The Emperor's Tomb

By: Steve Berry

Narrated by: Scott Brick

The tomb of China’s First Emperor, guarded by an underground army of terra-cotta warriors, has remained sealed for more than 2,000 years. Though it’s regarded as one of the greatest archaeological sites in the world, the Chinese government won’t allow anyone to open it. Why?

That question is at the heart of a dilemma faced by former Justice Department operative Cotton Malone, whose life is shattered when he receives an anonymous note carrying an unfamiliar Web address. Logging on, he sees Cassiopeia Vitt, a woman who’s saved his life more than once, being tortured at the hands of a mysterious man who has a single demand: Bring me the artifact she’s asked you to keep safe. The only problem is, Malone doesn’t have a clue what the man is talking about, since Cassiopeia has left nothing with him. So begins Malone’s most harrowing adventure to date—one that offers up astounding historical revelations, pits him against a ruthless ancient brotherhood, and sends him from Denmark to Belgium to Vietnam then on to China, a vast and mysterious land where danger lurks at every turn.

Critic reviews

Praise for the novels of Steve Berry

“Sexy, illuminating . . . my kind of thriller.” —Dan Brown, on The Amber Room

“Steve Berry gets better and better with each new book.”—The Huffington Post, on The Paris Vendetta

“Pure intrigue, pure fun.”—Clive Cussler, on The Amber Room

“Controversial, shocking, explosive.”—Katherine Neville, on The Third Secret

“Perfect for thriller fans and history buffs alike.” —David Morrell, on The Romanov Prophecy

“[An] amazing blend of suspense and history . . . [Readers] cannot go wrong with Cotton Malone.”—Library Journal, on The Charlemagne Pursuit

Fascinating Ride!

A great combination of Chinese history, present Chinese political environment AND usual Cotton Malone/Casiopia Whitt action. Anyone up-to-date with current events knows that the China's need for oil outpaces even that of the US. This book's premise is current and thought-provoking while entertaining with the usual "will they make it" (although you know they will) tension. That said, this isn't really the book to start with in the Cotton Malone series. Steve Berry's earlier books set the stage so I'd recommend buying his first book and then following them sequentially. Highly entertaining and I would definitely recommend.

Enjoyed the History

I enjoyed the historical parts of this book, and the story was ok, but I was very disappointed in the ending. I felt that after the build up the ending was flat. The history woven into the story was the best part of this book. The love story part was just sad. It's an ok listen for a long drive or if its on sale.

I always learn!

I love the Cotton Malone series. The stories unfold in unusual ways. My favorite thread is the reality & history spun throughout. I also treasure the author’s notes. Thank you.

Another truly excellent thrill ride into history

Aside from the deep submersion into historical events and theories, Berry's epilogues are worth listening to. He (at least on more recent books) separates historical fact from his fiction, and describes --almost footnotes--how he derived the theories and story line. He was truthful about never having been to China when he wrote this book, which is evidence of his comprehensive research of history and detail. His books are more than a good read; they are a fascinating study of the historical details and events we only touched on in school, and up to this point, weren't memorable. He makes them memorable, by giving credible life to historical figures and events. I am reading his books in reverse chronology, as I got "hooked" with one of the current ones. I find myself eagerly awaiting the epilogue at the conclusion, and being disappointed that the older books don't "set the record straight". So far, they are all excellent reads and learning experiences.

An OK mystery novel and history lesson.

Not a bad mystery novel. It was definitely a history lesson and since I'm a bit of a history buff enjoyed the history lesson. It isn't a page turner but was interesting. The author's comments at the end of the book was very informative. It was well written and Scott Brick did a great job of narration.