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The Tyrant #1
The Seven Sins: The Tyrant Ascending
To Dream...To Dare..To Win...
The ancient motto, inscribed in Latin on a mysterious golden medallion, recovered from the ruins of the Roman Empire, has guided Michael Tiranno to heights few men have achieved. Once an orphaned farm boy in his native Sicily, Michael made millions by mastering the intricate world of high finance, and is now the fabulously wealthy owner of Las Vegas' The Seven Sins, the grandest and most extravagant casino in the world. The lavish resort embodies the personal philosophy fueled by his lust for the greater the risk, the greater the reward.
But he also has secrets, secrets that he and Naomi Burns, his driven corporate attorney and confidante, have gone to great lengths to bury. When an enemy from the past threatens to undermine everything he has built, his dark history must now be uncovered. Together, they must tear open painful scars in Michael’s heart and soul to discover the true identity of their unknown foe—before all of Las Vegas pays the price for Michael Tiranno’s realized dreams.
The Seven Sins is a globe-spanning saga of one man's spectacular rise from rags to riches, the sins that brought him there, and the insidious vendetta that may cost him everything.
The ancient motto, inscribed in Latin on a mysterious golden medallion, recovered from the ruins of the Roman Empire, has guided Michael Tiranno to heights few men have achieved. Once an orphaned farm boy in his native Sicily, Michael made millions by mastering the intricate world of high finance, and is now the fabulously wealthy owner of Las Vegas' The Seven Sins, the grandest and most extravagant casino in the world. The lavish resort embodies the personal philosophy fueled by his lust for the greater the risk, the greater the reward.
But he also has secrets, secrets that he and Naomi Burns, his driven corporate attorney and confidante, have gone to great lengths to bury. When an enemy from the past threatens to undermine everything he has built, his dark history must now be uncovered. Together, they must tear open painful scars in Michael’s heart and soul to discover the true identity of their unknown foe—before all of Las Vegas pays the price for Michael Tiranno’s realized dreams.
The Seven Sins is a globe-spanning saga of one man's spectacular rise from rags to riches, the sins that brought him there, and the insidious vendetta that may cost him everything.
368 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2007
31 people are currently reading
165 people want to read
About the author
Jon Land
139 books409 followersJon Land is an American author of thriller novels and a screenwriter. He graduated from Brown University in 1979 Phi Beta Kappa and Magna cum Laude. He often bases his novels and scripts on extensive travel and research as well as a twenty-five year career in martial arts. He is an associate member of the US Special Forces and is an emeritus board member the International Thriller Writers. John currently lives in Providence, Rhode Island.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
June 18, 2015
I'm giving this 2 stars simply because I finished the entire book, although it was close. It's a shame. There was a great plot & it was built up nicely. It was full of twists & a really interesting history. Unfortunately, there were a lot of problems in the execution.
There were over 100 chapters, each titled by place & time. That would have been OK if he hadn't randomly created chapters. Often, in the same time, place, & action, there was suddenly a new chapter. Why? It was just disruptive. Otherwise, the chaptering was kind of cool because the past was slowly filled in to bring us up to date & tie in the present events. Unfortunately, he used that as an excuse to get repetitious. He'd mention things that happened 10 years ago in one chapter & then again in a couple of chapters later in the present. Yuck. It was 10 years ago in the story, but only 10 minutes in my life. No need to tell me again.
The characters held a lot of promise.
- There were maybe a dozen main ones, enough to keep the threads twisting, but not too many too lose track of. Perfect!
- They all had believable, interesting backgrounds. Even better!
- The main character was especially interesting. Far from perfect & more than a bit hypocritical, he was still someone to envy. He made it from rags to riches through some luck, intelligence, & plenty of daring. Best of all!
- Like all the rest, he remained more of a caricature rather than a living being, though.
I am not sure how the author managed that - almost a reverse talent. It is seriously mind boggling.
