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Battered Earth
In the new decade, the world gathers in Stockholm for a controversial climate forum. The stakes are high, as violent and unpredictable storms increasingly plague the earth and sea levels encroach on coastal shorelines. Nicole Hunter, head of the richly endowed Everson Foundation, leads the charge to invest in promising research that will hopefully impede environmental devastation. But her contentious stance has been questioned by others, and now her career and her life are both in jeopardy.
Meanwhile, unseen forces assemble to sabotage any breakthrough that could challenge existing global energy markets. Oliver Odin, a mysterious international agent, is sent by the Security Alliance to investigate ominous threats intercepted by intelligence sources. The evidence leads him to the beautiful, strong-willed Nicole and the brainy scientists attending the forum. But when scientists on the verge of a promising discovery are gunned down at a reception held by a United States senator, it becomes apparent that powerful forces will stop at nothing to prevent the world from being saved.
As a few brave souls attempt to rescue the planet from environmental calamity, they soon realize that their mission comes with a priceand some will pay with their lives.
Meanwhile, unseen forces assemble to sabotage any breakthrough that could challenge existing global energy markets. Oliver Odin, a mysterious international agent, is sent by the Security Alliance to investigate ominous threats intercepted by intelligence sources. The evidence leads him to the beautiful, strong-willed Nicole and the brainy scientists attending the forum. But when scientists on the verge of a promising discovery are gunned down at a reception held by a United States senator, it becomes apparent that powerful forces will stop at nothing to prevent the world from being saved.
As a few brave souls attempt to rescue the planet from environmental calamity, they soon realize that their mission comes with a priceand some will pay with their lives.
236 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 31, 2011
4 people are currently reading
84 people want to read
About the author
D. Hilleren
1 book6 followersDeborah Hilleren worked at Nike for twenty-five years as the Global Brand Director in the Kids' and Women's businesses. She has an undergraduate degree in Art and a Masters in Business Administration. She considers herself a life long student of human behavior and social issues. She now lives in Central Oregon with her husband, two dogs, two cats and two Kiger Mustangs.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
December 6, 2018
Climate Change versus the business of Energy
This book seemed to be written to convince readers that Climate Change is quickly becoming critical and that terrorists abound in the Energy sector. The idea promoted is that a viable answer to fossil fuels has been found but buried by the evil fossil fuel business sector. Much of the story was idealistic and stereotypical even to the point of the bad guys riding in yachts and chauffeur driven town cars and smoking Cuban cigars and buying prostitutes, and the good guys including non-profit executives and secret service agents riding on scooters. A bit too black and white with little gray area to be believable.
This book seemed to be written to convince readers that Climate Change is quickly becoming critical and that terrorists abound in the Energy sector. The idea promoted is that a viable answer to fossil fuels has been found but buried by the evil fossil fuel business sector. Much of the story was idealistic and stereotypical even to the point of the bad guys riding in yachts and chauffeur driven town cars and smoking Cuban cigars and buying prostitutes, and the good guys including non-profit executives and secret service agents riding on scooters. A bit too black and white with little gray area to be believable.
February 27, 2017
Okay, this is a hard review to do. I was so excited to win this, my first, and only, book that I've won from a Goodreads contest. And it came to me signed from the author, which is really cool. I signed up for the contest because the information about this book sounded interesting. Once I got it though, I had so many other books I was really enjoying, and I have really been on more of a YA book kick, that it took me awhile to pick it up and read it. So let's start with the good things I have to say.
First, the plot/storyline is really intriguing. I could really see this story being made into a movie, with either Matt Damon or Jason Statham as Oliver the government agent. With either one of them in that role, my friend Kim and I would be sure to be in the theater to see it! I think all the different "crimes" were done in a way to throw off suspicion from what was really happening. I didn't quite figure the whole "bad guy" part of the story out till later in the book, and to me that is a good book. I want to be kept hanging, trying to figure out either who is the bad guy, or what will happen next, and this book was pretty good about that. I also liked seeing how one of the "bad guys" kind of understood what he'd done was wrong at the end. Whether that is realistic or not, for the type of guy he was, I still like to see that occasionally. Then to have other bad guys who were still just as bad as ever, also a good thing. And it kind of left off in a way that there could possible be a sequel with some of our main characters, good and bad, brought back.
