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3.67 AVERAGE
3.67 AVERAGE
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.
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.
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:
Complicated
not my kind of book.
Pretty good read. Nothing intelligent or thought provoking, but a good spy novel. Would be a great airport read.
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
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.
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.
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!
This is another good book by Steve Berry. Much in line with his style of writing, using history to develop a modern mystery. Cotton Malone finds himself in the wrong place at the wrong time and is the only one that can get the job done. Maybe oversimplified.
As a fan of history, I deeply enjoy Steve Berry's books since they include historical events. This one is no different and adds another element but taking a modern issue and coming up with a creative "solution". Not really a solution but maybe a surprise twist.
Overall, I would recommend this book.
As a fan of history, I deeply enjoy Steve Berry's books since they include historical events. This one is no different and adds another element but taking a modern issue and coming up with a creative "solution". Not really a solution but maybe a surprise twist.
Overall, I would recommend this book.
Rating: I liked it
2020’s ATY in 52 books reading challenge: 10. A book that is between 400-600 pages
These novels are very fast paced and can be entertaining as long as you’re intrigued by the main mystery. The setting are always exotic locations and this time it’s set in China.
I wasn’t that interested in the main mystery and that’s why this one isn’t my favorite. I also didn’t like the “USA is the goo guy” trope, I hated that. If the reality of a the USA is in my opinion the biggest threat, not “evil” Russia or “evil” China. Power corrupts and no country is above it.
I liked it, but it’s not my favorite.
Malone receives photos of Cassiopea being tortured, he knows he must do everything he can to save her.
There is an ancient winged dragon lamp, originally stolen from the tomb of the first Emperor of China that contains an ancient organic oil, proof of an endless souce of energy that could give China (or any country) autonomy in that area. Both Tang and Yong are just a step away from becoming China's new Premiere, a position of power that will allow either man to set foreign policy for their country. Tang is of the opinion that China should remain unwilling to work with any foreign power, believing in the natural expression of totalitarianism. He would also strictly enforce laws and exact severe punishments for breaking them.Ni Yong, would pursue peaceful international relations and permit some local democracy, following the teachings of Confucius. Both men believe the lamp will help them win the office over their opponent, but Tang is particularly desperate to obtain it … at any cost.
Then there’s the Ba, eunuch that are a secret group operating within China’s government. In the past they manipulated important Chinese internal affairs. The leader is Pau. He is manipulating both Ni and Tang, to be on the side of the winner.
There’s the Russian and Americans that want to prevent China to access The oil.
Cassiopea is helping Socolov, a Russian living in China, he saved her life on the previous book. He called her when his son was kidnapped. He is the expert on the oil. The Russian want him dead.
At the end Ni won.
2020’s ATY in 52 books reading challenge: 10. A book that is between 400-600 pages
These novels are very fast paced and can be entertaining as long as you’re intrigued by the main mystery. The setting are always exotic locations and this time it’s set in China.
I wasn’t that interested in the main mystery and that’s why this one isn’t my favorite. I also didn’t like the “USA is the goo guy” trope, I hated that. If the reality of a
Spoiler
biological renewable energy source was ever to be confirmed,I liked it, but it’s not my favorite.
Spoiler
Malone receives photos of Cassiopea being tortured, he knows he must do everything he can to save her.
There is an ancient winged dragon lamp, originally stolen from the tomb of the first Emperor of China that contains an ancient organic oil, proof of an endless souce of energy that could give China (or any country) autonomy in that area. Both Tang and Yong are just a step away from becoming China's new Premiere, a position of power that will allow either man to set foreign policy for their country. Tang is of the opinion that China should remain unwilling to work with any foreign power, believing in the natural expression of totalitarianism. He would also strictly enforce laws and exact severe punishments for breaking them.Ni Yong, would pursue peaceful international relations and permit some local democracy, following the teachings of Confucius. Both men believe the lamp will help them win the office over their opponent, but Tang is particularly desperate to obtain it … at any cost.
Then there’s the Ba, eunuch that are a secret group operating within China’s government. In the past they manipulated important Chinese internal affairs. The leader is Pau. He is manipulating both Ni and Tang, to be on the side of the winner.
There’s the Russian and Americans that want to prevent China to access The oil.
Cassiopea is helping Socolov, a Russian living in China, he saved her life on the previous book. He called her when his son was kidnapped. He is the expert on the oil. The Russian want him dead.
At the end Ni won.