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MPire #1
In Search of the Lost
In Search of the Lost is the story of Mallory Towneson Haulm, a sexy financial powerhouse, who lives in a quasi paradise in Austin, Texas. His opulent world is decorated with expensive toys and women more exquisite than an exotic candy shop. After fourteen years of separation from his family, Mallory is summoned to return home to join The Family Business. Poised for success, Mallory is focused on turning around the ailing business, not realizing that taking his assigned reigns will put him in a position of unrelenting power which he is unaware he even has. His world crashes as he reunites with his brothers and becomes Death, the fourth horseman of the Apocalypse. With every complication popping up in his life, the biggest one by far is in the form of an old lover from the past coming back to reclaim the spot in Mallory's heart.
- GenresScience Fiction
368 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2007
1 person is currently reading
93 people want to read
About the author
T.L. James
11 books87 followersTL James, born and raised in Houston, Texas, studied English at the University of Houston and Texas Southern University and graduated with an MBA from LeTourneau University.
There is where she cultivated an interest in biblical studies which is woven throughout the trilogy. She spent most of her educational career traveling and working in varies cities where she has met many characters and personalities for her fiction.
She often found her inspiration in the sound of her son's small steady breaths while he slept. As she developed the storyline for this labor of love, she worked tirelessly with her son constantly tucked around her waist. After eight months of sleepless nights, The MPire trilogy was completed.
As an avid reader of literature, her favorite authors are F. Scott Fitzgerald and Ray Bradbury. Lately, her guilty indulgence is E. Lynn Harris, her favorite contemporary author.
There is where she cultivated an interest in biblical studies which is woven throughout the trilogy. She spent most of her educational career traveling and working in varies cities where she has met many characters and personalities for her fiction.
She often found her inspiration in the sound of her son's small steady breaths while he slept. As she developed the storyline for this labor of love, she worked tirelessly with her son constantly tucked around her waist. After eight months of sleepless nights, The MPire trilogy was completed.
As an avid reader of literature, her favorite authors are F. Scott Fitzgerald and Ray Bradbury. Lately, her guilty indulgence is E. Lynn Harris, her favorite contemporary author.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
December 18, 2008
All I can say is "WOW"! "The MPire: In Search of the Lost" is a concept that was definitely out of my comfort zone, but I enjoyed it. Great character development & some of the scenes jumped right off the pages. Will be delving into "Death Cometh" REAL soon.
November 25, 2008
WHOA...definitely NOT the type of "romantic involvements" I was expecting...despite that fact...it's still quite an intriguing PAGE-TURNER...I DEFINITELY had to keep reading to find out what would become of Mallory and who/what he would choose...I was CAUGHT UP in the many twist and turns throughout this BIZARRE tale and the cast of characters is UNFORGETTABLE...the INTENSE drama surrounding the Haulm brothers and their circle of family and friends kept me TOTALLY engaged...KUDOS to T.L. James for a CAPTIVATING debut.
June 6, 2008
This is a must read if I must say so!
June 4, 2011
This book has been in my to-read pile, and I was so glad to finally get reading it! I will be reviewing the second book in this Mpire trilogy in the next few weeks as well.
Mallory Towneson Haulm had been away from his family for 14 years. He finally comes back and places a bet wherein if he loses, he has to run the family company for a week. You have to read to find out what happens, but let me tell you about Mallory. He definitely was a different character! When he was shaving and hydrating his body at the beginning of the story, I really started to wonder about him. The way he prepped himself just didn't seem like something the average guy would be doing. He did have sex with women a lot though, so I wasn't too sure. Maybe he was just a very neat and clean guy. After all, he did gargle vodka and then spit it out to take ...well certain odors from when he was with a woman... out of his mouth. The dance that he did with Amanda, when he lifted her up and his face disappeared under her dress...whew--HOT!
Mallory had a brother named Matthew. I was kind of surprised when Mallory and his brother Matthew saw each other. This is definitely a different twist. You will have to read to find out who Matthew and Mallory really are!
I loved this first book in the MPire trilogy! The majority of the book I read while I was at the beach! I really was drawn in to the story to see what was going to happen next! I highly recommend this book! It really wasn't what I expected at all! I can't wait to read the next book in this trilogy, called Death Cometh!.
Mallory Towneson Haulm had been away from his family for 14 years. He finally comes back and places a bet wherein if he loses, he has to run the family company for a week. You have to read to find out what happens, but let me tell you about Mallory. He definitely was a different character! When he was shaving and hydrating his body at the beginning of the story, I really started to wonder about him. The way he prepped himself just didn't seem like something the average guy would be doing. He did have sex with women a lot though, so I wasn't too sure. Maybe he was just a very neat and clean guy. After all, he did gargle vodka and then spit it out to take ...well certain odors from when he was with a woman... out of his mouth. The dance that he did with Amanda, when he lifted her up and his face disappeared under her dress...whew--HOT!
