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Emperor
Can ex-NSA agent Ava stop the Emperor’s war plans before he kills millions - and her?
There’s a new Cold War…and it’s about to erupt into World War Three.
Emperor Qin - absolute ruler, dictator for life - has one task before he succumbs to brain cancer, and it means war. Can ex-spy Ava stop him in time to save millions - and survive?
Qin will ‘unify’ China by ordering the conquest of Taiwan, a democratic nation of 23 million people just 100 miles off the mainland, a pledge the Chinese Communist Party has made every year since the 1949 Revolution.
But there’s a leak, a flood of state secrets.
They land in the lap of the former NSA analyst in Washington DC. Ava Shute hasn’t sought the material. On the contrary, she’s a most reluctant recipient.
One thing keeps Ava going: the prospect of a nuclear Armageddon. The clock is ticking as Chinese agents hunt Ava down with orders to kill.
There’s a new Cold War…and it’s about to erupt into World War Three.
Emperor Qin - absolute ruler, dictator for life - has one task before he succumbs to brain cancer, and it means war. Can ex-spy Ava stop him in time to save millions - and survive?
Qin will ‘unify’ China by ordering the conquest of Taiwan, a democratic nation of 23 million people just 100 miles off the mainland, a pledge the Chinese Communist Party has made every year since the 1949 Revolution.
But there’s a leak, a flood of state secrets.
They land in the lap of the former NSA analyst in Washington DC. Ava Shute hasn’t sought the material. On the contrary, she’s a most reluctant recipient.
One thing keeps Ava going: the prospect of a nuclear Armageddon. The clock is ticking as Chinese agents hunt Ava down with orders to kill.
- GenresThriller
294 pages, Hardcover
Published December 9, 2022
6 people are currently reading
754 people want to read
About the author
John Fullerton
15 books55 followersJohn Fullerton worked briefly during the Cold War as a 'contract labourer' for Britain's Secret Intelligence Service, also known as MI6, an episode that fired up his interest in fictional espionage. He failed spectacularly in his efforts as a farmer in Zimbabwe and as a trainee financial manager in Cape Town. As a newspaperman, freelance journalist and then Reuters correspondent, he lived or worked in 40 countries and covered a dozen wars. The latter provided some of the settings for his fiction, including Beirut and Sarajevo. His latest thriller, Emperor, was published in 2022. He has an MA with distinction in Buddhist Studies and was appointed a Fellow of the Royal Literary Fund at Roehampton University in 2006/7.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
March 1, 2023
Check out all my reviews: https://www.avonnalovesgenres.com
EMPEROR by John Fullerton is a twisted espionage thriller that immerses you in a fictional and yet realistic game of politics, propaganda, and spies from the point of view of the Chinese Supreme Leader Qin and American former NSA analyst, Ava Shute. This is a standalone novel.
Qin is the type of totalitarian leader most westerners picture as the leader of China. Qin is isolated, ruthless, and even with a brain tumor able to outwit any opposition. Before his tumor kills him, the legacy he wants to leave is the reunification of China and Taiwan.
There is a leak of Qin’s military plans and Ava Shute is the recipient of the information. The informant wishes to remain secret and have their information released to the press rather than government agencies so that it cannot be buried. With Chinese agents out to shut down the leak permanently, Ava must trust an old acquaintance from her NSA past with her life.
This is such a great thriller. It does not rely on fast action scenes to carry the story, although they are there, it is more of game of political chess. There are in depth descriptions of military equipment and maneuvers beside the examples of types of espionage which show a voluminous amount of research and knowledge. While the plot keeps you on the edge of your seat about whether there will be a world war or not, whether the leaker will be unveiled or not, or if Ava will survive, the author brings the reader to a brilliantly executed, twisted, and yet believable climax. Sorry, no spoilers here. You have to read this book.
I highly recommend this espionage thriller!
EMPEROR by John Fullerton is a twisted espionage thriller that immerses you in a fictional and yet realistic game of politics, propaganda, and spies from the point of view of the Chinese Supreme Leader Qin and American former NSA analyst, Ava Shute. This is a standalone novel.
Qin is the type of totalitarian leader most westerners picture as the leader of China. Qin is isolated, ruthless, and even with a brain tumor able to outwit any opposition. Before his tumor kills him, the legacy he wants to leave is the reunification of China and Taiwan.
