The Templar Legacy

A Novel

By: Steve Berry

Narrated by: Paul Michael

Length: 15 hrs and 40 mins

Publisher's summary

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • “Exciting . . . hard to put down without reading one more page.”—The Florida Times-Union

The ancient order of the Knights Templar possessed untold wealth and absolute power over kings and popes . . . until the Inquisition, when they were wiped from the face of the earth, their hidden riches lost. But now two forces vying for the treasure have learned that it is not at all what they thought it was—and its true nature could change the modern world.

Cotton Malone, one-time top operative for the U.S. Justice Department, is enjoying his quiet new life as an antiquarian book dealer in Copenhagen when an unexpected call to action reawakens his hair-trigger instincts—and plunges him back into the cloak-and-dagger world he thought he’d left behind.

It begins with a violent robbery attempt on Cotton’s former supervisor, Stephanie Nelle, who’s far from home on a mission that has nothing to do with national security. Armed with vital clues to a series of centuries-old puzzles scattered across Europe, she means to crack a mystery that has tantalized scholars and fortune-hunters through the ages by finding the legendary cache of wealth and forbidden knowledge thought to have been lost forever when the order of the Knights Templar was exterminated in the fourteenth century.

But she’s not alone. Competing for the historic prize—and desperate for the crucial information Stephanie possesses—is Raymond de Roquefort, a shadowy zealot with an army of assassins at his command.

Welcome or not, Cotton seeks to even the odds in the perilous race. But the more he learns about the ancient conspiracy surrounding the Knights Templar, the more he realizes that even more than lives are at stake. At the end of a lethal game of conquest, rife with intrigue, treachery, and craven lust for power, lies a shattering discovery that could rock the civilized world—and, in the wrong hands, bring it to its knees.

©2006 Steve Berry (P)2006 Books on Tape

Brilliant

This work has hooked me on Steve Barry's books. Kept me on the edge of my seat until the end.

Fascinating

This is a great mystery for those who like complex characters and intriguing historical fiction about the past and modern Knights Templar. The narrator had command of many accents and kept the listener on his or her toes.
Although I shy away from sensationalist Templar stories, this one wove in just enough history to make it an very enjoyable story.

Good book

Well written, well narrated, and we'll researched. Very enjoyable listen and hard to stop listening to.

Recast it with Indiana Jones, and it would be the 2nd best Indy story

A fun adventure novel. This was the first time I encountered the mysteries of the templar treasure. Berry successfully weaves history, speculation, and fiction into an adventure puzzle. I also appreciated the afterward where Berry identified & credited the facts and speculations from his story. Overall recommended, despite some weak spots in the closing chapters. The text of the lost gospel, for example, is modern and reads like a plot device rather than a 1st person testimony. Also, the narrator's voicing for each character was somewhat indistinct, and I frequently had to jump back 30 seconds to track which characters were speaking.

Controversial Topics of Interest

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I would recommend this audiobook to a friend only after I offered her a brief synopsis about the plot.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Mark was my favorite character. When I first met Mark, the man was 38 years old. However, he still was looking to find himself. His character developed into a man who became centered and strong. He knew just who he was and was ready to take charge of himself.

Would you listen to another book narrated by Paul Michael?

I've heard Paul Michael narrate before. He's an excellent narrator but I found that many of the voice's did not match the character. Also, I wasn't able to put a voice to a character and know who he was. Maybe there were too many character's to personalize with a definitive voice.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

No

Any additional comments?

I did not feel threatened about my own beliefs. However, the author was critical of Christianity, especially Catholicism. I have questioned the hereafter and no one has ever come back and talked to me who has died, to provide confirmation. Beliefs are structured on one's faith, what you find to be your own truth. I'm not knowledgeable of the bible but I found it interesting to listen to the many debates that were centered around the New Testament. I started to read the novel several times before I was able to get past the third or fourth chapter. The novel was a slow starter but it was worth the read.

Excellent read!

This story is very reminiscent of the stories of Dan Brown. If you like those books, you will love this book! The characters are interesting and the there are plenty of clue and intrigue. If you want to learn plenty of facts about the Templars and enjoy some excellent fiction, this is a great book. The close remarks separates fact from fiction of the book and provides interesting followup research on the internet.

Fantastic

What did you love best about The Templar Legacy?

Steve Berry's imagination combined with the basis in history.

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

Yes, the history and action make this book quite a thriller.

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

Yes, very well.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes

Any additional comments?

Great Book

great narration

This story is fascinating and I love the narrator. The story drags in some areas and it's confusing the way it jumps around in time but once you realize what's happening, it's easier to keep up. I feel like the character of Cotton is quicker witted than this story gives him credit for being, at least initially. In the end, I love how everything wraps up.

First time with Berry. Ready for more

Would you consider the audio edition of The Templar Legacy to be better than the print version?

Can't say. Haven't read print version.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Templar Legacy?

Stephanie's Discovery that son was alive and living in Monastery

Did the narration match the pace of the story?

OK

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No. Listen while running on treadmill

Any additional comments?

Kept my interest

A good story

Overall this is a good book. It has enough action to keep it interesting and a lot of history. This work is very imaginative and I enjoyed it.