Interesting, compelling enough, the final reveal was underwhelming.

Overall a good read and well written though I'm sure there will be those who do not agree with it. I myself just enjoyed the story, but there were some parts that were dry. I feel that the story tried to put suspense into it, but it didn't make me want to immediately keep reading to find out what would happen next. I could put it down, walk away for a bit, and then come back to it.

I literally read this on an airplane flying into Rome and also one on the way out. So the content was timely for me.

The writing was sturdy and the subject matter was far from believable, but sort of satisfying to any Marianist or progressive who'd like to see the Catholic Church become a democratic and socially-just institution.

It didn't really zing though.

I got this book during the Filipino group’s Xmas Party! :D
This book kind of reminded me of Dan Brown’s Angels and Demons.
The story also revolved around the Vatican, the Popes but this time it also involved a secret.

The Third Secret was about three secrets that the Virgin Mary entrusted to three peasant children.
This secret had been kept hidden by the Vatican.
It was released in 2000, but was it really?
Did they really release the third secret that the Virgin Mary imparted to the three children?
No they didn’t.
What was so important about that secret?
Why was Pope Clement XV so worried?
Because this secret, if revealed to the public could change the Catholic world.

I highly recommend this book.
But if you are sensitive to the topic of religion in books then I don’t recommend it.
It was full of suspense.
The book was well researched.
Most of the facts here are very accurate.
Full of details.
If I’d not known this was fiction I would have believed what I read.

Interesting read -- but have realized his books are formulaic.

Did find it curious that the Vatican is now floating the idea of allowing priests to marry, something mentioned in the book and the visions at Fatima.

Slow to start but it picked up about half way through.

This book was “confusing” for me. There were parts I enjoyed, and there were parts I disliked. The overall plot was 100% predictable (not like), the explanations of the inner workings of the Vatican were interesting (enjoyed). The Colin character was well crafted (enjoyed), the Katerina character was unbelievable (dislike). And so it went. Not my favorite Steve Berry book, but having to think back to earlier writings of other authors, it was good overall.

3.5 stars!