibbin's electrifying new novel is the story of one last Gospel, left behind in the age of the New Testament, and of its extraordinary secret, one that has lain concealed for years. Follow Jack Howard, man of action and the greatest archaeologist of his day, as he unearths the mystery  - and must prevent others from doing the same .....
...... Outer back cover.

FIRST SENTENCE (Prologue - 24 August AD 79): The old man limped to the brink of the chasm, the firm grasp of his freedman all that prevented him from pitching forward.

MEMORABLE MOMENT (Page 146 - Present day): Costas put out his hand and gingerly touched the shoulder of the body. Instantly the entire form shimmered and disappeared in a puff of carbon. His finger was left suspended in mid-air, and for a moment there was silence.
"Whoops," he said.

MY  THOUGHTS: Have you ever sat sipping tea while a friend bored you detail by minute detail, hour by excruciating hour, relating stories about their 'adventure' holiday? Well, that's pretty much how I felt reading this.

A book I would have given up on way before its 542 page ending if it wasn't for the carrot that made me anticipate something of note, of excitement, of interest even, was about to happen that the author kept dangling in front of my nose.

OK, so with its carbonised centuries old bodies, secret tunnels, Vestal Virgins and a long lost document that not everyone is happy about being discovered this wasn't completely without merit its just that the expected 'thrills and spills' were too few and far between to maintain my interest, the author having an awful tendency to never run with them.

KEEP IT OR NOT?: A Church fayre buy, destined for the charity shop.


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13 comments:

Kelly said...

I think I'll pass on this only because I've read a couple of books by another author along the same premise that I did enjoy. No sense adding one that isn't as good.

I'm sorry you've had so many disappointing books in a row. I hope the next makes up for it!

Mary (Bookfan) said...

Oh, that's too bad because I thought the synopsis sounded good :(

Jean said...

I probably would have any way but thanks to your "endorsement" I'll definitely give this one a miss.

Cherie Reich said...

The synopsis sounded promising, but I can see where it might become tedious, especially being that long.

Gina said...

Oh my...we've GOT to get you out of this slump! Agree with you on this one, it seems that all the elements were there from the description but the follow through ...well, it can fall through sometimes.

Perhaps you might like to try one I just finished...THE SILENCE OF BONAVENTURE ARROW by Rita Leganski. REALLY beautiful read. Family, life, love, tragedy and a spark of magic...plus lead characters you'll be glad to know. Here's to your next read whatever it may be!

Aunt Mary said...

Dear Tracy,
I like visiting your blog and reading it because I get to know about so many books. You are very honest.
The synopsis sounded great! It is sad that you've read 5 not so enjoyable books. I hope the next one is worth a read! :)

Melissa (Books and Things) said...

Oh this does not sound good at all. I'm hoping your next read is so much better and it rocks for you!

StarTraci said...

How did they ruin that? I was so excited by your recounting of the back cover. I'm so sorry that it was a boring bust!

Traci

Blond Duck said...

Man, it sounded so good!

Sanand said...

The concept of Vestal Virgins, long lost document and secret tunnel sounds interesting but as you said, if it cannot maintain a reader's interest, the writer has failed with an essential pre-requisite of good writing - good story telling.

Barbara said...

Don't you just hate that? I always stick with a story even if I'm not enjoying it just to see if it gets better - sometimes that happens, but not often. I hope you find something nice to read next time.

Lindsay said...

Sorry to read that you've had a run of not so great books, hope that your next one is a winner!

Stephanie@Fairday's Blog said...

I hope the next book you pick up is wonderful! :)