The Sign

By: Raymond Khoury

Narrated by: Richard Ferrone

Length: 16 hrs and 8 mins

Publisher's summary

Another cutting-edge thriller set at the intersection of science, religion, and history from the best-selling author of The Last Templar.

In Antarctica, a scientific expedition drops anchor for a live news feed. As the CNN journalist begins her report, a massive, shimmering sphere of light suddenly appears in the sky, enveloping the ship in luminous white light before disappearing as mysteriously as it arrived - the entire event witnessed by an incredulous world audience.

Meanwhile in a dusty bar in Egypt, a dozen men are lazily discussing the state of the world when the brilliant, glowing symbol on the television stops them cold. One man breaks out in a sweat, crosses himself repeatedly, and rushes out of the bar muttering the same phrase over and over again: It can't be.

Across the Internet and around the globe, a stunning controversy threatens to consume the world: Has God finally decided to reveal himself? Or is something more sinister at hand?

©2009 Raymond Khoury (P)2009 Penguin

Critic reviews

“Raymond Khoury explores the concept of religion by posing the ever-present question What if? in a unique and appealing way. It’s fiercely intelligent and equally curious. Khoury casts his fictional world in a dark pall - a fitting atmosphere for his protagonists as they race both time and shadowy instincts toward a scintillating conclusion. The Sign is a rapid paced adventure that delivers equal quantities of story and lesson, neither one suffering in the process. Khoury’s background as a screenwriter shows. He is especially adept at action scenes. His expertly chosen verbs cause the scenes to leap from the page. You can literally feel the blows as they’re landed; wince as the bullets find their marks. He has an intense brand of storytelling all his own. The Sign is a prize to be savored.” (New York Times best-selling author Steve Berry)

"[A] solid thriller...Unrelenting action and a suitably twisted ending.” (Publishers Weekly)

Very Good book would advise buying it

This is a fast paced story about possible good intentions gone bad. Although there is some political correct elements in the story it doesn't distract from the story. I would highly recommend this book as well as his prior book.

Meh

The buildup never really paid off. It was way too much build up that never matched the sign.

Excellent Novel

The Sign is technologically interesing and exciting. It includes an excellent commentary on politics in the US as they exist today.

Loved this book

it kept my full attention would send it to my friends looking for more like it

Good adventure, but too political & anti-religion

I love Khoury's adventures, but this one seemed more of a rant against conservatives Christians masquerading as an adventure at times. It would be more believable if it wasn't based on such extreme stereotypes. It isn't as if conservatives are the only ones with moral motives for political decisions. So, while I enjoyed the dichotomy between religion and politics/power and its part in the plot, I believe it would have been better not to create the straw man that only one side has this problem and uses the pulpit for political ends. As a great adventure and interesting plot idea, I'd give it five stars. But, as a fair representation of religion and religious influences, it barely deserves three.

An interesting premise.

Would you try another book from Raymond Khoury and/or Richard Ferrone?

I think I would.

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

It was interesting, but the character development of the main protagonist lacked.

Did the narration match the pace of the story?

Yes. It was suitable.

Was The Sign worth the listening time?

It was a bit too long winded for me.

Any additional comments?

The book lacked in a few areas, but had good points as well.

One of those books that makes you think Alot!

There were so many good parts. All of it written in a way that was easy to visualize. I enjoyed the ride, I appreciated the readers voice and the way he "became" each character.

I highly recommend it. If you are a bit of a truther you be sitting back thinking about the reality of this story. A lot!

But it is written in a way that any religious faith, atheist or those who are more dependant on science will enjoy it.

Kept my interest, with some surprising twists

There are a number of reviews here that slam the book because if it's "politics". As far as I recall, none of them are specific about the "politics" they are offended by. The book was written quite a while ago (appearing in 2009) and in some ways it seems kind of prescient to me, but I wouldn't call it super political so much as having observed some aspects of the world, and taken a creative leap with it. It's framework discusses the difference between actual Godliness and the illusion of Godliness as a means to earthly power in a simple, adventure story kind of way. This is a pretty age-old subject, but I guess some people are always offended by it? I don't know.
Anyway, as far as I can see, the book isn't really about God or Godliness so much as an exciting adventure romp. I don't read a huge amount of adventure/thriller type books, but this one seemed a bit out of the ordinary to me, and I liked the way it presented observations about the state of the world. It's written pretty well, with some strong characters, and kept me engaged the whole way. If you look up Raymond Khoury on google, he comes up as a screenwriter, and there is a very clear cinematic quality to this story that I enjoyed, as I am a visual thinker. I liked it, and I would think most people would, as long as they don't take it too seriously.

Good story line but, not sure if all of the story fit in.

first of all, I did like the book. Just had a little trouble with how the story all fit together.
I really did like the end of the book and the message it gave.

Scary scenario

It's scary to think that we are so much closer to the scenario described in this book today, then we where when it was written.