Thank you NetGalley for this ARC. What a wild ride into the Ghent altarpiece, art history, Joan of Arc, The Maidens of Saint Micheal, catharism, catholicism, you name it. It was a dizzying adventure on the scale of a Dan Brown novel. This is why I like Steve Berry novels - I get a bit of history with adventure.

I am used to Steve Berry's series featuring Cotton Malone but this is a new series with Nicholas Lee as the main character. Nicholas Lee started in the army as an MP, tried to get into Magellan Billet at the Justice Department but didn't get hired on. That's when he got into UNESCO as an investigator. He is an official UN representative which grants him access during investigations to preserve the world's art treasures. Nicholas Lee pushs the envelope in this investigation because it involves a very special nun, Kelsey, who was the love of his life-until she left him for a convent. Kelsey is not just a nun, but a talented art restorer and she is the one who asks Nicholas to help.

The action starts with the building on fire where he was supposed to meet Kelsey. The pacing is on target with just enough breaks between action to catch your breath and understand more of the plot before more action. I loved the various settings, I always travel vicariously and these were great. The climactic confrontation had twists as well as high tension. The wrap-up explained all the events, the history, and how it all ties together.

I recommend for political/conspiracy thriller fans and I vote for this new character to be an ongoing series.

Rating: Excellent - Loved it! Buy it now and put this author on your watch list

That was—unfortunately—not for me. I think it's time for me to understand that I am not really the best reader for those "thrillers" that claim to be after some grand conspiracy theory and some breathtaking secret. The lens itself through which those stories are told is always the same. The genre will likely draw me back in when more marginalized authors start telling those stories.

Thank you so much to net galley for sending me a copy of this book. Really interesting and obviously Berry did not disappoint!

Just seeing Steve Berry's name on the cover will have me picking up the book, but reading the book description for The Omega Factor had me racing to turn the pages.

Nick Lee works for the United Nations Cultural Liaison and Investigative Office (CLIO) to protect the world's cultural artifacts and treasures. This statement alone had me hooked, but when I learned the story dealt with the Ghent Altarpiece and would, of course, have all of the hallmarks of Steve Berry's thrilling writing, I was all in. Nick has traveled to Belgium at the request of his ex-fiancé Kelsey. Kelsey broke off their engagement many years ago when she felt a calling to devote her life to God. Nick has struggled to move on from Kelsey, but when she asks him to come to Belgium, he can't refuse. His trip becomes very complicated very quickly when he sees Kelsey being attacked and the panel of the Ghent Altarpiece Kelsey has been restoring go up in flames. If that setup doesn't peak your interest, I don't know what would.

The Omega Factor is a fantastic standalone novel that I really hope becomes the kickoff for a new series. Nick Lee is a complicated and likable character and I can see how there could even be crossover books with the Cotton Malone series.

Overall, a thrilling read that has me excited and hopeful to see these characters again. I received this book courtesy of the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I reveived an ARC copy of  #TheOmegaFactor via #NetGalley.

I had a hard time getting into this one for some reason. I love the Cotton Malone series, but juat wasn't feeling this one. Was kind of slow & the plot couldn't keep me interested.

From the publisher:
The Ghent Altarpiece is the most violated work of art in the world. Thirteen times it has been vandalized, dismantled, or stolen. Why? What secrets does it hold?

Enter UNESCO investigator, Nicholas Lee, who works for the United Nations’ Cultural Liaison and Investigative Office (CLIO). Nick’s job is to protect the world’s cultural artifacts—anything and everything from countless lesser-known objects to national treasures.

When Nick travels to Belgium for a visit with a woman from his past, he unwittingly stumbles on the trail of a legendary panel from the Ghent Altarpiece, stolen in 1934 under cover of night and never seen since. Soon Nick is plunged into a bitter conflict, one that has been simmering for nearly two thousand years. On one side is the Maidens of Saint-Michael, les Vautours—the Vultures—a secret order of nuns and the guardians of a great truth. Pitted against them is the Vatican, which has wanted for centuries to both find and possess what the nuns guard. Because of Nick the maidens have finally been exposed, their secret placed in dire jeopardy—a vulnerability that the Vatican swiftly moves to exploit utilizing an ambitious cardinal and a corrupt archbishop, both with agendas of their own.

