Temple of the Grail

Rosicrucian Quartet, Book 1

By: Adriana Koulias

Narrated by: Matthew Lloyd Davies

Length: 14 hrs and 16 mins

Publisher's summary

Temple of the Grail is a critically acclaimed best seller translated into four languages.

Heresy, Hypocrisy, Murder....

France, 1254.

Situated high in the Pyrenees the monastery of St. Lazarus is a forbidding place. Behind its ramparts and battlements it hides a secret so dangerous its keepers will kill to protect it.

At the end of a bitter winter, a delegation headed by the ambitious Inquisitor Rainiero Sacconi arrives to investigate the monks of St. Lazarus.

A Templar knight and his young scribe are sent by the king of France to oversee the investigation. When monks begin to die in gruesome ways they must unravel the secret at the heart of St. Lazarus, but with the Antichrist at their heels and the inquisitor watching their every step, they find themselves drawn into a fight, not only for their lives, but also for their souls.

Temple of the Grail is a tour de force for history buffs and fans of the medieval detective genre.

©2004 Adriana Koulias (P)2016 Adriana Koulias

It's....ok

The narrative was a little weird. The story wasn't the strongest either. Stay true to the period but characters came across a little silly. Almost like it was written for children.

Amazing

It’s very similar to the Name of the Rose. But the narrative is even more interesting. And the narrator is just like Sean Connery. Amazing voice. Just brilliant.

Interesting story well performed

Temple of the Grail is an interesting mystery novel interlaced with fairly in-depth theological discourse. I enjoyed both, although some of the latter may have been lost in me. Initially I thought the narrator somewhat irritating, but I came to appreciate the main character as well as the many other voices used - almost a one man play.

Extraordinary

The narrator brings the characters to life in an almost palpable way.Adriana' s insights are both profound and timely.

Enjoyed this historical mystery

If you could sum up Temple of the Grail in three words, what would they be?

Suspenseful Medieval Swashbuckling

What did you like best about this story?

Atmospheric murder suspense and mystery

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

Yes, but had to break it up due to time.

Fun story bad dream sequences

I really liked this book and found it to be Sherlock Holmes type mystery set in the Middle Ages during the inquisition. It took me a little while to get interested in the book mainly because I didn't understand the direction it was going in. Once I figured out it was a murder mystery I started to enjoy it more. The only part I didn't like were the squires dream sequences. To me they didn't have any effect on the story and they were very nonsensical. I eventually started skipping them.

This book was supplied to me at no cost in return for an unbiased opinion by audiobook boom.

A Great Whodunnit!

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

Yes, because this book is so well written and so beautifully narrated.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Temple of the Grail?

I loved all of it, but if I must choose some moments I would say that the conversations between Christian and Andre are priceless. The mystery at the heart of the book was completely unexpected and satisfying.

Which scene was your favorite?

My favourite scene comes at the end with Christian and Andre, it was very moving.

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

Sherlock Holmes meets Thomas Aquinas in this smouldering tale of religious fervour, greed and murder!

Any additional comments?

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a compelling intelligent murder mystery, history buffs and those who love good writing and excellent narration. Matthew Lloyd Davies brilliantly captures Adriana Koulias' prose. This book is a must!

Secrets from the Past

If you could sum up Temple of the Grail in three words, what would they be?

Definitely reminded me a bit of "Name of the Rose." It is quite an interesting yarn...one can read it on the surface but there is so much substance too with many mysteries beckoning.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Temple of the Grail?

The vision of the initiation of Christian Rose-Croix

Which character – as performed by Matthew Lloyd Davies – was your favorite?

I like them all but Setuba was very well dramatized.

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

Yes, both. Visions of the past touch one and awakens oneself to one's own memories.

Any additional comments?

May be that this book is best read through before listening to it. As I said, it has a lot of substance and one would benefit from a deeper acquaintance with the content before listening. Highly recommend if you are interested in this subject. The reader is fantastic.

A Wondrous Story!

What did you love best about Temple of the Grail?

I love murder mysteries and this one is a cut above the rest. Full of historical authenticity which never gets in the way of the story, but makes it rich, like a tapestry. Adriana Koulias' writing is very visual and the narrator was so good I felt like I was watching a movie. I was sitting on the edge of my seat.

Who was your favorite character and why?

I love Christian. There is a Christian in all of us, part young man, part old man, doubtful, faithful, loyal to his master, but also questioning everything he does. I love the way that though he was only a scribe, he was always the one to figure out the most important clues. I also love Andre, a man who rests his entire life on reason, but realises at the end that it does not always provide a steady footing.

Which scene was your favorite?

My favourite scene was the argument between the different prelates during dinner which is found later in the book. I laughed out loud!

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

Yes. Definitely. I found myself having to stop listening to go to sleep. And then found I couldn't sleep because I was wondering what was going to happen next!

Any additional comments?

I recommend this book for those who want to listen to an intelligent story that is touched with mysticism and esotericism. Those who want to savour the atmosphere and millieu of the Middle Ages will love this book and the narrator who I think is impeccable in his characterisations. I can see this being a movie one day.

wonderful gift of perennial literature

I was uncertain of this book, that it would be hollow, but I was satiated to discover it was full of treasures. If you appreciate thrillers, esoterica, hidden history, or just good writing, get this book soon. It is worth more than a credit I can safely say.