The Malta Exchange: A Novel (Cotton Malone Book 14)

I think "The Malta Exchange" is Steve Berry at his best. I tend to disagree with those who feel otherwise. I will say right up front that I'm an avid Steve Berry reader and always eagerly await his next novel; I've read them all. I love historical fiction, and whereas, I can't place Berry's works in that category, I do enjoy the addition of those little known historical facts woven into his storylines. This is what I enjoyed most about "The Malta Exchange." I learned a lot about a period I otherwise would not have studied. Having read Berry for so long, I tend to know now what is pure fiction and what isn't. When I read his windup at the end, I'm usually not surprised anymore at what turns out to be fiction. And after all these years, I still am amazed at how artistically creative he is in his writing to be able to weave real historical facts into the storytelling the way he does.I've always loved the character of Cotton Malone, even if at times, he seems too good to be true. Berry has developed him well and is consistent from novel to novel. Recently, he's introduced Luke Daniels, and I admit to having trouble finding the same love for him, but that fact does not take away from how engaging I found this book. Yes, it's fiction...and at times...some situations that he manages to get out of may feel like a stretch...but that can apply to so many works nowadays that we find entertaining. After all, Malone is the main character. Do we really want him to be killed off? Nay!I found it hard to put this novel down and read it at night before going to bed in just a few days. I recommend it as one of, if not the best, of Berry's works.

Enjoyed this book. The plot - looking for the long hidden Constantine paper and a papal power play - is very engaging. Some unexpected twists and a truly despicable villain. Great to see Berry’s 3 hero’s working together, kind of the established and the new. The author makes a definite statement on organized religion, which easily becomes the theme for the novel. I found the logic of it all both thought-provoking and illuminating. Berry presents his theme without being preachy, keeping the novel engaging and fun. Definitely recommend this book.

I have read all of Mr. Berry's books. The only negative is that I cannot put one down once I receive it. It was interesting to read a few of the other reviews. Whether liked or not, the Council of Nicea may have been needed to create an institution that stabilized the Mediterranean and Europe. Like it or not, the Catholic Church in the spread of the religion tortured and murdered unknown numbers of individuals in the name of the One Religion. To this day, the Church maintains records in secret which holds truths that the world should know about. In addition, the Church does not punish pedofiles in a manner that they would be punished if outside the protection of the Church.Has the Church been positive for humanity? - yes. Has it participated in atrocities? - yes. Has it been tolerant of other thoughts of an approach to God & religion? - No. Was it built to contol the masses? - yes - similar to other religions and cults. Is there a long history of Pope's exercising their position for their own power and benefit - yesSo looking at Mr. Berry's story, if a person is open minded, it appears not only to be a fair rendition of what has occurred over the centuries "In the name of God - the only true path to salvation". It makes sense the act of burning an important document that would shed negative light on the Church has occurred over the centuries.So once again - kudos to Steve Berry for providing us a great story with tremendous intrigue and a solid historical base.Keep it up! Thank you!

I have a place on Malta and reading this book was very much like being there. Highly Recommend!!!!

I have read all of Steve Berry’s Cotton Malone books and have enjoyed them all. I will continue to read them. That being said, this one was a bit of a disappointment. The story was confusing and often it was not clear which character was speaking. Mr. Berry tossed in so many Latin phrases, secret Vatican officers, and Malta Knights jargon that I stopped paying attention - I thought there was no way that all this obscure info could affect the plot and the outcome. And I was right. There was a lot of other distracting filler as well, particularly anecdotes about Luke’s boyhood in Tennessee. After a while I just skimmed until I noticed something that might move the story along. But the story itself is interesting.... if only Mr. Berry’s editor had done a better job. On another topic, many of the negative reviews of this book take issue with the book (and Mr. Berry’s) treatment of Christianity and Catholicism. Please do not let those comments deter you from reading the book. First of all, none of the factual assertions in the book are new. The controversy over what actually happened at the Council of Nicaea has been around for decades, if not longer. Secondly, the issues raised by the novel are all valid questions which reasonable people should be able to read about without getting angry. I was raised as a Catholic and none of the conclusions reached in the book have affected my views of God or religion. If these negative reviewers believe that readers are going to be swayed by the questions raised by the book, they underestimate their followers. If a devout Christian is unable to withstand a healthy discussion about disputed history, maybe this book and those like it aren’t the real problem.

I have never been to Malta, but the description of sites and the historical background makes one feel compelled to visit the island. A broader commentary on the role of popes in ww II affairs would have been appropriate.

I haven’t read it all yet, but a great book, good quality, well packed and SuperSonic Delivery, I couldn’t have asked for better THANK YOU!! 👍👍

A great read from front to back.

Una vez más, esta entrega de la saga de Cotón Malone no decepciona. Una buena lectura de verano.

super