Antique books, secret societies, secrets that could shake the foundations of two world religions. These are the things that make up a new genre of fiction called by some the "theological thriller." DaVinci Code is at the top of the list, obviously, but there are many, many more. The latest addition to this genre is Illuminated by Matt Bronleewe.

Bronleewe starts with Johannes Gutenberg, and his famous Bible. Gutenberg hid secrets in the illuminations of his Bibles — secrets that lead to two secret societies, fighting to control a mythical treasure. Stir in August Adams, an archaeobiblicist with a photographic memory, and a few determined assassins and you've got a book that you won't be able to put down.

Not to say that I didn't have any reservations about the book. I would have loved to have seen more background on the main characters - I found it really hard to care about any of the characters, because I didn't know them. August also solved the riddles just a bit too quickly - it never seemed to be a challenge for him. The book really could have been 50-100 pages longer, and I'd have enjoyed it just as much, if not more.

In fact, I found myself reminded of The Last Cato, which I reviewed over a year ago. The pacing of Illuminated, though, was far more reminiscent of a TV show like 24. On the screen, either big or small, this story would be incredible. In book form, however, it comes up a bit short.

One expected element, though, was refreshingly left out. A Christian author (Bronleewe is a founding member of Christian rock crossover band Jars of Clay) writing for a Christian publisher (Thomas Nelson) usually means a main character who faces a spiritual crisis, who only pulls through thanks to the help of an older mentor. OR it means a main character who faces down the bad guys with spiritual power from on high. And it always means a main character who, at some point or another, delivers an in-your-face Gospel presentation to the antagonist. If done well, it doesn't bother me. Unfortunately, it's rarely done well. In Illuminated, it isn't done at all.

That surprised me, but it makes sense. Bronleewe is telling a story, and doesn't have any hidden agenda. And he tells the story well. This debut novel shows a lot of promise, and I look forward to future books.