Mallory had a brother named Matthew. I was kind of surprised when Mallory and his brother Matthew saw each other. This is definitely a different twist. You will have to read to find out who Matthew and Mallory really are!
I loved this first book in the MPire trilogy! The majority of the book I read while I was at the beach! I really was drawn in to the story to see what was going to happen next! I highly recommend this book! It really wasn't what I expected at all! I can't wait to read the next book in this trilogy, called Death Cometh!.
April 12, 2011
The MPire: In Search of the Lost by author TL James is an intriguing tale of a man who must choose between the life he knows and the one he has long forgotten. Mallory Towneson has everything a man could want: a successful business, a sexy physique and plenty of women. But those things never last forever and Mallory must take up his position in the family business. The only problem is that he hasn't been apart of the family for the last fourteen years. To make matters worse, the family business isn't just your average everyday company. Mallory is expected to take his role as Death, which should be an easy transition since it is his destiny but he has blocked out all early memories of it. The MPire: In Search of the Lost is definitely a book that requires you to think outside of the box and pushes on the typical boundaries accepted by society. If the reader is able to look beyond some of the situations in the book, I believe they will enjoy the struggles the characters must face. This book does contain very strong sexual themes in both M/F and M/M scenarios so it should only be read by mature adult audiences. Also, there were some grammatical errors that forced me to stop and re-read parts until I figured out what was intended. Even with the grammatical errors, The MPire: In Search of the Lost will keep the reader enchanted on Mallory's journey of self discovery.
November 24, 2008
This book was a stretch outside my usual reading material, and that might have added to its appeal, along with its fabulous cover.
Mallory, the main character, is an interesting study. You can't help but resent or even hate his pleasure-filled, luxury-ridden life. It's too much of everything. But as the story develops, you come to see that it is all a facade for the pain and abuse from which he still suffers. Mallory's perfectly-ordered life quickly disintegrates when his family, and a surprising past lover, come crashing back into his existance. Mallory struggles to balance what he wants and what is wanted of him. Love, duty, power, Mallory must find a place for each. And you can't help but root for a character that you come to love, despite his many flaws.
T.L. James' characters are well drawn, and the story is quick-paced, gradually revealing the pain and mystery that surround the Halum family and everyone they come in contact with. The ending will leave you reaching for the next book in a series.
Mallory, the main character, is an interesting study. You can't help but resent or even hate his pleasure-filled, luxury-ridden life. It's too much of everything. But as the story develops, you come to see that it is all a facade for the pain and abuse from which he still suffers. Mallory's perfectly-ordered life quickly disintegrates when his family, and a surprising past lover, come crashing back into his existance. Mallory struggles to balance what he wants and what is wanted of him. Love, duty, power, Mallory must find a place for each. And you can't help but root for a character that you come to love, despite his many flaws.
T.L. James' characters are well drawn, and the story is quick-paced, gradually revealing the pain and mystery that surround the Halum family and everyone they come in contact with. The ending will leave you reaching for the next book in a series.
December 7, 2008
I give it a thumbs up for character development and intrigue. It was so real. I loved the romance and the relationship of the story to the Revelations. I give it five stars for the writing as well.
January 11, 2009
Story: **** (four stars)
Editing: -* (minus one star)
Mallory is a very strange cat. Green eyed, faired skinned, educated in Great Brittan, with an almost anal fashion sense (he changes cars with the seasons and he never wears a color that’s not “in”) it’s easy to see why he has such a hard time fitting in with his brown skinned, ghetto acting, historically Black university attending older brothers. Mallory is so anal he has sex timed down to the minute, and his voracious appetite for the ladies has his brothers way more appalled than impressed. I don’t know why. Talk about dysfunctional: you’ll need a computer program to figure out who in this family is sleeping with whom and why. It doesn’t help much that Mallory hasn’t seen his brothers since he was a pre-teen. He doesn’t even use the family surname Haulm; he goes by his mother’s maiden name of Towneson instead.
So why is Mallory back in good ole Austin, Texas?
Well…the other three brothers are part of the “family business”…and as part of “the next generation,” they “need” Mallory too. Although the reason is never adequately explained to him, Mallory is pressed into service at Haulm Industries Company, lovingly known as HIC. (Black people: all that’s missing is the N) Never mind that Mallory has made his own name in the world, heading a million dollar enterprise called Towneson Financial. He’s expected to give it all up, or at the very least, fold his company into HIC.
