Customer Reviews

The Masada Scroll

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

A wonderful, transporting book. Any truly good novel will quickly invite the reader into another world, whether it is historically based or pure fantasy -- will offer an escape from the "real" world and a memorable experience based on the author's imagination. In THE MASADA SCROLL, it seems two authors have collaborated on this very rich, moving story that moves back in forth in time. I found myself completely engrossed in both the present-day story and the ancient world of Israel in the time of the Roman destruction of the nation, after Christ. I cannot recommend this novel more highly for readers who love thrillers and religious fiction and historical novels. Block and Vaughan are writers who make faith come alive through a marvelous cast of characters. I feel fortunate that I read it; it will stick with me for a long time to come.

Block and Vaughan are to be commended for a gripping story with timeless relevance for today's reader. Their exploration of the story of the "good thief" crucified with Christ, and the thief's son's role in the formation of the early Christian church resonates with realism. The interweaving of past and present keeps one turning the pages to find out what happens next. At the book's core is the thought-provoking and potentially controversial idea that Jews, Christians and Muslims may each find their own way to the One God.

This "novel" purports to be a rendering of the backstory of the discovery of the Q document at Masada. The characters are not well drawn. The book contains a lot of movie effects such as shootings, cars blowing up, suicide and the like without establishing the emotional thrust needed to justify itself.

Finally the authors put the supposed manuscript in an author's note, yet provide nothing in the way of authentication. Has someone really discovered the Q document? If so, it is a major theological find.

This books leaves the reader with more questions than it answers. Not recommended. Read Foucault's Pendulum by Umberto Eco. It is difficult but more inspiring.

I had high hopes for this book, and found it to be a let down. I enjoyed the story of the Roman & biblical characters, but the modern characters seemed to be very sketchily drawn. The "heroes" weren't strongly written enough for me to really root for them, while the "villains" were barely touched upon at all. The modern climax between one of the major good guys and the bad guys occurred 2/3 of the way through, and then the modern story line just seemed to peter off. As another reviewer stated, this book relied more heavily on "stunt" action than true plot or character action.

However, there was a relatively solid resolution to the historical story line, and the historical characters were more richly drawn.

It's almost as if one author handled the modern portion and the other handled the biblical portion, with the "modern" writer working on a 2 book deal and the "historical" writing working on a 1 book deal.

The ending was incredibly unsatisfactory. Loose ends abound for the contemporary story, and I can't find any information at all about whether this book was designed as a stand-alone or as a 2 or 3 part series.

I really liked the idea that all faiths are roads to the same joy of God, and the idea that we should be tolerant of other beliefs because they are simply different expressions of the same thing. But there was so much that COULD have been done with this that wasn't. I didn't find this book to be particularly involving, thrilling, or thought provoking.

When I first picked up The Masada Scroll and read the flyleaf, I thought it was another book that was written along the same lines as several others, none of which were my favorites, but I was very wrong.

From the first turn of the pages the classis Vaughan form jumped out placing me in the time setting of the story line. This classic style coupled with Block's gentle phrasing of historical events exhibit the quality of the two authors with the same mindset, a good story. The weaving of biblically history into an unknown arena of modern adventure and intrigue is the very best I have ever read.

The authors skillfully made the transition for the time Christ walked the earth to the present day. I felt like I was at Masada when tragedy struck and when Dismas was writing the sacred scroll that brought major religions under the roof of one God and savior.

In my memory I cannot recall such a descriptive event as when Rome burned and the long lines of crosses with crucified beings in the hot afternoon sun. My imagination ran rampant as I was "seeing what occurred."

Flannery's religious and personal metal about spiritual truth and redemption is tested throughout the book. As a published author, I found it an impossible book to put down. It is the best book I have read in a very long time. It takes it's place with the great classics setting on that special bookshelf with the "greatest books every written."

L. Lee Parmeter
Author

The Last Tear Drop

Lumberton

This was a slight departure from the popular DaVinci Code genre. For one, while there was some action, I wouldn't classify it as a thriller. There was the obligatory artifact, in this case a scroll containing the testimony of one of Christ's contemporaries and a mysterious symbol. But this novel had a more spiritual and supernatural theme than I expected. I was also intrigued by the history of Masada itself. Another aspect that really worked was the story alternating between the present day mystery of the scroll and the narrative of its creation 2000 years ago. It was a captivating account of Christianity in its infancy and the perils of the first Christians during Roman rule. Though it was slightly formulaic, overall, it was a quick and entertaining read with engaging characters and a plot that didn't get too bogged down with clichés.

I tried to get into this story but it didn't hold my interest. I kept comparing it to the Da Vinci Code and it doesn't even come close. It went to Goodwill.

This book's concept is absolutely fascinating, combining a thriller plot with one of the deepest and most ancient mysteries surrounding human spirituality. That underlying spiritual tone has been carefully blended with a modern day adventure/suspense writing style, and the result is a pleasing, contemporary treatment of one of mankind's oldest speculations--the universality of the soul. The story's central concept is a marvel to ponder; plus the fast-paced narrative makes it a classic page turner. Clearly the writers are old pros at their trade. I am glad to have shared the product of their wondrous imaginations and clever pens. I note that I am tardy enough in reading this book that the sequel, "Armor of God," is already out and the story continues!

I'd like to add that Masada Scroll is a gripping adventure. In the tradition of Block and Vaughn the action starts on the first page, and doesn't let up. Those who love adventure stories, as well as those who want to explore symbolism, character, and deep meaning will all be nourished by this wonderful read.

A reviewer, April 12, 2007,
The Masada Scroll is the prototypical page-turner, as the biblical story we've all heard is embellished, based on the real-life discovery of an account of the gospel found in the fortress at Masada in Israel, and what might have happened to eventuate its presence there. The story intertwines biblical times with modern times, and confronts -- head-on -- religious differences, and also the possibility of co-existence. It has been described as a cross between The Robe and Raiders of the Lost Arc. I strongly recommend it on many levels.