The Blood Gospel

The Order of the Sanguines, Book 1

By: James Rollins, Rebecca Cantrell

Narrated by: Christian Baskous

Length: 17 hrs and 58 mins

Publisher's summary

An earthquake in Masada, Israel, kills hundreds and reveals a tomb buried in the heart of the mountain. A trio of investigators - Sergeant Jordan Stone, a military forensic expert; Father Rhun Korza, a Vatican priest; and Dr. Erin Granger, a brilliant but disillusioned archaeologist - are sent to explore the macabre discovery, a subterranean temple holding the crucified body of a mummified girl.

But a brutal attack at the site sets the three on the run, thrusting them into a race to recover what was once preserved in the tomb's sarcophagus: a book rumored to have been written by Christ's own hand, a tome that is said to hold the secrets to His divinity. The enemy who hounds them is like no other, a force of ancient evil directed by a leader of impossible ambitions and incalculable cunning.

©2013 James Rollins and Rebecca Cantrell (P)2013 HarperCollins Publishers

Absolutely stellar

I love James Rollins's Sigma Force novels but was very hesitant to read/listen to this story because many times co-written books are choppy. That can be ok if reading, but when listening, it can be very disturbing to hear two different writing styles. This novel was seamless. It was as near to a perfect novel as I have ever read.

I was finally swayed when my husband said that I "must read" this novel. My husband despises vampire fiction (although he loves James Rollins). He was up reading the Kindle version well into the night for several evenings. So I downloaded it onto my iPod and turned it on. And was hooked from the first five minutes. I became anti-social because people were disturbing my reading/listening time. It took me less than three days to listen to this novel; all while working and taking care of busy kids' schedules.

I won't do spoilers because I go out of my way not to do so, but the main theme behind this book mixes the history of the Roman Catholic Church with that Eastern Europe and Masada and does so in such a way that each new plot twist causes a quick rewind to make sure that the authors really DID write that passage.

I have also now listened to the second book and am eager for the third in the series. I did find the second book a little stretched in the credibility department, but this is a GREAT series.

Historical fiction and Vampire Priests....makes for dark fun

They had me from the first dusty tomb. Throw in an Ancient book written in Christ's own blood that is protected by a sect of sanctified Vampires and you have got an interesting twist in the world as we know it. Christian Baskous lends his talents to the telling of this tale to great effect. I'm hooked.

Spoiler??

I really liked the story, although you REALLY have to suspend disbelief. The one drawback is that it doesn't end. You need to read the next book to tie up lots of very loose ends. I don't think this has to discourage you, just be warned.

A great vampire story with a twist.

Would you consider the audio edition of The Blood Gospel to be better than the print version?

Yes.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Blood Gospel?

When the characters visit the bunker in Germany.

Have you listened to any of Christian Baskous’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I haven't. But he is amazing, he adds effects to the different character voices which makes listening very enjoyable and differentiating.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

I wouldn't know.

Good story but narrator was awful!

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

I have enjoyed books from this author before. I looked forward to another good series. While the story was good, the narrator's bizarre inflections in the oddest places was so annoying. Then it got to be a real distraction as you listened anticipating some weird vocal and missed the actual story.

Would you be willing to try another one of Christian Baskous’s performances?

Definitely not

Do you think The Blood Gospel needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

I hope so, as it had an open ending for another book. But NOT with Baskous as narrator.

Hated it.

This book wasn’t for you, but who do you think might enjoy it more?

I love James Rollins work. Usually can't wait for his next book to come out. Couldn't stand it and didn't even finish it, to me it was that bad!

Would you ever listen to anything by James Rollins and Rebecca Cantrell again?

Rollins yes, the two of them together, no.

What didn’t you like about Christian Baskous’s performance?

He was fine, it was the story I didn't like, at all.

Just can not listen to this one after the 1st chap

Would you try another book from James Rollins and Rebecca Cantrell and/or Christian Baskous?

I have read most of James Rollins books and that is why I got this one but after listening to the first chapter of the protracted killing of a child, in light of the sadness I feel over last months mass murder of children I just knew I could not listen to any more of this book.

What could James Rollins and Rebecca Cantrell have done to make this a more enjoyable book for you?

Wrong book at wrong time I guess

What reaction did this book spark in you? Anger, sadness, disappointment?

Anger and Sadness at it's start so the rest of the book might be just fine but I will never know.

What a disappointment!

I tried this on the basis of someone's recommendation of Rebecca Cantrell. I'm having to quit at about four hours because of the juvenile and hackneyed plot, infantile dialogue and horrible narration. I'm going to put Baskous on my list of narrators to avoid.

Bring Sigma Back!

Would you try another book from James Rollins and Rebecca Cantrell and/or Christian Baskous?

I didn't like it at all. I've always been a big fan of James Rollins, will not read any more collaborations.

What do you think your next listen will be?

Michael Palmer's latest.

Which character – as performed by Christian Baskous – was your favorite?

None in this book, which is not typical.

What reaction did this book spark in you? Anger, sadness, disappointment?

I was angry that it was not the intelligent, action adventure I've come to expect from James Rollins, this was just another vampire book and not a particularly good one.

Any additional comments?

I hope James Rollins goes back to Sigma Force with intelligent, capable, multi-talented real people in interesting quests.

I should have known better!

Would you try another book from James Rollins and Rebecca Cantrell and/or Christian Baskous?

I read the reviews about the reader before I purchased this, but I didn't believe them! I should have. He was horrible. He read so slow that I often found my mind had just wandered off and I couldn't even remember where I was in the story. Unfortunately, I can't even comment on the book because after listening to both Part 1 and Part 2, I decided to just quit.

Has The Blood Gospel turned you off from other books in this genre?

Most likely. However, not with this reader, and I'll pay attention to previous reviews before I purchase. Unfortunately, the topic fascinated me, so I guess I'll never know.

What didn’t you like about Christian Baskous’s performance?

Too slow.

What reaction did this book spark in you? Anger, sadness, disappointment?

Major disappointment because I was really looking forward to this particular book.

Any additional comments?

No, looking forward to my next book and won't finish this one.