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The Messiah Code
At the moment of his supreme triumph, a man of science dodges an assassin's bullet and loses everything that truly matters in his life. Now only a miracle can save Dr. Tom Carter's dying the blood of salvation shed twenty centuries ago. In the volatile heart of the Middle East, amid the devastating secrets of an ancient brotherhood awaiting a new messiah, Tom Carter must search for answers to the mysteries that have challenged humankind since the death and resurrection of the greatest Healer who ever walked the Earth. Because suddenly Carter's life, the life of his little girl, and the fate of the world hang in the balance ... After two thousand years, the wait is over ...
400 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1997
73 people are currently reading
1004 people want to read
About the author
Michael Cordy
30 books120 followersMichael Cordy's first novel, The Miracle Strain, about the search for the DNA of Christ, was published in over twenty five languages and forty countries. It reached the top five in the Sunday Times Bestseller List and became a bestseller around the world.
Disney bought the film rights for $1.6 million.
Another five novels followed: Crime Zero, Lucifer, True, The Source and the latest THE COLOUR OF DEATH. All have been published in the UK by Bantam Press and Corgi, and translated into several languages.
Warner Bros optioned the film rights to The Source and Michael recently optioned Crime Zero to the producers of Lord Of The Rings and The Golden Compass, agreeing to write the screenplay.
Due to the ‘high concept’ nature of Michael Cordy’s novels the Press have called him “Britain’s answer to Michael Crichton.” Some of his early books have also been compared to Dan Brown’s The Da Vinci Code - although they were bestsellers many years before that novel was written.
The Miracle Strain was republished as The Messiah Code in many countries and some of the other novels have since been republished with new titles too.
Michael Cordy is British but was born in Ghana and spent much of his childhood in West and East Africa, India and Cyprus. He was educated in England at Kings School Canterbury and the universities of Leicester and Durham.
After ten years in marketing and advertising, his wife, Jenny backed his decision to give up a lucrative career and follow his dream of becoming a writer - so long as he finished his first novel in one year. It took him two. (He claims to have written all the necessary words in the allotted twelve months - just not in the right order)
Disney bought the film rights for $1.6 million.
Another five novels followed: Crime Zero, Lucifer, True, The Source and the latest THE COLOUR OF DEATH. All have been published in the UK by Bantam Press and Corgi, and translated into several languages.
Warner Bros optioned the film rights to The Source and Michael recently optioned Crime Zero to the producers of Lord Of The Rings and The Golden Compass, agreeing to write the screenplay.
Due to the ‘high concept’ nature of Michael Cordy’s novels the Press have called him “Britain’s answer to Michael Crichton.” Some of his early books have also been compared to Dan Brown’s The Da Vinci Code - although they were bestsellers many years before that novel was written.
The Miracle Strain was republished as The Messiah Code in many countries and some of the other novels have since been republished with new titles too.
Michael Cordy is British but was born in Ghana and spent much of his childhood in West and East Africa, India and Cyprus. He was educated in England at Kings School Canterbury and the universities of Leicester and Durham.
After ten years in marketing and advertising, his wife, Jenny backed his decision to give up a lucrative career and follow his dream of becoming a writer - so long as he finished his first novel in one year. It took him two. (He claims to have written all the necessary words in the allotted twelve months - just not in the right order)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 121 reviews
November 15, 2010
This book was originally titled as 'The Miracle Strain' before miraculously renamed as 'The Messiah Code'. I can't help to wonder if Dan Brown's hit piece had inspired the name change considering that both books hover around the concept of Christ, and his divinity. And I wonder if somehow Dan Brown might have been inspired by this book, knowing that it was first released in 1996 before the Christianity theme exploded into a common theme of fiction these few years.
The main theme of the story revolves around a renowned scientist that is attempting to unravel the key of healing that several individuals possess the world over, by studying it through the genetic material. He was convinced that these 'gifts' have as much to do with divine intervention as much as rational science. While at first, he was not so engrossed in specifically researching the genes of Christ - an offer by a secret religious organization gave him an opportunity too precious to pass. That, and his depressing need to find a cure for an incurable illness that threatens his daughter.
If I were to review this book when it was first released, I might have given it an honourable four stars rating for being fresh, engaging and clever. But things have changed much over the years in terms of technology and scientific understanding - that much of the details in this book appears superficial. And I guess that is also one of the flaw in the book - it just doesn't really explain in more detail how the sciences helps to unlock the mystery. To better put it, it seems like the scientific approach was there to lay the foundation of the story but didn't help much in supporting it.
There's of course the religious aspect of the book - but none so much into the whole issue of faith, other than Christ the Healer.
