Rating:  Summary: Fast paced, authentic info..... Review: Just finished The Amber Room and enjoyed it very much. Liked the plot and thought it moved along at a good pace. Also enjoyed the authentic info that Berry included in his novel. Would highly recommend the book and I'm looking forward to his next one.
Rating:  Summary: Intriguing theme, poor execution Review: Karol "Ears" Borya had survived many months in the Mauthausen Concentration Camp during the Second World War. It was there that he first heard mention of The Amber Room, and after his release from the camp he went searching for the treasure. It was never found, however, and forty years later Borya is convinced that the past is behind him - until one day, he gets a visit from Christian Knoll, an "Acquisitor" interested in information about The Amber Room.Soon after, Borya is found dead, and it's up to his daughter and her ex-husband to undertake a dangerous trip to discover the secret of the long lost artifact. Add into the mix two very dangerous "Acquisitors" who will do anything to obtain the treasure for their employers, and you have the makings of a captivating thriller. Unfortunately, Steve Berry's debut novel reads like an unpolished first attempt. Full of plot inconsistencies, a great deal of repetition, one-dimensional, unengaging characters and descriptions better suited to a travelogue, THE AMBER ROOM is frustrating to read. None of the characters are in the least bit appealing, which results in complete apathy for the "climax" of the novel. The pace is slow throughout, and the plot lacks any real plot twists or unexpected surprises which are much needed in this otherwise bland work of fiction. What would have been an interesting non-fiction account of the disappearance of a precious artifact falls flat as an attempt at a mystery novel.
Rating:  Summary: Exciting First Novel Review: Mr. Berry has written a book that combines historical facts with a compelling storyline. His knowledge of the history of the Amber Room and the facts of the time has enabled him to write a thrilling story. I highly recommend this book and look forward to the next book from this first-time author.
Rating:  Summary: Great Read Review: My interest was piqued after seeing the Amber Room on the Today Show. I had never before heard of this great treasure. After reading Berry's book, I wonder if this treasure is still out there for someone to find. The book is well researched and filled with excitement and suspense. I read it the first night.
Rating:  Summary: Mystery lover Review: Online reviewer Amorae pretty much says it all, but I would add that the gratuitous sex scenes interrupt what plot Berry has going. The descriptions are predictable and banal and their inclusion seems counterproductive for the author if he wishes to reach a wide audience of male and famale mystery novel readers. The topic of The Amber Room is certainly intriguing, but it deserves a better mystery woven around its disappearance.
Rating:  Summary: a summer mystery thriller Review: Rachel Cutler had a lot going for her :two great kids ,a loving father, and an Atlanta judgeship.Rachel also had a well developed sense of curiosity .When her father dies under suspicious circumstances she heads to Munich hoping to discover secrets in his past that may have led to his death. Rachel learns that her father is one of the few men in the world who has knowledge of a fantastic lost treasure known as the Amber Room.Unfortunately for Rachel two ruthless adversaries, Cristian Knoll and Suzanne Danzer,are also after the room, Rachel and each other.Christian tries to make love to Rachel and then kill her while Suzanne takes aim on Christian.In the process Dana Chapaev, an old freind of Rachels father turns up dead.What has Rachel gotten herself into and should she turn back? Paul ,Rachels ex husband follows her to Germany.Soon Rachel and Paul are in hot pursuit of the Amber Room with treachery and murder stalking their path.They run into a American treasure hunter named Wayland Mckoy who offers to help.But help whom?Piece by piece the Cutlers are drawn into a search for the truth that fast becomes a tale of greed ,lust, and death with more twists then a pretzel.In the end the Cutlers find themselves involved in a desperate struggle to save their own lives and salvage their marriage. Will they survive? A deeply compelling story of buried treasure , hidden love,and the good and evil which motivate men set against the indelible background of a fascinating treasure hunt.Art History breathes on the pages and the prose races forward like a beating pulse.The amber room is a mystery lovers dream.
Rating:  Summary: a summer mystery thriller Review: Rachel Cutler had a lot going for her :two great kids ,a loving father, and an Atlanta judgeship.Rachel also had a well developed sense of curiosity .When her father dies under suspicious circumstances she heads to Munich hoping to discover secrets in his past that may have led to his death. Rachel learns that her father is one of the few men in the world who has knowledge of a fantastic lost treasure known as the Amber Room.Unfortunately for Rachel two ruthless adversaries, Cristian Knoll and Suzanne Danzer,are also after the room, Rachel and each other.Christian tries to make love to Rachel and then kill her while Suzanne takes aim on Christian.In the process Dana Chapaev, an old freind of Rachels father turns up dead.What has Rachel gotten herself into and should she turn back? Paul ,Rachels ex husband follows her to Germany.Soon Rachel and Paul are in hot pursuit of the Amber Room with treachery and murder stalking their path.They run into a American treasure hunter named Wayland Mckoy who offers to help.But help whom?Piece by piece the Cutlers are drawn into a search for the truth that fast becomes a tale of greed ,lust, and death with more twists then a pretzel.In the end the Cutlers find themselves involved in a desperate struggle to save their own lives and salvage their marriage. Will they survive? A deeply compelling story of buried treasure , hidden love,and the good and evil which motivate men set against the indelible background of a fascinating treasure hunt.Art History breathes on the pages and the prose races forward like a beating pulse.The amber room is a mystery lovers dream.
Rating:  Summary: 4 1/2 stars Review: See storyline above. This being Steve Berry's first novel, I think he did a fine job. A well researched story about the Amber Room along with an illuminating look at the world of treasure hunters and lost treasures makes for interesting reading. It also makes a good thriller. Don't expect a Dan Brown novel just because he wrote a positive blurb. Though not as riveting as some, this novel kept me entertained. I will read his next novel knowing it will be as good or better than the first. Recommended.
Rating:  Summary: Wow!! What a book. Review: Starts off with a bang and just gets better and better. Great plot, super subject, fascinating characters. The kind of story that will keep you awake at night wanting to know what happens next. I highly recommend it.
Rating:  Summary: Terrific New Author Review: Steve Berry has written an excellent debut novel that rivals Grisham's, Patterson's and Clancy's thrillers. His presentation of the historical aspects included in the novel leaves the reader hurriedly turning to the next page. I found the knowledge of the Amber Room fascinating. This was a part of history that I was not familiar with. It is hard to believe that Berry has never been published before. I can't wait for his next book to be released.
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