Unveiling the Secrets of the Holy Grail

The Phoenician Code by Karim El Koussa is a historical fiction thriller that re-examines ancient history, religion, and the foundations of Judeo-Christian traditions. The plot links an esoteric secret society—the Great White Fraternity, founded in 1500 BC—to the Keepers of the Word, a movement asserting that Jesus Christ's teachings represented a spiritual revolution against the Old Testament.12

The story opens in 1105 AD with Hughes, Count of Champagne, and Hughes de Payens being entrusted by the dying Master Rashi with a secret regarding a Sacred Cup, the Ark, and the Temple of Solomon. This revelation triggers a historical quest inherited by the Priory of Zion and King Baldwin of Jerusalem.3456

In the present day, Padre Joseph assembles a specialized team in Lebanon following the murder of architect Hiram Melki, who was uncovering ancient architectural secrets. The team includes Paul Khoury (a historian specializing in ancient religion), Maya Deeb (an archaeologist), and Youmna Hamade (a chemist and alchemist). As they excavate in Gebel (Byblos), Paul attends a conference at the Château de Chillon in Switzerland, where he presents a paper asserting that the Temple of Solomon is an unproven myth based on the Phoenician Temple of Baal-Melkart in Tyre.7

His controversial lecture draws the wrath of the Sovereign Military Order of the Temple of Jerusalem. After receiving death threats and an ultimatum, Paul escapes across Europe with the help of Professor Thomas Lampson and two German scholars, triggering a high-speed pursuit.

Praise for The Phoenician Code:

"Karim El Koussa is an award-winning Lebanese author, but his worldwide reputation (and recognition) is rising rapidly. His novel, The Phoenician Code is written in a great way, mixing intelligence and imagination altogether and is indeed equal to works written by big novelists. It’s a book that makes everyone think hard about possible results or truth that we may take into consideration—concerning the non-authentic records of Biblical Israel on both historical and archaeological levels, and that Jesus Christ could well be Phoenician and not Jew, along with proving that his relationship with Mary Magdalene was not at all sexual, but rather, a strong spiritual relationship between a master and his disciple. It’s indeed a bold text with plenty of actions going on. A thriller that could well be turned into a Movie." ― TV anchor and published poet-writer Karen Boustany declared in an interview with the author on one of the leading TV stations in Lebanon, in a book segment called “Kitab” on MTVAl-Loubnaniya, August 11, 2012.

It has been suggested for “Additional Readings” about the Phoenicians for students to refer to at school in Author Terri Raymond's book "Ancient Civilization: Fifth Grade Social Science Lesson, Activities, Discussion Questions and Quizzes"published by HomeSchool Brew, July 2014.

Deals for The Phoenician Code:

 . Translated and published in both Arabic (Dar Saer Al Mashrek, Beirut, Lebanon ― 2015) and French (Éditions Dervy - Groupe Trédaniel, Paris, France ― 2018).

. Optioned by Northern Star Pictures, Inc., a US based Film and TV production company for screen adaptation and is now under Development.

by Karim El Koussa
Page Count: 378
Trim Size: 6 x 9
Publish Date: November 27, 2018
Imprint: Ars Metaphysica
Genre: Historical

FICTION / Visionary & Metaphysical
FICTION / Action & Adventure
FICTION / Thrillers / Christian