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In the twelfth century, Henry the Lion collected the rarest relics in Christendom. And to protect his most precious acquisitions, he encoded the whereabouts in a gorgeous illuminated manuscript called The Gospels of Henry the Lion.

The manuscript has been showing up and disappearing ever since. No one knows where the relic has been hidden . . . or its ultimate power. Only one man holds the key to the mystery. And if August Adams can't decode the secret in time, the world's balance of power will forever be altered.

337 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2008

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About the author

Matt Bronleewe

8 books39 followers
Matt Bronleewe is an internationally recognized producer, songwriter, and author. A former member of the band Jars of Clay, he has earned multiple Grammy nominations and numerous awards producing and co-writing albums that have sold a combined total of over 20 million copies. In addition to writing stories, he continues to create music in multiple genres. His latest book - a biography about Compassion International founder Everett Swanson - was co-authored with Eric Wilson. He currently resides in Nashville, TN, with his wife and three children.

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5 stars
79 (31%)
4 stars
85 (33%)
3 stars
67 (26%)
2 stars
19 (7%)
1 star
4 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
405 reviews141 followers
January 19, 2024
Always great to find a hidden gem of a book like this one. Will definitely read more of this fascinating author's books. Crisp dialogue & double crosses galore keep the pages turning way into the night. Despite the similarities to the Indiana Jones & the Last Crusade movie of father & son looking for a Christian relic with some Nazi references, this novel holds up & deserves the 5-star rating. I did laugh as they have a $14 million dollar book that they carry around like it is a 2-month-old edition of the National Enquirer.
Profile Image for Michelle.
Author 41 books408 followers
January 2, 2009
House of Wolves was amazing. I loved the fact that the author used fact and fables regarding Hitler's obsession with relics to come up with one dynamic tale. Only I wouldn't recommend getting attached to some of the characters as they tended to get picked off by the killers along the way. This novel sort of reminds me of Relentless by Robin Parrish or Germ by Robert Liparulo in that it is fast paced and there is a serious manhunt going on with many casualties and a lot of gruesome stuff done with knives. Oh, and things blowing up, lots of chasing scenes, and shooting guns, etc. Doesn't that just sound like an action packed story? It wasn't too gross for me, though, and I tend to be a wimp.

The quality of the author's writing and the plot was very well done. Bronleewe has a unique story telling style. For people who like "National Treasure" and "Indiana Jones" type stories, this is sure to please. I also loved how things turned out in the end for the main characters. For an action/thriller type novel, this ranks toward the top of my list. The twists and turns were believeable and well done. It held my attention and the plot details fascinated me. I don't know how the author kept track of all of that information and how he tied it together, but it seemed flawless. Great story! I can't wait for the next installment!

Profile Image for April Erwin.
Author 13 books21 followers
November 7, 2012
I have been anxiously awaiting this book from the get go. After Illuminated, I knew that I'd found a new favorite author. Matt has an amazing style - quick paced and spellbinding. House of Wolves was all that I hoped for. In fact, I think it might even be more nail biting than the first. I'm not sure what his secret is, but his ability to blend little known historical facts with danger, intrigue and humor is phenomenal. (Yes, I did say humor, because August has a great sense of humor. ) I would tell you more, but honestly, why ruin the surprise? Just take my word for it. If you enjoyed The DaVinci Code or National Treasure, you'll definitely love Matt's work.

