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I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
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MY REVIEW:
Rating: 4 out of 5 ⭐
What a fascinating story this was! If you’re a fan of history like I am and enjoy alternating timeline points of view, then this might just be the perfect read for you. This book masterfully weaves together two gripping narratives—one set in the 1300s and the other in present-day Santa Barbara—creating a seamless blend of historical intrigue and modern-day thriller.
In the 1300s timeline, we follow Brychan, a dedicated Templar knight, on a perilous mission to transport a chest of invaluable treasures. Accompanied by his loyal partner, Brychan’s journey takes a dramatic turn when the chest is stolen, forcing them to pursue the thieves across treacherous landscapes. But what begins as a quest to recover stolen goods quickly spirals into a deeper, more dangerous conspiracy. Along the way, Brychan documents their harrowing experiences in his journal, leaving behind a cryptic record of their trials and the secrets they uncover.
Fast forward to present-day Santa Barbara, where Detective Kate Flynn is drawn into a baffling murder investigation. The victim, it turns out, was in possession of an ancient Templar journal—the very same one Brychan penned centuries ago. As Kate delves deeper, she discovers that this journal is no ordinary artifact; it’s believed to hold the key to the lost Templar treasures, a secret so valuable that it has sparked a deadly race among those desperate to claim it. With danger lurking at every turn, Kate must work alongside Brother Thomas, a monk with a knack for translating ancient texts, to decipher the journal’s secrets before it falls into the wrong hands.
What makes this book truly stand out is its fast-paced, dual-timeline structure. The alternating perspectives keep the story fresh and engaging, as the past and present gradually converge in a satisfying and unexpected way. The historical elements are richly detailed, offering a vivid glimpse into the enigmatic world of the Templars—their unwavering commitment, their sacrifices, and the mysteries that still surround them. Brychan’s character, in particular, is a standout. He embodies the ideals of the Templar order—devotion, discipline, and courage—but he’s also refreshingly human, grappling with doubts and distractions that make him relatable and compelling.
On the modern side, Detective Kate Flynn is a strong, intelligent protagonist whose determination and resourcefulness drive the investigation forward. Her dynamic with Brother Thomas adds depth to the story, as their partnership evolves from one of necessity to mutual respect and trust. The interplay between history and modernity is handled with skill, making the ancient journal feel like a living, breathing artifact that bridges the gap between eras.
For anyone fascinated by Templar history, this book is a treasure trove of lore and speculation. The author does an excellent job of honoring the mystique of the Templars while crafting a story that feels fresh and original. The blend of historical fiction, mystery, and thriller elements makes for a truly immersive reading experience.
In short, this is a book that will keep you hooked from the first page to the last. Whether you’re drawn to the rich historical backdrop, the pulse-pounding action, or the intricate puzzle at the heart of the story, there’s something here for everyone. If you’re looking for a thrilling adventure that spans centuries and keeps you guessing until the very end, this is one you won’t want to miss.
Readers
Have you read any books that blend history and thriller elements as seamlessly as this one? Share your recommendations in the comments below! And if you’re as intrigued by Templar history as I am, let me know—I’d love to hear your thoughts on this enigmatic order and their enduring mysteries.
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A fast-paced thriller by Emmy Award-nominated screenwriter, producer, and director Gy Waldron
Detective Sgt. Kate Flynn of the Santa Barbara Police Department is called in to investigate a gruesome decapitation and homicide. Her first clue comes from a most unlikely source: an Anglican monk and Celtic studies expert.
Brother Thomas has been expecting the hand-delivery of a priceless diary of a fourteenth-century Templar Knight, but instead he finds the messenger has been murdered.
Kate and Thomas are pulled deep into a centuries-old mystery with roots in medieval Europe and branches that lead to government intelligence, the Vatican, and a top-secret private lab where untold powers were being alchemized that could alter the face of humanity forever.
It’s a race against evil to uncover a plot that could lead them to centuries-old treasure-or to their own demise at the hands of a deranged tech billionaire who has nothing to lose.
With parallel quests for the truth taking place centuries apart, and a touch of mysticism, readers will be taken on a suspenseful journey with one twist after another in Twist of Time, an electrifying novel of intrigue and history.
Readers of thrillers and novels of suspense by Dan Brown, Ken Follett, David Baldacci will savor every surprise in screenwriter Gy Waldron’s fiction debut.
~ENTER THE GIVEAWAY~
This is a giveaway hosted by Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours for Gy Waldron. See the widget for entry terms and conditions. Void where prohibited.
The giveaway is for: $20 Amazon.com Gift Card, US Only
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Gy Waldron
Gy Waldron is an Emmy Award-nominated screenwriter, producer, and director who has written chart-topping television sitcoms, dramas, miniseries, and movies. He has created three network series, including The Dukes of Hazzard, and is known for the action-comedy film Moonrunners, which he wrote and directed.
He started his writing career in Hollywood working as a staff writer for legendary producer Norman Lear on hit shows such as One Day at a Time. After an eight-year run with The Dukes of Hazzard, he segued into true crime limited series. He received an Emmy Award nomination for the six-hour limited series Billionaire Boys Club, and wrote other projects, including The Menendez Brothers, Brotherhood of the Rose, Innocent Victims, and The Unabomber.
His creative work for theater received an American National Theater and Academy (ANTA) Award.In 2024, Gy Waldron received a Grady Fellowship from his alma mater, the Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communications at the University of Georgia. Whether writing for screen, for the stage, or for readers around the world, Waldron is widely known for his unique blend of action, comedy, and suspense, always leaving audiences highly entertained.
With a background of serving in U.S. counterintelligence in Europe, Gy (a.k.a. Gyneth) has written about the fields of intelligence and crime. Stationed in Germany in the late 1950s, he was on the KGB desk working with captured Gestapo files and monitoring CIC (Counter Intelligence Corps) operations against various Communist intelligence services during the Cold War. Additionally, he worked with American operatives in executing orders from U.S. Command.
He draws heavily on his experiences when writing fiction. Prior to his career in Hollywood, Gy worked in broadcast television at WSB-TV in Atlanta, Georgia. There, he was a director of specials, sports, and documentaries. Gy worked on many civil rights documentaries and directed feeds to NBC’s Huntley-Brinkley Report that focused on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his associates.
A native Southerner, he now lives in Malibu, California, in a canyon between the mountains and the ocean where he is writing his next novel, Fugue.
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