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O Ícone
Artist Gary Hanson is commissioned by an unscrupulous art dealer to produce a replica of a w orld-famous Ikon on the Greek island of Tinos. But while on Mykonos Island nearby, he learns some disturbing news regarding his close friend John Ralston, who was also commissioned to forge another masterpiece, and has suffered a mysterious breakdown as a result. Sceptical by what happened, Garth decides to investigate and he finds himself led down a treacherous road of murder, betrayal and deception, for he is suddenly plunged into a world of deceit and fear, where fact and fallacy become confusing and surreal. With no one to turst, Garth becomes obsessed in discovering the real truth behind the Ikon - a terrible, ancient secret that if revealed, could change the world as we know it The Ikon is a mind-boggling, tense thriller currently being adapted for the big screen.
312 pages, Paperback
First published May 20, 2000
2 people are currently reading
34 people want to read
About the author
Gary Van Haas
29 books3 followersGary Van Haas is a graduate of UCLA School of Journalism, who married his Greek wife and has spent the last twenty years living in Greece working as an Associate Production Coordinator, Stunt director, and Production Advisor for films being made in Greece. He is also a published novelist and has been a feature travel writer for the International Herald Tribune, Time, Newsweek, Odyssey, and Travel Magazine. Mr. Van Haas is the author of THE IKON, which is a lively Greek island thriller set on Mykonos, and has recently completed another sequel thriller to his 'Garth Hanson' action adventure series titled, MALABAR RUN, set in Goa, India and also has a new book soon to be released called, IN SEARCH OF ANCIENT GREECE, which is said to be one of the most comprehensive and compelling travel-historical works completed to date.
Gary will eventually use his past film production experience and talented hand at directing, as Gary's unique story telling abilities give him special insight into the film making process.
Gary will eventually use his past film production experience and talented hand at directing, as Gary's unique story telling abilities give him special insight into the film making process.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
August 6, 2020
Ne znam kako da okarakterisem ovu knjigu.Poluzanimljiva mozda.Prvo Sam se jedva naterala da krenem da citanjem,nakon prvih 20-ak stana mi se svidela.Onda Sam Jedva cekala da nastavim da citanjem...da bi posle nekih 100 strana postalaa totalno nezanimljiva.Pri kraju je vec bolje,dobija neki smisao,misterija se resava.Jedino sto mi se bas svidelo je opis Mikonosa...te prirode,tih lepota.jednostavno ooisano tako daimas utisak da se nalazis tamo.
March 26, 2018
Meni je na početku knjiga toliko obećavala ali nakon 150.str kada se STVARNO ništa vezano za tu Ikonu nije dešavalo knjiga je počela da me guši i nisam toliko bila zainteresovana. S brda s dola je napisana i tako je i kada je čitate! U poslednjih 10 strana je napisano kakva se “zavera” krije iza cele priče ali to bukvalno nije nikakav završetak.
August 30, 2015
Nisam mnogo ocekivala. ali zaista dobra knjiga, nije najbolja, ali drzi paznju.
November 10, 2025
Gary Van Haas’ THE IKON: A Greek Island Thriller on Mykonos swept me away from the very first page. As someone who loves both art and travel, this book checked every box for me, it’s got atmosphere, mystery, danger, and that irresistible Greek island charm. Garth Hanson, the down-on-his-luck artist from San Francisco, is a character I immediately connected with. You can feel his frustration and longing for a second chance, and before you know it, he’s thrown into a whirlwind of international intrigue that never lets up.
The setting is so vividly drawn that I could almost smell the sea breeze, hear the clinking of glasses in Mykonos cafes, and see the whitewashed houses gleaming under the Aegean sun. The plot takes unexpected turns, especially when the story shifts toward Tinos for the breathtaking climax. The race to steal a sacred, gem-studded icon worth millions had me on the edge of my seat — but what truly impressed me was the deeper layer of mystery behind the icon itself. There’s a hint of global stakes that gives this thriller an intelligent twist beyond the usual heist story.