Problem: Mallory doesn’t want to.
Problem: His father hates his guts.
Problem: So does his big brother Marc, the so-called “family leader.”
Big problem: This ominous black cloud is haunting Mallory’s dreams. He’s convinced the cloud is trying to kill him.
That’s not the only strange thing going on. The “family business” turns out to be the Apocalypse, and Mallory and his brothers: Marc, Merek and Marlon, are the Four Horseman. Mallory’s memory is full of more holes than a slice of bread in a rat’s nest, and everyone is angry at him because he can’t remember any of this.
What is the root cause of Mallory’s memory loss, and why was he sent away at the tender age of twelve? Why does his father hate him so? What in the heck is going on between Mallory and his brother Matthew? Is that even legal??? Is Mallory really the Final Horseman, and what does that mean? Will Mallory accept his role in “the family business” or will he walk away from everything? It’s a ride that will take you way past your comfort zone.
Along the way author James delves into many biblical topics, which is guaranteed to enrage more than a few readers. I personally was so disturbed by some of the premises in this book that I had to call her myself. I completely understand where, as an artist, James was coming from, but IMPO I believe she took some liberties/crossed some lines that God may not be smiling on. There are some things that, in His word God said He will not have. HOWEVER…I want to make it plain that I am not judging Trinia at all. I’m not in a position to do so and neither is anyone else. Just this week I had someone ask me if I was on some type of medication because of all the wild ‘ish’ that goes on in my “Christian” novel, but that’s the way God gave it to me. Trinia knew that and stood up for me, so if Trinia said she prayed about this book before she wrote it, I take her at her word. Nobody knows what God told her but her. And nothing: no naysayer, no Hator, no hypocritical salt thrower, can take away from the fact that this book was excellently written. It kept me turning the pages, despite some piss-poor editing and throughout my moral discomfort. I have only known two other writers whose work was so compelling that the myriad errors didn’t even matter. She’s also witty. As characters, War was always fighting, Famine never stopped eating, Pestilence was…just a pest, and Death? Well, poor Mallory was afraid to die.
I don’t know what’s up with these Kendall Pub books but this is the second one I read where I wanted to pimp smack the editor. Believe me: someone deserves a refund. Matter of fact, TL James should sue for damages.
Real Talk.
Because she lost a star strictly on account of the editing. And that’s a shame, too; this really is a four star work. I was so glad I already had the sequel (there’s a BOGO offer on TL James’ website: http:www.authortljames.com) I didn’t know what to do with myself.
Editing: -* (minus one star)
Mallory is a very strange cat. Green eyed, faired skinned, educated in Great Brittan, with an almost anal fashion sense (he changes cars with the seasons and he never wears a color that’s not “in”) it’s easy to see why he has such a hard time fitting in with his brown skinned, ghetto acting, historically Black university attending older brothers. Mallory is so anal he has sex timed down to the minute, and his voracious appetite for the ladies has his brothers way more appalled than impressed. I don’t know why. Talk about dysfunctional: you’ll need a computer program to figure out who in this family is sleeping with whom and why. It doesn’t help much that Mallory hasn’t seen his brothers since he was a pre-teen. He doesn’t even use the family surname Haulm; he goes by his mother’s maiden name of Towneson instead.
So why is Mallory back in good ole Austin, Texas?
Well…the other three brothers are part of the “family business”…and as part of “the next generation,” they “need” Mallory too. Although the reason is never adequately explained to him, Mallory is pressed into service at Haulm Industries Company, lovingly known as HIC. (Black people: all that’s missing is the N) Never mind that Mallory has made his own name in the world, heading a million dollar enterprise called Towneson Financial. He’s expected to give it all up, or at the very least, fold his company into HIC.
Problem: Mallory doesn’t want to.
Problem: His father hates his guts.
Problem: So does his big brother Marc, the so-called “family leader.”
Big problem: This ominous black cloud is haunting Mallory’s dreams. He’s convinced the cloud is trying to kill him.
That’s not the only strange thing going on. The “family business” turns out to be the Apocalypse, and Mallory and his brothers: Marc, Merek and Marlon, are the Four Horseman. Mallory’s memory is full of more holes than a slice of bread in a rat’s nest, and everyone is angry at him because he can’t remember any of this.
What is the root cause of Mallory’s memory loss, and why was he sent away at the tender age of twelve? Why does his father hate him so? What in the heck is going on between Mallory and his brother Matthew? Is that even legal??? Is Mallory really the Final Horseman, and what does that mean? Will Mallory accept his role in “the family business” or will he walk away from everything? It’s a ride that will take you way past your comfort zone.
