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The Rule of Knowledge
Faith, history, science and love collide in this fast-paced action adventure.
High school teacher Shaun Strickland is shocked when he receives a last-minute invitation from Cambridge University to deliver a paper on the relationship between space and time, something he has been studying for years. This could be the break he s been longing for. But as he and his wife drive through the cold North Carolina night to catch their flight, their car slams hard into something exploding from the bushes. From that moment, a mind-bending mystery unravels.
A strange package seems to be the key. Breaking the seal, Shaun discovers a bundle of ancient documents written in Hebrew, Greek and Aramaic. But there is something else amongst the pages; a book, seemingly sealed airtight for millennia, written in perfect English, telling a story that will change history.
Soon Shaun discovers others are after the book . . . and they won t let anything stand in their way. A debut action thriller that will keep you turning the pages until you have all the answers.
High school teacher Shaun Strickland is shocked when he receives a last-minute invitation from Cambridge University to deliver a paper on the relationship between space and time, something he has been studying for years. This could be the break he s been longing for. But as he and his wife drive through the cold North Carolina night to catch their flight, their car slams hard into something exploding from the bushes. From that moment, a mind-bending mystery unravels.
A strange package seems to be the key. Breaking the seal, Shaun discovers a bundle of ancient documents written in Hebrew, Greek and Aramaic. But there is something else amongst the pages; a book, seemingly sealed airtight for millennia, written in perfect English, telling a story that will change history.
Soon Shaun discovers others are after the book . . . and they won t let anything stand in their way. A debut action thriller that will keep you turning the pages until you have all the answers.
400 pages, Paperback
First published August 20, 2013
24 people are currently reading
448 people want to read
About the author
Scott Baker
1 book56 followersBorn in Yorkshire, England, Scott Baker moved with his parents and older brother to Australia at age three. He has built a career in the film and television industry which has seen him work on everything from 'Dawson s Creek', to 'The Hobbit'. He has also lectured at the Australian National University, and continues to be Apple's 'Master Instructor' for film and TV applications in Australia.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews
September 11, 2013
Da Vinci Code meets Spartacus meets the Time Traveller's Wife. I loved this ripping yarn that spans two thousand years and poses some extremely interesting scenarios. The main character, Shaun, rings true as the academic turned action hero by necessity. I loved the background science that keeps The Rule of Knowledge on the edge of possibility.
Some of the scenes, particularly the pirate pursuit on the Mediterranean and Saul's experiences as a gladiator, had me holding my breath. Well done Scott, a huge achievement.
Some of the scenes, particularly the pirate pursuit on the Mediterranean and Saul's experiences as a gladiator, had me holding my breath. Well done Scott, a huge achievement.
November 9, 2020
Polisiye kafamı dağıtır diye okuyayım dedim, daha da allak bullak oldum. Aksiyonun dozu öyle yüksek ki, okurken yoruldum. Finalini de biraz mantıksız buldum, zira bilimkurgu türünde olduğunu göz önüne aldığımda bile fazla uçuk geldi bana. Üstelik ayan beyan Hristiyanlık propagandası yapmış Bay Scott, az kaldı yanlışlıkla Hristiyan olacaktım. 😂 Velhasıl kelam, okunmazsa olmaz kitaplardan değil ama kafam rahat, vaktim de bol diyorsanız tavsiye edebilirim. =)
November 16, 2020
3,5/5
Kitabı oxuyarkən bundan çox yaxşı film çıxar dedim. Bəzi hissələrdə sıxılsam, kitabı kənara qoyanda yenidən əlimə almaq uzun müddət çəksə də, sevdiyim və təəccübləndiyim hissələri də oldu. Kitabın məndə bir xatirəsi də var. Təyyarədə oturub uçuşu gözləyərkən oxuyurdum, həmin vaxt kitabda da personaj təyyarədə yanında kök birinin oturmağından şikayətlənirdi. Elə oldu ki, o an yanımda oturacaq olan şəxs gəldi və o da kök idi :D O an güldüyümü xatırlayıram. Tak şto belə. Sonu daha yaxşı bağlansaydı daha yüksək xal verərdim. İlk yarısı ikinci yarısından daha maraqlı idi mənə görə.
Kitabı oxuyarkən bundan çox yaxşı film çıxar dedim. Bəzi hissələrdə sıxılsam, kitabı kənara qoyanda yenidən əlimə almaq uzun müddət çəksə də, sevdiyim və təəccübləndiyim hissələri də oldu. Kitabın məndə bir xatirəsi də var. Təyyarədə oturub uçuşu gözləyərkən oxuyurdum, həmin vaxt kitabda da personaj təyyarədə yanında kök birinin oturmağından şikayətlənirdi. Elə oldu ki, o an yanımda oturacaq olan şəxs gəldi və o da kök idi :D O an güldüyümü xatırlayıram. Tak şto belə. Sonu daha yaxşı bağlansaydı daha yüksək xal verərdim. İlk yarısı ikinci yarısından daha maraqlı idi mənə görə.
