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Templars in America #8
The Swagger Sword: Templars, Columbus and the Vatican Cover-up
In the 1980s, a Vatican archbishop and rogue group of Freemasons were implicated in the murder of Pope John Paul I. A decade later, that same cleric illicitly acquired an ancient Templar scroll directly undermining fundamental Church teachings. Today, historians Cameron Thorne and Amanda Spencer-Gunn stumble upon a sword engraved with a map leading to this hidden scroll. A pope was murdered the first time to keep the scroll a secret. Can Cam and Amanda escape a similar fate? Based on actual historical artifacts, and illustrated. Publishers Weekly says of the author, "BRODY DOES A TERRIFIC JOB OF WRAPPING HIS RESEARCH IN A FAST-PACED THRILL RIDE." This is a stand-alone novel with recurring characters. These books can be read in any order. * Not recommended for readers with strong religious beliefs.*
290 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 13, 2018
589 people are currently reading
316 people want to read
About the author
David S. Brody
34 books86 followersDavid S. Brody is a Boston Globe bestselling fiction writer named Boston's "Best Local Author" by the Boston Phoenix newspaper. A graduate of Tufts University and Georgetown Law School, he is a former Director of the New England Antiquities Research Association (NEARA) and is an avid researcher in the subject of pre-Columbian exploration of America. He has appeared as a guest expert on documentaries airing on History Channel, Travel Channel, PBS and Discovery Channel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
June 9, 2021
The Swagger Sword: Templars, Columbus and the Vatican Cover-up (Templars in America Book 8) by David S. Brody
Historians Cameron (Cam) Thorne, Amanda Spencer-Gunn, and their adopted daughter, Astarte, stumble upon a sword engraved with a map leading to a hidden treasure. The sword is possessed by Cam's childhood friend, Brian Hernan.
The search takes them to Ireland where Roberto Falconi and his "sister" Emanuela Orlandi (Emmy) live. As it turns out, Emmy is actually the daughter of Archbishop Paul Casimir Marcincus who was involved in the Vatican Bank scandal of 1982. Apparently, he was looking for a treasure that he could use to get back at the Vatican: an ancient Templar scroll directly undermining fundamental Church teachings.
Several forces are vying for the treasure: The Vatican hardliners - who will not stop at anything to keep the conservative teachings safe, including murdering Ruthie Sanders, an 80 y/o scholar.
Monsignor Marcotte - Cam's friend who wants to use the scroll to change the Church.
Rolando Falconi and his mistress Emanuela Orlandi, daughter of Archbishop Marcincus.
Who will survive and will they find the treasure and expose the Church?
Narrated from the third person point of view, this is a typical Brody Templar story. So much that at one point I had to make sure I had not read the book already. It's a fun fast read, but you are constantly being reminded of the same issues in each and every one of the books, with not much plot change to keep you interested.
Historians Cameron (Cam) Thorne, Amanda Spencer-Gunn, and their adopted daughter, Astarte, stumble upon a sword engraved with a map leading to a hidden treasure. The sword is possessed by Cam's childhood friend, Brian Hernan.
The search takes them to Ireland where Roberto Falconi and his "sister" Emanuela Orlandi (Emmy) live. As it turns out, Emmy is actually the daughter of Archbishop Paul Casimir Marcincus who was involved in the Vatican Bank scandal of 1982. Apparently, he was looking for a treasure that he could use to get back at the Vatican: an ancient Templar scroll directly undermining fundamental Church teachings.
Several forces are vying for the treasure: The Vatican hardliners - who will not stop at anything to keep the conservative teachings safe, including murdering Ruthie Sanders, an 80 y/o scholar.
Monsignor Marcotte - Cam's friend who wants to use the scroll to change the Church.
Rolando Falconi and his mistress Emanuela Orlandi, daughter of Archbishop Marcincus.
Who will survive and will they find the treasure and expose the Church?
Narrated from the third person point of view, this is a typical Brody Templar story. So much that at one point I had to make sure I had not read the book already. It's a fun fast read, but you are constantly being reminded of the same issues in each and every one of the books, with not much plot change to keep you interested.
July 29, 2021
The first half (or more) of this book was extremely slow going for me. It seemed like a pastiche of google look-ups of purported facts about the Templar's activities. I've read several histories about the Templars and they were much more interesting to me.
