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Reviewed by Ibrahim Aslan for Readers' Favorite
Keys to the Empire by Sam Mitani follows Dalton Lang, a former Chinese intelligence agent living in L.A. under witness protection. Many years ago, a Chinese scientist named Dr. Linghu Ning was murdered during a failed extraction job, leaving Dalton to shoulder the guilt from that day. Eventually, Dalton comes into possession of an ancient coin thought to have mysterious powers. The coin makes him the target of dangerous criminals who want it. Soon, Dalton's peaceful life as a restaurant owner is disrupted, his friend (Eva) is killed, and his surrogate daughter (Ruth) is kidnapped as leverage to force his hand. As a series of violence and betrayal unfolds around him, Dalton is determined to uncover who is actually behind these jarring events. But can he save those he loves without losing himself again?
Sam Mitani's Keys to the Empire is a fast-paced thriller that mixes espionage, crime, action, and drama. Through Dalton's riveting journey, the story highlights how difficult it is to leave behind a violent past, especially when formidable individuals control your fate. Dalton is more than your average hero—he's a friend, a protector, and a man on a mission to confront his past. All these narrative elements make this book an epic and unforgettable novel to immerse yourself in for a few days. I mostly enjoyed how Mitani uses government agencies and criminals to mirror each other. In this sense, there is always a blurred line between right and wrong running throughout the plot, which makes the book even more irresistible. If you're a fan of espionage thrillers like The Spy Who Came in from the Cold and Karla's Choice, you'll love this novel too.
