Crossroads of Empire

by Michael J. Cooper

Winner of the CIBA 2023 First Place for Hemingway Prize-Wartime Fiction

The story of Evan Sinclair that began in Wages of Empire continues in Crossroads of Empire. Having survived German artillery, poison gas, and friendly fire in helping to turn the tide of the war in its first months, Evan barely survives his hospital ship's sinking by a German U-boat. Left with amnesia, he no longer remembers who he is. Likewise, Evan doesn't recall that, despite the European war, the true source of conflict is in Ottoman Palestine, since it's from Jerusalem's Temple Mount that Kaiser Wilhelm II dreams to rule as Holy Roman Emperor over Arabian oil reserves and the Suez Canal. The Middle East Front soon explodes with pitched battles at Suez and Gallipoli as Evan's story is interwoven with those of historical figures Gertrude Bell, T. E. Lawrence, Winston Churchill, Faisal bin Hussein, and Chaim Weizmann. During his quest to recover his memory Evan will discover far more: love for his father, grief for his late mother, and hidden secrets of his bloodline-an unbroken lineage that stretches back to the Crusades and will determine his future role in the Great War.

368 pages, Paperback

Published November 19, 2024

Reviews

[Arthur Saunders · Rating 5 out of 5]

Michael J. Cooper’s Crossroads of Empire is a sweeping tale that brilliantly captures the human side of World War I. Through the eyes of Evan Sinclair, readers experience the moral dilemmas, camaraderie, and intense personal losses that define this era. Cooper’s writing brings every scene vividly to life, from the war-torn landscapes of Europe to the culturally rich settings of the Middle East. The historical context is so well-researched, it feels as if you’re stepping back in time. This is a book that not only entertains but leaves you reflecting on the complexities of history and humanity long after you’ve turned the last page.

[Declan Barnett · Rating 5 out of 5]

An enthralling mix of history and adventure, Crossroads of Empire explores themes of loyalty, duty, and the search for identity in a world at war. Cooper's storytelling is immersive and cinematic, with Evan Sinclair’s journey pulling readers through epic battle scenes, political intrigue, and deeply emotional family struggles. The novel’s rich cast of characters includes both historical figures and fictional heroes, making it a compelling read for anyone interested in the personal stories woven into world events. This book is as educational as it is entertaining, a must-read for historical fiction enthusiasts.

[Sydney Witbeck · Rating 2 out of 5]

2 ★ // 2❤︎ – Not My Thing

I wanted to like this book, I really did. It's historical fiction set during WW1, it has an amazing cover, it has a MC with amnesia...what's not to love? *sighs* I just have mixed feelings about this book, but let's get right into it...

BOOKISH YAYS:
As you can see from the fact that this book did, in fact, earn some stars, there were obviously some good things.

*Evan Sinclair - our main character with amnesia. I loved his character arc. I can't imagine waking up and having all your memories completely wiped out, and I feel like the author portrayed this in a realistic way (until the end, but more on that later)

*extremely thorough research. If I am going to read a historical-fiction novel, I prefer it to be accurate :)

*Harry! He was only in a few chapters, but he felt like one of the most (aside from Evan) fleshed out and well-rounded characters. Also, he delivered most of his dialogue with perfect timing and a lot of comedic gold (I mean, here is how he is introduced to the MC: “Call me James Francis Harry St. Clair-Erskine, fifth earl of Rosslyn.” He burst out laughing. “Or just call me Harry.”) He definitely had some flaws tho (mostly gambling, mentions of divorce - although they remarried again later, and says Evan shouldn't read Arabian Nights because it's "risque and has smut." That's all the detail we're given, but if you know Arabian Nights...not the Disney Version of Aladdin but the actual Arabian Nights stories...

*several characters pray to God and there are hymns sung which I loved!

BOOKISH OKAYS:

*There were some typos and grammar errors that threw me off.

*The military history part was confusing to me (probably because I don't know a lot about military history) but it felt like a bit of an "info-dump" at times

BOOKISH NAYS: (in which we see why stars were deducted)

*The head-hopping. And I don't mean that in the usual sense of within chapters or scenes, but that every single chapter is a told from the perspective of an entirely new character. Although the back cover synopsis of this book made it sound like this would be Evan’s journey we would be reading about, his story didn’t feature in very many chapters. Each chapter skips to another character, and for a while, the reader doesn’t know who any of these characters are, why they matter, or how their stories are connected. Even when we see the pieces fall into place, the story pacing still feels very spasmodic. I continued reading until the end, but I felt very confused throughout. I also kept waiting for another chapter from Evan’s POV but his story didn’t seem as important to the author when it comes to the amount of pages Evan has compared to other characters.

*SWEARING. A big no-no for me. Now for some reason a lot of English novels say d**n (including classics like Scarlet Pimpernel, Pride & Prejudice, and A Tale of Two Cities) but this felt over the top. Like do we have to say it every other page? And then they throw in two uses of four letter words which I'm not saying even with asterisks. It made me sad because I could have really enjoyed this book, and I'm almost at the end and they hit me with those words. Can we just normalize saying Dang or Oh my stars instead??

*There is a letter (again, almost at the end of the book) written by this journalist woman to her lover, urging him to get a divorce. There are also several kind of suggestive words/phrases. Needless to say, yours truly skipped reading the letter and just picked up at the next chapter. Is that letter ever mentioned again? Nope. Does it feel necessary to the plot? Nope again.

*mentions of people being clairvoyant and being able to read/see things other people can't

*At the end, Evan goes to Gypsies to help "heal" him. He drinks their special tea, eats some kind of dried mushrooms and is taken to a cave. There he "sees" the ghost - I guess? was he hallucinating from those mushrooms? - of William Wallace who says "he has always been there with Evan." And then Evan gets his memory back after that experience. A) Didn't feel realistic when compared with the accurately researched portions of the rest of the book B) I wanted to read his-fic not a ghost story and last but not least C) GOD is the One Who is with us always, not a legendary person from the past, no matter how great of a Christian they were

I wish that I could have given this book a more positive review. The premise was intriguing – I love the “amnesia trope” in fiction. I sympathized with the main character and wish we could have spent more time with him. I love historical fiction, and I thought this one would be a winner :( Off to find another read....

I received a free copy of this book from Online Book Club in exchange for a voluntary review. I was not required to leave a positive review and all thoughts/opinions expressed are my own.

[Rey Maynard · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Crossroads of Empire" is a compelling historical journey set against the turbulent backdrop of World War I. Following young Evan Sinclair's struggles and bravery, the novel expertly weaves personal drama with the broader geopolitical tensions of the era, drawing readers into the conflicts and alliances shaping the early 20th century. Michael J. Cooper’s attention to historical detail breathes life into a vivid array of settings, from Europe to the Middle East, as Evan navigates loyalty, family duty, and the harrowing realities of war. The story skillfully integrates historical figures and events, making it both educational and deeply immersive. Fans of historical fiction will appreciate this well-researched and beautifully written tale that resonates with timeless themes of courage, identity, and resilience.

[Carol Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mystery, romance, adventure and tension are the building blocks of this great story. You are rooting for Evan to overcome his amnesia and regain his place in the world. You are struggling along with his dad to find his son while fulfilling his duties in the War Office. You meet the woman leader of the American Colony in Jerusalem and see the world war as it plays out in the middle east. A cast of characters acts and interacts to survive and build for a future in the middle east when the war is over. Lawrence of Arabia enters the story and his fit for the future of the region. I did receive a free copy of this book from The Niche Reader and will definitely look for more works from this author!

[RjS · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well-researched, vivid and entertaining historical novel. Sweeping and complex but with the emphasis on human experience. I love this author’s writing and vision.

I received a free copy of this book via The Niche Reader.

[Book Reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Crossroads of Empire dives into the tumultuous waters of World War I, presenting a thrilling narrative enriched by a blend of historical and fictional characters. The story follows Evan Sinclair, a young man thrust into the global conflict, whose journey from France to the strategic depths of the Middle East unveils a panorama of espionage, imperial ambitions, and the cultural crossroads that define the era. With the Middle East as a pivotal battleground for control over key resources like the Suez Canal and oil reserves, Cooper intricately maps the convergence of history and personal saga, underlining the lasting impact of wartime decisions on today’s geopolitical landscape.

Michael J. Cooper’s writing is compelling and richly detailed, offering a tapestry of scenes that bring early 20th-century conflicts vividly to life. His ability to intertwine factual historical events with the personal fates of both real and imagined characters allows the narrative to flow seamlessly between action and introspection. The portrayal of Kaiser Wilhelm II’s complex personality and his obsessions with Jerusalem provides a fascinating glimpse into the psyche of a ruler whose decisions shaped the course of history. The inclusion of characters like Aaron Aaronsohn and T.E. Lawrence adds layers of authenticity and intrigue, enhancing the novel’s exploration of loyalty, betrayal, and the harsh realities of war.

While the intricate descriptions of settings and historical context are generally a boon for the narrative’s richness, I think they can sometimes bog down the pacing, especially during crucial transitions between significant plot points. Nonetheless, Cooper’s fantastic character development ensures that readers remain engaged, rooting for individuals caught in the machinations of empires.

Crossroads of Empire is a blend of historical fiction and detailed storytelling that offers readers a window into a pivotal time in world history. Michael J. Cooper’s work is highly recommended for its educational value and its ability to entertain, making it a suitable read for both history buffs and fans of intricately plotted narratives.

[alfredo botello · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love historical fiction, and this is one of the best books I've read in that vein. I didn't know much about the struggle over the fate of Palestine during the First World War, but Cooper brilliantly nails it. He interweaves several storylines over several continents to paint a world that is distant from our own, and at the same time recognizable. One hundred plus years later the issues feel very relevant, and the characters are true and engaging. There are historical Easter eggs to be found everywhere: T.E. Lawrence, Winston Churchill, and Kaiser Wilhelm all make appearances, along with characters Cooper has rendered with love and smarts. Definitely epic in its scope, but also real and grounded in its characters. Very entertaining. Highly recommend.

[Richard Kravitz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just finished this second book in the series on the day Israel struck Iran's nuclear sites and it looks like war.

The book was a little slower in places. And I have reordered Oren Kessler's "1936" from the LIbrary to try and understand how the meeting between Weizmann and Faisal, in the book, became the mess in the Middle East we are seeing today.

I really like the fiction and non-fiction together and am trying to parse what is fact and what is fiction.