The Testament

It's strange, looking at the diversity of the reviews, going from 1 to 5 stars on this book. Many believe it's a "Da Vinci Code" wannabe. Stranger still, I preferred Angels And Demons over the "Da Vinci Code" (who some say was quasi-ripped off from "The Blood And The Chalice", if I get my title correct). But I digress... I confess to approaching this as another author jumping on the "Da Vinci" bandwagon. However, I read the author's "Ninja" series, and love his writing style and attention to detail. True, the main character (Braverman "Bravo" Shaw) is an expert cryptologist and historian, and with the aid of a woman must uncover a cache of secrets which could tear Christianity apart. However, that is where the similarities end. Bravo's father was head of a secret society called the Order of Gnostic Observantines, who have been charged with defending this cache against their foes, the Knights of St. Clement. The Knights are the "strong arm" of the Vatican, bent on destroying the Order and their cache, to end the threat to the Church, and further expand their own power. For their part, the Order uses their cache of secrets to further the betterment of mankind. However, when Bravo's father, the only person who knows where the cache is located, is assassinated it falls to Bravo to unravel the set of clues his father left behind as a safeguard against this very event, to recover the cache and restore the ability of the Order to work for good of mankind, for without it, the Knights will be a force unchecked in their quest for greater power. Van Lustbader creates a taut thriller set in the modern world, yet delves deeply into history, and gives us pause to consider that it is not improbable that two secret groups would be engaged in a centuries-old war undetected. Of the history, the author has done his own research, and the main character is one of action...and there is plenty of action in this book. True, certain key characters are revealed to be Bravo's enemies, and don't really come as too much of a surprise...however, it is the manner in which Bravo learns of their betrayal, the understanding of how his world is understandably skewed - this, then, is the proverbial fire through which the main character must pass, to emerge stronger at the end. That is not to say all betrayals were clear-cut...one in particular took me (and certainly the main character) by surprise. So go right ahead and lambast it as another "Da Vinci", but the truth is, The Testament is a superior thriller, gripping, well-written, with enough twists to keep your head spinning, and with the research to make it seem vaugely plausible. The "Da Vinci Code" may have come first, but in this instance, coming first does not equate to being better. A first-rate thriller which I highly recommend.

"The testament" is a suspenseful thriller that brings you on a wild ride from the start to its finish. I had trouble putting the book down. Mr. Lustbader's research into medieval history lends credence to the storyline. I would love to see a sequel written. If you haven't read Lustbaders "the Bourne Betrayal" don't miss it. It brings renewed life to the Bourne series, (Ludlum would be proud).

I recognized the name of Eric Van Lustbader from his Ninja series but this book has nothing to do with Ninjas. I spent many hours enthralled in his masterful tale of suspense and treachery. This book would be enjoyed by anyone who is caught up in the blockbuster movie/book The Da'Vinci Code. I purchased this item to be given to my brother as he has to travel in his work and enjoys listening to books on tape. As he was intrigued by the Da'Vinci Code so he will be equally intrigued in this exciting book by Mr.Van Lustbader.

Since there seems to be a lot of misinformation about my writing "The Testament," I thought I'd set the record straight. I've never read a word of what Dan Brown has written, and that includes "The Da Vinci Code." Anyone who has read my books knows that I specialize in writing about the past as it impacts the present. I was in fact moved to write "The Testament" because of the death of my father. When I was little, he used to read stories to me about King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. When he ran out of stories to read, he made them up. So I wanted to write a novel that centered around a medieval mystery. I also wanted to write about a son and his recently deceased father. To me, that is the essence of "The Testament." Bravo learns who he is in the world through the help of his father. I chose to write about the Quintessence -- the alchemical Holy Grail -- not only because my father made up stories about it, but because its use as a substance to resurreect people from the dead gave me the feeling that as I was writing the novel I was bringing my father back to be with me once again. And, by the way, to any and all reviewers who still ignorantly refer to me as Van Lustbader, they have paid as little attention to my name as they have to reading my novels. My name is Lustbader. The Van is a middle name and comes from my Dutch forbears, the Vanblurkhems.

Dexter Shaw dies in an explosion that injures his son Bravo and his daughter Emma. When Bravo awakens and recovers somewhat, Jenny visits him to inform him she is his Guardian assigned by his father to watch over him as he seeks a secret cache of documents. Bravo is shocked to learn that his dad lived a double life as a member of the ruling cabal, the Order of Gnostic Observatines, an organization that has influenced world events for centuries. The group's enemy The Knights of St. Clement want that cache too because it contains something that will heal the dying Pope, enhancing their secret behind the scenes power in the shadows of the Vatican. Another item the group wants in the cache is the Testament of Jesus Christ that contains explosive information that could destroy Christianity if revealed. Bravo realizes a traitor amidst the order is providing information to the Knights. He trusts no one especially friends, family, or his guardian. Readers who enjoyed the Da Vinci Code and the Brethren will defiantly want to read THE TESTAMENT, a highly sophisticated fresh religious conspiracy thriller whose fast-paced storyline will leave the audience breathless. The protagonist is an interesting person who does not quite grasp how or why his father was involved like he was or why he puts his life on the line to keep the cache out of the hands of the wrong people. Still like a true hero he does what he believes is right and if nothing else has the audience rooting for him. Harriet Klausner