2/3 into the book I did found myself deeply entertained with the plot and revelations, but sadly almost into the end, I discovered that much of the rest can be predicted easily. There was a sense of disappointment of how much suspense or surprises lost. It's ending is fine by itself and does gave a fitting conclusion, then again almost too predictable.
A good read but none too earth shattering by today's standards.
The main theme of the story revolves around a renowned scientist that is attempting to unravel the key of healing that several individuals possess the world over, by studying it through the genetic material. He was convinced that these 'gifts' have as much to do with divine intervention as much as rational science. While at first, he was not so engrossed in specifically researching the genes of Christ - an offer by a secret religious organization gave him an opportunity too precious to pass. That, and his depressing need to find a cure for an incurable illness that threatens his daughter.
If I were to review this book when it was first released, I might have given it an honourable four stars rating for being fresh, engaging and clever. But things have changed much over the years in terms of technology and scientific understanding - that much of the details in this book appears superficial. And I guess that is also one of the flaw in the book - it just doesn't really explain in more detail how the sciences helps to unlock the mystery. To better put it, it seems like the scientific approach was there to lay the foundation of the story but didn't help much in supporting it.
There's of course the religious aspect of the book - but none so much into the whole issue of faith, other than Christ the Healer.
2/3 into the book I did found myself deeply entertained with the plot and revelations, but sadly almost into the end, I discovered that much of the rest can be predicted easily. There was a sense of disappointment of how much suspense or surprises lost. It's ending is fine by itself and does gave a fitting conclusion, then again almost too predictable.
A good read but none too earth shattering by today's standards.
February 12, 2010
“At the moment of his supreme triumph, a man of science dodges an assassin’s bullet and loses everything that truly matters in his life. Now only a miracle can save Dr Tom Carter’s dying daughter: the blood of salvation shed twenty centuries ago.
In the volatile heart of the Middle East, amid the devastating secrets of an ancient brotherhood awaiting a new messiah, Tom Carter must search for answers to the mysteries that have challenged humankind since the death and resurrection of the greatest Healer who every walked the Earth. Because suddenly Carter’s life, the life of his little girl, and the fate of the world hang in the balance…
After two thousand years, the wait is over…”
The Messiah Code was recommended to me by a rather well-read friend, but I have to admit that I didn’t know what to expect of the story, and because of the involvement of religion, I did expect to find it somewhat tedious (sorry Jenny). How wrong I was!
I was immediately gripped when I began the first chapter (although I can’t say the prologue held the same effect), and felt sympathy for the main characters from the word go. The tragedy that occurs in the first chapter had me in tears, so from that moment I knew I would enjoy the novel immensely; any immediate emotional involvement with the characters similar to this novel, tells you the author has done a good job.
The continuity of these emotional attachments was flawless as I genuinely felt for the main character (Tom Carter), his daughter (Holly) and his friends and colleagues throughout the remainder of the novel.
The Brotherhood however, provoked entirely different emotions. I was irritated by them and their extremist religion from the start, and grew to hate them more as the novel progressed, but also became aware of an interest in understanding their way of thinking.
Maria’s (Nemesis) character was, for me, the hardest to understand. She was the Brotherhood’s passionate and attention-craving assassin, who is rightly first portrayed as evil and mentally unstable. However, as the novel progresses and we learn more about her past, it becomes an internal struggle to fight off the feeling of sympathy for her.
I was very impressed by The Messiah Code and Cordy’s ability as an author. I was pleasantly surprised by this novel and would definitely recommend it to others.
In the volatile heart of the Middle East, amid the devastating secrets of an ancient brotherhood awaiting a new messiah, Tom Carter must search for answers to the mysteries that have challenged humankind since the death and resurrection of the greatest Healer who every walked the Earth. Because suddenly Carter’s life, the life of his little girl, and the fate of the world hang in the balance…
After two thousand years, the wait is over…”
The Messiah Code was recommended to me by a rather well-read friend, but I have to admit that I didn’t know what to expect of the story, and because of the involvement of religion, I did expect to find it somewhat tedious (sorry Jenny). How wrong I was!
I was immediately gripped when I began the first chapter (although I can’t say the prologue held the same effect), and felt sympathy for the main characters from the word go. The tragedy that occurs in the first chapter had me in tears, so from that moment I knew I would enjoy the novel immensely; any immediate emotional involvement with the characters similar to this novel, tells you the author has done a good job.
The continuity of these emotional attachments was flawless as I genuinely felt for the main character (Tom Carter), his daughter (Holly) and his friends and colleagues throughout the remainder of the novel.