There is a leak of Qin’s military plans and Ava Shute is the recipient of the information. The informant wishes to remain secret and have their information released to the press rather than government agencies so that it cannot be buried. With Chinese agents out to shut down the leak permanently, Ava must trust an old acquaintance from her NSA past with her life.
This is such a great thriller. It does not rely on fast action scenes to carry the story, although they are there, it is more of game of political chess. There are in depth descriptions of military equipment and maneuvers beside the examples of types of espionage which show a voluminous amount of research and knowledge. While the plot keeps you on the edge of your seat about whether there will be a world war or not, whether the leaker will be unveiled or not, or if Ava will survive, the author brings the reader to a brilliantly executed, twisted, and yet believable climax. Sorry, no spoilers here. You have to read this book.
I highly recommend this espionage thriller!
March 3, 2023
Ava is an ex-NSA worker turned journalist when an informant warns her about an imminent threat of invasion on Taiwan. Ava is a no-nonsense, take no crap type of girl and if her informant is to be believed – she may be the only person who can stop the invasion. But will she be able to?
Although I don’t typically read political thrillers, Emperor was easy to follow. Even when dealing with complex situations and language Fullerton never gets bogged down in the details and writes this story in a matter-of-fact way. Researched perfectly and coupled with the author’s personal experiences, the story that unfolds before us feels like it could actually happen in today’s world. I think that is one reason this book WILL be a huge hit with people.
Full of high tension and laugh-out-loud moments Fullerton balances the range of emotions you will feel while reading this spectacularly. This is a roller coaster of a read with superb character building. Alternating between Ava’s perspective and Qin’s perspective (the Emperor) we get to see the whole picture as it unfolds. I think this was the best way to tell this story.
I recommend to anyone who likes spy/political thrillers, and even to those who don’t normally read them. I was sort of shocked to see myself fully invested in this story.
I received a gifted copy of this book and leave this review of my own accord.
Although I don’t typically read political thrillers, Emperor was easy to follow. Even when dealing with complex situations and language Fullerton never gets bogged down in the details and writes this story in a matter-of-fact way. Researched perfectly and coupled with the author’s personal experiences, the story that unfolds before us feels like it could actually happen in today’s world. I think that is one reason this book WILL be a huge hit with people.
Full of high tension and laugh-out-loud moments Fullerton balances the range of emotions you will feel while reading this spectacularly. This is a roller coaster of a read with superb character building. Alternating between Ava’s perspective and Qin’s perspective (the Emperor) we get to see the whole picture as it unfolds. I think this was the best way to tell this story.
I recommend to anyone who likes spy/political thrillers, and even to those who don’t normally read them. I was sort of shocked to see myself fully invested in this story.
I received a gifted copy of this book and leave this review of my own accord.
March 1, 2023
Emperor by John Fullerton reads like today’s news behind the news. This must-read thriller takes the reader behind the political curtains in Beijing and Washington, DC, and delves into the world of international espionage and intrigue as events built toward WWIII. The narrative is so authentic and well-researched it reads like a prophetic foretelling of events before they unfold on the world stage.
Fullerton draws the reader in with a fast-paced introduction to believable characters caught up in undercover activities. A whistleblower deep inside the Beijing government leaks details to the West. A strong female protagonist and former NSA agent, Ava Shute, reluctantly accepts the challenge of making the information known because it is the right thing to do. On the other side of the scenario, an aging Chinese Emperor fights ill health as he plots the invasion of Taiwan aiming to make one China unity his legacy.
Book Review: Empire by John Fullerton
The detailed leaks read true and ratchet up the suspense like a lit fuse. I recommend this book to those who enjoy war and military novels, and spy novels with thriller plot lines and political overtones. I give it a strong five stars. It’s authentic, unpredictable, and the techniques and espionage procedures used are convincing. It delivers gripping action, adventure, misdirection, and realistic characters you can sink your teeth into. Who can you trust? That may change as you turn the page. This spy thriller stays with you even after you finish the book. I didn’t see the end coming. Loved it.
As BookHookup, I am a long-time book reviewer and received a free review copy of this book in collaboration with Black Tide Book Tours. I have not been compensated for reviewing or recommending it
Fullerton draws the reader in with a fast-paced introduction to believable characters caught up in undercover activities. A whistleblower deep inside the Beijing government leaks details to the West. A strong female protagonist and former NSA agent, Ava Shute, reluctantly accepts the challenge of making the information known because it is the right thing to do. On the other side of the scenario, an aging Chinese Emperor fights ill health as he plots the invasion of Taiwan aiming to make one China unity his legacy.
Book Review: Empire by John Fullerton
The detailed leaks read true and ratchet up the suspense like a lit fuse. I recommend this book to those who enjoy war and military novels, and spy novels with thriller plot lines and political overtones. I give it a strong five stars. It’s authentic, unpredictable, and the techniques and espionage procedures used are convincing. It delivers gripping action, adventure, misdirection, and realistic characters you can sink your teeth into. Who can you trust? That may change as you turn the page. This spy thriller stays with you even after you finish the book. I didn’t see the end coming. Loved it.
As BookHookup, I am a long-time book reviewer and received a free review copy of this book in collaboration with Black Tide Book Tours. I have not been compensated for reviewing or recommending it
January 25, 2023
My thoughts about John Fullerton’s hard hitting spy thriller Emperor should most definitely be considered for an award this year. A patriotic storyline and technologically enhanced yet believable characters will keep the readers attracted. But this book also has something more different to offer for everyone, the pace with which this book proceeds is simply awesome. The best thing about John Fullerton’s spy thriller is it’s well written story, which makes it very interesting. The plot is tight and fast paced. Writer John Fullerton has capability has become one of the best spy thriller writers I’ve ever read, and with this book, it is his best work till date. What also works best for John Fullerton’s Emperor, is that it has a well written suspense and mystery that is more thrilling, which is well balanced and well delivered. The story of John Fullerton’s Emperor begins with Emperor Qin – absolute ruler, dictator for life – has one task before he succumbs to brain cancer, and it means war. Can ex-spy Ava stop him in time to save millions and survive. Qin will ‘unify’ China by ordering the conquest of Taiwan, a democratic nation of 23 million people just 100 miles off the mainland, a pledge the Chinese Communist Party has made every year since the 1949 Revolution. But there’s a leak, a flood of state secrets. They land in the lap of the former NSA analyst in Washington DC. Ava Shute hasn’t sought the material. On the contrary, she’s a most reluctant recipient. One thing keeps Ava going: the prospect of a nuclear Armageddon. The clock is ticking as Chinese agents hunt Ava down with orders to kill. All an all John Fullerton’s Emperor is an excellent well researched spy thriller that will blow your mind. This spy thriller will woo you if you are a fan of hard hitting spy thrillers and political thrillers, then this will definitely grip you till the end. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥💥💥💥💥💥
February 28, 2023
I give this book a rating of 4 out of 5 stars! In the beginning I was honestly losing interest, but overtime it began to draw my interest. I’m glad I finished the book and didn’t DNF it. Although I had a rough start with this read it wasn’t as bad as I thought it was. It’s not one of my favorite reads but it’s definitely one I will recommend to my friends and family. If you’re into political thrillers/ spy novels I highly recommend you give this book a try! I will continue to support the writing of John Fullerton in the future.
December 9, 2022
Brilliant, topical, political/spy thriller
Ava receives word that the People’s Republic of China are going to invade Taiwan. She does not know who her source is, only that it comes with strict conditions that she must follow if she is to continue receiving inside information. Can Ava help prevent war, or are the risks too high?
Written by an ex ‘contract labourer’ for the UK’s Secret Intelligence Service, this is an exciting and thought provoking political thriller / spy novel where the absolute leader of China, Qin, is preparing to bring Taiwan under his country’s power. The countdown is on, preparations are in full swing and Ava (who is ex-NSA) is trying to get the message out to the world, whilst evading capture by Chinese agents.
There is a depth of information within these pages, but it always remains very readable, and fascinating. The chapters alternate between Qin, in Beijing and Ava in Washington DC – often ending on a cliff-hanger.
