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7th out of 533 books
—
228 voters
The Voynich Cypher
by
Russell Blake (Goodreads Author)
When a sacred relic is stolen from its subterranean guarded vault, Dr. Steven Cross, amateur cryptologist, becomes embroiled in a deadly quest to decipher one of history’s most enigmatic documents – a 15th century parchment written entirely in unbreakable code; The Voynich Manuscript. Stalked by secret societies, and aided by the daughter of a murdered colleague, a trail o...more
Kindle Edition, 331 pages
Published
February 22nd 2012
by Manana Publishing
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I went to Catholic schools as a child and in Junior High we were asked to write stories about what the world would be like if all copies of the Bible were lost or destroyed. I rebelled and wrote why I was sure it couldn’t happen instead. Russell Blake’s The Voynich Cypher evokes a similar response in me, but it’s fiction, like Dan Brown’s Da Vinci Code. All fiction involves the willing suspension of belief, and those moments when disbelief becomes un-suspended either make us think or make us put...more
Compelling, Fast Paced Read
Wow! It was love at first sight between me and Dr. Steven Archer Cross. Dr. Cross is self made man who retired from his own software company at age 30. Seeking intellectual stimulation, Archer immersed himself in cryptography, often using his super computer skills and the resources of his newer hobby software company, to unlock the mystery of codes. Cross is at loose ends, recovering from the death of his beloved Antonia and living in Italy when Winston Twain, a collea...more
Wow! It was love at first sight between me and Dr. Steven Archer Cross. Dr. Cross is self made man who retired from his own software company at age 30. Seeking intellectual stimulation, Archer immersed himself in cryptography, often using his super computer skills and the resources of his newer hobby software company, to unlock the mystery of codes. Cross is at loose ends, recovering from the death of his beloved Antonia and living in Italy when Winston Twain, a collea...more
Russell Blake comes out of the gate strong in 2012, with The Voynich Cypher, a refreshingly unique and thrilling addition to a genre worn thin over the past decade. As with all Blake novels, the plot accelerates rapidly, and cleverly devised twists hide around every corner, leaving the reader in a constantly satisfied state of suspense. The Voynich Cypher reintroduces Dr. Steven Cross (formerly Archer) from Blake's critically acclaimed trilogy serial, Zero Sum.
After narrowly escaping with his li...more
After narrowly escaping with his li...more
Russell Blake’s newest release, “The Voynich Cipher” is an exciting, fast paced thrill ride. The novel opens with the theft of an ancient relic from a medieval church in rural England and races on from there. The relic contains part of a medieval parchment, the Voynich Manuscript that has defeated cryptographers for centuries.
Dr. Steven Cross, an amateur cryptologist, has written software that enables him to break ancient codes much more quickly. When the relic disappears and another cryptologis...more
I will admit up front, I'm not a huge fan of suspenseful gun packed action-adventure stories involving cyphers and secret societies. Sure I've read and enjoyed The Da Vinci Code, but Angels and Demons by the same author has sat on my shelf unread for years.
The premise is Dr. Steven Cross, crypotologist widower, is surprised by Natalie super-hot chick in catsuit with the unfortunate news that suddenly an intellectual exercise of his, The Voynich Cypher, has become a life or death riddle. They mu...more
The premise is Dr. Steven Cross, crypotologist widower, is surprised by Natalie super-hot chick in catsuit with the unfortunate news that suddenly an intellectual exercise of his, The Voynich Cypher, has become a life or death riddle. They mu...more
Mar 14, 2012
Kristi (Books N Beans)
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Shelves:
educational,
free,
historical-fiction,
intrigue,
puzzle-solve,
requested-review,
scientific,
thriller
Russell Blake's latest addition to his already outstanding arsenal, The Voynich Cypher, is just another testament to why he has become a favorite author of many. Each of his titles have been different in their subject matter, different in their plots, and different in their overall writing style. However, all of them have been stupendous in keeping you engaged, entertained, and in the end a little more educated. Blake is superb in his research and keeping the book realistic, while taking your mi...more
Though I have heard of him before, this was the first time that I got a chance to read Russell Blake’s work.
The story begins with a vivid description of how a scroll gets stolen. Right from the first line of the first chapter, the author manages to grab your attention. Then we move on to our protagonist, Steven Archer. We are given a glimpse into his life with Antonia and his life after her. Steven is the head of a software company and a cryptologist by hobby. He had managed to combine his busin...more
The story begins with a vivid description of how a scroll gets stolen. Right from the first line of the first chapter, the author manages to grab your attention. Then we move on to our protagonist, Steven Archer. We are given a glimpse into his life with Antonia and his life after her. Steven is the head of a software company and a cryptologist by hobby. He had managed to combine his busin...more
This is a total, and I do mean total, knock-off of The Da Vinci Code. Let's see...
Brilliantsymbologist cryptologist? Check.
Daughter of murdered guy who held the secret of...? Check.
Sadistic evil guy slavishly devoted to evil father figure? Check.
Good guy who turns out to be bad guy? Check.
Secret that can destroy the Catholic Church? Check.
Not-great writing? Check.
What is it missing that The Da Vinci Code had?
