Overall, this is a fun read. At times, I felt it tried too hard to be believable though. There were some sections of theory I just breezed over (math, angles, etc). For me, it completely sidelined the adventure and pace. However, skipping it will keep you right on going. This tale has loads of coincidence and conspiracy sprinkled throughout. Suspend belief and enjoy! I originally thought religious folks wouldn't appreciate the read. However, the deeper you get into it, I think God and the Devil, morphs more into Good vs. Evil and all its shades. I did enjoy that the author was liberal in killing characters; a refreshing change. If you read the book's listed synopsis first, you'll get a better sense of what I'm trying to say. That said, this story spans a vast period of time, but mostly takes place in the present. I think this is my first book to not just reference Da Vinci, but also one that provides him a past and present starring role. 4 of 5 Stars - ARC provided.
From the Publisher:
Sorry - I'm not going to format this one -- as is:
A mysterious child with uncanny abilities. A deadly threat to dominant religions. A prey to merciless secret organizations. An unimaginable origin that unfolds within the bowels of Hell. Theon E. Rex is no ordinary boy. Discovered as an infant in a symbol-riddled well near Manor Clos Lucé, Leonardo Da Vinci’s former residence, he soon manifests extraordinary powers ranging from the stunning to the devastating, attracting the attention of the Vatican and other powerful organizations bent on exploiting or destroying him. Terrified the secret behind his mysterious origins will reduce biblical doctrine to ashes and crush his empire, the Pope himself orders his death. Even Satan has designs on Theon. Hell’s fury descends upon him as the Dragon Lord whisks the boy-prodigy to his infernal realm, determined to weaponize him and bring destruction and desolation to the Kingdom of Heaven…and to Earth. Of all the Echoes—restored human souls—roaming Heaven and Hell, Leonardo Da Vinci comes to Theon’s aid, helped by Satan’s crossbred daughter and other unlikely allies. A frantic race ensues across Hell and into Heaven, in hopes of finding a cure to Theon’s explosive curse. But a misguided God swears the boy will not cross Heaven’s borders. What they discover about his origins, no one—neither Da Vinci nor even God himself—could have imagined. Main Cast of Characters • Theon E. Rex, hero and boy prodigy • FBI agent Cameron Rex and wife Sarah, Theon's adoptive parents • Leonardo Da Vinci, famed painter and inventor • Akara, Satan's young estranged daughter • Tholen of the Kalidrone, a race deformed beyond belief, alienated from God • Amadeo Da Verdi, ex-Templar Knight and agent of the Vatican • NASA Director Bill Adams, Mars Exploration program • FBI assistant-director Scott Dumont • Cardinal Pierre Nadeau, double agent • Doctor George Lapierre and Maurice Lefoux, members of the Circle of the Eight, leadership group of the Priory of Sion • U.S. President Karl Armstrong • Pope Benvenuto, born Carsten Maximilian Reiniger • Child serial killer (unnamed) • Young Michel de Nostredame, prior to becoming known as Nostradamus • King Deus, Lord God • Maitraya, God's Holy Spirit • Jesus Christ • Maria Magdalena • Mary, mother of Jesus, and sister Bethel • Satan, Dragon Lord • Demahon, Dark Lord and Satan' master • Archangels Michael and Gabriel • Archdemons Thevetat and Aurignacia • Adolf Hitler, former leader of the Third Reich and mass murderer
