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The Lazarus Vault: a pacy, heart-thumping, race-against time thriller guaranteed to have you hooked…
800 years ago, one man wrote the legend that became the greatest quest in history...
Deep in the heart of London, the Monsalvat Bank is small, secretive and fabulously wealthy, with roots going far back into the middle ages. When Ellie Stanton, an impoverished graduate student, is unexpectedly invited to join the firm, the privileged world they offer looks too good to turn down.
But the bank is more than it seems. Soon Ellie realises that her life belongs to her employers - and they're watching her every move. For buried in their medieval vaults lies a closely guarded treasure of immeasurable power - one inextricably bound up with Ellie's extraordinary history.
Now Ellie is in a race against time, hunted by the bank and pursued by her past. Her only hope of escape is to unearth the secret hidden in the vault. But getting in is only the beginning...
Deep in the heart of London, the Monsalvat Bank is small, secretive and fabulously wealthy, with roots going far back into the middle ages. When Ellie Stanton, an impoverished graduate student, is unexpectedly invited to join the firm, the privileged world they offer looks too good to turn down.
But the bank is more than it seems. Soon Ellie realises that her life belongs to her employers - and they're watching her every move. For buried in their medieval vaults lies a closely guarded treasure of immeasurable power - one inextricably bound up with Ellie's extraordinary history.
Now Ellie is in a race against time, hunted by the bank and pursued by her past. Her only hope of escape is to unearth the secret hidden in the vault. But getting in is only the beginning...
463 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2010
About the author
Tom Harper
49 books196 followersTom Harper was born in West Germany in 1977 and grew up in Germany, Belgium and America; he now lives in England. He is chair of the Crime Writers' Association and also a member of the Historical Novels Society and the Society of Authors.
Tom Harper also writes historical adventures as Edwin Thomas.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
Tom Harper also writes historical adventures as Edwin Thomas.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews
October 28, 2010
The Lazarus Vault by Tom Harper, current chair of the CWA (Crime Writer’s Association), is a wonderful adventure spanning eight centuries beginning in early 12th century England.
I have to admit I was captivated by the jacket cover, a vibrant yellow/cream design with a dynamic golden key invoking bountiful treasures held within the pages of Harper’s novel. In an era where book jackets and videos are having a greater impact on book sales, an alluring first impression is vital, certainly for the authors readers have yet to discover – it can mean the difference between buying the book or choosing a more enticing book further along the shelf.
The story intriguingly follows two timelines, the 12th century written from a first person narrative and the present day following the trials and tribulations of Ellie Stanton. When I first began reading the book I wondered how I would cope with such an obvious divide, but it soon became apparent that the two stories were intertwined; it was just a case of figuring out how!
The narrative is slick and the unusual mix of first person past (12th century) and third person present works remarkably well. The Lazarus Vault is without doubt a prolific page turner, written in an adventurous Dan Brown style, you’re guaranteed an endless journey full of twists, turns and discovery – I couldn’t put the book down, finishing the 470 pages in two sittings.
Full Review on my blog:- http://www.milorambles.com/2010/10/28...
I have to admit I was captivated by the jacket cover, a vibrant yellow/cream design with a dynamic golden key invoking bountiful treasures held within the pages of Harper’s novel. In an era where book jackets and videos are having a greater impact on book sales, an alluring first impression is vital, certainly for the authors readers have yet to discover – it can mean the difference between buying the book or choosing a more enticing book further along the shelf.
The story intriguingly follows two timelines, the 12th century written from a first person narrative and the present day following the trials and tribulations of Ellie Stanton. When I first began reading the book I wondered how I would cope with such an obvious divide, but it soon became apparent that the two stories were intertwined; it was just a case of figuring out how!
The narrative is slick and the unusual mix of first person past (12th century) and third person present works remarkably well. The Lazarus Vault is without doubt a prolific page turner, written in an adventurous Dan Brown style, you’re guaranteed an endless journey full of twists, turns and discovery – I couldn’t put the book down, finishing the 470 pages in two sittings.