Profile Image for Glen.
97 reviews
March 28, 2020
I picked up this book at a used book store while traveling. I've never read any of author, Matt Bronleewe's, books before. I believe that after reading his book, "House of Wolves", that I will definitely look for past and present titles that this author has written. An ancient book, ancient map, and a ancient cult of bad guys trying to decipher both and take over the world. Of course, the good guys are trying to decipher both, as well, and prevent an ancient evil from becoming the world's ruling class. And, of course, the good guys win in the end. But it was an adventurous book that was a very enjoyable read. I don't know if Mr. Bronleewe's other books are as good as this one, but if you you want an enjoyable read, I would recommend that you pick up a copy of, "House of Wolves".
Profile Image for Mario.
418 reviews9 followers
September 11, 2020
This was surprisingly good. The beginning is incredibly fast, Bronleewe does not waste any time getting to the action (to the point where I actually laughed out loud when yet another character was suddenly and unceremoniously killed off), but it gets a lot better once the book settles down a little (or you just get used to the pace). Ultimately I have a little trouble with a few incredibly unlikely coincidences, and how little the main characters succeeded on their own merits rather than just repeatedly getting lucky, but those are small matters that don't ultimately make the book too much less enjoyable.
Profile Image for Dena.
325 reviews7 followers
March 3, 2020
I like this and bought the next one!! I like whatever this genre is and I especially like his notes at the end helping to measure out fiction and non-fiction from the story. I guess I'm officially a fan of his music and his writing too now! Really like the flawed characters and how we see the August's family change between the first and second books.
Profile Image for Nora St Laurent.
1,551 reviews97 followers
July 9, 2015
Watch Out Indiana Jones Lovers - August Adams is Here!!

A mysterious book with a dangerous secret. An evil brotherhood out to conquer the world. One man stands between them...with his family in the balance.

In the twelfth century, Henry the Lion collected the rarest relics in Christendom. And to protect his most precious acquisitions, he encoded the whereabouts in a gorgeous illuminated manuscript called The Gospels of Henry The Lion.

The manuscript has been showing up and disappearing ever since. No one knows where the relic has been hidden...or its ultimate power.

Only one man holds the key to the mystery.

He's carrying it in a briefcase at his son's school for show-and-tell, and he thinks it's a fake. But he's about to find out just how real it is.

Because the wolves are rapidly closing in. And if August Adams can't decode the secret in time, the world's balance of power will forever be altered.


REVIEW: Be prepared to enter August Adams' world of non-stop action, heartfelt adventure filled with intrigue, suspense, humor and love. And, not necessarily in that order. Beware -- once you pick this book up and start reading, you will lose all track of time and forget anything you had scheduled that day. I have to admit that I was a little less than excited about reading this book when I looked at the cover. 'House of Wolves' - I really didn't want to read about wolves or blood! I'm very happy to report that there is lots of action, fighting, gun fights, bloodshed and bad guys acting really bad...but nothing is extremely graphic. I loved it!!

August Adams is one likeable guy who reminds me of an Indiana Jones-type character. Adams is a man totally into his work, who loves books and really enjoys the challenge of chasing down rare antiques. That's his specialty, rare antique books. He gets into the most unpredictable situations while researching the locations of these rare books, and then guarding them once they are found. I loved August's quick wit and sense of humor (like Indiana Jones). And just like in the National Treasure movies, relics have to be found in order to chase down the treasure. In August's case, the books are the treasure.

In 'House of Wolves', August Adams isn't looking for an adventure. But the action and adventure grab him as he is watching his son, Charlie, as his ex-wife goes out with her new fiancé to pick out rings. He couldn't believe she was doing that! He felt it was a little bit soon, but he couldn't think about that right now; he had Charlie to think about.

August Adam's father sends him the greatest birthday present (or so he thought it was at the time), in the mail. He thinks it's from his father, but there's no card with it. Who else would send him such a rare find? While August is admiring the great condition of the book, he starts to feel sick to his stomach when he realizes exactly what book this is. He knows his father, Cleveland, shouldn't have it and he can't imagine what his father did to get this book. Why did his Cleveland send it to him? This can't be good. August doesn't have to wait long to get answers to his questions. A "secret society" soon discovers that Mr. August Adams is in possession of the book they want, and they will stop at nothing to get it. August will have to thank his dad for sending such unbelievable trouble his way - after he stops some guy from killing him and Charlie!... and so the adventure begins in "House of Wolves.

Just when you think August is in the clear, something else happens. But, it may not necessarily happen to him. I was intrigued by the many interesting characters in this book, and so much was happening, but it all tied together. This book is definately a page-turner! I loved never knowing what to expect with each chapter I read. This book was so refreshing because it is not a formula style book.

