The Quest

A Novel

By: Nelson DeMille

Narrated by: Scott Brick

Length: 18 hrs and 11 mins

Publisher's summary

From the locked archives of the Vatican to the overgrown jungles of Ethiopia, an unlikely trio begins a deadly search for the Holy Grail. Two journalists and a beautiful photographer are traveling together in a broken down Jeep while covering the 1975 Ethiopian civil war. Both men fall in love with the woman and that complicates things.

When the trio winds up lost in the jungle, in the no man's land between the fighting factions, they take cover and dig in for the night. In their hiding place, they encounter a dying man who tells them an amazing and quite unbelievable story. But for some reason - one that they grapple with for the rest of their journey - that night they believe.

The dying man is a priest who has been imprisoned for 40 years because - as he tells it - he found the Holy Grail. This night he has escaped from the prison because it was bombed during the day's fire fight. Unfortunately, the priest was hit, too, so his freedom only lasts for one short night. But it's long enough for Father Armando to describe for our journalists the location of Christ's cup from The Last Supper - and it's long enough to make them believe his story....

Thus begins their quest - a deadly adventure that pits them against the Vatican, murderous tribesmen, shadowy assassins, fanatical Coptic monks and, ultimately, against the powers of the Grail itself.

In the best Nelson DeMille tradition, The Quest takes listeners on a heart-pounding, thrilling ride, as well as to quite a few good bars in Rome. Against the backdrop of a legend that has lasted 2,000 years, and with a love affair influencing many decisions, good eventually triumphs - but at a steep price.

©2013 Nelson DeMille (P)2013 Hachette

great book as always. I have enjoyed every book by

DeMille. Scott brick is great.. together they are unbeatable. cannot pass up their work. great.

amazing story!!!

so glad you rewrote this story! this was amazing - something for everyone to get hooked on

Not DeMille's best, but still pretty good.

A good story with a weak ending. The sex scenes from seemed tacked on and out of place.

In the vein of the "John" character...

What did you love best about The Quest?

Demille has developed the sarcastic John character so well and in this novel uses a derivative of him. You can hear John Corey and John Sutter in Frank's words as you listen to the book. I found the story to be intriguing in a Dan Brown way of mixing history with mystery and love the "john" characterization.

What does Scott Brick bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Consistency in the author's "voice" from other DeMille books.

The team of DeMille and Brick does it again

It is hard to imagine the team of Nelson DeMille and narrator Scott Brick doing anything but the best. This was really no exception, in spite of the fact that it was really a rehash of a much, much earlier work. The plot was unremarkable, the search for the holy grail, and some of the characters were stereotypical, but the trademark wise-cracking protagonist, as brilliantly portrayed by Brick, made it all worthwhile. The ending was a bit cobbled; but, again, it is DeMille, who is a master. Evidently he required the addition of love scenes for the republication, and these were quirky and not entirely believable. However, it does, in general work, and is a satisfying read, with special insight into the terrible wages of war.

We could only wish.

A great theme well done for the most part . It lagged a bit at times. The ending was great.

Very good story

I’m usually an action-adventure reader so this is not my usual genre. Nevertheless, I thoroughly enjoyed it as a very good story of history, war, spirituality and love. The narration is superb!!! The flow of language adds to the overall enjoyment.

it was ok

What disappointed you about The Quest?

predictable. Story not as strong as other DeMille books

What about Scott Brick’s performance did you like?

Scott Brick was, well Scott Brick! Always excellent!

Not his best

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

I'm not sure. It was not his normal story.

What do you think your next listen will be?

Sycamore Row. Half read and it is one of his best.

What three words best describe Scott Brick’s voice?

Very very good

What character would you cut from The Quest?

All

Any additional comments?

No

Boring

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

Someone who wants a history of the area

What could Nelson DeMille have done to make this a more enjoyable book for you?

I don't know. It was just not up to the standard that I expected.

How did the narrator detract from the book?

He, too, sounded bored by the narration

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

Disappoimtment

Any additional comments?

I look forward to othe titles by the author