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The Project #1
White Jade
WHITE JADE is a fast-paced thriller that spins a web of deceit and murder across the globe, featuring characters caught up in a deadly international power game.
Former Recon Marine Nick Carter works for the Project, a covert counter-terrorism unit reporting to the President. He's taciturn and tough, with a dark history of emotional and physical scars. Selena Connor is a beautiful, strong and skilled linguist. When her wealthy uncle is murdered by someone looking for an ancient book about the elixir of immortality, she's thrown into Nick's dangerous world.
Nick is assigned to protect Selena and help her recover the missing text. The search escalates into a life and death adventure reaching from the gold country of California to the high country of Tibet, from Washington to Beijing. Along the way Nick and Selena begin a relationship forged by danger, combat and betrayal. Someone is out to take over China and attack America--and Nick and Selena are right in the line of fire.
International intrigue, terrorist acts, romance, patriotism and the threat of nuclear war form the core of the book, the first volume in a series featuring Nick, Selena, the Project and the ongoing, complex relationship between the main protagonists.
White Jade is Book One in the PROJECT Counter-Terrorism series. Book Two, The Lance, is also available on Amazon. Book Three, The Seventh Pillar, will be available later in 2012.
Former Recon Marine Nick Carter works for the Project, a covert counter-terrorism unit reporting to the President. He's taciturn and tough, with a dark history of emotional and physical scars. Selena Connor is a beautiful, strong and skilled linguist. When her wealthy uncle is murdered by someone looking for an ancient book about the elixir of immortality, she's thrown into Nick's dangerous world.
Nick is assigned to protect Selena and help her recover the missing text. The search escalates into a life and death adventure reaching from the gold country of California to the high country of Tibet, from Washington to Beijing. Along the way Nick and Selena begin a relationship forged by danger, combat and betrayal. Someone is out to take over China and attack America--and Nick and Selena are right in the line of fire.
International intrigue, terrorist acts, romance, patriotism and the threat of nuclear war form the core of the book, the first volume in a series featuring Nick, Selena, the Project and the ongoing, complex relationship between the main protagonists.
White Jade is Book One in the PROJECT Counter-Terrorism series. Book Two, The Lance, is also available on Amazon. Book Three, The Seventh Pillar, will be available later in 2012.
249 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 28, 2012
651 people are currently reading
2572 people want to read
About the author
Alex Lukeman
27 books206 followersI like Barbados rum, old,fast motorcycles, playing guitar and books by authors like Michael Connelly, Robert Crais, Alex Berenson, Craig Johnson and Lee Child. I write action/adventure thrillers. WHITE JADE is the first in a series featuring the PROJECT, a small, elite counter-terrorism unit. There are currently 23 books in the series.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 240 reviews
January 2, 2012
"Other than bad memories of Afghanistan, former Recon Marine Nicholas Carter thought he'd left combat behind when he joined an elite counter-terrorism unit called the Project. After all, Washington isn't much like Kabul. But when a two thousand year old book about the First Chinese Emperor and the secret of immortality goes missing, he's right back in the thick of it."
When one loves thrillers, as I do, exciting prose is expected and welcome. An added ...and rare..benefit is when a thriller not only excites, but it educates. White Jade is just such a thriller. Alex Lukeman, drawing on a facinating background, has written a truly enjoyable thriller that also leaves the reader with much facinating information about various cultures, both current and ancient. This makes for a very rewarding reading experience.
In creating the character of former Recon Marine Nicholas Carter, Mr. Lukeman has managed to introduce a complex and engaging new figure in the world of thrillers - and one is delighted to know that White Jade is the first in a planned series. Carter is a character who is very accessible to the reader, one who is so finely drawn a personality, that he virtually pops off the pages. This is always the sign of a great writer, and as this is Alex Lukeman's first book, I feel comfortable in proclaiming that a major new talent in fiction has arrived!
The plot, involves a Centuries old Chinese Book, a dynamic (and wiz at martial arts) supporting character named Selena and Nicholas' struggle to accept his past and embark on a complex adventure that will require all the skills he has learned as a warrior in Afganistan (and they are plenty) while dealing with the very human emotional toll his past battles have scarred him with. The aim of those up against Carter and Selena is nothing less than the secret of immortality,and they are quite willing to kill for it. The reader is transported from DC and California to the magical and hidden enclaves of Tibet, and along with page turning thrills, historical facts and details are so deftly interweaved, as to created more of an amazing experience as opposed to simply reading a novel. White Jade is #1 in Mr. Lukeman's PROJECT Series, and #2 will have a very hard act to follow, but given Mr. Lukeman's exceptional writing skills, there is little doubt that lovers of well written and intelligent thrillers have little to worry about!
A JAMES MASON COMMUNITY BOOK CLUB MUST READ
RICK FRIEDMAN
FOUNDER
THE JAMES MASON COMMUNITY BOOK CLUB
When one loves thrillers, as I do, exciting prose is expected and welcome. An added ...and rare..benefit is when a thriller not only excites, but it educates. White Jade is just such a thriller. Alex Lukeman, drawing on a facinating background, has written a truly enjoyable thriller that also leaves the reader with much facinating information about various cultures, both current and ancient. This makes for a very rewarding reading experience.
In creating the character of former Recon Marine Nicholas Carter, Mr. Lukeman has managed to introduce a complex and engaging new figure in the world of thrillers - and one is delighted to know that White Jade is the first in a planned series. Carter is a character who is very accessible to the reader, one who is so finely drawn a personality, that he virtually pops off the pages. This is always the sign of a great writer, and as this is Alex Lukeman's first book, I feel comfortable in proclaiming that a major new talent in fiction has arrived!
The plot, involves a Centuries old Chinese Book, a dynamic (and wiz at martial arts) supporting character named Selena and Nicholas' struggle to accept his past and embark on a complex adventure that will require all the skills he has learned as a warrior in Afganistan (and they are plenty) while dealing with the very human emotional toll his past battles have scarred him with. The aim of those up against Carter and Selena is nothing less than the secret of immortality,and they are quite willing to kill for it. The reader is transported from DC and California to the magical and hidden enclaves of Tibet, and along with page turning thrills, historical facts and details are so deftly interweaved, as to created more of an amazing experience as opposed to simply reading a novel. White Jade is #1 in Mr. Lukeman's PROJECT Series, and #2 will have a very hard act to follow, but given Mr. Lukeman's exceptional writing skills, there is little doubt that lovers of well written and intelligent thrillers have little to worry about!