September 2, 2023
Wow. What a ride. If you enjoy fast pace, grab you from the start, with enough segues to catch your breath before it starts all over again action, then this book is for you.
Have you ever read books or seen movies where the protagonist is in an impossible, un-get-out-able situation, then “miraculously” they seam to survive, dodge the bullet, bad guys explode, right at the perfect moment - just out of a Matthew Riley novel (Baker references this author himself in the book). I now know the answer - Time Travel. Shh….. don’t tell!
Time travel - this is where it’s gets trippy. Just when you start to piece it all together, think you know who’s who, you don’t really know who’s who at all.
Then the real paradox of time travel back-to-the future style (I just sent you back to the future; but I’m back from the future) starts to mess with your head. Do things happen because they just happened or did they happen because you knew they would, deja vu much, or did you go back in time to make them happen so they would happen as you remember them happening. Or maybe thing didn’t happen the way you thought they happened because you only saw one version of the events unfolding at one time ….. head spin.
However you see it, remember The Rule of Knowledge:-
If you know something already happened in the past, then you can not change it!
Alter the perspective just a little, but not change ….
Easy, right?
Great read. Five stars from me.
Have you ever read books or seen movies where the protagonist is in an impossible, un-get-out-able situation, then “miraculously” they seam to survive, dodge the bullet, bad guys explode, right at the perfect moment - just out of a Matthew Riley novel (Baker references this author himself in the book). I now know the answer - Time Travel. Shh….. don’t tell!
Time travel - this is where it’s gets trippy. Just when you start to piece it all together, think you know who’s who, you don’t really know who’s who at all.
Then the real paradox of time travel back-to-the future style (I just sent you back to the future; but I’m back from the future) starts to mess with your head. Do things happen because they just happened or did they happen because you knew they would, deja vu much, or did you go back in time to make them happen so they would happen as you remember them happening. Or maybe thing didn’t happen the way you thought they happened because you only saw one version of the events unfolding at one time ….. head spin.
However you see it, remember The Rule of Knowledge:-
If you know something already happened in the past, then you can not change it!
Alter the perspective just a little, but not change ….
Easy, right?
Great read. Five stars from me.
January 12, 2014
All good time travel books make your head spin, and this one is no exception. I'm far from convinced that I could lay out simply what actually happened in a straight line - turns out, time really is wobbly wobbly and timey wimey, as The Doctor would say. But it was a cracking story, with more surprises than a piñata full of scorpions and a satisfying conclusion. Top read, Mr Baker!
August 6, 2014
The start of an epic adventure...
More to come soon!
More to come soon!
June 15, 2016
Loved it. Great characters, great action, great suspense. Head scratching moments, love those. I wish he would hurry the hell up with Blue World Order.
February 5, 2014
It was one of those days where you just happened to bump into the author at the bookshop… I purchased this book for no other reason than to support a local author. The book has caught my interest a few days prior somewhere online mainly due to the attractive cover and the promising adventure into ancient times. I must admit a partiality to biblical times, primarily due to my faith.
The story alternated in between the present time where Shaun Strickland, an academic nobody, was enticed away from home, and biblical time when Jesus lived, performed miracles, and was about to die. Usually with such alternating stories, I would feel the pull of interest towards one story than the other but not in this case; I didn’t feel the need to skip a chapter first to see what will happen with one storyline. The stories were woven in a way that the information were dropped in the time when we needed it.
In both stories, the main characters have their own mission on which the peace, the security, of the world depended upon. Whilst one was acutely aware of this fact, the other was driven by the thought of revenge. Both faced dangers, from known and unknown sources, which could come at them from any direction. The Rule of Knowledge is a thrilling, action-packed, fast-paced read; full of car chases, shooting guns, explosions, and even disguises.
I was pleasantly surprise with 2 factors: time travel and the favourable lean towards Christianity. I love my time travel stories and I had no idea this was one! If you like your time travel with a bit of a science-y background, this may appeal to you…
‘I understand what you are saying,’ he said. ‘I too do not always understand the way in which the Almighty works, but I know that the limitation is mine. It is I who do not understand in the same way a dog does not understand where or why its master goes away every day, needing to work to pay for the food he comes home to provide. Understanding changes. Knowledge changes, but men were killed for claiming so because the people did not understand. It is the understanding that changes, not the thing. I cannot answer that for you; it is no my place to. Each of us must come to our own conclusion.’
The boundaries of Shaun’s beliefs squeezed outwards under the pressure of the new information. Why was it so hard to, believe? Did he want there to be nothing beyond what he could understand? Did he want there to not be some sort of God? He examined himself and realised that he had shut himself off to even the possibility for one simple reason; it meant that he was wrong.