The Brotherhood however, provoked entirely different emotions. I was irritated by them and their extremist religion from the start, and grew to hate them more as the novel progressed, but also became aware of an interest in understanding their way of thinking.
Maria’s (Nemesis) character was, for me, the hardest to understand. She was the Brotherhood’s passionate and attention-craving assassin, who is rightly first portrayed as evil and mentally unstable. However, as the novel progresses and we learn more about her past, it becomes an internal struggle to fight off the feeling of sympathy for her.
I was very impressed by The Messiah Code and Cordy’s ability as an author. I was pleasantly surprised by this novel and would definitely recommend it to others.
December 22, 2016
DNF. Gave up about halfway through.
The character development is lazy. Tom has no personality beyond wanting to cure his daughter's cancer. It uses the disposable women trope to provide his motivations. His wife is murdered in an assassination attempt meant for him, his young daughter has faulty genes that will cause her to die from a brain tumour, and his mother killed herself when he was young because she was dying from cancer.
His business partner is just as lazily developed. She has worked her way out of the "ghetto" where her brother was killed in gang violence when he was young. Her parents responded by keeping her shut away with only a computer for company. So fair enough she's good with computers, but she's not just good she's the "best in the world" at hacking and cyber security.
But it was when I got to the part where he uses rape as a plot device that I decided I'd had enough. The antagonist, known as code name Nemesis, needed to have something bad to have happened to her to give her a reason for becoming a super-assassin. The obvious and laziest choice here is rape, and it's thrown in and handled with no care or sensitivity at all.
The plot itself is nothing special and it hasn't aged well. The tech is a strange mix of outdated and bizarrely futuristic and it reminds me of film Hackers. Tom travels around the world and visits churches and cities across Europe, but we only see this briefly with most of his travel happening off page. I got half way through and the majority of the book was the characters sitting around talking and running gene scans.
Not enough to keep me interested, and the violence against the women is offputting and used in place of actual, realistic character development.
The character development is lazy. Tom has no personality beyond wanting to cure his daughter's cancer. It uses the disposable women trope to provide his motivations. His wife is murdered in an assassination attempt meant for him, his young daughter has faulty genes that will cause her to die from a brain tumour, and his mother killed herself when he was young because she was dying from cancer.
His business partner is just as lazily developed. She has worked her way out of the "ghetto" where her brother was killed in gang violence when he was young. Her parents responded by keeping her shut away with only a computer for company. So fair enough she's good with computers, but she's not just good she's the "best in the world" at hacking and cyber security.
But it was when I got to the part where he uses rape as a plot device that I decided I'd had enough. The antagonist, known as code name Nemesis, needed to have something bad to have happened to her to give her a reason for becoming a super-assassin. The obvious and laziest choice here is rape, and it's thrown in and handled with no care or sensitivity at all.
The plot itself is nothing special and it hasn't aged well. The tech is a strange mix of outdated and bizarrely futuristic and it reminds me of film Hackers. Tom travels around the world and visits churches and cities across Europe, but we only see this briefly with most of his travel happening off page. I got half way through and the majority of the book was the characters sitting around talking and running gene scans.
Not enough to keep me interested, and the violence against the women is offputting and used in place of actual, realistic character development.
December 22, 2017
"Una de esas historias que no prometen gran cosa y que, sin embargo, logran sorprender. La trama mantiene un buen ritmo en casi todo momento y resulta interesante ver cómo logra que reflexiones sobre diversos temas".
Reseña completa: http://entrelalecturayelcine.blogspot...
Reseña completa: http://entrelalecturayelcine.blogspot...
April 15, 2021
Sigh..... The Miracle Strain is my first experience of the work of thriller writer, Michael Cordy. The Miracle Strain is a technological thriller with religious overtones. In some ways it reminded me of Dan Brown and Robin Cook; the style and type of story, and in similar ways it left me feeling about the same when I'd completed it.... that being, a general shrug of yeah, ok.....
The story starts off with a bang. Scientist Tom Carter is in Sweden with wife, daughter and co-workers receiving the Nobel prize for his scientific work on gene research. An attempt is made to assassinate Tom and his wife is killed instead. The attempt is made by a shadowy religious 'organization' which has been in place for centuries, created by Lazarus to plan for Christ's resurrection. Part of the organization is an assassination bureau whose aim is to rid the Earth of evil people. Carter is deemed to be evil because he uses science to try to find cures, thereby, in their eyes, using Christ's powers of healing. He's also an atheist.
