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Blood Symbols Kindle Edition

4.1 4.1 out of 5 stars 353 ratings

Halfway through her Ph.D., Jennifer Jaine’s faith has been shaken. She has become convinced that the Catholic church’s authority is based on a lie. Desperate to prove herself wrong, she goes to the Vatican, only to be caught up in an international hunt for the truth about the church, the Pope, and how Jesus intended his followers to live their faith.A stolen artifact, a mysterious murder, and an escaping intruder lead Jennifer from the Vatican to the streets of Rome to the Cave Church of St. Peter in Turkey, where she discovers a secret that could delegitimize the Pope. Chased by scheming cardinals and the trigger-happy head of Vatican security, assisted only by an elderly professor, the son of an Italian Mafioso, and a mysterious—but handsome—Turk, Jennifer must decide whether to become complicit in the church’s duplicity or shake the foundations of the planet’s most dominant religion.“This fast-paced and intriguing work will hook readers from the first page to the last, leaving them wanting more.” BookLife Prize-2017 by Publishers Weekly.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Blood Symbols is a book worthy of any bookshelf, and a MUST READ for any die-hard Dan Brown fan."TopShelf Magazine
"This fast-paced and intriguing work will hook readers from the first page to the last, leaving them wanting more." Booklife Prize 2017 by Publishers Weekly
"Blood Symbols would not look out of place shelvedalongside not only Dan Brown's boilerplate re-telling of The Holy Bloodand the Holy Grail, but titles such as The Genesis Code by John Case(which predates Brown by five years), The Miracle Strain by MichaelCordy (1996-later renamed The Messiah Code), The Moses Legacy by AdamPalmer, The Lazarus Vault by Tom Harper, The Babylon Rite by Tom Knox,and The Sacred Bones and The Sacred Blood by Michael Byrnes." Dr Stephen Carver: The Literary Consultancy

"If you like Dan Brown you will love this book. It falls right into that genre of a fast paced thriller than questions the basis of Christian/Catholic faith. It isn't a copy,or a repeat, but rather another take on whether Catholic canon iscorrect." Amazon Reviewer

"LOVED IT!!! Very thought provoking with just the kind of controversy I enjoy - highly recommend." Amazon Reviewer

From the Author

Blood Symbols is often equated with Dan Brown's, The Da Vinci Code. With Brown's work setting the religious conspiracy benchmark, and subsequent authors seeking to ride the wave of his success, one must be cautious in mentioning Brown's name when presenting one's own work. Blood Symbols nonetheless does fall into the same genre, and for a significant part is set in the Vatican, but it also features several differences, rendering the novel unique and fresh. Brown's novel covers the time of Jesus: was He Married, was it with Mary Magdalen, was she the Holy Grail, and did they have offspring? Blood Symbols on the other hand addresses the time of the Apostles: did Apostle Peter receive the power and authority of God from Jesus before the crucifixion, did Peter minister to the gentiles in Antioch, Turkey, did he become the first pope of Rome, and did he pass the power and authority of God to the second pope, Linus, effecting the start of apostolic succession? Making Semi Finalist in the BookLife Prize 2017, and scoring of 10 out 10 throughout, the Publisher Weekly reviewer credits Blood Symbols as: "strikingly distinctly different and original."

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B01N2HCFB9
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Izak Botha (November 15, 2016)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ November 15, 2016
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 2218 KB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 446 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.1 4.1 out of 5 stars 353 ratings

About the author

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Izak Botha
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Izak Botha is a perpetual student of life, a former artist, athlete, performer with the Cape Town City Ballet, counselor, architect, entrepreneur, litigator versus multinational corporations, and now author of Homo Angelicansis, Angelicals Reviewed and Blood Symbols, which made Semi Finalist in Publishers Weekly’s Book Life Prize 2017. Settled on South Africa’s Garden Route, Botha is presently working on his new novel.

Customer reviews

4.1 out of 5 stars
353 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the story engaging with suspense and mystery. They describe the book as remarkable and enjoyable to read. The writing quality is praised as intelligent and well-researched, with an erudite author who understands religious texts. The characters are described as relatable and likable. The book explores questions of faith and the Catholic faith, using the Catholic church's beliefs as a good choice.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

75 customers mention "Pacing"64 positive11 negative

Customers enjoy the book's pacing. They find the story has suspense and mystery, with exciting encounters. The book is described as a fast-paced thriller filled with action. Readers appreciate the balance between action and information. The storytelling threads are expertly woven in this historical fiction.

"...Apropos of the subject matter of this fascinating novel, the book opens with a vivid depiction of the brutal slaying of young priest John Yilmaz..." Read more

"...I enjoyed the premise of this book. The story moves at a fast pace at times, almost too fast, which kept me interested and wanting to know what was..." Read more

"...Personally, I like the layers of the story. The layers make it so much more fascinating to read. I enjoyed Izak Botha’s style of writing...." Read more

"...And it certainly is an engaging novel. Not only is the story interesting (think of it as a mystery thriller), but Botha’s writing is..." Read more

35 customers mention "Readability"35 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's readability. They find it fast-paced, suspenseful, and enjoyable. The cover is intriguing, and the book opens a familiar yet refreshingly new take on controversies.