Full Review on my blog:- http://www.milorambles.com/2010/10/28...
August 28, 2012
Rather difficult to say whether I enjoyed the book or not. Whilst I was really hooked onto it, I found the book never really explained the justification for the drive towards the main subject of the book, until at the end, a sort of deviation that this a quest that maybe leads us to this important object of power.
Also, there wasn't so much narrative, apart from the two meetings between Ellie and Harry, to really explain why Ellie would suddenly risk her life to break into the vault. A little more description would have added to the smooth flow of the story, especially given the relatively intimate relationship between her and Blanchard. Blanchard also never really struck me as a villain, the first part of the book made it seem like they really were two lovers getting closer and closer, so why did Ellie suddenly turn around like that?
That really irked me.
And then the other storyline of Peter/Christien; how was his family protecting this object of power? Why were they killed, how did this Count they slewed in the opening chapters of the book, come to this object of power, when it was Malegant (Peter's eventual new captain) who killed Peter's family when he was 10 and that it was Peter's family who held the access to this?
Basically, whilst I admit to being hooked to this story, I think it was mainly because of my interest in Ellie and Blanchard's relationship and this mysterious object. I guess that is the point of reading, but I really felt the author could have done more effort in tidying the loose threads up.
Also, there wasn't so much narrative, apart from the two meetings between Ellie and Harry, to really explain why Ellie would suddenly risk her life to break into the vault. A little more description would have added to the smooth flow of the story, especially given the relatively intimate relationship between her and Blanchard. Blanchard also never really struck me as a villain, the first part of the book made it seem like they really were two lovers getting closer and closer, so why did Ellie suddenly turn around like that?
That really irked me.
And then the other storyline of Peter/Christien; how was his family protecting this object of power? Why were they killed, how did this Count they slewed in the opening chapters of the book, come to this object of power, when it was Malegant (Peter's eventual new captain) who killed Peter's family when he was 10 and that it was Peter's family who held the access to this?
Basically, whilst I admit to being hooked to this story, I think it was mainly because of my interest in Ellie and Blanchard's relationship and this mysterious object. I guess that is the point of reading, but I really felt the author could have done more effort in tidying the loose threads up.
October 6, 2016
Όχι, δεν μου άρεσε. Κατηγορηματικά. Θα μπορούσε να ήταν καλό, αλλά:
- Είχε στο πρώτο μέρος πολλές περιγραφές για οικονομικά: η πρωταγωνίστρια προσλαμβάνεται σε τράπεζα και μας περιγράφει με πολλές λεπτομέρειες τη δουλειά της.
- Το τράβηξε πολύ στο τέλος, νομίζω θα μπορούσε να κόψει τουλάχιστον 50 σελίδες
- Σε όλο το βιβλίο είχα πρόβλημα με τις περιγραφές χώρων. Όσες φορές και να διάβαζα ξανά και ξανά (και ξανά και ξανά) τις ίδιες (λίγες) προτάσεις στις οποίες περιγραφόταν ο χώρος, δεν κατάφερα να φτιάξω καμία απολύτως εικόνα στο μυαλό μου.
- Πραγματικά θα ήθελα να γράψει περισσότερα πράγματα για την εκπαίδευση των ιπποτών
- Νομίζω (αλλά δεν πρόκειται να το ψάξω) ότι είχε πολλές αναφορές σε ιστορικά πρόσωπα της Αγγλίας του 12ου αιώνα. Δεν ξέρω, τα έλεγε σαν να έπρεπε να τα ξέρω, εγώ πάλι κάποια στιγμή στο τέλος έχασα τη μπάλα με τα ονόματα και σιχτήρησα.
Μέχρι τη σελίδα περίπου 400 ήταν για δύο ίσως και τρία αστέρια, η ροή ήταν αρκετά γρήγορη, και οι δύο ιστορίες εξελισσόταν καλά και σταθερά. Μετά έχασα κάθε επαφή με το συγγραφέα, σταμάτησα να σκέφτομαι και να προσπαθώ να καταλάβω την οποιαδήποτε λογική στην εξέλιξη της ιστορίας, αυξήθηκαν και οι συμπτώσεις....