There is a special bonus at the end of this book in the author notes. Here the author tells the reader which parts of the story are real and which parts he added to make the story work. Not only did Matt reveal which events are factual, but he also tells which relics are real. Wow! Since I'm not a history buff, I wasn't aware that some of the events depicted in the 'House of Wolves' were real. It was quite amazing. I have to say I love learning about history this way!

You will definitely want to check out 'Illuminated' (the first book in this series) where you will learn how August Adams became the book hunter. I know you'll enjoy all the adventures he got himself into before 'House of Wolves'. The third book called 'The Deadly Hours', is to be on bookshelves August 2009, mark your calendar – I know I have.

Disclosure of Material Connection:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

Nora St.Laurent
The Book Club Network www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com
Book Fun Magazine www.bookfunmagazine.com
Profile Image for Jackie Rogers.
1,187 reviews20 followers
October 9, 2019
This novel is a fantasy from 1100's to today. Has family divided and a child that leads them. Was good. Would say for teenagers.
Profile Image for Mandy Nielsen .
61 reviews
December 7, 2023
This book is a combination of Indiana Jones and the Librarians. It's a fast and easy read that quickly pulls the reader in but it's also a bit cheesy.
Profile Image for C.J. Darlington.
Author 15 books381 followers
February 15, 2015
We first met rare book scout August Adams in Matt Bronleewe's novel Illuminated. A purloined Gutenberg Bible sent Adams and his family on the adventure of a lifetime. Now he's back in House of Wolves, and the rare book du jour is The Gospels of Henry the Lion. Like in Illuminated, this book is real, too. Published in 1188, the title actually sold for 12 million in 1983. No one knows for sure who bought it at the Sotheby auction (a camouflaged military plane was sent from Berlin to collect it), but Matt Bronleewe has penned a novel that gives us his best guess.

From the New York Public Library to Antarctica, House of Wolves spans the globe in typical thriller fashion, with more twists and turns than San Francisco's Lombard Street. We never know who or what will show up next, and that's what makes this novel a true page-turner. Fans of Illuminated will be pleased to see August's ex-wife April and son Charley are back. But even more family mayhem ensues as August Adam's estranged father, from whom August gets his love of books, plays a key role too.

How does Bronleewe come up with these elaborate stories? He starts with a fascinating historical element and weaves the facts seamlessly with his imagination. Says Bronleewe about The Holy Vehm, a secret society that plays a prominent role: "They certainly existed within the ranks of the Nazis symbolically..." and about The Gospels of Henry the Lion being lost for fifty years prior to its 1983 sale Bronleewe says, "Some research suggests that the Nazis stole The Gospels of Henry the Lion from a bank vault during WWII. I used that `best guess' while plotting..."

House of Wolves borrows from many adventure movies, but most notably the National Treasure franchise. It's easy to imagine Nicolas Cage playing August Adams like he did Ben Gates. Both leads possess sharp minds able to decipher clues, maps and codes with lightning speed. They aren't super heroes -- their skills come from their knowledge, not their brawn, and that's what makes them endearing.

But it's the rare book angle that sets Bronleewe's stories of international intrigue apart. Even if you're not a bibliophile you can't help but be intrigued about books so rare men (and women) would kill for them. Apparently August Adams has some amazing sources because it remains to be seen just where he finds all these valuable titles in the cut-throat world of antiquarian books. At times, a pause in the action for some character development would've been nice, but that's a lot to ask of a thriller. Bronleewe is on par with Ted Dekker's relentless pacing in this department, and it's certainly not hurting either of them.

There's a little less graphic gore in House of Wolves than in Illuminated, but the body count still piles up. The spiritual message is almost non-existent, but there's no offensive language or sexual undertones. Knowing that going in you can sit back and enjoy this terrific conspiracy novel. Even the most astute reader won't be able to guess the surprises.

