Sunday, November 27, 2005

Comes a Horseman


This month the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is reviewing Robert Liparulo's thriller, Comes a Horseman.

I intended to read it before posting about it but have not yet received my copy. The publisher was supposed to send it already but it hasn't arrived. I do have next month's book and have read it...not that this helps you decide if you want to buy Comes a Horseman (Published by WestBow Press, November 2005 Hardcover 496 pages) or not.

Well, let me at least tell you what it is about. From the description given to me, I really want to read it...and will! It sounds a lot like Angels and Demons or The Da Vinci Code. (While waiting for this book to arrive, I am reading Angels and Demons. I had to see what all the fuss is about. If Comes a Horseman is anything like it, I'm sure to love it!) BTW, it has already been sold to Hollywood!

Okay, here is the short summary:
Reeling from a series of attempts on their lives, FBI agents Brady Moore and Alicia Wagner follow a trail of evidence that leads to a conspiracy a thousand years in the making. Finding clues in the dusty tomes of the Vatican's Secret Archives and the paintings of William Blake and Hieronymus Bosche, they plunge deep into a pit of evil ambition.

What others are saying:
"Frightening and fiendishly smart, Comes a Horseman is a must-read! Robert Liparulo's intense thrill ride will keep your nerves frayed and your lights on."
—David Morrell, best-selling author of Creepers and The Brotherhood of the Rose
"This debut novel by Robert Liparulo is one-of-a-kind and a thriller in the truest sense of the word."
—Focus on Fiction
"If you like thrillers that are spine chilling and just won't let go of the reader, this book is for you."
—Mysteries Galore
"Robert Liparulo's characters are unforgettable, and his villains are everything that bad guys should, and shouldn't, be. This is a book that you'll lose sleep over—during and after the reading."
—Book Reporter
"Not for the faint of heart, this is quality writing that deserves a lofty niche within the action/suspense genre. It is well-researched and meticulously detailed, and the characters are fascinating and 'real,' the dialogue clever and altogether human, the plot compelling. What I'm trying to say is, I love it!"
—Frank Peretti, author of Monster and This Present Darkness
"Robert Liparulo has crafted a diabolical thrill ride of a novel that makes the roller coaster at Magic Mountain seem like a speed bump. Part serial killer procedural, part global techno-thriller, part spiritual suspense epic, Comes a Horseman has enough plot twists and action to decode Da Vinci! Highly recommended!"
—Jay Bonansinga, author of Frozen, The Killer's Game, and The Sinking of the Eastland
"A riveting thriller that spins effortlessly off great writing and a demonic villain real enough to have you looking over your shoulder."
—David H. Dun, best-selling author of The Black Silent
"Comes a Horseman is an ambitious and original debut thriller by a fine new writer. Robert Liparulo deserves an audience, because he has something meaningful to say."
—C.J. Box, Anthony Award winning author of Out of Range
"Robert Liparulo is one of the best writers to hit the block in a long time. Comes a Horseman is brilliantly conceived and executed. It will leave readers desperately wanting more."
—Ted Dekker, author of the #1 best-selling Obsessed
"Prophecy and murder run roughshod through Comes a Horseman. From the mountain peaks of Colorado down to a labyrinth beneath Jerusalem, mystery and adventure abound in a read that will keep you up to the wee hours of the morning. Not to be missed!"
—James Rollins, New York Times best-selling author of Sandstorm and Map of Bones
"Robert Liparulo starts off with a bang and then lulls us momentarily with well-modeled and sympathetic characters before he drops these totally likeable characters into a series of harrowing confrontations. Some of the fights involving razor-edged weapons manage to be excruciatingly wince-inducing while remaining truly entertaining. This is what is meant by guilty fun."
—Larry Hama, writer, Marvel Comics' G.I. Joe and Wolverine
"This book has everything--murder, suspense, history, intrigue... Comes a Horseman grabs you and won't let go. It may be the most ambitious, most abundant first novel I've ever read. We'll be hearing from Robert Liparulo for a long time to come."
—Steve Hamilton, Edgar Award-Winning Author of Ice Run
"Comes a Horseman is stunningly brilliant. It's a story of epic conflict, despair, courage, and the power of faith and strength and endurance... In one book, Robert Liparulo has clearly proven himself to be one of the best writers of our generation. I will anxiously await his next work."
—James Byron Huggins, best-selling author of Wolf Story, The Reckoning, and Nightbringer
"High-octane action and devilish conspiracies worthy of The Da Vinci Code or
Left Behind. What's not to like?"
—Joseph R. Garber, author of Vertical Run and Whirlwind
"Robert Liparulo writes the kind of thriller other authors write in their dreams, and readers devour until the wee hours of the morning! Make way for a new master of the genre and a can't-put-down knockout with Comes a Horseman."
—Mark Andrew Olsen, author of The Assignment and co-author of Hadassah
"Comes a Horseman is a true page-turner, with wonderfully developed characters who have all-too-human strengths and weaknesses. The story is frighteningly real and insidious in a way that makes me hope our two FBI agents are really on the job. Robert Liparulo's writing is refreshingly well crafted. I hope there's a sequel!"
—Terri Lubaroff, Senior Vice President, Humble Journey Films
"Come a Horseman is chock-full of unbelievable excitement and credible research. My nails got shorter with each page--I could not put it down. This incredibly real-to-life thriller envelops the epic battle of good versus evil with a new depth. It is the thriller of all thrillers! I can't wait for the next book."
—Dwight Cenac, President, Welcome Home Care and HCMC Properties
"Robert Liparulo's book takes the reader across the globe in a riveting story of murder and Church intrigue. A quick, compelling read."
—W.H. Watford, Edgar-nominated author of Mortal Strain and Lethal Risk
"Fasten your seat belt; Comes a Horseman is a wild ride! With great skill and prophetic clarity, Robert Liparulo knows how to tell an exciting story and boost a reader's adrenaline level. You won't want to put this one down!"
—Angela Hunt, author of The Novelist and The Truth Teller
"Comes a Horseman has a powerful sense of doom hanging over it from the first pages on. Though the story is global, some of its best writing is surprisingly intimate: a boy and his father besieged in their house, two good people and one very bad one in a dark hotel room. There's some fresh role-reversal in the two leads. The sense of doom yields to a downhill, no brakes, runaway pace, an inevitable clash of complicated Good and uncomplicated Evil. Robert Liparulo knows more than you and I do about some dark corners of history. I appreciate his work."
—Dan Vining, author of The Quick
"Comes a Horseman is a stunning debut that puts Robert Liparulo solidly on the map of the suspense/crime genre. His tale of the Antichrist will sink its teeth into you and hold on until the end."
—Alison Strobel, author of Worlds Collide
"As a long-time Stephen King fan, I've finally found another author who can measure up--Robert Liparulo. Comes a Horseman is a taut blend of suspense with a splash of horror and all around edge-of-your-seat writing that kept me riveted."
—Colleen Coble, award-winning author of Black Sands
"Comes a Horseman grabs you from page one. The story has everything a fiction fan could want: an ancient conspiracy, a thrilling mystery, an everyman hero and a sinister villain-all crafted without a hint of cliche. Be warned: Your heart will race, your head will spin, your palms will sweat as you read this gruesome tale. Soon, everyone will know the name Robert Liparulo. I can't wait for his next book!"
—Robert Andrescik, editor of New Man magazine
"Comes a Horseman offers 'hold your breath' thrills at a breathless pace. Well-developed characters drive the suspense-filled plot."
—Aspiring Retail Magazine, July 2005