Αυτά.
- Είχε στο πρώτο μέρος πολλές περιγραφές για οικονομικά: η πρωταγωνίστρια προσλαμβάνεται σε τράπεζα και μας περιγράφει με πολλές λεπτομέρειες τη δουλειά της.
- Το τράβηξε πολύ στο τέλος, νομίζω θα μπορούσε να κόψει τουλάχιστον 50 σελίδες
- Σε όλο το βιβλίο είχα πρόβλημα με τις περιγραφές χώρων. Όσες φορές και να διάβαζα ξανά και ξανά (και ξανά και ξανά) τις ίδιες (λίγες) προτάσεις στις οποίες περιγραφόταν ο χώρος, δεν κατάφερα να φτιάξω καμία απολύτως εικόνα στο μυαλό μου.
- Πραγματικά θα ήθελα να γράψει περισσότερα πράγματα για την εκπαίδευση των ιπποτών
- Νομίζω (αλλά δεν πρόκειται να το ψάξω) ότι είχε πολλές αναφορές σε ιστορικά πρόσωπα της Αγγλίας του 12ου αιώνα. Δεν ξέρω, τα έλεγε σαν να έπρεπε να τα ξέρω, εγώ πάλι κάποια στιγμή στο τέλος έχασα τη μπάλα με τα ονόματα και σιχτήρησα.
Μέχρι τη σελίδα περίπου 400 ήταν για δύο ίσως και τρία αστέρια, η ροή ήταν αρκετά γρήγορη, και οι δύο ιστορίες εξελισσόταν καλά και σταθερά. Μετά έχασα κάθε επαφή με το συγγραφέα, σταμάτησα να σκέφτομαι και να προσπαθώ να καταλάβω την οποιαδήποτε λογική στην εξέλιξη της ιστορίας, αυξήθηκαν και οι συμπτώσεις....
Αυτά.
December 13, 2017
Quite a good archaeological thriller. Get set for quite a few hours of intriguing reading!
September 22, 2018
Γρήγορη πλοκή, πολύ ωραία εναλλαγή παρελθόντος και παρόντος που έδενε την ιστορία στα σωστά σημεία!! Διαβάζεται πολύ ευχάριστα!
July 31, 2019
Άλλη μια συνηθισμένη πλέον ιστορία συνομωσίας στο στυλ των βιβλίων του Νταν Μπράουν. Αδικαιολόγητα μεγάλο και σε πολλά σημεία ανιαρό.
May 12, 2011
This book has two parallel story lines in alternating chapters: one in the current time and one taking place in the 12th century (or whatever century, all the same ancient). I find the ancient story really boring and unnecessary. I did find it difficult to follow, but maybe it's because I wasn't interested in that part of the book in the first place. The current time story is interesting and enjoyable, though I can't say I was hooked to it. I was motivated to finish this book so I could see why the ancient story is included, and to see its relation to the current time story. Maybe then it'll answer some questions. It didn't.
I remember sighing in disappointment whenever new chapter starts and I had to read the ancient story. I wish this book was only all about the current time story and that's about it, and then it wouldn't be so bad... but no. While this parallel of stories may appeal to some readers, I kinda felt cheated. It felt like as if I was buying gold which claimed and looked like gold but turned out to be 50% gold and 50% copper.
I remember sighing in disappointment whenever new chapter starts and I had to read the ancient story. I wish this book was only all about the current time story and that's about it, and then it wouldn't be so bad... but no. While this parallel of stories may appeal to some readers, I kinda felt cheated. It felt like as if I was buying gold which claimed and looked like gold but turned out to be 50% gold and 50% copper.
October 14, 2021
Tom Harper likes to write to where the reader is discovering things as the main character is discovering them. It can be infuriating at times but mostly it is unique and he has a way of bringing us along wondering what we will discover next and what the next question is that needs answered.