From the tranquil canals of Ghent, to the towering bastions of Carcassonne, and finally into an ancient abbey high in the French Pyrenees, Nick Lee must confront a modern-day religious crusade intent on eliminating a shocking truth from humanity’s past. Success or failure—life and death—all turn on the Omega Factor.

My thoughts:

This standalone novel is worth a read. The characters are interesting. I like that the main male character was reluctant to use guns which would have been an easy out in many situations. And both Nick and Kelsey come across as being of good character - responsible, loyal, caring and more. On the other hand, it never seizes to amaze me the evil people will perpetrate in the name of religion.

The novel has plenty of action. It's fast paced generally speaking with occasional lulls that explain why some of what is happening is happening.

I think the basis for the novel is creative. I like the way the author blends fiction and history. In the author's note, he explains how much is history and which parts are fiction. It makes for an interesting read.

I gave this book 4 out of 5 stars. It's really good. I'd recommend it to people who enjoy some truth mixed with their fiction. And I would recommend it to people who enjoy adventure books. The book is currently available.

I received a copy of the book from the publisher through NetGalley. This did not affect my review.

Thank you NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for the opportunity to read and give an honest review of this book.

I have been a regular reader of Steve Berry books over the years and have always enjoyed them. They are part historical and part adventure with some secrets and thrills thrown in along the way.

I kept reading this book expecting to encounter thrills and secrets thrown into a good historical story. It never quite hit the mark. The story was mired down in
Catholic dogma which did not interest me. I could have skipped over it but I was afraid I would miss something related to the plot. Alas, I would not have.

There were at least three plot lines woven together. I found myself not invested in any of the characters. I found the ending anti climactic and I was just glad to have finished the book.

Unless you are a devoted Steve Berry fan or a practicing Catholic, I am not sure this book is for you.

I wasn’t impressed with the latest book by Steve Berry. Although the premise was good and the story made sense, there was too much history and not enough story. I also felt that there was a bit much fluff with the stories, songs, poems, etc. I kept getting lost in the history. I understand trying to get away from the Cotton Malone stories and developing another story line and/or series but one was too convoluted. I rushed through it just to get finished.

Thank you to Netgalley and to the publisher for the chance to read this in exchange for an honest review. As a fan of Steve Berry this was not my favorite of his works. Although fast paced with an attention to historical detail that Berry brings to the table I felt like to story dragged on toward the 2/3 mark and became predictable. This being said I still enjoyed it and enjoyed the biblical aspect of it mixed in with some seriously awesome characters kept me reading until the end.

A new book by Steve Berry, not featuring his longstanding MC of Cotton Malone, but rather a new MC Nicholas Lee, who is cut from a relatively similar cloth as Malone but somewhat less lethal. As with the Malone adventures, there is historical mystery to be unraveled with a longstanding religious background.. An easy enjoyable read, perfect for a relaxing day at the beach or just out in the backyard. I hope the author writes further books featuring Nicholas Lee.