Along the way author James delves into many biblical topics, which is guaranteed to enrage more than a few readers. I personally was so disturbed by some of the premises in this book that I had to call her myself. I completely understand where, as an artist, James was coming from, but IMPO I believe she took some liberties/crossed some lines that God may not be smiling on. There are some things that, in His word God said He will not have. HOWEVER…I want to make it plain that I am not judging Trinia at all. I’m not in a position to do so and neither is anyone else. Just this week I had someone ask me if I was on some type of medication because of all the wild ‘ish’ that goes on in my “Christian” novel, but that’s the way God gave it to me. Trinia knew that and stood up for me, so if Trinia said she prayed about this book before she wrote it, I take her at her word. Nobody knows what God told her but her. And nothing: no naysayer, no Hator, no hypocritical salt thrower, can take away from the fact that this book was excellently written. It kept me turning the pages, despite some piss-poor editing and throughout my moral discomfort. I have only known two other writers whose work was so compelling that the myriad errors didn’t even matter. She’s also witty. As characters, War was always fighting, Famine never stopped eating, Pestilence was…just a pest, and Death? Well, poor Mallory was afraid to die.
I don’t know what’s up with these Kendall Pub books but this is the second one I read where I wanted to pimp smack the editor. Believe me: someone deserves a refund. Matter of fact, TL James should sue for damages.
Real Talk.
Because she lost a star strictly on account of the editing. And that’s a shame, too; this really is a four star work. I was so glad I already had the sequel (there’s a BOGO offer on TL James’ website: http:www.authortljames.com) I didn’t know what to do with myself.
September 1, 2009
The Mpire:
In Search of the Lost
By T. L. James
Book4U Publishing, LLC
ISBN: 9780976216407
332 Pages
“. . .the bad guys must win some of the fights so the battle can go on. No one wants the battle to end, especially the good guys. After the battle, there is nothing else.” (p. 298)
I don’t think you will ever read another fascinating book like The Mpire by T. L. James . . . that is, unless she continues with a series! I, for one, would love to see that happen!
This extremely sexy, fantasy drama surrounds the family of Haulm; however, the main character is Mallory Towneson. Mallory is the youngest son of the Haulm family, but he was sent away from his family for fourteen years. During that time, he received an extensive education and started his own business, using the name of Towneson, his mother’s maiden name.
Now Mallory had come back home, somewhat under duress. Even when he moves and establishes a branch of his business, he did not contact his family until his uncle forced it upon him.
Mallory’s mother died as a result of his birth. During Mallory’s childhood, his father physically, mentally and emotionally abused him so badly that, to escape, Mallory forgot much of what he knew during those years, except one thing—he was still very afraid of his father!
With wealth to buy anything he wants, Mallory lives a life of luxury and changes cars as often as his socks. He’s a lover of all women—and women love him in return. Interestingly most of his interactions are one way, as he moves from event to event, providing pleasure to women in every walk of his life. In fact, most of his business includes “negotiations” that results in “satisfaction” to at least one of the parties!
But Mallory is required to take his place in his family’s multi-billion energy company. When reunited with his brothers, he is both hated and admired by his three older brothers, especially by the eldest, who believes he will one day become head of the company. Mallory is startled to also reconnect with his half-brother, Matthew, who has also joined the firm, though not as a major officer. Mallory and Matthew had met in college, not knowing that they were half-brothers, and had become intimately involved. Matthew had been Mallory’s one and only male lover and had been deeply hurt when Matthew had left him. Now Matthew was there, trying to rekindle the relationship.
None of his family believed that he couldn’t remember anything about his past until Marek, one of his brothers does finally realize that he had no idea, and explained to him, that it was now Mallory’s time to convert--to take his role as the fourth horseman of the Apocalypse, Death...
But both Mallory and Matthew had something to say about that! And so did Matthew’s Father!
“His greatest love is his enemy.” (p. 332)
Please readers, this is definitely “R” rated; however, because of the storyline and in light of today’s world, when everything is being sexualized, this is a timely novel, highly recommended!
G. A. Bixler
In Search of the Lost
By T. L. James
Book4U Publishing, LLC
ISBN: 9780976216407
332 Pages
“. . .the bad guys must win some of the fights so the battle can go on. No one wants the battle to end, especially the good guys. After the battle, there is nothing else.” (p. 298)
I don’t think you will ever read another fascinating book like The Mpire by T. L. James . . . that is, unless she continues with a series! I, for one, would love to see that happen!