I was involved in the story from beginning to end, and loved every moment. There is plenty of human interest, world politics, insights into the world of espionage, and war preparation – so something for every reader to love. Emperor took me an age to read as I took time out to learn more about the organisations and events mentioned. I also watched the docu-film referred to by Ava, which was a real eye-opener, and provided great background to this book. None of which was necessary to enjoy the book, but for me really added to my reading pleasure.
5*s from me, indeed I have already gone out and bought Spy Game, Spy Dragon and Spy Trap by this author (his trilogy). The realism John Fullerton brings to Emperor, presumably from his personal experiences as well as extensive research, has taken this book to my Top Read of 2022!
Ava receives word that the People’s Republic of China are going to invade Taiwan. She does not know who her source is, only that it comes with strict conditions that she must follow if she is to continue receiving inside information. Can Ava help prevent war, or are the risks too high?
Written by an ex ‘contract labourer’ for the UK’s Secret Intelligence Service, this is an exciting and thought provoking political thriller / spy novel where the absolute leader of China, Qin, is preparing to bring Taiwan under his country’s power. The countdown is on, preparations are in full swing and Ava (who is ex-NSA) is trying to get the message out to the world, whilst evading capture by Chinese agents.
There is a depth of information within these pages, but it always remains very readable, and fascinating. The chapters alternate between Qin, in Beijing and Ava in Washington DC – often ending on a cliff-hanger.
I was involved in the story from beginning to end, and loved every moment. There is plenty of human interest, world politics, insights into the world of espionage, and war preparation – so something for every reader to love. Emperor took me an age to read as I took time out to learn more about the organisations and events mentioned. I also watched the docu-film referred to by Ava, which was a real eye-opener, and provided great background to this book. None of which was necessary to enjoy the book, but for me really added to my reading pleasure.
5*s from me, indeed I have already gone out and bought Spy Game, Spy Dragon and Spy Trap by this author (his trilogy). The realism John Fullerton brings to Emperor, presumably from his personal experiences as well as extensive research, has taken this book to my Top Read of 2022!
January 22, 2023
Love the book! Incorporates Project 2049's Ian Easton's research into a fantastic near future fiction! One thing to note; although this book makes me hopeful that a Chinese buildup in Fujian province would lead to nothing, Russia has proved that military buildup in the lead up to invasion is frighteningly real and that although I hope some events in Emperor could come true, in reality, like Russia, anything is possible.
January 5, 2023
Incredible. That's how I must describe this story. The characterisation of the two main protagonists, the so-called 'Emperor' himself, Qin, and the woman who finds herself trying to stop a war Qin is planning, is brilliant. The story takes us deep into the world of Chinese politics as well as the work of the CIA, MI6 and various other inteligence agencies.
The research, as well as the obvious personal knowledge of this dark and mysterious world, is laid bare by the author, whose understanding of this world has already been shown in his previous books 'Spy Game', 'Spy Dragon' and 'Spy Trap.' However, I found the depth 'Emperor' went into was breath-taking. I enjoyed the personal dramas of Qin, his family problems, and his constant need to keep on top of the generals and admirals of the Chinese armed forces, as well as the fast-paced excapades and investigations by Ava, the American analyst trying to use the leaks from a Chinese spy to save the world from possible armegeddon.
This book truly shows the talents of Fullerton; a modern John le Carre mixed with a hint of Clive Cussler. All in all a fabulous, well-researched, gripping thriller. This book should be a movie; it has everything needed.
Brilliant.
The research, as well as the obvious personal knowledge of this dark and mysterious world, is laid bare by the author, whose understanding of this world has already been shown in his previous books 'Spy Game', 'Spy Dragon' and 'Spy Trap.' However, I found the depth 'Emperor' went into was breath-taking. I enjoyed the personal dramas of Qin, his family problems, and his constant need to keep on top of the generals and admirals of the Chinese armed forces, as well as the fast-paced excapades and investigations by Ava, the American analyst trying to use the leaks from a Chinese spy to save the world from possible armegeddon.
This book truly shows the talents of Fullerton; a modern John le Carre mixed with a hint of Clive Cussler. All in all a fabulous, well-researched, gripping thriller. This book should be a movie; it has everything needed.
Brilliant.
