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The Evelyn Project

by Kfir Luzzatto (Goodreads Author)

3.83 of 5 stars 3.83 · rating details · 24 ratings · 15 reviews

A loving father's cry for help gets into the wrong hands, and a hundred years later things get out of control.

Evelyn’s father did everything that was in his power to save his dying daughter, black magic included. But when a century later his plea for help gets into the wrong hands, all hell breaks loose.

Caught in the slippery battlefield between the Vatican and a cult that...more

Paperback, 306 pages

Published April 1st 2012 by Pine Ten, LLC (first published March 31st 2012)

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Jul 14, 2012 Teresa rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: mystery

Kfir Luzzato has deftly crafted a very complex tale, weaving the mystery ever tighter and tighter, just until I thought I knew what was happening next and who could be trusted. Then he cast doubt in my mind, and wove the mystery another direction. Back and forth through the story--with a wide cast of varied characters to anchor his weaving...it kept me turning pages.

It was a suspense filled read, but wasn't without a few light moments. Before the book was over, it seemed like nearly everyone was...more

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Aug 30, 2012 Kathleen Kelly rated it 4 of 5 stars

Can you really change the past or at least change some events in the past that would have an impact on the future? The Evelyn Project supposes just that, when a century later, a letter is revealed to have instructions on how a young woman by the name of Evelyn is dying and how she can be saved. Her father will do what it takes to save her so he goes to woman who can promise that his daughter can in fact be saved by using black magic.

What follows is a fast paced, chase from London, Italy and Swi...more

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May 14, 2012 Susan Anderson rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: thriller, action-adventure

Nothing is as it seems in this breathtaking adventure that catapults an Italian professor and his lover, a beautiful French actress, into the heart of northern Italy and Switzerland in search of a century's old formula before it gets into the wrong hands. The story sucked me in, faster than a Steven Spielberg movie fills a theater.

THE EVELYN PROJECT by Kfir Luzzatto opens with the chairman of the European Historical Communication Society enlisting the aid of Franco Lorenzi, professor of Latin an...more Nothing is as it seems in this breathtaking adventure that catapults an Italian professor and his lover, a beautiful French actress, into the heart of northern Italy and Switzerland in search of a century's old formula before it gets into the wrong hands. The story sucked me in, faster than a Steven Spielberg movie fills a theater.

THE EVELYN PROJECT by Kfir Luzzatto opens with the chairman of the European Historical Communication Society enlisting the aid of Franco Lorenzi, professor of Latin and descendant of the Honorable L., a loving father who attempted to save his daughter, Evelyn, from consumption in 1894.

On one level, the book is shimmering entertainment, a magical romp that whirls its readers from one European watering hole to the next, and I for one thoroughly enjoyed the story and the setting and the characters, especially the haunting Mrs. Cecchi and Maria, the cool and calculating Dr. Benini. I loved the scenes in Venice, Asti, Lugano, the quick pace of the action, the smooth, transparent style of Kfir Luzzatto's writing, and the main characters, Eva and Franco.

The action circles back and forth in time, like an ageless spider spinning its web. Eva and Franco overcome one spine-tingling terror after another, only to be overwhelmed by another set of almost insurmountable odds. International conglomerates like the Vatican and Great Britain's Secret Service vie for control. Treacherous villains à la James Bond and Batman are thrown into the mix as we, the readers, nail bite our way through the story, mesmerized--one eye on the traitor in back of us, the other on the lush scenery whizzing past.

But on a deeper level, THE EVELYN PROJECT deals with the age-old longing for the elixir of life, humanity's quest to harness death and thereby alter the course of history. It also deals with the corrupting effects of absolute power on institutions and individuals who abuse the innocent to achieve their own ends.

A thriller with plenty of twists and turns and just the right touch of the paranormal, a mystery that spans the centuries--these are the ingredients that make THE EVELYN PROJECT an irresistible dish and I recommend it to all readers who love memorable books.(less)

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Aug 22, 2012 Petra rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: for-review

http://hazelthewitch.blogspot.cz/2012...