This extremely sexy, fantasy drama surrounds the family of Haulm; however, the main character is Mallory Towneson. Mallory is the youngest son of the Haulm family, but he was sent away from his family for fourteen years. During that time, he received an extensive education and started his own business, using the name of Towneson, his mother’s maiden name.
Now Mallory had come back home, somewhat under duress. Even when he moves and establishes a branch of his business, he did not contact his family until his uncle forced it upon him.
Mallory’s mother died as a result of his birth. During Mallory’s childhood, his father physically, mentally and emotionally abused him so badly that, to escape, Mallory forgot much of what he knew during those years, except one thing—he was still very afraid of his father!
With wealth to buy anything he wants, Mallory lives a life of luxury and changes cars as often as his socks. He’s a lover of all women—and women love him in return. Interestingly most of his interactions are one way, as he moves from event to event, providing pleasure to women in every walk of his life. In fact, most of his business includes “negotiations” that results in “satisfaction” to at least one of the parties!
But Mallory is required to take his place in his family’s multi-billion energy company. When reunited with his brothers, he is both hated and admired by his three older brothers, especially by the eldest, who believes he will one day become head of the company. Mallory is startled to also reconnect with his half-brother, Matthew, who has also joined the firm, though not as a major officer. Mallory and Matthew had met in college, not knowing that they were half-brothers, and had become intimately involved. Matthew had been Mallory’s one and only male lover and had been deeply hurt when Matthew had left him. Now Matthew was there, trying to rekindle the relationship.
None of his family believed that he couldn’t remember anything about his past until Marek, one of his brothers does finally realize that he had no idea, and explained to him, that it was now Mallory’s time to convert--to take his role as the fourth horseman of the Apocalypse, Death...
But both Mallory and Matthew had something to say about that! And so did Matthew’s Father!
“His greatest love is his enemy.” (p. 332)
Please readers, this is definitely “R” rated; however, because of the storyline and in light of today’s world, when everything is being sexualized, this is a timely novel, highly recommended!
G. A. Bixler
April 22, 2011
Bring me men to match my mountains: Bring me men to match my plains: Men with empires in their purpose and new eras in their brains. - Sam Walter Foss
Mallory Towneson Haulm has built his own successful financial empire. he is rich, sophisticated, handsome, fashionable, powerful and a womanizer - a veritable man of the world. separated from his family for fourteen years, he is summoned to join his three brothers in running The Family Business. Mallory's secure life crashes when he learns of his role and true nature as Death, the fourth horseman of the Apocalypse.
i find it hard to pinpoint which type of genre this book belongs to. i have never read anything like this before. mysterious and strange occurrences abound that appear normal to the characters. there are references to the Apocalypse, flashbacks wrapped in mystery plus graphic sensual trysts between the main protagonist and his "conquests" that seem surreal and dreamlike at times.
how i feel about this book is akin to the feeling i had when i was reading Mikhail Bulgakov's The Master and Margarita. author T.L. James has whipped up a blend of the sublime and ordinary, the familiar and the unknown. i did not know where things were going or how they would turn out but all the same, i was having such a great time.
The MPire: In Search Of The Lost is the first book in The MPire Trilogy. my interest and curiosity was definitely piqued and i look forward to reading the second part The MPire: Death Cometh (available now) and the third one The MPire: Trinity which will be released on September 8, 2011.
i also received from the author a copy of The MPire Chronicles of the Haulm Boys. this prequel may provide more answers and details or it may not. nonetheless, i would not miss reading it for the world!
Disclosure of Material Connection: i am a host for the NURTURE Virtual BOOK Tourz™ and i received a copy of The MPire: In Search Of The Lost from the author herself. payment may have been received by NURTURE Virtual BOOK Tourz™ but i did not receive any payment in exchange for this review nor was i obligated to write a positive one. all opinions expressed here are entirely my own and may not necessarily agree with those of the author, the book's publisher and publicist or the readers of this review. this disclosure is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255, Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
Mallory Towneson Haulm has built his own successful financial empire. he is rich, sophisticated, handsome, fashionable, powerful and a womanizer - a veritable man of the world. separated from his family for fourteen years, he is summoned to join his three brothers in running The Family Business. Mallory's secure life crashes when he learns of his role and true nature as Death, the fourth horseman of the Apocalypse.
i find it hard to pinpoint which type of genre this book belongs to. i have never read anything like this before. mysterious and strange occurrences abound that appear normal to the characters. there are references to the Apocalypse, flashbacks wrapped in mystery plus graphic sensual trysts between the main protagonist and his "conquests" that seem surreal and dreamlike at times.
how i feel about this book is akin to the feeling i had when i was reading Mikhail Bulgakov's The Master and Margarita. author T.L. James has whipped up a blend of the sublime and ordinary, the familiar and the unknown. i did not know where things were going or how they would turn out but all the same, i was having such a great time.
