This fast-paced action thriller is a multi-layered story that spans eight centuries, from medieval Germany and Prussia to present day Poland and USA centred on the legend of the Amber Knight Ÿ a beloved relic that inspired generations until stolen by the Nazis.

Nofel ias a chyffro sy'n stori aml-henog yn ymestyn dros wyth ganrif mewn lleoliadau megis Almaen a Phrwsia'r oeosedd canol a Gwlad Pwyl ac UDA yr unfed ganrif ar hugain. Mae'n troi o gwmpas chwedl y Marchog Ambr - crair a fu'n gyfrifol am ysbrydoli cenedlaethau o bobl tan i'r Natsïaid ei ddwyn.

In this complex thriller, Adam Salen, a rich American in Poland, director of a museum trust, receives an anonymous letter that someone is willing to sell the Amber Knight, a legendary Polish hero preserved in amber, a treasure that is said to have disappeared when the Nazis plundered the country. The myth has it that anyone who looks upon the Amber Knight will die and now, when Adam tries to find the Knight and who is trying to sell him, people start dying.

The strength of Katherine John’s new thriller is definitely the setting. She recreates the harsh life in Gdansk and the culture clash between American Adam and his Polish co-worker Magda convincingly and with lots of detail. The myth of the Amber Knight and the history of the country is also woven very well through the busy, occasionally confusing plot. There are also lots of exciting action set pieces as Adam and Magda try and discover who is trying to kill them, which one of them is the main target, and, most importantly, who has betrayed them.

A fast and furious thriller inspired by a fascinating historical story.

Janet Thomas

It is possible to use this review for promotional purposes, but the following acknowledgment should be included: A review from www.gwales.com, with the permission of the Welsh Books Council.

Gellir defnyddio'r adolygiad hwn at bwrpas hybu, ond gofynnir i chi gynnwys y gydnabyddiaeth ganlynol: Adolygiad oddi ar www.gwales.com, trwy ganiatâd Cyngor Llyfrau Cymru.