Customer Reviews

Wil's Bones

5 star:		(16)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

Kevin Bowen brings an interesting mix to his writing: a Master of Divinity; a Master in Health Care Management; and a Bachelor of History. He has lived in disparate parts of the world, and has experience both in the corporate world and academia.

Wil's Bones is the story of a complicated man with a sad personal history who makes it his life's quest to find the bones of Jesus and disprove theories of Christianity. Dr. Wil Wilson's father was a hypocritical sadist who used religion as a shield to batter his wife and children and lead an alcoholic life. Wil resolves to destroy the religion that produced such a painful cycle for him and his mother. He becomes a renowned archaeologist living in Israel.

When the Israeli and U.S. government hire Wil to search for explosives in the two most logical places that Jesus would have been buried after being taken down from the cross, Wil is ecstatic. But when he uncovers a hidden room with bones and a tablet that translates "King of the Jews," his rebellious announcement to the public causes chaos in the Christian world and puts his life in danger. With a presidential election close at hand, Wil's next discovery is even more terrifying:

"It was obvious. Ninety-two names times 100 grand equaled $9.2 million. They were funding the President's re-election campaign from Wil's project. Wil's mind was flying. He remembered Brock's peculiar look of concerned shock the previous day, when he made reference to the congressman and the large amounts of money they were spending on the project. Did they think he knew?"

Wil's Bones is a classic adventure story. The good guy is cast as a bad guy, while the bad guys are up to their tricks. It is up to the good guy to expose the plot, clear up his good name, and...oh yes...get the girl in the end. And, there is a wonderful cat story stuck in the middle.

Wil's Bones is the type of book that is almost impossible to put down once the reader gets past the first page. What could be more engrossing than the discovery of the bones of Jesus? And what is more logical than to tie such a discovery into the rise and fall of politicians, churches, and governments? The plot is fantastic; the characters are engaging, and the love story between Wil and Hope is tender and innocent. A great read.

Shelley Glodowski, Reviewer

Internationally renowned archeologist Wil Wilson waited a lifetime for this post at the Institute for Palestinian Research in Israel. Will knows this job gives him the opportunity to find evidence that will play havoc with his "Dad's Religion" Christianity. While growing up in Washington State, Wil's abusive, bible-quoting father used religion to condone his nasty behavior. Even today, his mother, who in Wil's mind did nothing but rationalize her husband's behavior at the expense of her son's well being. She knows how obsessively angry her son remains.

With the American Secretary of State coming to the region to promote peace, Wil is tapped to help search for explosives at famous sites. Instead of bombs, Wil makes a discovery that will shake more than just Christianity out of its complacency. Everyone wants the find reburied except Wil who defies the establishment to tell the world the truth.

WIL'S BONES is an exciting thriller that never eases up until the plot is finished. Wil is an intriguing character who is heroic in an epic way even as the powerful combines forces try to discredit and ultimately kill him. His beloved provides him hope that he can survive the ordeal as he struggles to inform the world the truth. Although the characters are never fully developed or understood except to a degree Wil, Kevin Bowen packs plenty of non-stop action in his fast-paced plot.

Harriet Klausner

This really wasn't my type of book. It's an interesting premise, and I had heard various people recommend it, but it left me with a blah feeling. It is a fairly engaging adventure, and it's kinda fun following people through the story. But a lot of the stuff was really quite routine, and partially due to the fantastic nature of the book, a lot of it just seemed outlandish, even reading in a huh-wouldn't-it-be-interesting-if-this-happened mindset. It probably was not my cup of tea, but I was glad for the fast-moving plot: I was able to get on to another book as quickly as possible.

I would like to applaud Kevin Bowen on what is a thought proviking novel. With the simple question of "What if???", he takes you through a series of twists and turns until the very end. It is easy to understand that is written as a witnessing tool, a way to share Christ with those beyond the church doors. What a powerful notion, and by reading the various reviews on this sight, I see that it is fulfilling its purpose. Those who might not be able to open their eyes to the possiblity that there is a God have been the harshist critics of both the author and this work. I personally can't wait to read his follow up novels, hopefully in the works right now! I am proud to print my name on this review, Kevin.

This novel was exceptional. The plot was well presented and had many twists and turns that kept the reader on the edge of their seat. I could not put it down! Whether or not you are of the Christian faith did not matter, it touched upon everyone and the idea of the impact of the "find" involved people of all faiths! A great novel for those who love suspense, intrigue and unexpected endings.

Wil's Bones is a somewhat disturbing and thought provoking book, pitting political intrigue against fundamental Christian beliefs. Dr. Wilson's goal in life is to prove his dead alcoholic and abusive father's relgious beliefs to be a sham. Wil's apparent triumph sets wheels in motion that could lead to incomprehensible world wide changes and his death. A cat and mouse game ensues with Wil trying to stay alive while seeking answers to deep secrets. The book is a fast read with several sub-plots tossed in, including a romance. What ever your beliefs, this book will make you think.

The most laughably written, most preposterous story line and the most contrived book I have ever read. No thinking person, let alone someone who can read, should be caught dead with this pathetic tale. Although I read it about 2 years ago, I still cringe at the memory of it. Just awful.

This book has a great premise, but I'm afraid it misses out a bit and has a "rushed" feel to it at times. The idea of finding the "bones of Jesus" was done almost a decade ago by Paul Maier in "A Skeleton in God's Closet", and it was done better. Mr. Maier's book took time to carefully weave a reason for everything, and the end results of the world's reactions to the discovery were so chilling at times it was scary. This book follows a slightly similar storyline, except the main character is antagonistic toward Christianity in general to the point that it makes it hard to sympathize with him. Most characters are quickly introduced and thrown into the plot and we are forced to learn about them along the way. The end result is that we end up finally getting to know the person right before the book ends. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed the book and it was a great read - and if I'd never read the earlier book by Mr. Maeir I would have probably given it much higher stars...instead, I sort of saw this as a TV movie rather than blockbuster. Still I recommend you give it a read. It's a great book for those nights curled up in front of the fireplace.

This is an excellent novel, which demonstrates the authors knowledge of the weakness of humanity and the volatility of world politics and religion. The unexpected plot turns make for an adventurous read, and the dialogue flowed with an ease which made it a pleasure to turn the pages.

A fast read that keeps you turning the pages. Just when you think you've figired it out... SURPRISE! New twist!