From the United States
5.0 out of 5 stars Back to the Garden: The Whisper of Pialigos
Reviewed in the United States on August 17, 2007
Like many others, I, too, enjoyed this book for its fast-paced action, rich description and sympathetic characters. But while it provides a great ride on one level, I enjoyed even more the intellectual play, careful research, metaphorical frames, and the metaphysical dimensions of the book. Bottorff’s hero is, indeed, an everyman, an Adam who must make his way back to the Garden after losing his way. That this contemporary Adam eventually discovers both his material Garden and his spiritual innocence through the journey, makes the story satisfying. The literary choices Bottorff makes to get him there give it a deeper artistic dimension than might be evident at first glance.
First, the labyrinth plays an important role in the novel. The ancient symbol that predates all modern religions and is used in most, can be seen as a spiritual exercise where the (silent) meditative journey is as important as the destination, a recurrent theme of the novel. It also symbolizes the spiraling karmic path of death and rebirth, significant in the novel. And it represents a great spiritual and physical paradox involving a frightening and chaotic maze within a great and complex cosmic plan which, in turn, reflects the twists and turns of the characters’ travails within the wholeness of the plot. This use of symbolism made this novel richer for me than Mosse’ labyrinth novel, for example, which like Brown’s DaVinci Code, simply uses spiritual symbols to generate or further a plot rather than reflecting, exploring and enriching the wisdom imbued by those symbols.
Another aspect I enjoyed was the play on words in the title. Bottorff’s fictional Pialigians seem very close in certain descriptions to the ancient culture of the Pelasgians–the pre-Greek civilization that in some interpretations of Plato’s Critias were from the continent of Atlantis. Even more interesting, a similar homonym, (or slip of the keyboard in my case), offers “Pelagians”, followers of Pelagius, a first century, C.E., Catholic monk and heretic who believed that Original Sin did not taint human nature because it, being created from God, was Divine (Wikipedia). While unexpected and perhaps coincidental, the similarity to the Three Measures of Wisdom in the novel is worth noting.
More archaeological sites of the book deserve excavation but for now, I’m hoping for both a film and a sequel. What does Adam do now that he’s discovered spiritual truth? How does this new knowledge work for him and his bride? And what about the “sons of Adam” who grow up in an Eden without the mark of Original Sin? Do they still struggle? I have a hunch that this author has much more to impart about the implementation of wisdom; I know he has the artistic skills to do it in a way that makes it both accessible and richly rewarding. Wouldn’t it be interesting if, like the scroll Adam finds, it is one day said about Bottoff’s book:
“This unlikely source may indeed offer the world one of the clearest windows yet unopened into the mind of Jesus” (266)?
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5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderfully surprising
Reviewed in the United States on September 2, 2009
This book was a complete surprise for me. I was expecting some sort of Greek mythology and wouldn’t you know it was something COMPLETELY different.
Stuart Adams agrees to work for a rich man named Wes Barnes. Also working with Barnes is an archaeologist, Dr. Niki Mikos. Their job is to embark on a search for a scroll with knowledge that could change the world. This search is one that Niki’s father had been working on before he was killed in a plane crash. In this manner, she is carrying forth the mission in his honor. This is her burden to bear…maybe. Stuart is currently ensconced in the relationship of his dreams. He knows himself he knows his world he’s happy…maybe. And Barnes? He has his secrets, too, but they shall take a little longer to be shown to the reader.
It turns out that Stuart and Niki are connected. Through 2000 years of reincarnation. She knows, he doesn’t, she believes, he doesn’t. But through an amazing journey, Stuart finds himself, really finds himself. He fulfills a prophecy of Pialigos – the Whisper. It’s that “have I been here before – I know I have-I belong here” sort of feeling.
His mission is to find this scroll. And spread the Word throughout the world. Yes – that Word. For, you see, his past life includes being friends with whom we know as Christ, studying with him and others, and knowing the true word. Unexpected, no?
Mr. Bottorff has managed to tell a story in a manner unlike any other. I love books about “alternative” ways of seeing spirituality. I have read many of them and NONE has taken on this path. Not even close. Inventive, passionate, and even educational, you don’t want to miss this read.
This book was truly astonishing for me. I felt like the story was meant for me. I felt like there was a message in this book for me. And I think you will, too.
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5.0 out of 5 stars A fun novel full of interesting ideas
Reviewed in the United States on January 14, 2007
This is the story of Stuart Adams, a man who has it all figured out. He just needs money. But when he takes a lucrative job overseas, he finds questions coming faster than answers. He remembers places he hasn’t been and knows things he can’t possibly know–such as the location of an ancient document linked to Atlantis. He finds himself deeply drawn to Niki, a woman he only recently met–even while he struggles with his commitment to his girlfriend back in the States. As Stuart and Niki race to find the scroll ahead of a notorious smuggler, Stuart finds himself on a parallel journey of self-discovery.
The two lead characters are appealing. Stuart is believable as a wise-ass agnostic forced by compelling evidence to re-examine his beliefs. He doesn’t want to believe what he is experiencing, especially as conviction frequently leads him into danger. His stages of resistance and capitulation may be familiar to many readers. Niki is entertaining as a passionate, smart and indomitable woman. More than once, she effectively puts a man in his place by employing such varied means as theological debate and driving a golf ball into the ocean. In one memorable instance, she gets a drunk on the wagon by the sheer force of her will coupled with an absolute belief in his human dignity.
I enjoyed everything about this book–the colorful characters, witty dialogue, exciting plot and underlying themes. What makes the story special is its positive and hopeful portrayal of humanity. It suggests that we underestimate human capacity. We know more than we think we know, and we are capable of more than we can imagine. Intriguing concepts in a fun book.
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5.0 out of 5 stars A new contender for best-selling spiritual novel
Reviewed in the United States on September 13, 2010
J. Douglas Bottorff is well- known for his non-fiction books on prosperity and on prayer. With his new novel The Whisper of Piagalos, he combines his authority as a respected author of spiritual principles with his imagination and skill at developing interesting and believable characters.
The Whisper of Piagalos is a story of reunion – the reunion of soulmates, the return of ancient mystical wisdom, the union of past with present, and the mystical reunion of self with Self.
The novel contains enough intrigue and adventure to satisfy men, and enough romance to please women. (I confess I saw Bruce Willis or Nicholas Cage playing the role of the hero Stuart Adams, and Rachel Weisz playing the passionate, sultry Greek archaeologist Niki.) Bottorff’s new book joins the ranks of such best-selling novels such as The Celestine Prophecy, Illusions, and The Alchemist and proves that spiritual wisdom can be packaged as a page-turner. A great read!
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5.0 out of 5 stars The Journey
Reviewed in the United States on April 10, 2007
Having read two other books by this author, books I refer to often for their inspiration and simple truths, I was curious to see how he would take the leap from down-to-earth spirituality to the writing of fiction.
I agree with other reviewers who say that The Whisper of Pialigos is a fun story. Stuart Adams unwittingly embarks on a wild and harrowing journey in search of an ancient scroll, while at the same time searching his soul for understanding and meaning in his own life and relationships. What is love, anyway? Is something missing in his life? His better judgment tells him he should go back home to Marion and protect what he has. But, a mysterious memory, a whisper, propels him in another direction.
Vivid descriptions, beautifully crafted, give life and personality to the characters. The vibrant hues of the Greek islands remain painted in my mind. I feel as though I have journeyed there. They say it’s fiction, but I’m not so sure. I’ll never forget the feeling of standing on the beach of Kyropos, trapped in the fiery darkness of the awakening volcano as the earth trembled and the rising sea threatened to devour me.
Perhaps the writing of this story was not such a leap after all. Mr. Bottorff has artfully created a captivating story with beautiful locale and down-to-earth characters as a backdrop for his interwoven spiritual theme.
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5.0 out of 5 stars A great and entertaining read.
Reviewed in the United States on February 15, 2007
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this action-packed book full of mystery, humor and suspense. The story line is so captivating, I just couldn’t put it down. I felt I could relate to the main characters in the story like they were old friends. I love happy endings and this book has a fantastic ending. I felt a little sad when I finished the book because I wanted to know more about their lives and what might happen to them in the future. I want a sequel!
This is a special book that stirred my heart and soul. It gave me glimpses into the beauty of the Greek Islands, educated me on volcanoes and tsunamis and the spiritual element inspired a deep feeling of oneness with all that is. It’s a wonderful book!
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5.0 out of 5 stars An impressive piece of work!
Reviewed in the United States on August 23, 2008
I was thoroughly captivated by The Whisper of Pialigos from beginning to end. Doug Bottorff has ingeniously woven together the best aspects of an action-adventure thriller with a compelling spiritual message. His characters are believable, engaging, and interesting, and the unexpected twists and turns in the story line kept me on the edge of my seat throughout. I felt as if I really was in the Greek islands. This is an impressive piece of writing, and a must read for all who enjoy The Da Vinci Code genre.
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5.0 out of 5 stars Heart, soul and action, too!
Reviewed in the United States on February 23, 2007
If you liked “The Da Vinci Code,” you’ll really like “The Whisper of Pialigos.” What a pleasure to read an action-packed page turner that’s also actually about something! The characters are fulsome, believable and engaging. The plot line is terrific, with enough twists, red herrings and reversals to provide a great ride without being confusing. Mr. Bottorff’s powers of description are excellent; he evokes all our senses in a story that’s both earthy and spiritually stirring. And the love story alone is worth the price of the book!
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5.0 out of 5 stars I WANT TO GO TO GREECE NOW…
Reviewed in the United States on March 21, 2007
This well crafted story captured my attention with the opening sentence and I could hardly put the book down until, regretfully, the end. It is easy to read yet is a complex tale, woven with mystery and metaphysical message along with detailed characters, exotic locations, lots of action and intertwined relationships. This multi level depth kept me intrigued as the story flowed along and carried me through the gamut of emotion. I really enjoyed this thought provoking, good entertainment story and look forward to more works from this author.
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5.0 out of 5 stars Indiana Jones, Move Over, Stuart Adams is Here
Reviewed in the United States on February 14, 2007
This is a good story that leaves one hungry for more. It is the vividly descriptive, action-packed classic hero’s journey of Stuart Adams that takes one from the pine-scented forests of the San Juan’s in Colorado to the soft, sensuous warmth of the Greek Islands of the Mediterranean in search of answers to eternal questions. It is fast-paced and action-packed, with strong, well-defined characters, well researched with sound seismic and archaeoligical science, and has a compelling positive message.
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J Douglas Bottorff 