A JAMES MASON COMMUNITY BOOK CLUB MUST READ
RICK FRIEDMAN
FOUNDER
THE JAMES MASON COMMUNITY BOOK CLUB
September 18, 2013
I really got fooled by all the great reviews on this publication. Imagine to my surprise when already from page 1, the language of writing was completely childlike and too fast so the story appears too disjointed. The plot was also extremely cliché - take one typical baddy enemy of America, China, one American Bruce Willis alike hero rescuing a pretty tough, of course American, chick from the baddy Chinese (who of course intends to take over the world because that's what it's all about these days....).
The entire story is completely inplausible, boring, too rushed, does not make sense either. The idea of the elixir of immortality recipe being hidden in an ancient book that was found is good premise....but then said book being secreted halfway across the world to a not so hidden location, is definitely laughable.
The whole prologue already was utter rubbish; the baddy Chinese men forces the old man's account numbers and manage to take away his whole fortune. Bank accounts, secret or not, does not work in such simple methods these days.
Is this author stupid?! Who gave him a book deal!
The entire story is completely inplausible, boring, too rushed, does not make sense either. The idea of the elixir of immortality recipe being hidden in an ancient book that was found is good premise....but then said book being secreted halfway across the world to a not so hidden location, is definitely laughable.
The whole prologue already was utter rubbish; the baddy Chinese men forces the old man's account numbers and manage to take away his whole fortune. Bank accounts, secret or not, does not work in such simple methods these days.
Is this author stupid?! Who gave him a book deal!
November 3, 2011
I had heard about Alex Lukeman’s book White Jade prior to having his submission request come to the PRG Review Team. I was also delighted to be challenged to do the story as a Dual Review. To make it even more appealing, the next Dual Review was slated to have a Guest Dueler, for a change of pace for your reading enjoyment. So here I am writing this review, and so is Andrew Valentine, writer of Bitter Things, as my Siskel to his Ebert or the other way around.
When I began White Jade, I could see this was going to take me to places I loved. Murder, foreign intrigue, FBI, CIA, plots and plenty of action.
Elizabeth Harker is in charge of a group called Project. She works within the levels of the FBI and CIA and Homeland Security, with technology at her hands to analyze threats to our country. She is a woman who has a voice to the President.
William Connor was a very rich man who was tortured and killed, his home ransacked, and there was a transfer of 4 million dollars from his accounts to accounts in China. He was a personal friend of the President. Project was asked to look into this.
Elizabeth Harker has contacted Nicholas Carter to come to her office. He is recently back from Afghanistan, dealing with emotional issues from his last mission, and the loss of his fiancé, which has changed his view on life. Upon hearing of the way Connors was killed, ‘it became personal, and Nick needed personal cause God and country wasn’t working for him anymore’
Enter Dr. Selena Connor, attractive, in her thirties, PhD in oriental and ancient language, niece to the deceased. Harker tells her that they feel her Uncle was killed for a book he had acquired in Bhutan. Selena reveals it is a copy of an ancient text about immortality. She has no idea where it is, but after further investigation on her Uncles laptop, a letter to her tells them where the book is possibly hidden.
This is where our story unfolds. Mr Lukeman has done a wonderful job of introducing the reader to all the players. We are in San Francisco, China, and back switching scenery from one part of the globe to the other. The intrigue, the lust for power, the thrill of the hunt, all add to the beauty of the ruins I could see, the fear in the tunnels I could taste, and the miracle of finding artifacts untouched by man for centuries. Yes, it truly was Indiana Jones meets 007.
The story was well described and points well documented. I love a thriller where the good guys are so good and the bad guys are unredeemable. The quest for POWER makes this story come to life and we always pray the good guys win. I do not want to add any more to the story, as **Spoilers** are a no no with my reviews. So with the weather getting cooler, if you had the idea of curling up with a good Mystery/ Thriller, White Jade would be a good bet.
I might also add as I read this story, ideas kept forming in my mind as to who would play the bad guys, of course I had already picked who I envisioned to play Selena and Nick on the Big Screen. Kate Hudson would be a good Selena and Alex O’Louglin from Hawaii Five- O would be a wonderful Nick. How about Kathy Bates for Elizabeth Harker??? Hmmm anyone looking for a great screen play?
Mr Lukeman has graciously sent on to me the next book in this series called The Lance, which I will put on my personal TBR pile and review for you at a later date...
Review by Gloria Lakritz
Senior Reviewer and Review Chair for the Paranormal Romance Guild
When I began White Jade, I could see this was going to take me to places I loved. Murder, foreign intrigue, FBI, CIA, plots and plenty of action.
Elizabeth Harker is in charge of a group called Project. She works within the levels of the FBI and CIA and Homeland Security, with technology at her hands to analyze threats to our country. She is a woman who has a voice to the President.
William Connor was a very rich man who was tortured and killed, his home ransacked, and there was a transfer of 4 million dollars from his accounts to accounts in China. He was a personal friend of the President. Project was asked to look into this.
Elizabeth Harker has contacted Nicholas Carter to come to her office. He is recently back from Afghanistan, dealing with emotional issues from his last mission, and the loss of his fiancé, which has changed his view on life. Upon hearing of the way Connors was killed, ‘it became personal, and Nick needed personal cause God and country wasn’t working for him anymore’
Enter Dr. Selena Connor, attractive, in her thirties, PhD in oriental and ancient language, niece to the deceased. Harker tells her that they feel her Uncle was killed for a book he had acquired in Bhutan. Selena reveals it is a copy of an ancient text about immortality. She has no idea where it is, but after further investigation on her Uncles laptop, a letter to her tells them where the book is possibly hidden.
This is where our story unfolds. Mr Lukeman has done a wonderful job of introducing the reader to all the players. We are in San Francisco, China, and back switching scenery from one part of the globe to the other. The intrigue, the lust for power, the thrill of the hunt, all add to the beauty of the ruins I could see, the fear in the tunnels I could taste, and the miracle of finding artifacts untouched by man for centuries. Yes, it truly was Indiana Jones meets 007.
