The Charlemagne Pursuit By Steve Berry

Steve Berry’s hero, Cotton Malone, has seen the Treasure of the Templar Knights, the library of Alexandria, the tomb of Alexander the Great and the Amber Room of Russia; now he is in pursuit of an ancient culture that predates recorded history and supposedly was much more advanced in science, mathematics, architecture and civics than any other civilization and had some influence on early man as he developed. Berry has used actual history and myths to tell the story of the hunt for the these people, called the “Ahnenerbe”, which began in Antarctica. The Americans, the Germans, The French and the Russians have followed clues and writings from artifacts discovered in Antarctica and much earlier when Otto III opened Charlemagne’s tomb 1200 years ago and supposedly discovered a book of containing writing unknown to any people.
The Germans, under Hitler, decided that the old "superior" race must be German and they wanted to prove their “Arian Race” theory. The Americans were heavily involved in the Cold War and if this old race had technology that would give them an advantage they wanted the secrets. Everything the United States did was cloaked in secrecy and there was rivalry between the politicians and branches of the Pentagon.
Even for Berry, the story surrounding the history is a bit far fetched; lots of thrilling action a bit of gratuitous sex,clearly defined good guys and bad guys and lots of geography. Berry really does his research. Best part for me was learning more about Otto III and Charlemagne by going on the internet. Reading about the accomplishments of the old race “the first civilization” and how references to such a people is found in Egypt, and other early cultures is certainly food for thought.
Good Berry novel!

The Venetian Betrayal By Steve Berry

Steve Berry takes us on a roller coaster adventure throughout Europe and Asia with the final destination - the tomb of Alexander the Great. Rare manuscripts, ancient parchments enhanced by x-ray technology, esoteric clues including symbols on medallions struck during Alexander The Great’s time provide the means of finding the elusive final burial place. The story has a lot of interesting history about Alexander’s time, the countries he conquered, the people he surrounded himself with and gives insight into the vision of this remarkable man.
There is a strong subplot relating to a notorious woman, leader of a new and powerful nation created by combining former Soviet nations into "The Central Asian Federation". The woman, Zorina Zovastina who is the Supreme Minister of the former countries of Kazakhstan, Uzebekistan, and Turkmenistan has a plan to conquer more land using biological weapons she secretly developed.
Another subplot relates back to Alexander’s personal physician who supposedly had a "miracle potion" that according to history was able to cure certain diseases. Alexander was supposed to have killed the man in anger because he failed to use the cure on Alexander’s closest advisor and lover, Hephaestion. A major character in the novel who is an associate of Zorina has discovered the source but has withheld the cure from the world preferring to wait until Zorina’s plans come to fruition.
Exciting climax I, really, enjoy Steve Berry novels - be sure to read his notes where he separates fact from fiction.

The Alexandria Link By Steve Berry

I always look forward to this creative and prolific author. His novels are well researched and dripping with intrigue. For centuries, guardians have held and passed on the secret location of the "Library of Alexandria". Each generation, one of the guardians tries to find a person who seeks knowledge and who will use any knowledge he gains from the library to do good for humanity. A cartel of wealthy individuals are looking for the knowledge that will give them control of the middle East and also challenge the three major religions. The information and the documentation is located in the library; there is a race between the good guys and the bad ones to find the library. Good characters some nice puzzles and a great adventure. Also, an interesting idea of the actual location of the Israel of the old testament and some major tinkering of the gospels by the early church leaders.

Steve Berry, Author

Steve Berry is an interesting author; he writes what I call "historical mystery puzzle quests". He is well traveled and does excellent research; he mixes history, fiction and his own invention into great adventures.

"The Amber Room"

An 11 foot square hall walled in Amber; a present from Prussia to Peter the Great in Russia. It disappeared in 1941. A treasure of a treasure hunt and a real thriller; moves fast and was well researched.

"The Romanov Prophecy"

Mystery and history. Can or should Russia return to a monarchy? Is there a living descendant of Nicholas 2nd ? Well written and researched. Intrigue....

""The Third Secret"

The Lady of Fatima passed on a message to three peasant girls that contained three secrets, the third of which was supposed to have considerable bearing on church doctrine and it was suppressed. The novel searches for the third secret.

"The Alexandria Link"

Over the centuries, the guardians of the secrets and the location of the Library of Alexandria have chosen a successor to hold the secrets. Various people are given esoteric clues and are severely tested as they attempt to prove their worth and find the fabled library.

Berry puts together some thought provoking tales. I am surprised that he is not as well known as Dan Brown, he should be.