Tom discovers that his wife would have died anyway of a brain tumor. He also discovers that his young daughter, Holly, may get the condition. This begins a hunt to find a possible gene cure. This will also lead him to making a deal with the secret organization to see if there is anything in Christ's genetic make-up that might help, since Christ was a healer. Along with this story line, the organizations assassin, angry that she didn't succeed with her assassination attempt continues to try to kill Carter.
The story in its simplest form. The story moves along very nicely, shifting from character to character, more completely explaining the history and plans of the 'secret brotherhood', developing Nemesis' character and her past (the assassin, btw) and showing Tom's desperate search for a cure for his daughter. The story was interesting, not too technical and had enough action and scene changes to hold your attention. I think my main problem was that I never really engaged with any of the characters. My favorite was Carter's technical expert, Jasmine Washington, smart, a hacker supreme, independent and spunky. The theme was interesting and not too futuristic. The ending was alright, kind of pat, even with the little door left open to make you think. (3 stars)
The story starts off with a bang. Scientist Tom Carter is in Sweden with wife, daughter and co-workers receiving the Nobel prize for his scientific work on gene research. An attempt is made to assassinate Tom and his wife is killed instead. The attempt is made by a shadowy religious 'organization' which has been in place for centuries, created by Lazarus to plan for Christ's resurrection. Part of the organization is an assassination bureau whose aim is to rid the Earth of evil people. Carter is deemed to be evil because he uses science to try to find cures, thereby, in their eyes, using Christ's powers of healing. He's also an atheist.
Tom discovers that his wife would have died anyway of a brain tumor. He also discovers that his young daughter, Holly, may get the condition. This begins a hunt to find a possible gene cure. This will also lead him to making a deal with the secret organization to see if there is anything in Christ's genetic make-up that might help, since Christ was a healer. Along with this story line, the organizations assassin, angry that she didn't succeed with her assassination attempt continues to try to kill Carter.
The story in its simplest form. The story moves along very nicely, shifting from character to character, more completely explaining the history and plans of the 'secret brotherhood', developing Nemesis' character and her past (the assassin, btw) and showing Tom's desperate search for a cure for his daughter. The story was interesting, not too technical and had enough action and scene changes to hold your attention. I think my main problem was that I never really engaged with any of the characters. My favorite was Carter's technical expert, Jasmine Washington, smart, a hacker supreme, independent and spunky. The theme was interesting and not too futuristic. The ending was alright, kind of pat, even with the little door left open to make you think. (3 stars)
August 11, 2022
4 stars - English Ebook
At the moment of his supreme triumph, a man of science dodges an assassin's bullet and loses everything that truly matters in his life. Now only a miracle can save Dr. Tom Carter's dying daughter: the blood of salvation shed twenty centuries ago.
In the volatile heart of the Middle East, amid the devastating secrets of an ancient brotherhood awaiting a new messiah, Tom Carter must search for answers to the mysteries that have challenged humankind since the death and resurrection of the greatest Healer who ever walked the Earth.
Because suddenly Carter's life, the life of his little girl, and the fate of the world hang in the balance ...
After two thousand years, the wait is over.
It's probably not fair to review a book about genetics and religious mega-conspiracy so long after its original publication date, too much water under the bridge with this genre.
Even if the reader makes a firm commitment to avoid comparing it to "The Da Vinci Code," what about Lewis Perdue's "The Daughter of God" or James Rollins' "Map of Bones"? The list is huge. Not that I complaine. This is one of my favourite genres.
This book was first published in 1997 as "The Miracle Strain," before many of the better-known religious conspiracy books.
Michael Cordy may have offered us an embarrassment of riches in combining the two main plot elements, religion and genetics.
Neither element feels completely original, and there's a slight awkwardness in the way they fit together. To paraphrase Lewis Carroll, it's a bit like trying to believe six impossible things before breakfast.
The travel's too easy, the geneticist's genius sidekick too naive, the science a little too shallowly portrayed, the ethical decision-making too facile. Oh, and the characters could have done with much more development
All that said, the book is an absorbing thriller/mystery/adventure, and still a very good read. The plot manages to throw a few surprises at me, and even the predictable developments are reasonably well presented. I did not disturb me.
I recommend this book for traveling or any time when your attention is partially committed elsewhere.
At the moment of his supreme triumph, a man of science dodges an assassin's bullet and loses everything that truly matters in his life. Now only a miracle can save Dr. Tom Carter's dying daughter: the blood of salvation shed twenty centuries ago.
In the volatile heart of the Middle East, amid the devastating secrets of an ancient brotherhood awaiting a new messiah, Tom Carter must search for answers to the mysteries that have challenged humankind since the death and resurrection of the greatest Healer who ever walked the Earth.
