Title: The Charlemagne Pursuit
Author: Steve Berry
First published December 2, 2008
509 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780345485793 (ISBN10: 0345485793)
Rating: 3.92
Overview
Former Justice Department agent Cotton Malone has always believed that his father died in a submarine disaster in the North Atlantic. But now, years later, he wants to know the full story.
With the help of his ex-boss Stephanie Nelle, he sets out to secure the military files. What he discovers is shocking: his father’s sub was a secret nuclear vessel lost on a highly classified mission beneath the ice shelves of Antarctica.
However, Malone is not the only one searching for the truth. Twin sisters Dorothea Lindauer and Christl Falk are also on the hunt.
They are determined to uncover what really became of their own father, who died on the same submarine that Malone’s father captained. The sisters are fighting for the fortune their mother promised to the one who unravels the mystery.
As Malone and the sisters race to uncover the truth, they find themselves caught up in a dangerous game of international intrigue. With each step, they draw closer to a shocking secret that could change the course of history.
Will they be able to uncover the truth before it’s too late? Find out in Steve Berry’s gripping thriller, The Charlemagne Pursuit.
About the Author
Steve Berry is a highly successful author, having written twenty novels that have sold over 25 million copies in 52 countries and have been translated into 41 languages. His books, including The Omega Factor, The Kaiser’s Web, and The Malta Exchange, consistently rank among the top in bestseller lists.
Beyond his love for writing, Steve is passionate about history, which he shares with his wife Elizabeth. Together, they founded History Matters, a foundation dedicated to historical preservation.
They have traveled across the country to save endangered historic treasures and have raised over $1.5 million through lectures, receptions, galas, and writers’ workshops. Over 3,500 students have attended these workshops.
Steve’s commitment to historic preservation has been recognized by the American Library Association, which named him its spokesperson for National Preservation Week. He has also received several awards for his philanthropic work, including the Royden B.
Davis Distinguished Author Award, the Barnes & Noble Writers for Writers Award, and the Anne Frank Human Writes Award. He is also an emeritus member of the Smithsonian Libraries Advisory Board.
Before becoming an author, Steve was a trial lawyer for 30 years and held elective office for 14 of those years. He graduated from the Walter F.
George School of Law at Mercer University and was born and raised in Georgia. In 2010, a NPR survey named one of his books as one of the top 100 thrillers ever written.
Editoral Review
Book Review: The Charlemagne Pursuit by Steve Berry
Steve Berry’s The Charlemagne Pursuit is a thrilling adventure novel that takes readers on a journey through history, art, and politics. As a New York Times bestselling author, Berry is well-known for his fast-paced plots, intricate historical research, and vivid descriptions of exotic locations.
The Charlemagne Pursuit is no exception, as it combines all of these elements into a story that is both entertaining and informative.
The novel tells the story of Cotton Malone, a retired U.S. Justice Department agent, who is drawn into a web of intrigue when his former boss, Stephanie Nelle, asks him to investigate the disappearance of her father. The elder Nelle, a historian, had been searching for the remains of Charlemagne, the first emperor of the Holy Roman Empire, and had apparently found evidence that could change the course of history.
However, he had gone missing, and his research was in danger of falling into the wrong hands.
Malone soon finds himself embroiled in a race against time, as he tries to locate Nelle and uncover the truth about Charlemagne’s legacy. Along the way, he encounters a cast of characters that includes a ruthless billionaire, a beautiful art historian, and a mysterious order of knights.
Together, they navigate the treacherous waters of international politics, ancient conspiracies, and modern-day terrorism.
The Charlemagne Pursuit is a well-crafted novel that blends fact and fiction seamlessly. Berry’s extensive research into Charlemagne’s life and times is evident, as he weaves historical details into the narrative without overwhelming the reader.
The descriptions of ancient artifacts, medieval castles, and modern museums are vivid and evocative, transporting the reader to exotic locales around the world.
The characters are also well-developed, with Malone serving as a likable and relatable protagonist. His mix of intelligence, courage, and vulnerability makes him a compelling hero, and his interactions with the other characters are both entertaining and insightful.
The villains are suitably menacing, with their greed and ambition driving the plot forward.
The pacing of the novel is also well-done, with the action moving quickly from one scene to the next. The chapters are short and snappy, keeping the reader engaged without sacrificing depth or complexity.
The plot twists and turns, with surprises and revelations coming at regular intervals.
However, the novel is not without its flaws. The dialogue can be somewhat stilted at times, with characters speaking in overly formal or exposition-heavy language.
The romance subplot is also somewhat predictable, with the love interest being introduced too late in the story to have a significant impact.
Overall, The Charlemagne Pursuit is a thrilling and informative read that is sure to appeal to fans of adventure and historical fiction. Its mix of fact and fiction, along with its fast-paced plot and memorable characters, make it a standout in its genre.
I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a smart and entertaining read.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.
