Title: The Last Templar
Author: Raymond Khoury
First published January 1, 2005
523 pages, Mass Market Paperback
ISBN: 9780451219954 (ISBN10: 0451219953)
Rating: 3.62
Overview
“The power of myth can change the course of history,” uttered a dying man in the 13th century. In the midst of chaos and destruction, a group of Templar knights flee from the burning city of Acre, entrusted with a mysterious chest by their Grand Master.
The ship that carries them disappears without a trace. Centuries later, in Manhattan, a group of masked horsemen dressed as Templar Knights attack the Metropolitan Museum of Art during the opening of a Vatican exhibition.
Archaeologist Tess Chaykin watches in horror as they steal a strange geared device and disappear into the night. The FBI’s anti-terrorist specialist Sean Reilly leads an investigation, and he and Tess are drawn into the hidden history of the crusading Knights.
They embark on a dangerous journey across three continents to recover the lost secret of the Templars, racing against ruthless killers who will stop at nothing to keep the truth hidden. The Last Templar is a thrilling novel that weaves together history and fiction to create a page-turning adventure.
About the Author
Raymond Khoury has written five consecutive New York Times and #1 international bestsellers, starting with his first book, THE LAST TEMPLAR. His books have been translated into 38 languages, and over 10 million copies have been printed.
Raymond’s career began in screenwriting, including the BBC series SPOOKS (known as MI:5 in the US) and Waking The Dead. This background contributes to the cinematic and visual nature of his novels.
Fellow bestselling author Steve Berry has praised his writing, stating that “his expertly chosen verbs cause the scenes to leap from the page. You can literally feel the blows as they’re landed; wince as the bullets find their marks.
He has an intense brand of storytelling all his own.”
THE LAST TEMPLAR was originally written as a screenplay in 1996. A book agent suggested turning it into a novel, and a major NY publisher offered Raymond a large advance for the unwritten book on the condition that he remove the religious aspect of the story.
Raymond turned down the offer and ten years later, the novel, including the religious element, became a global bestseller and was adapted into an NBC miniseries.
Raymond’s thrillers explore big themes that interest him, such as international politics, conspiracies, fact vs faith, aging and death, reincarnation, and mind control. He combines heavy research with historical angles in some of his novels, including dual timelines in THE LAST TEMPLAR, THE SANCTUARY, THE TEMPLAR SALVATION, and RASPUTIN’S SHADOW.
Booklist has praised his novels for their intellectual components and breakneck pace.
Raymond’s eighth novel, an alternate history and time travel story, has been called “ingeniously inventive” and “a classic of the genre” by Publishers Weekly. It is already available in the UK as THE OTTOMAN SECRET and will be released on Oct 1 in the US under the title EMPIRE OF LIES.
To learn more about Raymond and his work, visit his website at raymondkhoury.com or connect with him on Facebook or Instagram (@author.raymond.khoury).
Editoral Review
In his debut novel, The Last Templar, Raymond Khoury delivers an action-packed thriller that seamlessly combines historical fiction with contemporary suspense. Khoury, an author and screenwriter, weaves together complex and compelling narratives that keep readers on the edge of their seats.
Published in January 2005, The Last Templar quickly became a New York Times bestseller and one of the most talked-about novels of the year. Set in the present-day, the story begins with the theft of several artifacts from the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.
Among these artifacts is a mysterious medieval decoder, which is discovered to have links to the legendary Knights Templar, a Catholic military order that existed during the Crusades. As the investigation unfolds, archaeologist Tess Chaykin and FBI agent Sean Reilly find themselves drawn into a dangerous game of cat and mouse with a secret society that will stop at nothing to protect their ancient secrets.
Khoury’s meticulous research is evident throughout the novel, as he seamlessly blends historical fact with thrilling fiction. His portrayals of the Knights Templar and their ultimate demise are particularly compelling, as he paints a vivid picture of a society facing persecution and extermination.
In addition, the story is set against the backdrop of contemporary issues, such as religious extremism, political power struggles, and corporate greed, making it a timely and relevant read. The Last Templar is packed with dynamic characters, each with their own unique strengths and weaknesses.
Tess Chaykin is a fiercely independent and intelligent woman, whose passion for archaeology and historical preservation drives much of the narrative. Sean Reilly, on the other hand, is a no-nonsense FBI agent, whose determination to solve the case often puts him at odds with his superiors.
The chemistry between these two characters is electric, and the romantic tension between them adds an extra layer of intrigue to the story. Khoury’s writing style is fast-paced and cinematic, with vivid descriptions and heart-stopping action scenes.
He knows how to create tension and suspense, building up to a satisfying climax that will leave readers breathless. However, at times the plot can feel a bit contrived, with some of the twists and turns feeling too convenient or predictable.
Overall, The Last Templar is a thrilling read that will keep readers hooked from beginning to end. While it may not be the most intellectually challenging book, it is well-crafted and entertaining, perfect for fans of action-adventure and historical fiction.
Khoury’s attention to detail and historical accuracy set it apart, and his ability to seamlessly intertwine past and present makes it a relevant and thought-provoking read. I give The Last Templar four out of five stars, making it a must-read for fans of the genre.
