In 1886, Bavaria’s King Ludwig the 2nd mysteriously dies. History makes him out to be a “madman”, but it also shows that he had searched worldwide for a new kingdom away from Bavaria. However, no one knows if he succeeded.
In the present day, Cotton Malone has been called to assist his friend Luke Daniels, who has infiltrated a group in Bavaria intent on establishing Bavarian independence from Germany. According to this group there is a deed that proves Ludwig found his “last kingdom” and everyone from the United States to China wants that deed found.
I have read and own every Steve Berry book, as he is one of my favorite authors. I always love his use of history and how he manages to blend the fact and fiction together.
Since I started from the beginning with Cotton Malone, I have to say that his development as well as the joining of new characters is the reason why this series continues to do well. While Cassiopeia Vitt doesn’t make an appearance in this novel, Luke Daniels does. Normally around book 15 through 20, I feel that the characters are stuck on a loop. Same reactions to scenarios, same characters that they call. In this novel, we are given two familiar characters who follow different paths to the same conclusion. It's a wonderful blend of espionage spy work and a historical treasure scavenger hunt.
I won’t lie of one teeny tiny problem. Because the setting is about Bavaria and their historical monarchy, those characters tended to get confusing. Especially when there are three Ludwigs that are mentioned. However, this is a small issue and as long as you flip back occasionally to remind your brain of who is who, then you will be just fine.
I am excited for Steve Berry’s next book, The 9th Man, as it is set to follow Luke Daniels. Though I can’t help but wonder if this will mean Cotton will be retiring soon.
Overall, I rate this novel 5 out of 5 stars.
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