Now, for my complaints. This was a self-published book, and as with the last book I read that I knew was self-published, I can see the definite downside to doing this. And the main reason is in the writing. Now, while there weren't many errors in this one, which I can't help but see as I teach a class where I am expected to edit papers for these things, so I automatically see when I read just about anything anymore. My complaint with the writing in this is the way that the dialogue was written. It was very stilted, not the way that people really talk, that made it hard for me to read. It's as if the author was just trying to be grammatically correct, which doesn't work for dialogue in a novel. The other complaint I have is a personal one. I am not a person who "believes" in global warming. Do I think the Earth's climate is changing? Do I think that humans can do things to affect it? Yes to both of those. But, as an Earth Science major in college who has spoken to many geologists, I don't believe humans can really create as huge of changes in Earth's climate as some people like to say. And if scientists need to be working on anything, it is not how to "fix" the climate back to what we're used to, but to figure out how we can adapt to the changes. Because change is what the Earth does, whether we're here or not, and if we can't adapt to the changes, we'll be the latest round of extinctions, and another form of life will come up and take over. Earth doesn't need us to survive. Sorry, off my soap box there. Make that my teacher's podium, as it is my area of study.
All in all, a good read, a good story if you read it as that, just needs some work on dialogue. And hopefully as the author continues to write she will get better at that and continue to put out interesting stories.
First, the plot/storyline is really intriguing. I could really see this story being made into a movie, with either Matt Damon or Jason Statham as Oliver the government agent. With either one of them in that role, my friend Kim and I would be sure to be in the theater to see it! I think all the different "crimes" were done in a way to throw off suspicion from what was really happening. I didn't quite figure the whole "bad guy" part of the story out till later in the book, and to me that is a good book. I want to be kept hanging, trying to figure out either who is the bad guy, or what will happen next, and this book was pretty good about that. I also liked seeing how one of the "bad guys" kind of understood what he'd done was wrong at the end. Whether that is realistic or not, for the type of guy he was, I still like to see that occasionally. Then to have other bad guys who were still just as bad as ever, also a good thing. And it kind of left off in a way that there could possible be a sequel with some of our main characters, good and bad, brought back.
Now, for my complaints. This was a self-published book, and as with the last book I read that I knew was self-published, I can see the definite downside to doing this. And the main reason is in the writing. Now, while there weren't many errors in this one, which I can't help but see as I teach a class where I am expected to edit papers for these things, so I automatically see when I read just about anything anymore. My complaint with the writing in this is the way that the dialogue was written. It was very stilted, not the way that people really talk, that made it hard for me to read. It's as if the author was just trying to be grammatically correct, which doesn't work for dialogue in a novel. The other complaint I have is a personal one. I am not a person who "believes" in global warming. Do I think the Earth's climate is changing? Do I think that humans can do things to affect it? Yes to both of those. But, as an Earth Science major in college who has spoken to many geologists, I don't believe humans can really create as huge of changes in Earth's climate as some people like to say. And if scientists need to be working on anything, it is not how to "fix" the climate back to what we're used to, but to figure out how we can adapt to the changes. Because change is what the Earth does, whether we're here or not, and if we can't adapt to the changes, we'll be the latest round of extinctions, and another form of life will come up and take over. Earth doesn't need us to survive. Sorry, off my soap box there. Make that my teacher's podium, as it is my area of study.
All in all, a good read, a good story if you read it as that, just needs some work on dialogue. And hopefully as the author continues to write she will get better at that and continue to put out interesting stories.
July 29, 2013
To see my full review:
http://bookvacations.wordpress.com/20...
This was an extremely fun thriller, full of mystery and intrigue. Beginning with an introduction to our characters and environment, setting the stage for the events to come, the novel really starts to take off as Nicole’s life is threatened at a party where the two scientists she is talking to are shot in cold blood. Together with Oliver, an intense international agent, Nicole must figure out who is out to stop the green fuel initiative, and it is here that the fast-paced nature of the story begins.
Though a little more scientific than my brain is capable of processing, Hilleren does a great job keeping the reader up to speed with the scientist and environmental jargon as events progress. And, with its high speed chases, gun battles, and explosions, this novel unfolds quite cleverly as Hilleren intertwines terrorism, espionage, and the very real threat of climactic devastation to create her intense novel.