Up to the halfway mark (maybe as far as 3/4) the book showed a lot of promise, but it failed to deliver. Part of that failing was because the answers to the big questions became obvious, so I had to wait for the story to get around to telling me & there were no surprises.
There was a lot of action & some was well done, but all the past scenes were told in a lifeless past tense, almost a synopsis. The present day stuff was usually OK, if it wasn't silly. That happened a lot toward the end. The basic idea of who did what & who was who was OK, it was just how it actually played out that sucked.
I don't understand how the final major deal was supposed to work. Raven & the briefcase was so stupid in every aspect, including the internal logic of the story, that I'm surprised it was allowed in print. Actually, none of the final scenes worked for me beyond ending the story. It was high time for that.
At a glance, it looks as if this author started writing (mostly series?) in the mid 80s. This is a standalone published in 2007, so the author had 2 decades of experience. Is he just getting tired or something? I'd be interested in knowing if it is just an odd, bad effort. In that case, I might try another. Otherwise, I'll steer clear of all his works from now on. Reminds me of the last Clive Cussler book I started to read, Atlantis Found, or those awful Jack Reacher books.
There were over 100 chapters, each titled by place & time. That would have been OK if he hadn't randomly created chapters. Often, in the same time, place, & action, there was suddenly a new chapter. Why? It was just disruptive. Otherwise, the chaptering was kind of cool because the past was slowly filled in to bring us up to date & tie in the present events. Unfortunately, he used that as an excuse to get repetitious. He'd mention things that happened 10 years ago in one chapter & then again in a couple of chapters later in the present. Yuck. It was 10 years ago in the story, but only 10 minutes in my life. No need to tell me again.
The characters held a lot of promise.
- There were maybe a dozen main ones, enough to keep the threads twisting, but not too many too lose track of. Perfect!
- They all had believable, interesting backgrounds. Even better!
- The main character was especially interesting. Far from perfect & more than a bit hypocritical, he was still someone to envy. He made it from rags to riches through some luck, intelligence, & plenty of daring. Best of all!
- Like all the rest, he remained more of a caricature rather than a living being, though.
I am not sure how the author managed that - almost a reverse talent. It is seriously mind boggling.
Up to the halfway mark (maybe as far as 3/4) the book showed a lot of promise, but it failed to deliver. Part of that failing was because the answers to the big questions became obvious, so I had to wait for the story to get around to telling me & there were no surprises.
There was a lot of action & some was well done, but all the past scenes were told in a lifeless past tense, almost a synopsis. The present day stuff was usually OK, if it wasn't silly. That happened a lot toward the end. The basic idea of who did what & who was who was OK, it was just how it actually played out that sucked.
I don't understand how the final major deal was supposed to work. Raven & the briefcase was so stupid in every aspect, including the internal logic of the story, that I'm surprised it was allowed in print. Actually, none of the final scenes worked for me beyond ending the story. It was high time for that.
At a glance, it looks as if this author started writing (mostly series?) in the mid 80s. This is a standalone published in 2007, so the author had 2 decades of experience. Is he just getting tired or something? I'd be interested in knowing if it is just an odd, bad effort. In that case, I might try another. Otherwise, I'll steer clear of all his works from now on. Reminds me of the last Clive Cussler book I started to read, Atlantis Found, or those awful Jack Reacher books.
March 10, 2015
When I read The Seven Sins years ago I hoped Jon Land would bring Michael "The Tyrant" Tiranno back in another adventure. Now he has done just that with his new thriller, Black Scorpion.
Tiranno saved Las Vegas from terrorists a few years ago, and now he is back to battle an evil organization of human traffickers called Black Scorpion based in Eastern Europe. It's leader, Vladimir Dracu, is targeting Tiranno and his the love of his life, archaeologist Scarlett Swan.
Even more exciting, Hollywood has discovered Jon's remarkable talent and a major feature film is in production featuring Michael Tiranno, the Tyrant, based on Black Scorpion and The Seven Sins!
