Beginnings: A Hunt for Treasure Becomes a Quest for Truth [Paperback]

 

 

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I am an avid reader and usually read a book a week.
Disappointed with some of the reads being released by my usual list of favorite authors, I decided to widen my selection and so began a search on Amazon. It was then that I came across Beginnings by an author called Ben Hammott. The premise of his book appealed to me. It had already received positive reviews so I gave it a chance and made my purchase.

My books arrived a few days later and laying them out on my table I picked Beginnings to read first.
Other reviewers have said they were hooked from the first page, they told the truth as I was too.
Ben Hammott's writing style makes for an easy read.
His descriptions of the locations visited in the varying time periods sets the scenes superbly.
His action sequences are well described and well thought out. You are never left with the feeling, (except maybe for one particular death defying escape - but this is fiction) that it is too far fetched. Ben keeps the story real.
He has really excelled himself in the Roslyn Chapel part of the book.
The rescue attempt carried out before entering the catacombs is one of my favorite parts of the book.
Ben Hammott has now been added to my list of favorite authors and I am looking forward to reading part two of this story. While waiting for this to appear I have just ordered his non-fiction book Lost Tomb of the Knights Templar,

I don't normally buy books by self published authors, although if you are not a celebrity or already published, this seems to be the only option left open to new authors and some have gone on to be picked up by publishing houses, hopefully the same will happen with Ben Hammott, as the book is actually a very good read. As others have mentioned, his writing style is refreshing and makes for an easy read.
Beginnings is an archeological thriller, a name shoved onto many books recently, but Ben's book is exactly what it says on the tin, well the cover, but you know what I mean.

I was so engrossed in the book I read it through in one setting and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. The story is interesting and exciting enough to keep you hooked to the last page, and further. I will also buy the second installment when it is released later this year. If it is as good as part 1, Ben will go even further up my favorite authors list, maybe even to the top. In the meantime I have ordered his Lost Tomb of the Knights Templar: Rennes-le-Chateau Secrets and Discoveries non-fiction book and if it's as good as everyone says, then I am in for a treat.

Beginning's starts with the building of Solomon's Temple and continues through time pausing at the Fall of Jerusalem and the writing of the copper scroll, I really enjoyed this part and the way Ben interweaves fact with fiction, as he does throughout the book, to bring alive what may have taken place. It's hard to say too much without giving the story away, but the outcome was something I didn't see coming. Then the story moves to the 1st crusade and then on to the Catacombs beneath Roslyn chapel. I loved this bit.

There are funny one liners and events that will make you laugh, which all adds to the enjoyment of the book.

Another reviewer mentioned the price, which incidentally is more than I would normally pay, but I was recommended the book. After reading it I agree it was worth the expense and it is a first edition. Hopefully if Ben becomes a famous author my book will be worth a lot more than I paid for it. As it is self published the expense of having the book printed is no doubt reflected in the price. I know this will put some people off of buying the book, but don't be as you will be missing the opportunity of reading a really great story.
I will now be buying other self-published books in the hope I will find another gem like Beginnings.

I have awarded this book the maximum 5 stars and if I could award it more I would. Congratulations Ben on your first novel and please make the next part, the Priest's Secret, just as exciting and enjoyable.

First things first. I have read Ben Hammott's other Non-Fiction books but this is his first novel. When I first heard Ben was writing a novel based on his previous research and discoveries as revealed in his book Lost Tomb of the Knights Templar: Rennes-le-Chateau Secrets and Discoveries, I wasn't sure how well it would transcend into novel form. However, for those who have read Ben's Lost Tomb book, it is apparent from his humorous and yet enthralling writing style, the basics were there to succeed. I had always thought the way Ben solved the clues in the ancient French church in Rennes-le-Chateau to eventually lead him to a tomb complete with a mummified body and chests of treasure, would make a great movie, but would it make a a great novel? If so has Ben pulled it off?