December 10, 2022
In early December, Ava Shute, ex-NSA agent-turned-journalist, receives an unexpected early Christmas “gift” from a former schoolmate she meets up with at a Washington, DC bar: detailed plans of China to invade Taiwan in 60 days’ time, leaked from a highly placed source in that country’s political and military establishment.
The reunification of China through the conquest of Taiwan has been an objective of China’s Communist Party since the 1949 Revolution. It is also a legacy that China’s ruthless and autocratic leader, known by friends and foes alike as Emperor Qin, wants to leave before a malignant brain tumour ends his life.
An unfortunate turn of events forces Ava to reluctantly accept this explosive information and disseminate it to media outlets worldwide. From that moment on, she becomes the target of Chinese agents seeking to stop her – one way or another.
Emperor is a well-researched, dramatic thriller about absolute power and the terrifying and all-too-plausible prospect of WWIII blasting off in the South China Sea. It will keep you reading until the wee hours of the night.
The reunification of China through the conquest of Taiwan has been an objective of China’s Communist Party since the 1949 Revolution. It is also a legacy that China’s ruthless and autocratic leader, known by friends and foes alike as Emperor Qin, wants to leave before a malignant brain tumour ends his life.
An unfortunate turn of events forces Ava to reluctantly accept this explosive information and disseminate it to media outlets worldwide. From that moment on, she becomes the target of Chinese agents seeking to stop her – one way or another.
Emperor is a well-researched, dramatic thriller about absolute power and the terrifying and all-too-plausible prospect of WWIII blasting off in the South China Sea. It will keep you reading until the wee hours of the night.
December 16, 2022
John Fullerton's "Emperor" unites expert detail with gripping pace in a nightmare tale torn from tomorrow's potential headlines. An ailing Chinese leader, anxious for political immortality, plots the invasion of Taiwan as his last act in office, but an apparent whistleblower deep inside the Beijing government has other ideas. Details leak to the West, putting everyone who receives them in danger .... I found "The Emperor," which was made available to me as an ARC, to be a compelling cocktail – perhaps equal parts Tom Clancy and Frederick Forsyth (like Fullerton, a former Reuters man). The novel benefits from an added dash of the author's own peppery contempt for oppressors of all kinds. Military buffs will especially enjoy the detailed expertise of Fullerton's invasion scenarios, while fans of spy novels will relish his convincing use of tradecraft. A most enjoyable read!
January 5, 2023
This is the first of a new series by the author & I highly recommend that you read his Spy trilogy too, but this is a different set of characters ….
A taut contemporary political thriller. Is WW3 imminent? Can it be prevented? A wholly believable story unfolds.
The plot draws you in & you are carried along at breakneck speed. Can the tension between China & the West be resolved without conflict?
Ava, an ex NSA employee, is receiving top quality information from within the Chinese Establishment. How is she to use this information without endangering her life?
Read this book. You will not be disappointed.
A taut contemporary political thriller. Is WW3 imminent? Can it be prevented? A wholly believable story unfolds.
The plot draws you in & you are carried along at breakneck speed. Can the tension between China & the West be resolved without conflict?
Ava, an ex NSA employee, is receiving top quality information from within the Chinese Establishment. How is she to use this information without endangering her life?
Read this book. You will not be disappointed.
December 21, 2022
Absolutely no spoilers. Yet another outstanding read from John Fullerton. John's story-telling excels with strong characters and a story line that is chillingly believable. Expertly written. I was lucky to receive an ARC of the book and it's hard to put into words to do the book justice without giving away any plotline. If you liked the Brodick Trilogy you will love this standalone book, if you haven't read them, put them on your to do list!
December 15, 2022
I was looking forward to this book being published, and was lucky enough to get a digital advance copy. Definitely his best yet. Authentic, current and believable. A very good read and albeit fiction, an important read for our times.
December 11, 2022
Lovely to see not one but two strong female protagonists! This is a very easy read and has quite an original plot.
December 25, 2022
Pacy and well-researched, I thoroughly enjoyed this.
March 4, 2023
There's a nice bit of uncertainty on these pages, and that makes for excellent tension and keeps the pages turning. Ava Shute, ex-NSA Agent, is a solid lead character who only takes on the task because there's so much at stake and she wants to make things right. I also enjoyed the elderly Emperor character, who wants to make Taiwan part of China before he dies. This is a current political fire and made the story as believable as it is entertaining. Nicely layered plot!
