Note: I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for my honest review.
Book Description: In the rubble-strewn wasteland of Alphabet City, a squalid tenement conceals a treasure "beyond all imagining"-- an immaculately preserved, fifth century codex. The sole repository of ancient Hermetic lore, it contains the alchemical rituals for transforming thought into substance, transmuting matter at will...and attaining eternal life.
When Rose, a sex and pain addicted East Village tattoo artist has a torrid encounter with Martin, a battle-hardened loner, they discover they are unwitting pawns on opposing sides of a battle that has shaped the course of human history. At the center of the conflict is Paul, the villainous overlord of an underground feudal society, who guards the book's occult secrets in preparation for the fulfillment of an apocalyptic prophecy.
The action is relentless as Rose and Martin fight to escape Paul's clutches and Martin's destiny as the chosen recipient of Paul's sinister legacy. Science and magic, mythology and technology converge in a monumental battle where the stakes couldn't be higher: control of the ultimate power in the universe--the Maelstrom.N
A best-selling novel, The Book of Paul is the first of seven volumes in a sweeping mythological narrative tracing the mystical connections between Hermes Trismegistus in ancient Egypt, Sophia, the female counterpart of Christ, and the Celtic druids of Clan Kelly.
Review: As the tale told in The Book of Paul unfolds, we're introduced to several complex characters, all of whom are connected by an intricate web skillfully woven by author Richard Long. At the center of this twisted web is Paul, the book's sadistic namesake, who is bent on fulfilling an ancient prophecy by any means necessary. Paul's protege, Martin, struggles with his blossoming feelings for his sexy neighbor, Rose, and his mounting distrust of the man who raised him and taught him everything he knows. Every action, every character, is another piece in a giant jigsaw puzzle. Will Paul fulfill the prophecy? And if he does, at what cost?
I have to admit that when I first began to read this book I couldn't help but wonder if I had bitten off more than I could chew. It is obvious from the start that this is not a book for the faint of heart. It wasn't long, however, before I got so caught up in the unrelenting action that I couldn't put the book down. I read the majority of it in one marathon reading spree that lasted late into the night (or, more accurately, the early morning). It was one heck of a wild ride, with twists and turns that had me on the edge of my seat the entire time I was reading. It has everything a person could possibly ask for: a gripping storyline, mythology and lore, neverending action, good vs. evil, and even a love story thrown into the mix for good measure! And best of all, it meshes together beautiful and every last bit of it plays a part in the larger scheme of things.
If I had to compare it to other works, I'd have to say it has the manic pacing of a Hunter S. Thompson novel, the unapologetic brutality of Fight Club, and the lore and mystery of The Da Vinci Code. I'm going to make a lame pun here, so you'll have to forgive me in advance, but I'm just stating a fact: The Book of Paul is a truly thrilling psychological thriller. Mr. Long is immensely talented author and it's a shame we had to wait so long for his work to come on the scene.
I honestly can't remember the last time I read something so intricate and so engrossing! Despite my initial hesitance, it was a pleasure to read and I hated to see it come to an end. I can't wait for the next book in the series! I will definitely be recommending this to my friends.
Jessa's Rating: 4½ stars out of 5
Want to read The Book of Paul by Richard Long? Get the Kindle version HERE. Want to know more about the author? Visit his site HERE
NOTE: This post originally appeared on Once Upon A Book HERE on September 27th, 2012.
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