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  • Vessel

  • By: John Bowen
  • Narrated by: Craig Beck
  • Length: 8 hrs and 20 mins
  • 4.2 out of 5 stars (72 ratings)
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Vessel cover art

Vessel

By: John Bowen
Narrated by: Craig Beck
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Summary

Forget all you know. History's biggest secret was hidden behind legends and lies...

An International Amazon #1 Bestseller in Kindle Thriller and Mystery.

Running for her life, carrying a secret with the potential to change what it means to be human, Holly Reilly calls the only person she knows with the skills to keep her alive: her estranged husband Gabriel.

Caught between two deadly adversaries, Holly and Gabe are drawn into a centuries-old conflict, one poised to spill into the modern world, threatening chaos and bloodshed.

A breathless blend of action and mystery, faith and fanaticism, Vessel exposes an unwritten history stretching back to the Crusades, medieval Europe and feudal Japan as it races to its final explosive conclusion.

What people are saying:

- Heart stopping, thrilling & utterly fantastic. - This author is quickly becoming one of my favourites. He is a master at story crafting, reeling in readers, and plot twists. - Lots of history in this book that made me review my knowledge of past ages. Killer ending! - Plenty of action, suspense, and lots of thrills. - In a word - Brilliant! - Action packed adventure! Like a blockbuster action movie in paperback.

©2014 John Bowen (P)2015 John Bowen

What listeners say about Vessel

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
Listener received this title free

Rip-roaring Action-packed Adventure

I have read or listened to all of Mr Bowens other books and absolutely loved them all but I was a little reluctant to listen to this one because I wasn't sure if it was something I'd enjoy. Anyway I did start listening and to be honest I didn't enjoy the first 15 minutes or so. It just wasn't my cup of tea but I persevered and I am so glad I did because it turned into a rip-roaring action packed adventure story about the Knights Templar and the Holy Grail. The book is well written and the characters and their back story was fascinating.

Overall I'd say this isn't my favourite John Bowen book but I did enjoy it and am very pleased I listened.

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
Listener received this title free

Interesting story

It was a slow start, but once the story got going, I throughly enjoyed the book, I would like to see the story continue in another book!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Absolutely and completely fabulous

I am berating myself for my tardiness in getting around to reading this book. Boy, have I lost out because it is SUPERB! There was a lovely, believable connection between Gabe and Holly, which demonstrates the exceptional quality of Mr Bowen's writing. I could feel the love and chemistry they have for each other. Nicholas and Jin were also fascinating and strangely convincing as men aged in their 100s! The back story threads wove together to make a tapestry full of delight and wonderment. The whole tale is an utter joy, keeping you on the edge of your seat, wide-eyed with amazement and heart full of love in turn. Craig Beck's narration was good, although there were times when his Australian accent sounded most peculiar. However, the audio book is such perfection that it in no way detracts from the pleasure and gratification gained from listening. Don't be an idiot like I was, get Vessel and listen to it today! Now! (You can thank me later)!

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3 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    3 out of 5 stars

Average

A bit drawn out and the worst Australian accent I’ve ever heard! The ending telegraphed from the start.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Excellent.

An exciting and action packed read full of mystery and suspense. Would recommend to anyone who likes their thrillers fast paced.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Great story

If you could sum up Vessel in three words, what would they be?

Exciting
Fantastical
(Easily) believable

Have you listened to any of Craig Beck’s other performances? How does this one compare?

I've not got any audible narrated by Craig but he did a great job with one so would definitely listen to others that he narrates

Any additional comments?

I received this book in an audio format from the author is exchange for an honest review. Thank you John.
Action packed and fast paced for the majority of the book. The main characters were very likeable and I found myself 'rooting' for them very early on.
My only (tiny) criticism is that there was a part in the story that went on a bit longer than I thought was necessary and if I had been reading rather than listening I would have skimmed over this part.
That said, if you enjoy a fast paced thriller you'll like this one. It has the added ingredients of history and conspiracy theories thrown in as well!

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
Listener received this title free

Templars? Holy Grail?

What’s not to like about just those two arcs in this tale! Let me start by thanking Madame Melanie from the audible book group for allowing me to enjoy this book, the story was good, the narration was good and the premises were excellent, if I have a bone to pick then it’s the inevitable superhuman supersoldier hero that turns up in most thriller books, I have already purchased the sequel and I am hoping the hero in that is overweight, short in stature and clumsy 😉

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

A series in the making?

On reading the synopsis you might think that this is a someone trying to cash in on the Dan Brown phenomenon, you’d be wrong. Yes, the storyline involves similar themes but approached differently, not to shock but purely as a story line. A storyline which, as someone who is fairly well read in the different subject areas, is pretty well researched. The story is fast paced with some nice backstory moments that let you catch your breath but, considering it’s time frame, is not overdone. The only slight downside to a good story well narrated was the accent of the lead female character. It didn’t actually spoil it as I just pretended she was born in Australia but must have spent most of her life in South Africa. Problem solved. I could see a series of books coming from this as there is still a lot to be explained. I for one will be eagerly waiting.

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

what the....

loved the book, amazing writing and well complemented by the narration.
There is a bit of a sudden stop and I hope that the writer gets on with the next story pronto.
Be a shame if it took too long to continue thats all I am saying.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Cracking action adventure with science and myth

As a fan and long time reader of Templar fact and myth, immediately from seeing the cover I knew I'd enjoy this book. I was not disappointed. Fast paced but clever it ticked all the boxes for novels of this type. The story might have been told before in different ways but this was refreshing with a nice slant on combining present day and past. The narration was very good too with good production and clear speaking throughout.

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