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John Hart #2
The Templar Inheritance
Following on Templar Prophecy, another adventure for John Hart—Guardian of the Lance
May 2013: A bomb goes off near a roadside café in As Sulaymaniyah, Iraq. Veteran photojournalist John Hart and his 27-year-old Kurdish Christian translator, Nalan Abuna, are caught up in the explosion—an explosion which is to become the trigger for a series of high-stakes events. May 1198: John Hart's ancestor, Johannes von Hartelius, discovers that The Copper Scroll, the most prized possession of the Knight's Templars, has been stolen and is about to be used to help raise an army for a Fourth Crusade. When decoded, The Copper Scroll is expected to hold the secret of Solomon's Treasures, together with the key to the building of a new Temple of Solomon in the Holy Land. May 2013: John Hart discovers a secret message from Johannes von Hartelius inside the Holy Spear, indicating the possible location of The Copper Scroll in a hollow mountain, known as Solomon's Prison, in Iran. John Hart sets out to retrieve the scroll, echoing Hartelius' epic battle, almost 1,000 years earlier.
May 2013: A bomb goes off near a roadside café in As Sulaymaniyah, Iraq. Veteran photojournalist John Hart and his 27-year-old Kurdish Christian translator, Nalan Abuna, are caught up in the explosion—an explosion which is to become the trigger for a series of high-stakes events. May 1198: John Hart's ancestor, Johannes von Hartelius, discovers that The Copper Scroll, the most prized possession of the Knight's Templars, has been stolen and is about to be used to help raise an army for a Fourth Crusade. When decoded, The Copper Scroll is expected to hold the secret of Solomon's Treasures, together with the key to the building of a new Temple of Solomon in the Holy Land. May 2013: John Hart discovers a secret message from Johannes von Hartelius inside the Holy Spear, indicating the possible location of The Copper Scroll in a hollow mountain, known as Solomon's Prison, in Iran. John Hart sets out to retrieve the scroll, echoing Hartelius' epic battle, almost 1,000 years earlier.
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First published July 1, 2015
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About the author
Mario Reading
46 books84 followersMario Reading was born in Dorset, and brought up in England, Germany, and the South of France. He was educated at Gorse Cliff Preparatory School, followed by Rugby School, and then went on to study Comparative Literature under Malcolm Bradbury and Angus Wilson at the University of East Anglia, where he specialized in French and German Literature and translation before absconding, after two years, on a cargo boat to Africa.
During a nomadic youth he sold rare books, taught riding in Cape Town, studied dressage in Vienna, played polo in India, France, Spain, and Dubai, ran a seventy horse polo stables in Gloucestershire, and helped manage his Mexican wife’s coffee plantation.
Reading is the author of four novels. The Music-Makers [House of Stratus 2001], The Nostradamus Prophecies [Atlantic 2009], The Mayan Codex [Corvus 2010], and The Third Antichrist [Corvus 2011]. Reading’s Antichrist Trilogy [TNP, TMC & TTA] has been published in 38 countries to date, with a combined sale of over 1,000,000 copies.
Mario Reading was the recipient of an Arts Council Writing Award for his novel-in-progress After Barbarossa.
He is also the author of eight non-fiction titles, including the Dictionary Of Cinema, the Movie Companion, the Watkins Dictionary Of Dreams, Nostradamus: The Complete Prophecies For The Future and Nostradamus: The Good News. His groundbreaking The Complete Prophecies Of Nostradamus was published in 2009 by Watkins Books, and 2010 saw the publication of an illustrated book, Nostradamus: The Top 100 Prophecies [available in 9 countries], and a revised edition of NTCPFTF. His most recent non-fiction book, Nostradamus & The Third Antichrist was published in March 2011. Reading’s non-fiction books have been published in 20 countries, and have sold more than 500,000 copies.
Reading also writes occasional magazine features, including, in February 2000, a controversial major Sunday Times Magazine exposé of the CIA, entitled An American Hero, and has also made a number of national and international appearances on radio and television, most notably in Discovery Channel’s 2006 documentary, Nostradamus: The Truth, and three further documentaries for Discovery Channel, History Channel, and National Geographic Channel. For four years he was the Chairman and chief coordinator of the Fonthill Writing Awards. He is also a member of Mensa and the ultra high IQ society, the ISPE [The International Society for Philosophical Inquiry].
During a nomadic youth he sold rare books, taught riding in Cape Town, studied dressage in Vienna, played polo in India, France, Spain, and Dubai, ran a seventy horse polo stables in Gloucestershire, and helped manage his Mexican wife’s coffee plantation.