Because suddenly Carter's life, the life of his little girl, and the fate of the world hang in the balance ...
After two thousand years, the wait is over.
It's probably not fair to review a book about genetics and religious mega-conspiracy so long after its original publication date, too much water under the bridge with this genre.
Even if the reader makes a firm commitment to avoid comparing it to "The Da Vinci Code," what about Lewis Perdue's "The Daughter of God" or James Rollins' "Map of Bones"? The list is huge. Not that I complaine. This is one of my favourite genres.
This book was first published in 1997 as "The Miracle Strain," before many of the better-known religious conspiracy books.
Michael Cordy may have offered us an embarrassment of riches in combining the two main plot elements, religion and genetics.
Neither element feels completely original, and there's a slight awkwardness in the way they fit together. To paraphrase Lewis Carroll, it's a bit like trying to believe six impossible things before breakfast.
The travel's too easy, the geneticist's genius sidekick too naive, the science a little too shallowly portrayed, the ethical decision-making too facile. Oh, and the characters could have done with much more development
All that said, the book is an absorbing thriller/mystery/adventure, and still a very good read. The plot manages to throw a few surprises at me, and even the predictable developments are reasonably well presented. I did not disturb me.
I recommend this book for traveling or any time when your attention is partially committed elsewhere.
September 3, 2008
First off, let me say this way a terribly schlocky, corny, and ridiculous book. That said, it wasn't a bad read. I often found myself going page after page staying up past my bedtime with a flashlight under the covers and... no of course not.
It's the late 90s and everyone is excited about this great new stuff called DNA. Some are so excited because they've found a magical way to understand people and cure disease. Others are happy because the think they can use vast biometric databases (often illegal - and this is the spooky part, they exist now) to find down the second coming of Christ. Not surprisingly, these two parties collide in a way that is at once both trite and intriguing. Naturally a sort-of holy war ensues, and just when you think you've done, you find various versions of truth all over the place.
I'd really expected to hate this book based off the pretentious design on the cover, and the metallic green DNA helix on the spine (they got the structure right though, which is more than I can say for the brand new, 10 million dollar Biomedical Sciences building on campus). It's exciting, you want to keep reading, and only occasionally do they make overtly stupid comments. Consider this to be a pseudo 2.5 stars.
It's the late 90s and everyone is excited about this great new stuff called DNA. Some are so excited because they've found a magical way to understand people and cure disease. Others are happy because the think they can use vast biometric databases (often illegal - and this is the spooky part, they exist now) to find down the second coming of Christ. Not surprisingly, these two parties collide in a way that is at once both trite and intriguing. Naturally a sort-of holy war ensues, and just when you think you've done, you find various versions of truth all over the place.
I'd really expected to hate this book based off the pretentious design on the cover, and the metallic green DNA helix on the spine (they got the structure right though, which is more than I can say for the brand new, 10 million dollar Biomedical Sciences building on campus). It's exciting, you want to keep reading, and only occasionally do they make overtly stupid comments. Consider this to be a pseudo 2.5 stars.
March 22, 2008
The premise of this book had all the opportunity to be a thrilling ride for the reader, and many parts of it were. There were several moments where I couldn't put the book down, but once I finished it I just felt disappointed.
The writer's atheistic or agnostic beliefs overshadowed the ultimate storyline, and I think it was to the detriment of the plot. How much more interesting would it have been if the author would have surprised us with a spiritual twist, instead of re-doing the tired "atheist as protagonist, religious fanatic as antagonist" plot.
It read like a less engrossing Dan Brown novel, not only during the action sequences but also because the hero remains virtually unchanged at the close, with no growth but the pat maybe-there's-something-out-there-who-knows statement to pacify those of us with even a modicum of spirituality.
I really was intrigued by the idea of a healing gene and how science might exploit it to the benefit of mankind, and I will wait expectantly for science to catch up to the premise of this novel.
The writer's atheistic or agnostic beliefs overshadowed the ultimate storyline, and I think it was to the detriment of the plot. How much more interesting would it have been if the author would have surprised us with a spiritual twist, instead of re-doing the tired "atheist as protagonist, religious fanatic as antagonist" plot.
It read like a less engrossing Dan Brown novel, not only during the action sequences but also because the hero remains virtually unchanged at the close, with no growth but the pat maybe-there's-something-out-there-who-knows statement to pacify those of us with even a modicum of spirituality.
I really was intrigued by the idea of a healing gene and how science might exploit it to the benefit of mankind, and I will wait expectantly for science to catch up to the premise of this novel.
August 10, 2011
The Miracle Strain by Michael Cordy has a story-line with many prospects. The genes of Christ and the mysteries they may have held. When you mix this with a female assassin the scenario could be very promising. Unfortunately the final result falls far short of what the reader could or should expect. I think Michael Cordy’s pallet missed some essential colors leaving his story rather dull and lackluster. The Miracle Strain is Michael Cordy’s first novel and my first introduction to his work. Although the book hasn’t left me with a burning desire to go out and look for something else by his hand, it also hasn’t put me off him altogether.
August 2, 2014
I got about 100 pages in to this one before I decided to give it up. It was tough to even get up to page 100 and when I brought it home today I realized I wasn't enjoying it so what's the point of continuing. Each page took me a while to get through but I still felt like not much was happening. This reminded me quite a bit of The Da Vinci Code, where a religious group is using their religion as a cover for crimes while other people are trying to educate the world or make it a better place.
June 25, 2017
This book is one of my all time favourites to this day and very underrated. The plot, the characters, the ending, it's all great!
July 18, 2014
Το κλειδί της ζωής, το πρώτο μυθιστόρημα του συγγραφέα, παίζει με τους πιο μύχιους φόβους αλλά και τις ελπίδες του σύγχρονου ανθρώπου -τις κατακτήσεις της επιστήμης στο χώρο της Γενετικής. Η απονομή του Νόμπελ Ιατρικής είναι η στιγμή του θριάμβου γα τον δόκτορα Τομ Κάρτερ, εφευρέτη του Γονοσκοπίου, που "διαβάζει" όλα τα γονίδια του ανθρώπου και μπορεί να προβλέψει τη διάρκεια της ζωής του. Ξαφνικά, όμως, όλα καταρρέουν, όταν η γυναίκα του δολοφονείται από μια σφαίρα που προοριζόταν για τον ίδιο και η εννιάχρονη κόρη του, η Χόλυ, αρρωσταίνει βαριά. Η επιστήμη σηκώνει τα χέρια, και μόνο ένα αληθινό θαύμα μπορεί να σώσει πια το παιδί του, που έχει λιγότερο από ένα χρόνο ζωής. Τότε , ο Τομ συμμαχεί με μια πανάρχαια, μυστική αδελφότητα, που του προσφέρει ένα πολύτιμο βιολογικό λείψανο. Το Γονοσκόπιο πρέπει να διαβάσει -και να ανασυνθέσει- το DNA του μεγαλύτερου θεραπευτή στην ιστορία του ανθρώπινου γένους, του ίδιου του Χριστού. Ένα συναρπαστικό μυθιστόρημα με ανατρεπτικό τέλος. Καθαρή επιστημονική φαντασία αλλα μεθυστικό στην αφήγηση και πραγματικό page-turner. Ποτέ δεν ήμουν τόσο φανατικός με τα του Χριστού της Μαγδαληνης κλπ. και δέχτηκα πολύ χαλαρά την ιδέα που εξηγεί την πραγματική αιτία για τα θαύματα που έκανε ο Ιησούς. Το συνιστώ ανεπιφύλακτα.
Στα ελληνικά από την Ωκεανίδα το 2005 (Το κλειδί της ζωής).
Στα ελληνικά από την Ωκεανίδα το 2005 (Το κλειδί της ζωής).
February 1, 2019
This is one of the books I have kept for years and never got around to actually reading it. Until now. The story itself is intriguing although it clearly benefited from the popularity of Dan Brown’s Angels and Demons. At least I know that I bought it around that time when mixing religious topics with science (fiction) was popular - despite this book being initially published several years earlier.
The author tackles some interesting questions, like do we really want to know if we carry genes for fatal diseases? Would curing everyone be the right way to go or would the resulting overpopulation make life unbearable for everyone?
However, take any scientific information with a huge grain of salt. There are so many mistakes in there and not every wrong statement was required to make the story work. Some “explanations” make no sense, were written like that to use hot keywords or to sound cool. The writing style is sometimes very odd and especially the German edition includes wrong translations and seemingly scientific terms that were most likely mistranslated by a translator with no scientific background.
The author tackles some interesting questions, like do we really want to know if we carry genes for fatal diseases? Would curing everyone be the right way to go or would the resulting overpopulation make life unbearable for everyone?
However, take any scientific information with a huge grain of salt. There are so many mistakes in there and not every wrong statement was required to make the story work. Some “explanations” make no sense, were written like that to use hot keywords or to sound cool. The writing style is sometimes very odd and especially the German edition includes wrong translations and seemingly scientific terms that were most likely mistranslated by a translator with no scientific background.