The characterization was great, and while I wouldn’t necessarily be friends with either Nicole or Oliver in real life, we’re just much too different, I felt like I really got to know them as the novel developed. Hilleren fleshed them out well and kept the romance to a minimum, which I was extremely happy about because I was much more wrapped up in the thrill of it all than the romantic aspects of the story. Likewise, I just don’t think the chapter layout would have allowed it.
The chapters are set up to show as many different sides as possible using the third-person narrative, with extremely short chapters that quickly jump from person to persona and event to event to spur the novel on. Each chapter has its own title, allowing the reader to easily focus on the new segment, which might be about Nicole, a senator, a terrorist, etc., and I really enjoyed this sporadic nature once I began to wrap my head around it. Though there were many small side stories, Hilleren does bring them all to a point as the story unfolds, which was really fun as I began to piece things together. Overall, this is a fun and engaging read that I think a majority of adult readers will enjoy.
http://bookvacations.wordpress.com/20...
This was an extremely fun thriller, full of mystery and intrigue. Beginning with an introduction to our characters and environment, setting the stage for the events to come, the novel really starts to take off as Nicole’s life is threatened at a party where the two scientists she is talking to are shot in cold blood. Together with Oliver, an intense international agent, Nicole must figure out who is out to stop the green fuel initiative, and it is here that the fast-paced nature of the story begins.
Though a little more scientific than my brain is capable of processing, Hilleren does a great job keeping the reader up to speed with the scientist and environmental jargon as events progress. And, with its high speed chases, gun battles, and explosions, this novel unfolds quite cleverly as Hilleren intertwines terrorism, espionage, and the very real threat of climactic devastation to create her intense novel.
The characterization was great, and while I wouldn’t necessarily be friends with either Nicole or Oliver in real life, we’re just much too different, I felt like I really got to know them as the novel developed. Hilleren fleshed them out well and kept the romance to a minimum, which I was extremely happy about because I was much more wrapped up in the thrill of it all than the romantic aspects of the story. Likewise, I just don’t think the chapter layout would have allowed it.
The chapters are set up to show as many different sides as possible using the third-person narrative, with extremely short chapters that quickly jump from person to persona and event to event to spur the novel on. Each chapter has its own title, allowing the reader to easily focus on the new segment, which might be about Nicole, a senator, a terrorist, etc., and I really enjoyed this sporadic nature once I began to wrap my head around it. Though there were many small side stories, Hilleren does bring them all to a point as the story unfolds, which was really fun as I began to piece things together. Overall, this is a fun and engaging read that I think a majority of adult readers will enjoy.
March 5, 2012
A very clear and page turning and thought provoking story. The story is full of mystery, intrigue and danger and the author uses simple and easy to follow text and language. The characters traits and beliefs are expertly defined to the reader which makes them totally believable.
As prominent businessman and leading scientists are in Stockholm for a forum on the earths climate, disruption occurs from unknown forces who gun down two scientists, one is killed and the other survives. Were these the real targets though or was it Nicole Hunter, Head of the Rich Everson Foundation.
Oliver Odin is dispatched by the Security Alliance to investigate the shootings and other threats that have been received. As the forum now moves onto a research ship taking them to the Valkyrie, a scientist ship working on a virtually environmental project, a terrorist is on board with a hidden agenda.
After reaching and looking round the Valkyrie, the story and mystery develop as the forum heads back to shore the terrorists deeds come to light, killing all the crew members of the Valkyrie. When his masters have heard his actions have worked, a Lithuanian trader approaches the Valykrie and removes its precious cargo.
Realising what is at stake, can Oliver and Nicole find out who has killed the crew and where the precious cargo is headed? If the cargo falls into the wrong hands terrorists throughout the world will have unlimited power. So time is of the essence, can they not only save themselves but the world peace as well.
From the start I was drawn into the story as the author builds up the mysterious air around all of the characters and the plots very systematically. This is what I really like in a thriller, not everything is revealed at once. A really enjoyable read that I would strongly recommend.
As prominent businessman and leading scientists are in Stockholm for a forum on the earths climate, disruption occurs from unknown forces who gun down two scientists, one is killed and the other survives. Were these the real targets though or was it Nicole Hunter, Head of the Rich Everson Foundation.
Oliver Odin is dispatched by the Security Alliance to investigate the shootings and other threats that have been received. As the forum now moves onto a research ship taking them to the Valkyrie, a scientist ship working on a virtually environmental project, a terrorist is on board with a hidden agenda.
After reaching and looking round the Valkyrie, the story and mystery develop as the forum heads back to shore the terrorists deeds come to light, killing all the crew members of the Valkyrie. When his masters have heard his actions have worked, a Lithuanian trader approaches the Valykrie and removes its precious cargo.
Realising what is at stake, can Oliver and Nicole find out who has killed the crew and where the precious cargo is headed? If the cargo falls into the wrong hands terrorists throughout the world will have unlimited power. So time is of the essence, can they not only save themselves but the world peace as well.
From the start I was drawn into the story as the author builds up the mysterious air around all of the characters and the plots very systematically. This is what I really like in a thriller, not everything is revealed at once. A really enjoyable read that I would strongly recommend.
August 24, 2011
The world is experiencing strangely strong natural disasters. Many believe it is a direct result of humankind's footprint on the environment. But many more believe that they are just freak anomalies that will go away if we just wait them out. A group of environmentalists and energy scientists are set to meet in Stockholm to brainstorm ways to reduce the impact we have on the environment. However, there is a group of powerful individuals that will do just about anything to make sure their ideas never see the light of day.
Nicole Hunter is the host of the meeting in Stockholm. She is determined to find a way to reduce our use of fossil fuels for energy. When there is an attack and someone from the meeting is killed Oliver Odin shows up to investigate. His investigation leads him on quite a chase across Europe and Asia, uncovering a huge plot that could potentially kill millions.
The writing style of this book threw me off at first. It is not written in a typical novel fashion. It struck me as much more like the human interest pieces you often read in the local papers. A lot of facts, and a little personality. Whether or not the author intended it to read this way, it worked once you got used to it. I found myself eagerly anticipating the next "edition/chapter" and wondering where the story would turn next.
4/5
Nicole Hunter is the host of the meeting in Stockholm. She is determined to find a way to reduce our use of fossil fuels for energy. When there is an attack and someone from the meeting is killed Oliver Odin shows up to investigate. His investigation leads him on quite a chase across Europe and Asia, uncovering a huge plot that could potentially kill millions.
The writing style of this book threw me off at first. It is not written in a typical novel fashion. It struck me as much more like the human interest pieces you often read in the local papers. A lot of facts, and a little personality. Whether or not the author intended it to read this way, it worked once you got used to it. I found myself eagerly anticipating the next "edition/chapter" and wondering where the story would turn next.
4/5
February 25, 2012
At first, due to the subject matter, I was worried that this would just be a book to put forth someone's personal agenda on the environment. Happily, I was wrong! It is a well-written story filled with mystery, murder, and intrigue. I felt like the characters were well-developed. After a few chapters I felt like I knew the main characters well, and I was immersed in their lives.
I especially liked how descriptive this book is. I haven't traveled to all the locations in the book, but I still felt like I'd been there before. I could picture the locations in my mind. I think that's a sign of a great writer, to help us recognize places we've never been to before.
I also liked that the chapters were a very readable length. Just long enough to keep you intrigued, but not too long that you have to stop in the middle of a chapter because you've run out of time.
I liked that the ending had everything resolved, yet left the door open for a sequel. I was satisfied with the ending but excited that their might be a follow-on novel!
I recommend this book! I think you'll enjoy it! I know I did!
I especially liked how descriptive this book is. I haven't traveled to all the locations in the book, but I still felt like I'd been there before. I could picture the locations in my mind. I think that's a sign of a great writer, to help us recognize places we've never been to before.
I also liked that the chapters were a very readable length. Just long enough to keep you intrigued, but not too long that you have to stop in the middle of a chapter because you've run out of time.
I liked that the ending had everything resolved, yet left the door open for a sequel. I was satisfied with the ending but excited that their might be a follow-on novel!
I recommend this book! I think you'll enjoy it! I know I did!
March 30, 2012
I thought Battered Earth was the perfect mix of suspense and action. It was also a frightening look into our possible future. It made me wonder how far will big business and oil industries go to stay rich. Would they actually let the planet be destroyed? Wars have been started over oil as it is what will be next? I loved it and found it to be very thought provoking!
June 8, 2011
It was okay. An interesting premise, well-thought out. But I didn't feel close to anyof the characters, maybe because there were so many POV characters with different storylines.
June 9, 2011
Enjoyed it. Hard to put down.
June 9, 2013
Hated it. Don't know what possessed me to buy it.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews