When Josh was almost killed by a bomb in Rome, it triggered a sequence of past-life memories from which he cannot escape. He realizes that he has been reincarnated and nearly two thousand years ago, he was a priest named Julius in love with a Vestal Virgin named Sabina. He feels a need to find her and save her, but he doesn’t know how. On a trip to Rome, his feet land him at an archaeological site where Sabina lies buried, leading to a murder, an investigation, and a desperate search to figure out what his memories are telling him and why.
This was a racing read and I had a hard time putting it down. I originally won it to participate in By The Chapter, so I decided I would read it over the space of the week. That definitely did not happen because I am not a patient person. By the time I was halfway through I just had to know the ending, so I ended up finishing it in two days instead of five. Oops. It’s certainly addicting.
While Josh’s version of reincarnation sounds interesting, I don’t think I’d like to experience it in the same way that he does. It sounds painful and I certainly wouldn’t want to long for a woman who had been dead for many years, knowing that I was looking for her in every face I saw. It was quite curious how many people had been reincarnated, but I suppose we’d have to take it as a matter of course. Many, many people have walked this planet before. I thought the list of sources at the back even more interesting. I had no idea that anyone studied this, and while I don’t believe it myself, I almost want to pick up one of those books just to learn more.
I don’t want to give anything away, but I did feel let down by the ending of this book. While some loose ends were tied up, it felt like something of a cop-out and diminished the appeal of the rest of the work. Despite that, I’d still love to read The Memorist, which is the sequel to this book. I think the ride to the ending mattered more to me in this case.
This books sounds really fun! Usually I avoid books like this because they’re too over-the-top for me, but I might try this one.
heidenkind’s last blog post..Rejuvenate and Renew Reading Challenge
I liked this book, but I thought THE MEMORIST was even better. Give it a go and I’ll be anxious to hear what you think. I heard that the characters are going to be in a television series!
Julie P.’s last blog post..Review: Alvin Ho: Allergic to Camping, Hiking, and Other Natural Disasters
I’m interested in reading this book because my mother was very fascinated with Edgar Cayce when he was so popular. I’ve been interested in reincarnation ever since. I’m sure I’m dating myself by mentioning Edgar Cayce.
Kathy’s last blog post..I’m In!
I’ve read mixed reviews, but I think I would really like this. I wonder if I can get it for my eReader.
Beth F’s last blog post..Young Adult Challenge: Wrap Up
Sounds like an interesting read, definitely going on my TBR list.
phantom inkheart’s last blog post..Christy Brown: The Life that Inspired My Left Foot.
This sounds like a intriguing book, and the kind I could really get into. The idea of a compulsion to do something from a mystical source, one that is a mystery even to one’s self. Then how do you go about doing it if you don’t understand it? Some of this is the same things that I loved in The Gargoyle, too.
The Kool-Aid Mom’s last blog post..The Memory Keeper’s Daughter by Kim Edwards
I’m really looking forward to this book. Like Julie, I’d heard there was going to be a TV series starting up next year based on the books.
Literary Feline’s last blog post..TGIF: Weekly Meme Fun (June 19, 2009)
Hmm I’ll have to look into this one, despite its disappointing end. Perhaps the sequel will make it better
Thanks for commenting on the My Lord John.. go write your review so I am not the only negative review out there. Can you believe even after that long drawn out review I still had deleted several paragraphs from it?!
Marie Burton’s last blog post..Mailbox Monday & Winnings!
I have heard good things about M.J. Rose’s books, but have not yet read any. I think I might have to try and pick this one up. Great review!
Zibilee’s last blog post..An Edible History of Humanity by Tom Standage – 288 pgs
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