Sean Knight Books

I had never heard the real King Arthur tale. I enjoyed it tremendously! Sean Bean's narration of this tale is exquisite. His voice is perfect for books on tape. Such depth. You felt you were really there. I would recommend this to anyone!

The whole family is hooked on this. The classical music that accompanies it is compelling. You think you are there.

Sean Bean does an awesome job on this production. His range of voices and dialects are amazing. Very eerie in the parts that are supposed to be.

It's hard to take such a well known tale and still make it fun to listen to, but Sean Bean's voice and cadences kept me listening to the end.

This CD was bought for our then seven year old son and we listened to it on a long car trip. What a fantastic way to pass the time. Sean Bean is phenomenal as the narrator and characters of the story. We have listened to it so many times and still never get tired of this great story, excellently told.

Thrown into this great story is Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, another exciting story within the story of King Arthur.

This story on CD appeals to all ages from our seven year old to our sixteen year old and to adults. It is one of a few stories that you really can listen to again and again and still be enthralled. I would highly recommend keeping it in the car for the long trips.

Devlin Waugh is like few other comic-book heroes. A bodybuilding, flower-arranging priest with an eye for beautiful boys and a handy way with extremely big guns, Devlin survived a steroid abuse scandal in the Olympics to become the future Vatican City-state's chief exorcist and paranormal warrior.

As Aquatraz underwater prison - home to some of the world's most vicious killers - is overrun by a vampire infestation, a loose gang of nurses, wardens and pest controllers must come together to fight this evil menace. But around the corner lies someone even more scary. Clenching a cigarette holder between perfect teeth, he purrs "You can rest easy, gentlemen. Fingers OFF the triggers. My name is Devlin Waugh. I'm here to steal the show..."

This series, originally run in The Judge Dredd Megazine, had a positive reaction like no other before or since. In the annual poll of readers' opinions, Waugh became the first and last character ever to knock Judge Dredd off the top spot as Favourite Character.

If you've ever wondered what would happen if Oscar Wilde and the cast of Brideshead Revisited were to be merged with Deathrace 2000, The Evil Dead and the Terminator, now's your chance to find out...

This is an excellent, sober and balanced primer on what has been the subject of hysterical writing in the last few years, especially since the release of The Da Vinci Code.

Sean Martin has written a very well structured book. It's divided into four main sections: the origins, activities, and fall of the Templars, as well as an additional section on the current mythology surrounding The Order.

It lays out the whole history of The Order, from Hughes de Payen's offer to the King of Jerusalem, to Bernard of Clairvaux's lobbying to the Council of Clermont, the first crusade and then on to the eventual downfall of the Templars with Jacques de Molay's execution in 1314. I won't enumerate all the details because if you're reading this review, you are probably a Templar buff, in which case you know all this. For those looking for an introduction to this subject, this is THE book to get.

Sean Martin has an elegant, simple writing style, making the book a very easy read (which is bad news, because you finish it too quickly).

Too many history books are written in too scholarly a tone, resulting in a very tedious read-you only need to check some of the weightier volumes on the Crusades. The writing style of this book makes you feel part of the events unfolding page by page. Occasional dry humor that comes out in the writing adds to the enjoyment (bottom part of p83 had me in stitches, if that is not too irreverent a reaction for what is a serious subject).

A bonus is that the storyline of the Templars in this book is weaved faultlessly with that of the Crusades, so that it also de facto becomes a primer on the latter. Not too many books on the Templars do this well-Gordon Napier's "The Rise and Fall of the Knights Templar" is one of a few that comes to mind.

Some maps, a chronology of Templar history, the list of Grand Masters (for you conspiracy theorists, this list ends with Jacques de Molay and not someone living today) and the list of formal charges against The Order rounds out what is a great little book.

Being a Pocket Essentials book, it is smaller than most works on this subject, but in my opinion, it is one of the best and if you are interested in the Templars or the Crusades, this is one book you should definitely have in your library.

in veritate victorias

This book is a great ride. IT is clear and concise. It keeps you wanting more. The DaVinci Code has NOTHING on this book. I cant wait for the rest of them.