Unfortunately for this book it leaned more toward the infuriating side to where I found myself saying just get to the point. This is the first book by him (and I've read several) that I did not like. I was not able to finish the book between the monotony of the narration as well as not knowing what was going on or was going to happen.
I may have just gotten used to his other style of writing where things are more fast-paced and action-packed so that could have contributed heavily to my dislike of the book. Perhaps I did not read far enough to get to the action and intrigue. I may revisit this book at some future time if I have nothing else to read, but for the moment my opinion stands as stated above
Unfortunately for this book it leaned more toward the infuriating side to where I found myself saying just get to the point. This is the first book by him (and I've read several) that I did not like. I was not able to finish the book between the monotony of the narration as well as not knowing what was going on or was going to happen.
I may have just gotten used to his other style of writing where things are more fast-paced and action-packed so that could have contributed heavily to my dislike of the book. Perhaps I did not read far enough to get to the action and intrigue. I may revisit this book at some future time if I have nothing else to read, but for the moment my opinion stands as stated above
October 3, 2012
This one did not keep me interested. I liked Peters stirrings but Ellie felt flat and the choices she made didn't make sense. There was so much switching between them I started to loose interest. Felt like a poor mans DaVinci Code. I don't post many bad reviews so when I do, I really mean it ;)
February 4, 2019
The premise was intriguing and I thought of Matthew Reilly when I first bought the book. But a massive disappointment. Slow pace, unnecessary crap, uninteresting protagonist, 50 shades of gray vibes....Not a good read at all.
July 1, 2019
Since I refuse to not finish a book, I slogged through this awful novel. Nothing that will hold your interest happens until after about 175 pages. I didn't care for the main characters. The alternating chapters from the present day main character and the medieval one were maddening. Then once you finally get to the merciful ending you are completely let down because you just don't care anymore. Save your self. Look elsewhere.
800 years ago, one man wrote the legend that became the greatest quest in history. Deep in the heart of London, the Monsalvat Bank is small, secretive and fabulously wealthy, with roots going far back into the middle ages. When Ellie Stanton, an impoverished graduate student, is unexpectedly invited to join the firm, the privileged world they offer looks too good to turn down. But the bank is more than it seems. Soon Ellie realises that her life belongs to her employers - and they're watching her every move. For buried in their medieval vaults lies a closely guarded treasure of immeasurable power - one inextricably bound up with Ellie's extraordinary history. Now Ellie is in a race against time, hunted by the bank and pursued by her past. Her only hope of escape is to unearth the secret hidden in the vault. But getting in is only the beginning.
800 years ago, one man wrote the legend that became the greatest quest in history. Deep in the heart of London, the Monsalvat Bank is small, secretive and fabulously wealthy, with roots going far back into the middle ages. When Ellie Stanton, an impoverished graduate student, is unexpectedly invited to join the firm, the privileged world they offer looks too good to turn down. But the bank is more than it seems. Soon Ellie realises that her life belongs to her employers - and they're watching her every move. For buried in their medieval vaults lies a closely guarded treasure of immeasurable power - one inextricably bound up with Ellie's extraordinary history. Now Ellie is in a race against time, hunted by the bank and pursued by her past. Her only hope of escape is to unearth the secret hidden in the vault. But getting in is only the beginning.
April 13, 2024
A Cutthroat Thriller: Suspense Thriller
All I can say is WOW! There’s so much cutthroat,deceit, and miserable behavior. This book really had me question humanity, and the lengths people will go, to get what they want.
According to legends history, there’s an ongoing war between nations to recover the rich history’s legacy. Ellie has found herself in the Lion’s Den to either do the unspeakable task her father and many others have yet to conquer to restore balance and peace.
The risks are high, loved ones lost, and so few to trust, but that doesn’t seem to faze Ellie when fragmented pieces of her past resurfaces. She will stop at nothing to seek the truth at redemption, and reclaim her life with Doug as a clean slate.
