Crossroads of Empire
Book 2 coming November 19th
The story of Evan Sinclair that began in Wages of Empire continues in Crossroads of Empire. Having survived German artillery, poison gas, and friendly fire in helping to turn the tide of the war in its first months, Evan barely survives his hospital ship's sinking by a German U-boat. Left with amnesia, he no longer remembers who he is.
Likewise, Evan doesn't recall that, despite the European war, the true source of conflict is in Ottoman Palestine, since it's from Jerusalem's Temple Mount that Kaiser Wilhelm II dreams to rule as Holy Roman Emperor over Arabian oil reserves and the Suez Canal. The Middle East Front soon explodes with pitched battles at Suez and Gallipoli as Evan's story is interwoven with those of historical figures Gertrude Bell, T. E. Lawrence, Winston Churchill, Faisal bin Hussein, and Chaim Weizmann. During his quest to recover his memory Evan will discover far more: love for his father, grief for his late mother, and hidden secrets of his bloodline—an unbroken lineage that stretches back to the Crusades and will determine his future role in the Great War.
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Early Praise
CIBA First Place 2023 Hemingway Award for 20th century wartime historical fiction
Finalist in 2024 San Francisco Writers Conference Writing Contest
"Crossroads of Empire brings to life a journey of self-discovery set against a backdrop of the war in motion. Cooper's skillful storytelling sets an unrelenting pace with the international events of the early twentieth century coupled with Evan's search for answers--about himself and his family's history. Beautifully written in a voice and in details that capture the era, Crossroads of Empire is a must-read for readers of all ages with high hopes for more of Evan's adventures yet to come. Five Stars—Highly Recommended."
—Chanticleer Book Reviews
"Crossroads of Empire dives into the tumultuous waters of World War I, presenting a thrilling narrative enriched by a blend of historical and fictional characters. Cooper's writing is compelling and richly detailed, offering a tapestry of scenes that bring early 20th-century conflicts vividly to life."
—Literary Titan Review
"In page after page of Crossroads of Empire, I was thrilled with how the plot widened with various actors added as history unfolded one step at a time. The book picked up speed as it moved along with rising tension as disparate subplots charged forward to the conclusion. I loved it! Bravo!"
—Sylvia Boorstein, PhD, bestselling author, teacher of Buddhist Insight Meditation, and co-founder of Spirit Rock Meditation Center
In Crossroads of Empire, Michael Cooper has again taken a historic footnote and has, with great story telling and amazing character development, animated WW1. As an example of subtle insights contained in this novel, Cooper mentions in passing a comment by Gertrude Bell disparaging Mark Sykes, whose post war actions with his French counterpart in drawing the borders of a ruined Ottoman Empire, are the basis of tragedy today."
—Gordon Freeman, Ph.D., Rabbi Emeritus, Congregation B'nai Shalom, Walnut Creek, CA
"A novel full of gripping intrigue, tension, and lively, witty characters, including T. E. Lawrence. At the heart of the book is a father-son story like no other. Crossroads of Empire both instructs and entertains . . . great storytelling that brings history to life. Highly recommend!"
—Alfredo Botello, award-winning author of 180 Days
