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The Patmos Enigma

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A mysterious man walking the earth for millennia...
And a discovery we might not be ready for...

UK #1 BESTSELLING CHRISTIAN FANTASY, RELIGIOUS FANTASY & BIBLICAL FICTION.

With the success of his UK bestselling and award winning religious mystery, The Lazarus Succession, Ken Fry once again crafts a cunning and explosive historical thriller unlike any you've read before.

Tel Aviv, Israel. Archaeologist Joshua Agar makes a stunning discovery when on one of his excavation sites, they unearth an ancient ossuary, untouched since the day it was buried. Evidence and analysis reveals that the contents of the find appear to be the six of the Seven Seals mentioned in the bible's Book of Revelation.

The Seventh is missing.

Meanwhile, a mysterious man has been walking the earth for millennia. He waits... amassing knowledge and power, seeking to bring about the one event that would release him from his endless existence. With the discovery in Tel Aviv, his waiting might soon be over.

Joshua Agar and his team, Professor Simon Rockwell and Dr. Rachel Carver soon realises the significance of their find. An ancient society known as The Keepers awakens, and they are after the Seven Seals. For it has been told, that whosoever breaks the seven seals will have unimaginable power and control over the new world promised through the Second Coming of Christ.

The frantic hunt for the Seventh Seal begins. Through dusty caves, ancient churches, and even within the most secretive vault on earth, they search for clues to the possible resting place of the missing seal.

The archaeologists are not alone. Another ancient secret brotherhood called the Guardians have long protected the Seven Seals, since the time John of Patmos entrusted to them the Seventh. Using their resources, they attempt to discover the identity of The Grand Keeper and impede his plans for global upheaval.

As scientists, the archaeologists perceive their discovery as a historical relic and not a religious find. But with the forces aroused by the unearthing of the artefact, they start to question if there is indeed truth in the story.

The Patmos Enigma will take you on a journey of wonders and thrills as it hurtles from dark truths to enlightening revelations as the war between science and mysticism commences.

415 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 6, 2017

351 people are currently reading
187 people want to read

About the author

Ken Fry

24 books234 followers
Ken Fry is a multi-award-winning British author known for his captivating storytelling and vivid imagination. With over a dozen published books under his belt, Fry has established himself as a prominent figure in the literary world. His attention to detail and extensive research ensure that readers are fully immersed in the world he has created.

He is now retired and devotes his full time to writing. He lives in the UK and shares his home with 'Dickens' his Shetland Sheepdog.

He is currently working on his next novel.

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5 stars
173 (44%)
4 stars
128 (32%)
3 stars
65 (16%)
2 stars
21 (5%)
1 star
6 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
Profile Image for Ken Stark.
Author 14 books125 followers
July 17, 2018
In Ken Fry's The Patmos Enigma, an ancient relic of the most dire significance has been unearthed. And to understand just how dire, you need only know that the title of the book refers to John of Patmos, author of the Book of Revelations and describer of Armageddon. So yes, pretty dire indeed. As news of the discovery spreads, a nefarious individual known at first only as the Grand Keeper appears from the shadows to claim his prize, and it is up to a handful of archeologists to defeat his plan for worldwide destruction. Personal beliefs are tested, moralities are stretched to the breaking point, and not everyone is quite who they appear to be. It is a story 2,000 years in the making, played out across some of the holiest sites in Judeo-Christian lore, but at it's heart are a few good people just trying to do the right thing.

Clearly, this author knows his stuff, but it is his talent as a story-teller that's on display here. By selecting just the right bits from the Christian Bible, tossing in some Jewish tradition, and weaving in a little myth here, a touch of sci-fi there and a whole lot of mystery everywhere, Fry creates an entirely believable and truly riveting tale. And as in all of Fry's works, the characters in this story are all fully-fleshed, from the sweet, love-struck Rachael to the insidious Grand Keeper. Where such a villain could easily have fallen into the cookie-cutter bad guy role, I was glad to see that he was as screwed-up as the the rest of us. Is the Grand Keeper evil? Probably. But just like our heroine and every other member of this brilliant cast of characters, he thinks he's doing the right thing, even if that thing includes Sacris Sancti Homicidium. i.e. Holy murder.

