From BooklistHeres something you dont see all that often: a successful writer hauling out one of his old books and rewriting it. The Quest, originally published as a mass-market paperback in 1975, was DeMilles first novel. In some ways, it anticipated the current spate of thrillers whose plots involve a historical mystery, frequently with a religious component: a trio of journalists, covering the Ethiopian civil war, stumble onto what could be the key to one of historys greatest puzzles, the location of the fabled Holy Grail. Whats especially interesting here is that the author has rewritten the book, apparently rather extensively (the original paperback edition ran to 255 pages, while the new galley circulated for review clocks in at nearly 460), but he hasnt updated it. Its still set in the mid-1970s, and it still feels like a book written at that time, although fans of the authors recent work will note DeMilles familiar deft characterizations and lively dialogue. A full-fledged new DeMille novel or a historical curiosity? You be the judge. --David Pitt Nelson DeMille wrote THE QUEST nearly 40 years ago. It has been fully rewritten, showcasing this masterful author's historical knowledge, understanding of the human psyche, and matchless entertainment skills. The novel crosses genres with its spiritualism, wit, adventure and romance, not to mention gripping action. Full of DeMille's characteristic --- and unparalleled --- humor and intelligence, THE QUEST delivers. Boy, does it deliver. what is the 2nd best selling book of all time The Quest: A Novel
647 of 688 people found the following review helpful. Total Ripoff!By Dr. Gerrie ColombraroI am a long standing Nelson DeMille fan, and was eagerly anticipating his "newest" book "The Quest".When I finally got it on my kindle, I cracked it open almost immediately and settled in for an all nighter.A couple of hours and 125 pages later, I was so disappointed with this book, I found myself googing for more info.....and that's when I discovered it had been written 40 years ago.DeMille pompously admits to "updating" it by adding "more sex".....seriously!?!?!It is a total ripoff and I may never read anything he writes ever again, that's how angry I am at being duped.If I could have given it "zero" stars, I would have; without that option, I gave it the lowest rating possible., thank you for refunding my money; as always, you are a pleasure to work with.Save your money, folks, and skip this one; too many great books out there waiting for us!2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Human Depravity -- Sex-- Civil War. What's Not To Like?By Scott E. HighI never thought that I would rank any Nelson DeMille book just "OK", but here it is. Evidently this was originally written in 1975 as his first stand- alone novel but it was not published until 2013 after a substantial rewrite. Previously he had written six novels in the Joe Ryker series (1974-1975), none of which I have ever heard of or seen. I was originally hooked on Mr. DeMille after reading "Charm School" (1989), a brilliant story that has always been one of my favorite books, and I have read most of his other novels since then. So it was interesting for me to go back 40 years and see what his style and thoughts were as a budding author."The Quest" is simply another story about the search for the Holy Grail, but it could have been about the search for any mythical relic. The characters are somewhat shallow with minimal backstory supplied about them, leaving you guessing what their true motivations are. The main female character professes to be religious yet is less than truthful and has affairs with two men whenever convenient for her. One of the male characters is an older war correspondent who has the crap scared out of him in Ethiopia (having come very close to dying at the hands of a psychopath) yet is willing to return to that same country knowing that meeting up with the same psycho is inevitable. Not many people can wet themselves with fear and yet return to the scene of the crime. Our main narrator, Frank Purcell, appears to be the first attempt at constructing the imperfect hero (John Corey) that Mr. DeMille portrays in future novels. Frank is enjoyable but is only truly interested in a few basic needs.The writing is a bit jumpy and uneven, most likely the result of trying to double the length of the original story (written 40 years ago in a much simpler style) by a rewrite using the advanced skills that he has developed with four decades of practice. It's similar to comparing Stephen King's writing today with the original efforts he wrote under the pen name of Richard Bachman. There is some good stuff here and there but it is lacking in cohesiveness. Buy it and read it if you like, but there are many other Nelson DeMille novels that are far superior.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Unsatisfactory rewriteBy CustomerNo sooner than I began this rewrite did I realize I had read the original story albeit long ago. I could not remember how the journey ended so I read on. Reading what was said should be done to make this rewrite better, more sex and romance, did I come to understand the distractions from the original Quest that left me confused and disheartened by the need to remake the characters' original personal conflicts into a Trinity (pun intended) of sex and romance. In my humble opinion, it did nothing to enhance but rather proved beyond believable; and the new story therefore nothing more than porn added to keep male reader's engaged. Disappointed DeMille let others decide this route should be taken in his journey. Love still conquers all. DeMille continues as one of my favorite authors.