Jon Land is one of my favorite authors and I eagerly await each and every novel he writes! His rare ability to develop believable characters who just jump off the page always amazes me. And his stories are fantastic! If you're a Jon Land fan you will love this one. If you haven't discovered this wonderful author yet, pick up a copy of Black Scorpion - or any of Jon's other titles - and be swept away into a wild adventure that you won't soon forget.
Tiranno saved Las Vegas from terrorists a few years ago, and now he is back to battle an evil organization of human traffickers called Black Scorpion based in Eastern Europe. It's leader, Vladimir Dracu, is targeting Tiranno and his the love of his life, archaeologist Scarlett Swan.
Even more exciting, Hollywood has discovered Jon's remarkable talent and a major feature film is in production featuring Michael Tiranno, the Tyrant, based on Black Scorpion and The Seven Sins!
Jon Land is one of my favorite authors and I eagerly await each and every novel he writes! His rare ability to develop believable characters who just jump off the page always amazes me. And his stories are fantastic! If you're a Jon Land fan you will love this one. If you haven't discovered this wonderful author yet, pick up a copy of Black Scorpion - or any of Jon's other titles - and be swept away into a wild adventure that you won't soon forget.
August 19, 2009
Wow...
I wish I had know that this was a FIRST in a series....it would explain so much!
This was a tough start with TONS of background! finishes far too soon for me...seemed as if the author was told to cut pages.
Now that I know there are more to come (?!) it makes more sense.
But, on that note, authors take note of successful serials...develop your characters through a few books...cause if we hate them in #1 will we ever read any others?
I wish I had know that this was a FIRST in a series....it would explain so much!
This was a tough start with TONS of background! finishes far too soon for me...seemed as if the author was told to cut pages.
Now that I know there are more to come (?!) it makes more sense.
But, on that note, authors take note of successful serials...develop your characters through a few books...cause if we hate them in #1 will we ever read any others?
February 27, 2012
The concept sounded really exciting, with much potential.
Unfortunately, I found the writing poor (although the last couple of chapters was suddenly much better than the rest). I just couldn't get beyond inartful language like "his neck was broken; his head had been turned 180 degrees -- in the wrong direction." Excuse me, but what would be the right direction.
I finished the story, because I liked the idea behind the story, but this is certainly not an author I will seek out, again.
Unfortunately, I found the writing poor (although the last couple of chapters was suddenly much better than the rest). I just couldn't get beyond inartful language like "his neck was broken; his head had been turned 180 degrees -- in the wrong direction." Excuse me, but what would be the right direction.
I finished the story, because I liked the idea behind the story, but this is certainly not an author I will seek out, again.
November 28, 2008
My first Jon Land read, and it was good. After working through the Vince Flynn novels, my sister gave me "The Seven Sins". Nothing like a globetrotting, casino owning, pose' leading mafia son to make a action adventure novel. If you like Flynn, Baldacci, Clancy or Dale Brown, you will find this book a good read.
December 6, 2009
Really long! Lots of blood and surprises. I didn't like the reader's voice and his different voices for different characters were lame. Really didn't like the story, but started this on a long trip up north and don't like not finishing something I've started.
April 4, 2021
It's great fun to read a book by a local author. I haven't read a Jon Land book in years. It brings back memories of him coming into our 8th grade English class to teach! I liked this one!
July 30, 2019
++Michael Nunziato is a poor Sicilian boy left an orphan when his entire family was murdered within his hearing. He is reared by the local Don and made part of the Mafia family. With an education, an insight into finances & financing he converts the Don's enterprises to legitimate businesses and makes huge amounts for the corporation before a split with the family. Using his knowledge, charm and sometimes a little coercion he turns nothing into the latest and most magnificent Las Vegas casino The Seven Sins. When terrorists strike Vegas and all but shut down business, Michael (now) Tiranno is the only hope to survive a second attack.++
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 11, 2019
Liked it a lot... fast moving story.
