Turning his creativity to nail-biting suspense, Jars of Clay co-founder Bronleewe weaves his first thriller around the world-famous Gutenberg Bible at the Library of Congress---and the life-or-death messages for August Adams hidden within its beautiful illuminations! Can the targeted bibliophile escape his pursuers and unravel the mystery in time to save his son? 354 pages, hardcover from WestBow.
August Adams has failed his family before. He’s sacrificed relationships in pursuit of adventure, fame, and money. Now the very lives of those he loves depend on his ability to decipher a centuries-old puzzle encrypted in the colorful hand-painted illuminations that adorn three rare Gutenberg Bibles.
It’s a secret that could yield unimaginable wealth, undermine two major religions, and change the course of Western civilization. Two ruthless, ancient organizations are willing to do anything to get their hands on it. And August has the span of one transatlantic flight to figure it out.
If he fails, those he holds most dear will die. If he succeeds, he’ll destroy a national treasure.
The clock ticks, the suspense mounts, and the body count rises as August pits his knowledge and his love for his family against the clock, secret societies, and even Johannes Gutenberg himself.
Business-as-usual for August Adams suddenly turns deadly in Matt Bronleewe’s novel Illuminated. In an unforeseen turn of events, Adams finds himself at the mercy of the devious Xandria Muro, who threatens to have August’s son, Charlie, and mother-in-law killed if he doesn’t hand over the secrets of the rare Gutenberg Bibles. Adams knows he’ll have to work fast or he’ll never see his family again. Bronleewe creates an amazing story from start to end. The story seems to flow easily, keeping you entranced with Bronleewe’s constant stream of building intensity and amazing sense of humor. You can feel August’s fear for his family as he works to save them, along with his anger toward Xandria and her schemes. The moment when a serial killer is ordered to “take care of” Charlie and his grandmother is one of the most unforgettable scenes in this novel.
While August Adams is feverishly searching for answers to the riddles of the Gutenberg Bibles, his son Charlie is left in the care of Grandma Rose. Things seem safe for them until they are visited by several of Xandria’s minions, including an extremely dangerous killer. It falls to the two of them to determine how to deal with these problems. Meanwhile, April, the mother of Charlie and August’s ex-wife, is arrested for suspicion of theft related to one of the stolen Gutenberg Bibles. It’s up to her to escape and get back to her home in time to rescue her family.
In this story, August Adams is shown to be a true hero. He is strong-willed, brave, and intelligent. His knowledge is the only thing keeping his family alive. Xandria has only enough patience for the secrets of the Gutenbergs to be revealed until she decides to give the order to dispose of Adams’ family. Adams regards her with noticeable dislike and can never accept the fact that she always has him right where she wants him.
Also, Bronleewe really brings out the relationship between August Adams and his son, Charlie. It is clear that August loves his son and is determined not to let anything happen to him. Charlie looks up to his father with utmost respect. April Adams doesn’t exactly see him this way. She views August as a poor role model for her son, considering how Adams isn’t exactly in the safest or most honest line of work. Their divorce seems to have troubled Charlie quite a bit, but he still hopes that perhaps his parents will be able to patch things up.
In the end, August realizes that Xandria might be part of a bigger problem: a nationwide problem. His knowledge and his wife’s courage will be needed to save their family, and eventually, the world. After reading Illuminated by Matthew Bronleewe, you will still be feeling the rush of adrenaline. This novel is filled with intense, fast-paced action and a mystery that will keep you guessing through most of the story. Illuminated is recommended to any and all who love a great thrilling tale that keeps you wanting more. – Michael Moore, Christian Book Previews.com
Average Rating: 4 out of 5 stars(4 out of 5 stars)
8 of 11 Reviews Showing:(View All Reviews)
3.5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Sharon (Dallas,Tx), December 27, 2009
Excellent writing, save for a few off the wall sentences here and there. Great thriller, keeps you reading and entertains. The central idea, however, disappoints in that it forgets that God can do the impossible, so that in my opinion the big "illumination" is just silly and could easily anger most Christians. Even if God is what the book "discovers" it doesn't mean to me that all of Christian history would be changed. That would have to mean that God is limited by biology. So enjoy the read but don't expect it to align with your religious philosophy.
4 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Judith Warner (Schoharie, NY), September 11, 2009
Great adventure, full of surprises and action. Looking forward to the next book by Matt.
0.5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Kristin (Visalia), December 10, 2008
Thriller it is but not a book that I would expect to find in the Christian Book Distributors line up. Completely secular, filled with graphic, horrifying violence.
4 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Pamela Nastase (Charlotte, NC), November 21, 2008
Fascinating book! It kept me reading all night. It would make a great movie, too. I wish there was more of Jesus in it, but it was a well-written suspense.
4.5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by MJ (Georgia, USA), August 10, 2008
The endorsements for this book rave about it's quality and after reading the story I must admit that I agree fully! Bringing forth an adventurous story keeping you guessing as to who is the good guy and who is bad, this is a real page turner. It is said to be a mix between 24, Indiana Jones, and the LOTR and I can see that. I'd also throw in a little Tomb Raider, National Treasure, and the Librarian for good measure. There is one scene in the book that I would not recommend for under 13, but t...more The endorsements for this book rave about it's quality and after reading the story I must admit that I agree fully! Bringing forth an adventurous story keeping you guessing as to who is the good guy and who is bad, this is a real page turner. It is said to be a mix between 24, Indiana Jones, and the LOTR and I can see that. I'd also throw in a little Tomb Raider, National Treasure, and the Librarian for good measure. There is one scene in the book that I would not recommend for under 13, but the rest is just plain fabulous. It's better than a movie and is in an easy to carry format. I cannot wait to break the cover of Matt Bronleewe's next House of Wolves, I'm sure it will prove to be just as exciting!
2.5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by rv rick (nashville, tn), July 13, 2008
i liked: the story line-suspenseful, fast paced, adventuresome, mysterious, complex, twists and turns. each chapter switched to a separate yet parallel facet of the story. gained momentum with each page. mostly, the book was entertaining, which is why i wanted to read it. i disliked: the sexually suggestive exchanges, and, the violent/savage/very bloody/gory scene details were unnecessary to the plot, sequence of events, ending, and enjoyment. seemed over the top. this surprised me from a christian author and christian publisher. had i not known, could have easliy been from a secular writer and publisher. i almost put the book down at several points. would have been a great read without this type of sensational treatment. not for the young reader or your church library.
4.5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by diana collins (andrews, In.), April 11, 2008
I read tons of books. but for anyone who enjoys conspiracy theories, adventure, and excitement this books for you. i personally may have to do some research on this and see where it leads me. this book is absolutely fascinating, read it in two days.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Karla Akins (North Manchester, IN), February 02, 2008
If you enjoy such films as National Treasure, you will love this book. I had a difficult time putting it down and I'm very picky about what I read! Excellent content! Fascinating subject! I highly recommend it!
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