While the teaser on the back of the novel was intriguing, I had a very difficult time getting into this book. It was similar to Dan Brown's books, but confusing as it jumps around so much between the present, WWII, Roman times, and in between that it was difficult to follow. I enjoy a good conspiracy theory and reading that involves some deduction, but this one was a little too far-fetched for me. On a good note, it was well researched, and I felt compelled to finish it. ( )

This book reminded me a lot of The DaVinci Code, so I think that anyone that likes Dan Brown, would enjoy this book.

There is a lot of action, interesting characters, the plot is incredible and it's well written. The research that went into this book must have taken forever.

If I ever get the time, I will be re-reading this book. ( )

The Lazarus Smile is solidly written and the plot components fit together nicely. Amberger has obviously studied the craft and planned well for this book. Still, I felt the ending was a little rushed.

The reason I only gave it 3.5 stars is because the thrill/secret does not live up to its back cover billing. I wasn't "thrilled" by this book because I was unable to enter into Stahl's world. Even if true the secret would not "destabilize the world and destroy Christianity." Unfortunately, the secret information is so implausible, requiring the overturning of too much established history with regard to Rome, the origins of Christianity, and WW2, etc. My suspension of disbelief was strained beyond the tipping point. Perhaps it is only the idea that there is such secret information out there that is designed to destabilize the world. Perhaps Amberger is part of the conspiracy :). ( )

‘The Lazarus Smile’ by J. Christoph Amberger
367 pages

If you are looking for a quick, no-brainer to read please skip this book. Put on your thinking cap and concentrate on the facts - you are in for a great read.

The Lazarus Smile takes you on an adventure beginning during WWII and ending in our own time. A scrap of papyrus from Roman times poses a threat to Christians, non-believers and Muslims alike. What if the apostle Paul was not the founder of the Christian church but a Roman intelligence officer? The Vatican will stop at nothing to hide this fact, non Christians would be happy to have proof-positive that Paul was not a saint and the Islamic fundamentalists would welcome this information as proof that they have the right to destroy all non-Muslims.

The book is well written with Sebastian Stahl as a very likeable hero. Through an elderly neighbor Stahl becomes involved in the race to obtain the papyrus scrap. In the process he discovers surprising facts about his own family history. In 18 days Stahl races to keep ahead of the bad guys – often not quite knowing who the real bad guys are. Just as Stahl must keep on his toes to stay alive the reader must keep on his/her toes to keep up with the twists and turns of the adventure.

It is good to come across an author who does not find it necessary to introduce sexual scenes in order to keep the reader interested in the story. Amberger has the ability to keep us reading simply by writing a sound adventure tale.

meg r.
April 28, 2010 ( )

Amberger couldn’t have chosen a more controversial figure to base his conspiracy on than Saul of Tarsus, otherwise known as Saint Paul. Paul, the Apostle, was by all accounts a very complicated man. He was a world traveler and was opposed to many of the Christian Laws. He suffered from epilepsy, was a life-long bachelor who harbored a fiery temper, was impulsive and impassioned in the extreme and never truly learned to harness his ever-changing mood swings. Now add the concept that Paul may have been a double-agent for the Roman Emperor and a believable conspiracy takes shape. (Note to fans of Biblical history: Paul himself does not appear as a true character in this novel but only as a catalyst to base the controversy on.)

In “The Lazarus Smile” Amberger gives credence to the saying, “The pen is mightier than the sword.” For three simple words may change the course of world events forever. I’ll leave it to the reader to discover what those words might be (and the how’s and why’s.) Suffice it to say that the idea is sound and makes for a great mystery and a solid conspiracy.

The historical fiction is convincingly written and very believable. You’ll visit Nazi Germany in World War II, the Roman Empire of 69 A.D. (the year that four emperors took the throne), and the volatile world of present-day politics and religious belief. The origins of Christianity, multiple conspiracies, and secret societies are described with an eye for the details that make history so compelling to so many readers. While a number of the characters may have been killed off a bit before their time the main, lasting characters were intriguing and well-written. I especially enjoyed the retired CIA operative that dabbled in Black Ops. (I hope to see him again!) The main character, who uncovers a fifty-year-old family secret, was also quite believable and solidly written.

All in all, “The Lazarus Smile” is a fast paced, page turning historical ride that I enjoyed until the very last page.

4 out of 5 stars

The Alternative
Southeast Wisconsin ( )