The Breath of God: A Novel of Suspense [Paperback]

Jeffrey Small (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 1, 2011

A murder at the Taj Mahal. A kidnapping in a sacred city. A desperate chase through a cliffside monastery. All in the pursuit of a legend that could link the world’s great religious faiths.

In 1887, a Russian journalist made an explosive discovery in a remote Himalayan monastery only to be condemned and silenced for the heresy he proposed. His discovery vanished shortly thereafter.

Now, graduate student Grant Matthews journeys to the Himalayas in search of this ancient mystery. But Matthews couldn’t have anticipated the conspiracy of zealots who would go to any lengths to prevent him from bringing this secret public. Soon he is in a race to expose a truth that will change the world’s understanding of religion. A truth that his university colleagues believe is mere myth. A truth that will change his life forever—if he survives.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

In his first novel, Small (God as the Ground of Being: Tillich and Buddhism in Dialogue) puts an interesting spin on the age-old secret that could undermine Christianity theme, but he relies too much on stock characters and plot devices familiar from countless Dan Brown clones. Grant Matthews, a religious studies grad student at Atlanta's Emory University "interested in the early development of Christianity during the first century"—in particular, "how contact with other cultures might have influenced this development"—hopes to find answers in Bhutan. In the Himalayas, he looks into the legend of Issa, a boy who made a spiritual journey through India some 2,000 years ago, and meets an attractive American woman who's part Asian. After discovering ancient texts chronicling Issa's travels, Matthews becomes the target of right-wing fundamentalists. Back in the U.S., a fanatical assassin with skin problems destroys the only photographic evidence of his find. The usual abductions, murders, and betrayals follow. (Mar.)
(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.

Review

2012 Gold Award--Fiction
--Nautilus Book Awards

2012 Gold Medal--Adventure Fiction
--2012 Living Now Book Awards

Silver Medal for Best Regional Fiction - SouthEast
--Independent Publisher Book Awards (IPPY Awards)

Book of the Year Award Finalist
—ForeWord Reviews

"The Breath of God is a spectacular thriller that spans the world, history, and the limits of imagination; an epic adventure that left me yearning for more"
—Rich Doetsch, author of The Thieves of Darkness and The 13th Hour

"As with many contemporary thrillers revolving around a spiritual quest, the novel contains chases, murder, and romance. Verdict This tale is for fans of Dan Brown's thrillers as well as readers who enjoy visionary fiction."
—Library Journal

"This meticulously researched, thought-provoking masterpiece is filled with high adventure and intrigue. Based on an actual document from 1887 claiming to have seen controversial religious texts, Small’s stunning debut reveals the impact of such a find."
RT Rating: 4 1/2 stars TOP PICK!
—RT Book Reviews

"Jeffrey Small explodes on the writing scene with his first novel and this book has Best Seller written all over it! The Breath of God is a riveting novel that grips the reader from the first chapter and does not let go until the last paragraph. Fans of the Celestine Prophecy (James Redfield), and Conversations with God (Neale Donald Walsch) will place The Breath of God right alongside these books in their library!"
—FeatureMe2 Reviews

JEFFREY SMALL, a Harvard/Yale/Oxford-educated speaker on religion and spirituality, makes an impressive literary debut ... Small’s themes, such as the common ground of the world’s religions, are timely.
—Atlanta Magazine

The Breath of God is a spellbinding novel, full of suspense as well as the thrills of a lifetime. Very hard to put down. It also brings religion to the forefront of the reader's mind, no matter what faith he or she follows, raising questions that have not been asked before, as well as bringing other parts of the world into the living room. Not to be missed. Excellent reading.
—Bookloons.com

"First time novelist Jeffrey Small has created a thrilling adventure tale that spans cultures and religious traditions while also exploring fundamental spiritual truths. I was intrigued by the unique proposition that lies at the heart of the plot and captivated by the characters that keep the story moving. If you enjoy reading a fast moving mystery with the added bonus of a challenging investigation of religious beliefs then this is the book for you."
—Steve Floyd, CEO August House Books and Story Cove

"In this gripping tale – played out against an intriguing international setting – East meets West, mystery meets romance, the human spirit meets the divine spirit and the reader meets a novelist of the first caliber."
—The Honorable Raymond Seitz, former U.S. Ambassador to Great Britain

"In his first novel, Small...puts an interesting spin on the age-old secret that could undermine Christianity."
—Pubishers Weekly

“What fun, for the heart and for the soul! In this compelling thriller, Jeffrey Small treks through a fascinating nineteenth century legend—or is it a hoax, or is it a healthy exercise in our broadening spiritual awareness? In this delightful book, Small also explores the popular distinction between religion as exploitation and religion as mysticism. Enjoy it!”
—The Very Reverend Samuel G. Candler, Dean of the Cathedral of St. Philip