Van Haas writes with cinematic flair, I could easily imagine this as a film. The pacing, dialogue, and tension are expertly balanced, and the cultural details feel authentic and immersive. THE IKON is a perfect escape for anyone craving sun-soaked suspense and smart storytelling. Highly recommended!
The setting is so vividly drawn that I could almost smell the sea breeze, hear the clinking of glasses in Mykonos cafes, and see the whitewashed houses gleaming under the Aegean sun. The plot takes unexpected turns, especially when the story shifts toward Tinos for the breathtaking climax. The race to steal a sacred, gem-studded icon worth millions had me on the edge of my seat — but what truly impressed me was the deeper layer of mystery behind the icon itself. There’s a hint of global stakes that gives this thriller an intelligent twist beyond the usual heist story.
Van Haas writes with cinematic flair, I could easily imagine this as a film. The pacing, dialogue, and tension are expertly balanced, and the cultural details feel authentic and immersive. THE IKON is a perfect escape for anyone craving sun-soaked suspense and smart storytelling. Highly recommended!
November 10, 2025
From the very first chapter, THE IKON had me completely captivated. Gary Van Haas wastes no time pulling readers into a story that feels both epic and intimate. The sun-soaked Greek islands provide the perfect backdrop for this globe-spanning thriller, and I loved how the author contrasted the beauty of Mykonos with the dark motives of the characters chasing the priceless icon.
Garth Hanson is a compelling protagonist, a struggling artist trying to make sense of a world suddenly filled with murder, greed, and international intrigue. I liked that he wasn’t a cliché “action hero,” but rather an ordinary man who finds extraordinary courage when everything falls apart.
The pacing is excellent, fast, but never rushed, and the details of Greek life give the story real authenticity. The secondary characters are colorful and believable, each with their own hidden agenda. When the action shifts to the island of Tinos for the grand finale, the tension becomes almost unbearable.
I especially enjoyed the moral complexity of the story. It’s not just about stealing jewels or chasing wealth, it’s about uncovering something with consequences far greater than anyone expected. This book would make a phenomenal movie or series.
I’m eagerly waiting for the next installments. If you enjoy well-written thrillers that transport you somewhere exotic while keeping your heart racing, THE IKON is a must-read.
Garth Hanson is a compelling protagonist, a struggling artist trying to make sense of a world suddenly filled with murder, greed, and international intrigue. I liked that he wasn’t a cliché “action hero,” but rather an ordinary man who finds extraordinary courage when everything falls apart.
The pacing is excellent, fast, but never rushed, and the details of Greek life give the story real authenticity. The secondary characters are colorful and believable, each with their own hidden agenda. When the action shifts to the island of Tinos for the grand finale, the tension becomes almost unbearable.
I especially enjoyed the moral complexity of the story. It’s not just about stealing jewels or chasing wealth, it’s about uncovering something with consequences far greater than anyone expected. This book would make a phenomenal movie or series.
I’m eagerly waiting for the next installments. If you enjoy well-written thrillers that transport you somewhere exotic while keeping your heart racing, THE IKON is a must-read.
November 10, 2025
As someone who adores books set in exotic places, THE IKON completely captivated me. Gary Van Haas paints Mykonos and Tinos so vividly that I felt like I was right there, walking through narrow cobbled streets, tasting salty air, and soaking up the golden light of the Aegean. The island atmosphere alone is worth reading for, but then the story hits with full force: murder, greed, secrets, and a priceless religious icon that holds something far more dangerous than jewels.
Garth Hanson is an incredibly human protagonist. He’s not a superhero or a spy, just an artist trying to get by, which makes his plunge into a world of international intrigue feel believable and tense. Watching him navigate deception, danger, and temptation kept me glued to every page. The pacing is sharp, the dialogue realistic, and the twists are cleverly woven into the narrative.