I am solid proof that you don't need to be a believer to enjoy Ken Fry's work. But as you read The Patmos Enigma, don't be surprised if you find yourself wondering if some of it just might be true, after all. And to my mind, that's the mark of a great story and a great story-teller.
Profile Image for J.M. Adele.
Author 17 books264 followers
December 6, 2017
After seeing Ken Fry's books advertised for many months, I finally dove into one of his stories. This was possibly one of the most frustrating reads I've had because I couldn't sit down and devour it in one go, life kept getting in the way. Author, Ken Fry, has masterfully crafted this tale of the second coming and the battle to save mankind from twisted evil minds. The Patmos Enigma has a large cast of characters that take the reader from Beit-Guvrin to Rome and back again in a travel through the ages to the end of times. The ending is incredibly satisfying. A five-star read, for sure. I look forward to reading more from this author.
19 reviews
August 13, 2017
Another intelligent read

Ken Fry writes stories which are always very satisfying; they are well-researched but not too heavy on detail, interestingly paced to colour the mood and action, and tell a fascinating tale. Barring one or two truly awful similes, this was a great read.
Profile Image for Carol Phipps.
Author 12 books163 followers
October 17, 2017
In a word, superb! Author Ken Fry has once again written an intriguing, fast-paced tale well-grounded in biblical archaeology. There is such an abundance of mystic, mystery and edge-of-your-seat excitement in THE PATMOS ENIGMA that it certainly set my heart to racing, as well as my curiosity, as I sought to discover the outcome of this enthralling story. I have been an avid fan of Mr. Fry’s since I read his excellent tale, THE LAZARUS SUCCESSION, and I must say that his writing and ability to masterfully spin a mesmerizing tale are rarely surpassed.

I highly recommend THE PATMOS ENIGMA: QUEST OF THE WANDERING JEW to fans of this genre as one you do not want to miss, and to anyone who is looking for an exceptionally good story.
Profile Image for Gus.
9 reviews
September 10, 2017
Great Read, so good I had to binge read it. 5* Star
Profile Image for pamela boseman.
224 reviews1 follower
September 11, 2017
Patios enigma

I really enjoyed this book . What a great storyline.this was a exciting read. I hope three is more with these characters.
Profile Image for J Pryor.
117 reviews
November 28, 2017
Good book

I enjoyed reading this book the genre seems to be overflowing with different end of days stories this was probably one of the best
Profile Image for mr william hollins.
8 reviews1 follower
April 1, 2018
a good read

an interesting story and a very entertaining premise. please give it a read I'll think you'll enjoy it.
thank you