Later in the novel, things got much more interesting: More action, quite a few surprises, and even a "bad guy" who ultimately had a good side.
I really thought I'd love this book. Instead, I had to push myself to get beyond the first half. The second half didn't save the book for me. So, this is the first and last I'll read in this series.
Later in the novel, things got much more interesting: More action, quite a few surprises, and even a "bad guy" who ultimately had a good side.
I really thought I'd love this book. Instead, I had to push myself to get beyond the first half. The second half didn't save the book for me. So, this is the first and last I'll read in this series.
September 26, 2021
A Marriage Contract
Deeply rooted in Masonic mystery and Templar history, once again author David Brody spins a fast paced tale of evil men willing to harm innocents in looking for the Holy Grail. In this case, in the form of great treasure brought to America by the explorer and navigator, Cristobal Columbus and hidden from history by way of ancient Druids and Templars escaping the persecution of the church. A truly exciting and captivating read for Brody literature fans alike.
Deeply rooted in Masonic mystery and Templar history, once again author David Brody spins a fast paced tale of evil men willing to harm innocents in looking for the Holy Grail. In this case, in the form of great treasure brought to America by the explorer and navigator, Cristobal Columbus and hidden from history by way of ancient Druids and Templars escaping the persecution of the church. A truly exciting and captivating read for Brody literature fans alike.
July 19, 2025
Bored
Don't get me wrong, Brody is a good writer. I'm just completely bored with the same storyline. A new clue about the Templars, running all over the globe while avoiding church officials, and almost getting possible proof of whatever. Its like he's going no where with the books. Instead he's trying to convince his readers of a female version of god, of Jesus being married, of Jesus's child.... The list there goes on. There has got to be a better story some where in his imagination. Not even sure I want to keep reading the series.
Don't get me wrong, Brody is a good writer. I'm just completely bored with the same storyline. A new clue about the Templars, running all over the globe while avoiding church officials, and almost getting possible proof of whatever. Its like he's going no where with the books. Instead he's trying to convince his readers of a female version of god, of Jesus being married, of Jesus's child.... The list there goes on. There has got to be a better story some where in his imagination. Not even sure I want to keep reading the series.
May 27, 2021
Great read.
I really like the series. You can read in order or as a stand alone. The Swagger Sword does not disappoint. A great story with facts mixed in it absolutely draws you into the world of the Templar’s. The characters are great and the thrills keep coming. The whole thing stemming from”is it fact or fiction” makes you at least consider it to be true. I love the adventure
I really like the series. You can read in order or as a stand alone. The Swagger Sword does not disappoint. A great story with facts mixed in it absolutely draws you into the world of the Templar’s. The characters are great and the thrills keep coming. The whole thing stemming from”is it fact or fiction” makes you at least consider it to be true. I love the adventure
June 9, 2021
Very interesting
I said it's very interesting because it explores possibilities. I personally don't see Jesus married to Mary Magdalene. One of the New Testament writers said that there weren't enough books to write down all Jesus said or did. The Cans wedding is very non specific as to whose wedding it was but Jesus's mother was there but no mention of Joseph. Well never know but it should not affect what Jesus did.
I said it's very interesting because it explores possibilities. I personally don't see Jesus married to Mary Magdalene. One of the New Testament writers said that there weren't enough books to write down all Jesus said or did. The Cans wedding is very non specific as to whose wedding it was but Jesus's mother was there but no mention of Joseph. Well never know but it should not affect what Jesus did.
June 14, 2022
Fact or fiction, doesn't matter!
David Brody is an amazing writer! His books are always full of so much fact that the fiction part is totally believable, and he holds true to style in this one. He leaves me with a lot to ponder, but he does it in a way that does not make me question my own faith or beliefs. I feel my horizons have been broadened by reading his books. Very entertaining, and very thought provoking!
David Brody is an amazing writer! His books are always full of so much fact that the fiction part is totally believable, and he holds true to style in this one. He leaves me with a lot to ponder, but he does it in a way that does not make me question my own faith or beliefs. I feel my horizons have been broadened by reading his books. Very entertaining, and very thought provoking!
