The Emperor's Tomb by Steve Berry: Book Review

 

 Sites of Interest: Authors site | Chapter 1 | *History Matters

Publisher: Ballantine Books  Published: November 23, 2010

Hardback | 464 pages | ISBN 978-0345505491

Source: purchased for my kindle

I discovered Steve Berry several years ago while on vacation at Jekyll Island, Georgia.  I was in my absolute favorite bookstore in the entire world (more on that in a bit) and came across The Amber Room.  I tend to lean towards books that have intrigue, history, chases around the world.....and this book filled all my mystery requirements.  After reading The Amber Room I had to read all of Steve Berry's books and have since been one of his biggest fans!

His latest book, The Emperor's Tomb, is a continuation of the Cotton Malone series.  If you have not read any of Mr. Berry's books, I suggest you begin with The Templar Legacy - Cotton Malone's first appearance.

Are you familiar with Chinese history? I certainly was not!  The Emperor's Tomb takes Cotton Malone on a wild ride to rescue Cassiopeia Vitt after he received a live link (is technology just not too much sometimes?!?) showing Ms. Vitt being waterboarded.  Cotton must work with the Russians and his former Justice Department handler, Stephanie Nelle, to find Cassiopeia and stop a war stirring in China.

The history of China included in The Emperor's Tomb is amazing!  One of the things I truly appreciate about Steve Berry's books, although they read as a fast-paced thriller, the history is fact-based, researched thoroughly, and I learn something new every time I read his books!  Did you know that the Chinese invented the watch 1,000 years before the Western world figured it out? Or that eunuchs were so prevalent and ruled from behind the scenes - one invented paper, one became the "Father of History" and one sailed around the world by the 15th century!  On a much somber note - did you know that more than 70,000 children are reported stolen in China each year?

These facts and more can be found in The Emperor's Tomb.  If you are a Cotton Malone fan, you may want to check out the interview with him on Steve Berry's site!

To say I am amazed at the depth of history Mr. Berry included in the story line and in such a fashion that it flowed relatively seamlessly would be an understatement!  My only frustration is with one character who was also in The Venetian Betrayal before as a double/triple agent - Viktor Tomas.  I was able to keep up with his character for the most part until closer to the end, and then it became quite confusing as to what he was doing and why.  Without giving away any spoilers, I either never got the point of his character or Viktor just did not live up to his expectations in the end.  However, I still thoroughly The Emperor's Tomb! Cotton and Cassiopeia have both grown in their roles and settled not only in their respective characters but in their relationship dance.  Stephanie Nelle - wow! If someone else is following along with this series and wants to talk trash - let me know! I'd love to have a twitter book club meeting about this one!  The Emperor's Tomb gets 4 quills from me!

side note:  my favorite bookstore in the entire world and the one I want to fashion my dream bookstore after is Jekyll Books at the Old Infirmary.  It is in one of the old millionaire row homes on the island with books stowed away in every room - cookbooks in the kitchen; spa and relaxation books in the bathroom; romance in the bedroom, etc. etc.  If you ever make it to Jekyll Island I highly recommend stopping by! 

*History Matters is a foundation started by Steve Berry and his wife, Elizabeth, for the preservation of all things historic.  For more information please visit the site.