The Sword of David by Charles Lichtmann; Post Hill Press (c) 2021;EAN 9781637-580066; 362 pages, $30.
By Donald H. Harrison
SAN DIEGO — Chaim Klein, an archaeologist and former commander of an IDF anti-terrorist unit, has a knack for picking up religious souvenirs. In Jerusalem, for example, he finds the Ark of the Covenant; in Ethiopia, the chalice from which Jesus drank at the Last Supper; and in England, the miraculous sword with which David slew Goliath. But he’s on the hunt for an even bigger prize: the Tablets of the Law on which God, Himself, inscribed the Ten Commandments.
Meanwhile, a former henchman of Saddam Hussein, who later became a key figure in ISIS, is plotting a worldwide uprising against the West — one in which terrorist cells in countries throughout the world simultaneously will set off bombs in landmark places to show the power of Allah. But with help from some unexpected places — including the Knights Templar, who have emerged from hundreds of years of obscurity — another worldwide movement is also taking place: Muslims for Peace.
On the one hand, the book runs along the adventure lines of such books and movies as The Da Vinci Code; Raiders of the Lost Ark; and National Treasure. On the other hand, it is similar to such terrorists-versus-Israeli plots as The Beirut Protocol and Fauda.
So, as you might imagine, there is plenty of action in this novel, practically non-stop, with some exposition into the motivation and personalities of the main characters. We also learn along the way about biblical and medieval history.
However, as fast-moving as the novel is, it is hampered by its comparison to other novels and movies of the same genres. In the inevitable clash between the advocates of peace and war, this novel neither disappoints nor surprises. I give it credit for the idealism of some of its characters.
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Donald H. Harrison is editor of San Diego Jewish World. He may be contacted via donald.harrison@sdjewishworld.com