Star Rating:4/5
The book is great however, it is a parallel reading from past to present, and kind of confused me at the beginning. Until I understood the writing style, and reference points. For this to be a 5 STAR I would definitely notate as I go, such an intriguing and fast paced read couldn’t put it down.
Author: Tom Harper
Page Count: 465
Finished: 5 Days
All I can say is WOW! There’s so much cutthroat,deceit, and miserable behavior. This book really had me question humanity, and the lengths people will go, to get what they want.
According to legends history, there’s an ongoing war between nations to recover the rich history’s legacy. Ellie has found herself in the Lion’s Den to either do the unspeakable task her father and many others have yet to conquer to restore balance and peace.
The risks are high, loved ones lost, and so few to trust, but that doesn’t seem to faze Ellie when fragmented pieces of her past resurfaces. She will stop at nothing to seek the truth at redemption, and reclaim her life with Doug as a clean slate.
Star Rating:4/5
The book is great however, it is a parallel reading from past to present, and kind of confused me at the beginning. Until I understood the writing style, and reference points. For this to be a 5 STAR I would definitely notate as I go, such an intriguing and fast paced read couldn’t put it down.
Author: Tom Harper
Page Count: 465
Finished: 5 Days
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 26, 2019
I found this book which looking through the list of what ebooks my library had available via it's RB Digital. I had to wait to get hold of the original book I wanted to borrow and so read this one instead. It was a good choice!
It's a story told across two timelines, one the present and one in the 1100's, something I do always like. It moved at a good pace and managed to keep the suspense going without giving away too much and allowing you to guess what was coming. It also did a new and different twist on the Grail story and mystery than most of the other such books that I've seen. It also provided its own version of background for all of the myths which worked really well with the older timeline.
There was the odd point here or there where you could tell that while one of the main characters was female that the person writing her was male, but overall it worked quite well. Definitely better than I've seen before.
So a good entertaining story and I read nearly half the book in one sitting despite it's size.
It's a story told across two timelines, one the present and one in the 1100's, something I do always like. It moved at a good pace and managed to keep the suspense going without giving away too much and allowing you to guess what was coming. It also did a new and different twist on the Grail story and mystery than most of the other such books that I've seen. It also provided its own version of background for all of the myths which worked really well with the older timeline.
There was the odd point here or there where you could tell that while one of the main characters was female that the person writing her was male, but overall it worked quite well. Definitely better than I've seen before.
So a good entertaining story and I read nearly half the book in one sitting despite it's size.
June 14, 2017
Interesting start, getting watered down towards the end. Absolute disappointment with the end, like author had lost ideas. Ending was somewhat forced and dull. However, parts were thoroughly captivating, plot premise original and characters had great potential. Pity they never had a chance developing that potential into, what could be, one of the greatest mystery books.
Enjoyed.
Would recommend, light read.
Might add another star for description of Blanchard and the banking underworld but been thrown backwards whenever I remember the ending.
Enjoyed.
Would recommend, light read.
Might add another star for description of Blanchard and the banking underworld but been thrown backwards whenever I remember the ending.
July 4, 2018
A ripping yarn, heavily derivative of many tales of derring do, and very dependent on the Dan Brown formula.
If you want a brain holiday, and some quite interesting insights into the world of private banking (God save us if it's even remotely true), then the first two thirds of the book is for you. Give up there, the chases, in the 11th and 21st centuries, have all been done over before, as is the ending.
If you want something to think about - give it a wide berth.
If you want a brain holiday, and some quite interesting insights into the world of private banking (God save us if it's even remotely true), then the first two thirds of the book is for you. Give up there, the chases, in the 11th and 21st centuries, have all been done over before, as is the ending.
If you want something to think about - give it a wide berth.
February 13, 2019
A reasonable and enjoyable thriller of the "ancient mystery hints at a conspiracy that still has power in the modern world" school. There are a couple of narrative holes in it, and the ending is lame. I realise the author was trying to leave something to the reader's imagination, but it does not really work for this genre. Either resolve the mystery with a scooby-doo or go full-on supernatural is my view. Anyway, an enjoyable way to escape for a few hours.
