Vessel

By: John Bowen

Narrated by: Craig Beck

Length: 8 hrs and 20 mins

Publisher's Summary

Forget all you know. History's biggest secret was hidden behind legends and lies...

An International Amazon #1 Bestseller in Kindle Thriller and Mystery.

Running for her life, carrying a secret with the potential to change what it means to be human, Holly Reilly calls the only person she knows with the skills to keep her alive: her estranged husband Gabriel.

Caught between two deadly adversaries, Holly and Gabe are drawn into a centuries-old conflict, one poised to spill into the modern world, threatening chaos and bloodshed.

A breathless blend of action and mystery, faith and fanaticism, Vessel exposes an unwritten history stretching back to the Crusades, medieval Europe and feudal Japan as it races to its final explosive conclusion.

What people are saying:

- Heart stopping, thrilling & utterly fantastic. - This author is quickly becoming one of my favourites. He is a master at story crafting, reeling in readers, and plot twists. - Lots of history in this book that made me review my knowledge of past ages. Killer ending! - Plenty of action, suspense, and lots of thrills. - In a word - Brilliant! - Action packed adventure! Like a blockbuster action movie in paperback.

©2014 John Bowen (P)2015 John Bowen

Absolutely and completely fabulous

I am berating myself for my tardiness in getting around to reading this book. Boy, have I lost out because it is SUPERB! There was a lovely, believable connection between Gabe and Holly, which demonstrates the exceptional quality of Mr Bowen's writing. I could feel the love and chemistry they have for each other. Nicholas and Jin were also fascinating and strangely convincing as men aged in their 100s! The back story threads wove together to make a tapestry full of delight and wonderment. The whole tale is an utter joy, keeping you on the edge of your seat, wide-eyed with amazement and heart full of love in turn. Craig Beck's narration was good, although there were times when his Australian accent sounded most peculiar. However, the audio book is such perfection that it in no way detracts from the pleasure and gratification gained from listening. Don't be an idiot like I was, get Vessel and listen to it today! Now! (You can thank me later)!

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

A brilliant story, wonderfully read.

What did you like most about Vessel?

The plot - it's both intricate and fast-paced, with a clever back-story that feeds the main narrative at just the right point.

What other book might you compare Vessel to, and why?

If I had to, I'd compare it to Dan Brown's novels, only much, much more enjoyable. It's well-written, for a start.

Have you listened to any of Craig Beck’s other performances? How does this one compare?

No but I might do now.

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

Well, yes, but I don't like spoilers. The original approach to Jerusalem. And the ending.

Any additional comments?

I'd thoroughly recommend this book, genuinely exciting, engaging characters, a fast-paced and witty narrative style, great twists, ably delivered in Audible.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Terrible Australian accent ruined narration

Overall this was a pretty good if slightly bog standard action thriller, unfortunately the narrator chosen alone most of the time, was fine had a rating Australian accent for one of the main female characters which really detracted from the book

Cracking action adventure with science and myth

As a fan and long time reader of Templar fact and myth, immediately from seeing the cover I knew I'd enjoy this book. I was not disappointed. Fast paced but clever it ticked all the boxes for novels of this type. The story might have been told before in different ways but this was refreshing with a nice slant on combining present day and past. The narration was very good too with good production and clear speaking throughout.

Great story

If you could sum up Vessel in three words, what would they be?

Exciting
Fantastical
(Easily) believable

Have you listened to any of Craig Beck’s other performances? How does this one compare?

I've not got any audible narrated by Craig but he did a great job with one so would definitely listen to others that he narrates

Any additional comments?

I received this book in an audio format from the author is exchange for an honest review. Thank you John.
Action packed and fast paced for the majority of the book. The main characters were very likeable and I found myself 'rooting' for them very early on.
My only (tiny) criticism is that there was a part in the story that went on a bit longer than I thought was necessary and if I had been reading rather than listening I would have skimmed over this part.
That said, if you enjoy a fast paced thriller you'll like this one. It has the added ingredients of history and conspiracy theories thrown in as well!

Another great read. Fast paced and gripping.

Would you consider the audio edition of Vessel to be better than the print version?

I haven't read the print version.
I read the audiobook

What did you like best about this story?

I loved the background story on the Templars. The characters were believable, I felt I could Easily picture the characters and the scenes.

What does Craig Beck bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

I felt it took the narrator a little time to settle into the story and characters, but once he did he was great.

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

There were many moments in the book I felt emotional for the characters and what they went through.

Any additional comments?

Definitely a book worth reading,
I've also listened to John Bowens chilling supernatural book 'where the dead walk' which I can also recommend.
I'm looking forward to his next.

Excellent.

An exciting and action packed read full of mystery and suspense. Would recommend to anyone who likes their thrillers fast paced.