From the very first pages, The Breath of God will draw you in! Jeffrey Small's masterful storytelling will take you from Himalayan monasteries to the American Bible Belt in a heart pounding adventure filled with twists, turns and shocking revaluations that will rock the foundation of traditional Christianity. This gripping roller coaster of a novel will keep you guessing until the very end. If you liked The Da Vinci Code, you will love this book.
—Darren Main, author of Yoga and the Path of the Urban Mystic

"In Dan Brown-esque fashion, Jeffrey Small has crafted a thriller based on historical research, scholarship, and his own creative gift. The book is for those who are not afraid to think or ask the question “What if?” It engages the reader on many levels with a tension between action and ideas; it offers pleasurable escape but also food for thought. Small is right on target with characters we love and those we love to hate, a taut narrative that spans 2000 years and transports the reader halfway around the world, abundant sensory detail that invites us to smell, taste, hear and feel what the characters are experiencing, and a heart-stopping pace that won’t let you relax. A very impressive debut that solidly hits the mark!"
—Kathy McClelland, Director of Libraries, The Westminster Schools, Atlanta, GA

“The Breath of God, the debut thriller by Jeffrey Small, is sure to create controversy while exploring the plausibility of an ancient legend that could tie the world’s religions to each other. Although fiction, Mr. Small paints a colorful and realistic depiction of India that reflects the multi-faceted environment of daily existence in that country. Mr. Small also weaves a suspenseful journey for protagonist Grant Matthews that keeps the reader coming back for more. The most intriguing aspects of the book, in my opinion, are the parallels drawn among the major world religions and how such religions connect despite their many differences. A must read for those that love suspense and mystery; also for those who wish to expand their knowledge of the world’s religions, check out this novel.”
—Kenneth A. Cutshaw, Former Honorary Consul of India

"Adding to his impressive scholarship work on world religions, Jeffrey Small distinguishes himself as a great story teller in his first novel, The Breath of God. Small brings the reader on a page turning adventure, as Grant Matthew’s goes east in search of the ancient mystery of Issa. This story of mystery and intrigue leads the reader down a fascinating path toward uncovering the origins of the world’s major religions. The history, the legend, the suspense and the story of The Breath of God will keep the reader on the edge of his seat from start to finish.”
—Rev. Lang Lowrey, President of The General Theological Seminary

“Jeffrey Small skillfully maneuvers this spectacular historical mystery between the Indian subcontinent and the American south, where Evangelicals go to war against a scholar’s tantalizing discovery. You’ll be fascinated by the stunning connections between the world’s faiths that Small unveils against today’s background of savage religious hostilities.”
—Parul Hinzen, ArtsCriticATL.com

This was a page turner! From the very first sentence to very last word this book kept me captivated. It's a combination of religious/mystery/historical/modern day thriller and I found it to be just about unputdownable....The descriptions of place are so well written I almost felt like I was actually there. The thriller aspect had me racing through the pages to find out what was going to happen next. Overall this was a fascinating tale of what can lurk behind blind faith and what is possible if you open your mind.
—BrokenTeepee.com

A Breathless Quest.....Jeffrey Small executes perfectly the all-too-often violent struggle between blind belief and unbelieving intelligence alongside the mystical quest upon which all the world's religions rest. Few religious novels can be entertaining, educational and inspiring at the same time, but The Breath of Godpulls off this literary hat trick adoitly.
—The Progressive Christian

"A fast-paced adventure with a deep backdrop of religious scholarship."
--Kirkus Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 414 pages
• Publisher: West Hills Press (March 1, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1933512865
• ISBN-13: 978-1933512860
• Product Dimensions: 6 x 1.2 x 9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (126 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #13,806 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #32 in Books > Religion & Spirituality > Religious Studies > Comparative Religion

More About the Author

Jeffrey Small is the author of the best selling thriller, THE BREATH OF GOD, which won the Nautilus Book Award Gold Medal for Best Fiction and was hailed as "a thought-provoking masterpiece" by RT Book Reviews, "visionary fiction" by Library Journal, and "a fast-paced adventure" by Kirkus. His just-released second novel, THE JERICHO DECEPTION, is being described as "a ripping good novel" by bestselling author Douglas Preston, a "gritty thriller" by Steve Berry, and "a thrilling roller coaster ride into the beauty and darkness of the human mind" by Gayle Lynds,

Jeffrey is a summa cum laude graduate of Yale University and a magna cum laude graduate of Harvard Law School. He holds a Masters in the Study of Religions from Oxford University. Jeffrey has also studied yoga in India, practiced meditation in Bhutan, explored the ancient temples of Egypt, and journeyed throughout the Holy Land. He is a thought-provoking columnist for the Huffington Post and also blogs at www.JeffreySmall.com.

Jeffrey is an acclaimed speaker, having taught public speaking at Harvard, lectured to thousands on religion and spirituality in the 21st century, and been interviewed by numerous national media.