"...descriptions of characters encountered accompany this excellent novel throughout, and Izak’s ability to incorporate biblical references, making them..." Read more

"...I enjoyed the premise of this book...." Read more

"Overall, this was a great book. Like many other readers, I found that it a Dan Brown genre feel to it, which is why the book appealed to me...." Read more

"Blood Symbols by Izak Botha is a lengthy book, well-written, and feels much like the Davinci Code book...." Read more

35 customers mention "Writing quality"32 positive3 negative

Customers enjoy the book's writing quality. They find it well-researched, intelligently written, and compelling. The author has a strong understanding of religious texts and appreciates the literary art. They appreciate the beautifully translated scenes that draw them in. The intricately detailed information and fast-paced action capture the Vatican's rules, mannerisms, and codes perfectly.

"...this excellent novel throughout, and Izak’s ability to incorporate biblical references, making them an integral part of the development of his story..." Read more

"...was edited well and it is obvious that the author has a strong understanding of religious texts. Overall, very good." Read more

"...This isn’t the pulp fiction that anybody can crank out. It’s real writing with colorful and clever prose, natural dialogue, and deep characters...." Read more

"...The book is well written, it has a steady and quick pace and it has twists and turns, it has a lot of intrigues and will hook you up...." Read more

18 customers mention "Character development"18 positive0 negative

Customers find the characters well-developed and relatable. They say the heroine is likable and smart.

"...Cinematic descriptions of characters encountered accompany this excellent novel throughout, and Izak’s ability to incorporate biblical references,..." Read more

"...Mr. Botha’s main character, Jennifer Jaine, she’s an intelligent well-developed main character...." Read more

"...writing with colorful and clever prose, natural dialogue, and deep characters...." Read more

"...The characters and places are well-described and that was fantastic because the reader is able to rejoice in memories of past trips to Vaticano..." Read more

18 customers mention "Religion"18 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's religious themes. They find it explores issues of faith, corruption within the Vatican, and the origins of Catholics. The book takes readers on an interesting spiritual journey, mixing excitement, intrigue, and Christianity.

"...as the author distills some of the nuances and intricacies of religion and the Catholic faith...." Read more

"Blood Symbols stimulates one’s thinking like no other work of fiction I have read before...." Read more

"...is good reason for it...both books take action, adventure, and religious doctrine, and whip them together to create a great, slightly controversial..." Read more

"...I love the unique and intriguing plot of Blood Symbols...." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on June 30, 2019
    South African author Izak Botha earned degrees in Building Science and Architecture form the University of Port Elizabeth. After working in outdoor media and property development he retired to write. Izak is a man of many talents – artist, architect, litigator, athlete, counselor, entrepreneur, and former performer with the Cape Town City Ballet! And of equal importance, he is a ‘perpetual student of life.’ Credentials such as these invite the reader into a very special world in this book BLOOD SYMBOLS, a religious conspiracy thriller examining the clandestine role of Imperial Rome in the rise of Christianity, is his first novel.

    Apropos of the subject matter of this fascinating novel, the book opens with a vivid depiction of the brutal slaying of young priest John Yilmaz whose impact is offered with fine writing – ‘John Yilmaz stood rigid, arms dangling, hands tense. His mother had become his enemy. The nourishment of her umbilical cord had turned vile. If he did not break free she would poison him. He would die, and her womb would become his grave. He had to escape this godforsaken place. ‘Euphoria is a symptom of shock,’ Yilmaz thought. But he was far form happy. He had seen wickedness at its most appalling – had even collaborated. Now the responsibility for exposing it was his…’ From this beginning the novel traces religious history and myths in a manner that creates exceptional ardor.

    Izak offers his plot prior to the Prologue quoted above: ‘Halfway through her Ph.D., Jennifer Jaine’s faith has been shaken. She has become convinced that the Catholic Church’s authority is based on a lie. Desperate to prove herself wrong, she goes to the Vatican, only to be caught up in an international hunt for the truth about the church, the Pope, and how Jesus intended his followers to live their faith. A stolen artifact, a mysterious murder, and an escaping intruder lead Jennifer from the Vatican to the streets of Rome to the Cave Church of St. Peter in Turkey, where she discovers a secret that could delegitimize the Pope. Chased by scheming cardinals and the trigger-happy head of Vatican security, assisted only by an elderly professor, the son of an Italian Mafioso, and a mysterious—but handsome—Turk, Jennifer must decide whether to become complicit in the church’s duplicity or shake the foundations of the planet’s most dominant religion.’

