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Illuminated (An August Adams Adventure #1)
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 r
...moreHardcover, 314 pages
Published
August 7th 2007
by Thomas Nelson Publishers
(first published 2007)
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Do you love books? Do you love the history and mystery about rare, antique books? Are you intrigued by the stories of the lives surrounding these historical books?
You will not be disappointed in Matt Bronleewe's debut novel Illuminated: An August Adams Adventure .
The story is based on the illustrative artwork printed on the borders of the Gutenberg Bible.
August Adams, an antique book dealer and expert in his field, is thrust into an adventure that threatens his li...more
You will not be disappointed in Matt Bronleewe's debut novel Illuminated: An August Adams Adventure .
The story is based on the illustrative artwork printed on the borders of the Gutenberg Bible.
August Adams, an antique book dealer and expert in his field, is thrust into an adventure that threatens his li...more
Illuminated is the tale of a archeobibliologist who must unravel clues found in multiple Gutenburg Bibles to discover some deep dark secret. This is your standard Dan Brown DaVinci Code or National Treasure formula book by first time author Matt Bronleewe.
The story is formulaic, which isn't necessarily a bad thing. I found that I enjoyed parts of the book and came away feeling like it was okay. There were a few scenes that felt as if they were tacked on to pad out the word count and di...more
The story is formulaic, which isn't necessarily a bad thing. I found that I enjoyed parts of the book and came away feeling like it was okay. There were a few scenes that felt as if they were tacked on to pad out the word count and di...more
People said on the cover that this book was written like a movie, and it was. No subplot, and predictability like the female villain had an abusive father. There were things that didn't ring true, like the protagonist being given an hour to figure out things, and being chosen in the first place because he's an archeobibliologist with a photographic memory. And there were other things that happened too quickly with less controversy and contention than there should have been, like a villain tur...more
I really, really, tried to get into this book but I really couldn't. This book is to The Da Vinci Code what National Treasure is to the Indiana Jones franchise.
It just fell flat, though: characters never sprang from the pages and the plot never really caught my attention. The plot concerns archaeobibliologist August Adams, who must decipher a centuries-old puzzle found in the illustrations in three rare Gutenberg Bibles. It bears more than a passing resemblance to both "The Da ...more
It just fell flat, though: characters never sprang from the pages and the plot never really caught my attention. The plot concerns archaeobibliologist August Adams, who must decipher a centuries-old puzzle found in the illustrations in three rare Gutenberg Bibles. It bears more than a passing resemblance to both "The Da ...more
What "National Treasure" did for the Declaration of Independence and what "Indiana Jones" did for the Ark of the Covenant, Matt Bronleewee has created a fun, brisk, adventure, centering around the notorious Gutenburg Bibles.
During a transatlantic flight from Germany to New York, archaeobibliologist "August Adams" is forced to decipher several illuminations from a recently acquisitioned Gutenburg Bible or his family will perish at the hands of a malevolent orga...more
During a transatlantic flight from Germany to New York, archaeobibliologist "August Adams" is forced to decipher several illuminations from a recently acquisitioned Gutenburg Bible or his family will perish at the hands of a malevolent orga...more
i have to admit i was a bit worried about this book when i got it home and noticed that all the reviews were from christian musicians and it was put out by a christian publishing company. fortunately i didn't feel like i was being preached at throughout the book. there were definitely some trite moments (like the use of "for goodness' sake) several places in the book, and the author REALLY likes similies which is highly annoying, but overall the book was okay.
the story was decen...more
the story was decen...more
You absolutely can not put this book down once you get started. It is full of action and suspense and intrique. If you are weak of heart, it will not appeal to you as it contains graphic descriptions of murders taking place. However, it is one of the best action/thrillers that I have read in a long time. The sequel is out and I can't wait to read it as well.
While reading Illuminated I just wanted to take the author and shake him and tell him this is not the way to write a book and send him back to writing class.
I found the writing in Illuminated to be extremely poor. Characters with no life, copy-cat plot, all the action told, all the explanatory stuff dry as dust.
Definitely not on my recommended list.
I found the writing in Illuminated to be extremely poor. Characters with no life, copy-cat plot, all the action told, all the explanatory stuff dry as dust.
Definitely not on my recommended list.
I was incredibly disappointed by this book. Its description made it sound so interesting, and in different hands it probably could have been. However, the writing itself is not compelling. It reads more like a first draft than an actual published novel. Very unsatisfying. This should have been a much more entertaining story than it was.
Margaret
rated it
Shelves:
christianfiction,
own,
contemporary,
historical,
suspense-thriller,
thomas-nelson,
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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
This is the first book by Jars of Clay band member Matt Bronleewe. The main thing I appreciate about this book is that it sprung entirely from an random interest by the author, and he treats it with the air of someone who admittedly hasn't studied for twenty years but who wants people to get on the research train because what can be found when we delve into the history of illuminated manuscripts, secret societies, etc. is certainly interesting and sometimes intense. The resolutions come rather q...more
Loved this book. Had to read his second book, House of Wolves right away. Main character August Adams is Indiana Jones of the Book World. Author was lead singer from Jars of Clay.
Story was very entertaining however you have to buy in to the premise. Has some existential feel to the story. I will be reading his second book shortly.
My biggest frustration was that I needed to know a lot more obscure references to have a prayer of solving any of the "illuminations".
Quick read, interesting but not gobsmacking. Although it did make me miss my days of studying manuscripts!
Loved the fast pace of this adventure. Felt like I was watching a movie on the big screen.
I got an advance copy of this from Matt's manager when it first came out. I really enjoyed it.
This book was a massive page turner and was incredibly good. Very addicting.
Exciting in the style of Dan Brown. A little too gory.
Ugh... unlikeable characters, idiotic plot... really bad.
Fun read and fast like the Da Vinci Code
Somewhat like the DiVinci code but much more full of suspense. Certain parts of it is not for one with a weak stomach.
way too gory
Along the same lines as DaVinci code, but worse. Gaping holes in the plot, sketchy character development at best. Some interesting ideas, though, for those who would be interested in doing more research on Gutenberg. The only thing that didn't make it a complete waste of time was that it was such a quick read I finished it in a couple hours.
the only reason i didn't give it 5 stars is because it is too "da vinci code"-ish. this is a book you can not put down. it is considered christian fiction, but only because the author is a christian and there is no bad language. like the da vinci code, it left me wanting to know what exactly was fact and what was fiction.
It was near perfect book. The writing was a little choppy on some parts and the whole cutting the guy to a million little parts was kinda weird, but overall. A very good plot, information and suspence. Good job Matt Bronleewe!
Wow. This book was bad. The writing was bad, the characters were badly developed and the plot was so unbelievable that it was almost funny at times. Not a book I would recommend at all.
Brynne Trible
added it
Just finished this book. It was a good book...entertaining. It was certainly not the greatest book I've read, but it held my attention for the duration, so that's saying something, right?
this book took no time to read...it reminds me of the way dan brown writes. i loved this book!!! i was sad when i was done cause i just wanted it to keep going.
Not my normal book, best described as a spin off of the DaVinci Code, but based on true facts. Incredibly interesting and thought provoking, couldn't put it down.
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