August 1, 2004
With this second Russian suspense novel, which focuses on the restoration of the Romanov dynasty, Berry shows he's honed his craft since his somewhat shaky debut, The Amber Room (2003). Miles Lord, a workaholic African-American lawyer from Atlanta, is in Moscow to help Stefan Baklanov, the Romanov claimant his high-powered firm is backing. Since the new tsar will reign as an autocrat like his ancestors, both big rubles and big bucks are at stake--not to mention access to nuclear weapons. Lord soon discerns that Baklanov is corrupt, a tool of the mafiya. While digging through old files on the Russian Revolution, Lord comes to believe Baklanov is the "raven" Rasputin predicted would help save the royal house in 1916. Teaming with a beautiful acrobat, Akilina Petrov of the Moscow Circus, Lord attempts to discover whether any children of Nicholas II escaped Lenin's executioners. A series of exotic clues propel the pair on an international scavenger hunt. Berry uses Russia--past and present--to excellent effect and makes sharp observations about the contemporary Russian scene, such as the racism Lord encounters throughout the country. The book's villain needs a bit more development, but this doesn't detract much from a solid tale a cut above--and then some--many thrillers on the market. Agent, Pam Ahearn. Author tour.
May 1, 2004
Like his debut, The Amber Room, this thriller by Atlanta lawyer Berry is set in Russia. When the Russian people elect to bring back the tsar, Atlanta lawyer Miles Lord goes to Moscow to help vet a candidate--and finds himself getting shot at for his troubles.
Copyright 2004 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
August 9, 2004
With this second Russian suspense novel, which focuses on the restoration of the Romanov dynasty, Berry shows he's honed his craft since his somewhat shaky debut, The Amber Room
(2003). Miles Lord, a workaholic African-American lawyer from Atlanta, is in Moscow to help Stefan Baklanov, the Romanov claimant his high-powered firm is backing. Since the new tsar will reign as an autocrat like his ancestors, both big rubles and big bucks are at stake—not to mention access to nuclear weapons. Lord soon discerns that Baklanov is corrupt, a tool of the mafiya
. While digging through old files on the Russian Revolution, Lord comes to believe Baklanov is the "raven" Rasputin predicted would help save the royal house in 1916. Teaming with a beautiful acrobat, Akilina Petrov of the Moscow Circus, Lord attempts to discover whether any children of Nicholas II escaped Lenin's executioners. A series of exotic clues propel the pair on an international scavenger hunt. Berry uses Russia—past and present—to excellent effect and makes sharp observations about the contemporary Russian scene, such as the racism Lord encounters throughout the country. The book's villain needs a bit more development, but this doesn't detract much from a solid tale a cut above—and then some—many thrillers on the market. Agent, Pam Ahearn. Author tour.
July 1, 2004
In his accomplished second thriller (after The Amber Room), Berry turns to another great historical mystery-the 1918 murder of Nicholas II and his family-skillfully blending fact with a contemporary tale of conspiracy. After the fall of communism, the Russian people have voted to restore the monarchy. Miles Lord, a black lawyer from Atlanta, has been hired by a mysterious cabal to pave the way for Stefan Baklanov, a Romanov by birth. When Lord discovers documents hinting at the survival of two of Nicholas's children, he finds himself marked for death and on the run. Accompanied by a circus performer, Akilina (the "Eagle"), Lord follows a series of clues as he attempts to unravel one of Rasputin's last prophecies, in which Lord himself now plays a crucial role as "the Raven." Exciting action, an engrossing puzzle, and atmospheric settings make this a great read. Highly recommended for all public libraries. [See Prepub Alert, LJ 5/1/04.]-Ronnie H. Terpening, Univ. of Arizona, Tucson
Copyright 2004 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.