I will definately be reading this book! I love art, I love history, and I love God. Sounds like the book for me!!!

~Mimi Pearson (aka, the person's blog you are reading!)

22 comments:

Fred said...

Wow - it's basically unanimous. Looks like it's a must read! I loved the Da Vinci Code (especially since I lived in Paris) so this sounds like a sure thing.

M. C. Pearson said...

Fred~ You commented right, I mean RIGHT, after I posted! How cool is that? It does sound good, doesn't it?!!!

Darlene Schacht said...

I'm not much of a fiction reader, but I love the cover design, the font is so unique.

M. C. Pearson said...

I JUST RECEIVED THE BOOK!!! HORRAH! Yes, Nelson (West Bow) came through. I will post my critique soon.

Darlene~ The cover IS gorgeous. It is even better in person. The black parts and the author's photo are all shiny. Very rich. Love the typeface. Cannot wait to read!

Jennifer said...

Sounds fascinating! I really loved Angels and Demons (much better than Da Vinci code, IMHO). I'm always looking for great new books to read, so thanks for the info.

Pirate said...

its on my list now.

Mike Springer said...

I've read it! It really is a great read. Talk about fast and furious. The pace dips just a bit in the middle (but even then the information imparted is fascinating), then zips back up to speed to the end. More than anything, the quality of the writing is top-notch. Reminds me of early James Byron Huggins (The Reckoning)—who gave it an endorsement, I noticed. Liparullo leaves some threads hanging at the end, and I love that—not everything is wrapped up pat, but it may not be for everyone. (Nothing critical is missing, though.) I’m usually a slow reader, but this one took me only a few days. Good stuff.

Bonnie S. Calhoun said...

Good girl, you are so creative. I'm really excited about this one, it's right up my alley!

M. C. Pearson said...

Jennifer~ So far I love it! I've almost finished Angels and Demons and it is sooooo good. My husband liked the Da Vinci Code but couldn't stand the religious lies in it. This 'Comes a Horseman' should be awesome since it is written by a Christian and published by a Christian Publisher.

Pirate~ Great!

Mike~ Welcome! I'm so glad you liked the book. Let me know when you've got your blog up and running. I'll be sure to visit!