Depth.
Excitement.
Suspense.
It wasn't terrible, it was just...there. It all seem...more
Brilliant
Daughter of murdered guy who held the secret of...? Check.
Sadistic evil guy slavishly devoted to evil father figure? Check.
Good guy who turns out to be bad guy? Check.
Secret that can destroy the Catholic Church? Check.
Not-great writing? Check.
What is it missing that The Da Vinci Code had?
Depth.
Excitement.
Suspense.
It wasn't terrible, it was just...there. It all seem...more
I have to admit, when I picked up this book, I wasn't sure whether I'd read it before. Let's see, we have an amateur genius cryptologist, a stolen ancient scroll which leads to a secret that could destroy the Church, a secret order within the Church that will stop at nothing to get the scroll back, a ruthless billionaire who'll stop at nothing to own it, all tied in to a well-known mysterious object that has baffled academics for a century - sound familiar? It's starting to become a well-worn fo...more
Thanks to my husband, I knew just how good this book really was. Sure, I would have enjoyed it. What’s not to like? There’s intrigue, danger, romance, mystery, emotion, and so on. From the first word to the last, you’ll be hooked. But without hubby’s previous book recommendations, I wouldn’t have known it was as good as novels by Clive Cussler and Dan Brown.
Dr. Steven Cross goes from decoding as a hobby to a world-wide adventure that puts his life in danger. Enter Natalie Twain, a woman of myste...more
Dr. Steven Cross goes from decoding as a hobby to a world-wide adventure that puts his life in danger. Enter Natalie Twain, a woman of myste...more
For me, this was a little bit of a letdown book. It was entertaining - good guys, bad guys, some romance, action, and history thrown in. The problem was I didn't think it lived up to it's counter part which for me was "The da Vinci Code" by Dan Brown.
== Slight Spoiler ==
I think I didn't appreciate that there were two climaxes for the book. That bothered me. I thought that them getting the manuscript out of there hands was going to take more time/ be more intriguing, but it seemed like such a le...more
== Slight Spoiler ==
I think I didn't appreciate that there were two climaxes for the book. That bothered me. I thought that them getting the manuscript out of there hands was going to take more time/ be more intriguing, but it seemed like such a le...more
Clearly in the same vein as Da Vinci Code, as the codes are cracked and the secrets unleashed to lead our unlikely couple to the climax that could transform the Church and the world as we know it. It did keep my attention, but left me feeling rather unconvinced at a couple crucial moments. I wasn't quite sold by the actual clues, or by their ability (or lack thereof) to solve them, until the plot demanded a breakthrough. Making the pivotal characters so apathetic towards any and all religious ma...more
This is a great book, with amazing attention to setting and development of the historical aspects of the storyline.
One area that seemed lacking, however, was consistent character development. I found myself wanting to know more about the office mates and how they might figure in the unfolding plot, only to have my hopes dashed by a two-sentence summary, which left all sorts of questions unanswered.
Similarly, the female protagonist went from a capable, brilliant, and in-control major character to...more
One area that seemed lacking, however, was consistent character development. I found myself wanting to know more about the office mates and how they might figure in the unfolding plot, only to have my hopes dashed by a two-sentence summary, which left all sorts of questions unanswered.
Similarly, the female protagonist went from a capable, brilliant, and in-control major character to...more
Mar 19, 2012
Amber
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
Everyone
Recommended to Amber by:
A brilliant, brilliant man
For his thirteenth novel, The Voynich Cypher, Russell Blake once again blows readers out of the water with his genius story-telling capabilities. We're once again reading about Dr. Steven Cross, who's journey to decipher one of the most cryptic secrets history has been holding on to, is a gripping and mind blasting consipiracy theory that makes Brown's The DaVinci Code look like a first grade level reader. More intense and arresting than The DaVinci Code, Blake grabs readers attention with a sha...more
First I have to say, this novel was the second in a series and could stand alone. (I didn't read the first one.)
Second, amazing writing! He has great attention to detail, and the writing is impeccable!
Russell Blake definitely knows how to keep his readers' attentions! If you expect one thing, another thing happens that's just brilliant!
This novel follows Dr. Cross on a journey in search of a Scroll, a Scroll that has tremendous value! He meets a woman, Natalie, who completely throws his world up...more
Second, amazing writing! He has great attention to detail, and the writing is impeccable!
Russell Blake definitely knows how to keep his readers' attentions! If you expect one thing, another thing happens that's just brilliant!