February 13, 2023
Qin holds the offices of Chairman and General Secretary of the Chinese Communist Party. He’s so powerful he considers himself a modern-day Emperor, a view shared at least in part by those close to him. Qin has a problem, though, in the form of a brain tumor. It gives him headaches and is killing him by degrees.
While the Emperor still lives, he vows to fulfill a decades-old CCP objective: reuniting Taiwan with mainland China. This means war with Taiwan and perhaps her allies, including the United States. Qin doesn’t shrink from this possibility. He embraces it, in fact, and sets an aggressive timetable.
In Washington, D.C., Avery “Ava” Shute, a former NSA analyst, works for Cincinnatus, an online “open source intelligence” outlet, while Qin and China prepare to attack. Unexpectedly, her long-ago schoolmate, Pan, recruits her to go public with top-secret information about China’s planned aggression against Taiwan. Ava is reluctant but agrees. She soon finds herself entangled in a maze of spies and power politics. Can a mere writer prevent World War III? Can she even survive?
Emperor presents the plot along two parallel tracks. One track follows Qin as he plans his military adventures and, by the way, dispatches enemies with casual brutality. The second track gives the reader Ava’s perspective. The shift back and forth between China to America doesn’t present much of a problem. However, the chapters dealing with the American side of the story interested me more than many of the chapters focused on Qin.
It is easy for one to lose their way in the flurry of acronyms sprinkled throughout the book. My superficial knowledge of recent Chinese history made following the storyline harder than it should have been. Also, as Ava put it, the sections describing orders of battle were “dead boring.” I didn’t encounter many of these, though.
The main characters have considerable depth; they might be real people. Qin, in particular, comes across as believable. The Ava character has something enigmatic about her. The reader learns a lot about her but suspects she doesn’t reveal everything.
I won’t divulge the ending, but I found it a bit contrived. It was as if the author got to a point where he wanted to tie up the story with a bow and finish it (as a writer, I can sympathize!). Regardless, Emperor is an enjoyable book, especially if you like spy stories.
While the Emperor still lives, he vows to fulfill a decades-old CCP objective: reuniting Taiwan with mainland China. This means war with Taiwan and perhaps her allies, including the United States. Qin doesn’t shrink from this possibility. He embraces it, in fact, and sets an aggressive timetable.
In Washington, D.C., Avery “Ava” Shute, a former NSA analyst, works for Cincinnatus, an online “open source intelligence” outlet, while Qin and China prepare to attack. Unexpectedly, her long-ago schoolmate, Pan, recruits her to go public with top-secret information about China’s planned aggression against Taiwan. Ava is reluctant but agrees. She soon finds herself entangled in a maze of spies and power politics. Can a mere writer prevent World War III? Can she even survive?
Emperor presents the plot along two parallel tracks. One track follows Qin as he plans his military adventures and, by the way, dispatches enemies with casual brutality. The second track gives the reader Ava’s perspective. The shift back and forth between China to America doesn’t present much of a problem. However, the chapters dealing with the American side of the story interested me more than many of the chapters focused on Qin.
It is easy for one to lose their way in the flurry of acronyms sprinkled throughout the book. My superficial knowledge of recent Chinese history made following the storyline harder than it should have been. Also, as Ava put it, the sections describing orders of battle were “dead boring.” I didn’t encounter many of these, though.
The main characters have considerable depth; they might be real people. Qin, in particular, comes across as believable. The Ava character has something enigmatic about her. The reader learns a lot about her but suspects she doesn’t reveal everything.
I won’t divulge the ending, but I found it a bit contrived. It was as if the author got to a point where he wanted to tie up the story with a bow and finish it (as a writer, I can sympathize!). Regardless, Emperor is an enjoyable book, especially if you like spy stories.
