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Order of Thaddeus #1
Holy Shroud
An ancient threat. A sacred relic. A religious belief under siege.Silas Grey—ex-Army Ranger, professor of religious studies, and leading relics expert—is on the verge of rocking the religious and nonreligious alike with scientific proof of the Church’s central Jesus Christ’s resurrection. Proof he believes has been hidden all along within the Shroud of Turin, the Christian relic purported to be the burial cloth of Jesus.
But a series of suspicious deaths and devastating attacks not only threaten Silas’s shocking announcement and those close to him. They are a sign of an even greater threat reemerging from the shadows of history.
Coming to his aid is the Order of Thaddeus, a religious order that has been battling for the very survival of the Church since its birth. Soon it becomes clear that an ancient cultic enemy has risen to once again wage war against the Church and destroy the Christian faith—beginning with its most sacred relic and teaching. Spanning the globe from Washington to Paris to Jerusalem, Silas and the Order combine forces to plunge into a desperate mission for the very survival of the Church and all it holds dear.
Can they preserve the memory of its central belief before its archenemy erases it forever?
Holy Shroud is the first book in the inventive bestselling Order of Thaddeus action-adventure thriller series leveraging the familiar conspiracy suspense and special-ops thrill of James Rollins, wrapped in the historical insight of Steve Berry and inspiration of Ted Dekker.
Embark on this new action-packed adventure by emerging author J. A. Bouma that combines faith, fact, and fiction like few religious writers—delivering a “highly entertaining” and “compelling” page-turner people have all agreed “you won't want to put it down!”
But a series of suspicious deaths and devastating attacks not only threaten Silas’s shocking announcement and those close to him. They are a sign of an even greater threat reemerging from the shadows of history.
Coming to his aid is the Order of Thaddeus, a religious order that has been battling for the very survival of the Church since its birth. Soon it becomes clear that an ancient cultic enemy has risen to once again wage war against the Church and destroy the Christian faith—beginning with its most sacred relic and teaching. Spanning the globe from Washington to Paris to Jerusalem, Silas and the Order combine forces to plunge into a desperate mission for the very survival of the Church and all it holds dear.
Can they preserve the memory of its central belief before its archenemy erases it forever?
Holy Shroud is the first book in the inventive bestselling Order of Thaddeus action-adventure thriller series leveraging the familiar conspiracy suspense and special-ops thrill of James Rollins, wrapped in the historical insight of Steve Berry and inspiration of Ted Dekker.
Embark on this new action-packed adventure by emerging author J. A. Bouma that combines faith, fact, and fiction like few religious writers—delivering a “highly entertaining” and “compelling” page-turner people have all agreed “you won't want to put it down!”
- GenresChristian Fiction
346 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 17, 2018
489 people are currently reading
93 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
August 16, 2018
Holy Shroud
This book was awesome. I truly enjoyed the characters. I was always fascinated by the Shroud and the image on my. Great book.
This book was awesome. I truly enjoyed the characters. I was always fascinated by the Shroud and the image on my. Great book.
August 7, 2018
A great beginning to the series.
As a fan of Rollins and the Indiana Jones adventures, I was surprised by how much I likes this new group of characters. Bouma holds his own with a good plot and effective writing. Starting the next in the series.
As a fan of Rollins and the Indiana Jones adventures, I was surprised by how much I likes this new group of characters. Bouma holds his own with a good plot and effective writing. Starting the next in the series.
July 30, 2018
Great story
I love this book , the characters were great , the story line was awesome . Look I b coward to the next book.
I love this book , the characters were great , the story line was awesome . Look I b coward to the next book.
March 28, 2023
Well, it wasn’t terrible. It was worth the 99 cents. I guess.
January 3, 2019
Jeremy Bouma's stories are right up there with the big names in the genre ... Rollins, Berry, Cussler and Preston / Child.