The story was well described and points well documented. I love a thriller where the good guys are so good and the bad guys are unredeemable. The quest for POWER makes this story come to life and we always pray the good guys win. I do not want to add any more to the story, as **Spoilers** are a no no with my reviews. So with the weather getting cooler, if you had the idea of curling up with a good Mystery/ Thriller, White Jade would be a good bet.
I might also add as I read this story, ideas kept forming in my mind as to who would play the bad guys, of course I had already picked who I envisioned to play Selena and Nick on the Big Screen. Kate Hudson would be a good Selena and Alex O’Louglin from Hawaii Five- O would be a wonderful Nick. How about Kathy Bates for Elizabeth Harker??? Hmmm anyone looking for a great screen play?
Mr Lukeman has graciously sent on to me the next book in this series called The Lance, which I will put on my personal TBR pile and review for you at a later date...
Review by Gloria Lakritz
Senior Reviewer and Review Chair for the Paranormal Romance Guild
November 17, 2013
First in this series. A secret Chinese society called the White Jade are plotting to overthrow the government of the People's Republic of China from within, and are also arranging a terrorist attack on the San Francisco Bay area as a diversion, while simultaneously trying to track down a mysterious elixir of immortality, hidden in the mountains of Tibet. They kill Selena Cross's uncle in the process, which pulls her into the search for the ancient book that can help solve this quest for the elixir, and introduces her to Nick Carter and the rest of the secret Project team, a group who regularly, and in an ever clandestine manner, save the world from near annihilation.
This is exciting and a strong start to this series. Wonderful range of locations, adventures, and dangerous obstacles to overcome.
This is exciting and a strong start to this series. Wonderful range of locations, adventures, and dangerous obstacles to overcome.
May 20, 2014
As you can tell from my reading habits, I have a pretty high tolerance for bad writing in certain genres. But this one -- this is just unforgivable. It's horribly written, the plot is just devastatingly stupid, and by the end I kind of wanted ALL the characters to die in a fire. And dying in a fire would be easy, as they were all paper-thin.
Save yourself. Read the back of a cereal box. The instructions on a pack of shoelaces. The logo on a pencil, over and over. Anything is better than this.
Save yourself. Read the back of a cereal box. The instructions on a pack of shoelaces. The logo on a pencil, over and over. Anything is better than this.
June 22, 2017
This was a blast ! Covert ops, Chinese bad guys and loads of action and fun. Very engaging characters with a great storyline. Well worth the read.
January 8, 2016
I'm going to go ahead and say it. Once I read the summary on the back of the book, I knew I wasn't going to like it. Here is the reason why - the main characters name is Nick Carter. As we all know (or maybe not), Nick Carter is a member of the Backstreet Boys. This may not be a problem for some, but every time his name was said it was hard to imagine him as a hard core former marine that now worked on a secret government assignment called the PROJECT.
That being said, I read the book. I changed his name to Rick as I read and the storyline ended up being really good. It's a typical thriller book that involves traitors, espionage, travel to foreign countries, gun fights, and oh yeah - sex! You don't learn as much about the characters as you hope, but since this is a series, I assume you will learn more and more with each book.
Nick = 3 stars (Google your main characters name before you publish)
Rick = 4 stars
In compliance with FTC guidelines, I received the book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
That being said, I read the book. I changed his name to Rick as I read and the storyline ended up being really good. It's a typical thriller book that involves traitors, espionage, travel to foreign countries, gun fights, and oh yeah - sex! You don't learn as much about the characters as you hope, but since this is a series, I assume you will learn more and more with each book.
Nick = 3 stars (Google your main characters name before you publish)
Rick = 4 stars
In compliance with FTC guidelines, I received the book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
January 10, 2014
Take every hackneyed cliche from every thriller-type book, movie, video game, throw them all together with short, choppy, simple sentences and middle-school vocabulary, and you have White Jade. We have a rugged super agent, a beautiful, smart PhD, a Navajo side-kick, a bunch of evil Chinese baddies who want to take over the world, lots of car chases, gun battles, an ancient secret chamber with perfectly functioning boobie traps (even though they are 4000 years old), terrorist attacks, and an impending nuclear holocaust. There was absolutely no character development apparent, and the plot was simple and predictable. I'm just happy that I didn't actually buy this book, but I'm disappointed that I used this month's Amazon Prime loan on it. I will say that it appeared to have been proof-read, something often lacking in these self-published efforts. It is an easy, quick read if you are looking for some mindless entertainment. I think this is a book that might be enjoyed by high-school boys, but I definitely won't be reading more from this author.
December 15, 2011
I really enjoyed this book. Alex Lukeman developed these characters so well, I feel like I knew them, or at least I would cross the street to avoid them. I really enjoyed this book and am looking forward to "Book 2"
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway.
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway.
April 25, 2017
First book in a 14 book series. The story line was ok but as it was the first book I felt it was setting up the pace for the next ones and introducing the characters. I will continue on with the series as I enjoyed it .
September 15, 2021
An anti-terrorist hotshot and a beautiful rich girl try to keep the Chi-coms from getting a book that might have the secret to immortality. I liked that it was actually set in my neck of the woods.
December 7, 2011
Very good! When is book #2 coming out???
June 23, 2022
‘*‘ Meine Meinung ‘*‘
Das Buch eignet sich hervorragen für den Urlaub, denn es ist leichte Lektüre, bei der man nicht nachdenken muss. Außerdem verrät der Klappentext schon mindestens 50% der Handlung, also gibt es auch wenige Überraschungen und man kann nebenbei das Hörbuch hören. Ich verrate nicht zuviel, wenn ich euch erzähle, dass es eine Jagd quer über den Globus gibt, um Amerika zu retten.
Die Charaktere sind hübsche Klischees und bieten keinen Platz für Spannung. Da reicht schon die Lektüre des Klappentextes, um zu wissen, was abgeht.
