Illuminated

For those of you who like the DaVinci Code and then were the first in line for the second National Treasuer, I give you the Illuminated.

The book starts out on a rough plane ride where Mr. August Adams comes jumping to the rescue from the very beginning. Although this gets you interested, this scene is a bit out of place. Yet, it introduces you to the Villianess, Xandria.

As you begin to read you find out that their is a treasure of the Templars and the path is waiting to be found through the illuminations found in Guttenburg bibles. You also learn that their is a timeless war between the Orphans and the Order of the Dragon. Each of which you learn more about through out the book. You also find that August as a son and an ex-wife, both of which have the Order and Orphans right on their tale.

Overall, this was a good book, one I finished in pretty good time. I came to it because it was cheap on the book racks and a recommendation from Robin Parrish, the other author I am currently reading. There are a few problems with this book though, problems that really got in the way. For one, if you have read DaVinci Code you will remember that many of the paintings and historical items mentioned are ones that are common. So, when we follow the main characters in deciphering we have some idea what thins look like. In Illuminated though, we are introduced to a uncommon version of history showing us different organizations that we do not recognize. Then we read entirely deeply into images that may or may not give us deeper meaning.
The other problem is when they start revealing the deeper findings. So, maybe there is a treasure, but what about the coins of that treasure that may or may not reveal a female deity. Which is a question I dont think the author ends up truly answering. He does shy away from the idea by the end of the book, but he does so indirectly to dissuade the villianess.

Still, this book is fast paced and an interesting read. I will look forward to Bronleewe's next book as he continues to follow August Adams and probably continue to follow this new author's carreer. I will say that this book was a lot darker than I would have expected it to be, but it gives the book more depth and ultimately makes it more interesting.

Overall: B-, Recommended.