The premise of this book is indeed much less credible than many other Templar novels, with the Devil in human form and a nun on a secret mission, like 007, with a license to have sex.
This paperback was also one of the absolutely worst examples of proofreading and editing that I have ever read. Misspellings, omitted words, duplicate words throughout.
I guess I finished the book to see if it could get any worse.

"The First Seal" hooked me from the first page. As we all know, I'm a historical fiction fanatic, and this novel did not disappoint. From what I've read in other reviews that of this book, the historical facts contained in the story are being called into question; accurate or not, the story itself is engaging and compelling and I personally couldn't put it down.

The story is a combination of narratives; one stemming from the present time, and one from the 1500's. The two weave back and forth in a way that is easy to follow and an effective way of advancing the plot line. In the present day story we learn of a mysterious archealogical find, a stone tablet discovered in New Mexico, where it by all rights, should NOT be. Murder and mayhem ensue, as all parties involved in the story have different reasons for wanting to get their hands on the tablet.

Mixed in we also have the story set in the 1500's, of how the tablet came to be in New Mexico. The author weaved these two stories together in a very satisfying way... In the present day we are uncovering the tablet, while simultaneously in the past, we are fighting to bury it. From here we come to the ultimate showdown ending, which leaves me hopeful for a sequel...

If you're looking for a great story to get lost in, I think I've found it for you...you won't regret it.

There are enough well written characters to fill three different novels. The authors research of prior time and locales is evident in the story line and characters. Here's hoping the sequel is soon to be available.A must read for all.

I don't understand how the people that have reviewed this book so far are giving it such high marks. There are several issues that I don't understand with this novel. First, it portrays the Templar of the past as intelligent, driven men with a purpose. Yet, it portrays the templars of the present as blatant idiots. Then, you have a nun that is given a "dispensation" by the Vatican (for which her contact happens to be the devil) to steal, kill, and have sex with anyone in order to find the item in question. You may say whatever you want about the Catholic Church, but that premise is preposterous. Further, the book starts with a western/devil short story that is meant to present a preamble of what is to come, yet fails at such. You have demons raping women, men that have lived many 500 years, etc. Ludicrous does not start to describe this novel. I wonder if the "good" reviews are but trolls to jack up the "stars" on the review.

An account of the Teplar's History and service and later deemed threat to the Church.

After reading "The Da Vinci Code" I wanted to know more about the real history behind the book. The Knights Templar turned out to be one of the most difficult subjects to find solid information on. This was practically the only book I could find that had any kind of respectable citations, although they are light even in this book. As I came to learn this was because there was very little hard history about the Templars, most of the stories are anecdotal at best and at worst mostly fiction. Sean Martin covers their history fairly and clearly delineates what is backed by hard evidence and what is purely anecdotal. The book is definitely brief but it covers the subject well and without the sensationalism most of the books on the subject use.

An interesting read for anyone caught up in The DaVinci code and wants to take it one step further. An interesting history for those looking for an interesting read or those who fully believe in some of the more complex ways of looking at these things.

Tiny, short, ill-researched. I recommend this to those with more money than sense or whom are OBSESSED with getting anything and everything about the Templars regardless of how shaky the ground on which it stands. Avoid this one.

This book is great but too short. It sticks to the point and facts but leaves you wanting more.

If you liked the movie, you'll like the book. They are almost exactly the same. It's written well but not in traditional Elizabeth Chadwick style...more movie script. I highly recommend her other books that are NOT based on a Hollywood movie.

Much of Elizabeth Chadwick's research is carried out as a member of Regia Anglorum, this is an early medieval re-enactment society.

This book is an attempt by the author to relate the love between the famous Sir Lancelot of the Lake and King Arthur's Queen Guinevere. As a lover of all things relating to the fabled King Arthur and his kingdom of Camelot I read and enjoyed the book. But I cannot help but feel that it was written with the possibility of it being made into a film at the back of the author's mind.

Hollywood has never been very good at portraying English history and the film they made of this book is no exception. Although many people will have found the film entertaining, it bears no relationship to what Arthur and his knights may have looked like, or their surroundings.