I always love stories that are told from different point of views, and with more story-lines that are at the end connected into one epic story. It's quite tricky to weave together stories of different people into one plot, and to have a good timing, so that the story doesn't lose its dynamics. It's indeed not easy, but when done well it's an amazing experience. And I'm happy to say that when it comes to The Evelyn Project, everything was executed really we...more

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Jul 08, 2012 Mary (BookHounds) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012, from-publisher-author

MY THOUGHTS
REALLY LIKED IT
Evelyn is near death when her father tries a last ditch effort to save her from tuberculosis by visiting a medium during the late 1800s in Italy. The medium, who denies being a witch, learns the secrets of how to save her from speaking with the dead. Flash forward to current time and her only remaining relative, Franco, a Latin professor in England. He is contacted by a multimillionaire, Easby who wants to change history by inserting some small change in the past. He at...more MY THOUGHTS
REALLY LIKED IT
Evelyn is near death when her father tries a last ditch effort to save her from tuberculosis by visiting a medium during the late 1800s in Italy. The medium, who denies being a witch, learns the secrets of how to save her from speaking with the dead. Flash forward to current time and her only remaining relative, Franco, a Latin professor in England. He is contacted by a multimillionaire, Easby who wants to change history by inserting some small change in the past. He attempts to try corrupting the past by saving Evelyn from her death when a letter her father writes explaining the blood magic necessary falls into his hands. So by recreating her illness in another in current times and bringing Franco together with replacement, he hopes that history will be changed when the substitute for Evelyn in modern times is cured.

This story is sort of like the DaVinci Code, where there is plenty of action, car chases, Vatican and English involvement with a mystery of ancient sorcery and cults. Each side trying to play the other, while one man tries to figure out exactly what is happening by shear willpower and reasoning. The story flips back and forth between the past and current to help move the story forward which works. There is also a romance worked in with Eva, who is a temptress/actress and her interactions with Franco really make you wonder whose side she is really on. Then there is Kathia, whose sister is killed by a cult so she wants to hunt them all down but meets a lot of roadblocks.

I had a bit of a struggle with the dialogue but once I got over what seemed a bit of "lost in translation" issues, that the whole thing really moved along. There is the bad guy with no conscious sent out to kill the hero and the crazy rich guy bent on changing history through any means possible and a bunch of conspiracy theories that will have you guessing until the very end. Franco is quite likable and you want to cheer him on to solve the whole thing and live a happy life. Overall, thriller/mystery fans who like a bit of paranormal should enjoy this quick read.
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Jul 24, 2012 M.K. McClintock rated it 4 of 5 stars

A Reader's Opinion: The love for a child will bring and the best and worst in people . . . I enjoyed all of the different elements of this book and the international feel to it. Humor, suspense, and thrills meld together to keep the reader going and wanting more. You need to keep a sharp mind to focus on all of the twists, turns, and characters--there's a lot going on, but the author combines everything in a way so the story doesn't feel cluttered--everyone plays a worthwhile role. I enjoy the a...more

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Aug 27, 2012 Redheaded Bookworm rated it 4 of 5 stars

This is not one of my usual reads, but I am so glad I had a chance to read it. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time I was reading this book. It's full of mystery and intrigue. Of course, my mind was making up all kinds of different scenarios. This "who dunnit" will make you think you know who is trustworthy only to throw you another curve. Luzzatto has spun an intriguing world where mystery is a tangible thing. It will grab you and won't let go until you finish. This is not a light read....more

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Sep 09, 2012 Srinivasan rated it 4 of 5 stars

I enjoy the author's writing style and voice and I can honestly say it's one of the more unique styles I've read lately.
The relationship between Franco and Eva is well-crafted and fascinating to see it develop. Sometimes you really don't know where Eva stands and Franco rarely knows who he can trust. I would say that the relationship-building of this story is the book's greatest strength.
From London to Italy to Switzerland--from 2009 to 1894 and back again. I usually have a difficult time with b...more

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May 14, 2012 Kriss Morton rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: cabin-goddess-review-intention

This book was haunting from the moment you open it up till the end. When I received the book to review the cover intrigued me because we were in the middle of having a huge discussion on the paranormal and where ghosts fit into the bunch since many of us believe in their existence. Let's face it, as much as I adore zombies, the only ones out there are the ones that some Voudon has screwed around with using drugs and other smelly things, they just do not exist. Monsters of the non human variety (...more This book was haunting from the moment you open it up till the end. When I received the book to review the cover intrigued me because we were in the middle of having a huge discussion on the paranormal and where ghosts fit into the bunch since many of us believe in their existence. Let's face it, as much as I adore zombies, the only ones out there are the ones that some Voudon has screwed around with using drugs and other smelly things, they just do not exist. Monsters of the non human variety (ie: HUMAN = seriel killers, hitler, the pope and NON HUMAN vampires, werewolves, ghouls) require us to dispel our belief. Ghosts are borderline because even with Supernatural reminding us how horrifying they can be, they still end up feeling more in the range of Casper variety, just does not frighten us.

