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bonniereads777's review
5.0
Napoleon Bonaparte is First Consul of France, but there is a plot afoot to kill him. Written by the
brilliant, award-winning Loren D. Estelman, this book takes a look at the attempted assassination of
Napoleon on Christmas Eve, 1800, and creates a fictional, second attempt to kill the famous dictator. We
follow an intricately crafted tale from France to England and back again, as the Eagle, Napoleon, is pursued
by a highly secretive and highly skilled assassin, The Viper.
The characters, from the fictional Viper to the very real Napoleon, are well developed. Besides
Napoleon and Josephine, other actual figures from history are portrayed in this book, such as Georges
Cadoudal, a Royalist and one of those involved in the original Christmas Eve assassination attempt.
Estelman's ability to weave the fictional and nonfictional aspects of the story together is masterful. The
characters, real and fictional, interact seamlessly to make a fascinating story. The fictional Viper is a cunning
master of impersonation and disguise whose pursuit of Napoleon will leave the reader spellbound. The way
of life at that time is described in intricate and realistic detail, as plots and suspicions abound and everyone is
looking over their shoulders. This is a fascinating look by Estelman at the actual failed Christmas Eve plot
and what could have happened afterwards. Estelman weaves a masterful tale, filled with historical accuracy
and awe-inspiring writing, which I would
brilliant, award-winning Loren D. Estelman, this book takes a look at the attempted assassination of
Napoleon on Christmas Eve, 1800, and creates a fictional, second attempt to kill the famous dictator. We
follow an intricately crafted tale from France to England and back again, as the Eagle, Napoleon, is pursued
by a highly secretive and highly skilled assassin, The Viper.
The characters, from the fictional Viper to the very real Napoleon, are well developed. Besides
Napoleon and Josephine, other actual figures from history are portrayed in this book, such as Georges
Cadoudal, a Royalist and one of those involved in the original Christmas Eve assassination attempt.
Estelman's ability to weave the fictional and nonfictional aspects of the story together is masterful. The
characters, real and fictional, interact seamlessly to make a fascinating story. The fictional Viper is a cunning
master of impersonation and disguise whose pursuit of Napoleon will leave the reader spellbound. The way
of life at that time is described in intricate and realistic detail, as plots and suspicions abound and everyone is
looking over their shoulders. This is a fascinating look by Estelman at the actual failed Christmas Eve plot
and what could have happened afterwards. Estelman weaves a masterful tale, filled with historical accuracy
and awe-inspiring writing, which I would
abibliofob's review
3.0
I have read The Eagle and the Viper by Loren D. Estleman. I have always liked this author and was glad to find a new title, although hesitant about the subject. It actually took me almost a third of the book to get into but then I couldn't put it away. I have read a lot of history books through the years, both fact and fiction and this is a really good fictional story. We have the early 1800s and Napoleon is at power and some people plot to have him assassinated. The two policemen and the assassin are the great characters we follow through the pages and they are very well written. I must thank #ForgeBooks #Macmillan and #Edelweiss for giving me this arc.
jodiesackettbrown's review
adventurous
dark
informative
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
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