When not pursuing his passion for writing, Jeffrey is the founder and CEO of an Atlanta-based real estate investment company, MDH Partners. Among his eclectic hobbies, he is also a former US champion amateur ballroom dancer with his wife, Alison. For more information, please visit www.JeffreySmall.com.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

64 of 66 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Fabulous! May 28, 2011

By Tigerlily

Format:Paperback

Like Jeffrey Small, I am also an Oxford Theologian. However, in my spare time I like to think I am a fairly 'normal' person... though one who is addicted to The Mentalist, Law & Order, and other mystery shows.

As a theologian, I can confirm that The Breath of God is impeccably researched. That Small has been able to integrate the characteristics of Christian Evangelism with Islam, Buddhism, and Hinduism is a triumph in-and-of-itself. However, most of us do not care about such details. We are merely interested in an entertaining read at the end of a long day. The Breath of God is exactly that! It is simultaneously deep and light-hearted; soulful and yet fun. It made me laugh out loud in places, which most books do not make me do. And it made me question my own dogmas, which most books definitely do not do.

The real brilliance of The Breath of God is that it is inherently readable. That is, it will entertain you on the beach, in a plane, and can even help you nod off to sleep at bed-time. The chapters are so well crafted that you only need to read a few pages at most before a section ends, allowing for an 'I just can't put this book down' read-through in one day or 'I only have 5 minutes' digestion over a period of weeks. As I am currently in the latter category, I can assure the more time-constrained readers that it will keep your interest and you won't get lost when life's duties distract you from the book.

Treat yourself. Get The Breath of God as soon as possible. Enjoy!

38 of 40 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Couldn't Put it Down March 5, 2011

By TKSF

Format:Paperback

I was given the book as a gift and wasn't sure I would like it. But after 30 pages I couldn't put it down. The narrative goes quickly, ala Davinci Code, but in many ways the story is much more interesting as it deals with a thought provoking and incredibly interesting subplot. I loved the way the story moves around the world and the descriptions of Asia and Buddhism were fascinating. If you are looking for a engrossing read and one that makes you think, I would highly recommend The Breath of God.

37 of 44 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars super Brownian thriller March 5, 2011

By Harriet Klausner #1 HALL OF FAME

Format:Paperback

Emory University doctorate student Grant Matthews knows he is running out of time on submitting his thesis. His topic focuses on the impact other cultures had on the early development of Christianity. In particular over the objections of the school's advisory board, he pursues a legend of an Asian boy traveling fourteen-fifteen centuries before Marco Polo went the other way.

In Asia, he learns from Buddhist monks that what he seeks might exist in one of the monasteries in Bhutan. He journeys to the Himalayan nation where his guide is a former Buddhist monk working to feed his family. He learns more about Issa and the lad's spiritual journey that affirms his subject loved and wrote down his travels. Grant meets Kristin Misaki and soon finds the treasure he sought. However, what happened to a Russian late in the nineteenth century when he made the same discovery soon proves history repeats itself. Christian fundamentalists are willing to kill, destroy or hide to prevent anything heretical that affirms that the early founders were in touch with other cultures for some of the religion's critical foundations coming east to west.

This is a super Brownian thriller that is at its best when the beleaguered hero is in Asia pursuing the Issa documents amidst Buddhist monks. The Christian conspiracy to shut down the heresy feels more like a sub-genre requirement and detracts from a powerful insightful novel. Still, based on a real Russian Notovitch was condemned as a heretic for publishing his finding of the Saint Issa scrolls in Himis, India, as those ancient documents explained the "Lost Years of Jesus", overall The Breath of God is a terrific tale.

Harriet Klausner

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Loved it! June 19, 2011

By Stevclog

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

I read very few novels but felt myself drawn to read this particular one. A fan of Dan Brown's writing style, this book was right up my alley. Not only was it suspenseful, but the focus on the lost years of Jesus was fascinating and educational.

Thank you Jeffrey Small for a job well done.

15 of 18 people found the following review helpful

3.0 out of 5 stars Somewhat disappointing, but movie should be good December 16, 2011

By Douglas Gordy

Format:Paperback

I was sucked in by the Facebook ads and the comparison to Brown too ... and the subject appealed and seemed intriguing .... But the writing is pretty mediocre and although some of the adventure is exciting, much of the story is written so abysmally, it detracted from the story itself. As others have noted, Small tends to talk down on (and over explains) the religious aspects, underestimating his audience. His characterizations leave a lot to be desired also - and did he HAVE to resort to the cliche of the guilt ridden repressed homosexual villain? (who, bizarrely, at one point tries to rape the heroine... huh? Can we say unclear on the concept?!) Regardless, it is a fairly quick read, and I got it from the library, so was only 'out' a couple of hours.... and it should make a fairly good movie; esp. if they film at the real Tiger's Nest.

15 of 18 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Great read... March 4, 2011

By Cleebie

Format:Paperback

I'm an avid reader of suspense novels. This is as good as any i've read. Great story, suspenseful throughout and great ending.

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Couldn't Put it Down March 18, 2011

By J. P. Kahn

Format:Paperback

Was given this new novel as a gift. Great story and a terrific page turner. Loved the scope--takes you from one exotic locale to another. Great effort from a new author. I recommend it.