Das Buch an sich ist spannend, aber die Krönung ist Michael Schrodt. Ich habe selten einen Sprecher erlebt, der ein Buch so kaputt liest. Als Märchenonkel ist er super geeignet, aber als Sprecher für ein spannendes Buch definitiv zu emotionslos. Eine Verfolgungsjagd hört sich bei ihm wie eine Bedienungsanleitung für einen Staubsauger. Einfach nur zum Einschlafen. Nicht zu vergessen, dass auch die Aufnahmeleitung des Hörbuchs nicht aufgepasst hat. Im Prolog liest Schrodt den Namen Selena man ihn schreibt. So weit, so gut. Anschließend liest der den Namen „Seliena“ (sprecht es mal laut aus). Und warum wurde diese Diskrepanz nicht ausgebessert?
Der Autor wechselt seinen Schreibstil angenehm zwischen ausschweifenden Beschreibungen und kurz-knackigen Action-Szenen. Da wurden meine Gedanken, wenn sie zu sehr bei den Beschreibungen abschweiften, durch die Passagen, in denen kürzere Sätze formuliert waren, wieder auf das Hörbuch gelenkt und ich war erneut voll dabei.
Nach reiflicher Überlegung gibt es 3 Jade-Sterne und ich weiß, dass ich nie wieder ein Hörbuch mit Schrodt als Sprecher hören werde. Es sei denn, es handelt sich um Gute Nacht Geschichten.
‘*‘ Klappentext ‘*‘
Vor dem Hintergrund eines internationalen Machtspiels spannt PROJECT: WEISSER JADE ein Netz aus Täuschung und Mord um den Globus.
Nick Carter, ehemaliger Aufklärungs-Marine, dessen Vergangenheit ihm unzählige körperliche und seelische Narben bescherte, arbeitet für das PROJECT, eine geheime Einheit zur Bekämpfung des Terrorismus, die direkt dem Präsidenten unterstellt ist. Selena Connor, eine gutaussehende, starke und fähige Sprachwissenschaftlerin, findet sich plötzlich inmitten seiner gefährlichen und gnadenlosen Welt wieder, als ihr wohlhabender Onkel von jemandem auf grausame Weise ermordet wird, der auf der Suche nach einem altertümlichen Buch über das Elixier der Unsterblichkeit ist.
Nick wird beauftragt, Selena zu beschützen und ihr bei der Wiederbeschaffung des verschwundenen Textes zu helfen. Es ist der Beginn eines Abenteuers auf Leben und Tod, das von San Francisco bis nach Peking und von Washington bis in die geheimen Kammern in Tibet reicht. Jemand möchte in China die Macht an sich reißen und plant einen Angriff auf Amerika - und Nick und Selena stehen dabei mitten in der Schusslinie.
Das Buch eignet sich hervorragen für den Urlaub, denn es ist leichte Lektüre, bei der man nicht nachdenken muss. Außerdem verrät der Klappentext schon mindestens 50% der Handlung, also gibt es auch wenige Überraschungen und man kann nebenbei das Hörbuch hören. Ich verrate nicht zuviel, wenn ich euch erzähle, dass es eine Jagd quer über den Globus gibt, um Amerika zu retten.
Die Charaktere sind hübsche Klischees und bieten keinen Platz für Spannung. Da reicht schon die Lektüre des Klappentextes, um zu wissen, was abgeht.
Das Buch an sich ist spannend, aber die Krönung ist Michael Schrodt. Ich habe selten einen Sprecher erlebt, der ein Buch so kaputt liest. Als Märchenonkel ist er super geeignet, aber als Sprecher für ein spannendes Buch definitiv zu emotionslos. Eine Verfolgungsjagd hört sich bei ihm wie eine Bedienungsanleitung für einen Staubsauger. Einfach nur zum Einschlafen. Nicht zu vergessen, dass auch die Aufnahmeleitung des Hörbuchs nicht aufgepasst hat. Im Prolog liest Schrodt den Namen Selena man ihn schreibt. So weit, so gut. Anschließend liest der den Namen „Seliena“ (sprecht es mal laut aus). Und warum wurde diese Diskrepanz nicht ausgebessert?
Der Autor wechselt seinen Schreibstil angenehm zwischen ausschweifenden Beschreibungen und kurz-knackigen Action-Szenen. Da wurden meine Gedanken, wenn sie zu sehr bei den Beschreibungen abschweiften, durch die Passagen, in denen kürzere Sätze formuliert waren, wieder auf das Hörbuch gelenkt und ich war erneut voll dabei.
Nach reiflicher Überlegung gibt es 3 Jade-Sterne und ich weiß, dass ich nie wieder ein Hörbuch mit Schrodt als Sprecher hören werde. Es sei denn, es handelt sich um Gute Nacht Geschichten.
‘*‘ Klappentext ‘*‘
Vor dem Hintergrund eines internationalen Machtspiels spannt PROJECT: WEISSER JADE ein Netz aus Täuschung und Mord um den Globus.
Nick Carter, ehemaliger Aufklärungs-Marine, dessen Vergangenheit ihm unzählige körperliche und seelische Narben bescherte, arbeitet für das PROJECT, eine geheime Einheit zur Bekämpfung des Terrorismus, die direkt dem Präsidenten unterstellt ist. Selena Connor, eine gutaussehende, starke und fähige Sprachwissenschaftlerin, findet sich plötzlich inmitten seiner gefährlichen und gnadenlosen Welt wieder, als ihr wohlhabender Onkel von jemandem auf grausame Weise ermordet wird, der auf der Suche nach einem altertümlichen Buch über das Elixier der Unsterblichkeit ist.
Nick wird beauftragt, Selena zu beschützen und ihr bei der Wiederbeschaffung des verschwundenen Textes zu helfen. Es ist der Beginn eines Abenteuers auf Leben und Tod, das von San Francisco bis nach Peking und von Washington bis in die geheimen Kammern in Tibet reicht. Jemand möchte in China die Macht an sich reißen und plant einen Angriff auf Amerika - und Nick und Selena stehen dabei mitten in der Schusslinie.
March 17, 2017
Great book!!!
Lots of action and excitement. I love the main characters, and look forward to reading more adventures in the future. Get the book... you love it.
Lots of action and excitement. I love the main characters, and look forward to reading more adventures in the future. Get the book... you love it.