As I read further I realized this was nothing to do with a ghost, in fact I can say this book states also it has to do with black magic. Well, yes sort of but again, it was more of just part of the story, the real story was more of a psychological terror fest that had you clutching whatever ever was nearby in a death grip as you followed Franco, the professor and the beautiful actress, Eva through his ride through crazyville across Europe and time. But do not be mistaken, there are ghosts in this book, but none of them are friendly and none of them go boo! The tale bounces back and forth between generations of desperation to find a secret formula that only Franco can unlock. Trickery, murder and confusion ensue that is wrought so transparently and well done by our author you cannot help but jump on the train and go along for the ride.

If you have seen Hitchcock's interpretation of John Buchan's novel The 39 Steps you will probably feel the same way I did while reading this tale. Our poor protagonist, Franco is unassuming and is minding his own business when approached by a seemingly trustworthy older gentleman who approaches him insisting his is needed because he is the last blood relative left and therefor only he can help in some mysterious project. He seems harmless enough but enter in another mysterious person, from some secret covert government agency (and in Britain it makes it all that more clandestine of a feel) who insists the gentlemen is the leader of some dangerous murdering cult and you are on the edge of your seat requiring crumpets, brandy and a cigar to continue reading.

There are a lot of tendrils to keep track of here, but it is well worth it. Nazi's, the alps (no singing in this tale though), deathbeds, blood letting, a bit of hocus-pocus and of course love.. oh wait there is also some bizarre behind the scene ponzi scams involving a very powerful and greedy man who has some underhanded dealings with someone in the Vatican, though that is a not as important to the story as it goes to the actual character development of the greedy little man... murder... mayhem, cross country chase... and Venice! What European tale would be proper and dark without having a scene or two in Venice! No there are no vampires or hidden submarines wielded by Captain Nemo here but it is rather a fun place to start this cross country European chase to escape a hitman and the police and find out what is really in the documents that are causing all this craziness in the first place! No wonder the mushroom soup did what it did to our poor Professor!

But seriously folks, this is a wonderful dark tale with a budding love interest which is continually being tested on the level of trust. There is more than one mystery that I was sure I had solved that when it was exposed only to find myself back-peddling to double check because I was sure the author screwed something up only to find out Doh, it was me missing a minor clue! It truly was like being lost in some Scottish Loch being chased by Nazi's through the fog rain and mud and wondering why everything was in black and white! (yes I know a little heavy on the Hitchcockian visuals but HEY it was like being in the middle of a REALLY good Hitchcock movie! but with WORDS instead of moving pictures!)

This is not like DaVinchi's code, this is not your normal paranormal tale, nor is the black magic the central focus point. The focus is the characters, the trust, the building of relationships that have been thrust upon you and perhaps throw a little Plato-ism in with a possible “split-apart” with our Professor and the beautiful actress. Betrayal on all sides and that older gentleman? Well... he is much darker than he seems. A couple of shoot outs and dingy hotel rooms and you will see why I keep referring back to Hitchcockian feeling stories. It is a tale of depths, there is always more than meets the eye, there is always something else going on, and even in the end... even with that last page you are left feeling full but still in wonder if it is really ever going to be through.

I recommend this book to people who are looking for a literary tale that will have them at the edge of there seats, who like a bit of intelligent twists and a little Noire / hard boiled feel to their tales sprinkled with mystery, suspense, thriller and a cast of characters that have you toasting each page turn! It was a thrill to be able to read and the review is long overdue and I am so glad that I have found this hidden gem amidst the philistine copy cat stories out there. It is well worth the buy and read!(less)

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Aug 30, 2012 Laurie Carlson rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: mystery-suspense-thriller

