Matt Bronleewe Reviews

Added August 1, 2007

Illuminated

Author: Matt Bronleewe
Publisher: Thomas Nelson Inc.
Available At: Bookstores everywhere
Publishing Date: August 7, 2007
Genre: Fiction: Christian/Contemporary/Mainstream/Thriller
Format: Jacketed Hardcover
Price: $22.99
ISBN-10: 1595542493
ISBN-13: 978-1-5955-4249-6
Author Email/Website: www.myspace.com/mattbronleewe
Reviewer: Joyce Handzo
Rating: 9 Gargoyles

Illuminated is brilliant! As a centuries-old secret is sought by two power-hungry and secret organizations, one man and his family stand in the way of their success.

What more could book lovers want than a novel about a book? Actually, this story is about three books. Within the hand-painted illuminations of three rare Gutenberg Bibles is a secret that could bring immeasurable wealth while doing incalculable damage to two major religions.

Beginning with a mysterious scene from the childhood of Johannes Gutenberg, these pages immediately place readers in a story with substance. The author's references to historical artifacts and ancient societies provide facts that flesh out the fiction with a compelling sense of realism. Technology and terror balance out the action with swift moves that are captivating to both characters and readers. As the story progresses, a seemingly impregnable wall separates truth from freedom, daring the combatants to cross it. A series of well-timed surprises and a lot of logical thinking rev up the plot, causing the characters to make a 'do or die' race to the finish.

With a gently intellectual feel, this novel highlights the historical significance of these rare books, while adding an intriguing mystery. As the characters seek the hidden message in these Bibles, a chilling countdown begins, ending only with a serious sifting of the clues. Love, trust and faith are all on the line, causing readers to lean in a little closer and turn those pages a bit faster.

Illuminated flickers with past secrets, present puzzles and a future that could fade to black at any moment.

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