Hey O, March 4, 2004

I thought this was an awesome book. The book starts out giving you only hints to both sides of an intriguing plot. Then you actually find out both sides of the story and find out who is good and bad. This book takes you to some great places like Egypt, Kush, and even some Greek warriors play a big role. it is an excellent book and I can not wait for a sequal.

Posted on Amazon.com. Reviewer: Chris Shannon H.S. student from Indianapolis, IN

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Brotherhood of the Scroll : Exciting & Intriguing, June 22, 2002

In his book, The Brotherhood of the Scroll, Author David Lantz retells the story of the biblical Daniel (and the lion's den,) Nebuchadnezzar (king of Babylon,) and of Jeremiah the prophet. His fast paced novel goes to and from battles, secret discussions, and assassinations; trying to fill in what might have happened in the middle east thousands of years ago. I was kept in suspense as I read through the book while Mr. Lantz brought me into the Egyptian, Jewish, and Babylonian royal courts, as Babylon marches to takeover the known world. And just when you think that you know who is good and who is bad, the plot twists.

As a 16 year old, I can say that everyone from teens and up will enjoy this book. And even those who are not familiar with the Bible and its Old Testament history and prophecies will find the mystery, war, love, and conflict (all mixed together and conflicting!) to be captivating.

Posted on Amazon.com. Reviewer: Samuel Rund from Indianapolis, IN

Lantz authors the Brotherhood of the Scroll (Published in the Greenwood and Southside Challenger, December 13, 2000, by Barbara Volkman).

Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Nebuchadnezzar, and Daniel are a few of the main characters in David Lantz’s new historical novel, The Brotherhood of the Scroll. Jerusalem is in the midst of political intrigues, changing alliances, and the battle for control between the great powers of Egypt and Babylon. As predicted by Jeremiah, the deceitful religious and political leaders of Judah agree to exile many of their citizens to Babylon after Egypt is defeated. Daniel is one of these exiles and carries with him to Babylon two scrolls. One is the Scroll of Isaiah and the other the Torah, the five books of the law which had been missing for over one hundred years, hidden in the temple wall. The book tells the story of a small group of Jewish patriots intent on helping their nation navigate the dangers of a turbulent international scene in light of God’s revealed will.

Spanning the period 605 B.C. to 586 B.C., the challenge for Jeremiah, Daniel and their companions is to preserve the faith of their people while seeking the fulfillment of prophecy amidst international intrigue and war. This fictional account of events and familiar Old Testament stories is certain to entertain the reader with its multiple subplots, and might also stimulate further study of historical or Biblical basis of the novel. In fact, Lantz so hopes the reader will want to dig deeper that he has provided study helps, maps and a timeline on his website.

I read your novel, The Brotherhood of the Scroll, a short time ago. You told me that you were trying to write a story that is reminiscent of a Tom Clancy novel but set in Biblical times. You have succeeded.

You have multiple plots and subplots. There is lots of intrigue and well-developed characters. I especially liked Troas the Greek and Naaman the Babylonian. I was fascinated by the idea of an ancient canal through Egypt that would enable the Egyptian navy to attack Babylon as well as to admit the passage of cargo and trading ships.

Another interesting feature was having three great prophets, Ezekiel, Daniel, and Jeremiah cooperating with each other in preserving the Scriptures while Israel suffered invasion, destruction, and deportation. It had never occurred to me that these three men might have worked together.

I hope that your book will be mass marketed. It is a good read, an interesting set of yarns, and faithful to the Bible without being preachy. Best wishes on this book and any further writing that you may do.

James D. Allen, Untied Methodist Minister, Indianapolis IN.