What secrets does the Ghent Altarpiece hold? Having been dismantled, stolen, vandalized multiple times, it's finally ready to spill its secrets after a full restoration when it's set on fire and its secrets lost forever. What secrets
does this piece of religious art hold? who would go to such lengths to hide its secrets? Once again, the Catholic Church is the at the center of controversy. A nun was the restorer and further investigation by Nicholas Lee, UN Cultural liaison and investigations who was on the scene will reveal a controversy that the Roman Catholic Church will kill to keep secret.
The book starts out with an artist and spy being chased for the secrets he carries. He manages to evade his pursuers by being rescued and sheltered by a group of nuns at a remote monastery. While there he learned their secrets and ultimately revealed them in the painting of the altarpiece that today graces the St. Bavo's Cathedral in Ghent. These nuns belong a secret order today called the Maidens of Saint-Michael Las Vautours who as Nick discovers are behind the destruction of the altarpiece. This unmasking by Nick brings the order to the attention of the Vatican who will do much to hide these explosive secrets that could harm the Catholic church.
There are many other little snippets that add depth and breadth to the story by bringing in other elements such as the sexual abuse scandal, the persecution of the Huguenots, a tie into Joan of Arc who is credited to be one of the maidens and a host of other elements that expose the seamy, seedy side of the Catholic church. The ultimate mysteries that are revealed are not about sex scandals but about protecting the biblical truths that are considered gospel.
The story is compelling, the suspense is chilling and some of the diversions along the way interesting. A worthy addition to Mr. Berry's repertoire with a younger, new cast of characters.

I seem to be an outlier but I just couldn’t get into this book. A few chapters in ,and I was just too confused and already checked out

I’ve read a lot of Steve Berry books in the past and have enjoyed it, so I will just assume this is a one off and try another one of his books in the future !

Author Steve Berry once again proves he is at the top of his game. The Omega Factor contains new characters that stand up exceptionally well despite their initial appearance. Readers may wish for Cotton Malone and his partner Cassiopeia, but I say bring on Nick and Kelsy, these superb new players. History and religion are once again integral to the plot, and nobody does it better than Berry. The mystery unfolds with unexpected turns and diversions that combine to make The Omega Factor a promising beginning to what will be a well-researched, exciting, and entertaining new series by a true professional.

Steve Berry takes a break from his Cotton Malone series to introduce his fans to Nicholas Lee, employed by a section of UNESCO that investigates the loss or destruction of cultural treasures. His former fiancée has been restoring a panel from the Ghent Altarpiece and has invited him for a visit. As he arrives he witnesses flames engulfing her work area. The panel has been destroyed and the arsonist is escaping with Kelsey’s computer that contains images of the panel. A chase leads to the Maidens of Saint-Michael. Jan van Eyck’s painting from the 1400s hid a hint to the location of the Chapel of the Maiden in France. It is a location hidden from the Vatican for centuries. The maidens have been the guardians of a secret that the Vatican wants to possess. It’s revelation could lead to faithful Catholics questioning the Vatican’s stand on a number of beliefs.

Berry surrounds his action scenes with historical background on the church and religion. He revisits the life and death of Joan.of Arc as well as the crusade to eliminate the Cathars. The theft of van Eyck’s Just Judges panel in 1934, which was never found, provides the background for Berry’s thriller. It has been nine years since Nick has seen Kelsey but their feelings for each other are still evident, although it has now evolved to a close friendship. Her work restoring the panel and it’s subsequent destruction allow him to use his UNESCO credentials to investigate. Time is short now that a Cardinal from the Vatican is also on the trail, leading to a showdown with the maidens. A mixture of history and intrigue, Berry’s Omega Factor will have his fans hoping to see Nick Lee return in the future. I would like to thank NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for making this book available for my review.

It’s been awhile since I read a Steve Berry adventure. I’d gotten a little tired of Cotton Malone, so a new story featuring Nick Lee intrigued me and I was not disappointed. This is a gripping, action-packed adventure which mines more of one of Berry’s favorite topics - Vatican secrets. The story is inventive and blends art history with religious intrigue to deliver a fine story that will keep you turning pages.

I hope Berry will continue to spin tales about Nick Lee’s adventures.

Recommended.

I've been a big fan of Steve Berry since The Amber Room (2003) but this one just didn't do it for me. His novels usually have a great balance between fascinating historical information and a well paced thriller. This one was lopsided towards the historical information at the expense of character development and the pace of the plot. The well researched information was still interesting but I found it disruptive and somewhat repetitive as each character seemed to explain the same historical references. I look forward to the next book in Cotton Malone series.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced reader copy.

