S.l.o.w.

The Scroll: A Novel by Grant R. Jeffrey
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

The Scroll by Dr Grant Jeffrey seems to be more about Biblical prophecy and archaeology than science-fiction or fantasy (which is why I originally chose it). Dr. David Chambers has turned his back on his faith and is trying to start a new chapter in his life when an old friend, Abram Ben-Judah, calls in a favor for a project. While Chambers tries to focus on historical fact, doing a dig in Jerusalem forces him to face the Bible—the very thing he is trying to avoid.

The story is very slow moving, focusing on Jewish customs, traditions, and the technical side of archaeology. When the author attempts to include exciting and suspenseful details, he really gives too much contextually unnecessary info. In fact, I had trouble finding any kind of plot until chapter 16. In an effort to help the main character “return to the faith,” with the help of secondary characters the author is annoyingly preachy and uses cheesey clichés typical of Christian literature. Then in the last couple chapters, the author seems to wrap up the story too quickly, as though he suddenly realized he had to finish but only had so many pages to do it in. Maybe if the book had been broken into two or three books to create a series it would have been better.

Maybe it’s because I usually read thrillers, mysteries and science fiction, but this story dragged on and I debated whether or not to even finish it. If you’re looking for a brainy story on Biblical prophecy or archaeology, this is the book for you. If you want something exciting, then don’t bother.

I received this book free to give an honest review.

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