Because I've Read The Templar Legacy

The Templar Legacy is the first novel in Steve Berry's Cotton Malone series. With the title alone, one can immediate surmise what the plot would be about and what sort of issues we might run into, especially if we've read Dan Brown's Da Vinci Code. The Templar is a subject that continues to awed and piqued the curiosities of many people in the world: historians, treasure seekers, religious orders, etc. Being connected to the most populous religion in the world and inspiring many theories and fictionalized accounts also gave it its glamour. It is no different here.
Berry introduces us to his protagonist, Cotton Malone, a former agent of the U.S. Justice Department, who retired to Copenhagen to open his own bookstore. While waiting to meet his former boss, Stephanie Nelle, Malone raced after a man who had snatched Nelle's purse. Unknown to him, the purse snatcher was not whom he seemed to be and with that encounter, Malone couldn't help but wonder what situation Nelle was caught up in. In following Nelle, Malone managed to get himself caught into the action, and eventually decided that he needed to help Nelle since she was being pursuit by men who sought her late husband's journal. We soon learn that Nelle's husband was seeking to unfold the mystery of the Templar before he died and Nelle had came to Europe more out of regret than to try to figure things out. However, unknown to her and the close characters around her, their destinies had been set out by the late master of Abbey des Fontaines in France. In the course of their journey, they met both friends and adversaries. Their one challenge was Raymond de Rouquefort, once marshal of the Abbey des Fontaines, now currently master of the abbey (he gained this position through a series of policies and votes that would make more sense if you read the book). de Rouqefort tried to hunt down what is called the Great Devise, some proof that would vindicate the brothers of the abbey and bring their reputation into light again after the crown of France and Catholic Church had hunted the thirteenth century brothers down. Apparently, the brothers, called the Poor Fellow Soldiers of Christ and the Temple of Solomon, are directly connected to the infamous Templar Knights. The brothers themselves are considered Templars, even to the present day. This thriller, is basically a race to seek out a long hidden treasure that was considered so great that it could change the course of history. It has a mix of historical investigation, espionage, personal sacrifices, etc.
Points that annoy me:

• The extended historical context. There were so many of it and yet later we find that some of them were false (within the parameters of the story). However, a person who pays attention to great details could probably figure out which parts are conflicting as they are being told from this side and that. 

Points that were good:

• I like the writing style. Descriptive, but not loaded with unnecessary details. Also, the whole novel was written in third person omniscient, so you can know the thoughts and actions of most of the characters. It doesn't get confusing since Berry separates everything with a Templar cross and before every chapter, you have the setting and time. 
• Cotton Malone. I like him as a protagonist. He's no walking encyclopedia like Robert Langdon (Da Vinci Code), but as described, he loves history and books (he does own a bookstore in Europe), a former Navy officer, an attorney, a former proficient agent of the Justice Department (according to Nelle, one of the best she ever had), and has a eidetic memory. How I wish I have a eidetic memory; imagine the fun. He's also pretty clever in confrontations with de Roquefort's men directly and indirectly. Not to mention he's pretty handy with a firearm. Clearly, I have a newfound fictional crush. 
• Cassioppea Vitt. She's a supporting character, but she's like a female version of Malone. With a very good eye for sharpshooting and a quick, clever mind. Think of Lara Croft from Tomb Raider with talents, intellect, and wealth. I always like strong female characters in novels. I found Stephanie Nelle to be a strong female character as well since she works as a supervisor for agents in the Justice Department, leading a specific team. She is like that 2% in the world of male domination. However, her character is rather stubborn. 
• Geoffrey. Amazingly loyal guy. Like beyond loyalty. Never wavering. And I mean never. Even when you come to a part where you think uh-oh, remember, Geoffrey never wavers. 

Overall, I like this book. And I'm really excited to read the rest in this series. Thankfully, I managed to snatch them all from the library's ebook servers. Yay!

Corner Tip #21: Remember that fiction novels are called so because they are FICTION. Even though some accounts are true in history, one must not take some points in here seriously. I know some people take things too literally or seriously so they take away the fun in these novels. My two rules: 

1. Fiction is fiction. 

2. In every piece of fiction, there are slivers of facts, but overall, rule 1 applies.