If your child was dying from Tuberculosis back in 1894, what would you do? Anything! This book turns to black magic to cure her, which is where the Paranormal or Time Travel fits in.
This book takes you on an adventure all over the world, flip-flopping back and forth between the people involved, including the characters from 1894 coming to the future searching for that cure to one woman who may hold it, yet she does not even know it.
There were a lot of characters involved in this story, and at t...more If your child was dying from Tuberculosis back in 1894, what would you do? Anything! This book turns to black magic to cure her, which is where the Paranormal or Time Travel fits in.
This book takes you on an adventure all over the world, flip-flopping back and forth between the people involved, including the characters from 1894 coming to the future searching for that cure to one woman who may hold it, yet she does not even know it.
There were a lot of characters involved in this story, and at times it was hard to keep track of who the character were, if they were a good guy versus a bad guy. Also, who could you trust in general?
The main character, Franco, was first approached in his home by a couple of people who held information about an adventure they wanted Franco to go on. This left him with a lot of decision making to do once he finally gets going around the world trying to figure out who was good and bad while figuring out what to do, where to go, and who to trust. Trust was a huge issue. He also did not know that this journey he was about to embark on involved Black Magic. In the beginning, I felt Franco was kind of a push-over as a character as he could have said 'no' to this entire project, but instead allowed these secretive people he knew nothing about talk him into, or, rather pushing him into doing something for them. He did not make a decision, he just went along with what they told him to do. I felt this character should have been much stronger and perhaps questioned this journey more, but he did not.
Once this story finally gets going, there is so much more that goes on in this book that at times it is hard to keep track of who is who and what and where they are, and who was after what. Thankfully the chapters were labeled at the top as to where the story was taking place at, then the first paragraph told us who the character was.
The first thing I want to say is that Book Reviews are done for a variety of people to read books and ask their opinions of them, and I am going to tell you mine. This was a story that I had a difficult time keeping my interest in. I am an honest reviewer, and will not sugar coat the story and tell you it was amazing. I had a hard time reading and getting into it, and a hard time finishing it. I got to 20% on my Kindle, and had I not been asked to read this book, I would have stopped reading it sooner than this. For me, it was taking too long for the actual story to start. It might just be that this book is not 'my' cup of tea? I couldn't put my finger on it.
There are very few reviews written on this book, and yes, I read them, but the ones I did read all seemed to like this book. There was one other reviewer that rated this book the same as I have. I believe I am the only one who is admitting I did not like the story very much, however it was mentioned by a couple other reviewers that they, too, had to get used to the dialogue of this story. Perhaps this was the problem I had with this story?
I had a hard time transitioning to the pattern of speech. Perhaps it could be from the translation of this story?
The author is a colorful writer in painting a very thorough explanation of the surroundings they are in in each place, including his own home, which to me I could have done without and just gotten on with the story. I wanted the action to get going that I read in the reviews of this book!
I highly suggest reading all the reviews that have been written about this book in addition to mine to get a better idea to see if this book is a fit for you instead of just my review alone. Read all the reviews to make your decision to see if this is a book you want to read. Don't base your decision only on one review, and this goes for ALL books. I did not find any spoilers in the other reviews, so you won't ruin your reading experience by reading them, and this is as of today's date in which there are 10 other reviews.
I am glad I had the opportunity to review this book. It was neat to be in Europe going around to all the different places this story took us to. It was nice to finally read this authors work, too, as I see him on Twitter a lot! It's nice now to see him and be able to put the story to his face! So getting to read this book was a nice change of pace.
I received this book for FREE from the Author, and then joined in on the Pump Up Your Book Tours to read this book and write an honest review about it. It is NOT required for this review to be either positive or negative, but, of my own honest opinion. “Free” means I was NOT provided with ANY MONIES to read this book nor to write this review, but to enjoy the pure pleasure of reading the book. I am disclosing this information in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/wa...
Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.(less)

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Aug 21, 2012 Candace (Lovey Dovey Books) rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

The Evelyn Project is a detailed, fast-paced novel with suspenseful and mysterious tones. Kfir Luzzatto plies his novel with non-stop action and a side of romance to reach out to a wide range of readers.

The story centers around a father, living in 1894, who is driven to the most dangerous task to give his daughter more time to live. Over one hundred years later, what he set in motion has a profound effect on a simple Latin professor whose life becomes a whirlwind of deceit, romance, and secrets....more

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Jul 21, 2012 Deborah rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: a-favorite-writer, award-winning-author, children-s-health, death-and-dying, european-setting, men-would-enjoy, new-author-for-me, paperback-i-own, paranormal, smashwords-available

What would you do to save your child's life? Would you give the Devil his due? And, would you be willing to give your DNA and more for the sake of an ancestor you never knew? These are questions author Kfir Luzzatto dares us to confront in his novel, "The Evelyn Project."