February 28, 2023
Espionage and war
John Fullerton writes a thrilling spy tale with Emperor. I haven't read anything by this author before, and what a hidden gem. I enjoyed it so much, that I have now followed the author and look for more books to read. The Emperor is a very intense and detailed book, about Emperor Qin. He is a dying dictator but wants the world to be his, by creating a global war. A new war to end all wars, world war III. The reader is introduced to Ava, a former NSA agent, with strength and courage beyond all spies I've read about. She just happens to discover secret material, and takes action, even with killers and spies hot on her trail. Whatever this author writes, I want to read. This author brings the story to life. This author is a great storyteller. The reader just embarks on a superb journey. It's a well-written story that brings the reader in. Emperor is a definite recommendation by Amy's Bookshelf Reviews. I read this book to give my unbiased and honest review. Amy's Bookshelf Reviews recommends that anyone who reads this book, to also write a review.
John Fullerton writes a thrilling spy tale with Emperor. I haven't read anything by this author before, and what a hidden gem. I enjoyed it so much, that I have now followed the author and look for more books to read. The Emperor is a very intense and detailed book, about Emperor Qin. He is a dying dictator but wants the world to be his, by creating a global war. A new war to end all wars, world war III. The reader is introduced to Ava, a former NSA agent, with strength and courage beyond all spies I've read about. She just happens to discover secret material, and takes action, even with killers and spies hot on her trail. Whatever this author writes, I want to read. This author brings the story to life. This author is a great storyteller. The reader just embarks on a superb journey. It's a well-written story that brings the reader in. Emperor is a definite recommendation by Amy's Bookshelf Reviews. I read this book to give my unbiased and honest review. Amy's Bookshelf Reviews recommends that anyone who reads this book, to also write a review.
March 3, 2023
Emperor follows the point of view of ex-NSA agent Ava and Emperor Qin. Ava has found herself in the middle of a potential World War III threat and works against the clock to decipher the cryptic messages she receives from a mole in the Chinese Communist Party. Will Emperor Qin get the best of her?
This was my first espionage/thriller novel and it was very different than my typical reads! I was a big fan of Ava and kept rooting for her every step of the way. I was completely blindsided by the twist! Very sneaky of John Fullerton.
John Fullerton is well-versed and this truly makes me wonder what has he seen during his time as a "contract laborer" for the United Kingdom's Secret Intelligence Service. And if some of what is written is based on those events he's witnessed. Truly scary!
If you are interested in trying out the espionage genre, this is quick read and will keep you wanting more. I am not sure if there will be a sequel but I am definitely intrigued!
This was my first espionage/thriller novel and it was very different than my typical reads! I was a big fan of Ava and kept rooting for her every step of the way. I was completely blindsided by the twist! Very sneaky of John Fullerton.
John Fullerton is well-versed and this truly makes me wonder what has he seen during his time as a "contract laborer" for the United Kingdom's Secret Intelligence Service. And if some of what is written is based on those events he's witnessed. Truly scary!
If you are interested in trying out the espionage genre, this is quick read and will keep you wanting more. I am not sure if there will be a sequel but I am definitely intrigued!
January 31, 2023
I appreciate the massive research that the author did in writing about Chinese military weapons in such details, but that being said, this is a "guy" book with very little character development, many loose threads in the story, and lots of plot. The story alternates between China and the United States chapter by chapter as it supposedly moves toward what might become World War III. The ending is somewhat unsatisfactory as the reader is left trying to guess what happens next.
March 4, 2023
Ava is a strong female main character, the way I like it! I also enjoy the anti-communist vibe of this book very much, even more, by catching the attention of the risks of leadership by dictators. I can see this book becoming a Netflix show. I also enjoyed the mix of suspense, humor, mystery, politics, and black ops.
December 27, 2023
A Chinese Feast
Great plot, taken in by a very knowledgeable author. Fullerton engages the reader with a very probable concept. My kind of story. Thanks
Great plot, taken in by a very knowledgeable author. Fullerton engages the reader with a very probable concept. My kind of story. Thanks
August 11, 2024
Excellent!
August 10, 2023
Long story short, nothing happens. Also it’s just a messy manuscript. Like what effing copy editor said this was good to go? It was driving me crazy. The use of “Space, en dash, space” and then a random em dash here and there was one of the worst offenders, but definitely the worst was the inconsistency of pronoun for “they”. Like Fullerton COULD NOT make up his mind. Like I said. Messy. Most of all though… why. It would have been a more thought provoking and purposeful novel just to write about Qin. Nothing happens. Period. That’s the whole thing. Nice.
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