I received the book a few days ago and as with all of Ben's books, I eagerly unwrapped it from its cocoon of parcel tape, brown paper and bubble-wrap. I grabbed myself a cup of coffee, and after sitting down in my favorite armchair, I began to read.

I was hooked from the first page. As usual, Ben's writing style makes for a pleasant and enjoyable read. I was soon drawn into the story wondering where I was going to be led next, and there were surprises along the way. It certainly is an exciting romp through history, but it all has a purpose, and as the back cover description says, all are connected.
I won't give anything away as I don't wish to spoil others enjoyment finding out what happens themselves, but there is a certain part in Ben's book where the main character has to kill someone, it must be the funniest assault in history. I laughed out loud for ages. I have gone back to read it again on more than one occasion and it always makes me laugh. It is worth the price of the book just for this part. I have had a few guests for dinner and I give them the book to read this section, and wait for the laughter to begin and it always does.
I am not sure how he does it, but even though the book is funny in places, it doesn't distract from the seriousness of the situation or the danger the characters find themselves in.

As you can probably guess, I thoroughly enjoyed Ben's Beginnings book and cannot recommend it enough.
It really is an exciting archaeological adventure that goes places I think no other author has yet trod. If I was pushed, the Roslyn catacombs story was perhaps my favorite section of the book. I was impressed by the way Ben brought together all the different time era's, linking them to what was happening in the present, like a chain of evidence in a crime scene.

Downside - For a paperback novel it is expensive, but please do not let this put you off buying it. I would rather spend my money on a more expensive book that I enjoy reading, than waste money buying two cheaper books that I don't. I don't regret the price I payed one little bit and I guess what you perceive as value for money is what it's all about.

Beginnings is book 1 of the Tomb, the Temple, the Treasure, and you can be certain I will be first in the queue to buy the second installment, the Priest's Secret. I have already read the preview chapters on Ben's website and it promises to be even more enthralling than this one. I can't wait.
Do yourself a favor and give this book a read. Also read Ben's excellent Lost Tomb of the Knights Templar, which I have also reviewed and can highly recommend.

If you like any of Ben's books, please post a review on Amazon as I feel Ben has a lot more books in him yet and the more he writes the more decent reads we can all enjoy. Reading through my review I sound like a publicist for Hammott, but I'm not. I believe a self published writer as good as Ben, needs to be encouraged. I would be very surprised if one or more of his books are not picked up by a large Publishing house, so his self published volumes may soon become collectors items. His first editions may even be worth much more than the cover price one day.

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5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful reading experience
Having read Ben Hammott's non-fiction book, Lost Tomb of the Knights Templar: Rennes-le-Chateau Secrets and Discoveries, that I thoroughly enjoyed even though I have no interest... Read more

Published 5 months ago by Victoria

5.0 out of 5 stars WARNING - You will be hooked from the first page
If you are going to read this book, be warned, you will be hooked from the first page and will not want to put it down until you finish. Read more

Published 5 months ago by researcher

5.0 out of 5 stars WOW! If only all archeological action thrillers were this good
Every once in a while you come across a book that is so good you don't want it to end, Beginnings is exactly that. Read more

Published 5 months ago by Davey Jones

5.0 out of 5 stars A surprisingly good Action Adventure from a new Author
I had only been saying to a colleague of mine a few days before, after reading yet another novel written to a deadline churned out by an A list author, that we need some fresh... Read more

Published 6 months ago by New York Post

5.0 out of 5 stars An Exciting Archaeological Thriller
I labeled this review as 'An Exciting Archaeological Thriller' because this is just what it is. Beginnings, book 1 of 'the Tomb, the Temple, the Treasure,' is one of those books... Read more

Published 14 months ago by Me

5.0 out of 5 stars Book Information by Author
The new book by Ben Hammott (Fiction)

BEGINNINGS - Book 1 of the TOMB, the TEMPLE, the TREASURE

Ben weaves his research and discoveries into an exciting... Read more

Published 14 months ago by Book Review

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