I thoroughly enjoyed the Holy Shroud ... a story about a group of anti-religious zealots that hate everything Christian and want to destroy the Holy Shroud of Turin and other religious artifacts. I have read a number of books about the shroud and Mr. Bouma has done his homework ... his description and brief history is right on and his overall knowledge of religious, architectural and geographical subject matter appears to be very solid. The story itself is very tight and definitely kept my interest throughout the entire book.
Just in case you have read my previous reviews of Mr. Bouma's work, I have been privileged to read a number of his books prior to being published in return for an honest review. This book was different ... After reading books 2 and 3 in the Sias Grey series, I decided to read this, book 1, simply because I enjoy the series so much. If you like clean stories, full of action, history and adventure, I very much recommend Jeremy Bouma's Silas Grey ... Order of Thaddeus series.
I thoroughly enjoyed the Holy Shroud ... a story about a group of anti-religious zealots that hate everything Christian and want to destroy the Holy Shroud of Turin and other religious artifacts. I have read a number of books about the shroud and Mr. Bouma has done his homework ... his description and brief history is right on and his overall knowledge of religious, architectural and geographical subject matter appears to be very solid. The story itself is very tight and definitely kept my interest throughout the entire book.
Just in case you have read my previous reviews of Mr. Bouma's work, I have been privileged to read a number of his books prior to being published in return for an honest review. This book was different ... After reading books 2 and 3 in the Sias Grey series, I decided to read this, book 1, simply because I enjoy the series so much. If you like clean stories, full of action, history and adventure, I very much recommend Jeremy Bouma's Silas Grey ... Order of Thaddeus series.
April 16, 2024
This is book 1 of a series and I bought it because I received book 2 free. I like to read series in order and it was only 99p so I figured I couldn’t go far wrong. Can’t say I loved it and I can’t quite put my finger on the reason why. The premise of the story is that Silas Grey, who is an expert on the Shroud of Turin, reckons that if he can authenticate that it actually is the shroud that Jesus was buried in then he can prove the resurrection was real. As a good evangelical christian I don’t put much stock in religious relics but even if it is the genuine article I don’t think it would have the impact Silas thinks. Ok, it’s a novel and not to be taken seriously, but why would it make a difference? The proof of the resurrection is not in a shroud but in the impact on the lives of the disciples who went from fear to fearless. Not quite as good as Dan Brown in terms of storyline but at least it’s a reasonably positive portrayal of Christianity which is a nice change as people like Dan Brown are only anti christian. It will be interesting to see what book 2 is like.
March 10, 2019
A spiritual thriller par excellence!
I am an avid fan of all literature that pertains to Jesus, his life and times! As such I have been following all news items and publications that have been brought out about the shroud of Turin. So, with great eagerness and anticipation I started reading this book and I was not disappointed.
From the start, the beautiful narrative kept me engrossed and glued until I finished the last page! The style of writing is fabulous, the characters are very real and appealing ( including the doubting Sebastian! ) and the end maintains a certain sense of zealous anticipation to read the others in the series! For a scientist like myself, it was fascinating to read all the scientific evidence described in the book!
Thank you for a spellbinding adventure, Mr. Bouma.
I am an avid fan of all literature that pertains to Jesus, his life and times! As such I have been following all news items and publications that have been brought out about the shroud of Turin. So, with great eagerness and anticipation I started reading this book and I was not disappointed.
From the start, the beautiful narrative kept me engrossed and glued until I finished the last page! The style of writing is fabulous, the characters are very real and appealing ( including the doubting Sebastian! ) and the end maintains a certain sense of zealous anticipation to read the others in the series! For a scientist like myself, it was fascinating to read all the scientific evidence described in the book!
Thank you for a spellbinding adventure, Mr. Bouma.
July 17, 2019
felt he needed some more research. the tale is there just to many wtf's. No soldier covets a Purple Heart. And they don't earn one because they ran back and rescued their platoon leader( on a mission that they were leading??) The Purple Heart is given to a Soldier, Marine, Airman or Sailor who received wounds in a combat zone. and usually only one per event unless they were wounded by repeatedly exposing themselves to danger after being wounded, When they would also receive a Medal of valor, IE Medal of Honor, Distinquished Service Cross (Navy and Air Force as well) Silver or Bronze Star etc...
