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Dominic Selwood
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The Sword of Moses Paperback – 28 Nov. 2013

by Dominic Selwood (Author)
4.1 out of 5 stars 5,197 ratings
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“Rollercoaster crypto-thriller … a ride that thrills and educates … move over Lara Croft!” (Daily Express – Five Star – Pick of the Week) Dr Ava Curzon is Lara Croft meets Evelyn Salt – the first real challenger to Dan Brown’s Robert Langdon. When former MI6 agent turned archaeologist Dr Ava Curzon is engaged by American intelligence to track down an African militia claiming to hold the Ark of the Covenant, she is plunged into a world where nothing is what it seems. Her breakneck descent into the shadowy realm of dark biblical magic hurls her across continents and into the opaque worlds of the Knights Templar, freemasons, occultists, and extremist neo-Nazis, pushing her mentally and physically to the limits. As the plot twists and turns across the centuries, she requires all her skills to solve a trail of ancient clues leading her inexorably towards a terrifying ritual. Taking centre stage, she faces the ultimate battle against an age-old evil she must stop at all costs. Thriller – occult – bible – code – Templar – freemasonry – nazi – archaeology – ark of the covenantf
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  1. Book 1 of 2
    An Ava Curzon Thriller
  2. Print length
    792 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publication date
    28 Nov. 2013
  5. Dimensions
    15.24 x 4.55 x 22.86 cm
  6. ISBN-10
    0992633206
  7. ISBN-13
    978-0992633202
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Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Corax
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ 28 Nov. 2013
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 792 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0992633206
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0992633202
  • Item weight ‏ : ‎ 1.14 kg
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 15.24 x 4.55 x 22.86 cm
  • Book 1 of 2 ‏ : ‎ An Ava Curzon Thriller
  • Best Sellers Rank: 1,710,671 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • Customer reviews:
    4.1 out of 5 stars 5,197 ratings

About the author

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Dominic Selwood

Dominic Selwood

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DOMINIC SELWOOD is a historian and barrister. He is a bestselling author and novelist, and frequent contributor to national newspapers, radio and television. He has a doctorate in history from the University of Oxford and a masters from the Sorbonne. He is a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society and the Society of Antiquaries. He lives in London.

His latest book, ANATOMY OF A NATION: A HISTORY OF BRITISH IDENTITY IN 50 DOCUMENTS, will be published on 23 September 2021.

He is the author of the international #1 bestseller THE SWORD OF MOSES, a ‘rollercoaster crypto-thriller, a ride that thrills and educates’ (Daily Express), voted one of the top five religious thrillers of all time (BestThrillers.com). The sequel THE APOCALYPSE FIRE was described as ‘the best of James Bond and the Da Vinci Code rolled into one’ (Soldier Magazine).

He is also the author of two history books: the international #1 bestselling SPIES, SADISTS AND SORCERERS: THE HISTORY YOU WEREN’T TAUGHT AT SCHOOL and KNIGHTS OF THE CLOISTER.

His writing guide PUNCTUATION WITHOUT TEARS: PUNCTUATE CONFIDENTLY – IN MINUTES! has been described as ‘simple, feisty, funny and profoundly helpful’ (The Independent). He has also written two short ghost stories THE VOIVOD and SUFFER THE CHILDREN.

www.dominicselwood.com

@DominicSelwood

Customer reviews

4.1 out of 5 stars
5,197 global ratings

Customers say

Customers find this book to be a gripping read with a fast-paced dramatic action plot and strong leading female character. Moreover, the book is praised for its accurate historical references and extensive arcane knowledge, with one customer noting how historical fact and fiction are intelligently morphed throughout the narrative. Additionally, the writing quality receives positive feedback, with one review highlighting how well the ancient history elements are integrated into the story.

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ReadabilityStory qualityHistorical informationPacingWriting qualityCharacter developmentIntrigueHistory content
239 customers mention ‘Readability’228 positive11 negative

Customers find the book thoroughly enjoyable, describing it as a gripping and thrilling read.

