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

Great book

If you could sum up The Blood Gospel in three words, what would they be?

I loved it

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

death seemed very close at all times

What about Christian Baskous’s performance did you like?

his vocie and story telling gift.

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

Too long for one sitting

Any additional comments?

Yes, when is book 2 coming out?

Not What I Expected, But Pretty Good

What made the experience of listening to The Blood Gospel the most enjoyable?

I didn't really know what to expect. James Rollins usually doesn't write this genre of book, but her sort of does. I know that sounds odd, but this is a paranormal adventure book? I'm not sure how else to describe it. Its along the lines of his usual format but throw in Vampires and some occult and you're in the ballpark.

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

At times it did. The book was definitely interesting. The plot was good, it had a lot of detail and back story. The "world" was well thought out and quite descriptive. It felt real enough.

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

I didn't have a favorite. This is the first book I have listened to by this narrator.

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

Only at certain points. Then it would drop off and I would find a stopping point, so I guess I should have answered no.

Any additional comments?

I have purchased the second book to see if the story progresses. It has an interesting premise and sometimes the first book can have a little bit of a slow start. I hope the next book is even better.

Good story.

Entertaining plot line. Look forward to the next book in the series. Narration was also good.

History rich vampire novel

I like the author's use of historical facts to weave together fiction, but Christian readers might find this twist on biblical events hard to stomach. I would describe this as a cross between Dan Brown's Da Vinci Code and Anne Rice's vampire books. I might have given it a higher rating if so many scenes weren't plainly taken right out of other similar stories. Basically, if you liked the Sigma Force novels AND you like vampire stories, you'll enjoy this.

Great Book. First of a series?

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

I would definitely recommend this book and I already have. Well written and full of action.

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

The characters are so well developed you just have to see what's next for them.

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

Good vs. Evil in a battle for all the marbles

Loved the story line!

Good book! I loved the way it takes religious speculation and answers it in the story. really cool. I loved the book and will continue. great starting book. It starts slow, but give it a chance and you will be rewarded.

Expectation let down

The preview did not prepare me for the wolf eating vampires. I finally gave up reading at chapter 22. The start was great, suspenseful, well thought out but when the other world creatures entered the story I began to get lost.

Really Really Good

I like James Rollins sigma books - but the constant world is going to end in 10 seconds gets old. This story never got boring.

I simply loved it and I want more.

If you like James Rollins, Clive Cussler and the Preston and Child novels you will find this highly entertaining.

decent story, narration not so much

will take check out and read the next book in the series, don't think I can listen to another recording with this same narrator. It was awful. the narrator did a relatively decent job when he was doing different voices, but in the general reading of the book it was awful.