Profile Image for Grant Leishman.
Author 16 books148 followers
May 14, 2018
When it comes to Biblical Conspiracies (one of my favourite reads actually), there is no better author on this planet, in my humble opinion, than the erstwhile Ken Fry. Therefore, when I come across a Ken Fry book, I have yet to read, I grab it with both hands.
The Patmos Enigma is an enthralling tale of mysticism, deception, murder and greed that will grab you from the very first page and will not be satisfied until you finish the book with a groan of satisfaction and some sadness at having to leave the characters the author has you totally invested in.
Two thousand years ago, as Jesus was making his weary journey to Calvary, he was cursed at and spat on by a shop keeper. That man, who became known as the Wandering Jew, was cursed to walk the earth, as an immortal, for all times, until the Second Coming of Christ, suffering all the pain and ravages of humanity but unable to receive the soothing balm of death.
Two secret organisations, the Keepers and the Guardians are vying for control of the legendary seven seals of John of Patmos, as revealed in the Book of Revelations. Caught in the middle of this millennial struggle for power are a group of Jewish archaeologists who have found six of the seven seals and now search for the seventh, which the Wandering Jew believes will signal the end of time, the return of Jesus Christ and, of course, his release from this hell on earth.
Fry's book whips us, at breakneck pace, from Jerusalem, to Tel Aviv and to Rome as the eternal struggle for the minds and souls of the faithful battle around the participants. Fry has a unique talent to take the reader there, to believe the unbelievable and to invest heavily in the characters he creates and portrays.
If you love conspiracy theories, if you're a Dan Brown fan (Fry is better) or if you simply love a rollicking, racing, mystery story, The Patmos Enigma is a winner for you. This is a superb story, beautifully told by an uber-talented storyteller. I can not recommend this book highly enough and have no hesitation in awarding it five stars plus from this reviewer.
Profile Image for Stuart Kenyon.
Author 24 books35 followers
September 23, 2017
Having recently read Ken's brilliant novels RED GROUND and THE LAZARUS SUCCESSION, I was thrilled to learn that he's written another so soon. The book description intrigued me. I enjoy historical suspense thrillers with a touch of the mystical, and I was keen to get started. Thankfully, I was not disappointed; THE PATMOS ENIGMA was an excellent read from start to finish.

Set in Israel, and spanning two millennia, the story is told at a perfect pace. A biblical artifact has been unearthed in a cave complex beneath the desert. Their significance far exceeds their humble appearance, however. Those responsible for the find - archaeologists Rachael Carver, Simon Rockwell and Joshua Agar - are excited by their discovery, but they're unaware of the dark conspiracy being hatched under their noses. Soon, their lives are at risk as an ancient force covets their prize. The Wandering Jew, cursed by Christ, will wreak havoc to accomplish his goals, and he and his minions will commit any crime to establish a New World Order.

As always with Mr Fry's work, the plot is fast and full of mystery. Unlike some of its peers, it doesn't get bogged down with too much historical detail. The pertinent myths and legends are told, with intriguing flashbacks to antiquity and the Renaissance, but the focus is on the here and now. Given their willingness to murder for their beliefs, the fanatical AWC are oddly topical. Two of their number are particularly impressive in their characterisation; one is evil incarnate, the other an indoctrinated zealot. The "good guys" are also well-depicted with believable motivations.

Overall, THE PATMOS ENIGMA is a superb book. If you're into Dan Brown or Indiana Jones, you'll enjoy it just as much as me. An easy 5 stars!
Profile Image for Ian Honeysett.
Author 4 books14 followers
August 20, 2017
The stakes couldn’t be higher!

I enjoy history and thrillers and so this story caught my eye. It takes the story of the
Wandering Jew – who was said to have taunted Jesus on the way to his crucifixion and was
condemned to wander the earth for ever as a result. It moves back and forth between 100
AD, 1549 and present day Israel and Rome. And it brings in the Book of the Apocalypse, the
Second Coming and Armageddon. It centres on an archaeological dig in Israel where they
find a 2000 year old casket which might just be the find of the century, if not longer. So,
plenty of history.

And there are plenty of thrills, twists and turns as we encounter secret societies with
members at the very highest levels of church and state, assassins of varying levels of ability
and the villain of all villains!

Too incredible? Well, if authors write about what they know, then Ken Fry must have led an
amazing life! But somehow, he makes the story believable by weaving in plenty of
convincing detail about Geno Scans, Earthworm computer software and volume
cartography. And when I checked whether he’d just made them up, I discovered they were
all real! He’s very good at mixing fact and fiction. Every now and then, though, he does
throw in a word that had me reaching for a dictionary : like columbariums, edicules and, my
favourite, taphophobia (fear of being buried alive).

