THE SEVEN SINS

From prolific Land (The Blue Widows, 2003, etc.), an all-action-every-minute scramble through the fabulosity of Las Vegas, the romance of Puzo-esque Sicily and the fatal extremes of Afghan border territory.

Sicilian orphan Michael Tiranno has acquired power and gambling glory through the strength of his vision; the power of his keen intelligence; a few dirty tricks learned from the tough but loving Cosa Nostra capo who raised him; and perhaps a little magic from a medal that once belonged to King Midas. Yes, that King Midas. The medal is a bauble that Michael’s father recovered from the sea floor and treasured until his death in the mob attack that left his son an orphan. Now Michael’s world is in grave danger. The Seven Sins, his superglitzy, ultra-successful casino, has barely survived an Islamist attack, and the terrorists have let it be known that this is just an opening strike against the depravity of the Las Vegas strip. It couldn’t come at a worse time for Michael, who’s just about to bet the bank on opening an even huger and more fabulous Seven Sins in Macao. With no time to wait for the feeble maneuvers of international diplomacy, he takes the battle directly to the terrorists’ home territory, bringing along his beautiful, savvy house lawyer Naomi and his ex-Foreign Legion bodyguard Alexander. They ice the world’s No. 2 terrorist, but fail to discover the exact target of the next attack. Solving everything means clearing up some old mysteries in Sicily and returning to the panicked city of Las Vegas, where Michael’s great white shark Assassino swims restlessly, waiting for the return of the high rollers.

Cartoonish and silly.