Step into the high-octane world of the John Holliday / Templar series, where ancient secrets and modern conspiracies collide in a whirlwind of adventure! Written by Christopher Hyde under the pseudonym Paul Christopher, this historical thriller saga follows retired Army Ranger Lt. Col. John 'Doc' Holliday as he unravels the mysteries of the Templar Knights. With globe-trotting action and a knack for uncovering hidden truths, this series is a must-read for fans of Dan Brown or Indiana Jones.
Blending historical intrigue with fast-paced storytelling, the Templar series invites readers to join Holliday on a quest that spans centuries and continents. Ready to dive into a world where a single sword can spark a global chase? Let’s explore the thrilling journey of John Holliday and the Templar legacy!
How John Holliday / Templar Began
Canadian author Christopher Hyde, a former TV interviewer and researcher, launched the Templar series in 2009 under the pen name Paul Christopher. Known for his knack for blending historical depth with thriller pacing, Hyde drew inspiration from the enigmatic history of the Knights Templar, a medieval order shrouded in myth. His goal? To craft a modern adventure that echoed the intrigue of historical conspiracies while keeping readers on the edge of their seats. The result was a series that introduced John Holliday, a reluctant hero whose military background and historical expertise make him the perfect guide through a world of ancient secrets.
The Heart of John Holliday / Templar
The series kicks off with The Sword of the Templars (2009), where Holliday inherits a medieval sword wrapped in Hitler’s battle standard after his uncle’s death. This discovery sparks a global chase involving a centuries-old Templar war, pulling Holliday from West Point to a world of danger. In The Templar Cross (2009), Holliday races to rescue his kidnapped niece Peggy in Egypt, uncovering a conspiracy tied to the Brotherhood of the Temple of Isis. The Templar Throne (2010) sees him hunting the True Ark, a relic that could shift global power, while Red Templar (2012) takes him to Russia in search of a lost Templar sword, weaving in Rasputin and Fabergé eggs.
Themes of history, power, and secrecy pulse through the series, with the Templars’ legendary wealth and influence at its core. Hyde’s vivid settings—from African jungles to Russian sewers—immerse readers in a world where every clue could rewrite history. The fast-paced style, packed with plot twists and gritty action, appeals to readers who love historical fiction with a thriller edge. Holliday himself is a standout: a tough, one-eyed historian who’s as skilled with a gun as he is with decoding ancient riddles.
Why John Holliday / Templar Resonates
The Templar series has carved a niche among historical thriller fans, offering a blend of escapism and intellectual intrigue. Readers praise its action-packed plots and historical tidbits, though some note later books stray from the Templar focus, dipping in quality. Despite this, the series’ ability to weave real history—like the Templars’ rise or Nazi art forgeries—into fictional conspiracies keeps fans hooked. Its global scope and Holliday’s gritty charm make it a compelling ride, even for those new to the genre.
- Publication Years: 2009–2015
- Number of Books: 9
- Main Character: John 'Doc' Holliday
- Genres: Historical Thriller, Adventure, Mystery
Grab The Sword of the Templars and dive into John Holliday’s thrilling world of ancient secrets and modern dangers! Whether you’re a history buff or an action junkie, this series promises a wild ride.