Chasing Mona Lisa by Tricia Goyer & Mike Yorkey ~ Revell Blog Tour and Review

My Review:  Chasing Mona Lisa is set in Post-WWII France, with action, a healthy dose of intrigue, spies, and lots of art!

Gabi and Eric are Swiss spies during WWII, but even after the Germans surrender there are battles still raging for the priceless art taken from the Louvre during the war. One of those pieces of art is of course, the Mona Lisa.

It may have been because I didn't read the prequel The Swiss Courier but I had a hard time getting into this story. There was definitely action and intrigue though! I had a hard time keeping track of what was going on, mainly because I just wasn't that into the story. I never connected with the characters and I wish that I had been able to, because I think that's the main reason that I didn't get into it. The characters were not as developed as I like, so often I would have to turn back and see who was doing what. I think that if I had read the first book, the characters would have been more developed there and I would have enjoyed this book more. Another thing that I noticed was a distinct lack of descriptions, so that I could visualize where they were and what the characters looked like.

But on the up side, there was obviously alot of research that went into this book, historically to get the correct French translations :) The knowledge of the time and the geography was stunning.

Overall, this wasn't a book that held my attention, and I wished for more personalization of the characters. But this book would be great for a WWII enthusiast or someone who would love an action packed plot :) I learned some really interesting facts while reading this, and loved how authentically the era was represented.

Final Rating: 3.5 out of 5
“Available January 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

I received this book from the publisher in return for a review. It was not required that my review be positive only that I respectfully express my honest thoughts which I have done my best to do here. Thanks :)

Win an iTouch SPY Pack in the Chasing Mona Lisa Giveaway from @triciagoyer
@mikeyorkey!

Chasing Mona Lisa is the
continuing tale of Gabi Mueller and Eric Hofstadler (first introduced in The
Swiss Courier). This time the due are on a relentless quest to save the most famous
painting in the world  - the Mona Lisa. You can help Gabi and Eric
with your very own spy pack when you enter The Chasing Mona Lisa Giveaway!

One passionate protector will receive:

• iTouch (The must-have device for any spy. Camera, Maps & Music.)
  
• Starbucks Gift Card (For all those late nights.)
• Moleskin Notebook (For those important notes.)
• Invisible Ink Pen (Don’t want anyone reading those important notes.)
• Chasing Mona Lisa by Tricia Goyer & Mike Yorkey (Great
  handbook and intriguing tale for any spy-in-training!)

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends at noon on January 31st. The winner will be announced at the Chasing Mona Lisa Facebook Party on 1/31. Tricia and Mike will be hosting an author chat (on Facebook and Live from Tricia's website) and giving away their books and a Book Club prize pack! (Ten copies of the book for your small group or book club AND a LIVE Author Chat for your group with Tricia and Mike.)

So grab your copy of Chasing Mona Lisa and join Tricia and Mike on the evening of the 31st for an author chat, spy training (do you know how to pick a lock? ) and lots of giveaways. 

Don't miss a moment of the fun. RSVP today and tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 31st!