July 11, 2016
The same question was in my head as I read this book - Why am I supposed to pull for this character? As his chosen name suggests, Michael Tyranno is a tyrant - he's a mobster who is also supposed to be a hero, yet he has really no issue killing anyone and everyone, usually through his superman Greek bodyguard, Alexander, who the reader is supposed to be impressed with for his loyalty and total badassness. Michael's success may be due to him being supremely smart, or perhaps due to the mythical nature of the medallion he wears around his neck, something I found almost unnecessary but the author invests an incredible number of pages to throughout this time and globe-jumping adventure. While entertaining, the story suffered from being nearly a decade old as the world has certainly changed with the killing of bin Laden, the emergence of organizations such as ISIS, etc. A Las Vegas casino owner finding and eliminating a terrorist stronghold after a few phone calls was difficult to accept, as was the captivitiy of a 30 foot great white shark which would approach extinct Megalodon proportions as opposed to the 20-foot size of the largest great whites recorded now. Those are just two examples of just how over-the-top this movel was for me, making it an entertaining read, but one that came with some serious eye rolls. There were some twists along the way - some more obvious than others, while a few were outright unnecessary to the overall plot, but in the end, an acceptable first novel in a series that I may or may not continue to follow.
May 26, 2012
In what appears to be the first in a new thriller series, we are introduced to Michael "The Tyrant" Tiranno. Following the murders of his parents and sister when he is a child, Michael is raised by one of the last Sicilian Mafia dons. Raised in The Family, Michael breaks away as a young man, going on to become a real estate mogul in the United States. His biggest accomplishment is the construction of the Seven Sins, a Las Vegas casino resort embodying a personal philosophy of the greater the risk, the greater the reward.
Michael's life is based on the ancient motto (To Dream...To Dare..To Win...) inscribed in Latin on a mysterious golden medallion, recovered from the ruins of the Roman Empire, and given to Michael by his father. When Michael's past threatens to resurface and destroy his current life, he and Naomi Burns, his driven corporate attorney and confidante, have to discover who wants to destory Michael and all of Las Vegas.
Alternating between the past and the present, there is plenty of suspense and action for all. Fans of Jon Land will not be disappointed.
Michael's life is based on the ancient motto (To Dream...To Dare..To Win...) inscribed in Latin on a mysterious golden medallion, recovered from the ruins of the Roman Empire, and given to Michael by his father. When Michael's past threatens to resurface and destroy his current life, he and Naomi Burns, his driven corporate attorney and confidante, have to discover who wants to destory Michael and all of Las Vegas.
Alternating between the past and the present, there is plenty of suspense and action for all. Fans of Jon Land will not be disappointed.
September 28, 2011
The Godfather meets the TV series Las Vegas in this collision of money and power. The owner of a newly built casino and hotel, The Seven Sins, Michael Tiranno uncovers a plot to destroy Sin City. The mastermind behind an attack on his property and others on the Strip has a personal vendetta against him.
As a child in Italy, he watched as his family was murdered; later, he was taken in by a relative, whom he later realized was the head of a major Mob family. Tiranno thought that by changing his name and severing all ties with his past, he had successfully created a new identity for himself, but who else but someone with a grudge would know about his background and go to such great lengths to see him fail. Land’s books ooze adrenaline, but the over-the-top action is nicely supported by flesh-and-blood characters.
As a child in Italy, he watched as his family was murdered; later, he was taken in by a relative, whom he later realized was the head of a major Mob family. Tiranno thought that by changing his name and severing all ties with his past, he had successfully created a new identity for himself, but who else but someone with a grudge would know about his background and go to such great lengths to see him fail. Land’s books ooze adrenaline, but the over-the-top action is nicely supported by flesh-and-blood characters.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 14, 2008
Fun, easy-to-read (lots of short chapters), up-to-date political thriller. Michael Tiranno is our rich, casino-owning, mid-30's hero. Story includes his upbringing in Siciliy (Mafia don rescues him from being orphan), education in Europe (so, lot of money made in coffee and other trading), off to Vegas and build an elaborate casino having forced out a competitor. Then the action begins: Al Queda influenced folks bomb several of the casinos driving business away from Vegas. Michael ends up in Pakistan helping take out some of the brains behind the attack. But, two higher-up rich guys not only are financing Al Queda but want Michael in particular and are planning another hit in Vegas at his casino. Bit shallow, but - heh - it's good airplane, beach, cocktail-sipping reading entertainment.
October 21, 2015
I kept describing this book as a knock-off Indiana Jones/Godfather combo as a joke, but the description works. The story focuses on the main character's rise to power, culminating in the largest casino in Las Vegas *cough Godfather II cough* The twist is that he has a gold medallion that supposedly dates back to the mythical King Midas. I enjoyed how the story traveled around the world like a Bond movie and it was a fast entertaining read. Negatives for the far too often time jumps (though it is not necessary to put "Present day" EVERY time the action takes place in the present) and the incredibly short chapters. Also, for a guy trying to be a businessman, he sure left a wide swath of bodies behind him. Apparently there is no CSI in Vegas.
November 16, 2015
MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS.
Thriller that spans the globe, with Las Vegas as key setting. Interesting casino concept contained in book.
To what extent is Land's fiction a case of "brand marketing" by Italian entrepreneur Fabrizio Boccardi, who'd like to build a Seven Sins casino in LV, where I live?
Boccardi is mentioned on back flap as Land's inspiration. So was this novel "commissioned?"
Files of the local newspaper and Forbes online show Boccardi has been seeking, with no success, a casino stake in LV since at least 2001. Will this book be the only way that Boccardi "lives" his dream?
my 2-star rating = worth reading
Thriller that spans the globe, with Las Vegas as key setting. Interesting casino concept contained in book.
To what extent is Land's fiction a case of "brand marketing" by Italian entrepreneur Fabrizio Boccardi, who'd like to build a Seven Sins casino in LV, where I live?
Boccardi is mentioned on back flap as Land's inspiration. So was this novel "commissioned?"
Files of the local newspaper and Forbes online show Boccardi has been seeking, with no success, a casino stake in LV since at least 2001. Will this book be the only way that Boccardi "lives" his dream?
my 2-star rating = worth reading
Read
January 12, 2008I only read about 100 pages of this. It's not bad, but I thought it was going to be all about las vegas and casinos and it turned into this big race to track down terrorists in the middle east. Not what I was looking for.
May 17, 2013
I found this book very entertaining. Some of the charaterizations seemed a little cheesy but I was able to easily overlook that as the plot was exciting and fast paced. I will definitely be reading the follow up books in this series when they arrive.
May 25, 2014
I don't really like a book that keeps going back into the past to explain what's happening in the present. It was hard to relate to Michael since he was as bad as his "enemies". He murdered innocent people and tried to justify it by saying it had to be done so he could pursue his dreams
September 19, 2016
Master story-teller Jon Land has created a compelling protagonist in 'the Tyrant.' A very entertaining read, well thought out story and back-story. Land has done an incredible job in character development and setting. These attributes draw you in the story and you won't want to leave.
November 14, 2010
Good book, solid story, some weak characterization, but overall enjoyed it.
February 19, 2011
Readable, but nothing great.
December 12, 2011
I liked it because it reminds me of the casinos back home (NJ). There has always ben deals through the back door where the gaming commission never gets a hint.
July 10, 2012
loved it!
January 6, 2013
Pretty good
May 31, 2013
Nothing special, not a favorite in the least. So much so that I really can't recall much in the details. Fast easy read.
June 4, 2015
Not into this type of story and in my opinion the writing was very choppy.
September 29, 2015
TO many flash backs. this book is a unrelenting murder mystery with a sad ending that could have been so much better.
July 5, 2024
It's a good thing I didn't read this close to bedtime or else I would have nightmares
March 15, 2010
not reading this by choice, btw, it's for my book group at work. They love this shit.
March 31, 2011
not so hot . . .
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews