An interesting and intriguing read
587066
This book has some great stories that in fact teen girls could relate to and even older. A teen boy could also relate to these stories as well I believe. It is written very well. The illustrations pertain to the stories well. The illustrations are wonderful for the age intended to look at. I found it interesting and even learned some things. It was written in a way that was very easy for anyone to understand. I am glad I decided to check it out. I enjoyed it a lot. I recommend it and will recommend to family and friends as well. I am disclosing that I received this book for free in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.
4143228
I found this book to be quite fascinating and enjoyable to read. He offers  different opinions about where the Ark could be, then he settles on  Ethiopia. I commend him for the amount of research involved in writing a  book of this nature, but there are doubts to whether the Ark is actually in  Ethiopia. I also believed, as a previous reviewer stated, that he spent too  much time talking about the Knights Templar. However, I believe anyone who  has any interest in this topic, or simply enjoys a good detective story,  will enjoy reading this book.
1398172
An interesting and intriguing story that didn't get bogged down with too much detail.  While the outcome was never really in doubt, the fact that it was based on a true story made the characters and plot detail fascinating.  It was an enjoyable read.
346736
This book is pretty good and the story line is very interesting. I was pretty much captivated by the journey that these two different characters took and learning about them. I also liked how the author was able to give them a relationship and connect them. All in all, a very enjoyable book.
2330361
Interesting with a twist!  Well written and informative story line.  Good read.
3172331
The Emperor's Knife is a story about the diseased Cerani Empire, suffering from a blight as well as from conspiracies at the highest levels.

An affliction plagues the lands. Marks appear on the skin of the afflicted and spread until the entire body shows the pattern. A mystery surrounds the pattern. No one knows its origin or how to prevent it. It is feared that it serves some sinister purpose, masterminded by a hidden architect with unrighteous designs for the empire. Great measures are taken to protect the kingdom-- all marked persons are put to death. But what happens when Emperor Beyon himself shows the marks?

The Empire is also being decimated from within. The people who enjoy the Emperor's trust plot against him, wrapping self-interest with a cloak of concern for the future of the Empire. In truth, old resentments and ambition lie at the heart of the deceptions.

Three unsuspecting people are caught up in all the machinations. Sarmin, the Emperor's only surviving brother and successor, has been locked up most of his life purportedly for his own protection. He possesses powers he has yet to discover. Mesema, a woman from a faraway tribe, is on her way to Cerani to be a bride for Sarmin, political bartering at work. Despite the mercenary horsetrading, however, her intended union with Sarmin seems pre-ordained by her talents. Eyul is the Emperor's Knife or assassin whose loyalty to the crumbling empire engenders to find a way to save it.

Mazarkis Williams employs a restrained, deliberate pace. The first quarter of the book is steeped in mystery and suggestion. It indicates something magical and sinister but it doesn't quite tell you what it is. There is a decidedly mysterious tone permeating the whole of this book. This increases the intrigue factor and keeps you reading.

Most of the characters are fascinating and engrossing, carrying out their unique parts in this tale. It stalls a bit when it comes to some of the interpersonal, romantic relationships. Some suffer a bit from not having enough background while others seem to come to an abrupt halt. This is a double-edged sword-- the only reason to feel the lack of a foundation is because of great curiosity and interest in these relationships.

The magic system is intriguing and powerful. There are mages that have elemental powers. There is precognition and clairvoyance. The magic that surrounds the pattern is also very fascinating. I do wish I knew more about how it all works. It shows you much about what it can do, but not enough of its source and its inner workings.

It is in the political subterfuge and machinations where this tale is most particularly developed and absorbing. Events unfold slowly, always indicating an unknown grand design. But the seemingly isolated and disjointed events are painstakingly tied together. All the planning and plotting lead to a comprehensive and satisfying resolution.

The Emperor's Knife will be enjoyed by those who are fond of exotic settings. There are palaces, deserts, horse tribes. It also has many Middle Eastern elements. It is a world with harsh, old-world traditions-- the primacy of royal blood, male dominance, familial possessions, class distinctions. While there is sword and sorcery, this tale is more mystical and cerebral.

I am more than sufficiently intrigued to want to read the next book. I'm attracted to the tone and mood of this tale and can see a vast landscape within which it can proceed.
4102866
This was a fascinating book that I read through quickly. The characters were interesting but it was sometimes difficult to keep up with the minor ones. Sometimes the story got a little confusing. Also it was a little long.

Still a very interesting book.
841979
This novel held my interest not only for the story but also for the historic and cultural insights of Shanghai in the 1930's. The author weaves his Irish background into the novel in a very intricate manner that adds character to this intriguing story. This is truly and enjoyable read.
3814140
I chose this book for my book club to read.  It is an intriguing read.  At first you think you know where the story is going and then the author leads you in a different direction.  The author flashes back between era's and characters.  The book is well written and the characters are developed and interesting.  It is a captivating book and well worth your time.  It is on the best seller list for a reason.
2221116
A good read with a steady pace and intriguing plot lines. While you are given a few chapters in the main characters lives you wish that the book continued on to learn more about their lives after the closing page.  The book opened the reader to life in the urban midwest in the early 20th century.
2036764
I liked this book. It was intriguing to me. The characters and the story line kept my interest from beginning to end. You almost don't want to put it down until you know what happens next. I'm hoping for a sequel just to know what happens to the characters after the book ends.

Good read.
2622837
(I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a review).

(This review may contain spoilers).

This book was quite an intriguing one. The idea of a prince being exiled to a horrific place is an intriguing one, as is said prince's escape and how that experience changes him.

Since I hadn't met Andor before his time in the Gloaming, I only saw the effects the place had had on him. Although it was interesting to see the thought processes in his mind (and how his mindset worked after escaping the Gloaming).

It was really interesting to see the way Andor had to build up his allies and strength before he could challenge Tryst, but I felt the challenging past came across a bit rushed. I think it could have been extended a bit.

I quite liked Jon and Wren as characters, but I found myself questioning the decisions Andor made concerning them quite a lot, especially given how Tryst viewed Wren. I was expecting more subtle action and towards the end, it was less satisfactory than it should have been.

I think Tryst could have been an interesting character, if there had been many redeeming qualities to him. I glimpsed something at the end, but nothing that made me think redemption might be possible. Though it would be interesting to read the next book and see if that's proved me wrong.

I did like Andor as a character, too. I did, however, find myself quite confused by his relationship with Tryst and Ravien. I liked Ravien as a character, but I would have liked to see more of her mindset. By the end of the book, I still wasn't sure I really trusted or understood her motivations.

I didn't really like the constant switching between first and third person through this book. If the POV had to be changed, I would have preferred it to be in third person all the way through.

I did find this book to be quite well-written. I would like to read the next book that comes after this at some point in the future. It would be good to see how everything turns out and what happens next with the characters.
1125463
Fascinating and intricate and intriguing story.
3711624
This is a good read including local history and an interesting story. I found this book to be interesting and informative with a nice story to enjoy at the same time.
1956260
This book kept me interested as it weaved around a story that has always had my attention and curiosity and I didn't quite see the end coming.
3906868
A good read that kept me engaged
For the author's first novel I found it very engaging and an enjoyable read. The characters were interesting and easy to identify with and I liked following them on this journey. The author has created a very interesting world full of beautiful places and characters that I look forward to exploring further. I want to learn more about this world, it's history and what happens next.
4158692
This was a great read - I really enjoyed it. There are some interesting topics to ponder that are involved in the story. Highly recommended.