The Samson Effect (Paperback)

~ (Author)
Key Phrases: altar room, Tony Eldridge, Samson Effect, Lord's Strength (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Since discovering an ancient scroll in a cave in Hebron, Israel, American biblical archeologist Thomas Hamilton and his trusted friend and colleague, Israeli biblical linguist Michael Sieff, have been consumed with the notion of the Samson Effect—the idea that a long-lost elixir can allow an ordinary person to perform superhuman feats. When they happen upon a worn Hebrew parchment that not only confirms the existence of the Samson Effect but could potentially lead them to its source, the scholars embark on an impassioned crusade for the truth behind the myth.

But Hamilton and Sieff aren’t the only ones intent on uncovering the secret of Samson’s strength. An unrelenting sect of Jewish protectors will let no one stand in the way of their mission to reclaim what they had hidden nearly three thousand years ago, and a brilliant but ruthless Palestinian leader will stop at nothing to find and use the Samson Effect to empower his army of soldiers for a jihad against the world in the name of Allah.

It isn’t long before their joint pursuit becomes a deadly one, and Hamilton and Sieff come to the grim realization that the Samson Effect is more powerful and far-reaching than they ever anticipated. In the wrong hands, it could trigger a worldwide catastrophe.

A chilling and suspenseful tale of political and religious intrigue set in the unforgiving landscape of the Middle East, The Samson Effect wanders the boundaries of obsession and love, betrayal and allegiance, and vengeance and justice.

About the Author

Tony Eldridge has done in-depth studies in Old Testament history, and his writings have been published in numerous national magazines. Eldridge grew up in Westfield, Indiana, and currently lives with his wife Emily and their twin boys in Forney, Texas.

Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: iUniverse, Inc. (October 9, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0595451721
• ISBN-13: 978-0595451722
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.9 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (25 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #640,814 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Trying to catch my breath!!!, December 27, 2007

By	Julie Bates (Austin, TX) - See all my reviews

The first thing that caught my attention with this book was that Clive Cussler highly recommended it and anything that Clive likes I'll give a go.

This is an amazing first book from start to finish. Tony does an exceptional job of drawing you into all the characters so you have to pay attention to them because you don't know who is important or not and you don't wait to miss anything. The action is full on and never takes away from the story line only enhances it and all characters involved to the point that you want more.

What really impressed me also was the amount of knowledge Tony has on the landscape in the book, the wisdom to make this book completely readable to those that don't know the Old Testament (for those who do, you will smile at the biblical characters he references to) and fold that into a tight well written book that screams to be on the big screen. Beautiful job Tony and I can't wait to see what you have next for us!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A critical review of The Samson Effect, November 6, 2007

By	Donald N. Curtis II (Indianapolis, IN USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Hang on to your seat! The excitement begins in chapter one and it's a non-stop ride through danger, political intrigue, romance and jubilation. Just when you think you can catch your breath, the next hill takes you deeper into the valley of the shadow of death. The author brings you up close and personal with biblical facts and intertwines them with a fictional story that leaves you wondering if this could really happen.

Archaeologist, Dr. Thomas Hamilton and his colleague, Michael Sieff, an Israeli linguist, are both in search of ancient manuscripts that describe a sacred plant that the Hebrew priests used in conjunction with God's blessing whenever a "deliverer" was needed for Israel. Upon finding these documents they discover that the plant is not only real but also its location is described. Palestinian militants are in pursuit of the same in order to fulfill the promise of a global Jihad. There is also an ancient sect of Hebrew priests who are the protectors. All must be overcome in order to obtain The Sampson Effect, a plant extract capable of endowing super human strength upon its consumer. World domination is at stake. The reader learns about the history of the nation of Israel and its many deliverers as the author superimposes these ancient facts, along with the fictional legend of The Sampson Effect, upon the backdrop of the present day political climate in the harsh and unforgiving environs of the Middle East.

This is the author's first novel. I found myself wanting a little more in the way of character development. I really liked the characters, but I felt they needed to be brought out more. I wanted to know what really motivates them besides the obvious. More insight into their psyche would be helpful. The author's development of the landscape setting was also rather basic. As the reader I want to feel as though I have to wipe the sweat off my brow, in the heat of the pounding rays of the sun. Though I felt these attributes of the novel were adequate, I know that it would be a much better piece of literature if these areas were improved.

The story is thrilling and adventurous. In many ways I guess I just wanted it to go on longer. By the time I got to the end, I couldn't believe it was over. Without neglecting his story line, the author leaves you open for what could be a series of stories. If that is his intention, I can't wait for the next story. This could easily be adapted for the screen and, in my opinion would make a blockbuster motion picture!

This book is a "must read."

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Samson Effect, March 6, 2008

By	L. C. Broom (Dallas, TX USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Hold on to your seat. This adventure begins in the first chapter and keeps you riveted to it till the very end. I am a busy person and rarely have time to sit down and read Ficton, but this was worth it, and what a quick read it was. I could not put the book down for the first 8 chapters. And then only because I had things I had to do.
He pulled me into the development of each of his charchters, and had me rooting for certain ones throughout.
The biblical references were also very intriguing. It made me think about all the Bible stories I have heard throughout my life and the spirit of strength that might have been with them in their trials.
Thank you for pouring your heart and soul into such a wonderful book for all to enjoy. I can't wait to see what you have in store for us next.