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backy33's review against another edition
adventurous
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
topdragon's review against another edition
4.0
When Cotton Malone, former Justice Department operative, is sent a live feed of Cassiopeia Vitt being water boarded and hears her confession to her captors that she gave Malone an artifact for safe keeping, he is compelled to assist, despite having no clue to what she is referring. As a result, he gets caught up in a maze of Chinese political intrigue involving the tomb of China’s first emperor.
Once again Steve Berry brings an exciting premise that marries interesting historical events to modern day action-packed thrills. My knowledge of China’s history is, admittedly, rather sparse and I was glad to learn a lot while reading this novel. It touches on many aspects of China from ancient emperors, philosophy, geographical provinces, modern politics, and the ever-present search for power that is granted by access to oil. I continue to enjoy these characters and their evolving relationships and was especially intrigued with Viktor Tomas, a character that returns from [b:The Venetian Betrayal|1178039|The Venetian Betrayal (Cotton Malone, #3)|Steve Berry|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1441796864l/1178039._SY75_.jpg|2979692]. His loyalties have always been suspect but here those conflicts are in full display as he acts like an enemy agent but also saves Malone’s and Vitt’s lives…or is that just for show?
Another fun novel that may stretch just a bit too long but nevertheless makes for a page-turning read. A short story does exist ([b:The Balkan Escape|8260909|The Balkan Escape (Cassiopeia Vitt, #1)|Steve Berry|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1274392850l/8260909._SY75_.jpg|13108792]) that acts as a prequel to this novel and explains Cassiopeia's motivation here but really is not necessary to the reading of this novel.
Once again Steve Berry brings an exciting premise that marries interesting historical events to modern day action-packed thrills. My knowledge of China’s history is, admittedly, rather sparse and I was glad to learn a lot while reading this novel. It touches on many aspects of China from ancient emperors, philosophy, geographical provinces, modern politics, and the ever-present search for power that is granted by access to oil. I continue to enjoy these characters and their evolving relationships and was especially intrigued with Viktor Tomas, a character that returns from [b:The Venetian Betrayal|1178039|The Venetian Betrayal (Cotton Malone, #3)|Steve Berry|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1441796864l/1178039._SY75_.jpg|2979692]. His loyalties have always been suspect but here those conflicts are in full display as he acts like an enemy agent but also saves Malone’s and Vitt’s lives…or is that just for show?
Another fun novel that may stretch just a bit too long but nevertheless makes for a page-turning read. A short story does exist ([b:The Balkan Escape|8260909|The Balkan Escape (Cassiopeia Vitt, #1)|Steve Berry|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1274392850l/8260909._SY75_.jpg|13108792]) that acts as a prequel to this novel and explains Cassiopeia's motivation here but really is not necessary to the reading of this novel.
lynguy1's review against another edition
5.0
I always enjoy Steve Berry's novels and this one was no exception. I enjoy the mixture of fiction, history, and action. Berry always brings an interesting twist to his novels that I love. Additionally, his main characters continue to evolve and acquire more depth.
syndi3's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0
not my kind of book.
duparker's review against another edition
3.0
Pretty good read. Nothing intelligent or thought provoking, but a good spy novel. Would be a great airport read.
dustfrmpluto's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
informative
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
shirlee2024's review against another edition
4.0
I learned quite a bit in this thriller: about China, but mostly about abiotic oil. I'd never even heard of it before. The action was good too.
johnbreeden's review against another edition
4.0
This was a fair outing for the series. It was not the strongest storyline in the series, but enjoyable. This is an extremely Malone/Caseopia centered storyline. Even with the action spread through China, I miss Stephanie (and Henrik) as a part of the story. I am hoping to see new characters come into the series for this reason.
katemoxie's review against another edition
4.0
I always enjoy the historical aspects of Steve Berry's books. I read the "writer's notes" first - and often refer back to it. Some fascinating information on things I'd never heard of - like biotic and abiotic oil, as well as the Terra Cotta Warriors, and eunuchs.
bookloverchelle's review against another edition
4.0
Another great read from Steve Berry in the Cotton Malone series. Cotton would really like to enjoy his retirement, running his bookshop in Amsterdam, but his skillset is valuable and when Cassiopeia reaches out for help he's the only one who can save her. That cyptic phone call leads them on a race across Europe and in to China bringing hidden secrets to the surface and unwittingly setting the stage for the next ruler of China. I always enjoyed the books from Mr. Berry with their combination of action and adventure, history and education. The narrator for the audio was engaging and helped pull me in to the story. Great read!