Reading is the author of four novels. The Music-Makers [House of Stratus 2001], The Nostradamus Prophecies [Atlantic 2009], The Mayan Codex [Corvus 2010], and The Third Antichrist [Corvus 2011]. Reading’s Antichrist Trilogy [TNP, TMC & TTA] has been published in 38 countries to date, with a combined sale of over 1,000,000 copies.
Mario Reading was the recipient of an Arts Council Writing Award for his novel-in-progress After Barbarossa.
He is also the author of eight non-fiction titles, including the Dictionary Of Cinema, the Movie Companion, the Watkins Dictionary Of Dreams, Nostradamus: The Complete Prophecies For The Future and Nostradamus: The Good News. His groundbreaking The Complete Prophecies Of Nostradamus was published in 2009 by Watkins Books, and 2010 saw the publication of an illustrated book, Nostradamus: The Top 100 Prophecies [available in 9 countries], and a revised edition of NTCPFTF. His most recent non-fiction book, Nostradamus & The Third Antichrist was published in March 2011. Reading’s non-fiction books have been published in 20 countries, and have sold more than 500,000 copies.
Reading also writes occasional magazine features, including, in February 2000, a controversial major Sunday Times Magazine exposé of the CIA, entitled An American Hero, and has also made a number of national and international appearances on radio and television, most notably in Discovery Channel’s 2006 documentary, Nostradamus: The Truth, and three further documentaries for Discovery Channel, History Channel, and National Geographic Channel. For four years he was the Chairman and chief coordinator of the Fonthill Writing Awards. He is also a member of Mensa and the ultra high IQ society, the ISPE [The International Society for Philosophical Inquiry].
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
April 2, 2015
The Templar Inheritance sees the return of modern day protagonist John Hart, a skilled photo journalist, who becomes caught in the aftermath of an Iraqi car bomb. Together with his guide and translator, Nalan Abuna, John must travel through the dangerous borderlands of the Middle East in his search for the lost copper scroll of Solomon.
In the twelfth century, disgraced Templar knight, Johannes von Hartelius, facing his execution, conceals the secret of Solomon’s treasure within his last confession. What then follows is a thrilling adventure which flips backwards and forwards in time in order to reveal secrets which have remained hidden for centuries.
The Templar Inheritance gets off to a tense beginning. The modern day opening is filled with danger and very quickly draws the reader into a time of great uncertainty. I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Hart and Abuna, the interesting chemistry between them makes for fascinating character analysis. In the uncertainty of the twelfth century, Johannes von Hartelius risks everything he has for love and in doing so puts himself, and others, in grave danger, and by concealing the location of the copper scrolls, he not only seals his fate, but also the fate of generations to come. There is no doubt that the author gives us two worthy male protagonists and even though both men are superbly flawed, they are each memorable in different ways. Both are very much of their time and this is reflected in the way their characters are allowed to behave, and whilst they are both not always likeable, they are certainly memorable.
I found much to enjoy in The Templar Inheritance; the fast action pace of the narrative is exciting and filled with an adventure that keeps you on the edge of your seat. The dual time element is controlled really well with neither story outshining the other, and I enjoyed being immersed in the present day conflicts of the Middle East and yet, felt equally comfortable in the twelfth century company of Hartelius and his Templar knights. Overall, this is a really good adventure story with more than enough twists and turns to keep you guessing right until the end.
Just to add, that reading The Templar Prophecy, the first book in the series is helpful, but is by no means essential, as The Templar Inheritance sits at ease in its own company and works well as a standalone story.
In the twelfth century, disgraced Templar knight, Johannes von Hartelius, facing his execution, conceals the secret of Solomon’s treasure within his last confession. What then follows is a thrilling adventure which flips backwards and forwards in time in order to reveal secrets which have remained hidden for centuries.
The Templar Inheritance gets off to a tense beginning. The modern day opening is filled with danger and very quickly draws the reader into a time of great uncertainty. I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Hart and Abuna, the interesting chemistry between them makes for fascinating character analysis. In the uncertainty of the twelfth century, Johannes von Hartelius risks everything he has for love and in doing so puts himself, and others, in grave danger, and by concealing the location of the copper scrolls, he not only seals his fate, but also the fate of generations to come. There is no doubt that the author gives us two worthy male protagonists and even though both men are superbly flawed, they are each memorable in different ways. Both are very much of their time and this is reflected in the way their characters are allowed to behave, and whilst they are both not always likeable, they are certainly memorable.