I was lucky to receive a review copy of The Omega Factor. The action starts immediately! I really like Nick Lee, he is in the business of saving antiquities and historical items. This book focuses on the Roman Catholic Church and part of its bloodthirsty past.
Nick is in Belgium to meet with his former fiancée Kelsey who is now a nun. She is in a burning building struggling with an attacker when Nick arrives. He follows the attacker to retrieve Kelsey’s laptop and finds himself outside a convent – of all places! The effects of Nick’s involvement risk a secret being revealed and destroyed.
I enjoy all the history included in Steve Berry’s books. He does great research and blends fact with fiction to make a thrilling read.
I would enjoy reading more books about Nick Lee – would love one with Nick Lee and Cotton Malone!

In all of the years, I have been blogging and reviewing books, there are only three authors whose books always make it into my TBR pile. Not only do they make it into my list of books to read, but I am also guaranteed to read every book they put out. If you haven't already guessed, Steve Berry is one of those authors. If he writes it, I'm reading it.

His latest offering is both a departure and still yet similar to his normal work. It's a departure in the fact that it isn't a Cotton Malone story; but it is similar because it is the same type of well-thought-out, researched, and developed story that combines history, religion, intrigue, drama, and action. The author also manages to make the story relevant to real-world events. In The Omega Factor: A Novel, Steve Berry manages to tackle some very serious issues in the Catholic church, that manage to prevent the story from just getting bogged down in details. It helps to make the story, although far-fetched, relevant to the reader.

It's a little different reading/listening to a Steve Berry book that isn't part of the #CottonMalone series, but it's still really good. I can't say that I am in love or have any attachment to any of the characters like I do to Cotton, but it's still a very interesting and informative story. It was also nice to get a new cast of main characters for a change. While Nicholas Lee is no Cotton Malone, he isn't half bad. To be honest, I'm 16 books into my adoration for Cotton Malone so I probably like him more because I feel like I know him better and have spent much more time with him.

I was lucky enough to receive both a digital review copy to read and one to listen to. Before I could crack open the digital copy to read, the audiobook version arrived and it was all over. Just like if Steve Berry writes it, I will read it; well if Scott Brick is the narrator, then I'm listening to it. His narration is just quality. He voices the various characters well, he has great inflection and pacing in his narration. When he narrates a book you know you have absolutely nothing to worry about. The story is going to unfold as you listen, you will not feel like someone is reading to you, but rather that someone is painting a word picture for you to imagine. I got the emotion, the gravitas, and the steady unfolding of the story over a two and half day period.

UNESCO investigator Nick Lee goes to Belgium to visit a woman from his past and stumbles into a conflict that has lasted for centuries. The Maidens of Saint-Michael is an order of nuns who guard an incredible secret, one which the Vatican wants to find – and possess – the treasure the Maidens guard. And Nick has unintentionally drawn a map for Rome, leading them directly to the Maidens.

Steve Berry is one of the few authors whose books automatically go on my to-read NOW list. I was disappointed to learn that this newest book is not another of Cotton Malone's adventures, but it didn't take long to overcome that disappointment. Mr. Berry is very good at painting the scene for his readers, and drawing them into the story almost from the very first page. This book was laced with historical facts and flashbacks to past events, but not so much as to distract from the main story.

As usual, I learned a lot while reading it, maybe even more than many readers, as I have very little knowledge of the Catholic faith. Since reading the first Cotton Malone book years ago, I've admired the way Mr. Berry is able to blend historical fact with just enough writer's imagination to result in an engrossing story, with all of the different threads eventually coming to a satisfying conclusion by the end of the book. Unlike many books, I make sure to read the author's notes that follow the novel, so I was happy to learn that we are likely to see Nick Lee again, possibly even on an adventure with Cotton. I look forward to reading whatever book Mr. Berry releases next.