October 24, 2018
Great read....on to the next in this series. Like the replay of characters from one book to the next and of course the suspense of the situations they get involved in.
May 20, 2022
Indiana Jones trifft auf Jack Ryan 👍 Abenteuer Action mit guter Story
March 11, 2017
I enjoyed this book. It was very fast paced and the action scenes were written really well. I liked both the main characters and their interactions for the most part. Having said that, I wish the author would have just kept them in the friend zone. I thought the romantic element was a little forced. I would definitely be interested in reading more from this series.
March 21, 2012
White Jade took me into the midst of government agencies, corrupt Chinese officials, not to mention the Triads - and I nearly watched a war break out! Yes, I was sweating towards the end of the book, wondering what was to become of the characters I had gotten to know throughout the story.
In the midst of all the chaos, I watched a romance develop between two unsuspecting individuals. Granted, there were more "bedroom" scenes in the book than I am comfortable with but, given the history of each character, it made sense in terms of the story and bringing the individuals together, just as it made sense to have a woman who, despite being a sensitive soul, can fire a gun without blinking when the need arises. The characters were definitely strong and admirable, with enough weakness to make them human.
I really enjoyed the story and would read another of Alex Lukeman's books. The only problem I had with White Jade is that the writing style seemed inconsistent. Often, I would get totally lost in the story, forgetting everything surrounding me, but then would get hung up in other sections with short choppy sentences which distracted me because the story didn't flow as well.
In the midst of all the chaos, I watched a romance develop between two unsuspecting individuals. Granted, there were more "bedroom" scenes in the book than I am comfortable with but, given the history of each character, it made sense in terms of the story and bringing the individuals together, just as it made sense to have a woman who, despite being a sensitive soul, can fire a gun without blinking when the need arises. The characters were definitely strong and admirable, with enough weakness to make them human.
I really enjoyed the story and would read another of Alex Lukeman's books. The only problem I had with White Jade is that the writing style seemed inconsistent. Often, I would get totally lost in the story, forgetting everything surrounding me, but then would get hung up in other sections with short choppy sentences which distracted me because the story didn't flow as well.
May 25, 2015
White Jade is the 1st in the Project series. Espionage, political deceit and manipulation at its best.
Nick is ex military who works for the Project, an organization that reports only to the U.S. President. Selena is an exert in ancient languages who teaches at the college level.
Selena is drawn into the political drama after her Uncle is killed. He had given her "directions" to an ancient book in case of his death. Immediately, she and Nick are thrown into battle with a decisive faction within the Chinese government. They plan the overthrow of the Chinese ruler while the world is distracted by an attack on the U.S.
Selena has to be brought up to speed on self defense and weapons as she is need on the mission due to her language skills.
Great "new" find as this is my favorite genre.
Nick is ex military who works for the Project, an organization that reports only to the U.S. President. Selena is an exert in ancient languages who teaches at the college level.
Selena is drawn into the political drama after her Uncle is killed. He had given her "directions" to an ancient book in case of his death. Immediately, she and Nick are thrown into battle with a decisive faction within the Chinese government. They plan the overthrow of the Chinese ruler while the world is distracted by an attack on the U.S.
Selena has to be brought up to speed on self defense and weapons as she is need on the mission due to her language skills.
Great "new" find as this is my favorite genre.
December 23, 2016
A very easy read - fast paced without getting bogged down in all of the details of the main characters lives. For those who enjoy highly technical stories filled with large annoying words that only take away from the story, this series isn't for you. For those of us who love "Indiana Jones", "The Dresden Files", "Jack Reacher", and "Payne and Jones", this series holds the same element of what I call "elegant simplicity". Fun to read, entertaining, and easy to follow. I'm looking forward to reading the rest of this series. I hope I can find this other books in a collectors set
June 7, 2012
Very entertaining read. Fast pace with lots of tension with interesting characters and plotline. With the action/adventure books with a lot of ancient history/archaeology backgrounding many authors seem to find it difficult to find a good balance between the military action and the archaeology. This book manages it quite admirably and also has a deft touch with the political involvement, another place where a reader can get overwhelmed.
I will have this series on my 'to read' list.
I will have this series on my 'to read' list.
August 16, 2012
Alex Lukeman, $2.99 on Kindle ****
A trio of compelling protagonists in a fast-paced (except for a sudden pause for weapons training and romance late in the book and a curiously plodding "after-party" in the final two chapters) page turner with lots of elements - international intrigue, terror threats, Chinese politics, and a fascinating historical angle. Really enjoyed it.
A trio of compelling protagonists in a fast-paced (except for a sudden pause for weapons training and romance late in the book and a curiously plodding "after-party" in the final two chapters) page turner with lots of elements - international intrigue, terror threats, Chinese politics, and a fascinating historical angle. Really enjoyed it.
August 29, 2024
The main woman in this book is the biggest Mary Sue I have ever had the privilege to witness. It rivals most 12 year old writers. Any other woman is written like a teenage mean girl. I know this author is a grown man, which leads me to believe that he wasn't sure how to write a strong female character without making her seem like a joke to anyone who has spoken to a woman in their life time.
Here is a list of what makes her a Mary Sue:
1. Violet eyes, by the way, the only way for someone to have naturally violet eyes is if they are albino. I also want to mention she is described as incredibly beautiful with a great taste in clothing.
2. 7th degree black belt in Korean martial arts, based off this Selena has to be at least 47 years old, awarded this by a governing body and a distinguished teacher of the martial art and that's if she got her 1st degree black belt at 16. I know the book says she is in her thirties, it is physically impossible for her to be in her thirties, so I don't know maybe she lied in the book and she did find the secret to immortality and was just being sneaky.
3. 72 skydives, average person with normal responsibilities can do around 40 jumps a year so this isn't crazy on its own but she does not have normal responsibilities and feels like it was just added to make her more 'badass'.
4. She has a doctorate of oriental and ancient languages, however, she doesn't seem to have a specialization like someone with a doctorate should have. From her dialog and skills I should almost be able to guess what her thesis was but I can't, her knowledge base for languages and her understanding of them is too vast. As well her in depth knowledge of ancient cultures and modern cultures. Even the most knowledgeable historians have a focus or an expertise (usually very specific), she does not. Here is an example of a REAL professors credentials, yes, I pulled this straight from a university website in about 5 seconds.