July 30, 2022
Another great story in the Templars in America series that challenges current thinking around Columbus's journeys and also about The Holy Grail. Something else I like about this series is the moments in the book where you think "Wow! I never knew that!". The book fires the imagination and makes you want to find out more. As well as being a very good story, it also very informative. I look forward to reading more in the series.
January 10, 2023
This should have been a book I really liked. It was a about a topic and mystery I could normally get into. The author had a lot of neat facts and research in the story but connected the dots with the characters saying “they could have,” or “maybe they did” and then turned it into fact to make the story work. At one point the character had a dream that they took as fact to make the next step in the mystery work. I just got board with the story.
March 10, 2023
Fascinating Concepts
Did the the Templars “discover” and settle the Americas centuries before Columbus?
How was Columbus… with no previous exploration experience… able to get Spanish Royalty to fund a westward voyage to the Orient?
Who was responsible for the existence of numerous *apparently-European* sites in North America?
The included pictures add an additional level to this (mostly?) fictional work?
Did the the Templars “discover” and settle the Americas centuries before Columbus?
How was Columbus… with no previous exploration experience… able to get Spanish Royalty to fund a westward voyage to the Orient?
Who was responsible for the existence of numerous *apparently-European* sites in North America?
The included pictures add an additional level to this (mostly?) fictional work?
April 12, 2023
A fun a wild adventure
This book had a very slow start, I thought. But as I kept plugging away, waiting for the non-stop adventure that I was promised, I realized what a great job the author did in filling in a lot of back story that made a lot more sense later on in the story. From Mass, to Ireland, to RI, once the action started, it was very hard to put this title down. A well crafted adventure for sure.
This book had a very slow start, I thought. But as I kept plugging away, waiting for the non-stop adventure that I was promised, I realized what a great job the author did in filling in a lot of back story that made a lot more sense later on in the story. From Mass, to Ireland, to RI, once the action started, it was very hard to put this title down. A well crafted adventure for sure.
October 8, 2018
The book was entertaining, educational, thought provoking, and easy to read. It was well researched. The author uses a great balance of fact and fiction. He is clever and creative in using facts as the foundation for the plot. My interest in the Templars and Sinclairs has increased as a result of reading this book and others by the same author.
November 6, 2018
Superb thoughtful read
As the saga continues a never ending series of villains try to thwart Cam and Amanda. The presentation of facts intertwined with the story is superb. The inability of historians to fairly evaluate anything that challenges the status quo continues to be mind boggling.
As the saga continues a never ending series of villains try to thwart Cam and Amanda. The presentation of facts intertwined with the story is superb. The inability of historians to fairly evaluate anything that challenges the status quo continues to be mind boggling.
July 17, 2021
Looking for more Templar treasures
Cam,Amanda, and Astarte are on the go again. I loved how the author is letting Astarte grow up, always aware of her destiny, but also being a normal kid. Cam and Amanda with grownup problems. Through it all, there’s Templar treasure to be found, trips to make and adventures to be had. Recommended.
Cam,Amanda, and Astarte are on the go again. I loved how the author is letting Astarte grow up, always aware of her destiny, but also being a normal kid. Cam and Amanda with grownup problems. Through it all, there’s Templar treasure to be found, trips to make and adventures to be had. Recommended.
September 15, 2022
Mind jerking story
This adventure of Cameron Amanda and Astarte is a thriller and a dangerous journey for them when an old friend turns up at the tower and shows him a sword with symbols etched into it that was the start of a very dangerous path. A must read story but what of the ending highly recommended
This adventure of Cameron Amanda and Astarte is a thriller and a dangerous journey for them when an old friend turns up at the tower and shows him a sword with symbols etched into it that was the start of a very dangerous path. A must read story but what of the ending highly recommended
May 31, 2021
Another addition to the Templar series
This is the third in the series I have read. They do not need to be read in order as I have skipped around and it seems fine. The book has many twists and turns and keeps you guessing. Will definitely read more of the series.
This is the third in the series I have read. They do not need to be read in order as I have skipped around and it seems fine. The book has many twists and turns and keeps you guessing. Will definitely read more of the series.
June 4, 2021
Great story
This is great story woven in with historical facts. Pictures provided concerning Solstice were fascinating. I found myself googling various items presented and that expanded my knowledge of several items and places.