This novel follows Dr. Cross on a journey in search of a Scroll, a Scroll that has tremendous value! He meets a woman, Natalie, who completely throws his world up...more
Two groups in pursuit to lay claims for an ancient scroll. As usually, those phrases "secret that could shatter the foundation of the church" , "secret that can bring the people back to church". Those phrase which are in vogue ever since the "the da Vinci code" and "angels n demons" became the best sellers. I don't want to be harsh in judging the book as an imitation of Dan Brown's books. However, i cant help but draw parallels. Conspiracy theory, chases, papal agents, turn coats, a hired sadist...more
I'm not sure if Russell Blake is a Dan Brown knock-off or vice-versa, though Blake has other series that I've read parts of that venture into areas that aren't cryptographic ancient scroll Catholic church related. It's a fun romp with some interesting twists and turns. He could use a little more variety in his adjectives - it seems everyone in Italy is either surly or officious - and now and again he seems to feel the need to go into too much branding detail - it almost felt like he was being pa...more
I have always found the Voynich scroll to be fascinating.. I love how Russell Blake took one of the biggest mysteries of our own time.. and weaved a fantastic tale! The characters are well developed and easy to identify with. From the very first page.. until the last paragraph the reader is kept flipping the pages faster and faster.. while trying to savor the concept. I love when an author does his homework.. and incorporates many obscure facts and riddles into a story! I'd highly recommend this...more
The thinking man’s Da Vinci code
Also enjoyed by a non-thinking man like myself.
This was a very enjoyable and engrossing action-adventure thriller.
I have read a few books by this author, and like them this was very decently written.
There are plenty of witty dialogue and interesting characters and locations. The action scenes were quite realistic and the mystery elements were well handled.
This was very fast moving but not at the expense of character development and the plot actually made sense.
I e...more
Also enjoyed by a non-thinking man like myself.
This was a very enjoyable and engrossing action-adventure thriller.
I have read a few books by this author, and like them this was very decently written.
There are plenty of witty dialogue and interesting characters and locations. The action scenes were quite realistic and the mystery elements were well handled.
This was very fast moving but not at the expense of character development and the plot actually made sense.
I e...more
I really liked this book. I reminded me at times of the Da Vinci Code and that is one of my favorites. I couldn't put this book down because I wanted to know what was coming next and how it was all going to end. I was shocked at the end to say the least because I didn't see it ending the way it did but it was the best ending I think it could have had. I fell in love with the characters and found myself nervous during parts because I wasn't sure how it was all going to end and if they were going...more
A twisted ride of suspense and intrigue!
This was the first Russell Blake book that I have read, but it won't be the last. The Voynich Cypher is a fast-paced, intelligently written story with twist and turns that kept me up late at night until the very end. The characters are real and flawed, as we are in real life. I was as hooked by this book as I was by the Da Vinci Code--if you liked Da Vinci, The Voynich Cypher has the same flavor--I urge you to pick it up. A must read for any suspense love...more
This was the first Russell Blake book that I have read, but it won't be the last. The Voynich Cypher is a fast-paced, intelligently written story with twist and turns that kept me up late at night until the very end. The characters are real and flawed, as we are in real life. I was as hooked by this book as I was by the Da Vinci Code--if you liked Da Vinci, The Voynich Cypher has the same flavor--I urge you to pick it up. A must read for any suspense love...more
I really enjoy books like this - mystery novels that follow a story in history (think Dan Brown type novels). Steven Cross is pulled into a chase when he is approached by the daughter of a friend who was recently killed. Cross is a cryptologist and proves to be one of the best throughout. Once again, got this free on my Kindle, and really enjoyed it. Highly recommend this book.
I made the mistake of reading this book first (it's second in a trilogy) so I was missing a few things at the beginning. Blake has a good story, fast moving in some parts, slower in others. The only disappointment was how quickly he wrapped up the ending - it lacked the umph I was looking for. The book just sort of....ended. I'm now going to go back and read book one (Zero Sum) and then look for book 3. It's a quick and easy read overall.
The Voynich cipher is an ancient document that was discovered but which no one has been able to decipher. Dr. Stephen Cross who does cryptography as a hobby whole running a software company in Italy is visited by a Goth looking woman who asks him for help. She is the daughter of another famous cryptographer whom Cross had written to in the past. She has in her possession a cylinder holding manuscript that was stolen from an old abbey. The Vatican is mounting an effort to recover the cylinder and...more
Writing is a bit too cinematic, jumping from scene to scene. I just figure out the character and his bit of the plot and then I am thrown into something completely different. And why do I know all the names of the weapons and cars but the characters are cardboard? By the 4th or 5th jump I gave up.
Russell Blake is a terrific writer. He knows how to grab you fast, and he knows how to spin a tale. I liked this book much better than the thriller by Dan Brown.
Blake is a prolific writer, and I frankly don't know how he churns out so many excellent reads!
Blake is a prolific writer, and I frankly don't know how he churns out so many excellent reads!
Would have been a good beach read. Dan Brown "lite." I do like the protagonist, and will definitely take a look at the other books in the series.
One KINDLE note: Book is shorter than it appears - lots of "previews" for the other books. Definitely threw me off.
One KINDLE note: Book is shorter than it appears - lots of "previews" for the other books. Definitely threw me off.
The story is ok although both the cryptographic part of the plot and the plot itself are lightweight. Ending could have been less abrupt, I mean, the suspense building is rather nice then... the end. Slightly disappointing. A good read, no more.
Russell Blake is quickly becoming one of my favorite thriller authors. I love these types of books where history, religion, and the history of religion are put into question. These books don't make me question my faith. They entertain me.
There aren't many books that I don't finish, but the first couple of chapters of this were so poorly and irritatingly written that I couldn't continue. I've added this author to my Avoid list.
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May 08, 2013 06:48am