"Good read - easy to follow adventure story - but I liked the history lectures best.... Perhaps Dominic would write a novel based on the Knight of..." Read more

"Great read, intriguing plot. If you like the Dan Brown books this is another one to read on the same lines." Read more

"...It's a good read, with lots of historical and biblical themes - right up my street." Read more

"...a little bit over the top on the history for me, but it's still a great read, plenty of suspense, twists and realistic characters." Read more

152 customers mention ‘Story quality’132 positive20 negative

Customers enjoy the story's plot and twists, with one customer noting it's well researched.

"...Great story, a real page turner that should excite all Dan Brown readers but also encourage younger readers to try out an exciting, girl-based hero..." Read more

"Quite a good story but rather too long, much to much description and you get side tracked from the main story. On the whole not a bad book." Read more

"I thoroughly enjoyed this book and its many twists and turns it's very well written and very descriptive you could just imagine the different..." Read more

"Brilliant story, believable, exciting and gripping. Couldn't put it down. I must look for other books by this author. As good as Dan Brown" Read more

92 customers mention ‘Historical information’89 positive3 negative

Customers appreciate the book's historical information, praising its astonishingly detailed historical knowledge and extensive arcane facts, making it an intelligent and well-researched history/religious thriller.

"...straight from the off I was hooked, the story was great, well researched and expertly written, but don't take my word for it, read it and find out..." Read more

"A wonderful blend of fact and fiction. Well researched. Like most people the descriptions of torture are stomach churning but the story is well told...." Read more

"A Gripping read, great context and unfortunately, very very believable." Read more

"...It is well written, paccy, informative and is a cracking story full of adventure in an Indiana Jones way. Would read more from this author." Read more

60 customers mention ‘Pacing’49 positive11 negative

Customers enjoy the book's pacing, describing it as a fast-paced exciting adventure with dramatic action. One customer mentions finishing it in just five days.

"...What should be a light, fast paced, enjoyable ride becomes a turgid slog, and no successful thriller should or can ever be described as that." Read more

"This is a real page turner,well paced and full of action.A good mix of historic fact and conspiracy theory that makes for a fantastic read...." Read more

"Fast moving, you can't put it down, every page has a new twist. First time I have read anything by Dominic Selwood, it won't be the last" Read more

"...erudite and knowledgeable, the storyline quite plausible and fast moving. Read and enjoy." Read more

50 customers mention ‘Writing quality’41 positive9 negative

Customers praise the writing quality of the book, noting its well-crafted characters and fluid prose, with one customer highlighting how the author skillfully blends ancient history into the narrative.

"This book is nearly 800 pages of enjoyable reading. It is well written, paccy, informative and is a cracking story full of adventure in an Indiana..." Read more

"...All in all it is a well researched and well written book and Im looking forward to getting started with the next instalment." Read more

"I thoroughly enjoyed this book and its many twists and turns it's very well written and very descriptive you could just imagine the different..." Read more

"...A very well written novel which I did not put down in three days of reading" Read more

45 customers mention ‘Character development’36 positive9 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book, particularly noting the strong leading female character and plucky academic heroine.

"...If you enjoy a book that tells a good pacey Story with believable characters you won't be disappointed with this one.l ." Read more

"...Keeps a fast pace throughout with good characters. Very good storyline. Will definitely look for more of his books. Really enjoyable." Read more

"...to read but go for it...its great, intricate and absorbing with great characters...cant wait for the follow up hinted at in the end of the book." Read more

"...The plot is predictable and full of cliches. The characters are one dimensional and some even unlikable, and the pace is plodding...." Read more

43 customers mention ‘Intrigue’40 positive3 negative

Customers find the book intriguing from beginning to end, with one customer describing it as an exciting new series of archaeological puzzle adventures.

"Action, adventure and a believable heroin. Yes, it's quite long, but don't let that put you off. It's well worth it...." Read more

"Really excellent read very gripping and interesting definitely recommend it to anyone interested in Templar theories or historical novels really..." Read more

"...The story line is kept fluid and intriguing which holds the readers' interest right to the end. To the author, thank you for an excellent read." Read more

"...lot of similarities to Da Vinci Code in this book - fast paced and fascinating, with that touch of reality that makes it believable...." Read more

42 customers mention ‘History content’42 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's historical content, noting its accurate references and archaeological details.