November 17, 2025
2.5⭐
This was my first book by Michael Cordy. I picked it up at a book exchange corner in a mall.
The premise about DNA, chromosomes, genomes, secret societies, super assassins all were interesting enough to warrant a read
Christ, his divinity and attempts to use his blood to clone him/ utilise his DNA - these are themes that I'd read before in other books. Perhaps this is why I didn't find The Miracle Strain new or engrossing. It had been done before.
I didn't like the main character too much either. He was too full of hubris I thought.
The writing was good as was the pacing. The language, aside from the tech and science jargon, was also simple enough to understand.
I did finish the whole book without DNF-ing it midway so it wasn't a bad book by any means. It was just sort of lacklustre as a whole.
This was my first book by Michael Cordy. I picked it up at a book exchange corner in a mall.
The premise about DNA, chromosomes, genomes, secret societies, super assassins all were interesting enough to warrant a read
Christ, his divinity and attempts to use his blood to clone him/ utilise his DNA - these are themes that I'd read before in other books. Perhaps this is why I didn't find The Miracle Strain new or engrossing. It had been done before.
I didn't like the main character too much either. He was too full of hubris I thought.
The writing was good as was the pacing. The language, aside from the tech and science jargon, was also simple enough to understand.
I did finish the whole book without DNF-ing it midway so it wasn't a bad book by any means. It was just sort of lacklustre as a whole.
November 20, 2019
The Miracle strain is a great combination between an ancient religious order and new modern science, which is in an phase of use genealogy as a way to take someones DNA and can replica a 3-D hologram of what the person looks like. his work landed him a Noble prize and unfortunately the same night of receiving his Noble prize his wife was assassinated. Now that in mind this ancient religious order opposes this new technology due to the catastrophic ramifications it can have on Christianity.
July 15, 2010
The writing in this book is horrible. Poor characterization and stiff/unnatural dialogue plague the book. I gave up after 2 chapters. Cordy introduces what could have been an interesting concept, but his writing ruined it.
October 1, 2014
So, that was pretty dreadful. I gave it 2 stars instead of 1 because I did at least finish it, and the premise for the plot was interesting. I just wish it had been better executed.
April 9, 2023
Too safe!
I mean, the idea and premise of this book are most definitely intriguing but that is about where it ends; with the idea. I almost DNF’d the book severally. That's because the plot is so painfully slow in some places and nothing seems to be really happening other than Tom Carter hopping from one plane to another. What is more infuriating is that the miracle strain (the messiah gene, if you will,) had so much potential but the writer played it a little too safe. Such a discovery should have had a lot more noise around it but I guess he’d rather not rock the world’s spiritual beliefs…only Jazz’s beliefs can be rocked but she will stay steadfast because her goddaughter’s life is on the line?!
Speaking of Jazz, she like all other characters in the book is not developed at all. It would make a lot more sense if the book was more action driven. However, we do spend enough time with these characters to want more from them. There is absolutely no substance to them. The only one who is a little fleshed out is the antagonist Nemesis but using rape as a plot device for her story made it fall flat.
I would read another of Michael Cordy’s books albeit cautiously optimistic….
I mean, the idea and premise of this book are most definitely intriguing but that is about where it ends; with the idea. I almost DNF’d the book severally. That's because the plot is so painfully slow in some places and nothing seems to be really happening other than Tom Carter hopping from one plane to another. What is more infuriating is that the miracle strain (the messiah gene, if you will,) had so much potential but the writer played it a little too safe. Such a discovery should have had a lot more noise around it but I guess he’d rather not rock the world’s spiritual beliefs…only Jazz’s beliefs can be rocked but she will stay steadfast because her goddaughter’s life is on the line?!
Speaking of Jazz, she like all other characters in the book is not developed at all. It would make a lot more sense if the book was more action driven. However, we do spend enough time with these characters to want more from them. There is absolutely no substance to them. The only one who is a little fleshed out is the antagonist Nemesis but using rape as a plot device for her story made it fall flat.
I would read another of Michael Cordy’s books albeit cautiously optimistic….
Read
August 13, 2025There is a special Brotherhood that is both looking for the messiah (they don't seem to believe that the "Second Coming" predicted in the New Testament is supposed to be very noticeable) and is ordering "Righteous Kills" of "depraved sinners." Maria is the religious assassin who accidentally kills Tom's wife instead of him. Meanwhile, he tries to find ways to keep his daughter from getting a predicted (by a Gene Decoder AI) brain cancer. This while he worries about being hunted. One avenue he pursues is to try to find a remnant of Jesus (clothing, body parts, cross) and analyze the DNA to see if it could recode his daughter's DNA to heal her. Another avenue is to work with the religious group to see if there is a new hidden messiah with healing powers.