"Department, School of Languages, Cultures and Linguistics, Near and Middle East Section
Biography, Islam: beliefs, practice and culture; Islamic family law; Arab society and culture
Research interests, The Qur'an: language, style and translations in English; Islamic family law"
5. She has the classic trauma of her parents dying at age 10 and her super rich uncle raised her
6. Can drive like a trained stunt driver in an incredibly stressful situation, does it flawlessly even though this is her first real experience doing so.
7. Can shoot guns with high accuracy to the point it impresses an ex marine.
8. Instantly attracted to the main character, yes, she gets wet the first time she has a chance to look at him. Ma'am he is just a guy. The chapters that are from her point of view are mostly to drool over him or to question why she is hesitating to be with him. Again, he is just a guy, one who should probably go to therapy. Oh, and he is instantly attracted to her, so much so that he finally gets over his dead fiancee.
9. Can speak multiple languages, not a particular problem but my issue is how she knows certain words in mandarin, why does a professor of ancient language know the words for nuke, and other highly political words that an average person would not come across in a foreign language. I know several languages and I can not discuss nuclear war or a state of emergency in french or ojibwe. If we speak specifically on mandarin, the government in 2013 said there were around 3,500 characters that were essential (so to be fluent you would need to know these ones) and to read an average newspaper you only have to know around 1,000. So, my question is what mandarin class is teaching the average person to be a political translator akin to a NATO translator?
10. Only one who doesn't get injured after the big airplane jump, yes she goes on a mission with two ex marines and somehow they get injured but she doesn't, even though the jump is higher than anything she has ever done before and the weather is god awful.
11. Selena calls herself bitchy while also having zero emotional responses to things a citizen would be emotional over, no emotional reaction to her uncle dying, sex is her coping mechanism, doesn't respond when she kills a man but does get mad when she is shown how to use a grenade, gets over one of her closest friend betraying her very fast, etc.
All in all, this is a good book if you read it like a satire. I honestly laughed at how poorly written a lot of the characters were, there is slowly setting up your characters for a series and then there is making them so one dimensional the pages of the book passes as a more well developed character.
Here is a list of what makes her a Mary Sue:
1. Violet eyes, by the way, the only way for someone to have naturally violet eyes is if they are albino. I also want to mention she is described as incredibly beautiful with a great taste in clothing.
2. 7th degree black belt in Korean martial arts, based off this Selena has to be at least 47 years old, awarded this by a governing body and a distinguished teacher of the martial art and that's if she got her 1st degree black belt at 16. I know the book says she is in her thirties, it is physically impossible for her to be in her thirties, so I don't know maybe she lied in the book and she did find the secret to immortality and was just being sneaky.
3. 72 skydives, average person with normal responsibilities can do around 40 jumps a year so this isn't crazy on its own but she does not have normal responsibilities and feels like it was just added to make her more 'badass'.
4. She has a doctorate of oriental and ancient languages, however, she doesn't seem to have a specialization like someone with a doctorate should have. From her dialog and skills I should almost be able to guess what her thesis was but I can't, her knowledge base for languages and her understanding of them is too vast. As well her in depth knowledge of ancient cultures and modern cultures. Even the most knowledgeable historians have a focus or an expertise (usually very specific), she does not. Here is an example of a REAL professors credentials, yes, I pulled this straight from a university website in about 5 seconds.
"Department, School of Languages, Cultures and Linguistics, Near and Middle East Section
Biography, Islam: beliefs, practice and culture; Islamic family law; Arab society and culture
Research interests, The Qur'an: language, style and translations in English; Islamic family law"
5. She has the classic trauma of her parents dying at age 10 and her super rich uncle raised her
6. Can drive like a trained stunt driver in an incredibly stressful situation, does it flawlessly even though this is her first real experience doing so.
7. Can shoot guns with high accuracy to the point it impresses an ex marine.
8. Instantly attracted to the main character, yes, she gets wet the first time she has a chance to look at him. Ma'am he is just a guy. The chapters that are from her point of view are mostly to drool over him or to question why she is hesitating to be with him. Again, he is just a guy, one who should probably go to therapy. Oh, and he is instantly attracted to her, so much so that he finally gets over his dead fiancee.
9. Can speak multiple languages, not a particular problem but my issue is how she knows certain words in mandarin, why does a professor of ancient language know the words for nuke, and other highly political words that an average person would not come across in a foreign language. I know several languages and I can not discuss nuclear war or a state of emergency in french or ojibwe. If we speak specifically on mandarin, the government in 2013 said there were around 3,500 characters that were essential (so to be fluent you would need to know these ones) and to read an average newspaper you only have to know around 1,000. So, my question is what mandarin class is teaching the average person to be a political translator akin to a NATO translator?
10. Only one who doesn't get injured after the big airplane jump, yes she goes on a mission with two ex marines and somehow they get injured but she doesn't, even though the jump is higher than anything she has ever done before and the weather is god awful.
11. Selena calls herself bitchy while also having zero emotional responses to things a citizen would be emotional over, no emotional reaction to her uncle dying, sex is her coping mechanism, doesn't respond when she kills a man but does get mad when she is shown how to use a grenade, gets over one of her closest friend betraying her very fast, etc.
All in all, this is a good book if you read it like a satire. I honestly laughed at how poorly written a lot of the characters were, there is slowly setting up your characters for a series and then there is making them so one dimensional the pages of the book passes as a more well developed character.
December 7, 2020
San Francisco, CA. the thugs told William Connor (wealthy) they wanted Bhutan’s numbers book.
He picked up 1 of William’s valuable vases & smashed it on the floor. 1 more time.
Maybe the pruning shears would do the trick. The little finger fell on the floor.
VG. PROJECT (covert counter-terrorism unit) building 4th floor. Director Elizabeth Harker told
Nicholas “Nick” Carter (Irish, the Project covert counter-terrorism unit team member, retired USMC Force Recon Major, South America, Persian Gulf, Afghanistan, Iraq) the shrink had given him the thumbs-up sign.
On the monitor screen was a picture of William.
Colonel Wu Chen (Chinese Military Intelligence, diplomatic immunity) & General Yang Siyu (MI Chief) were involved in his death.
Dr./Professor Selena Connor (30+, William’s niece, PhDs: oriental/ancient languages) told the 2 of them the book was an ancient text written in Sanskrit/Linear A.
It was also about Emperor Qin Huang (Chinese, 221-210 BC).
What did they find on his laptop?
A BMW 740 pulled in front of the Mercedes CL600. It got rammed by Suburban.
Nick knew he Dr./Professor Connor might be in trouble.
The chase was on. After the crash gunfire erupted.
The Mayflower Renaissance Hotel/bar. Nick & Dr./Professor Connor decided to have a drink, they had survived the day.
Nick & Dr./Professor Connor boarded the plane.
Marysville, Yuba County, CA. The 3 of them had arrived at their destination.
Now to locate the Golden Garuda (book)
Sergeant Choy Gang (former PLA), Noodles, Li (driver), & Chung were not far behind.
More gun fire exchanged. Li was dead, & Chung didn’t have much longer to live.
Colonel Wu (White Jade Society) was not happy with Sergeant Choy Gang.
The opening to the cave Nick & Dr./Professor Connor were end had been blown shut.
Nick & Dr./Professor Connor watched as Director Stephanie Willits (computer wiz/hacker) went to work on/with Freddie Cray XMT supercomputer (aka Eldorado).
Director Harker let Zeke Jordan (liaison) know about Cathy Chen (Eurasian, Selena’s BFF) & Charlie Chan.
Selena, Ronnie, & Nick stopped & stared.
Before them was a panel that depicted Agni (Vedic fire god of Hinduism), & 1 of King Minos Crete, Zeus/Europa’s son).
Charlie Chan just got off the phone with Sr. Colonel Wu (White Jade).
What were President Zhang, General Zhou (Military Commission Chairman, Beijing Military Region Commander), Minister Deng (State Security, Guangzhou Military region in Southern China Commander), General Liu (missile submarines interim Commander), General Yang Siyu, General Hong (2nd Artillery Battalion Commander, China's nuclear/ballistic missile force), & Minister Chen Tian (Railways) discussing?
Admiral Zhang Lian (drowned, missile submarines Commander) had fell overboard & drowned during an inspection.
What is going on with Selena & Nick?
I do not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing free books from publishers & authors. Therefore, I am under no obligation to write a positive review, only an honest one.
An awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very professionally written International crime thriller book. It was quite easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a huge description list of unique characters, settings, facts etc. to keep track of. This could also make another International crime thriller great movie, or better yet a mini TV series. To be continued. There is no doubt in my mind this is an extremely easy rating of 5 stars.
There is no doubt in my mind this is an amazingly easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free author; Goodreads; MakingConnections; Making Connections discussion group talk; BookZio; Amazon Digital Services LLC.; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
He picked up 1 of William’s valuable vases & smashed it on the floor. 1 more time.
Maybe the pruning shears would do the trick. The little finger fell on the floor.
VG. PROJECT (covert counter-terrorism unit) building 4th floor. Director Elizabeth Harker told
Nicholas “Nick” Carter (Irish, the Project covert counter-terrorism unit team member, retired USMC Force Recon Major, South America, Persian Gulf, Afghanistan, Iraq) the shrink had given him the thumbs-up sign.
On the monitor screen was a picture of William.
Colonel Wu Chen (Chinese Military Intelligence, diplomatic immunity) & General Yang Siyu (MI Chief) were involved in his death.
Dr./Professor Selena Connor (30+, William’s niece, PhDs: oriental/ancient languages) told the 2 of them the book was an ancient text written in Sanskrit/Linear A.
It was also about Emperor Qin Huang (Chinese, 221-210 BC).
What did they find on his laptop?
A BMW 740 pulled in front of the Mercedes CL600. It got rammed by Suburban.
Nick knew he Dr./Professor Connor might be in trouble.
The chase was on. After the crash gunfire erupted.
The Mayflower Renaissance Hotel/bar. Nick & Dr./Professor Connor decided to have a drink, they had survived the day.
Nick & Dr./Professor Connor boarded the plane.
Marysville, Yuba County, CA. The 3 of them had arrived at their destination.
Now to locate the Golden Garuda (book)
Sergeant Choy Gang (former PLA), Noodles, Li (driver), & Chung were not far behind.
More gun fire exchanged. Li was dead, & Chung didn’t have much longer to live.
Colonel Wu (White Jade Society) was not happy with Sergeant Choy Gang.
The opening to the cave Nick & Dr./Professor Connor were end had been blown shut.
Nick & Dr./Professor Connor watched as Director Stephanie Willits (computer wiz/hacker) went to work on/with Freddie Cray XMT supercomputer (aka Eldorado).
Director Harker let Zeke Jordan (liaison) know about Cathy Chen (Eurasian, Selena’s BFF) & Charlie Chan.
Selena, Ronnie, & Nick stopped & stared.
Before them was a panel that depicted Agni (Vedic fire god of Hinduism), & 1 of King Minos Crete, Zeus/Europa’s son).
Charlie Chan just got off the phone with Sr. Colonel Wu (White Jade).
What were President Zhang, General Zhou (Military Commission Chairman, Beijing Military Region Commander), Minister Deng (State Security, Guangzhou Military region in Southern China Commander), General Liu (missile submarines interim Commander), General Yang Siyu, General Hong (2nd Artillery Battalion Commander, China's nuclear/ballistic missile force), & Minister Chen Tian (Railways) discussing?
Admiral Zhang Lian (drowned, missile submarines Commander) had fell overboard & drowned during an inspection.
What is going on with Selena & Nick?
I do not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing free books from publishers & authors. Therefore, I am under no obligation to write a positive review, only an honest one.
An awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very professionally written International crime thriller book. It was quite easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a huge description list of unique characters, settings, facts etc. to keep track of. This could also make another International crime thriller great movie, or better yet a mini TV series. To be continued. There is no doubt in my mind this is an extremely easy rating of 5 stars.