Illuminated shot Bronleewe out of the starting gate, but House of Wolves makes him the one to watch.
Profile Image for Brian McBride.
Author 14 books218 followers
June 5, 2022
I remember loving this book as a child, and it definitely held up as a fun, lively adventure. The thing I love most about Bronleewe's two August Adams Adventure novels is how they are centered around illuminated texts throughout history. You can tell the author did his research and knew what he was talking about, and it was a fun sort of scavenger hunt guided by ciphers and secret codes left in ancient tomes.

That being said, a few issues made this book a 4-star read for me. First, so much of what you learn about the unraveling mystery comes about through very info-dumpy streams of dialogue. I felt like this book should've been a hundred pages longer so that a) the story could take its time, and b) the ending would be unrushed.

Second, there's just something about the characters that lacks the depth and richness that I've read in other novels. Maybe it's just me. But characters sell the story for me, and often August felt two-dimensional. Ivy felt like the best character in the whole story, and wasn't even part of the main cast. And frankly the villain was kind of a cardboard cut out. There were two twists at the end, but only one of them came as genuine shock.

Other than that it's a super fun, historical adventure read for anyone looking for a quick fix!
Profile Image for Enoch.
Author 16 books4 followers
September 20, 2008
So I was really looking for a good popcorn book to read on a flight between NH and Utah. I saw this book in the bookstore and figured what the heck. On the whole the book isn't horrible, it just wasn't great.

It sells itself as a "Indiana Jones meets National Treasure" type of thriller. However, it seems to almost be made up of happenstance instead of deliberate action. There is the occasional misdirection and red-herring in the book, but the ending and final reveal seem a little too contrived.

The secret society is intriguing and reading the excerpt at the end about what Matt went through to find out the information about the society makes the realism really pop. So I have to give it props for that little bit of historical data. This book really made me want to like it more ... it just didn't deliver on it.
Profile Image for Sherry Carter.
Author 1 book2 followers
August 19, 2014
I read The Illuminator, the first in the August Adams series, and thoroughly enjoyed it. I enjoyed House of Wolves even more. It can be read as a stand alone book but the familiarity with be characters and the backstory made it even more entertaining.

August Adams is given an ancient book from the 12th century, The Gospels of Henry the Lion. The book has a mysterious power and the race is on to see if August and cohorts can keep it from falling into the hands of a cult that hopes to use it dominate the world.

A great deal of fun! It's well written, suspenseful, with secret cults and real bad guys, if you enjoy that kind of thing. I don't give five stars very often but this one deserves it.
Profile Image for Meadow Frisbie.
446 reviews22 followers
March 2, 2010
This book centers, again, on August Adams. A rare book dealer making his name in the books industry. When a rare book comes into his hands, the Black Velhm are close behind. A secret orginization that does not have a hard time killing all those in its way.

This book was almost scary-good do to the historicle facts in it. The back of the book tells what is true and false.
The one thing I didn't like was EVERY couple pages someone would pull a gun on someone, or a knive, or die.....it was a never ending action book. I wished Bronleewe could have had a little more calmer times in the book.
Profile Image for Margaret Chind.
3,193 reviews253 followers
February 19, 2020
This August Adams Adventure is a step up from the first one and I cannot wait for more! This is a book that will do well in all markets, Christian or not. Non-stop action all the way through, with just a hint of romance. The adventurous journey that one takes with the Adams family through this book is one of a kind with the excitement levels of Indiana Jones and think International- National Treasure. I really liked this one, I would get into details, but really I do not want to give anything away, so all I can say is just read it.
Profile Image for Sean Leas.
341 reviews11 followers
November 14, 2013
Heavily influenced by such fares as Indiana Jones and National Treasure, Matt Bronleewe’s August Adam’s series is a fast paced action/thriller that is very satisfying. Some of the plot twists were quite obvious and the quirky nature of some of the character’s invoked some eye rolling gestures from time to time but were quite entertaining nonetheless. This type of book isn’t normally my cup of tea, but since it was a gift I had a good time with it and would recommend it to anyone looking for some well written popcorn fiction.
October 23, 2014
This book is very much a suspense thriller-meets-fantasy type of book. The author bases the characters' entire purpose on relics from tales that may or may not be true in their world. One dissatisfying thing about this book is that the characters seem to all die or disappear very quickly, making me wonder what their purpose in the novel was to begin with. While this may be the case, by the time I closed this book, I understood why each action happened, and overall, this book was amazing. I would recommend reading it if you are into thrillers or suspense novels with a twist.
Profile Image for Brian Hoffmeyer.
3 reviews2 followers
August 5, 2008

National Treasure meets Dr. Jones
It is nice to pick up a book every once and a while and be unable to put it down. House of Wolves is one of these treasures. Think of Nicholas Cage's character and Indiana Jones combined and you have August Adams!! The next adventures of August Adam's continue at breakneck speed until the thrilling ending with a twist....ahh..but that would be telling. Buy the book to find out!!!
February 3, 2010
A good read. Like his other book, Illuminated, it reminds me of the movie National Treasure. The story centers on August Adams, a rare book dealer, as he fights the Black Vehm by using a one of a kind book called the Gospels of Henry the Lion.
The book is fast paced with a few twists thrown in to make it more interesting.
I would recommend this book. It has some violence and bloodshed, but very little bad language, so it could be good for a church library or high schooler.
Profile Image for Steve Stanley.
22 reviews
September 27, 2010
This was a cool read. I read really slow, and this book read fast for me. Its very much in the vein of Indiana Jones, but not so much to be a straight up rip off. The characters were cool and the concept was pretty cool too.

Unfortunately, I didn't realize that Illuminated was the first book and this was the second. I'll try to go back and read Illuminated first. Its definitely not a challenging book, which is nice between some tough reads.
Profile Image for Mark A Powell.
1,015 reviews30 followers
January 2, 2014
Book collector turned adventurer August Adams returns for a second outing, and while the body count is high, there's never any doubt about who's going to survive – or the inevitable outcome. Bronleewe is growing as a writer, making the dialogue feel less forced and allowing suspense to build in some of the subplots. It's a nice step in the right direction, and Bronleewe should continue to work on his craft, but he's not quite there yet.
Profile Image for Dock Hoilman.
80 reviews2 followers
June 7, 2017
Another excellent book from Matt Bronleewe... A great adventure in the line of National Treasure or Raiders of the Lost Ark. While it's a very good story with good Biblical references, I was hoping for a little more as a lesson to be learned. Nonetheless, it's highly recommended for just a fun book!
Profile Image for Gail Strickland.
624 reviews25 followers
April 13, 2014
I think I know why this book was on the bargain table. Not a bad premise...Nazis again up to nefarious deeds..but unbelievable situations involving not one but two rare book dealers, an 11 year old boy, and the boy's mother who's the ex of one of the dealers.

Not bad entertainment for a Saturday afternoon, although I must say The Masters had more exciting moments.
Profile Image for Sharon.
49 reviews21 followers
September 6, 2008
Not as interesting as his first book Illuminated. Though also based on real societies and research, there wasn't as much technical interpretation of the manuscripts which was one of the coolest things about the first book.
77 reviews10 followers
August 4, 2011
WOW!! I loved "Illuminated." But House of Wolves is even better. This book had me from Chapter Zero. Matt Bronleewe just seems to improve. I can't wait for his next book. Definately want to own these.
Profile Image for Jason Duncan.
68 reviews
Read
January 26, 2016
Just as good as the first, titled "Illuminated"
the continuing story of August Adams keeps up the pace and intrigue throughout the chapters.
Looking forward to getting my hands on the next adventure "Man Of Action".
Profile Image for Alexis Roy.
3 reviews
May 7, 2016
I love any kind of story, fiction or non-fiction, relating to secret societies. This book picked up within the first 5 pages and did not let up until the last page. One of the best I've read in a long time!
Profile Image for Cheryl.
187 reviews9 followers
November 26, 2008
House of Wolves is a fast-paced book; sometimes a bit too fast. Some details are dropped off in the action or loose ends left untied. Decent entertainment.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews

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