Sep 20, 2011

Book Review: Sanctus by Simon Toyne

Teaser Tuesdays asks you to choose sentences at random from your current read. Identify the author and title for readers.

"So," he said at length, "we have a renegade monk standing on the very summit of the Citadel, forming a deeply provocative symbol, one that has probably already been seen by hundreds of tourists and the Lord only knows who else, and we can neither stop him nor get him back."

"That is correct." Atannasius nodded. "But he cannot talk to anyone while he remains up there, and eventually he must climb down, for where else can he go?" (ch. 10)
Comments: The renegade monk, Brother Samuel, has escaped confinement in the Citadel after balking at the ceremony of the order, where he had witnessed "awful scenes" and learned "terrible secrets." We are later told of the existence of a heretic Bible and an ancient relic called the Sacrament that the Citadel and the order of monks are protecting with their lives. The secrets of the Citadel are jeopardised when Brother Samuel jumps to his death from the top of the mountain, in full view of television media, tourists, and the world.

The book made me think of the DaVinci Code, which had secret groups and secret religious rites. Sanctus seems to take this further, with a new version of religion whose symbol is the sign of the tau.

Described as an "apolacyptic conspiracy thriller", this is a book for those who didn't want The DaVinci Code to end, another book of suspense based on religion.

Title: Sanctus by Simon Toyne
Hardcover, 400 pages
Published March 31st 2011 by HarperCollins
An ARC of the novel was provided by the publisher. 

14 comments:

  1. Sounds interesting. Mine for this week is a just a talking-animal YA adventure.

    http://eyesandearsblog.blogspot.com/2011/09/teaser-tuesday_20.html

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  2. I actually already have a copy of this, but am waiting to read some reviews before taking the plunge!

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  3. I love the DaVinci Code, so hopefully will enjoy this one too.

    Don't enter me. I already have a copy, just haven't gotten around to it yet.

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  4. No need to enter me. I just wanted to say that's a great teaser and the book does sound good. I really liked the Da Vinci Code.

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  5. Great teaser! Sanctus does sound like something I'd love. I'm not entering the giveaway - too many books piled up already. But I'll keep this one in mind.

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  6. I like your take on this one. I received a copy so now I'll probably read it because I loved the DaVinci Code!

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  7. Sounds great, since I really liked the DaVinci Code. THanks for the giveaway.
    mtakala1 AT yahoo DOT com

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  8. A interesting book that will be a great read for me . thanks

    amhengst at verizon dot net

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  9. Sounds extremely interesting. I would enjoy read it. Please enter me. Thanks!

    ayancey(at)dishmail(dot)net

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  10. No need to enter my name in the giveaway - I have a copy waiting for me on the shelf!

    I've heard great things about this novel; yes, reminiscent of THE DA VINCI CODE, but, very well done.

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  11. Count me in please!

    -Britt T.

    brittanyrtuckerATgmailDOTcom

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  12. Sounds interesting so count me in! Thanks Harvee :)

    jennygirl73[at]gmail[dot]com

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  13. This sounds like a book I would enjoy! Please enter me. Thank you!
    mittens0831 at aol dot com

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  14. I've heard lots of buzz about this one. WOuld love to have it.

    tbranco24 (AT) gmail (DOT) com

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