This is great story woven in with historical facts. Pictures provided concerning Solstice were fascinating. I found myself googling various items presented and that expanded my knowledge of several items and places.
June 4, 2021
Enjoyable read
Very interesting subject which has been well researched and gives the reader a lot of thinking to consider various scenarios. Definitely recommend this author for this, and his previous books.
Very interesting subject which has been well researched and gives the reader a lot of thinking to consider various scenarios. Definitely recommend this author for this, and his previous books.
June 30, 2021
Excellent read
Captivating and thought provoking. Definitely a conversation starter for an y student of history. Makes you challenge the conventions and rethink our version of the past.
Captivating and thought provoking. Definitely a conversation starter for an y student of history. Makes you challenge the conventions and rethink our version of the past.
December 14, 2021
Interesting concept
This book is not a cliffhanger, nor is there explicit sex which make easier reading. By having modern-day pictures in the book, gives clarity to the story. Enough action to keep the story interesting. Enjoy this authors writing.
This book is not a cliffhanger, nor is there explicit sex which make easier reading. By having modern-day pictures in the book, gives clarity to the story. Enough action to keep the story interesting. Enjoy this authors writing.
March 5, 2022
Did it expect the outcome!
Had me trying to figure out David was taking us in this book. Had me on my toes to the end. I did not expect the result. Looking forward to the next book.
Had me trying to figure out David was taking us in this book. Had me on my toes to the end. I did not expect the result. Looking forward to the next book.
March 6, 2023
Fascinating Premise
A fascinating premise that Jesus and Mary Madeline were married and the proof of their marriage contract could reform the Catholic church h for the better by allowing priests to marry.
A fascinating premise that Jesus and Mary Madeline were married and the proof of their marriage contract could reform the Catholic church h for the better by allowing priests to marry.
March 31, 2023
well done
Great story it almost makes on believe that such things do really exist. David Brody is a writer that has the ability to draw you in and make you keep turning pages until the end of the book.
Great story it almost makes on believe that such things do really exist. David Brody is a writer that has the ability to draw you in and make you keep turning pages until the end of the book.
November 2, 2023
Another hit
As you can see I just finished my eighth Templar book by Mr Brody. It was very well written with interesting characters as were the previous seven. Will be continuing on. Worth your time.
As you can see I just finished my eighth Templar book by Mr Brody. It was very well written with interesting characters as were the previous seven. Will be continuing on. Worth your time.
November 19, 2023
Easy reading
Nice story and easy to read. Another typical Thorne and Family mystery. I enjoy these kind of stories because they don't over-task one's brain while reading. The redemption of a significant character was well done
Nice story and easy to read. Another typical Thorne and Family mystery. I enjoy these kind of stories because they don't over-task one's brain while reading. The redemption of a significant character was well done
March 13, 2024
Interesting
This story was fun to read. I enjoy all the true historical findings. However, most was hard to believe. There were also a lot of errors, probably typos but certainly cheapened the story.
This story was fun to read. I enjoy all the true historical findings. However, most was hard to believe. There were also a lot of errors, probably typos but certainly cheapened the story.
August 13, 2024
Another great read
Enjoyable read, I've seen most of these artifacts mentioned in these books ,how he ties them together is awesome. Being a 33 degree Master Mason I can relate to his stories
Enjoyable read, I've seen most of these artifacts mentioned in these books ,how he ties them together is awesome. Being a 33 degree Master Mason I can relate to his stories
March 12, 2025
Which truth is the truth
So many people after the truth. Some want to hide it, some to destroy it, and some want to share it with the world. What side would win. The Church. Cam and Amanda want the truth to share it. The Vatican.
So many people after the truth. Some want to hide it, some to destroy it, and some want to share it with the world. What side would win. The Church. Cam and Amanda want the truth to share it. The Vatican.
December 6, 2018
The swagger sword
I really enjoyed this book. The characters were adventurous and the plot was exciting. I hope to read much more from this author.
I really enjoyed this book. The characters were adventurous and the plot was exciting. I hope to read much more from this author.
December 20, 2018
Great book!
I really love how history has been woven with fiction to make the plot of this book so very plausible. I look forward to Brody’s next book.
I really love how history has been woven with fiction to make the plot of this book so very plausible. I look forward to Brody’s next book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews