Chris Kuzneski – The Lost Throne
Kuzneski Tracks the Investigations of Two Seemingly Isolated Murders
While The Lost Throne might appear to follow in the Catholic-based plots characteristic of Dan Brown, Kuzneski’s masterful writing reaches far below the surface of religion. Outlining humans’ most basic tendencies and instincts, Kuzneski presents a novel that is both intriguing and thought-provoking. Although he chases several intertwining plots, Kuzneski, like consummate thriller storyteller Harlan Coben, has complete control over how and when crucial information is revealed.
Punctuated with murders and balanced with humor and violence, The Lost Throne is an enjoyable follow-up to Sword of God, Sign of the Cross and The Plantation. The crux of the novel is based on a simple concept: treasure. With the added element of historical intrigue and tenuous relationships between states – especially Greece and Turkey – The Lost Throne is a must read.
The Cast of Characters
The Lost Throne opens with two unrelated murders. On the Greek monastery Metéora, eight monks are swiftly and violently murdered by mysterious assailants. Several countries away, Richard Byrd, a wealthy scholar and treasure hunter, is coolly assassinated by a hired gun in St. Petersburg. What these victims leave behind will lead the protagonists on an investigation and treasure hunt none could have anticipated.
As Kuzneski presents two murders, so are there two main protagonists: Jonathon Payne, a former Special Forces soldiers, and Nick Dial, an Interpol director. Both are accompanied by efficient and entertaining partners, D.J. Jones and Marcus Andropolous. Beautiful and brilliant research assistant Allison and colorful Jarkko round out that endearing cast of characters, but it’s the antagonists, both disturbing and provocative, who take control of The Lost Throne.
Playing on popular culture, Kuzneski invokes what has been relegated to Hollywood movies and history lessons. Although current knowledge might be based on 300, Kuzneski’s vivid, if disconcerting, descriptions of Spartan life and warfare counter what idealized images portray. Let it be said, however, that “This is Sparta” is a phrase that, with Kuzneski’s illustrations, aptly depicts this ancient culture.
Scenes From Europe
Kuzneski sets The Lost Throne against the backdrop of Europe. With detailed descriptions of Greek islands and St. Petersburg, The Lost Throne almost reads as a travel guide. Nevsky Prospekt is not just the home for a scene; it is a character itself. Greece is more than just a popular tourist destination; it is home to striking landscapes, arresting monasteries and beautiful artwork. Kuzneski’s snapshots of Europe serve to temper the violence and bloodlust that propel the novel forward, making The Lost Throne a breathtaking escape.
Kuzneski, Chris
The Lost Throne
Penguin Books
2008
9781101128985
The Lost Throne
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