Arthur, or someone very much like him may have existed but certainly not as a "suited and booted" knight in shining armour. Something that was not invented until about five hundred years after Arthur may or may not have existed.

Although I have not read this book in years I still consider it the best book I have ever read. You must read this book.

If you've seen the movie, you don't need to read the book, and if you've read the book you probably don't need to see the movie -- they are virtually identical. It's like the proverbial horse before the cart, I don't know which came first, the book or the movie. From the promo on Amazon, I suspect the movie, and they decided a book would be a nice way to "enhance" the profits. Either way, this is not a typical Chadwick book, there is no sense of time travel to another century for the weekend whilst reading her book. Only for die hard Chadwick fans(and I am one), or die hard fans of this movie. Otherwise, skip this.

The legend of King Arthur finds new meaning in this powerful romantic novel. When Guinevere, Lady of Leonesse, finds herself desperate for protection for both herself and her people from an ex-Knight of the Round Table, she turns to King Arthur to save them all.

Guinevere's decision - to marry the king, leads her into danger and intrigue as she begins the wildest journey of her life.

When Lancelot saves an unknown lady in the forest, both their hearts become engaged. Lancelot becomes a friend and trusted confidant to the King, and Guinevere becomes Arthur's wife. While fighting to keep their love at bay, war threatens to tear them apart forever.

Chadwick's love of re-enactment becomes apparent in this wonderful story of forbidden love. She describes everything in such striking detail; the reader can almost smell the stench of burning straw or feel the adrenaline and fear accompanying battle. This book is a must read, though not quite as powerful as many of Chadwick's other novels.

Raymond Khoury's 'The Last Templar' has held my interest for the last four days (the length of time it took me to read it, after finishing Ivanhoe and wanting a little more Templar action).

In reading the Publishers' Weekly review which refers to the book as a 'Da Vinci Code knock off', I once again find the comparison to be unjust and unfair, and also cannot fail to wonder, once again, that if Da Vinci Code hadn't been such a runaway bestseller, if all the negative comparisons would happen at all in such a recently prolific genre. Would 19th century reviewers have referred to Dostoevsky as a 'cheap knock off of Tolstoy' for writing a novel about similar Russian history? Was Wilkie Collins regarded as a 'cheap knock off of Dickens' for his sketches of Victorian life?

Having read The Da Vinci Code and having NOT enjoyed the very pedestrian style of writing employed by the author, as if modern readers need each and every descriptive passage 'dumbed down' for them, I actually found 'Last Templar' a far more enjoyable read. True, the author may not be a poet laureat, but unlike 'Da Vinci', I never once found 'Templar' to be painful to get through.

The plot is an engaging one.....four modern-day horsemen, dressed as members of the order of The Knights Templar of old overrun the Met as a display of 'Never before seen Vatican Treasures' takes place with a gala reception. The acquisiton of one artifact in particular is their goal, and once they make off with the prize, along with the Mayor's wife as hostage, they ride off into the night.

Attending the reception is archaeologist Tess Chaykin, who crouches in fear of the horsemen, and hears one utter (in Latin) 'The truth will set you free'. Her knowledge of history and her curiosity at the raid performed by the horsemen puts her in the orbit of FBI agent Sean Reilly, who takes an instant liking to Tess. Together they begin to work to piece together the clues they do have, while bodies keep piling up in the wake of the horsemens' raid.

Spanning many centuries, and many locations, the story takes Tess and Sean on a quest for a lost treasure of the original Templar Knights, which may change the face of religion, and the world, forever.

Although not exactly on the same level with Proust, Socrates, or other heralded authors, Raymond Khoury has crafted an interesting and entertaining tale. I am happy to have read the book, and look forward to the film of the same story due to be completed soon.

I came on to review this book and was surprised to see so many give it a bad rating. I enjoyed the book very much. It was a light read. And there's nothing wrong with that. There DID seem to be a lot of coincidences that took the "good guys" through the storyline, but even so, I found enough intrigue and fun to make this an enjoyable read. Whether the book reads like a screenplay or not did not concern me, although I agree that it probably would make a good movie. The storyline is not complicated, making it a light easy read. If the storyline were more convoluted and intricate, it would have gotten a 5 star rating from me.

