The Testament (The Testament Series, Bk. 1)

For centuries, a hidden splinter sect of Franciscans has guarded secrets that could reshape Christianity.

When Dexter Shaw dies mysteriously, his son Braverman “Bravo” Shaw uncovers the magnitude of his father’s connection to the Order of Gnostic Observatines—and the cache of documents the sect has preserved for over eight hundred years.

His adversaries: the rival Knights of St. Clement, determined to obtain the treasure at any cost. Now Bravo is a target and a pawn in a war larger and more deadly than he could have imagined. The action races from New York to Washington, D.C., Paris to Venice—and the ultimate prize: the “Testament.”

“Eric Van Lustbader proves again that he is the master of the smart thriller. In The Testament, he takes on the oldest, newest, and biggest issue the world faces today—religious extremism—and does it with skill, insight, and energy.” Nelson DeMille

“Like Robert Ludlum, Lustbader is at his best when he is creating a twisted web of intrigue, violence, double-cross, and his own brand of oriental esotericism… He proves himself a master storyteller.” Publishers Weekly

“The Testament is a riveting tale of secret sects, religious miracles, and medieval history that blends seamlessly with today’s political issues. Paced like the wind, intelligent, and engrossing—Eric Van Lustbader at the very top of his game.” Steve Berry