The Book of Fate

By: Brad Meltzer

Narrated by: Scott Brick

In six minutes, one of us would be dead. None of us knew it was coming. So says Wes Holloway, a once-cocky and ambitious presidential aide, about the day that changed his life forever. On that Fourth of July, Wes put Ron Boyle, the chief executive's oldest friend, into the presidential limousine. By the time the trip came to an end, Wes was permanently disfigured, and Boyle was dead, the victim of a crazed assassin.

Eight years later, Boyle is spotted, alive and well, in Malaysia. In that moment, Wes has the chance to undo the worst day of his life. Trying to figure out what really happened takes Wes back to a decade-old presidential crossword puzzle, mysterious facts buried in Masonic history, and a 200-year-old code invented by Thomas Jefferson.

But what Wes doesn't realize is that The Book of Fate holds everyone's secrets. Especially the ones worth dying for. The Book of Fate. What does it say about you?

©2006 Forty-Four Steps, Inc., All Rights Reserved (P)2006 Hachette Audio, a Division of the Hachette Book Group USA

Critic reviews

"Meltzer's many fans will enjoy this substantial meal of a book." (Publishers Weekly)
"Skillfully written...the plot fluidly integrates historical fact and fiction....Fans of thrillers that reach far back into history will be, well, thrilled." (Booklist)

New to Meltzer. Good Book!

This was my intro to Brad Meltzer and I enjoyed it. Suspenseful, did not go where I was expecting, so I kept listening to see where I'd wind up. Scott Brick is a great narrator. After this on I got Book of Lies. That's a must read.

So much truth in book!

This was the first time listening to Brad book, Awesome Not boring at all. On my next book enjoy.

Nice, but a little over the top.

This was a good book . But it was a little over the top in some of the plot. THe main character was definately whiney. This got to be annoying later on and is what kept me from giving it 4 stars instead of 3. The pace of the book was good and the narrator good. All in all worth the listen.

Different than expected

If you could sum up The Book of Fate in three words, what would they be?

Different than expected

Would you be willing to try another book from Brad Meltzer? Why or why not?

Yes, I would. I did end up enjoying this book and the story, I just felt that it took a long time for the story to get good, making me want to turn the pages.

What didn’t you like about Scott Brick’s performance?

Overall, I did not really enjoy Scott's reading. At first I thought that it was the book and story, but as the story got good, I still felt that there was something turning me off. I can not put my finger on it nor put it in words, I just dont feel that it was the best choice for the book reading. Sorry

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

In truth. I am 33 years old. I use to be only a movie person never really reading at all, and actually hating the idea of doing so. In the past three years I started reading for enjoyment and ever book that I love to read, making me want to turn the pages is a huge disappointment in the theater. I still love movies, but books are so detail, it is always lost in the movie version.

It's not a book about masonry.

The title would make you think that it's about the masonic order. Yes, there are mentions of the craft and some of the experiences of those "in the know". However, what you have is a story filled with action, intrigue, deception, plot twists and redemption. You're taken through a worldwind of mystery and discovery of who are those you can truly trust. The answers may surprise you.

Great story, very well read!

The story had great twists and turns. I absolutely loved the reader as well! I was so disappointed when it was over!

Great book for commuting

This book was great to listen to during my morning and afternoon commutes. Since I sometimes have trouble staying awake if my mind isn't engaged; this book was truly a lifesaver. I could imagine "The Book of Fate" being much less tolerable in print format since there are a lot of flashbacks, the story tends to jump around a bit, and it is pretty danged long; I probably wouldn't have finished it if it were a print book. It wasn't the type of story I expected, but it had enough twists and turns to keep my interest till the end.

thriller

slow start, but pace picks up.. good conclusion

wow

Loved it and very Captivating interesting and very thought out story Can't wait to hear the next one

Sophisticated intrigue

Although it takes some time to get used to the self-pitying protagonist, the twisting plot and skillful characterizations make this book quite an enjoyable read. The narration is excellent. However, be aware that the Masonic mystery that the book is promoted on is a very small part of the story. All in all, a worthwhile listen.