That question is at the heart of a dilemma faced by former Justice Department operative Cotton Malone, whose life is shattered when he receives an anonymous note carrying an unfamiliar Web address. Logging on, he sees Cassiopeia Vitt, a woman who’s saved his life more than once, being tortured at the hands of a mysterious man who has a single demand: Bring me the artifact she’s asked you to keep safe. The only problem is, Malone doesn’t have a clue what the man is talking about, since Cassiopeia has left nothing with him.
So begins Malone’s most harrowing adventure to date—one that offers up astounding historical revelations, pits him against a ruthless ancient brotherhood, and sends him from Denmark to Belgium to Vietnam then on to China, a vast and mysterious land where danger lurks at every turn.Cotton Malone, is back, and teams with old heartthrob Cassiopeia Vitt ,on a dangerous mission to retrieve a priceless Chinese lamp from the third century B.C.E. in Berry's rousing fifth thriller to feature the ex-federal agent (after The Paris Vendetta).
Two high-ranking Chinese government ministers, hard-liner Karl Tang and more liberal Ni Yong, both of whom are vying to be China's next premier, covet the lamp. Tang, in particular, has left a trail of bodies in his own quest for the lamp, which, unbeknownst to Malone and Vitt, contains the secret to how the country will surmount its biggest obstacle to future economic growth, its dependence on foreign oil.
About the Author: Steve Berry is the New York Times bestselling author with over 11 million books in print, which have been translated into 37 languages and sold in 50 countries. Steve's road to publishing was long and arduous, spanning 12 years (1990 - 2002) and 85 rejections over 5 separate manuscripts. He's also an accomplished instructor, having taught the concepts of writing to audiences across the globe.
When Steve's not writing, you can find him either on a beach, or a golf course, or traveling --- discovering more things lost --- thinking of the next novel. He lives in the historic city of St. Augustine, Florida. Steve and his wife Elizabeth have also started a foundation, History Matters, dedicated to aiding the preservation of our heritage.
When Steve's not writing, you can find him either on a beach, or a golf course, or traveling --- discovering more things lost --- thinking of the next novel. He lives in the historic city of St. Augustine, Florida. Steve and his wife Elizabeth have also started a foundation, History Matters, dedicated to aiding the preservation of our heritage.
I'm a self- announced history addict, and Berry's book have always intriqued me as they are based on a great deal of historical research by him, coupled with some really great mystery /suspense writing! You can bet when a new Berry book is in my hands, it will be devoured within 2 days and then I'll spend a week researching the historical topics in it, to satisfy my curiousity! So every book of his is a win-win for me!
This new book is NO exception! Having read the wonderful 1491 (by Gavin Menzies- EXCELLENT read, a must for any history afficiando!), I was very much aware of the historical firsts by China that don't receive alot of publicity. But as always, Berry surprised me with new facts to check and explore. This is another well-crafted suspense mystery as well. The reader knows different sides, but not want they are 100% doing or thinking, leaving room for surprises!
The ending was a pleasant surprise, and while I won;t ruin it for you, I will say this is an excellent book for all history buffs and mystery lovers alike! I highly recommend it!
Be sure to check out Berry's website for book signings in your area, and to read a special Cotton Mather Dossier (only available on the website!). Can't make it to a book signing? Check out his website- you can request a SIGNED bookplate for your book (or up to 4)- how special would that may your Steve Berry Christmas present books?
Disclosure: I received this book, free of charge, for review purposes, from Meryl L. Moss Media Relations, Inc.. No other compensation, monetary or other, was given for this post. Nor was I told how to post about it.