I was disappointed in the predictable ending. Here's a better one:

The Templars were pulling their own hoax. Each of the two teams had a DIFFERENT version of the Gospel of Jeshua of Nazareth. One was the one the church believed where Jesus was mortal and the other was a true version that revealed that Jesus was indeed the Son of God.

The motive for the Templars was that belief in God was a matter of faith and there should not be any factual evidence to prove one way or another. By having conflicting gospels, one would have to rely solely on faith.

When Tess and Reilly recover the true gospel from the Falcon Crest, they believe they'll find confirmation that Jesus was mortal and this was a big hoax of the church, she a devout atheist and he a faith-shattered Christian.

Then when they translate the book, they find that Jesus was truly the Son of God. How do they know. First, because of what he says in the gospel. Second, because he identifies, by name, the couple who will discover his gospel as "Tess of Arizona" and "Reilly of Chicago" (or wherever they were from.

On top of that, he refers to Tess as Mother Tess and it turns out that Tess is pregnant, presumably from her one-time tryst with Reilly. Interestingly, Reilly is proven to be impotent so the condeption had to be immaculate and we know why Jesus refers to her as "Mother Tess"...she is the bearer of the Second Coming.

Now THAT would have been one hellacious ending!

Tess Chaykin is an archaeologist who never got her King Tut career-making find, and is now working an office job, having to content herself with memories of former digs. Her job at least allows her to be on hand for the Metropolitan Museum of Art's opening of the Vatican exhibit, showing treasures long hidden from the public. She is there with her mother and young daughter, but wishes she had left them at home when the opening festivities are interrupted by four horsemen dressed as medieval knights. Three of the four horsemen gleefully ride through the museum, smashing cases and stealing valuable treasures, but the fourth is only interested in an old contraption that doesn't appear to have much value, and Tess overhears him muttering in Latin as he reverently steals the Vatican's rotary encoder before riding off into the night.

The FBI immediately puts agent Sean Reilly on the METRAID case, as they dub it. With almost no leads to follow, Agent Reilly finds himself interested in Tess Chaykin's theory that the thieves may somehow be throwbacks to the Templar knights. The more research Tess does, the more she's certain she's right. Agent Reilly is of two minds about including Tess in his search for the museum's raiders, however, when three of the four horsemen wind up dead. Both he and Tess find themselves in over their heads in secrets more than a millennium old that people are willing to kill for while they travel around the world, and the most dangerous player in the game is not necessarily the thieving fourth horseman.

This is a pretty decent historical adventure thriller, if not incredibly unique. Bookshelves these days are teeming with such stories, but this is one of the better offerings I've found. I was disappointed in finding this novel's treatment of Biblical "history" followed suit with all the others, however, casting more than doubt on its veracity. This theme in fiction is far from fresh or innovative and by this time has moved well beyond tired. I was hoping for a nice twist at the end, but was disappointed, though the book did end well despite such treatment. Perhaps sacrilegious storylines are a prerequisite these days if one wants their book published. That aside, this is a pretty decent book. Though Tess's character had some unpleasant flaws like forgetting she had a daughter most of the time, Sean Reilly was a warm character who came across as much more human than most fictional FBI agents, and the villains were not overdrawn caricatures. This one rates high among the thrillers for unbelievers.

Sheesh!!!! What did you expect??? This is a summer beach read potboiler---and for that purpose it's perfect! This is not high literature. If you enjoyed Dan Brown, you'll enjoy this. If you are into Templars and the Gnostic Gospels, you'll enjoy it even more. Sure, it has the typical cardboard characters, but we're not reading this for them. It has action, murders, grave-openings (underwater even!), the works. I thought the Templar interludes were very well done--normally I find it annoying when novels bounce back and forth in time, but this was kept to a minimum, just enough to illuminate the story.

This book suffers from terrible formatting on the Kindle. It is almost unreadable when viewed in font sizes larger than the default font size. Thankfully Amazon lets you return Kindle books very easily. I would recommend Bran Mak Morn: The Last King Bran Mak Morn: The Last King Published by Ballantine Books.