The plot builds up to a great climax where the future of the world is at stake. To find out if it
survives, you’ll just have to read the book!
Profile Image for Lex Allen.
Author 26 books69 followers
January 9, 2018
Up front, I will admit to having read previous novels by Ken Fry and, as such, I am positively prejudiced regarding his writing. I’ve also learned that oft-times a less lengthy review applies the most impact. With that in mind—

Ken Fry holds the middle position in my top-five short list of all-time great authors. The two ahead of him are Stephen King and Dean Koontz. This is, in no way, a comparison; each is special in his own way. But, regardless your favorite genre, the elements of suspense, mystery, history, romance, fast-paced action, remarkably accurate characterization and dialogue that Fry intermixes into all his novels will appeal... make that impress you. The Patmos Enigma is a book that will linger in your mind long after you’ve finished reading. You’ll find yourself looking for more of his work. The good news... there’s lots of it out there!
Profile Image for Eeva Lancaster.
Author 35 books94 followers
October 22, 2017
The codes invented by Ken Fry and the verses were inspired! Readers of Dan Brown will love The Patmos Enigma.
Profile Image for Sharone Powell.
434 reviews25 followers
June 12, 2020
If you're a fan of Dan Brown, this book is definitely for you!

Ever heard of the Wandering Jew? I haven't. As the myth goes, he taunted Jesus to walk faster on his way to the crucifixion. Jesus cursed him with immortality until the Second Coming. The Wandering Jew walks the earth for 2,000 years. He sees the violence of mankind over the years, and have suffered many attempts to kill him. He can feel pain, but he cannot die.

So what happens when he tires of his immortality? He comes up with a way to bring forth the Second Coming. Along with thousands of disciples all over the globe, and with connections high-up in politics and the military, he begins to execute his plan. He and his accomplices will kill anyone in their path in the name of their cause.

Confronting this mad army of zealots are thousands of Guardians all over the world. And our three heroes - archeology professors in the Holy Land - will slowly uncover the plot and do their best to resist it. But it seems like the end of the world is coming...

What a fun ride!
2 reviews
June 6, 2020
Had read some rather negative reviews from “learned” individuals; I’m glad I’m not! I found the book quite enjoyable. I liked the two forces and all the lore associated with the plot line. Good brain candy! I’ll definitely be talking about it favorably with my friends!
Profile Image for Wendy Slater.
Author 6 books456 followers
February 22, 2019
Great Fast-Paced Thriller

Patmos Enigma by Ken Fry is a fast-paced thriller involving the mystery of ancient relics, archaeology, and religion. A deeply sinister plot is stumbled upon by an archeology team’s discovery, and the resulting suspense is full of twists and turns that keep the reader enthralled.

The Patmos Enigma reveals a deep chasm of evil, a great plot, mystery, suspense and adventure. Clues are revealed through ancient artifacts that quickly carry a larger meaning than could be imagined. If you like Dan Brown’s books, you will love this book by Ken Fry. It was a great afternoon read!! (Actually, read it over two afternoons). And I am looking forward to reading more of Ken Fry’s books.
Profile Image for Allen Madding.
Author 9 books79 followers
May 13, 2020
Thriller

Well written thriller combining history, myth, fiction, and bible history to make compelling storyline that will hold your attention and capture your imagination.
Profile Image for C.A. A. Powell.
Author 14 books49 followers
August 21, 2018
A splendid biblical thriller entwined with religious myth and celestial occurrences etc. An archaeological team in Israel discover an ancient ossuary. It contains six of the famous Seven Seals. The main characters of the archaeological team are Simon Rockwell, Rachel Carver, Joshua Agar and Julian Gallo.

The discovery has diabolical consequences as ancient and hidden Christian orders are awakened. The Keepers or AWC will go to any lengths to acquire the religious seals. They will do vile murders to gain the coveted prize. When the reader is introduced to the Grand Keeper and what he stands for, there is a complete wow moment!

In competition against the Keepers are the Guardians. Father Luke is the champion of this secret movement. He is aided by a splendid computer programme called Earthworm. It gives the Guardians their edge.

The missing seventh seal is all to play for. All seem to know the caves where a rough estimation of the seventh seal is to be discovered. The archaeological team are being watched by both sides as the religious quest is allowed to continue. But which side will snatch the final seal to complete the Seven Seals?