This book is in a way similar to Da Vinci Code in that it’s a conspiracy theory which involved a worldwide belief, Christianity. It is, I found, dissimilar (aside from the time travelling bit) in the attitude towards Christianity. I was very conscious, in reading Da Vinci Code, of all the kerfuffle it has induced in the world –and therefore noted the somewhat antagonistic view of Christianity where the Vatican was basically just evil. In The Rule of Knowledge, the Vatican has the truly faithful and the power hungry; whilst not perfect, it seems balanced. There were other factors as well which makes me wonder whether the author himself is a believer. The ultimate purpose of time travel here is definitely something we’ve all wondered about!
This book is highly recommended to those seeking a fast paced book with mysteries, pieces of history and bits of time travel thrown in. I, myself, am hoping for more of the kind from the author.
The story alternated in between the present time where Shaun Strickland, an academic nobody, was enticed away from home, and biblical time when Jesus lived, performed miracles, and was about to die. Usually with such alternating stories, I would feel the pull of interest towards one story than the other but not in this case; I didn’t feel the need to skip a chapter first to see what will happen with one storyline. The stories were woven in a way that the information were dropped in the time when we needed it.
In both stories, the main characters have their own mission on which the peace, the security, of the world depended upon. Whilst one was acutely aware of this fact, the other was driven by the thought of revenge. Both faced dangers, from known and unknown sources, which could come at them from any direction. The Rule of Knowledge is a thrilling, action-packed, fast-paced read; full of car chases, shooting guns, explosions, and even disguises.
I was pleasantly surprise with 2 factors: time travel and the favourable lean towards Christianity. I love my time travel stories and I had no idea this was one! If you like your time travel with a bit of a science-y background, this may appeal to you…
‘I understand what you are saying,’ he said. ‘I too do not always understand the way in which the Almighty works, but I know that the limitation is mine. It is I who do not understand in the same way a dog does not understand where or why its master goes away every day, needing to work to pay for the food he comes home to provide. Understanding changes. Knowledge changes, but men were killed for claiming so because the people did not understand. It is the understanding that changes, not the thing. I cannot answer that for you; it is no my place to. Each of us must come to our own conclusion.’
The boundaries of Shaun’s beliefs squeezed outwards under the pressure of the new information. Why was it so hard to, believe? Did he want there to be nothing beyond what he could understand? Did he want there to not be some sort of God? He examined himself and realised that he had shut himself off to even the possibility for one simple reason; it meant that he was wrong.
This book is in a way similar to Da Vinci Code in that it’s a conspiracy theory which involved a worldwide belief, Christianity. It is, I found, dissimilar (aside from the time travelling bit) in the attitude towards Christianity. I was very conscious, in reading Da Vinci Code, of all the kerfuffle it has induced in the world –and therefore noted the somewhat antagonistic view of Christianity where the Vatican was basically just evil. In The Rule of Knowledge, the Vatican has the truly faithful and the power hungry; whilst not perfect, it seems balanced. There were other factors as well which makes me wonder whether the author himself is a believer. The ultimate purpose of time travel here is definitely something we’ve all wondered about!
This book is highly recommended to those seeking a fast paced book with mysteries, pieces of history and bits of time travel thrown in. I, myself, am hoping for more of the kind from the author.
June 21, 2014
Wow. Just wow. This book was amazing - I stayed up until the early hours of the morning to finish it.
It rates highly on the unputdownable scale - action, a mystery and time travel - what's not to love?
Questions of faith, love, science, evil and pain are asked and gently answered.
The twists and questions of time travel are very neatly and deftly dealt with.
Buy this book, read it, then buy more for your friends. This is an exciting and well crafted debut novel from an amazing Australian author.
It rates highly on the unputdownable scale - action, a mystery and time travel - what's not to love?
Questions of faith, love, science, evil and pain are asked and gently answered.
The twists and questions of time travel are very neatly and deftly dealt with.
Buy this book, read it, then buy more for your friends. This is an exciting and well crafted debut novel from an amazing Australian author.
March 11, 2015
Макар да е част от серията „Кралете на трилъра“ на Бард, „Правилото на знанието“ на Скот Бейкър спада по-скоро към научната фантастика като жанр. И наистина: цялата книга се завърта около един много особен въпрос – „Ако имаш възможност да се върнеш назад в миналото – когато и да е – и да разговаряш с една историческа личност по твой избор, коя би била и кога би било?“
Шон Стрикленд е преподавател по физика на десетокласници през деня, а през нощта открива тайните на физиката и пише за неосъществими неща като червееви дупки (worm holes), пътуване във времето и пространството и всякакви такива налудничави и фантастични теми. Шон знае, че няма да бъде публикуван, не и с толкова неосъществими идеи, но все пак той изпраща навсякъде статиите си. И така докато един ден не получава покана за участие в конференция в Кеймбридж от неговия идол Професор Лъндас. Проблем: трябва да са в Лондон на следващия ден заедно със съпругата си. И така започва историята, в която Бейкър преплита научни теории (и ги обосновава изключително правдоподобно), в която действието се развива едновременно на няколко места: преди 2000 години и сега, където времето не изглежда пречка за определена група от хора.