The MPire: In Search Of The Lost is the first book in The MPire Trilogy. my interest and curiosity was definitely piqued and i look forward to reading the second part The MPire: Death Cometh (available now) and the third one The MPire: Trinity which will be released on September 8, 2011.
i also received from the author a copy of The MPire Chronicles of the Haulm Boys. this prequel may provide more answers and details or it may not. nonetheless, i would not miss reading it for the world!
Disclosure of Material Connection: i am a host for the NURTURE Virtual BOOK Tourz™ and i received a copy of The MPire: In Search Of The Lost from the author herself. payment may have been received by NURTURE Virtual BOOK Tourz™ but i did not receive any payment in exchange for this review nor was i obligated to write a positive one. all opinions expressed here are entirely my own and may not necessarily agree with those of the author, the book's publisher and publicist or the readers of this review. this disclosure is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255, Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
April 6, 2009
The Darkness
THE MPIRE is a story of one man’s struggle for answers to questions from his past that have been blocked from his memory. When he slowly begins to remember his tragic past, it just may be too much for him to handle. Unfortunately, he needs to understand his past to come to grips with the future that has come to claim him.
Mallory Towneson is a financial and sexual powerhouse. Two things he lives and breathes are money and women. After being estranged from his family, he is summoned to come home to run the “family business.” With this position comes demands brought upon him that seem strange and peculiar.
When an old love comes back into the picture around the same time things become even more complicated for Mallory. He gives his heart to the one that broke his heart so many years ago, but with this love comes more heartache than either one of them ever expected.
THE MPIRE by T.L. James was unlike any book I have ever read. It is truly a unique story. It is a story of love, redemption, family, religion, heartache and the story of the unknown with a hint of the supernatural. I would recommend this book to those that are fairly open-minded to reading things that most of society would consider taboo. So if you are looking for something out of the norm--this book is for you.
My final rating is 4.5 due to some minor editing issues.
Reviewed by: LeonaR
THE MPIRE is a story of one man’s struggle for answers to questions from his past that have been blocked from his memory. When he slowly begins to remember his tragic past, it just may be too much for him to handle. Unfortunately, he needs to understand his past to come to grips with the future that has come to claim him.
Mallory Towneson is a financial and sexual powerhouse. Two things he lives and breathes are money and women. After being estranged from his family, he is summoned to come home to run the “family business.” With this position comes demands brought upon him that seem strange and peculiar.
When an old love comes back into the picture around the same time things become even more complicated for Mallory. He gives his heart to the one that broke his heart so many years ago, but with this love comes more heartache than either one of them ever expected.
THE MPIRE by T.L. James was unlike any book I have ever read. It is truly a unique story. It is a story of love, redemption, family, religion, heartache and the story of the unknown with a hint of the supernatural. I would recommend this book to those that are fairly open-minded to reading things that most of society would consider taboo. So if you are looking for something out of the norm--this book is for you.
My final rating is 4.5 due to some minor editing issues.
Reviewed by: LeonaR
November 23, 2008
Mallory is a very identifiable character because even though he's gorgeous and handsomeand confident on the outside, he is very ocd with hygiene and he is very nervous on the inside- also his problems with his father. However I do not like that Mallory seems to not only need a diet of food,but also a diet of sex- and not just one lady constantly, but sometimes up to six or seven ladies every day. The dance floor scene in the club was outrageously risque and would have disgusted me had I been there in person. So while I like the story line of having to give up his personal life and join the family business, I think this book could have included less sex.
October 7, 2011
T. L. James' imaginative plot line keeps you guessing, wondering what devilment these "M" brothers will get into. The youngest of the four, Mallory, is really an intense guy -- I am at the part where he reunites with his stepbrother Matthew and, I'm telling you right now -- I never saw that one coming. (wink)
May 7, 2009
The MPire:In Search of the Lost-all I can say that it was a mind twister. It leads you into places that only a mature and non-judgmental mind can go. This is one book that you would have to read for yourself to understand the FICTIONAL world of the Haulms'. It is an unsual read, interseting.
December 23, 2008
This book probobly isnt suitable for young children as their is lots of sex and sexual harrasment in this book as well as lots of swearing.
July 8, 2010
Still amazed at the creativity that this author has...Loved it read it all night while on my vacation!!
