Delta Paperback – 31 July 2015

DELTA, A Novel by L. Todd WoodIn the world of mathematics the Greek letter  or Delta is the sign for change. This well written novel certainly leads the reader through a lot of changes in its 275 pages. The changes are not only spatial, but also temporal.The story starts in 298 AD at Atrium Vestiae, the Home of the Vestal Virgins in Rome, when the later Saint Constantine the Great was 26 years old. Here the reader first meets the plurality of the human psyche and the unavoidable presence of ambitions, hopes, despair, and deceit – the hidden foundations of the novel.Then the story moves on to present day Venice, Italy where the famous American author and intellectual, Rafe has taken shelter to write a novel on the Renaissance after an unpleasant divorce. One late afternoon, sitting at a table in St. Mark’s Square, Rafe is approached by the beautiful and elegant Cecilia. Cecilia is more than elegant and beautiful; she is also an intellectual with mysterious international connections. Meeting Cecilia or Cece changes Rafe’s life forever.Through various encounters with Mythraism or Mithraism, a 2000 old religion, aka the Mithraic mysteries; and the disappearance of Rafe’s daughter Clare, the couple is forced on an extensive European journey. The trip goes from Barcelona, Spain, through Rome, Gibraltar, Russia and Kiev, Ukraine. During these travels Rafe has contact with the nebulous MI6 agent Neal who provides him with inside information from official sources. The disappearance of Cecilia forces Rafe to alone find the reason for his misfortunes through an increasingly complex situation. To add injury to insult, now his daughter’s life is at stake. Through these encounters Rafe becomes convinced that he is the target and not his daughter. She is the hostage and bait. The search goes full circle from Russia to Alaska and San Francisco, CA and then finally ending up in his home town of New York, NY where old friends both help and betray him. Here he finally discovers the driving force behind his misadventures.Structure, research, veracity and readabilityThe story is complex but very readable. There is, at first, a somewhat confusing element in the tale. The whys do not become entirely clear until the end of Rafe’s travels. The author has either traveled Rafe’s forced itinerary or made a thorough geographical/city research! Having been to some of these European places the descriptions are utterly believable.The Revealing EndThe story ends somewhat hazily. If the reader has a fairly good understanding of modern US political realities it will certainly become clear why Rafe, a famous and influential author, has been put through this horrifying experience.

Delta meets The Da Vinci Code.Rafe Savaryn is a writer of stories. A famous novelist in search of peace temporarily living in Venice, Italy, to find inspiration. As he sits at a bistro in Piazza San Marco a beautiful young woman sits at his table and asks if she may join him. With that, his amazing adventure begins as he searches for both his soul and his kidnapped young daughter. Like Dan Brown’s iconic The Da Vinci Code, Rafe is off on the ultimate quest as he circles the world searching for his daughter following a trail of historic bread crumbs. Is he successful? The ending is the ultimate shocker and like The Da Vinci Code will stun the reader’s senses.Character development was superb with a plethora of very interesting characters all well developed. This is more than a fun read it is an adventure.No gratuitous language, sex or violence. Just terrific writing that will keep the reader both entertained and engaged.WOW 5+ stars. Sadly, as I never wanted it to end, I read this enthralling novel in 2 days while sailing the Caribbean. Mr. Wood could have easily written another 500+ pages. Well, I’m hooked on L. Todd Wood and will read ALL his novels. If you like historical novels like the Da Vinci Code you will really enjoy Delta. Beware, as this delicious novel is only 275 pages long and you will blitz through it very quickly—so if going on more than a 3 day trip bring a few more books!!

Delta is one of those novels that can take you from a place in the past to the threshold of tomorrow. The journey along the way will have you frustrated, angry and intrigued all at the same time. Some of the love scenes had me blushing yet I couldn't turn the page. Rafe's adventures takes him from the canals of Venice to the far reaches of the planet.. We're introduced to cultures and characters that could be family we care for and to others we'd like to see fall off a cliff and leave. For me, following along and realizing I was also seeing application of Scripture totally intrigued me at the accuracy of Mr Wood's storyline. At the same time, I gleaned modern day representation of the political atmosphere permeating the airwaves, globally. This novel is a keeper... it will keep you thinking, keep you reading, keep you analyzing, keep you awake, and keep you wanting more. Well done Mr Wood!

THIS BOOK IS SO GOOD, YOU ARE PULLED FROM NEVER PUTTING IT DOWN TO HIDING IT SO YOU DON'T KEEP READING IT BECAUSE YOU DON'T WANT IT TO END. IT HAS HISTORY, SUSPENSE, KEEPS YOU ON EDGE. YOUR MIND KEEPS MOVING LOOKING FOR ANSWERS AND REASONS FOR EVENTS TAKING PLACE. I KNOW I WILL BE REREADING IT AGAIN. LIKE A GREAT MOVIE THAT ONE WATCHES OVER AND OVER AGAIN. MAYBE THAT WILL BE IN THIS BOOK'S FUTURE. WHAT A MOVIE THIS ONE WOULD MAKE. THANK YOU L. TODD WOOD

Highly interesting and entertaining! Another thoughtful, provocative tale by L. Todd Wood. It's a cleverly woven story that takes the reader around the world in search of answers about ancient secret societies that might solve a kidnapping of the protagonist's daughter. It is usual for this author to include numerous historical illustrations in his writings and this book continues that trend Which enlightens the reader and enhances the storyline. I highly recommend DELTA along with other books I have read from Mr. Wood - Currency - Sugar - and Lost Bastards!