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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
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
3.0
Pretty good read. Nothing intelligent or thought provoking, but a good spy novel. Would be a great airport read.
dustfrmpluto's review
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!
jef_1f's review against another edition
4.0
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.
spookysoto's review
3.0
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.