The Machiavelli Covenant

I could not read fast enough. It grabs you and puts you right in the middle. This was right along the lines of Angels & Demons and Da Vinci Code; a book you just don't want to stop reading. I found it very interesting that I could look up the locations in which are referred to in the book and get a better visualization of the images so brilliantly written of throughout the novel. This made the book that much more intense! It is a must read!

"The Day After Tomorrow" is one of my all-time favorite novels and one I recommend constantly. So I had extremely high hopes when I stumbled upon "The Machiavelli Covenant," and it did not disappoint! [I had not read "The Exile" but it did't interfere with my enjoyment or understanding of this book.] I am so confused by the negative reviews of this book, since I thought it was supurb from start to finish - a carefully and intricately woven plot with twists and turns throughout the novel and an entirely suspenseful and intriguing tale of possible worldwide terrorism, the likes of which we have never experienced. I thought the subject matter was timely and fascinating...the possibility of an oranization so far-reaching and powerful as to have the ability to take down entire civilizations at its whim and for its advantage. Mr. Folsom is a brillant writer and I can't recommend this book highly enough for those interested in this type of fiction. If you like Ludlum, David Baldacci, Nelson DeMille, Dan Brown, etc., you will love this! I truly hope there is a sequel coming soon, because I can't get this book out of my mind an am not prepared to let these characters go!

I've been anxiously awaiting another Folsom book since I finished The Exile days after it was released. Machiavelli Covenant didn't disappoint - the same type of action packed, page-turning suspense that I had been waiting for. Just like I did when reading my first Folsom book, The Day After Tomorrow, I've been awake late and up early just to keep reading. Friends? Coworkers? If they're not talking about this book, they can wait until I'm done.

This was an entertaining action novel starring an ex-LAPD cop named Marten who is summoned to the bedside of a dying girlfriend. When the girlfriend claims she was deliberately poisoned Marten begins to look for the killer uncovering a conspiracy which dates back hundreds of years. This was an entertaining novel in the spirit of the DaVinci code. I did think the ending was a *bit* over-the-top especially when the main characters are down in the abandoned mines. I also felt the Secret service was portrayed as blisteringly incompetent and Marten a tad super-human. Overall good, and an excellent setup for a sequel. This was a fast, furious novel sure to delight fans of Ludlum or other thriller novels.

Almost a year ago now I was browsing in the local public library during my lunch break looking for a new author to add to my cadre of favorites. Allan Folsom's book, "The Exile" jumped out at me so I pulled it from the shelf for a few minutes perusal. I quickly decided that it looked like it would be a good read, so I brought it home. WOW! It turned out to be one of those books you just do NOT want to put down. I read it in short order and went right back to the library for another Folsom read. That was followed by the third and final book. Now what do I read?! HaHa Thankfully I discovered authors, Barry Eisler and Lee Child! Last summer I discovered that book #4 was due out the end of the year, and that it would be another book featuring, John Barron, aka Nicholas Marten. Needless to say I pre-ordered "The Machiavelli Covenant". It arrived a week or so ago and I just finished reading it. Like Allan's other books I had an extremely hard time putting it down. "The Machiavelli Covenant" is a real edge of your seat, hard to put down page turner of a thriller, one that I would HIGHLY recommend. Read, "The Exile" first though, so that you can be properly introduced to the hero, Nicholas Marten. Thank you Mr. Folsom!! That we will again encounter Nicholas Marten was obvious by the book's ending. The burning question is; How long before we do?!! Not long I hope. Daniel J. North