Timeline

I couldn't put this down! As a kid I LOVED the movie, so I was stoked to actually read the book. From my memory the movie follows the book pretty well, although it's been a decade so I could be very very wrong. Timeline combine history, archaeology, and science to make this an action packed historical/ science fiction thriller. Fourteenth century France comes alive for a team of archaeologists. They had no idea that the site they were excavating could still theoretically "exist." When their team lead, the professor, goes missing, the team travels to the headquarters of a multi-billion tech corporation that has been funding their digs. Little do they realize that all their historical knowledge and expertise is about to come into play when they are transported back to France, only this time, it's 600 years earlier and the castles they have been excavating are still standing. Timeline is fast paced and fascinating, the history and science blend together to make a compelling action thriller. I definitely need to re-watch the movie now!

Patterns of Evidence: Exodus

Fans of archaeology and biblical history will enjoy this intriguing and eye opening DVD, Patterns of Evidence: Exodus. Narrated by Kevin Sorbo (Hercules), this documentary follows the story of Exodus and debates if there is any historical evidence that supports it. For decades scholars, archaeologists, and even some Jewish leaders have doubted if the exodus of Israelite slaves from Egypt ever occurred, based on lack of historical proof. This documentary goes into great depth and tries to solve the religious dilemma. With interviews from leading Egyptian archaeologists, and Israel president and prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu and Shimon Peres. Over the course of two hours, they uncover a pattern of evidence that challenges viewers to rethink what they know. For too long, historians have focused too long on a few key words that made it seem as if Ramses was the pharaoh that let the Israelites go. In Ramses time, there is no proof of the exodus. However, several hundred years earlier there is ample evidence of an exodus, by changing the timeline there is plenty of historical proof that the exodus could have occurred. For fans of history, archaeology, and biblical studies.

What's that, you want to watch this movie? Well how would you like to win a free copy? All you have to do is comment below with your name and I will randomly select a winner this Friday.

"Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post. Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”

The Brothers' Keepers

It's The Davinci Code meets The View but with less women and more religion. I must preface this review by saying, I did not read the first book in this series and I don't think that it threw me off too much, yeah I didn't get some references, but whatever. I was really excited for this book, I saw "archaeologist" in the description and I immediately thought "Indiana Jones." I was right in some regard I guess, there is a lot of adventure, intrigue, and espionage. Archaeologist Grace Madison discovers that her son's bride has been shot at on their honeymoon and that her daughter has gone missing. In no time at all she and a team consisting of her family (sans daughter Maggie), former professors, and some Israeli intelligence (with the aid of MI6 and the CIA of course) are trying to find out what Maggie has uncovered that got her kidnapped. It leads them on a wild goose chase all over Europe trying to trap down half off a scroll, an ancient water source, and dodge assassins in the process. It's good in theory but far too unbelievable. The Davinci Code may seem plausible because everything is fleshed out. In this novel, so much happens too fast that you can barely react or catch what's happening. The author crams so much in that all the characters seem super human, literally on every page someone is shooting at them or trying to blow them up and they don't bat an eyelash. They may act surprised for a minute but then they just keep going. Granted Grace's husband, son, and daughter in law have all been involved in the special forces at some point, but not Grace! She somehow rolls with the punches, says a few prayers, and goes with it. Also the submarines, special ski equipment, and carnival at the end seemed a little extravagant to me, but to each their own. It wasn't awful, the characters had some fun quirks, there is a nice unresolved love triangle, and some interesting "historical" tidbits. Dan Brown fans and fans of fast paced spy novels will enjoy this.

I received this book for free from Litfuse Publicity in return for my honest, unbiased review and participation of this blog tour, http://litfusegroup.com/author/nhorton.

The Lost Sisterhood - Library Journal Audiobook Review

Fortier, Anne. The Lost Sisterhood. 19 CDs. unabridged. 25 hrs. Books on Tape. 2014. ISBN 97800385359955.

Following on the heels of her first novel, Juliet, Anne Fortier once again proves that she is the new Dan Brown for women. Her smart, educated fearless female leads prove that adventures and historical intrigue aren't just for men. In The Lost Sisterhood, Oxford lecturer and Amazon scholar, Diana Morgan, receives an offer she can't refuse. A mysterious "foundation" requests her services as a philologist to try and decipher a new language found on a recently unearthed temple's walls, a language believed to be of Amazonian origin. Desperate to prove to her colleagues that Amazons are more than mere legend, Diana travels halfway around the world only to find herself caught in the cross hairs of people that will do anything to stop her from picking up the Amazon trail and finding the fabled Amazon treasure. The fast paced story also alternates from Diana to Myrina, first Queen of the Amazons. While separated by thousands of years their stories are shockingly similar as they fight to secure the legacy of the Amazons and stay alive. Narrated beautifully by the talented voice actress, Cassandra Campbell, who breathes life into each of the characters by creating unique voices and patterns. Listeners will have a heard time turning the audio off. For fans of historical mysteries, thrillers, and Dan Brown novels. - Erin Cataldi, Johnson County Public Library, Franklin, IN

St. Peter's Bones: How the Relics of the First Pope Were Lost and Found... and then Lost and Found Again

This was a charming and informative little read. A must for fans of biblical history and/or archaeology. Thomas J. Craughwell explores the fascinating history of St. Peter's remains and gives a brief introduction to biblical archaeology in the process. This intriguing story of the discovery, then loss, then rediscovery of St. Peter's resting place is likely to be a big hint with any history fans, not just Catholics. Craughwell references, top scholars, scientists, ancient texts, and folklore to piece together the mystery and fascination surrounding the first Pope's bones.

In the telling of this story, the author references many other holy spots containing saints remains, pilgrimage spots, and primitive archaeology. "St. Peter's Bones" doesn't read like a dry non-fiction tome, it's exciting and made me want to learn more about my Catholic heritage and archaeology in general!

For fans of Biblical history, saints lives, and archaeology.

I received this book for free from Waterbrook Press in return for my honest, unbiased opinion.