The final act on Tinos is absolutely gripping, cinematic and emotional at the same time. I could almost hear the waves crashing as the truth behind the icon unraveled. It’s that rare thriller that combines a classic adventure with spiritual and global undertones, leaving you thinking long after the last page.
For anyone who loves suspense with a sense of place, THE IKON delivers a rare combination of excitement and atmosphere. I’ll definitely be reading the next books in this series!
Garth Hanson is an incredibly human protagonist. He’s not a superhero or a spy, just an artist trying to get by, which makes his plunge into a world of international intrigue feel believable and tense. Watching him navigate deception, danger, and temptation kept me glued to every page. The pacing is sharp, the dialogue realistic, and the twists are cleverly woven into the narrative.
The final act on Tinos is absolutely gripping, cinematic and emotional at the same time. I could almost hear the waves crashing as the truth behind the icon unraveled. It’s that rare thriller that combines a classic adventure with spiritual and global undertones, leaving you thinking long after the last page.
For anyone who loves suspense with a sense of place, THE IKON delivers a rare combination of excitement and atmosphere. I’ll definitely be reading the next books in this series!
Read
November 10, 2025What an incredible ride! THE IKON is one of those thrillers that grabs you by the collar from the opening chapter and doesn’t let go until the end. Gary Van Haas blends the tension of an international mystery with the heart and soul of Greek island life.
I’ve visited Mykonos once before, and this book brought back every sight, sound, and scent of that magical place. The author’s love for Greece is unmistakable, it seeps into every page, making the backdrop come alive.
The story itself is loaded with action and suspense. There’s a priceless religious icon, a web of schemers, and a group of unforgettable characters whose fates collide in shocking ways. But what elevates this book above a standard thriller is the clever twist, that the icon holds more than material wealth; it holds something of true global importance.
Garth Hanson is such a relatable hero. He’s flawed but likable, struggling yet resilient. Watching him navigate betrayal, danger, and moral choices made me root for him throughout.
Van Haas’ writing style is clean, cinematic, and vividly descriptive. You can feel the Mediterranean heat and tension building scene by scene. By the explosive finale on Tinos, I was completely hooked.
THE IKON is escapist reading at its best, equal parts mystery, adventure, and cultural immersion. It deserves to be on every thriller fan’s summer reading list!
I’ve visited Mykonos once before, and this book brought back every sight, sound, and scent of that magical place. The author’s love for Greece is unmistakable, it seeps into every page, making the backdrop come alive.
The story itself is loaded with action and suspense. There’s a priceless religious icon, a web of schemers, and a group of unforgettable characters whose fates collide in shocking ways. But what elevates this book above a standard thriller is the clever twist, that the icon holds more than material wealth; it holds something of true global importance.
Garth Hanson is such a relatable hero. He’s flawed but likable, struggling yet resilient. Watching him navigate betrayal, danger, and moral choices made me root for him throughout.
Van Haas’ writing style is clean, cinematic, and vividly descriptive. You can feel the Mediterranean heat and tension building scene by scene. By the explosive finale on Tinos, I was completely hooked.
THE IKON is escapist reading at its best, equal parts mystery, adventure, and cultural immersion. It deserves to be on every thriller fan’s summer reading list!
November 11, 2025
Gary Van Haas delivers a thrilling, intelligent, and atmospheric story that had me reading late into the night. THE IKON combines the fast pace of a modern thriller with the mystery and spirituality of ancient Greek legends. The result is a fascinating page-turner that lingers long after the last line.
The plot centers around a sacred icon, an artifact worth millions, but with secrets that could shake the world. The setup alone is irresistible, but what really makes this book shine is how Van Haas ties together art, faith, and international crime. Every chapter builds tension and deepens the intrigue.
Garth Hanson, the artist-turned-unlikely-hero, is an excellent lead. You feel his desperation, his moral conflicts, and his growing awareness that he’s part of something far bigger than himself. He’s the kind of flawed but good-hearted character readers love to root for.
The author’s descriptions of the Greek islands are breathtaking, I could picture the sparkling sea, the narrow streets, the scent of jasmine at dusk. The sense of place adds a unique texture to the thriller elements.
This isn’t just a chase for treasure, it’s a story about what people value, what they’re willing to risk, and how beauty and power can corrupt. If you like stories with substance behind the suspense, THE IKON is a gem.
The plot centers around a sacred icon, an artifact worth millions, but with secrets that could shake the world. The setup alone is irresistible, but what really makes this book shine is how Van Haas ties together art, faith, and international crime. Every chapter builds tension and deepens the intrigue.
Garth Hanson, the artist-turned-unlikely-hero, is an excellent lead. You feel his desperation, his moral conflicts, and his growing awareness that he’s part of something far bigger than himself. He’s the kind of flawed but good-hearted character readers love to root for.
The author’s descriptions of the Greek islands are breathtaking, I could picture the sparkling sea, the narrow streets, the scent of jasmine at dusk. The sense of place adds a unique texture to the thriller elements.
This isn’t just a chase for treasure, it’s a story about what people value, what they’re willing to risk, and how beauty and power can corrupt. If you like stories with substance behind the suspense, THE IKON is a gem.
November 10, 2025
THE IKON is a beautifully written thriller that weaves together the art world, Greek culture, and high-stakes adventure into one unforgettable story. Gary Van Haas clearly knows his subject matter, his background knowledge of Greece and his passion for storytelling shine through on every page.
I was instantly drawn to Garth Hanson, the struggling San Francisco artist who suddenly finds himself caught up in something way over his head. His journey from an ordinary painter to someone facing life-and-death stakes is fascinating and believable. The author handles his transformation with subtlety and emotional depth.
The story’s premise, a sacred icon worth millions that hides something world-changing, is both thrilling and thought-provoking. Van Haas manages to keep the reader guessing right up to the end, all while exploring deeper themes about greed, faith, and the true value of art.
I especially loved how the Greek islands themselves became living characters in the story. The descriptions of Mykonos and Tinos are so rich that I could see the sun glinting off whitewashed walls and hear the sounds of the bustling tavernas. It’s escapism at its finest, with substance to match.
I was instantly drawn to Garth Hanson, the struggling San Francisco artist who suddenly finds himself caught up in something way over his head. His journey from an ordinary painter to someone facing life-and-death stakes is fascinating and believable. The author handles his transformation with subtlety and emotional depth.
The story’s premise, a sacred icon worth millions that hides something world-changing, is both thrilling and thought-provoking. Van Haas manages to keep the reader guessing right up to the end, all while exploring deeper themes about greed, faith, and the true value of art.
I especially loved how the Greek islands themselves became living characters in the story. The descriptions of Mykonos and Tinos are so rich that I could see the sun glinting off whitewashed walls and hear the sounds of the bustling tavernas. It’s escapism at its finest, with substance to match.
Read
November 11, 2025Reading THE IKON felt like watching a top-tier international thriller film. The pacing, visuals, and tension are all perfectly executed. Gary Van Haas writes with the precision of a screenwriter and the soul of a novelist.
The story takes us from the art scene of San Francisco to the dazzling but dangerous Greek island of Mykonos, where ambition, greed, and faith collide. The premise the theft of a sacred, gem-studded icon is already thrilling, but the deeper twist elevates it into something truly memorable.
What I appreciated most was the way Van Haas builds atmosphere. Every scene pulses with life from the quiet tension in a Mykonos café to the breathtaking chaos of the climax on Tinos. His knowledge of Greek culture gives the book authenticity, while his pacing keeps the reader’s adrenaline high.
Garth Hanson is an excellent anchor for the story. His artist’s eye and emotional depth make him far more relatable than the typical thriller protagonist. You care about him, even as he’s drawn deeper into danger.
If this book ever gets adapted to film, I’ll be first in line to see it. Until then, I’ll be diving into the next two parts of THE IKON series. This is storytelling done right bold, beautiful, and impossible to put down.
The story takes us from the art scene of San Francisco to the dazzling but dangerous Greek island of Mykonos, where ambition, greed, and faith collide. The premise the theft of a sacred, gem-studded icon is already thrilling, but the deeper twist elevates it into something truly memorable.
What I appreciated most was the way Van Haas builds atmosphere. Every scene pulses with life from the quiet tension in a Mykonos café to the breathtaking chaos of the climax on Tinos. His knowledge of Greek culture gives the book authenticity, while his pacing keeps the reader’s adrenaline high.
Garth Hanson is an excellent anchor for the story. His artist’s eye and emotional depth make him far more relatable than the typical thriller protagonist. You care about him, even as he’s drawn deeper into danger.
If this book ever gets adapted to film, I’ll be first in line to see it. Until then, I’ll be diving into the next two parts of THE IKON series. This is storytelling done right bold, beautiful, and impossible to put down.
November 11, 2025
THE IKON was an unexpected delight. I stumbled upon it looking for something different a thriller that wasn’t set in the usual cities or formulaic spy setups, and this book delivered in every way.
The Greek island setting is absolutely intoxicating. You can feel the heat, smell the ocean, and sense the energy of Mykonos. But beneath that postcard beauty lies danger, corruption, and mystery. Van Haas balances both worlds perfectly.
The plot revolves around a priceless icon that everyone wants, thieves, art dealers, collectors, and even governments. But when the truth of what’s inside the icon comes to light, everything changes. I won’t spoil it, but the twist gives the story real depth and originality.
What impressed me most was the way the author combined suspense with reflection. There are moments of action, yes, but also moments of quiet insight about art, faith, and human greed. It reminded me of early Dan Brown novels but with a more artistic soul.
I finished THE IKON in two evenings, completely immersed. I’d recommend it to anyone who enjoys adventure, history, and intelligent thrillers. This is a hidden treasure worth discovering!
The Greek island setting is absolutely intoxicating. You can feel the heat, smell the ocean, and sense the energy of Mykonos. But beneath that postcard beauty lies danger, corruption, and mystery. Van Haas balances both worlds perfectly.
The plot revolves around a priceless icon that everyone wants, thieves, art dealers, collectors, and even governments. But when the truth of what’s inside the icon comes to light, everything changes. I won’t spoil it, but the twist gives the story real depth and originality.
What impressed me most was the way the author combined suspense with reflection. There are moments of action, yes, but also moments of quiet insight about art, faith, and human greed. It reminded me of early Dan Brown novels but with a more artistic soul.
I finished THE IKON in two evenings, completely immersed. I’d recommend it to anyone who enjoys adventure, history, and intelligent thrillers. This is a hidden treasure worth discovering!
November 11, 2025
THE IKON is one of those rare thrillers that manages to be both exciting and meaningful. Gary Van Haas combines the suspense of a high-stakes heist with the depth of an artful, character-driven story.
From the moment Garth Hanson steps onto Mykonos, the reader is swept into a whirlpool of deception and intrigue. What starts as a desperate artist’s chance encounter quickly spirals into an international conspiracy involving murder, betrayal, and a sacred icon worth millions.
But the story isn’t just about money or crime it’s about discovery. The icon itself holds secrets that could change the world, and that revelation takes the book to another level entirely.
The writing is crisp and cinematic, and the descriptions of Greece are so vivid that you can practically feel the sun on your skin. Van Haas has a gift for blending action with atmosphere, and his characters flawed, ambitious, and utterly human make the stakes feel real.
By the end, I felt like I’d been on a journey not just through the islands, but through the depths of art, faith, and human nature. I can’t wait to read the next part of the series.
From the moment Garth Hanson steps onto Mykonos, the reader is swept into a whirlpool of deception and intrigue. What starts as a desperate artist’s chance encounter quickly spirals into an international conspiracy involving murder, betrayal, and a sacred icon worth millions.
But the story isn’t just about money or crime it’s about discovery. The icon itself holds secrets that could change the world, and that revelation takes the book to another level entirely.
The writing is crisp and cinematic, and the descriptions of Greece are so vivid that you can practically feel the sun on your skin. Van Haas has a gift for blending action with atmosphere, and his characters flawed, ambitious, and utterly human make the stakes feel real.
By the end, I felt like I’d been on a journey not just through the islands, but through the depths of art, faith, and human nature. I can’t wait to read the next part of the series.
November 11, 2025
As a fan of Mediterranean fiction, I was instantly drawn to THE IKON. What I didn’t expect was such a powerful mix of suspense and authenticity. Gary Van Haas clearly knows Greece the people, the culture, the way light hits the sea and he turns that familiarity into a living, breathing backdrop for his story.
The plot is masterfully constructed. Garth Hanson, an artist from San Francisco, gets entangled in a deadly hunt for a priceless icon, and suddenly, paradise turns perilous. The sense of danger lurking beneath the beauty of Mykonos and Tinos is palpable.
The book balances its thriller elements with thought-provoking undertones. The icon itself becomes a symbol of faith, greed, and the things humanity values most. That’s what makes this story resonate.
I loved the dialogue, the pacing, and the unexpected alliances and betrayals. By the time the final twist came, I was holding my breath.
This isn’t just a good beach read, it’s a story that makes you think while keeping you entertained. Van Haas has crafted a thriller with brains, heart, and soul.
The plot is masterfully constructed. Garth Hanson, an artist from San Francisco, gets entangled in a deadly hunt for a priceless icon, and suddenly, paradise turns perilous. The sense of danger lurking beneath the beauty of Mykonos and Tinos is palpable.
The book balances its thriller elements with thought-provoking undertones. The icon itself becomes a symbol of faith, greed, and the things humanity values most. That’s what makes this story resonate.
I loved the dialogue, the pacing, and the unexpected alliances and betrayals. By the time the final twist came, I was holding my breath.
This isn’t just a good beach read, it’s a story that makes you think while keeping you entertained. Van Haas has crafted a thriller with brains, heart, and soul.
July 10, 2021
Από τις μεγαλύτερες μπούρδες που έχω διαβάσει τελευταία.
Ιστορία χωρίς νόημα και πλοκή, αχώνευτος, ποζεράς και δήθεν πρωταγωνιστής και από εικόνα, που λέει και ο τίτλος, τίποτα.
Χαζοαμερικανάκι πρωταγωνιστής έρχεται στην Ελλάδα για κομπίνα, η οποία πραγματοποιείται περίπου στη σελίδα 260κάτι offpage, και κάθεται και γκομενίζει και σκαρώνει νέες κομπίνες όσο είναι εδώ.
Ποιος το ήξερε επίσης ότι σε Αθήνα, Μύκονο και Τήνο οι Έλληνες είναι ελάχιστοι και όσοι υπάρχουν είναι προφανώς διεφθαρμένοι ή άχρηστοι.
Προφανώς και μην το διαβάσετε, είναι χάσιμο χρόνου.
Ιστορία χωρίς νόημα και πλοκή, αχώνευτος, ποζεράς και δήθεν πρωταγωνιστής και από εικόνα, που λέει και ο τίτλος, τίποτα.
Χαζοαμερικανάκι πρωταγωνιστής έρχεται στην Ελλάδα για κομπίνα, η οποία πραγματοποιείται περίπου στη σελίδα 260κάτι offpage, και κάθεται και γκομενίζει και σκαρώνει νέες κομπίνες όσο είναι εδώ.
Ποιος το ήξερε επίσης ότι σε Αθήνα, Μύκονο και Τήνο οι Έλληνες είναι ελάχιστοι και όσοι υπάρχουν είναι προφανώς διεφθαρμένοι ή άχρηστοι.
Προφανώς και μην το διαβάσετε, είναι χάσιμο χρόνου.
February 15, 2019
Almost a waste of time. Finished it only to find out how the writer would tied up all the loosen ends of the plot. Only interesting thing the way Greece, Athens and Mykonos were portraited some 40 years ago.
June 8, 2019
Es un thriller sumamente atrapante. Me enganchó y me entretuvo. La historia estaba muy bien construida y cada capítulo te dejaba con ganas de más. Los plow twist fueron muy buenos.
December 9, 2013
Sebuah ikon suci yang konon bisa menyembuhkan berbagai macam penyakit diperebutkan oleh berbagai pihak yang berkepentingan sehingga menimbulkan banyak korban jiwa termasuk seniman pelukis John Ralston. Rekan John sesama seniman pelukis yaitu Garth Hanson penasaran dengan tewasnya John lalu mencoba menyelidikinya, tetapi pada saat yang bersamaan, sebuah organisasi misterius mengancam Garth untuk membuat tiruan ikon tersebut. Garth pun terpaksa menurut karena nyawanya jadi taruhan. Dia pun pergi ke Yunani untuk tugas tersebut dan bertemu beberapa rekan lamanya termasuk Eugene. Kehadiran gadis jelita Grace Heller semakin mengacaukan pikiran Garth. Bisakah seniman yang satu ini melaksanakan tugasnya?
Novel bergenre thriller adventure ini ditulis oleh jurnalis Gary Van Haas dan kini terjemahannya untuk versi Indonesia diterbitkan oleh Dastan Books. The Ikon sedikit banyak memang terinspirasi dari Da Vinci Code-nya Dan Brown. Anehnya dalam kemasan kover ada tulisan segera diangkat menjadi film layar lebar dengan bintang utama Pierce Brosnan dan Catherine Zeta Jones, sebenarnya hal ini merupakan mispromosi karena hingga kini saya tidak pernah mendengar Hollywood memulai proyek ini.
Novel ini menurut saya cenderung biasa saja. Buruk tidak, bagus juga tidak. Kalau saya upamakan sebuah film, tidak jauh beda dengan film popcorn Hollywood biasa. Ada adegan awal, tengah dan akhir yang berjalan datar nyaris tanpa berkelok-kelok. Karakternya juga biasa, tidak terlalu berkesan. Garth Hanson sebagai pelukis yang di ambang kebangkrutan tidak terlalu membuat saya bersimpati, begitu pula sosok love interest-nya, Grace Heller yang malah membuat saya sebal dengan kehadirannya. Kehadiran Eugene memang lumayan menyegarkan, tetapi hanya sampai di situ.
Konflik yang ada di novel ini cenderung tidak banyak, memang berfokus pada satu tujuan penyelamatan ikon suci tersebut dari pihak-pihak ambisius yang ingin menguasainya, tapi setelah membaca hingga halaman terakhir, ternyata yang terjadi justru antiklimaks, dalam artian ada pihak yang menang untuk sementara, sedangkan pihak yang kalah memang kalah tetapi masih berpeluang lagi untuk mengejar ikon suci. Bagaimana dengan ikon suci tersebut? Ternyata masih juga terlindungi oleh pihak yang memang menjadi penjaganya.
Sungguh sebuah novel thriller adventure yang biasa saja dan tidak terlalu mengesankan!
Novel bergenre thriller adventure ini ditulis oleh jurnalis Gary Van Haas dan kini terjemahannya untuk versi Indonesia diterbitkan oleh Dastan Books. The Ikon sedikit banyak memang terinspirasi dari Da Vinci Code-nya Dan Brown. Anehnya dalam kemasan kover ada tulisan segera diangkat menjadi film layar lebar dengan bintang utama Pierce Brosnan dan Catherine Zeta Jones, sebenarnya hal ini merupakan mispromosi karena hingga kini saya tidak pernah mendengar Hollywood memulai proyek ini.
Novel ini menurut saya cenderung biasa saja. Buruk tidak, bagus juga tidak. Kalau saya upamakan sebuah film, tidak jauh beda dengan film popcorn Hollywood biasa. Ada adegan awal, tengah dan akhir yang berjalan datar nyaris tanpa berkelok-kelok. Karakternya juga biasa, tidak terlalu berkesan. Garth Hanson sebagai pelukis yang di ambang kebangkrutan tidak terlalu membuat saya bersimpati, begitu pula sosok love interest-nya, Grace Heller yang malah membuat saya sebal dengan kehadirannya. Kehadiran Eugene memang lumayan menyegarkan, tetapi hanya sampai di situ.
Konflik yang ada di novel ini cenderung tidak banyak, memang berfokus pada satu tujuan penyelamatan ikon suci tersebut dari pihak-pihak ambisius yang ingin menguasainya, tapi setelah membaca hingga halaman terakhir, ternyata yang terjadi justru antiklimaks, dalam artian ada pihak yang menang untuk sementara, sedangkan pihak yang kalah memang kalah tetapi masih berpeluang lagi untuk mengejar ikon suci. Bagaimana dengan ikon suci tersebut? Ternyata masih juga terlindungi oleh pihak yang memang menjadi penjaganya.
Sungguh sebuah novel thriller adventure yang biasa saja dan tidak terlalu mengesankan!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 4, 2010
Perang Salib I, Kaum Cathar & Ksatria Templar, Vatikan, konspirasi Israel, rahasia besar Yesus... Mana? Kok sepertinya bagian-bagian ini hanya sekadar sempalan saja?
Ini salah satu buku yang sampul dan ringkasan ceritanya yang bombastis berhasil "menipu" saya. Alih-alih mendapatkan kisah misteri berlatar-belakang sejarah, saya hanya menemukan kisah seru-seruan ala Hollywood dalam pesona eksotisnya Yunani. Sama sekali bukan selera saya. Jauh dari harapan!
Well... Lumayan-lah untuk menghabiskan waktu di pesawat.
Ini salah satu buku yang sampul dan ringkasan ceritanya yang bombastis berhasil "menipu" saya. Alih-alih mendapatkan kisah misteri berlatar-belakang sejarah, saya hanya menemukan kisah seru-seruan ala Hollywood dalam pesona eksotisnya Yunani. Sama sekali bukan selera saya. Jauh dari harapan!
Well... Lumayan-lah untuk menghabiskan waktu di pesawat.
August 1, 2012
This is one of those books that end to be in something that one was not expecting. Somehow, I had some expectations over this book. In fact, at the beginning it did look like it was interesting, but, as the story unfolded, it became boring and very predictable. Also, there is no mystery because everything is kept out of the reader until the very end of the book! In my opinion, this is a bad built plot that misleads the reader, turning this book in a frustrating experience. Not even a summer reading, as I was expecting.
October 9, 2014
Um thriller que tinha tudo para dar certo mas que teve algumas partes tão confusas e maçadoras que só depois de alguma insistência e força de vontade da minha parte é que consegui levar a leitura até ao final.
A história gira em torno da falsificação de obras de arte e da descoberta de um documento que pode mudar as crenças religiosas que conhecemos há muitos anos.
Ponto positivo: as idílicas paisagens das ilhas gregas e a personagem Eugene que é muito divertido.
A história gira em torno da falsificação de obras de arte e da descoberta de um documento que pode mudar as crenças religiosas que conhecemos há muitos anos.
Ponto positivo: as idílicas paisagens das ilhas gregas e a personagem Eugene que é muito divertido.
February 28, 2021
This book is about a Christian icon that will influence this world if the secret inside is revealed.
August 21, 2011
It is kind a good thriller book to read.
January 26, 2013
THE IKON was a terrific read!
August 23, 2012
ceritanya biasa aja
January 17, 2013
Sinopsisnya menipu, perang salib katanya, tapi ternyata ga ada. Ini cuma cerita kejar2an seru pembunuhan ga jelas gitu....
February 11, 2013
Garth is himself, I guess
June 14, 2015
Probably the worst book I've ever read... The all story makes no sense. I'm sorry! :/
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