Book Review: The Order by John-Patrick Bayle

 

The Details

 

Publisher: Lancelin Publishing     

Published: 2011

Genre: Historical Fiction, Religious Fiction

Pages: 304

Available: Paperback, ebook

Sex: ❤ none

Violence: 😨murders, beatings, a war scene, nothing gory or graphic

 

My Review

Reviewer’s Note: I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

The Plot in Brief: In 1513, a young monk, Jan Vander Leuk, discovers a hidden manuscript in his cell. The book changes the course of his life and that of history.

The Characters: The main character, Jan, is well-drawn. He is an intellectually curious young man who life is turned upside down when he discovers a mysterious manuscript and finds himself in the hands of a secret order. He struggles to discern who is his ally and who is his enemy. I found his character believable as well as those who support him or seek his demise. I thoroughly enjoyed following his quest of discovery. 

The History: Other than the historical setting, the early 16^th century, there seems to be only a smattering of historical figures or events.

The Writing: Well written and edited. The narrative is at turns slow with dense descriptive passages, especially when Jan is trying to decipher cryptic clues and then speeds up when the young man is on the run. The majority of the story is full of action and mystery and I found it totally engrossing. Close to the end, as Jan learns the origins of the book, the story, for me, gets bogged down in lengthy theological explanations. I admit to skimming these parts, until the action picked up again.

Overall: I really enjoyed reading this book but I did feel rather let down by the ending. For all the build up to secret societies and plots to take over the world, it kind of ended on a fizzle.

 

My Rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Buy the Book

 

See my historical fiction bookshelves at Amazon for more great Historical Fiction.

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