This is an interesting novel in a popular genre. A scholarly Australian Anglican priest recovering from personal trauma travels to Rome to give a lecture on what should be a fairly dry topic. Instead of engaging in academic debate, however, Fr Jotham Fletcher is catapulted into a world of intrigue and danger. There are mad monks, secret societies, sinister priests and criminal syndicates hunting for the priest who slowly comes to realize that he has stumbled into a secret that could change the course of history. Along the way, he falls in love with a beautiful Italian woman who is an authority on ancient manuscripts, drives a Fiat in a way which is reckless and furious even by Italian standards and survives torture and temptation. It all moves at a great pace.
Pace is actually one of the strengths of the writing. The story moves well and Toni Pike handles the narrative line well. A cross country dash to reach a private jet on a disused runway is particularly well done. Toni Pike also brings a strong sense of place to the setting of the novel with convincing scenes in Rome, Derbyshire and Stockholm. The two principal characters [Jotham and Donatella] have depth and remain interesting throughout the novel. There are twists and turns right to the last page and the conclusion sets the reader up a sequel. The novel is cinematic and could well translate to film.
The flaws in the novel are principally those of the genre. [In this, Dan Brown has a lot to answer for.] As long as one can settle for the conventions of this genre, one won't be troubled by pantomime monks, a venal Italian police captain and powerful secret societies that survive in the shadows for thousands of years. It's an enjoyable first novel and a good debut for this Australian writer.

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The Magus Covenant: The secret that will change the world (The Jotham Fletcher Mystery Thriller Series Book 1) Kindle Edition
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Toni Pike
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Format: Kindle Edition
Toni Pike
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Product details
- ASIN : B018X2GRT4
- Publisher : Chapman Reid Publications (3 December 2015)
- Language : English
- File size : 2230 KB
- Simultaneous device usage : Unlimited
- Text-to-Speech : Enabled
- Screen Reader : Supported
- Enhanced typesetting : Enabled
- X-Ray : Not Enabled
- Word Wise : Enabled
- Print length : 256 pages
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Best Sellers Rank:
706,252 in Kindle Store (See Top 100 in Kindle Store)
- 1,165 in Financial Thrillers
- 1,677 in Alternative History
- 1,902 in Heist Thrillers
- Customer Reviews:
Customer reviews
4.2 out of 5 stars
4.2 out of 5
25 global ratings
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Top reviews from Australia
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Reviewed in Australia on 30 December 2015
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Reviewed in Australia on 19 December 2015
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The Magus Covenant combines a lot of elements – murder, romance, intrigue, action, the history of early Christianity, betrayal, and integrity. The settings range from Rome, England, Scandinavia, to Australia.
The author has a writing style that keeps the narrative going at a very fast pace, but does not manipulate the reader. The suspense builds as the story progresses, for exciting, compelling reading to the very end.
Highly recommended.
The author has a writing style that keeps the narrative going at a very fast pace, but does not manipulate the reader. The suspense builds as the story progresses, for exciting, compelling reading to the very end.
Highly recommended.
TOP 500 REVIEWER
There is a childlike naivete about this writing that amounted to over-explanations about every characters moves that interupted the storyline to the point I gave up after five chapters. I am sure they were intended to somehow explain particular actions but as they did not really help the plot move on could not see the point. Add to this one of the heroes could not just demand his belongings back from his kidnappers but insisted three times he get three specific items returned to him or else. Had me in mind of a deliberate advertising placement for Apple. I was taken by the storyline initially but lost the will to pursue it. It would benefit from some serious editing though in a world that has been thoroughly saturated by Holy Grails and the like it may need more to overcome the current negatives for me.
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Reviewed in Australia on 28 January 2016
I completely recommend reading The Magus Covenant. This book is fast-paced and keeps you on the edge of your seat, right until the last chapter. The narrative successfully mixes elements of suspense with action and adventure. The plot is gripping and contains unexpected twists, which I really enjoyed. I had a fantastic time reading The Magus Covenant. I was provided with a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed in Australia on 27 February 2016
The Magus Covenant: An ancient scroll that will change the world
Thoroughly enjoyed this book. Cannot wait this the sequel is available.
Thoroughly enjoyed this book. Cannot wait this the sequel is available.
Top reviews from other countries

jim w
3.0 out of 5 stars
the characters have not been developed to any great extent and what has really put me off is ...
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 20 March 2017Verified Purchase
I've not ever written a review before finishing a book, but I am compelled to make an exception on this occasion. So far, the narrative has been a bit puerile, the characters have not been developed to any great extent and what has really put me off is an attempt by the author at translating Mille Grazie as a million thanks - no, 1,000 thanks is sufficient, thank you. Thank goodness the book only cost 99p, otherwise I would be most annoyed. I'll keep going, but won't guarantee I'll finish it.

Books R Best
5.0 out of 5 stars
A GREAT READ
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 11 July 2016Verified Purchase
Another great book I have just read. There were plenty of twists and turns to keep my attention and the pace was fast and furious, my kind of book. Stories about the Vatican and the church also appeal to me, but this one was really good and I was engrossed in the story. It wasn’t so fanciful as to be unbelievable and I connect with the main characters and was rooting for them every step of the way. Recommended.

Chris Graham
4.0 out of 5 stars
Enjoyable page turner.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 11 August 2019Verified Purchase
Dan Brown fans will certainly recognise a few similarities to his style in this story, however, they would most likely still enjoy the twists and turns of this particular plot.

Robert Anastasiades
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Magus Covenant
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 11 February 2016Verified Purchase
I was recommend to read this book and to be honest I was a bit sceptical , I wasn't disappointed, what a brilliant read the author kept the action going right through the till the end . So glad I read it

Mrs J K M Samways
4.0 out of 5 stars
Four Stars
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 27 July 2017Verified Purchase
good