May 24, 2020
I’ll be blunt when I say that the first third of the book was difficult to get through. I don’t know whether it was because I was in a bad mood at the time or what, but I found myself struggling through a host of characters, all of whom had definable personality traits but didn’t seem to have much personality, and through a lot of what seemed like word padding, details of what people ordered for dinner or their personal grooming rituals in the morning. I started to wonder if this book really wasn’t one for me after all.
But I persevered, and made it past the slump, and I found myself enjoying it more. There characters evened out into people I could understand beyond more than a difference in speech patterns and attitude toward women. The relationship between Mallory and Matthew developped, adding an interesting piece of conflict to the tale. And the hints of the paranormal became more than just teasing hints. I found myself wanting to know more.
The idea of exploring Death as a person, and the Four Horseman as a sort of family legacy is an interesting one. Humanizing elements of the fantastical, things that are supposed to be beyond us, has always held fascination for me. Death in love, and with someone who’s researching him, and yet Death-as-Mallory doesn’t even know his true calling… That bit really intrigued me.
This book did need a little work in the formatting department. There were some grammatical issues, and incorrect word usage. I don’t think I can honestly read “bullocks” where somebody meant “bollucks” and keep a straight face anymore, for example. Or calling it “the book of Revelations instead of Revelation. It was a bit distracting for me, as I tend to be the kind of person who gets thrown out of the reading groove when I come across issues like that. I think perhaps a revised edition might be in order, with those problems fixed, with more judicious use of proofreaders familiar with British English, for instance. Just so there are no more bovines in place of balls.
But overall, I can see the potential in this book and its story, for all the problems I also saw in it. It may not have been the kind of book I’d have picked up in a bookstore, but once I got a little more into it and began to see the story behind the dialogue- and sex-heavy interactions, I found myself enjoying it more than I suspected I would during the first third. It’s an interesting look at biblical literalism in regard to the end days, combining religion with humanity.
Next stop on the book tour? Go visit the Nurture Your Books blog to see a special excerpt from the author!
(Book received in exchange for an honest review.)
But I persevered, and made it past the slump, and I found myself enjoying it more. There characters evened out into people I could understand beyond more than a difference in speech patterns and attitude toward women. The relationship between Mallory and Matthew developped, adding an interesting piece of conflict to the tale. And the hints of the paranormal became more than just teasing hints. I found myself wanting to know more.
The idea of exploring Death as a person, and the Four Horseman as a sort of family legacy is an interesting one. Humanizing elements of the fantastical, things that are supposed to be beyond us, has always held fascination for me. Death in love, and with someone who’s researching him, and yet Death-as-Mallory doesn’t even know his true calling… That bit really intrigued me.
This book did need a little work in the formatting department. There were some grammatical issues, and incorrect word usage. I don’t think I can honestly read “bullocks” where somebody meant “bollucks” and keep a straight face anymore, for example. Or calling it “the book of Revelations instead of Revelation. It was a bit distracting for me, as I tend to be the kind of person who gets thrown out of the reading groove when I come across issues like that. I think perhaps a revised edition might be in order, with those problems fixed, with more judicious use of proofreaders familiar with British English, for instance. Just so there are no more bovines in place of balls.
But overall, I can see the potential in this book and its story, for all the problems I also saw in it. It may not have been the kind of book I’d have picked up in a bookstore, but once I got a little more into it and began to see the story behind the dialogue- and sex-heavy interactions, I found myself enjoying it more than I suspected I would during the first third. It’s an interesting look at biblical literalism in regard to the end days, combining religion with humanity.
Next stop on the book tour? Go visit the Nurture Your Books blog to see a special excerpt from the author!
(Book received in exchange for an honest review.)
June 16, 2011
When the Lamb opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth living creature say, “Come!” I looked, and there before me was a pale horse! Its rider was named Death, and Hades was following close behind him. They were given power over a fourth of the earth to kill by sword, famine and plague, and by the wild beasts of the earth. Revelations 6:7-8 NIV
It seems that I never thought I could read 2 books in a week. But when the stories are as intriguing and drama filled like the ones I read, it is very easy to do. MPire: In Search of the Lost and MPire: Death Cometh had my neighborhood burning and household items hitting the floor all by themselves, literally. Now although I don’t believe in the supernatural so to speak, I do believe there are things out of our control that we can’t explain.
And this is where these books and its main character come in. After falling in love with Mallory Haulm and his soul searching 4th horseman status known as Death. I’ve determined I need to get my life in order. Or at least put it in alignment with something. Many of the reviews of this series so far have talked about the story but I’ve found the characters are far more entertaining than the storyline.