Could be compared to the "Da Vinci Code": has lots of action, a religious element, search for clues, deaths.
Could be compared to the "Da Vinci Code": has lots of action, a religious element, search for clues, deaths.
April 23, 2024
This is my second book by this author and I think I'll take a break from his books after this. His writing style is engaging but the stories don't hold my attention throughout the book. I find myself skimming paragraphs after a while hoping to get to the point - or the end. The story also feels a little rushed at times and somewhat sloppily put together. The concept is interesting and this isn't the worst book I've ever read, so if you're looking for something to pass the time, this wouldn't be a bad choice. I'm glad I finally read the two book I had from this author that had been sitting on my shelf for many years but now it's time to move onto something else.
March 25, 2023
Couldn't finish the book.
The story of a family man setting up a gene alteration company to help prevent and treat genetically inherited diseases, is a good one. However, although the science behind what's trying to be achieved is in integral part of the story, I found I was starting to get fed up with it.
The story probably picks up a bit towards the end, but I like to enjoy the books I read for pleasure, so fail to see why I should keep reading a book I'm struggling with.
The story of a family man setting up a gene alteration company to help prevent and treat genetically inherited diseases, is a good one. However, although the science behind what's trying to be achieved is in integral part of the story, I found I was starting to get fed up with it.
The story probably picks up a bit towards the end, but I like to enjoy the books I read for pleasure, so fail to see why I should keep reading a book I'm struggling with.
August 20, 2025
Read this book when I was 11-12.
Maybe too dark for my younger self. Didn't get to catch the name of the book and have spent the last years searching for it lmao.
Though there are some things about the plot that I don't like (just personal preferences), it was still a really good ride.
I would have loved a spin-off of Maria because I really liked her character. Also, I'm a bit disturbed by how Cordy killed Bob and Nora and didn't develop the MC's grief further ...
Maybe too dark for my younger self. Didn't get to catch the name of the book and have spent the last years searching for it lmao.
Though there are some things about the plot that I don't like (just personal preferences), it was still a really good ride.
I would have loved a spin-off of Maria because I really liked her character. Also, I'm a bit disturbed by how Cordy killed Bob and Nora and didn't develop the MC's grief further ...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 25, 2019
Reading Cordy for the first ride. And I am hooked. Exhilarating from page 1. Fascinating insights into DNA, genomes and chromosomes. And how the genes of a carpenter from Nazareth, two thousand years ago, can be used to save lives in the present.
This was his first book. Cannot wait to read the others!
This was his first book. Cannot wait to read the others!
September 27, 2020
WOW
Totally engrossing novel. This book popped up as a possibility when I was looking for another. Sounded intriguing, and I bought and downloaded. Not so much a good versus evil but possibility versus religion and technology. This novel kept me on the edge of my seat while I grappled with the storyline. Highly recommend.
Totally engrossing novel. This book popped up as a possibility when I was looking for another. Sounded intriguing, and I bought and downloaded. Not so much a good versus evil but possibility versus religion and technology. This novel kept me on the edge of my seat while I grappled with the storyline. Highly recommend.
April 16, 2021
This is one of the worst books I have actually finished. The characterisation is so bad I really didn't care what happened to anyone. The writing is poor and derivative, the plot ridiculous and it was far too long. There was simply no depth, no shades. In my view, based on this, Cordy should have stuck to his original job.
December 20, 2020
Having not read a book in several months, it came as a surprise that I devoured this one. A very well written book that keeps you hooked and unable to put it down. Thank you for giving me the chance to enjoy it.
January 9, 2021
Eh...Second coming, miracle cures, dead bodies, religious zealots....unfortunately there are people in our present society that would think this book is a documentary and not fiction at all....in fact, we'll probably see some of these ideas onb Parler soon....thanks President Trump.
March 28, 2021
Initially I thought it a bit hard going but after a while I was hooked. A very thought provoking read. Covers a multitude of thoughts, beliefs etc. Is what we think we want/need is best? You decide.
September 28, 2021
What if
Excellent stiry of what if this could happen
And could this be true
I personally dont like religion rammed down my throat
But the human race are a very intelligent and clever being
And have great ideas and theiries live long and prosper
Excellent stiry of what if this could happen
And could this be true
I personally dont like religion rammed down my throat
But the human race are a very intelligent and clever being
And have great ideas and theiries live long and prosper
Displaying 1 - 30 of 121 reviews