От тръгването с кола на Шон и Лоран (жена му) през скитника до мъжете в мерцедеси, болницата, Рим, Исламабад, Вашингтон и още много знайни и незнайни дестинации, заедно с присламчващи се от време на време други герои, Шон открива Правилото на знанието, а именно: „Знанието е абсолютно. Ако знаем, че нещо което ни е известно, се е случило, не бива да се намесваме.“
Успоредно с историята на Шон се развива и историята на Греъм Фонтейн, който е изпратен 2000 години назад, за да вземе интервю от Исус. За мен лично това беше основната и най-силната част на книгата – тази нишка, около която се завърта цялото повествование.
Нека спомена и че книгата изобилства от научно обосновани теории и факти, както и пътуването във времето е изключително правдоподобно написано (аз съм лаик, не съм физик, но за мен всичко е логично и навързано). Което е и причината за мен „Правилото на знанието“ да влезе в категория научна фантастика/трилър.
Преводът е качествен и на ниво. Не забелязах пропуски или нужда от коректор
Шон Стрикленд е преподавател по физика на десетокласници през деня, а през нощта открива тайните на физиката и пише за неосъществими неща като червееви дупки (worm holes), пътуване във времето и пространството и всякакви такива налудничави и фантастични теми. Шон знае, че няма да бъде публикуван, не и с толкова неосъществими идеи, но все пак той изпраща навсякъде статиите си. И така докато един ден не получава покана за участие в конференция в Кеймбридж от неговия идол Професор Лъндас. Проблем: трябва да са в Лондон на следващия ден заедно със съпругата си. И така започва историята, в която Бейкър преплита научни теории (и ги обосновава изключително правдоподобно), в която действието се развива едновременно на няколко места: преди 2000 години и сега, където времето не изглежда пречка за определена група от хора.
От тръгването с кола на Шон и Лоран (жена му) през скитника до мъжете в мерцедеси, болницата, Рим, Исламабад, Вашингтон и още много знайни и незнайни дестинации, заедно с присламчващи се от време на време други герои, Шон открива Правилото на знанието, а именно: „Знанието е абсолютно. Ако знаем, че нещо което ни е известно, се е случило, не бива да се намесваме.“
Успоредно с историята на Шон се развива и историята на Греъм Фонтейн, който е изпратен 2000 години назад, за да вземе интервю от Исус. За мен лично това беше основната и най-силната част на книгата – тази нишка, около която се завърта цялото повествование.
Нека спомена и че книгата изобилства от научно обосновани теории и факти, както и пътуването във времето е изключително правдоподобно написано (аз съм лаик, не съм физик, но за мен всичко е логично и навързано). Което е и причината за мен „Правилото на знанието“ да влезе в категория научна фантастика/трилър.
Преводът е качествен и на ниво. Не забелязах пропуски или нужда от коректор
January 2, 2016
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and gave it 4 stars. The only reason I didn't give it more was that although this book has a nice pace to it, I have become increasingly smitten by the pace of Matthew Reilly's books (Now there is someone who really should start writing a new Jack West novel again). Wish I could give Rule of Knowledge 4.5 stars. Another reason for not given 5 stars is that I found the ending to be a tad unclear for me. Admittedly, I was dead tired and needed sleep, but couldn't do so without finishing the book first. I may have missed a clue and will probably re-read the final chapter. :)
Should Mr. Scott Baker write more books, especially about time travel, I would queue to buy it. It was a delightful read and his explanations on space-time, event horizons and how gravity affects time was fantastic. For the first time I started to understand these concepts as it was written in a simple and concise manner.
His main characters for most part was fairly well developed. I especially enjoyed the portrayal of Saul and Malbool. Some of the "baddie" characters probably could've been developed a little better.
If you haven't read this book yet, and time travel, history and just a good old fun-read is your thing, get this book today. I may, just may, have discovered a new favourite author to fill my eReader alongside Matthew Reilly, Tom Clancy and James Rollins.
Should Mr. Scott Baker write more books, especially about time travel, I would queue to buy it. It was a delightful read and his explanations on space-time, event horizons and how gravity affects time was fantastic. For the first time I started to understand these concepts as it was written in a simple and concise manner.
His main characters for most part was fairly well developed. I especially enjoyed the portrayal of Saul and Malbool. Some of the "baddie" characters probably could've been developed a little better.
If you haven't read this book yet, and time travel, history and just a good old fun-read is your thing, get this book today. I may, just may, have discovered a new favourite author to fill my eReader alongside Matthew Reilly, Tom Clancy and James Rollins.
May 25, 2014
Spoiler free. This is one of those books you cant talk about much without giving the twists away.
I just picked up Scott Baker’s first novel, “the Rule of Knowledge.” Literally: his brother was proudly selling signed copies at Wollongong’s Hang Dog rock climbing gym when I was there with my nephew.
Shaun Strickland, a happily married high school teacher gets unwittingly caught up in a deadly mystery. As he goes on the run, being hunted by killers intent on taking out everyone in their path, his companion is a 2000 year old diary that fell into his possession: written in perfect English, and predicting the exact moment at which it will be found.
It’s a big novel, big in concept and vision and beautifully carried out. Cutting between the modern world and early first century, with a few stops off along the way, it loops and backtracks with a healthy dose of science. It’s a rollicking ride, I can understand why it is recommended by Matthew Reilly, it shares a lot of the same traits. To say much more would give the game away.
A great first novel! http://www.ruleofknowledge.com/
http://threedegreesofmurder.com/the-r...
Wendy Hird
August 27, 2014
As others said: for me it was a page turner too. Yes, I agree with some, you had to keep track in the beginning on "who is who", but when you caught on, you could not stop reading.
Can't wait for Scott Baker's next book. :o)
Can't wait for Scott Baker's next book. :o)
August 24, 2013
A non-stop action adventure thrill ride from start to finish.
If you enjoy Matthew Reilly then you will love this.
If you enjoy Matthew Reilly then you will love this.
December 11, 2013
Really enjoyed this. But I do love books with more than one story happening. Definitely a bit of a Matthew Reilly spin with quite a fast pace but easy to read and well, you just never know.......
August 30, 2019
OMG what utter crap what a waste of time how did this get published I can't state how bad this book is, it makes no sense, it is so bad that it's going to start my fire tonight( good for something I suppose ) I presume that all his friends and family gave all the 5 star ratings. I have never burnt a book ever but I can't leave this for some other poor sucker that gets caught up in the cool concept of the story.
June 27, 2022
Everyone should read this book! It's incredibly well written...it must have been a logistical nightmare to plan! I found it full of excitement, action and drama. A really all round imaginative and original story.
February 1, 2018
What a ride! After a relatively slow start, this book kicked off and kept getting better and better, until I was literally unable to put it down, even attempting to read during housework (note: higher difficulty level than expected) and while out for walks. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Shaun Strickland is a homebody, a loving husband and a brilliant scientific mind underutilised by society as a high school teacher. In his downtime, he writes long equations and theorises about the nature of space, time and gravity, but his papers never seem to be taken seriously anywhere he sends them. When that abruptly changes and he's offered a chance to speak at an important conference, he and his wife embark on a fateful road trip that intersects with multiple other important story arcs, becoming the reluctant custodians of the injured hobo that runs in front of their car and the unbelievable treasure he carries: a two-thousand-year-old diary, written in English, addressed at Shaun himself and detailing incredible historical events.
The book is structured as two parallel stories from very different times as Shaun and Lauren, and later Shaun's unlikely fellow hero David, read the journal and try to stay a step ahead of the people who would wrest it from them. Historical character Saul awakens in ancient Jerusalem with no memory but a shocking range of skills, from multiple languages to martial ability, which catch the attention of the brutal resident Roman soldiers. This incredibly well-researched book depicts the ancient world with the stunning visual detail of its film-maker author's mind, inspiring the awe and glory of ancient Rome with the same skill as he describes fight scenes and chases. Everything I read, I could see, and I really REALLY think this book should be a movie.
The science is also awesome. I love a book that makes time-travel physics accessible to someone like me without dumbing it down or lecturing me. Instead, throughout the book, Shaun ponders on the implications or the failures of particular theories, helping the reader get their footing, and later he explains it to his co-lead David, another intelligent character who doesn't need it dumbed down, either. This way of explaining without condescending, assuming the reader must be sufficiently educated to understand (if they have enjoyed and made it so far through a novel, after all) was well done and I appreciated the balance.
Time-travel, history, faith, action, a bit of gore and two very relatable, very human and very likeable leads with great chemistry come together for a thoroughly engaging sci-fi/thriller/historical/action/adventure of a book that could best be described as 'Bourne Identity' meets 'Gladiator' meets Dan Brown's 'Angels and Demons'. Highly recommended.