Those brave enough to have read the book of revelations, have an idea about the story of Armageddon, but TL James has brought a humanistic side to the key players of that story. She has given them trials and tribulations and even the occasional question of doubt.
Mallory Haulm is searching for his soul and is the taker of other souls. He doesn’t take his charge lightly but he doesn’t understand why he can't walk away from it. He is bombarded with childhood disasters, whorish tendencies and his occasional sexual preference indecisiveness. But all in all, his external persona is magnificent and is a very realistic character as we all know those that LOOK well put together on the outside and are a wreck waiting to happen internally.
His brother Marek another character driven by guilt is quite mixed on the emotional front. He is the horseman of War, but when it comes to his baby brother he is all love.
Marc is Pestilence and is one evil bastard, while Marlon is Famine and is the only underdeveloped character of the book. And Malcolm, the father of one but the hater of all, he is the precious 4th horseman that will not relinquish himself to his son because he knows he will be a dead man if he does.
This book is full of quick wit and comedic dialogue. However if you are not comfortable with twisting religious ideology, homosexuality, murder, incest, and profanity, then you may want to select another book, like crochet.
But I highly recommend this series because it's fresh and fast paced. Armageddon is approaching and everyone needs to be prepared for battle. Knowing your role is no longer enough, you have to be able to defend it. Do you know what side you will sit on?
"It's amazing how you can walk through life and not know anything." From MPire Death Cometh-Mallory Haulm
It seems that I never thought I could read 2 books in a week. But when the stories are as intriguing and drama filled like the ones I read, it is very easy to do. MPire: In Search of the Lost and MPire: Death Cometh had my neighborhood burning and household items hitting the floor all by themselves, literally. Now although I don’t believe in the supernatural so to speak, I do believe there are things out of our control that we can’t explain.
And this is where these books and its main character come in. After falling in love with Mallory Haulm and his soul searching 4th horseman status known as Death. I’ve determined I need to get my life in order. Or at least put it in alignment with something. Many of the reviews of this series so far have talked about the story but I’ve found the characters are far more entertaining than the storyline.
Those brave enough to have read the book of revelations, have an idea about the story of Armageddon, but TL James has brought a humanistic side to the key players of that story. She has given them trials and tribulations and even the occasional question of doubt.
Mallory Haulm is searching for his soul and is the taker of other souls. He doesn’t take his charge lightly but he doesn’t understand why he can't walk away from it. He is bombarded with childhood disasters, whorish tendencies and his occasional sexual preference indecisiveness. But all in all, his external persona is magnificent and is a very realistic character as we all know those that LOOK well put together on the outside and are a wreck waiting to happen internally.
His brother Marek another character driven by guilt is quite mixed on the emotional front. He is the horseman of War, but when it comes to his baby brother he is all love.
Marc is Pestilence and is one evil bastard, while Marlon is Famine and is the only underdeveloped character of the book. And Malcolm, the father of one but the hater of all, he is the precious 4th horseman that will not relinquish himself to his son because he knows he will be a dead man if he does.
This book is full of quick wit and comedic dialogue. However if you are not comfortable with twisting religious ideology, homosexuality, murder, incest, and profanity, then you may want to select another book, like crochet.
But I highly recommend this series because it's fresh and fast paced. Armageddon is approaching and everyone needs to be prepared for battle. Knowing your role is no longer enough, you have to be able to defend it. Do you know what side you will sit on?
"It's amazing how you can walk through life and not know anything." From MPire Death Cometh-Mallory Haulm
September 30, 2011
This book was a little different for me. Not my particular genre of preference. I have to be honest there were some things about this book that I couldn’t stomach. That just being my opinion and I don’t want to give the book away but there’s a huge secret that lies within the family. The main character in a battle between his true love and his family brings us a strong confident background of someone definitely in search of the lost. It’s an action packed story that really makes the reader go WOW, no matter what your genre preference is.
I give this book 3 1/12 stars mostly because it’s not really my taste. But definitely 5 starts on how this author was able to create this story out of her imagination and bring it right to our eyes. The quality of the story was pretty good and of course the ending makes you wonder what happens next?
If you are looking to read something out of the box, this book is for you!
I give this book 3 1/12 stars mostly because it’s not really my taste. But definitely 5 starts on how this author was able to create this story out of her imagination and bring it right to our eyes. The quality of the story was pretty good and of course the ending makes you wonder what happens next?
If you are looking to read something out of the box, this book is for you!
Want to read
November 1, 2009Can't wait to read it!! TL sent me a free copy of the first one and I won the sequel on first reads!! You're awesome TL! Thanks!!
~Tori
~Tori
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