I found much to enjoy in The Templar Inheritance; the fast action pace of the narrative is exciting and filled with an adventure that keeps you on the edge of your seat. The dual time element is controlled really well with neither story outshining the other, and I enjoyed being immersed in the present day conflicts of the Middle East and yet, felt equally comfortable in the twelfth century company of Hartelius and his Templar knights. Overall, this is a really good adventure story with more than enough twists and turns to keep you guessing right until the end.
Just to add, that reading The Templar Prophecy, the first book in the series is helpful, but is by no means essential, as The Templar Inheritance sits at ease in its own company and works well as a standalone story.
August 30, 2016
Full of surprises. Having read the first book of the series in which John Hart became something of a hero across the world, the first surprise was that he was back in the war torn Middle East working again as a photo-journalist, and again in great danger. The second surprise was that the majority of the book was taken up with the story of the first Johannes Von Hartelius, Knight Templar of the 12th century. The interplay of the two stories is very interesting, although John Hart is still easily led astray by his forbear's writings. Some of the writing is a little reminiscent of the historical stories from Wilbur Smith ( not a bad comparison!) I think one of the most appealing facets of the story is the level of honour shown by a number of characters - yes, there are a number of less pleasant characters, but they are overshadowed by the good that is displayed by others.
I think this second in the series is the better so far, and am looking forward to the third instalment.
I think this second in the series is the better so far, and am looking forward to the third instalment.
May 4, 2023
I did not enjoy this book. I found the character dull and uninteresting. The plot wasn’t compelling and the back in time bit even less interesting
May 12, 2022
Excellent storyline.
The author has introduced the reader to understand how warriors from different cultures can not only become friends but also become family,as has been portrayed by the characters he has introduced in this book.
Although there is some poetic licence in this storyline,it is just a story about love and honour and the effects it has in not only the past but how it reverberates through time.
The author has introduced the reader to understand how warriors from different cultures can not only become friends but also become family,as has been portrayed by the characters he has introduced in this book.
Although there is some poetic licence in this storyline,it is just a story about love and honour and the effects it has in not only the past but how it reverberates through time.
September 25, 2015
This book has such memorable characters! The subtle feelings between the characters make this an enriching read. I loved the two strong women, Nalan in present time and Elfriede in the time of the Crusades. This story makes the plight of the Kurds real. A great book.
August 8, 2017
brilliantly written, enthralling read
February 1, 2021
An enjoyable and fast paced book which switches from the 2010s Kurdish region of Iraq/Iran and late 12th Century crusades. I find the factual aspects of both periods interesting and the characters are well created, I do tend to find some of the situations farfetched, but then a story had to be created.
September 21, 2017
disappointed with this book. Doesn't get into the plot properly but talks round it all the time. Came across to me like the musings of someone who imagines he is in an adventure that only exists in his own head.
May 26, 2022
Very well written and exciting
The book was well written with both stories told well, and gave the reasons why things didn't turn out as expected. This makes the story very readable.
The book was well written with both stories told well, and gave the reasons why things didn't turn out as expected. This makes the story very readable.
August 11, 2021
Facinating
This was a very involved .Quite dark and difficult to read in parts but just had to keep reading it.
This was a very involved .Quite dark and difficult to read in parts but just had to keep reading it.
Read
January 2, 2016It became apparent that this book is one of a series featuring the photographer-come-treasure-hunter.
It's readable as a standalone, and there's plenty of action. It's pretty up-to-date, too, with Iran/Iraq being the backdrop.
I guessed the ending miles from the end, but nevertheless a good read with some great narrative as the author jumps back to the the Templar Knight (Ex-Templar knight actually) who started it all.
It's readable as a standalone, and there's plenty of action. It's pretty up-to-date, too, with Iran/Iraq being the backdrop.
I guessed the ending miles from the end, but nevertheless a good read with some great narrative as the author jumps back to the the Templar Knight (Ex-Templar knight actually) who started it all.
September 17, 2017
Kirjan alku tempaisi mukaansa, mutta sitten ote irtosi. Loppuun asti jaksoin lukea kuitenkin. Kahdessa eri ajassa kulkevat tarinat olivat sinällään mielenkiintoisia ja tapahtumia oli paljon.
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April 20, 2016Peruskamaa
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February 4, 2018Salomonin perintö / Mario Reading ; suomentanut Pekka Tuomisto
Reading, Mario, kirjoittaja.| Karisto | 2016
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews