"A fun historical/fantasy thriller"
While this has tones of the DaVinci Code, it's an original and captivating story line. I flew through this one in a couple of days, even finding quiet things to do at home so I could continue to listen. That said, I do agree with the other reviewers that the main character is a flat, cardboard cutout of a hardened police type. He's a bit of a jerk but the fun and fast moving plot line more than makes up for it. I'm already listening to the second. It's important to listen to this one first.
"Intriguing"
Cooper weaves together three seemingly unconnected plots, one of which occurs in a medieval monastery, one in the legendary "area 51" and one in modern day NYC. How he pulls these threads together makes for an intriguing, if rather implausible, story.
"Kept me listening"
The combination of a great story and a fantastic narration make this one of my favorite recent books. I enjoyed all of the twists and turns and how it kept me listening. I know I'm "into" a book when I'm thinking about it when I can't listen to it. Going to go download the next book and will be looking forward to more of Glenn's work.
"good plot"
The plot is nicely done...original idea which is rare these days...the drawback of this novel - the characters. The main character is so un appealing that I found it difficult to care about him at all and found I didn't... which basically eliminated any emotional connection to the work. As for the Mark character... his sections of the book were difficult to get through. Ultimately though the concept was enough to keep me interested.
"I like Will Piper!"
FBI Agent Will Piper is a great protagonist as he is interesting, surley, witty, trampy and generally just ready to retire. He gets put on a serial killer case because he was the man that caught most of them in the past. Well, this one is a humdinger that he is NOT ready for. The book had lots of backstory that at first I couldn't make sense of but it helped immensely later on in the book and looking back was mandatory for the flow. Will is a alcoholic/pill popper, neglectiful father, bad ex-husband and ready to give up before he meets his ever changing new partner. Yes he shacks up with her, which he is known for, but he actually softens up because of her. Good listen. Will listen to the next book soon.
"Refreshing"
There is some talk about similarities with The DaVinci Code, more with this book's sequel Book of Souls than with Secret of the Seventh Son, but not having cared enough to read The DaVinci Code, I will say that this book stands on its own. At no point did I feel that I was being ripped off by senseless thriller storytelling. It feels like honest fiction, and the narrator brought something to the table that has severely lacked in the last few stories that I've tried out.
As is typical, people complain about character development or a stereotypical lead character. I frankly find it all to my liking. I am, after all, more interested in the story and execution at large than what Will Piper does in his free time. There would be no use comparing the story to other vast novels of multiple parts or double the length. Even if we were to completely ignore this book's sequel story, Secret fo the Seventh Son is completely satisfying on its own.
The short story of all of this is: it's a book, and it's a good book. That's actually quite sufficient for me, and any perceived weaknesses from the audience are just that. I'm glad I bought this title. I will watch for anything interesting that comes from the author or the narrator in the future.
"Good Listen"
I liked this book. Although at some chapters it went on an on It was very informitive.
"Save your time to choose another book"
I was not fascinated by the big reveal in this book. Unfortunately it's another book that unnecessarily bases it's fantasy on rape. Lots of rape. As a female reader I truly wish male authors would stop using rape as a mere tool of their stories.
"Great story!"
I really enjoyed this book! Fits in with the flavor of James Rollins or Preston/Child novels. My single complaint is the overkill use of the "F-Bomb." Hey - I lived in NYC and actually thought I was immune to it, but come on! Otherwise, it's a fun read.
"Excellent Listen"
This is a hard to put down book. It is an easy listen with a great subject and characters .. I enjoyed this allot