Bonnie~ Thank you, my sweet friend. Your post on Comes a Horseman was great.

upwords said...

Wow, this sounds pretty good. I was sold at the David Morrell quote. I don't usually pay endorsement too much attention but these are some that catch my attention. Off to read the excerpt.
Mary Griffith

Anonymous said...

Upwards~ Hey there and welcome! Glad you're interested. So far it is very exciting!

Bob~ Wow to you too! I love your writing style and will email you later to let you know what I thought. You are very gifted. God Bless!

~michelle pendergrass said...

I'm really liking this book so far! I'm glad this was on the list for the month!!

Ciera said...

I read it and enjoyed it as well. Very fast paced, but it wasn't scary enough that I had to keep the lights on at night!!!

M. C. Pearson said...

Michelle~Thanks for stopping by too. It is good!

Ciera~I'm glad you liked it. You should e-mail Bob and let him know!

Paula said...

Hmmm. . . I'm not much for this style of novel, but it certainly has some strong endorsements from some respected writers. I may just have to try it.

Thanks for posting to GraceReign. Don't you just love Mary?! How long have you been homeschooling? Isn't it crazy trying to homeschool and write? Your book sounds interesting. Well, back to work.The house is quiet (a rare thing around here)
and I'm digging in! I'm doing another rounds of revisions on my most recent submission and just took a break to peak at your stuff. Blessings!

Paula said...

PS Just thought I'd mention that I loved Donita Paul's Dragon Spell and Dragon Quest--wondered if you'd read them since you're writing youth fantasy, too.

M. C. Pearson said...

Paula~ I just started homeschooling this year. My son, Keegan~age 10, has been begging me to do it. I never could before because of working in the Children's Homes. But I am LOVING it now!

Are you a YA writer too? I've read a little of the first Dragons in Our Midst book. Somehow I was distracted by something else...I'll have to pick it up again. Keegan, however, loves them. I don't think it is the same book...hmmm. Just looked. It's not. OOPS! I shall have to check those out!

Paula said...

I'm writing for adults. My first novel (not yet published) was general fiction. The one I'm working on now is a mom-lit book.

I haven't read the Dragons in Our Midst series, but my daughter is on book 3 or 4. :o)

Glad you're enjoying homeschooling. It is encouraging to hear someone new to it that loves it. My mom lit book is actually about a new homeshooler who is a bit freaked out with the world she's been thrust into. :o)I've homeschooled the whole time--my oldest is 14, so I've been at it for awhile.

Glad to meet a new friend!

Ballpoint Wren said...

I couldn't get past the inaccuracies in the Duh Vinci Code (heh!) either, especially after the author claimed it was all so well-researched.

Marianne (or should I call you Mimi?) we homeschooled for 8 years! I hope you'll love it as much as I did. My only regret: I never could get the boys to care about spelling. They take after their dad, through and through.

M. C. Pearson said...

Paula~ Oh boy! Your book sounds like fun! I hope you post a snipet of it so I can indulge myself.

Bonnie Wren~ Heh heh...Duh Vinci Code. That's funny. I absolutely adore your blog. I'll be putting it on my list soon! You are HILARIOUS! Another Homeschooler! Cool! My son Keegan takes after his dad too...but it is a good thing. Keegan loves to spell, loves history, and loves to read. Amazing. When I was 10, all I thought about was Scooby Doo.

Kimber said...

Mimi :) I visited your autobiography blog first - and loved it so much that I wanted to stop by read this blog as well...you are a great writer :)

I really like Angels & Demons - but couldn't get into Dan Brown's Da Vinci Code - a little tooooo 'off' from a Christian perspective for our liking...but, your post made me curious about 'Comes a Horseman'...I would like to read it...

My brother always (and still does) loved to read Fantasy books as a teenager - Honestly, Fantasy hasn't been the first thing I would typically be drawn too - but now having a son of my own (a pre-teen) - We have read a few fantasy series together - and it blesses the 'mom' in me that Christian writers are out there - writing good Fantasy-lit - it is so much better for him to read - than some stories that are out there....

So, thank you for your work!! Keep writing :)

Paula has some great articles on Crosswalk.com - that would give you a taste of her mom-lit. She is EXCELLENT!! You will love it! I am glad the two of you have connected - :)

I pray blessings on your ventures as a writer, mother, and homeschooling mom!

M. C. Pearson said...

Kimber~ I just left you a huge note on your blog but I'll kinda restate it here...

You are so wonderful for commenting on my strange life autobiography. It is great to know another Hungarian with a name issue! And we are very close in age so it is totally cool that you can relate to the t.v. shows and all. I used to play 'I Dream of Jeannie' with my sister, Karen. But she always got to be the pink jeannie while I had to be the evil sister blue jeannie. Even so, I knew that I was the pink jeannie. I was the one with blonde hair. So there! LOL