First edition as new

The Emperor's Tomb is a highly researched book about China's history. It was difficult to keep track of the characters. The main characters were in some terrible situations that surely would have caused their deaths in real life. The settings were descriptive enough to keep the story flowing but not too much. Four stars were awarded to this book. It was a good story. ( )

E-book #3. Cotton Malone becomes embroiled in Chinese politics when Cassiopeia Vitt is kidnapped and tortured. Two leaders vying to become the next premier of China are each trying to control a Russian geologist, who believes there is abiotic (non-fossil) oil deep within the earth. Too much Chinese philosophy and history (~100 pages) made the book drag, but the terra cotta soldiers in Xiamen are a great focal point of the novel. ( )

This is the sixth book in a series featuring retired Justice Department operative Cotton Malone. He receives an intense video of his friend, Cassiopeia Vitt, being waterboarded and knows he has to do whatever he can to save her. This set up Malone for one of his most traumatic adventures. He will travel from Denmark to Belgium to Vietnam and then on to China where he will be tested by ruthless ancient brotherhood.

It turns out several groups are searching for an artifact that is important to the Chinese. They are looking for an ancient winged dragon lamp, originally stolen from the tomb of the first Emperor of China. Both Karl Tang and Ni 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, on the other hand, would pursue peaceful international relations and permit some local democracy.

I really enjoy this series but for some reason I just wasn't riveted by the action. I felt like Cotton was a secondary character until the last third of the book and it could easily have been edited down a hundred pages for a better flow. Nevertheless, Steve Berry does a great deal of research and incorporates compelling facts into his action novels. While not my favorite, it was still an interesting story and I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.

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not one of my favorite Steve Berry Books, Decent read. ( )