Slave Queen (An Omar Zagouri Thriller #3) by H.B. Moore

RATING: 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌑

Publisher: Thomas & Mercer

Expected Publication: August 30, 2016

Format: ebook (ARC)

Pages: 325

 

 

SYNOPSIS:

Special Agent Omar Zagouri’s latest case is his most dangerous—and his most personal yet. The discovery of secret sixteenth-century letters unveils a plot between the sultan Suleyman and his chief wife, Roxelane, to change the course of the Ottoman Empire. A descendant of Roxelane, Zagouri learns he has an enemy whose revenge has been centuries in the making.

Targeted by an antiquities collector who’s also descended from a chief rival for the ancient throne, Zagouri soon uncovers a modern-day conspiracy that threatens the lives of his family and the security of a nation.

To expose the plot, Zagouri must team up with Naim, the son of his nemesis, who heads an international black-market operation that may have ties to the killings. From ancient Constantinople to the present-day Middle East, Zagouri is on a collision course with history. Time is running out to solve a royal mystery and stop a ruthless killer—one who has Zagouri’s name on his hit list.

 

 

REVIEW:

Reading this book feels like a Dan Brown book and more. What captures my interest is how the story becomes intertwined with historical facts. The story of Süleyman and Roxelane captivates me more than the story of Omar.

I truly enjoyed this book, however, I feel like the story of Omar itself lacks in its promise of a thriller story. The story itself was overshadowed by the back story of Roxelane and at some point, it becomes less interesting. Moreover, I’m not truly satisfied with the story of Omar because it feels a bit rush and I feel like the author has so much to offer rather than what was presented in this book. Especially towards the ending, I’m expecting a different end to their story. With regards to the antagonist, I wish they have more bad ass vibes rather than crying and becoming cowards.

I would suspend my judgment with regards to the characters and their character development. Given that it was a part of a series or trilogy, I haven’t witnessed the character development of Omar. However, one would not be confused if s/he would read this book first before reading the first two books. Each book in this series offers different mysteries to be solved.

I may have expected too much from this book because it was a thriller book which happens to be one of my favorite genres. However, I’m engrossed in the story even though there are plot holes and issues on my part with regards to the plot as a whole.
A solid 4/5 stars. I may have some issues but I still enjoyed this book. Plus the story of Süleyman and Roxelane is what gives this book another solid star. I haven’t read much historical fiction though this one fascinates me and I found myself enjoying the historical aspect rather than the story itself.

Recommending this to anyone who loves historical fiction especially the Ottoman Empire.