2008 Woodie Awards
"Da Vinci Code" fans will enjoy "The Venetian Betrayal"
Timothy Baghurst
Issue date: 10/22/07 Section: Life & Style
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"The Venetian Betrayal" by Steve Berry (Ballantine, $25.95)
In the "Venetian Betrayal," by Steve Berry, the story begins in 323 B.C., while Alexander is conquering all that is before him. But suddenly, without warning, he falls deathly ill to a mysterious disease. Although a cure exists, it is unavailable and the great Alexander dies. There is a furor over his body, as whoever possesses it is likely to command greater power. However, in the chaos, his body goes missing. Whoever could uncover his body would possess power and prestige greater than they could ever imagine.
Switch to the current time (actually the near future), and ex-U.S. Justice Department agent Cotton Malone is called by friend Cassiopeia Vitt to a nearby museum. However, when he enters he is knocked unconscious and trapped inside the burning building. He manages to escape and, with the aid of more than one person of power, begins to hunt down the arsonists and the intentions behind the fire.
Malone's inquiries reveal a quest on multiple levels. A new power has emerged in the former Soviet Republics and Supreme Minister Irina Zovastina wants the power that such a find can give her. Meanwhile, as an aside, she is preparing a variety of chemical weapons to assist in her expansion. In a race against time, Malone and Vitt must race across the globe to halt the devious schemes of Zovastina to unlock one of the greatest mysteries yet to be uncovered.
Unfortunately, reviews do not always do a book justice and this review is no exception. Much more detail is included in the book concerning topics such as the cure for AIDS, the Venetian league, and the tomb of St. Mark. Berry has adeptly managed to weave a variety of characters and an intriguing plot into a highly entertaining read. Readers who enjoyed Dan Brown's "The Da Vinci Code" will certainly enjoy this one. The book will be available at the cover price from the UA Bookstore after the publication date of Dec. 11.
In the "Venetian Betrayal," by Steve Berry, the story begins in 323 B.C., while Alexander is conquering all that is before him. But suddenly, without warning, he falls deathly ill to a mysterious disease. Although a cure exists, it is unavailable and the great Alexander dies. There is a furor over his body, as whoever possesses it is likely to command greater power. However, in the chaos, his body goes missing. Whoever could uncover his body would possess power and prestige greater than they could ever imagine.
Switch to the current time (actually the near future), and ex-U.S. Justice Department agent Cotton Malone is called by friend Cassiopeia Vitt to a nearby museum. However, when he enters he is knocked unconscious and trapped inside the burning building. He manages to escape and, with the aid of more than one person of power, begins to hunt down the arsonists and the intentions behind the fire.
Malone's inquiries reveal a quest on multiple levels. A new power has emerged in the former Soviet Republics and Supreme Minister Irina Zovastina wants the power that such a find can give her. Meanwhile, as an aside, she is preparing a variety of chemical weapons to assist in her expansion. In a race against time, Malone and Vitt must race across the globe to halt the devious schemes of Zovastina to unlock one of the greatest mysteries yet to be uncovered.
Unfortunately, reviews do not always do a book justice and this review is no exception. Much more detail is included in the book concerning topics such as the cure for AIDS, the Venetian league, and the tomb of St. Mark. Berry has adeptly managed to weave a variety of characters and an intriguing plot into a highly entertaining read. Readers who enjoyed Dan Brown's "The Da Vinci Code" will certainly enjoy this one. The book will be available at the cover price from the UA Bookstore after the publication date of Dec. 11.
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