February 5, 2021
Sadly, this was a difficult read. It had a very slow start and I struggled to stay focused. The two parallel storylines were okay, but I found the modern day one with Ellie far more interesting although I was continually shaking me head at the stupid mistakes she kept making. When it came to the 12th century story, I soon found myself skimming those sections as they didn't hold my attention at all. Personally, The Lazarus Vault felt like a Dan Brown wannabe which failed.
January 30, 2022
I kind of enjoyed this book but was disappointed at the same time. The story moves between the past and the present and reminiscent of a Dan brown novel is about the search for the Holy Grail. It moves around a lot in both era’s. London, France, Luxemburg to name but a few before ending up in Wales. It was a pleasant enough read but a bit long winded and I’m not entirely sure it ever got to the point. A solid three and a half so I’m rounding up to four stars.
October 28, 2017
I enjoy this genre of books and this was a good read .
The pages turned quickly and I was swept up into the story .
Some of the plot was a little unbelievable but this did not detract from the roller coaster ride through the book.
The plot was intricate and well plotted .
I will look for other books by this author .
The pages turned quickly and I was swept up into the story .
Some of the plot was a little unbelievable but this did not detract from the roller coaster ride through the book.
The plot was intricate and well plotted .
I will look for other books by this author .
December 8, 2021
An excellent story
I have to admit, I’m a sucker for a mystery, but this kept me reading, the story is woven across the two timelines, blending medieval with modern, so well done, it never appeared disjointed. The Grail mysteries are enthralling and this does not fail to deliver. I look forward to more books from Tom Harper
I have to admit, I’m a sucker for a mystery, but this kept me reading, the story is woven across the two timelines, blending medieval with modern, so well done, it never appeared disjointed. The Grail mysteries are enthralling and this does not fail to deliver. I look forward to more books from Tom Harper
March 14, 2022
Great adventure where you never know where it would take you.
I loved the mystery of where this story was taking you. It was a familiar tale but brand new in its telling. I had no idea of the ending and just wanted it to continue like a stream newly found. It wasn't a tidy story with all lose ends tied up. Rather it keep you wondering wanting more.
I loved the mystery of where this story was taking you. It was a familiar tale but brand new in its telling. I had no idea of the ending and just wanted it to continue like a stream newly found. It wasn't a tidy story with all lose ends tied up. Rather it keep you wondering wanting more.
August 4, 2017
Two for the price of one, this author moves back and forth between the present and the 1100's. Each story is compelling in its own way. After the first couple of chapters I thought I'd inadvertently pulled it from the YA shelf, however the story soon got darker and more complex.
June 26, 2018
My first Mark Harper book and I enjoyed immensely it ! An interesting story. A great juxtaposition of 2 stories in one making the whole volume Mentions of many places I’ve been in wales and near the Severn. Looking forward to discovering his other books
April 5, 2022
Unique premise
I enjoyed stretching my imagination and typical perceptions with this reading. The main character was relatable. It was fun to discover, with her, what was truly going on. Lots of twists.
I enjoyed stretching my imagination and typical perceptions with this reading. The main character was relatable. It was fun to discover, with her, what was truly going on. Lots of twists.
May 18, 2017
It was OK. Not memorable. Hard to keep my attention. I found the history part more entertaining than the present day part. Ending was OK. Characters were pretty bland.
July 5, 2017
Extremely poor and confusing ending to another Grail story
May 13, 2021
Decent plot, things wrapped up rather quickly.
May 17, 2021
Great read
Another great story from this author, I love how he writes in tandem with the last and how the stories come together.
Another great story from this author, I love how he writes in tandem with the last and how the stories come together.
June 27, 2021
Once the wheels started turning, I couldn't put it down.
March 17, 2022
A page turner , enjoyable though rather far fetched. Disappointing ending .
Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews