Review – The Scroll

Back Cover:
One last dig. One final descent into the twisted tunnels of ancient Jerusalem. Will the truth be found among the treasures that lie beneath the holy city?

Dr. David Chambers, leading archaeologist, has spent his professional career uncovering the facts in the artifacts. His work sets the standard for biblical research in the Holy Land. But surrounded by the evidence, David has sunk into an abyss of doubt. A painful experience with a seemingly unresponsive God has left him without hope. The Old Testament scriptures that used to fill his mind with wonder now drive him into frustration. His unanswered questions have ripped him from both his academic pursuits and the love of his life his fiancée, Amber.

An old friend and mentor reaches out to David, enticing him with the riches described in the enigmatic Copper Scroll. Losing ground with his peers, his love, and his faith, David Chambers has a choice to make. Will he undertake one final dig to unlock a secret that could alter the course of history? Do the mysteries of the Old Testament hold the key to the political turmoil of the Middle East?

In a world where faith has been eclipsed by the allure of doubt, The Scroll offers a different journey: a gripping adventure to find truth worth dying for.

My Take:
From the get-go, David Chambers seems like a self-absorbed, egotistical man, but likeable nonetheless because of the obvious flaws and personality traits Jeffrey and Gansky used for their protagonist. Obsessed with his work, he allows his faith to decline until it causes a wedge between the one woman he loves and himself. Determined to turn his back on any studies of Israel, he focuses on finding another interest to pursue.

Enter old friend and mentor Abram Ben-Judah who is successful in persuading David to join a special team for one last search of Israeli treasure. Unknown to David, his former fiancée, Amber Robinson, is part of the team, the one person who knows him and is not afraid to speak her mind around him. Add to the triangle another archeologist who’s also interested in Amber, and the setup is perfect for conflict and romance.

Danger stalks the team as they encounter terrorists determined to get their hands on the generations-old treasures. Bombs, threats, and bad press releases, in spite of one of the best security groups in the country available for protection, take the lives of several helpers. But the hope in finding the ultimate historical treasures from Biblical days keeps Chambers pushing on. The thrill of seeing the rich jewels and high priest articles is the supreme reward.

From hotel conference rooms and dining areas to tombs and tunnels, all in Israel, are the perfect settings for an exciting suspense that will keep the reader turning page after page to the end. I highly recommend this book.