Shaun Strickland is a homebody, a loving husband and a brilliant scientific mind underutilised by society as a high school teacher. In his downtime, he writes long equations and theorises about the nature of space, time and gravity, but his papers never seem to be taken seriously anywhere he sends them. When that abruptly changes and he's offered a chance to speak at an important conference, he and his wife embark on a fateful road trip that intersects with multiple other important story arcs, becoming the reluctant custodians of the injured hobo that runs in front of their car and the unbelievable treasure he carries: a two-thousand-year-old diary, written in English, addressed at Shaun himself and detailing incredible historical events.
The book is structured as two parallel stories from very different times as Shaun and Lauren, and later Shaun's unlikely fellow hero David, read the journal and try to stay a step ahead of the people who would wrest it from them. Historical character Saul awakens in ancient Jerusalem with no memory but a shocking range of skills, from multiple languages to martial ability, which catch the attention of the brutal resident Roman soldiers. This incredibly well-researched book depicts the ancient world with the stunning visual detail of its film-maker author's mind, inspiring the awe and glory of ancient Rome with the same skill as he describes fight scenes and chases. Everything I read, I could see, and I really REALLY think this book should be a movie.
The science is also awesome. I love a book that makes time-travel physics accessible to someone like me without dumbing it down or lecturing me. Instead, throughout the book, Shaun ponders on the implications or the failures of particular theories, helping the reader get their footing, and later he explains it to his co-lead David, another intelligent character who doesn't need it dumbed down, either. This way of explaining without condescending, assuming the reader must be sufficiently educated to understand (if they have enjoyed and made it so far through a novel, after all) was well done and I appreciated the balance.
Time-travel, history, faith, action, a bit of gore and two very relatable, very human and very likeable leads with great chemistry come together for a thoroughly engaging sci-fi/thriller/historical/action/adventure of a book that could best be described as 'Bourne Identity' meets 'Gladiator' meets Dan Brown's 'Angels and Demons'. Highly recommended.
November 9, 2014
Since joining goodreads early in 2014, this is the first book I have read based on a goodread recommendation. And I was not disappointed. Time travel is one of my favourite themes in fiction, and The Rule of Knowledge is a worthy addition to the genre.
At its heart though, the novel is essentially a thriller, with historical and sci-fi elements, told at a cracking pace. Readers of Matthew Reilly would be right at home with this book, so it is no surprise Reilly's testimonial graces the front cover (the author also thanks Reilly in the acknowledgements).
My only reservations about this book were to do with style. The spectacular action sequences - of which there are plenty - seem a bit laden with cliche and stock phrases, while some descriptions seem to be shorthand for a film treatment rather than attempts to create rich mental imagery for the reader. For example, in an opening sequence set in ancient Rome, we meet a gladiator for whom "failure is not an option" ; a speeding car cuts through "traffic like a knife", bullets tear through things, a mountain looms up ahead, pain often explodes in characters heads, and so on. And describing an impressive mountain range as "The peaks rose up like something from a Tolkien fantasy novel" sounds a tad lazy to this reader's ear.
But these quibbles could be applied to many a modern thriller. The pace is frenetic and I nonetheless found this book literally 'unputdownable' (now that's a reviewer's cliché in itself). So for this kind of novel, the mind doesn't stray too long on the page to appreciate the nuances of English expression.
I admire the author's decision to interleave a bit of time and space conjecturing amidst all the fighting and chasing, while the historical passages generally have a very authentic feel to them - the blood, dirt, smells and grime of imperial Rome. Both of these elements lift the book from being a standard thriller. On the other hand, the over-arching malevolent plot driving the story seem quite ludicrous.
If you like this kind of book, I would recommend you read "The Genesis Code" by John Case, which is a a great religious conspiracy / science thriller. Also try "Pastwatch : the Redemption of Christopher Columbus" by Orson Scott Card, which I think is a better treatment of imagining how the science of time travel would influence our attitudes to past events.
At its heart though, the novel is essentially a thriller, with historical and sci-fi elements, told at a cracking pace. Readers of Matthew Reilly would be right at home with this book, so it is no surprise Reilly's testimonial graces the front cover (the author also thanks Reilly in the acknowledgements).
My only reservations about this book were to do with style. The spectacular action sequences - of which there are plenty - seem a bit laden with cliche and stock phrases, while some descriptions seem to be shorthand for a film treatment rather than attempts to create rich mental imagery for the reader. For example, in an opening sequence set in ancient Rome, we meet a gladiator for whom "failure is not an option" ; a speeding car cuts through "traffic like a knife", bullets tear through things, a mountain looms up ahead, pain often explodes in characters heads, and so on. And describing an impressive mountain range as "The peaks rose up like something from a Tolkien fantasy novel" sounds a tad lazy to this reader's ear.
But these quibbles could be applied to many a modern thriller. The pace is frenetic and I nonetheless found this book literally 'unputdownable' (now that's a reviewer's cliché in itself). So for this kind of novel, the mind doesn't stray too long on the page to appreciate the nuances of English expression.
I admire the author's decision to interleave a bit of time and space conjecturing amidst all the fighting and chasing, while the historical passages generally have a very authentic feel to them - the blood, dirt, smells and grime of imperial Rome. Both of these elements lift the book from being a standard thriller. On the other hand, the over-arching malevolent plot driving the story seem quite ludicrous.
If you like this kind of book, I would recommend you read "The Genesis Code" by John Case, which is a a great religious conspiracy / science thriller. Also try "Pastwatch : the Redemption of Christopher Columbus" by Orson Scott Card, which I think is a better treatment of imagining how the science of time travel would influence our attitudes to past events.
February 18, 2021
Awesome intrigue
This was recommended to me as if you love Matthew Reilly you will also love! I was totally intrigued to know what was going on right to the las page was such a great book highly recommend!
This was recommended to me as if you love Matthew Reilly you will also love! I was totally intrigued to know what was going on right to the las page was such a great book highly recommend!
August 1, 2014
Brilliant! What can I say? I started reading this book as a courtesy to a colleague, only to find myself gripped by this ripping tale. Unwilling to stop reading, I squeezed in chapters at every turn of my day, on the train, during lunch… at 3 in the morning when I should be sleeping. At one point on the weekend, I bemoaned my teenage son as he disappeared into his room with the book for what seemed like hours, only managing to steal it back while he was doing his chores. He too found it addictive, because The Rule of Knowledge had to be discovered… by the reader. I was engulfed by this rich tapestry of imagery that is so very believable by the pure fact that Baker has great attention to detail. Even his historical references rung true! I also loved the occasional ritual of having to get online to read the Bonus chapters, it really draw me further into this journey that I so desperately wanted to get through. Not normally a fan of this genre but its just a good yarn and an easy read.
For a first time author I am very impressed and can't wait to see what Scott Baker cooks up in his next novel. Also, maybe after you read it as it could be a spoiler, check out the Hollywood style book trailer at the website, I didn't know people were doing this for books!! Interesting marketing idea, made me want to see a film version of it though...
For a first time author I am very impressed and can't wait to see what Scott Baker cooks up in his next novel. Also, maybe after you read it as it could be a spoiler, check out the Hollywood style book trailer at the website, I didn't know people were doing this for books!! Interesting marketing idea, made me want to see a film version of it though...
July 12, 2014
THIS BOOK!
What an idea! Wow. This fast paced, action packed, corner turning riveting read is absolutely thrilling. The thought and detail put into every character, element of the story line and twist and turn is brilliant. Even if it has been done before to some degree you do not feel like you are reading a story that has been written before. Baker makes the genres of suspense and even Sci fi refreshing; he makes them his own. The first thought that passed through my mind upon completing the novel was: how damn clever! There was even a part of it that made me tear up. I actually haven't experienced such elation over a novel in quite a while and the fact that he is Aussie just makes me proud. Well done Baker, you clever cookie. My eyes will remain constantly peeled for another one of his novels. 5 stars through and through, a bit of a way to fall from there lol
What an idea! Wow. This fast paced, action packed, corner turning riveting read is absolutely thrilling. The thought and detail put into every character, element of the story line and twist and turn is brilliant. Even if it has been done before to some degree you do not feel like you are reading a story that has been written before. Baker makes the genres of suspense and even Sci fi refreshing; he makes them his own. The first thought that passed through my mind upon completing the novel was: how damn clever! There was even a part of it that made me tear up. I actually haven't experienced such elation over a novel in quite a while and the fact that he is Aussie just makes me proud. Well done Baker, you clever cookie. My eyes will remain constantly peeled for another one of his novels. 5 stars through and through, a bit of a way to fall from there lol
April 13, 2014
This novel is a fantastic blend of history, science, religion and action and is unlike anything else I have ever read. A mix of Gladiator, Event Horizon and The Time Traveller's Wife, Scott Baker's work is detailed, thrilling, creative and strangely believable. A semi-complex read that shows a genius mind at work.
Shaun Strickland is on his way to (finally) deliver a seminar on the scientific possibilities of time travel when a series of events leave him alone, hunted and possessing possibly the single most important artefact in our world's history. The Rule of Knowledge makes you question the possibilities... and what you would do if you had the history of the entire world in your hands.
Shaun Strickland is on his way to (finally) deliver a seminar on the scientific possibilities of time travel when a series of events leave him alone, hunted and possessing possibly the single most important artefact in our world's history. The Rule of Knowledge makes you question the possibilities... and what you would do if you had the history of the entire world in your hands.
August 3, 2014
This was one of those books that I picked up because my typical favourite authors had nothing new out and I needed something to read.
Well, after the first 10 pages I was to gain the distinct feeling that I had another favourite author in the making.
Sadly, the fact that this book peaked my interest so quickly meant that it was finished in a flash (to the detriment of my work that week due to late evenings). The final installment came in an unexpected reading session of 100 pages, ending at 2am after intending on a quick chapter before sleep.
It is with great anticipation that I await the next novel by Scott Baker. As such, it looks like I'm going to the bookstore to find something to read while my new favourite author writes his next fantastic read.
Well, after the first 10 pages I was to gain the distinct feeling that I had another favourite author in the making.
Sadly, the fact that this book peaked my interest so quickly meant that it was finished in a flash (to the detriment of my work that week due to late evenings). The final installment came in an unexpected reading session of 100 pages, ending at 2am after intending on a quick chapter before sleep.
It is with great anticipation that I await the next novel by Scott Baker. As such, it looks like I'm going to the bookstore to find something to read while my new favourite author writes his next fantastic read.
December 18, 2013
This book was ridiculous! To quote from the book " it did my mind in"!!!! I guess, to be fair it is not my favourite genre, but i am intrigued by the thought of time travel, and that inspired me to read it. Heavens though, it was hard going! Not the kind of book you could put aside for a few days without being lost when picking it up again. I think it would have been an amazing challenge to write a book like this...but surely some editing and simplifying of the concept would have made it a more enjoyable read! I was compelled to finish it, thinking all would become clear but i am afraid it was stupid to the end!! Would never recommend this book to anyone!
March 29, 2014
Let me just say, this isn't the kind of book I normally read. A friend told me it was an action adventure book and I said I wasn't interested, but she then said that if I didn't love it, she would buy me dinner. How could I refuse?
This is one time I'm so glad to be proved wrong. What an amazing journey. I woke up last night at 3am and my brain was running at a thousand miles an hour with the twists and turns of this book. All I can say is do yourself a favour and give it a red hot go. It won't be everyone's cup of tea, but it will certainly make you want to keep reading. For me it was an experience that I didn't want to end! This will make an amazing movie one day.
This is one time I'm so glad to be proved wrong. What an amazing journey. I woke up last night at 3am and my brain was running at a thousand miles an hour with the twists and turns of this book. All I can say is do yourself a favour and give it a red hot go. It won't be everyone's cup of tea, but it will certainly make you want to keep reading. For me it was an experience that I didn't want to end! This will make an amazing movie one day.
August 29, 2014
An outstanding read! I had never heard of Scott Baker before I came across this book, and I'm so glad it's only because this was his first. Absolutely jaw dropping! Baker's pacing in "The Rule of Knowledge" will have you consistently on the edge of your seat. It was by far the hardest book for me to put down. I used to think Dan Brown was the best writer in this genre however Baker smashes Brown's books out of the park. I recommend "The Rule of Knowledge" to everyone, if you haven't read it, you've not yet fulfilled your inner reader.
December 29, 2015
Geçmiş ve geleceğin birleştiği ;zaman yolculuğunun mümkün olduğu ; okuduklarınıza inanamayacağınız; İsa'nın zamanında, gladyatör arenalarında ve Afganistan dağlarında dolaşacağınız ilginç bir kitap Kayıp Denklemler...
Kitap film haline getirilse müthiş bir bilim kurgu filmi olur. Kİtabı çok sevdim. Sevmediğim tek nokta günlük okuma bölümlerinde detaylar ve olaylar çok fazla . Bu bölümler gereksiz uzatılmış geldi bana ve okurken sıkıldım.
http://kozmokitap.blogspot.com.tr/201...
Kitap film haline getirilse müthiş bir bilim kurgu filmi olur. Kİtabı çok sevdim. Sevmediğim tek nokta günlük okuma bölümlerinde detaylar ve olaylar çok fazla . Bu bölümler gereksiz uzatılmış geldi bana ve okurken sıkıldım.
http://kozmokitap.blogspot.com.tr/201...
August 1, 2014
I loved this book. For a debut book Scott Baker has hit the jackpot!! I enjoy a mixture of genres and this was a real goodies bag of some of my favourite reading. I'm an avid reader of Dean Koontz and Dan Brown, Scott Baker has brought some of the characteristics of the type of books those authors write into this energetic and powerful read. I'm waiting (not patiently) for Scott's next book to hit the shelves.
August 12, 2014
Such a fantastic book! My mind was literally blown by the end of it. Baker has managed to include all the elements a fantastic book needs and just made a masterpiece.
It will leave you on the edge of your seat from page one to the last page. There is no time wasted. Action all the way through.
I honestly had no idea where it was going the entire book. For every question answered, ten more questions rose. There is only one way to describe this book. Mind blowing.
It will leave you on the edge of your seat from page one to the last page. There is no time wasted. Action all the way through.
I honestly had no idea where it was going the entire book. For every question answered, ten more questions rose. There is only one way to describe this book. Mind blowing.
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