Beginnings: A Hunt for Treasure Becomes a Quest for Truth (Tomb, the Temple, the Treaure) [Paperback]

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. Do not start reading if you have an an appointment or you will miss it, OR have something in the oven because it will be burnt to a cinder by the time you remember, OR you have to go to work as you will be late.

The action starts from the first page and carries on throughout the book. It's like a huge blockbuster action movie full of action and great characters. Likeable heroes and shady villains.

Hammott starts us off with the building of the Temple of Solomon Temple in Jerusalem and then to the Destruction of the Temple by the Romans. We then move to the Crusades and the Knights Templar and then to the present day where we are taken below ground into the fabled catacombs below Roslyn Chapel in Scotland.

The way Hammott weaves all these timelines together, connecting each with the one before, is great writing. If I did not know better, having read Hammott's previous book Lost Tomb of the Knights Templar I would assume a well known established author of this genre had penned Beginnings. It's that good.

I thought all the characters were great and although Ben only describes them in the briefest of detail, it is surprisingly easy how our imagination fills in the blanks. With some of the characters their appearance is only slowly revealed. This again is a great writing and this is only Hammott's first novel. I believe Ben will go on to became an established author with a huge following if he keeps up this level writing.

Beginnings is book 1 of the TOMB, the TEMPLE, the TREASURE. The second installment is to be released shortly called the PRIEST'S SECRET and I look forward to reading it. If it is as good as the first part it will be another great read.

If you read Beginnings and enjoy the experience, please post a review. First time authors like Ben Hammott need all the exposure they can get. Hopefully he will then be picked up by one of the larger publishing house and many more readers will be able to enjoy Hammott's present and future books.

Lastly, just to let you know as of writing this review, Hammott's books in paperback are only available from Amazon UK. Kindle versions available US and UK.

I don't normally buy books by self published authors, although if you are not a celebrity, go to a small publishing house 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 the larger 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. I have now read Hammott's Lost Tomb of the Knights Templar non-fiction and WOW was is a great read.

Beginning's starts with the building of the Temple of Solomon 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 these chapter most of all.

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

I had already purchased and read the paperback version, but bought the Kindle version to read while I was on holiday. It was just as good the second time around.
Another review mentions the repetition of words during the temple mount battle scenes, but that is the way it happened, blood splatters, etc. I did not notice as I was so engrossed in the action. I also disagree with the reviewers comments on Hammott's non-fiction Lost Tomb of the Knights Templar, (see my review) I actually loved Hammott's journeys to and from Rennes-le-Chateau and were some of the funniest parts of the book. Yes it might upset the more academic minds who just want to get to meat of the story, but for me it made the book more human and a much more enjoyable read.

I will now be buying other self-published books in the hope I will find another gem like Hammott's 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. For the kindle price you can't go wrong and once you have read it I am certain you'll be buying the second installment.

I just noticed that at the moment Hammott's books in paperback format are only available from his website or Amazon UK.

this book and all the books of Ben Hammott are a MUST read ESSENTIAL for anyone wanting to know more about the story of the Holy Grail, Mary Magdalene, the true story of jesus and the resurrection and his death, and of course Rennes Le Chateau. his writing is easy to read, fun and at times laughable, his sense of humor is wry and the discoveries he has made are unprecendented in my opinion! He has found the greatest treasure in history! Biggest secrets..... must read!