Mystery of the Templars

My first book from this author and I thought it was excellent. While not an expert on the subject, it appears well researched at first sight and I'm not bothered about checking any facts as the purpose of the story was to entertain and it certainly does that.

It seems that many publishers are reluctant to cross genres but I thought the time travel element coupled with the Templer legend worked very well. I liked the arc of the story and the characters were likeable.

Thank you for the chance to read it, I will recommend it to the friends of mine who would also enjoy it and I wish the author every success. I'll share a more detailed review with no spoilers via Twitter when I'm on next. 5 Stars.

Overall I thought Martina André's novel, Mystery of the Templars was unique. When I originally read the plot synopsis I was intrigued but also a little hesitant. I am a fan of historical fiction, but not a huge romance or time travel novel reader. But I think Martina was able to blend these all very well and write a very hard to put down novel. At times the romance was a little much for me, and some of the sci-fi time travel aspects seemed a little uncharacteristic compared to the rest of the novel, but in the end it was an interesting story that I had a hard time putting down. I would be intrigued to see this on the big screen, but also think that it may be too much going on to simplify into a movie.

Mystery of the Templars by Martina Andre is an epic tale set in the early 14th century. A young Templar knight is given a special secret mission to save an important Templar artifact at the time Prince Phillip IV is rounding up and annihilating all the Templars his soldiers can find. There are a few fantastical twists added to the story, including time travel, that make it even more interesting. I found the story fascinating and had a hard time putting it down.
This is the first book by this author that I have read, and I look forward to reading more of her work as well as reading this book over again. I strongly recommend.

The year is 1307 & the Templar order in France is under attack. By none other than king Philipp IV. The goal is to get to the "Head of Wisdom", a mystical object that is said to contain enough power to rule the world. But the Templars are not quitting the fight. Templar Knight Gero has been sent on a secret mission to obtain the "Head of Wisdom" and make sure it doesn't fall into the wrong hands. And then the unthinkable happens. Gero and his squire Matthaus have been transported through time. To the year 2004 to be precise. With the Order under the executioner's sword, Gero and Matthaus must find a way to get back and restore order, otherwise their brothers and the Templar Order will perish.

Helping then are Tom & Paul, research scientist who work for CAPUT – Center of Accelerated Particles in Universe and Time (it was CAPUT who was responsible for Gerard's and Mattheus transport through time), and Hannah, Tom's ex girlfriend who kept an eye on the time travelers while Tom & Paul were under surveillance for the explosion that happened as the result of the time travel.

Gero, Matthaus, & Hannah in the year 2004 are able to discover the Head of Wisdom that Gero was supposed to find all those centuries ago and by activating the Head they trave back to 1307 so Gero can finish the mission he was sent on, so they can learn the secrets of the "Head" and get Hannah back home.

In what seemed like a vision, they learned that two female scientists from the year 2151 would travel back into the past, one hundred and fifty years ago, with the intention of delivering a secret message to the Order of the Temple in 1118. They intended to carry out a specific change in the course of history, which would have far-reaching effects on the history of humanity. The Order of the Temple had been selected for this goal because precise calculations indicated that the Order’s preservation and expansion beyond the year 1307 would change the face of the world in a peaceful way.

With  technology based on long-lost knowledge, they embarked on a journey back into the past, with the intention of setting in motion a ripple in the time-space continuum. According to complicated calculations, their own survival in this new, alternative world was guaranteed, although if their mission were successful, they would be the only ones to remember what had been, or what might have been.

All in all, a great historical thriller. The author does go into details when it comes to setting up the story, so some might find the descriptions a bit boring. But it doesn't take anything away from the story. In fact with all the time manipulation happening without the descriptions one might get lost. But Martina does a fantastic job of not only creating the story but making it enjoyable. While most names are fictional a grat deal of research was put into the story to give you an accurate portray of what life would be like in 1307. A fantastic read.

As a lover of all things Templar, this was an obvious choice for a read. If you are a lover of Timeline by Michael Crichton, Outlander by Diana Gabaldon or anything Templar (or any combination of the above, like myself - I am all three!) this is a MUST READ! I was continuously astonished by the level of intricacy in research the author had done to make this book period appropriate. The descriptions were lush and inviting, and I found myself hoping that there were more books by her available in English. To my horror, there are none yet, although she has a vast catalogue in German. This book was SO good I momentarily thought about learning German just so I could read another book by the same author. I was absolutely transported, and I have yet to start another book after serious book hangover on my part. Can I give it more than 5 stars? Please?
The story of Gero, Hannah and Matthaes is wonderful, multi-faceted and amazing. The different twists and turns the plot took surprised me continually but at no time was it outlandish or too much. I hope to find a book that is it's equal, but at this point, nothing comes to mind.

I really liked this book. it was entertaining and it can be appreciated by both historical fiction and fantasy lovers.
It is well written, interesting characters and well researched.
Strongly recommended.
Many thanks to be-ebooks and Netgalley