Sword of God

By: Chris Kuzneski

Narrated by: Dick Hill

Length: 10 hrs and 31 mins

Publisher's Summary

Off the coast of South Korea, a young boy discovers a cave soaked in human blood. Less than a week later, everyone in his village disappears....

In Saudi Arabia, a female archaeologist unearths an artifact that threatens the very foundation of Islam. To some, it is a discovery that must be silenced at all costs.

In a secret bunker run by U.S. intelligence, the unthinkable has happened. While interrogating one of the world's most dangerous terrorists, an ex-member of the MANIAC Special Forces squad is brutally executed. Jonathon Payne and D. J. Jones, his former commanders, offer to spearhead the investigation. They quickly realize there is more to this atrocity than terrorist reprisal - there is a plot in motion that will burn the world in the fires of a holy war.

©2007 Chris Kuzneski (P)2009 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

Action, intrigue, and excitement

I am just discovering Chris Kuzneski's thrillers; and have already gotten addicted -- not only because of the action and thrills, but also because of the research behind the entertainment. "Sword of God" demonstrates considerable research into Islam and Mecca, rendering the action believable and engrossing. I thought about docking a star for Dick Hill's reading -- which, in my opinion, sometimes verges on over-acting -- but decided not to, because I liked the book so much, anyway.

What a Ride!

Kuzneski has created some truly memorable characters in Payne and Jones, and comes up with such unique story lines. Starting off in Korea and ending up where we do in Sword of God is amazing. So many cookie cutter books about battling terrorists, but this one has a twist that you won't see coming. I'm hooked on Kuzneski, and I've seen of criticism of Dick Hill's narration, he does a great job on the last 3 I've read. I'm loading up The Lost Throne next.

Another one I liked!

Love the story and the way the author is able to draw the reader in, to the character. A relationship is created. I love all the geographical and historical references. I will definitely continue reading his work!

Another great Paine and Jones adventure

Would you listen to Sword of God again? Why?

Perhaps in about 6 months or so. It has lots of details and twists and turns that I might have missed the first time.

What did you like best about this story?

Chris Kuzneski is very good at research, both about foreign places and historic details, as well as military actions. I'm impressed with his ability to show the similarity between belief systems like those between Islam and Christianity. Interestingly, they followed very similar development, like their holy scriptures being written years after the fact of the supposed prophet spoke the words, alterations done over a period of many years to suit different factions, the fact that both religions started out by "conversion under the sword" and also that they believe in many of the same biblical figures. The authors detail of Mecca were excellent and match documentaries I've seen on the tight constrictions of the city and its Haj.

What aspect of Dick Hill’s performance would you have changed?

I love Chris Kuzneski's Paine and Jones stories, so it seems I'm kind of stuck with Dick Hill if I want to listen in audiobook form. His narration is bombastic. He is excellent at the Paine and Jones voices, and pretty good at the German accent of the Ulster museum director, but his women's, young people's and older people's voices are horrible, as is his French accents and that of the Interpol agent. The only thing I could recommend to improve his performances of books is that he do a team approach with a woman narrator, like some of the books of David Baldacci. This might make him more tolerable. Also, he needs to tone down the volume of his voice some. I think alarm, fear, anger could be expressed with intonation, rather than volume.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Not particularly. It was just good fun and interesting action.

Any additional comments?

Not that I can think of at this moment.

a good read

Is there anything you would change about this book?

This book was a little slow to start off, but soon picked up to what Kuzneski is used to doing.
The storyline was a little weaker than previous Payne & Jones series, but does not fail.

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

worth waiting for.....

What aspect of Dick Hill’s performance would you have changed?

the speed of his reading.

Was Sword of God worth the listening time?

yes

Any additional comments?

Another good book by Kuzneski

Listen up for a good book

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

Yes but not to anyone in the church. Way to much foul language. With it being based with men of the Maniacs from the special forces you about have to expect it. Other than the language, it is a great story line and enjoyable listening experience for the special forces lover. It has exciting and funny parts. I think it started a little slow, but after a few chapters and a lot of discription during the read it is enjoyable.

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

I have not finished the book yet so I can not judge it yet.

Which scene was your favorite?

The chase scene and catch.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

When they entered the blood soaked cave.

Any additional comments?

If you get this audiobook I think you will enjoy it.

Not very impressed

I found the characters to be hollow and the dialog stiff and laborious. I also found Dick Hill's narration to be... condescending? It's hard to explain but his delivery sounded forced, making some of the dialog worse. And I couldn't shake the idea that he sounds a bit like Gandpa Munster. However, the plot was good enough to keep me listening to the end so it wasn't a wasted credit.

I'm going to guess that if you enjoy books like One Second After, you'll enjoy this one.

I liked it

During a down time in new books available, I went back and listened to this older Kuzneski book. I enjoyed it and if you like the duo of Jones and Pain then you will enjoy this book. Its a good listen when you cant find anything new that is good to listen too

Another Good (Dick Hill) Adventure!!

To be honest - the ONLY reason that I bought this book is because it was narrated by Dick Hill. I do like the author's style, and as Dick Hill has stayed with him; I will continue to purchase his other novels. Kuzneski's writing style is better than most in this genre - and I look forward to more adventures with the rich characters (Payne and Jones) that he has created.

Little concept of storytelling

The story structure is terrible, convoluted plot and generic characters. I really do not recommend.