Rich in spirit-veiled detail, sublimely suspenseful and a roller coaster ride to the end, this book will have you caught up in a labyrinth of quests to solve the mystery of a century old bond between a father and daughter, a fa...more What would you do to save your child's life? Would you give the Devil his due? And, would you be willing to give your DNA and more for the sake of an ancestor you never knew? These are questions author Kfir Luzzatto dares us to confront in his novel, "The Evelyn Project."

Rich in spirit-veiled detail, sublimely suspenseful and a roller coaster ride to the end, this book will have you caught up in a labyrinth of quests to solve the mystery of a century old bond between a father and daughter, a fatal illness and the paranormal.

Characters are strong in this book. They are vividly drawn and imaginative. I couldn't help feeling great sympathy for the desperate father who only wanted to save his child's life...a situation of love that ultimately turned deadly in the hands of the wrong people.

From a feminist point of view, one of Mr. Luzzatto's main characters, an aspiring French actress is nothing short of indomitable! As a strong representative of the best in women, she's a treasure. Feisty and heroic, she doesn't let ruthless men who pursue her and her lover, get the better of her. She's resourceful and resilient even when her lover, the Professor sometimes isn't! I loved her fighting spirit. She's a respectable and intelligent woman character, as well as a sexy one. A woman we can be proud of. Kudos to the author on this one!

On the other hand, Luzzatto's Professor, the other central figure in "The Evelyn Project" is the pensive character we'd expect him to be. Unsure of whom and which group of strange new fellows to trust, he balances their virtues against their unlikely truths. He takes us along for the ride as we try to figure out who to trust and who to believe in the quest for "Evelyn" and the secrets surrounding century old documents.

Story development is well defined. It's easy to follow the progression of this thriller through the eyes of a cultish group with their own longevity agenda, to the race of Evelyn's professorial ancestor for his life and his wits against them. I liked being kept guessing...who were the real "bad guys" in the chase?!

This is a fast-paced, intriguing novel that will keep you wondering until it's resolved in the closing pages. Kfir Luzzatto is an intelligent author who gives us an original story with turns of plot that hit you head-on! There were several surprises in the novel I didn't see coming, and I consider myself a seasoned reader. This is a book I can safely recommend to those who enjoy a thriller with paranormal and historical fiction underpinnings. You'll find the final repercussions just startling! I did.

5 stars Deborah/TheBookishDame
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Aug 16, 2012 *Babs* rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: arc-asked-to-review, suspense, thrillers

A touching story about a young woman with tuberculosis and a father who struggles to save her life. After Evelyn's father visits a medium type witch interesting things start to happen. The story is fast paced with roller coaster rides, chases and action. Not sure who is playing who and what the outcome will be.

The authors does an excellent job with the history and translations. It was interesting to see how you could change the past by what you do in the here and now. A wonderful read.

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Aug 02, 2012 Mindy rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: dream-reader-dreamer2229-blo

I loved the improbable idea that is the basis for this story. The idea that you could change the past in the current time by following certain steps as foretold by a seer or witch is fascinating.

The story is well written, humorous, suspenseful, and exciting. I enjoyed seeing what happened at each step. I recommend this book.

I give this book 4 out of 5 clouds.

This product or book may have been distributed for review; this in no way affects my opinions or reviews.

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Sep 11, 2012 PopcornReads rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: contemporary-fiction, family, historical-fiction, loss, magic, mysteries-thrillers, paranormal, politics, relationships, romance, secrets, suspense, resurrection

The Evelyn Project combines historical and contemporary fiction, including a little black magic in addition to danger and suspense. I’ve never read anything quite like it. If you like mysteries with an unusual, suspenseful edge to them, then this might be just your cup of tea. Read the rest of my review at http://popcornreads.com/?p=4584

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Shelves: magic

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About Kfir Luzzatto

Kfir Luzzatto was born and raised in Italy, and moved to Israel as a teenager. He acquired the love for the English language from his father, a former U.S. soldier, a voracious reader and a prolific writer. Kfir has a PhD in chemical engineering and works as a patent attorney. He lives in Omer, Israel, with his full-time partner, Esther, their four children, Michal, Lilach, Tamar and Yonatan, and...more

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