"I loved the idea, the plot, the characters, the history (learned some new stuff - I always like that) but I had to knock points off for the length...." Read more

"...aspects to this novel - occult, bible, Templar, Freemasonry, Nazi, archaeology, all to find the Ark of the Covenant...." Read more

"Finished it just ! Enjoyed the historical references and interpretations ,especially if they are true,and looking at the authors history I hope they..." Read more

"Excellent read with a great baalnce between history, fiction and narrative." Read more

Top reviews from United Kingdom

  • Pooter
    5.0 out of 5 stars Rattling good read, satisfies in the short and the long term
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 31 December 2013
    Verified Purchase
    When this arrived (I still like paper) it revealed what turned out to be the most annoying aspect, it wouldn't fit through the letterbox. Unfair to blame the author for the lack of foresight in my builders though.

    Strong underlying story which weaves in and out of scenarios, situations and set-ups with what is at first slightly intimidating density but the detail and fluidity of the prose make it a pleasure nonetheless. Staking a claim to, however tangentially, one of the great mystery stories of the western hemisphere is in some ways a bold undertaking since you can creak under the expectation of the reader and suffer from comparison but Dr Selwood carries it off.

    Detail and context are well presented and support rather than supplant the plot. This is the only other area that makes the book a challenge since I needed to back and forth a little to make sure I had all the twists in place, perhaps more a product of occasionally lazy skimming (my bad habit) than an issue for most readers it also serves to keep your attention.

    With such a well credentialed author you really feel your getting something on the verge of reality, far more so than with some other tomes in this genre and it does reward your effort with pleasing mini-denouements from chapter to chapter but gels in the round as well to satisfy on completion. I'm waiting for more now please.
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  • Duncan Andrew Gaylor
    4.0 out of 5 stars Generally very good but a bit 'tantric'
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 11 March 2014
    Verified Purchase
    I just finished this, eventually, and would have given it the full five stars if it hadn't been for the fact that the end was a bit drawn out. It manages to mix a number of themes together quite convincingly: biblical relics like the Ark of the Covenant, the Spear/Lance of Longinus, the Menorah; Nazis, a wannabe Aleister Crowley; the security services of more than one country; worldwide conspiracy etc etc. It starts off quite fast paced then settles into something a bit more pedestrian. This would be forgiveable if you could not see the general direction of travel but the plot is quite well signposted. That in itself is not a criticism as the joy of a well written book far outweighs any issues of predictability. My problem is the sustained climax which seems to have no real purpose. I found myself thinking "Just get on with it!" more than a couple of times, which is a shame because it is a good book. The final bit where the loose ends are all tidied up and everybody gets on with their normal lives is also over long. Please don't be put off by these comments, however - just get ready to scan during the last 20% of the book.
    7 people found this helpful
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  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great & Exciting Read it has everything - Can't put it down
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 6 March 2014
    Verified Purchase
    So many different themes all under the main theme but never confusing the main story.
    Excellent coverage of Historical accent plus the Political accent. Good on Geographic details. Good religous angles and history.
    Linguistic coverage is well done and not overdone. Add the rolling pursuit throughout different locations and we have only just touched the surface of a story that not only covers these subjects but also the occult modern and ancient political angles throughout many years of history.
    An amazing feat of writing to encompass so much and make it so exciting and readable.
    Musn't forget a great Heroine to boot.
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  • Deborah McFadyen
    3.0 out of 5 stars Great story but too much filler.
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 6 January 2016
    Verified Purchase
    This book is definitely well written and well researched, for this I give it 3 stars. The reason I only give it 3 and not 5 is because it really drags on, there is a lot of padding which for me made the story become boring. The thought processes of the characters was very repetitive and it felt like some of this was just filler.

