The Secret Chapel

God's Lions Series, Book 1

By: John Lyman

Narrated by: David Colacci

Length: 14 hrs and 24 mins

Publisher's summary

Summoned to Rome by an old friend, a Jesuit scholar finds himself using a code discovered in the Bible to unearth an ancient, hidden chapel in the catacombs under the city. When a rogue force of Vatican security officials are alerted to his discovery, the priest flees to the Holy Land with a clue...a clue that will lead him and a team of Israeli Christians to a much larger secret in the middle of the barren Negev Desert.

Meticulously researched and drawing on scientific fact, John Lyman's intriguing story takes listeners into the world of scholars, archaeologists, code-breakers, and intelligence specialists who have discovered a prophetic code hidden within the Old Testament that authenticates the Bible as a book of supernatural origin and points to a divine plan. This gripping novel is truly a thought-provoking and action-packed thriller with implications for our future.

©2014 John Lyman (P)2017 Tantor

Suspenseful and Thought-Provoking

I had never heard of this author but decided to give this book a try. So glad I did. Mr. Lyman is a fantastic writer. As a non-Catholic Christian I wasn't sure about listening to hours about priests, the Vatican, and the catacombs but the characters were very "real" and human, with fears and doubts and insecurities. I truly enjoyed these people! Learning about the ancient tunnels under Rome and about the Vatican Swiss Guards was also fascinating.
The narrator was marvelous too. With his voice he painted an intriguing picture of this tale and all the characters...no TV for me for the three days it took to listen.
Some may think this book is similar to Demons and Angels, by Dan Brown, but I submit that Brown's books are darker. Lyman, while he writes about evil and darkness, there is always a sense (no matter how small) of hope.

A Great Theological Thriller

this book kept my interest fixed all day. Multiple plot twists and turns - but also an exploration of the vocational call to the priesthood and of the main characters' backgrounds.

I am hoping Audible has the next in the series out soon!

A series you do not want to end

This is my second time listening to this book. I have enjoyed it just as much as I did the first time. My only regret is there are not more nooks of this type to choose from. This entire series is excellent and one you will have problems putting down.

Grabs you from the first few pages

It's been a long time since I've lost sleep over a book or found myself listening to a book while doing housework. The characters are so well done that I feel as though I know them and their motivations. The details of locations was fantastic - even the description of the food served at a dinner had me virtually licking my chops. And most of all the story was so compelling it was a tough thing to turn it off. I liked all the characters, the subtle twists, and the Biblical mystery. I'm so glad this is a series. Going to download the second book and put the third one on reserve.

Excitement and thought provoking through out ...

A must read especially in our current time.
God has seen fit to provide clues on why we exist for better or worse... Blessings. jp

What is the point here?

What disappointed you about The Secret Chapel?

The spin from an interesting story to evangelical Catholic/Christian tome. Wow. I am sure I could have researched this better, but the speed at which this happened ( one third of the way through the book ) was amazing.

Has The Secret Chapel turned you off from other books in this genre?

Yes.

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

He is a pro and did great work here.

What character would you cut from The Secret Chapel?

Me.

Any additional comments?

If you need to be preached/saved/have your faith reinforced, get this series. Otherwise, listener beware.

Hmmmm....

well narrated! accents done superbly. at times hard to figure out which person speaking with Israeli accent but not enough to distract from the story. definitely pushing the Christian narrative and for someone who does not follow the faith may find some of the story lines very fanatical and unbelievable. kept my attention while driving because the history surrounding much of the story is very interesting and anyone who enjoys history will acknowledge that.

Poor

This book failed in many ways. In particular the book lacked credibility. The characters were shallow and their motivation seemed unrealistic. I would not recommend it.

Excellent story.

Love it. exciting mixture of bible lore, history, suspense, and action. Makes me want to research into Bible history.

Mystery with archeology and sci-fi

I do not generally care for sci-fi
But this faith based sci-do fit in well with the rest of the story
Narration was really good and kept me interested

An Epic

If you enjoy religious thrillers then this is a must. it sets the scene perfectly for the series. Well researched, high octane thriller. A must for all.