The Shroud of Heaven [Paperback]

Sean Ellis (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1, 2009

On the bloody battlefields of Iraq, one man's quest to find God will unleash Hell. For more than a decade, Nick Kismet has traveled the world protecting priceless relics and cultural heritage sites from looters, while searching for answers to the mystery that has haunted him since the first Gulf War-a mystery that has defined his life. Now, a new war has brought him back to the bloody battlefield where his search began. Summoned by his friend and mentor, Pierre Chiron, Kismet soon finds himself on the trail of the holy relics of Solomon's Temple, captured centuries before by Babylonian conquerors and thought to be lost to history. But Chiron's quest is not merely to find ancient artifacts; he seeks to find proof-the very fingerprint-of God. Driven to uncover secrets that have haunted mankind for millennia, pursued by a mysterious assassin and an enemy consumed by hatred, Nick and Pierre journey into the desert to find the terrible truth that lies behind. The Shroud of Heaven.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Sean Ellis expertly blends military thriller and archaeological adventure in a page-turning adventure! Shroud of Heaven is sure to be a hit with thriller fans." --David Wood, author of Dourado and Cibola

THE SHROUD OF HEAVEN is as much a political thriller as it is an action/adventure...chases, and explosions. Dark, endless tunnels populated by creepy crawlies...flying bullets [and] lots of good old-fashioned terror and blood...From the opening scenes of this story to its adrenaline-pumping conclusion, Sean Ellis never gives the reader adequate time to breathe.-- Vi Janaway (Issue 59, V1) --Romance Review Today--http://www.romrevtoday.com/index.htm

The Shroud of Heaven is a fast-paced thriller with lots of action. Shroud opens with hero Nick Kismet on a mission in the first Gulf War. He makes a life-changing discovery, from which experience his future path is changed. From then on, he seeks to learn more about the Prometheus Group, a shadowy organization that seeks out ancient relics and knowledge, which seemingly has designs on Kismet. Moving forward in time, Kismet is brought to Iraq by Pierre Chiron, seeking Kismet's help tracking down looted artifacts. As the story progresses, there is plenty of action, and a sinister plot to be unraveled.

There is much to like about The Shroud of Heaven. The action begins almost immediately, with battles, escapes, and mystery, with a beautiful woman along for the ride. The pacing is good, with no real "slow places" to speak of. Ellis's military experience shows through at times, and fans of the military thriller will appreciate his attention to detail in respect to weaponry and its uses. Ellis chooses a surprising but spectacular locale for the final showdown.

I would have enjoyed a deeper exploration of Kismet's character. He is tough and resourceful, but I did not feel that I understood what makes him tick. The mystery angle is good, though the archaeological/ancient mystery aspect does not match up with what seems to be promised in the prologue. That is a matter of reader's preference, and I fall on the side of heavier ancient mystery and sense of wonder. The final scene, however, is well-done and makes up for some of what I would have enjoyed reading in the middle portion of the book.

Overall, The Shroud of Heaven is a solid entry into the genre, and will be an entertaining read for anyone who enjoys fast pacing and a heavy dose of action. --Megalith: Books that Rock blog June 11, 2009 http://megalithbooks.blogspot.com/

Review

Sean Ellis' novel, The Shroud of Heaven, is a heart-pounding, intense journey, crossing continents and oceans as the reader follows one man's path of discovery and adventure. Nick Kismet is... a military action figure that always seems to know how to pull himself successfully out of dangerous, often life-threatening situations. There are no lulls in this story, and the ending is rather mind blowing...Once the last line was read, I shrieked with impatient anticipation for Kismet's future adventures...Kudos, Mr. Ellis. I'm hooked!--Bella

Product Details

• Paperback: 328 pages
• Publisher: Samhain Publishing (June 1, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1605040975
• ISBN-13: 978-1605040974
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.6 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,863,942 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Sean Ellis is the author of several thriller and adventure novels. He is a veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom, and has a Bachelor of Science degree in Natural Resources Policy from Oregon State University. Sean is also a member of the International Thriller Writers organization. He currently resides in Arizona, where he divides his time between writing, adventure sports, and trying to figure out how to save the world.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The Shroud of Heaven, June 17, 2009

By 

R. J. Fanucchi "Robbiejayfan" (Portland, Oregon) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Shroud of Heaven (Paperback)

Intriguing title. When the concept of the shroud is masterfully revealed, it will make you ponder the major questions that have plagued mankind from the beginning of time about God and religion.

But more than its intriguing concept, Shroud is a thriller packed full of adreneline pounding action. Although the plot is intricately constructed, the heart pounding action doesn't take second fiddle to the story.

The constant danger threatening the main character, Nick Kismet, is reminscent of Indiana Jones. Thriller junkies will definitely be satisfied with Sean Ellis's new novel.

Imagine Clive Cussler or Dan Brown plots packed with the nonstop action of Indiana Jones and you get a pretty good idea what The Shroud of Heaven is all about.

If you're like me and you find most book endings unsatisfactory, you'll be pleasantly surprised with Shroud. The ending itself is worth the read, which is hard to say about many other books.

Nick Kismet is definitely a character I'd love to see permanently find his place in the literary world alongside the likes of Dirk Pitt and James Bond.

We can only hope more Nick Kissmet novels make it to print in the near future.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars An Action-Packed Thriller, June 23, 2009

By 

David B. Wood (Atlanta, GA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Shroud of Heaven (Paperback)

The Shroud of Heaven is an action-packed thriller. Nick Kismet is a resourceful hero who is tough in a pinch. Ellis blends two things I love: the archaeological mystery and the military thriller. Exotic locales, a shady secret society, great fight scenes, and twisting plot. A great summer read for the thriller fan!

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Solid, Entertaining Thriller, June 23, 2009

By 

Megalith (Atlantis) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Shroud of Heaven (Paperback)

The Shroud of Heaven is a fast-paced thriller with lots of action. Shroud opens with hero Nick Kismet on a mission in the first Gulf War. He makes a life-changing discovery, from which experience his future path is changed. From then on, he seeks to learn more about the Prometheus Group, a shadowy organization that seeks out ancient relics and knowledge, which seemingly has designs on Kismet. Moving forward in time, Kismet is brought to Iraq by Pierre Chiron, seeking Kismet's help tracking down looted artifacts. As the story progresses, there is plenty of action, and a sinister plot to be unraveled.

There is much to like about The Shroud of Heaven. The action begins almost immediately, with battles, escapes, and mystery, with a beautiful woman along for the ride. The pacing is good, with no real "slow places" to speak of. Ellis's military experience shows through at times, and fans of the military thriller will appreciate his attention to detail in respect to weaponry and its uses. Ellis chooses a surprising but spectacular locale for the final showdown.

I would have enjoyed a deeper exploration of Kismet's character. He is tough and resourceful, but I did not feel that I understood what makes him tick. The mystery angle is good, though the archaeological/ancient mystery aspect does not match up with what seems to be promised in the prologue. That is a matter of reader's preference, and I fall on the side of heavier ancient mystery and sense of wonder. The final scene, however, is well-done and makes up for some of what I would have enjoyed reading in the middle portion of the book.

Overall, The Shroud of Heaven is a solid entry into the genre, and will be an entertaining read for anyone who enjoys fast pacing and a heavy dose of action.