ANd while I kind of like the word "smirk" feel it was well overused in this book.
ANd while I kind of like the word "smirk" feel it was well overused in this book.
October 26, 2018
Faith
I really enjoyed this book because it's yours how important is to have relics because how can you understand understand the future. This was an excellent book I really enjoyed reading it I am glad to see that you are going to be writing more .I can't wait to read them. We need more of these books out there for people to be able to read to learn about the history of their faith, and to understand it better, again, thank you for writing such a wonderful book, can't wait for the next.
I really enjoyed this book because it's yours how important is to have relics because how can you understand understand the future. This was an excellent book I really enjoyed reading it I am glad to see that you are going to be writing more .I can't wait to read them. We need more of these books out there for people to be able to read to learn about the history of their faith, and to understand it better, again, thank you for writing such a wonderful book, can't wait for the next.
November 16, 2018
Finally! An authentic Christian action book!
I don't know how many books I have downloaded because they appear to be about Christian archaeology or relics in a fictional setting, only to find the misleading secular views that skew someone's perception if they aren't grounded in the truth.
I greatly enjoyed the Clive Cussler type action surrounded by historical and biblical truths.
I'm looking forward to starting book 2!
I don't know how many books I have downloaded because they appear to be about Christian archaeology or relics in a fictional setting, only to find the misleading secular views that skew someone's perception if they aren't grounded in the truth.
I greatly enjoyed the Clive Cussler type action surrounded by historical and biblical truths.
I'm looking forward to starting book 2!
April 2, 2021
I really do try to give books a chance, but this one I could not finish. I think it needed a really good editor. For example, in the space of three pages the color of one character's eyes went from stunning green to amazing amethyst. That's a pretty big jump considering the characters were only walking down a hall at the time. After some other consistency errors, I could not finish the book even though the premise did sound interesting.
September 17, 2018
Stunning!
I was captivated from the first page. The intricate storyline woven with facts and intrigue was so well written it made for a extremely enjoyable read. I couldn't put it down till I finished it (it's why I am writing this review at 3:12 am.) Definitely a new favor author to be added to my list. Getting the next book to read for tomorrow!
I was captivated from the first page. The intricate storyline woven with facts and intrigue was so well written it made for a extremely enjoyable read. I couldn't put it down till I finished it (it's why I am writing this review at 3:12 am.) Definitely a new favor author to be added to my list. Getting the next book to read for tomorrow!
November 15, 2018
A new read for me so I am getting a handle on the style and focus of this book. The story in a nutshell is proof of the resurection of Jesus Christ. The story has the good guys and bad guys. Two focal points are the Shroud of Turin, and the tomb where Christ was supposed to have been buried. Lots of action and intrigue.
December 20, 2018
This was a good story with interesting plot. It's plot progression was somewhat without embellishment and matter of fact. But I would continue reading this author. It's a good story. I didn't want to take as much time reading and I found myself flipping quickly through pages to.see what would happen. Sometimes I want.to.read.more.slowly to get details in writing.
January 12, 2019
Very enjoyable
I really learned a lot of historical facts about the shroud of Turin by reading this book. The fast pace and action were an added bonus. If you like historical fiction combined with adventure you will enjoy reading this book. I look forward to other books by this author.
I really learned a lot of historical facts about the shroud of Turin by reading this book. The fast pace and action were an added bonus. If you like historical fiction combined with adventure you will enjoy reading this book. I look forward to other books by this author.
April 27, 2021
Fantastic!
I have read several of the books in this series and have to pace myself...I don’t want the series to end! The character development is fantastic and the factual aspect of this book, as well as the others, is amazing! I was concerned when starting this book that there would be a mystical aspect, meaning that the shroud would somehow magically protect itself. This author writes in a way that the story and characters are absolutely believable! Though a religious topic, there is no preaching or suggestions for any conversion. Just a great read!
