The Templars Series in Order

About the Templars series

Series Premise

The series centers on John Holliday, a widowed former Army Ranger and West Point history professor specializing in medieval military orders. His life changes dramatically when a close friend or relative (often tied to his late wife's family) dies under suspicious circumstances, leaving behind clues that point to the Knights Templar—dissolved in the 14th century but rumored to have survived in secret. Holliday discovers that the Templars (or their modern successors) possess hidden knowledge, artifacts, or wealth that powerful groups still seek to control or suppress.

The overarching premise follows Holliday's reluctant descent into a world of conspiracy: he pursues leads across continents, decoding ancient maps, relics, and coded messages while evading assassins, shadowy organizations, and corrupt officials. Each installment escalates the stakes—from personal vendettas to global threats involving Vatican secrets, Nazi gold, lost treasures, or attempts to manipulate world events through Templar-inherited influence. Holliday teams up with allies (often a tough companion or expert) to unravel plots that link medieval history to present-day power struggles, frequently involving Rex Deus (a fictional Templar-derived cabal) or similar groups. Themes include the persistence of ancient orders, the dangers of hidden knowledge, the corruption of institutions, and one man's quest for truth amid betrayal and violence. The narrative builds across books, with recurring motifs of lost Templar relics, secret societies, and Holliday's growing realization that some truths are worth killing—or dying—for.

Main Characters

John "Doc" Holliday is the central protagonist—a tough, intelligent, battle-scarred former Army Ranger and medieval historian. Widowed (his wife died in tragic circumstances), he is driven, resourceful, and haunted by loss. Skilled in combat, cryptography, and historical analysis, Holliday combines scholarly curiosity with lethal efficiency, evolving from reluctant investigator to determined crusader against hidden threats.



Key recurring allies include:



- Eddie (a tough, loyal friend or operative): A recurring companion who provides muscle, street smarts, and banter, often joining Holliday on missions.

- Peggy or other close relations: Figures tied to his personal life who draw him into danger, adding emotional stakes.

- Various experts or contacts: Historians, archaeologists, intelligence operatives, or locals who aid in decoding clues or navigating dangerous terrain.

Setting

The series unfolds across a global stage, reflecting the Templars' historical reach and the modern conspiracy's international scope. Stories span continents: ancient sites in Europe (France, Portugal, Scotland), Vatican archives in Rome, African deserts and jungles, Cuban landscapes, Middle Eastern ruins, and U.S. locations from West Point to remote hideouts. The Templar legacy draws Holliday to medieval strongholds, hidden crypts, forgotten cathedrals, and lost battlefields where clues lie buried.



Contemporary settings contrast the ancient: bustling cities for surveillance and chases, remote wilderness for survival sequences, secure facilities for interrogations, and everyday places where threats emerge unexpectedly. Christopher vividly evokes atmospheres—dusty archives, stormy seas, shadowy alleys, sun-baked ruins—using them to heighten tension and immersion. The world feels interconnected: historical sites hold modern secrets, and global power plays link distant locations through Templar threads, creating a sense of vast, hidden history influencing the present.

Tone & Themes

The tone is intense, fast-moving, and suspenseful, with a gritty edge typical of modern action-thrillers. Christopher delivers short, punchy chapters packed with chases, gunfights, narrow escapes, and explosive set pieces that keep the momentum relentless. The prose is straightforward and cinematic, emphasizing tactical realism and high-stakes danger over dense philosophical musings.

Beneath the adrenaline lies a layer of intrigue and historical wonder: Holliday's scholarly background adds moments of reflection on medieval lore, while moral ambiguity surfaces through corrupt institutions and the ethical gray zones of power. Humor is sparse but present in dry, soldierly banter or ironic observations amid chaos. The books avoid excessive gore but don't shy from violence, maintaining a mature, no-nonsense feel—exciting without being cartoonish, grounded in realism, and ultimately driven by the satisfaction of uncovering secrets and delivering justice. It's thrilling escapism with a conspiratorial edge, appealing to readers who enjoy the rush of discovery alongside the pulse of danger.

Paul Christopher's Templars series delivers pulse-pounding, conspiracy-laden adventures that bridge medieval history with modern intrigue, following John Holliday's relentless pursuit of ancient truths in a dangerous world. Through high-stakes globetrotting, clever historical puzzles, and a protagonist who blends brains with brawn, the books offer thrilling escapism grounded in authentic detail and escalating peril. With its mix of action, mystery, and moral stakes, the series captivates fans of historical thrillers and secret-society tales—affirming that some legacies endure, and some secrets are worth risking everything to uncover. It's a satisfying, adrenaline-charged ride that leaves readers eager for the next clue in Holliday's quest.