Review of Crossroads of Empire

Please use this forum to discuss historical fiction books. Common definitions define historical fiction as novels written at least 25-50 years after the book's setting.
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Bethel Saint Bright
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Latest Review: Crossroads of Empire by Michael J Cooper

Review of Crossroads of Empire

Post by Bethel Saint Bright »

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Crossroads of Empire" by Michael J Cooper.]
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5 out of 5 stars
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“Crossroads of Empire” by Michael J Cooper is a historical fiction set in the early months of World War I. In this book, the Arabs sought independence from the Ottoman Empire. It was evident to Prince Faisal that neither the Turks nor the Germans would grant them independence. His hopes of independence for his people depended on an accord he hoped to reach with the Brits. Was he successful? Meanwhile, Evan Sinclair lost his memories after being the sole survivor of a shipwreck. His journey to regain his memories led him to Rosslyn Castle, where he met his distant cousin, Harry. Evan began to dig deep into his ancestry and was amazed at what he discovered. What did he discover?

I love every bit of this book. The structuring is good, the storytelling is exquisite, and the narrative is relatable, especially for anyone who has an idea of the history of World War I. I highly recommend this book.

I like how the author tells the story from many distinct angles without confusing me. Readers can follow each part of the plot, anticipating their meeting point. There’s an aspect of the narrative that focuses on Evan and his journey to remember who he is. Another aspect focuses on Prince Faisal and his quest to secure independence for his people. We also see Kaiser Wilhelm’s vested interest in the Middle East and how he tries to keep America from entering the war. The author distinctively develops other plot points as the narrative unfolds. Readers can also see the natural rendezvous of these plot points. Cooper has outdone himself in this one.

“Crossroads of Empire” is a sequel to “Wages of Empire.” While I like to read books in the order in which they are written, I appreciate books in series that can be read as standalone stories. I encourage readers to read “Wages of Empire.” However, you don’t have to read it to understand “Crossroads of Empire.” In this installment, the author focuses on the events occurring between November 1914 and May 1915. Also, the prologue gives an idea of where the story builds from. This is a well-thought-out book.

The chronological arrangement of the chapters aids the book’s flow. The author avoids going back and forth in time, which helps to remove confusion during the reading. This arrangement also helps build up the story. The narrative grows on the reader. Finally, no plot holes will cause any challenges while reading the book.

I, however, noticed one oversight in the book’s arrangement. Chapter 13 occurred twice with different narratives. I saw this as an oversight that would not necessarily affect the enjoyment of the book. However, it would be nice if it were fixed by merging the two, as the events happened on the same day and in the same place.

There’s all to like and nothing to dislike about this book. The editing is perfectly done, as there are no grammar or spelling mistakes. There are some unresolved plotlines, which makes me believe the author is working on another book in the series. Considering that the double occurrence of Chapter 13 is not a serious issue, I rate the book a perfect 5 out of 5.

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Crossroads of Empire
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Lene Lena
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Post by Lene Lena »

Your review of “Crossroads of Empire” highlights its engaging narrative and historical context, particularly regarding Arab independence during World War I. It seems like the dual storyline involving Prince Faisal and Evan Sinclair adds depth, making it relatable for readers familiar with the era. Your recommendation suggests a well-crafted blend of history and personal discovery.
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Post by Amy Luman »

I agree that books are want to be read in the order that they are written in a series. I have had good luck reading some as stand-alone novels a, but mot so much with others. Any novel that has a good base in real history is worth reading, though. Thanks!
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Post by Rebecca De Figueiredo »

To write this genre of book, a lot of research is needed. It’s a complicated historical time, and the author had come at it using different cultures and countries. It has been written well and the beginning is enticing. Thank you to the reviewer.
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Post by Ajiferuke Ajibola »

"Crossroads of Empire" by Michael J Cooper is an intriguing historical fiction set in the early months of World War I. Prince Faisal is a great leader and I hope he succeeded in his mission. I also wonder what Evan discovered from his ancestry. Congrats on BOTD. Beautiful review.
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Post by Bertha Jackson »

I enjoy reading books with several plot lines that tie together, and this author has done that. Thank you for your informative review.
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Post by Sushan Ekanayake »

'Crossroads of Empire’ by Michael J Cooper masterfully intertwines a soldier’s amnesia-driven quest with Prince Faisal’s fight for Arab independence in WWI’s shadow. Blending history & mystery, this award-winning book is a must-read for fans geopolitical sagas and historical fiction. Congratulations on being BOTD!
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Post by Mr Benj »

"Crossroads of Empire" by Michael J Cooper, a book that features the Arabs, Ottoman empire, and the struggle for independence. It would be interesting to find out how the struggles unfolded in the story and the victory that took place after on. An interesting book to read.
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Post by Alida Spies »

It's good that this book can be read as a standalone, so readers who did not read the first book in the series can enjoy it as well. To lose one's memory to the extent that you don't know who you are, must be scary and disconcerting. Against the backdrop of World War I and all the intricacies involved, this sounds like a fascinating story. Thank you for your informative review.
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Post by Geralda Ndava »

THE BOOK “Crossroads of Empire” by Michael J Cooper is a very engaging book, it tells the story of the first world war, when reading the book the actor makes us travel and use our imagination to enter the first world war. shows how human beings are resilient, managing to adapt over time.
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Post by Blue N Sky »

I didn't pay much attention to World War I in history class, or anything else in the class really. The classes didn't make any of the content relatable to me. I find historical fiction fascinating because it takes me right to those events in the past in a way my history classes never did.
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Post by Rupali Mishra »

Congrats on BOTD!
The novel "Crossroads of Empire" by Michael J. Cooper skillfully blends Prince Faisal's struggle for Arab independence in the wake of World War I with the amnesia-driven ambition of a soldier. Fans of geopolitical sagas and historical fiction should not miss this award-winning work, which blends mystery with history.
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Post by Nusrat Jahan 45 »

*Crossroads of Empire* is a riveting historical fiction sequel that masterfully blends Evan Sinclair’s amnesia-driven journey with the geopolitical chaos of World War I. Michael J. Cooper vividly portrays the Middle Eastern front, weaving in real figures like T.E. Lawrence and Gertrude Bell while exploring Evan’s Crusader lineage. The novel balances intense action with emotional depth, delving into themes of identity, love, and family secrets. Cooper’s meticulous research and evocative writing bring the era to life, making this a compelling read for fans of historical fiction.
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Post by Natalie_Taylor »

I, however, noticed one oversight in the book’s arrangement. Chapter 13 occurred twice with different narratives. I saw this as an oversight that would not necessarily affect the enjoyment of the book. However, it would be nice if it were fixed by merging the two, as the events happened on the same day and in the same place.
Interesting. I wonder if this wasn't an oversight, but an artistic choice?

Either way, I liked your review! Very insightful, very helpful.
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Post by Supritika Ghatak »

The former years of World War I are vividly pictured in Michael J. Cooper's Crossroads of Empire. I'm interested in Prince Faisal's track, and his leadership is noteworthy. Evan's investigation into his heritage also gives the narration a fascinating new dimension.
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