    I will say the story itself is good, and it's very obvious the author has a depth of knowledge on this subject, for this the book is definitely worth a read and was very enjoyable at certain points throughout the book.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Avid Reader
    4.0 out of 5 stars Well worth reading
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 21 February 2015
    Verified Purchase
    As a lover of books by the likes of Dan Brown, Sam Bourne and Chris Kuzneski I enjoy all things about historical artifacts and the various ways and reasons people hunt for them. This book had the lot, in spades. From the Knights Templar through to Freemasons and Nazis Mr Selwood has obviously done his research well. Although very long I found this book riveting, a real page turner.

    The characters, from the amazing Dr Curzon, a cross between Lara Croft and Robert Langdon, right through all the supporting cast to the icon of evil personified in Malchus, all are well rounded and believable.

    For me there was an awful lot of decsriptive prose and whilst some of it was necessaey to explain the plot twists, most of it was not and the pace of the action was slowed unnecessarily at times. As an extraordinarily long book it would benefit greatly from some serious trimming, obvioulsy thats only my opinion, for many people vast descriptive passages are both intreetsing and absorbing. Not for me however, hence the four stars.

    That said, this book is well worth reading and persevering through the long bits as it is a fantastic read, full of danger and excitement as all good thrillers should be.

    I would definitly recommend it.
    One person found this helpful
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  • G. Best
    5.0 out of 5 stars Don't wait for the movie - read it here first!
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 12 August 2014
    Verified Purchase
    Not what I expected. Being kept off balance and not being able to guess what was going to happen next is - for me - what made it terrific entertainment. Such effortless reading is the hallmark of that intangible blend of imagination, writing craftsmanship and an author enrapt with the spinning of their yarn.

    With only the briefest comfort and tea breaks (with iPad in hand) I read this almost non-stop from cover to cover.

    Afterwards, whilst booting up the internet to search and buy any other novels by Mr Selwood, I researched those few "facts" that had flagged my doubts (but not sufficiently at the time to stop my reading flow). In each instance the author was correct.

    Tightly plotted with clear characters (every villain must be allowed their excesses) this story was fun.

    I recommend reading this novel. I pray that I don't have to wait too long for the next.
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Julian Boyle
    5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
    Reviewed in India on 13 July 2015
    Verified Purchase
    Engaging till the end!
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  • Ken Jill
    5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent page-turning novel.
    Reviewed in Australia on 3 March 2016
    Verified Purchase
    An excellent page-turning novel.
    This book reminded me of several others in the same genre, however, Selwood utilises varying locations and scenarios that keep you wondering where this story is heading before it reaches its climax. The main character, Dr Ava Curzon, plus Israeli agent Uri and Brit-agent Ferguson, assist you to unravel just what "The Sword of Moses" is ... but not until the end, which I loved - particularly since I had visited a similar location only weeks prior to reading the novel.
    Sadly, i cannot seem to find this novel anywhere on Amazon now...???
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  • john_france
    5.0 out of 5 stars excellent read.....just finished
    Reviewed in France on 28 December 2013
    Verified Purchase
    Really enjoyed that, lots and lots of research pulled together and a good story woven in! Just about to get all my Crusades and Templar books out to read again....got loads of them.....perhaps I can find a story to tell?
    Great work Dominic....where we going next....Iran?
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  • Ruth Schultz
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent
    Reviewed in Canada on 22 October 2023
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    Story telling excellence! I highly recommend everyone to read this novel.
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  • S.M. Lowry
    5.0 out of 5 stars As Enjoyable as Dan Brown's Novels
    Reviewed in the United States on 31 July 2014
    Verified Purchase
    A friend of mine told me The Sword of Moses was similar to Dan Brown’s novels, and I was not disappointed. Although the book is a little lengthy for my tastes, Dominic Selwood weaves history, religions, politics, and magic together seamlessly in this book, creating a world of mystery, intrigue, and conspiracy that is hard to put down and equally as hard to guess what will happen. The rich historical and religious details added to my enjoyment of the novel, although occasionally I felt some of the details detracted from the action scenes. I loved the main character, Ava. She is a woman who can hold her own and settles for nothing less than the truth about everything. This book was equally as enjoyable as Dan Brown’s novels, and I would recommend The Sword of Moses to fans of Dan Brown and to those who just want a thriller rife with history, religion, and conspiracy.
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