Eclectic Bookshelf: Moonlit Metaphors - Page 7

The Templar Legacy

Steve Berry's latest novel might well be characterized by many as a riff on the same themes articulated in Dan Brown's Da Vinci Code. In it, Cotton Malone, a former government operative, is contacted by his former supervisor, who is also the widow of a researcher who had spent his life investigating the ancient medieval order of the Knights Templar. The researcher apparently committed suicide under mysterious circumstances. Somewhat against his will, Cotton is drawn into an investigation that seemingly leads toward the "lost" treasure, who were forcibly disbanded by the king of France in the 14th century.

Combining a love of arcane documents, dead languages, and cryptic puzzles, Berry's narrative is entertaining if not always plausible. Malone quickly discovers that there are other players hot on the trail of the treasure, many of whom aren't interested in playing nice or sharing their toys. And the frequent discussion of Gnostic theology will undoubtedly tip many readers to the reality that the Templar treasure may involve more than just a cache of gold and precious jewels: there is a secret here as well, a secret that might well reverberate throughout contemporary Christendom. (full review)

Article Author: W.E. Wallo

W.E. Wallo is a book and movie junkie whose writings have appeared in a variety of print and online publications.

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