    Cinematic descriptions of characters encountered accompany this excellent novel throughout, and Izak’s ability to incorporate biblical references, making them an integral part of the development of his story, adds a dimension not found in other writers’ books on religious thrillers. His experience in the arts 9all forms) is evident in the manner in which he paints scenes and choreographs action. He has created a fine heroine in Jennifer Jaine and his supporting cast is equally well developed. This is a fine tale of religious conspiracy related eloquently and with passion. It longs to become a film…Grady Harp, June 19
    One person found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on September 16, 2018
    Blood Symbols by Izak Botha is a novel about the foundation of the Catholic Church and the possibility that it is all based on a lie. Jennifer is a student who is working on her PhD in religious studies. She is working in the Vatican and has just been granted permission to interview a very high ranking church official. She is excited by this, but is shocked when she starts the interview and finds the individual to be out of touch with the knowledge that she has. Later on, another member of the church is found stabbed to death deep inside the Vatican where sacred and secret texts are kept. Another intruder then escapes from the Vatican with a document that holds a terrifying secret that could shatter the very existence of the church. Jennifer is trying her best to keep up with what is happening and trying to find out what is really going on. Her hunt for the truth will lead her to an ancient church in Turkey where she will either learn the truth of recent events and the church itself, or become just another body that the Vatican will do anything to cover up.
    I enjoyed the premise of this book. The story moves at a fast pace at times, almost too fast, which kept me interested and wanting to know what was going to happen next. However, there were other times that the author took so much time to explain the backstory of what as happening. This may have been necessary since certain texts are very important to the flow of the story, but it really slowed down the action and burned out the suspense of what was happening. The story was edited well and it is obvious that the author has a strong understanding of religious texts. Overall, very good.
    8 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on June 21, 2019
    Overall, this was a great book. Like many other readers, I found that it a Dan Brown genre feel to it, which is why the book appealed to me. I like the controversial ideas the books bring up all while set in fast-paced thriller book. Personally, I like the layers of the story. The layers make it so much more fascinating to read.
    I enjoyed Izak Botha’s style of writing. The book is fast-paced with a hit the ground running introduction. In addition to the faster pace parts of the book, I really loved Mr. Botha’s main character, Jennifer Jaine, she’s an intelligent well-developed main character.
    However, when it came to historical information, the story slows down considerably. It makes it mildly more challenging to stay as engaged when the book starts to explore the more factual aspect of the story. Unfortunately, unless Botha changes it from factual to fictional, there’s not much one can do about the pace change throughout the book.
    The pace changes in the book are only a minor drawback, and as I mentioned earlier, pretty unavoidable when keeping to the facts. I think this book was a great read and would highly recommend it anyone, but especially those who enjoyed Dan Brown’s work. I will note that Botha is not a Brown copycat, the genre is the same, but the writing styles are different, much like the difference between Koontz and King.
    One person found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Liam M.
    4.0 out of 5 stars Intriguing subject matter, and a great writing style
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 17, 2018
    Having still not come down from my high after reading Dan Brown, I sought after books of a similar ilk. However, I did not expect to find such a writer as Izak Botha.

    From page 1 he hooks the reader in, and will not loosen his grip until he's shown you how fast-paced and chaotic his writing style and narrative can go. A story of corruption and intrigue that shook me to the core at some points. Izak's writing really does force you to question the validity of even the highest forms of religious authority. Is it all real? Or is absolute power at the centre turning everything into profit?

    I recommend this to anyone looking for a thrill ride!
    One person found this helpful
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  • Anastasia Styles
    3.0 out of 5 stars As good as Dan Brown
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 9, 2021
    I don’t think anyone could look at this title, cover, blurb, and not assume that this is a book in the same vein as the Da Vinci Code. And, it is.

    Much like any tome of the genre generally attributed to Dan Brown (who, in fairness, made a very popular fiction based on the Holy Blood, Holy Grail, itself categorised as non-fiction), you can expect a lot of conspiracy, historical details that may or may not match history but they’re there in abundance, violence, incredible characters—in the sense that they are not credible, but I don’t think people come to this sort of book with that hope, any more than they would come to a superhero story with such a hope.

    After a violent introduction, our first real chapter kicks off with a detailed overview of our female protagonist’s appearance, which rarely bodes well; in this case, Botha’s attention to detail extends to all aspects of the story, however. While often a lot of detail can bring a lot of depth and immersiveness to a story, in this case a lot of it felt more like padding. I know there are some very famous authors who have taken a similar approach, but it’s not one I prefer. For me, by all means convey the detail necessary to give us information and also set a scene, but beyond that, sometimes less is more and giving too much in the way of minutia can mean I find myself more distracted from actually being truly immersed in the story.

    Ultimately, this book is all one could expect from Dan Brown, delivered by Izak Botha. So if you’re here for Brown-like books, this one’s for you.

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