Interesting alternate history - the Chinese had already been to the "New World" and around Africa so the European explorers really had a map and knew where they were going. None of this "falling off the edge of the earth" stuff was a problem. ( )

I was a bit disappointed in this mystery. The suspense was missing for me. I know the main characters were evading men they determined were chasing them, but it just seemed contrived to get them to travel around the European Union and northern Africa. I just didn't feel the tension, particularly jumping through three distinct time periods. Just ok. ( )

A book in the style of The Da Vinci Code about a world map from China that predates all European maps from the fifteenth century. This map is found at a dig in Xi’an and promptly stolen.
The story alternates between China in the early fifteenth century, Portugal in the late fifteenth century and now. Te writer tries to write an exciting adventure but for me the story was too short, too hasty and not well developed. The writer also seemed very keen to have the characters recite dry facts to give the story some context, but it felt very out of place.
My conclusion is that the premise of the story was nice, but the writing let it down for me. ( )

Not quite sure why I stuck it out with this book, though I did skim til the end towards the end. There were two back-stories (China 1421 and Portugal 1496) which were what kept me reading. The modern day arc didn't capture me, especially since I didn't read the first book about the main character, and am now not going to read it on principle. I understand back references to help fill in the plot or give background, but these were more annoying than informative. Oh well. The book did help me recall some of the Chinese history that I'd forgotten. ( )

A very good tale of mystery and historic "how'd that happen" with a very good main character. I thoroughly enjoy Mara and liked Ben, although he could have played a more significant role. The interwoven history and fiction is a favorite of mine and mapping holds a special place in my interest - all making this a very enjoyable read. ( )