“The Balkan Escape: A Cassiopeia Vitt Adventure” by Steve Berry (website) is an eBook original novel by this prolific writer. Mr. Berry is best known for the Cotton Malone book series.
My rating for The Balkan Escape – 4
Buy The Balkan Escape from Amazon.com*
More Books by Steve Berry*
“The Balkan Escape: A Cassiopeia Vitt Adventure” by Steve Berry is a short (very short) original eBook sold for $0.99. If you are a fan of Mr. Berry you’d enjoy this short story – it is intense, well written, a fast read and precursor to the book “The Emperor’s Tomb”.
The story serves as an introduction to the character of Cassiopeia Vitt, a fascinating character if you haven’t read any of the previous books in the Cotton Malone adventure series. As mentioned before, this story is short, but it does have a point and some fascinating history to boot.
One of the things I like about Mr. Berry’s books is, while fiction, I always learn something new about world history, culture or usually both. If you are not a fan of Mr. Berry or have no intention to read “The Emperor’s Tomb” don’t bother.
This is an interesting trend, a published and successful author publishing an original eBook as a tie-in to future novel. In this case it worked but I can see how this trend can easily be manipulated in order to separate avid readers and their money.
So tell me, what do you think about authors selling short tie-ins to full length novels?
Cassiopeia Vitt goes into the heart of a Bulgarian mountain to search for rare artifacts from an extinct civilization. However, the caves are used by Russians to mine rare elements and they are not too happy to discover Ms. Vitt nosing around.
Buy The Balkan Escape from Amazon.com*
More Books by Steve Berry*
Zohar – Man of la Book
Disclaimer: I bought this eBook.
*Amazon links point to an affiliate account, the money is usually spent on books
BOOK BLOGGERS – Have you read “The Balkan Escape”? If so link up your review below:
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I read a few of Steve Berry's earlier books but I haven't kept up with this series. Cassiopeia was one of my favorite characters though so I might have to check this one out!
I think the novel tie-ins for short stories are becoming really common now and I think in general they're a good idea. Personally, I'm not a big fan of short stories, but I can see it being a great idea for authors that want to introduce readers to their work and style without requiring a full investment in a novel. And for readers that are already fans, it can be a nice bridge of something small to read while waiting for the release of the next full length work.
Hi, As usual you write a highly educational and precise review. It certainly lets the reader make a decision. I always enjoy reading your site.
I am tweeting to for my followers.
Thanks again
Thanks for the kind words (and the tweet)
I absolutely love Steve Berry's work, and his characters. And although it does separate the reader and his/her money from him - these tie-ins also provide the reader with something to read while the next book is coming out. We don't have to wait as long for the next release, which is a relief for someone who isn't quite as patient as she'd like. As always, excellent review, Zohar :D
~Hira~
Thanks for the kind words Hira - I like the tie-ins as well but I'm afraid they'll become an integral part of the books.