1. The dark Keepers who will destroy the Holy Roman church to start a new super divine world order?

2. Or will the Guardians’ order win and protect the Status Quo?

It is all up for grabs with hidden groups in the corridors of power, deep inside the Vatican. So secret that even the Pope is unaware of the existence of these strange Christian orders.

I like the way the reader is drip-fed the archaeological find at the beginning with the various consequences and cameo flashbacks to characters of ancient times. Then the Pandora’s Box of paranormal and underground forces suddenly begin to bloom as the story progresses. Everything comes to a very dramatic climax. A very enjoyable read.
Profile Image for Lisa Marie Gabriel.
Author 38 books85 followers
September 10, 2018
Six seals discovered and the seventh seal is needed to bring about Armageddon, but who will find it and how will that happen? If you like Dan Brown type religious thrillers then it’s worth giving Ken Fry a chance and The Patmos Enigma is a gutsy and fast moving story full of intrigue and danger. I hate reviews that tell the story so I won’t do that, what I will do is put my spin on it. Here goes:

If you ever wondered why so many people are turning to atheism and esoteric religions then just look to those men who take the Old Testament at face value and try to impose their hateful materialistic and exclusionary beliefs in God’s name. The villains in this story do just that and one in particular “the Wandering Jew” is apparently unable to understand the reason why he was cursed by Christ and is determined to create a New World Order where there will be no place for the weak, the different and the disobedient. Get my drift? What is more, he claims to be doing this in Christ’s name; to be bringing back the Messiah so that he can be forgiven for his sins and his two thousand years of suffering will end with the “wicked” being destroyed and him, of course, ruling the world. How stupid is this man? Obviously two thousand years has taught him nothing of compassion or his lack of it! Enough said, it will spoil it if I tell you who this man is and what happens to him – although I guessed his identity pretty early on. Perhaps you will too? Or maybe you will be staggered by the enormity of it all.

There is so much action and danger in The Patmos Enigma that it would make a brilliant horror film and if it does I will certainly watch it. The ending would be particularly devastating visually. Well done to Ken Fry for writing such a riveting tale and I now want to read more of his books.
171 reviews1 follower
April 30, 2019
A thrilling archaeological mystery

An exciting and adventurous story involving religion, archaeology and fantasy. A fast paced mystery set in Jerusalem incorporating Holy sites and religious fantasy. A good read.
51 reviews
Read
April 3, 2019
Enjoyed this one. If you like ancient mysteries sprinkled with a bit of religious connection, bit like raiders of the lost ark, then this is a decent book.
11 reviews
May 19, 2019
Wow

So engrossing, this book was so different and exciting. I love these sorts of books but sometimes you find the same stories over and over but this was different
Profile Image for Lina Hansen.
Author 7 books69 followers
October 9, 2019
I like Fry's language, it's visual and immediate and much more engaging than another author in the genre who is selling his tales by the million.
Profile Image for Jefrois.
481 reviews4 followers
August 10, 2021
MY OPINION:

Really, really, really, really, really, Really, really, really, really, really, Really, really, really, really, really Really, really, really, really, really, Really, really, really, really, really, Really, really, really, really, really Really, really, really, really, really, Really, really, really, really, really, Really, really, really, really, really Really, really, really, really, really, Really, really, really, really, really, Really, really, really, really, really Really, really, really, really, really, Really, really, really, really, really, Really, really, really, really, really….BAD FCKING WRITING THAT 😷 STINKS AND SMELLS AND BELONGS IN SOME ZOO!

I’M ALL, LIKE, WHAT? WHATWHAT? WHATWHATWHAT?

“…DEATH DESCENDED UPON him fast. Its blood lust grasped out to seize his lifeforce. His heart hammered in his chest as he forced his exhausted body across an unforgiving terrain. He prayed for the courage to accept the kiss of his nemesis, and that its embrace would be short, sharp, and quick. They were right behind him, gaining fast. He could hear their steel swords clashing….