I have read several of the books in this series and have to pace myself...I don’t want the series to end! The character development is fantastic and the factual aspect of this book, as well as the others, is amazing! I was concerned when starting this book that there would be a mystical aspect, meaning that the shroud would somehow magically protect itself. This author writes in a way that the story and characters are absolutely believable! Though a religious topic, there is no preaching or suggestions for any conversion. Just a great read!
September 27, 2018
An Exciting Novel
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. I'm a Christian and I enjoyed reading a Christian action thriller. The story was very well written, well researched and exciting. This was a great story and inspiring.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. I'm a Christian and I enjoyed reading a Christian action thriller. The story was very well written, well researched and exciting. This was a great story and inspiring.
September 27, 2018
Entertaining read!
Very thought provoking and action packed! I have previously read and saw documentaries on the shroud and the newer information was present in this novel. The ending was also thoughtful!
Very thought provoking and action packed! I have previously read and saw documentaries on the shroud and the newer information was present in this novel. The ending was also thoughtful!
October 23, 2018
Exciting and inspiring
This is suspenseful, action filled adventure that rapidly moves from one crisis to the next. During and in between these crises, you get an inspiring education regarding the Christian faith, its history an the various relic that support the faith
This is suspenseful, action filled adventure that rapidly moves from one crisis to the next. During and in between these crises, you get an inspiring education regarding the Christian faith, its history an the various relic that support the faith
February 20, 2019
The Shroud of Turin is the object of two groups that are battling against each other. One wants to destroy the Shroud, the other wants to protect it. Good characters and a good plot make for a good book.
March 25, 2021
Although well written this book is yet another religious recanting story about tired subjects such as the Shroud, the Grail etc that are tiresome and old hat. Nothing different, just historical regurgitations of tired characters already done to death in similar albeit inferior novels.
July 29, 2024
Great read!
Holy Shroud is a very exciting and fast reading book. It keeps you on the edge of your seat. I like that it includes scripture to back up what is going on. I did not like the evil that was trying to take hold but so true of culture today.
Holy Shroud is a very exciting and fast reading book. It keeps you on the edge of your seat. I like that it includes scripture to back up what is going on. I did not like the evil that was trying to take hold but so true of culture today.
September 16, 2018
Didn't finish
Have it a three cause too much backstory and background . Don't mind some but I lost interest in what and why
Have it a three cause too much backstory and background . Don't mind some but I lost interest in what and why
October 31, 2018
Ok
Twenty or more words is way too many for this book. Idon'want to write one.But I can't seem to leave without it
Twenty or more words is way too many for this book. Idon'want to write one.But I can't seem to leave without it
December 1, 2018
Excellent!
This book is well-written with nice character development. The Gospel is presented enthusiastically but not preachy. I can't wait for the next installment!
This book is well-written with nice character development. The Gospel is presented enthusiastically but not preachy. I can't wait for the next installment!
January 7, 2019
Good read
I enjoyed the story line. Needs some editing. For me it got repetitive when discussing the faith of the main character.
I enjoyed the story line. Needs some editing. For me it got repetitive when discussing the faith of the main character.
February 5, 2019
A great read! I was really surprised by the story, I wasn’t expecting it to keep my attention as well as it did. Give this book a shot!
February 23, 2019
Sublime thought provoking .
A mixture of fact and fiction, causing deep reflection on my beliefs.
Whatever your belief, this is a very interesting, thought provoking story.
A mixture of fact and fiction, causing deep reflection on my beliefs.
Whatever your belief, this is a very interesting, thought provoking story.
March 1, 2019
Excellent read.. couldn’t put it down
May 12, 2019
Not for me
Would've been a fun adventure novel if the author wasn't constantly shoving his own religious beliefs down the reader's throat.
Would've been a fun adventure novel if the author wasn't constantly shoving his own religious beliefs down the reader's throat.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews