So Why the Slow Down?

So why have the reviews slowed down? Aren't I still reading?

Yes, of course. But the primary reason they have slowed down is that I am currently playing a very engrossing computer game called "Oblivion." I am still reading "Labyrinth" - but just not as fast as some other recent books I have read. (And that doesn't have anything to do with the quality of the book, which I am enjoying.)

I have not reviewed a computer or video game on this blog yet but I will start those soon. "Oblivion" will be the first one.

What am I reading now?

I am currently reading "Labyrinth" by Kate Mosse.

Stop me if you have heard this one before - a modern day person stumbles upon historical clues in France which lead to the trail of the Holy Grail. Some people want to stop that person. The Church is involved.

Those sentences could describe half the current Top 10 New York Times Bestseller list. "Labyrinth" is another one - we shall see if it is better or worse.

Review "The Last Templar" by Raymond Khoury

As I mentioned below in my "What I am reading now" comment, this book has many elements in common with the "Da Vinci Code" - a historical mystery relating to the early church, the Templars, the involvement of the Catholic Church, an art museum, etc. (I am not going to give too much of the plot away here.)

Mr. Khoury has written an entertaining book - if you enjoyed the "Da Vinci Code" and were not offended or upset by the end of the book then I would recommend "The Last Templar" as similar fiction. Enjoyable, thought-provoking, lots of good history, some modern chase/action scenes and some interesting characters.

If you have read neither I would read the "Da Vinci Code" first and then this book. Mr. Khoury's book even refers to the "Da Vinci Code" without naming that book.

Overall, an enjoyable read.

Thought for the Day

Always read stuff that will make you look good if you die in the middle of it.
P. J. O'Rourke (1947 - )

What am I reading now?

I am currently reading "The Last Templar" by Raymond Khoury. Hmm, a bestseller book about a conspiracy involving Templars. In modern times they steal something important from an art gallery. Even if its not incredibly original it still looks very entertaining and I can't wait to read it!

Review "Singing Sword" by Jack Wythe

This is the second in Mr. Whythe's King Arthur series, but don't think this is a King Arthur book. And this is the source of frustration for me. The book is still set in Roman times - at least two generations before Arthur and company come along. Yes, some of the elements of Arthurian stories begin to appear, but at this pace it will be book ten in the series before Arthur does anything interesting.

Yes, you sense some frustration. Mr. Wythe is a good writer, and I enjoy his historical fiction set in Roman times, but the book just seems to meander along from one event to another, unconnected and without major direction. And long sections are spent on topics such as early Christian theology debates (Can man communicate with God directly or only through the Church?) and topics such as horse breeding.

The two primary characters from "Skystone" return in this book - Publius Varrus and Caius Brittanicus. The two work to develop and defend their 'Colony' - which is sort of a pre-Dark Ages equivalent of people retreating into some armed compound before Y2k. The first real elements of the Arthurian story appear - the Colonists build a fort (guess which castle this will turn into?), start having the ruling council meet in a circle (The Round Council. Really.) and Varrus finally forges the big sword.

Overall, it was a book I read just to get to the eventual payoff in future books. By itself, it was OK but not great.