Sanctus

Sanctus
Simon Toyne

I finished this book about 3 weeks ago and have yet been able to formulate a post.  The reviews on this book were all positive.  Everything I read online said it's a "must read."   One reviewer said the book was written as if it is made to be a movie.  It is also the first in a Trilogy.  So I went out to the Library and borrowed it.

In the beginning it hooked me.  Every chapter is a cliffhanger, which makes you want to read more.  By the middle of the book I was bored with the format.  I knew every chapter was a cliffhanger and every chapter was only 3 or 4 pages long.  It's certainly a fast read and I could see how it lends itself to a movie format.  However, this is no movie I would ever want to see.  I hate to be scared at the movies but can read books that are terrifying and it doesn't bother me.  This book is not something I would want to see brought to life.

The book takes place in modern day Turkey in a fictional city.  Inside the city there is a Citadel where an ancient sect of monks live.  As the story goes on the reader discovers more about these monks and the lengths they are willing to go through to keep their secret.  Kidnapping, murder and bribery do not phase them.  One monk, who discovers the secret, is so horrified he commits suicide by jumping from the top of the Citadel.  His sister then comes to Turkey for answers about her brother's death.  The story unfolds from there.

I won't disclose the ancient secret in case you decide to read the book.  However, if you want to know just email me and I'll tell you.  I was completely revolted by it.  The monks call themselves Christians and believed they were doing the work of God.  I think that's what made the book even worse for me.  I don't think I'll be eager to read the next two books in the series.  And I won't be eager to see the movie if that does come to light.