LA Magdalena

Rating:
Summary: a good read with a solid plot
Review: Although Valtos tempts you to lower your expectations early on, suggesting the wildest of mystical flights of fancy, if you keep reading you find a good, solid plot resting on a well-researched foundation. The meticulous attention to detail in the early setting may seem too much of a good thing, but it pays off later when details of setting really matter. The narrator is consistent, noticing stuff all the time, not just when convenient to the plot.

It's much _much_ better written than The Da Vinci Code, although it mines the same vein of material. Realistic character development, pacing of the plot, and chronolgy all help the reader make the leap across the imaginative elements of the story. You want to believe this, unlike Dan Brown's stuff, where you keep saying "NO one could believe this!" even though some of it is true.

This starts slow, but it's well worth the attention. For once there's a conspiracy theory ending that doesn't come out of the blue. It probably won't make you walk around wondering "what if. . . " but you won't be ashamed to be seen reading it in public.

Solid ficition, with enough research to satisfy.

Rating:
Summary: Unforgettable Story.
Review: Quite simply a book Mr. Valtos will be remebered for.

Rating:
Summary: "Can't Put It Down" Reading
Review: This is a book I finished in 3-days flat when the last book of this size took me weeks to finish. I was hooked from page 1 till the very last page -- a statement I make about VERY few reads and PERFECT for summertime fun.

If you like mysteries, this one's excellent. If you're interested in mystical / spiritual exploration, again this is a treat. There is some depth of detail on the early Christian sects development which may seem dry at first, but it becomes important information as the book unfolds -- I'll say no more. If you like consipiracy theories a la Robert Ludlum, voila -- you have found a friend. As someone who has visited most of the Mediterranean cities described, this book also provides a delightful travel experience. All in all, a great yarn!

I have yet to read The Da Vinci Code or other Mary Magdalene novels, but this one has me intrigued to study further and learn the truth. Clearly this is a work of fiction, but initial research has shown me that many of the facts in this novel are based on truths that I had not been aware of. A learning opportunity as well!

I hope the rest of his work is as enjoyable as "La Magdalena".

Rating:
Summary: Better than the Da Vinci Code?
Review: Valtos has crafted a smart, well-written thriller that is as good as--and probably better than--the Da Vinci Code. He traces the same ground as Dan Brown's book--Jesus, Mary Magdalene, the Holy Grail, etc--and his main character Theo Nikonos is one of the coolest gumshoes to hit fiction in a long time. I can't recommend this book highly enough!