“…A Roman javelin had penetrated deep into his Master’s back, protruding completely from the front of his chest, along with his bloody ribs, in a lung spluttering slurp….”

“…THE DEPUTY ARCHAEOLOGY Director barged into Professor Simon Rockwell’s study and slapped a roll of papers across his desk. ‘I think we’re on to something….’”

“… Dr. Julian Gallo had not been blessed with height. He was a chunky, well-rounded man with prominent, unkempt black eyebrows, brown eyes, and a fleshy mouth. His skin had an oily sheen.…

“… ‘Your point being?’ Rockwell growled….

He “growled?????”

GROWLED???????

GROWL, GROWL, GROWL!!!

Grrrrrrr, grrrrrr, grrrrrrrrrrrrrr!!!!

“…The seneschal stared down at the floor as he spoke, his voice curling around Cosimos like a wet tongue….”


LIKE…like… “Like a wet tongue??????????????????????”

LIKE A WET TONGUE?????????

GADS! That’s bad writing!!!!

.One of the WORST books I have ever seen. It just ran wild. Said just anything. Did just anything. Horrible. Awful. I had to stop reading and return it.
.
768 reviews2 followers
January 11, 2022
I really enjoyed this book. The narrative appealed to me right from the start.
Six of the seven seals mentioned in the Book of Revelations have been found.
An archaeological dig finds the seventh seal and the chase is on to stop evil from possessing it.
The Wandering Jew, cursed to roam the earth until Christ's second coming, leads the side of Evil. He is the Grand Keeper, who wants the 'false religions' to be destroyed. He has spies in the Vatican and the archaeological dig to keep abreast of the new discoveries.
The Guardians are the people who want to put a stop to the Keepers and keep the status quo.
The readers are taken behind the scenes as both sides plot and plan their tactics to outwit each other.
The tension builds as the narrative leads us on to the end.
Well worth reading, if you like this type of book.



















Profile Image for J.B. Yanni.
Author 4 books21 followers
April 22, 2021
I just love fiction that takes bits and pieces of actual history and weaves a story that is so plausible you get caught up in it and can see it being very real. This story absolutely does this. Ken Fry takes scripture, archeology and conspiracy organizations and tells a believable tale, and one that keeps you spellbound from the first chapter right to the end. My favorite books pull me in like this and make it hard to put them down even to go to sleep at night. This book hits every note of showing, rather than telling me a story, believable mystery and historical information.
Profile Image for Annette Mordec.
243 reviews4 followers
October 8, 2023
ThWandering Jew....

What a great story created around the less known figure of the shop keeper who hurried Jesus on to his death.
In today's day and age with all that's going on in the world, this book will definitely will make you think of how true the prophecy of Seven Seals really is and if they're coming together.
Great work by Ken Fry. Well worth the time to read it and ponder over it.
Profile Image for gillian.
105 reviews1 follower
November 1, 2020
Brilliant

Another super story from Ken Fry, I thoroughly enjoyed this from start to finish. Again a lot of research has gone into this book which produced a fast paced, full of twists and turns story that kept me hooked. What I love about the books by this author is he is not scared to push the boundaries and always takes his stories to the next level.
Profile Image for Jim Bennett.
22 reviews
May 5, 2021
For those who might like a fictional story that involves religion, archeology, murder, etc., this is a really good one. I found it to be an easy read too. It was published in 2017 but since I hadn't read any of Ken Fry's books, it's new to me. That is one of the great things about finding a new author you like - you've just opened a whole new world. 🙂
128 reviews2 followers
August 29, 2021
Crazy good

Loved the story. Loved the characters. The "bad guy " is not bad, he's evil. Quite fast paced storyline and I found myself unable to put the book down. The only thing is that I do not know if the Theology is 100% correct. I have to look up some things. But I highly recommend this for anyone who loves a good archaeological thriller!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews

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