There is no doubt in my mind this is an amazingly easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free author; Goodreads; MakingConnections; Making Connections discussion group talk; BookZio; Amazon Digital Services LLC.; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
July 5, 2022
.
.
OPINION:
Book stinks.
Oh…and I am sick and tired of the “dreams” and the “nightmares” about “Megan.”
I wish I could give this book fewer stars.
It — and the characters — are trite trite trite trite trite trite trite trite trite trite trite trite trite trite trite trite trite trite trite trite trite trite trite trite trite trite trite trite trite trite trite trite trite trite trite trite….
And TRITE.
Big strongs mans is HELPLESS before her POWER:
“…Carter saw it was a battle he couldn't win. First Harker, now her. Mules had nothing on women when it came to stubborn. Megan had been the same way, when she'd made up her mind about something….”
Yes.dumb, stoopid, cave mans is NOTHING compared to a vooman!!
OH! If only he were maybe gay or trans, then he cood maybes shows her!!!!
And, OMG! “…He was impressed. She hit what she shot at….”
BUT!
She is also SOOOoooooo sensitive and wonnnnderrrful:
"…’You really expect me to throw grenades?’ ‘No. I just think you should know how it's done. Just in case.’ ‘You have a knife for me, too?’ There was something in her voice. ‘Yes, you'll have a knife.’ ‘Are you going to show me how to cut someone's throat? Or stab them in the kidney or something?’ ‘Selena…’ ‘Maybe I should have a flame thrower. Do you have a flame thrower for me, Nick?’ ‘Selena, what's the matter?’ ‘Nothing. I don't want to talk about it.’ ‘How can you not want to talk about nothing? ‘’Are we done, Nick?’ ‘Yes, but…’ Selena turned and walked out. The door to the range slammed behind her.”
…sighhhhhh…. 😀
OMG! SHE MIGHT USE HER WOMAN POWERS TO BEAT HIM UP!!!!!
“…One look at her told him he'd better not push it….”
“…Dressed in camouflage battle gear and armed to the teeth, Carter thought Selena looked dangerous as hell….”
"’…I know the President.’ Selena sipped her coffee. ‘He's a good man.’ ‘How do you know him?’ Nick said. ‘He and my uncle were friends. We had dinner with him at the White House about six months ago….’"
OMG !!
OMG !!!!
PLUS!
I really cood have done without this part:
…He took a breath. "I don't know." He paused. "I know one thing, though. I want you," he said. "It's more than sex. I want you." It was true. He hadn't admitted it to himself until now. She raised her hand, touched his face, put her hand on his shoulder. He leaned toward her. Their kiss was light, gentle. Selena led him into the bedroom. They undressed. He ran his hands over the smooth curves and hollows of her body. They lay down on the bed. Her hair smelled of lavender, her breath was sweet under the wine. He lost track of anything but the feel of their bodies moving together. After what seemed a long, long time he let himself go, a shuddering climax that burst over him in waves.
.
.
.
OPINION:
Book stinks.
Oh…and I am sick and tired of the “dreams” and the “nightmares” about “Megan.”
I wish I could give this book fewer stars.
It — and the characters — are trite trite trite trite trite trite trite trite trite trite trite trite trite trite trite trite trite trite trite trite trite trite trite trite trite trite trite trite trite trite trite trite trite trite trite trite….
And TRITE.
Big strongs mans is HELPLESS before her POWER:
“…Carter saw it was a battle he couldn't win. First Harker, now her. Mules had nothing on women when it came to stubborn. Megan had been the same way, when she'd made up her mind about something….”
Yes.dumb, stoopid, cave mans is NOTHING compared to a vooman!!
OH! If only he were maybe gay or trans, then he cood maybes shows her!!!!
And, OMG! “…He was impressed. She hit what she shot at….”
BUT!
She is also SOOOoooooo sensitive and wonnnnderrrful:
"…’You really expect me to throw grenades?’ ‘No. I just think you should know how it's done. Just in case.’ ‘You have a knife for me, too?’ There was something in her voice. ‘Yes, you'll have a knife.’ ‘Are you going to show me how to cut someone's throat? Or stab them in the kidney or something?’ ‘Selena…’ ‘Maybe I should have a flame thrower. Do you have a flame thrower for me, Nick?’ ‘Selena, what's the matter?’ ‘Nothing. I don't want to talk about it.’ ‘How can you not want to talk about nothing? ‘’Are we done, Nick?’ ‘Yes, but…’ Selena turned and walked out. The door to the range slammed behind her.”
…sighhhhhh…. 😀
OMG! SHE MIGHT USE HER WOMAN POWERS TO BEAT HIM UP!!!!!
“…One look at her told him he'd better not push it….”
“…Dressed in camouflage battle gear and armed to the teeth, Carter thought Selena looked dangerous as hell….”
"’…I know the President.’ Selena sipped her coffee. ‘He's a good man.’ ‘How do you know him?’ Nick said. ‘He and my uncle were friends. We had dinner with him at the White House about six months ago….’"
OMG !!
OMG !!!!
PLUS!
I really cood have done without this part:
…He took a breath. "I don't know." He paused. "I know one thing, though. I want you," he said. "It's more than sex. I want you." It was true. He hadn't admitted it to himself until now. She raised her hand, touched his face, put her hand on his shoulder. He leaned toward her. Their kiss was light, gentle. Selena led him into the bedroom. They undressed. He ran his hands over the smooth curves and hollows of her body. They lay down on the bed. Her hair smelled of lavender, her breath was sweet under the wine. He lost track of anything but the feel of their bodies moving together. After what seemed a long, long time he let himself go, a shuddering climax that burst over him in waves.
.
.
June 15, 2020
Not a great book. Despite the technical details seeming accurate, the story seemed rushed. Stilted dialogue and fairly bland action scenes. Also, the outcome of the final fight is medically impossible and just a myth. Most "amusingly" though, given the book is 248 pages long, on average, there's a mention of Selena keeping hair off her forehead or Harker doing something with her ruddy pen roughly once every eight pages. Don't believe me? Here they all are: 1) Selena brushed a wisp of hair away from her forehead. 2) She brushed a hair away. 3) A bright yellow headband kept the hair off her forehead. 4) Selena brushed hair back from her forehead. 5) Selena brushed hair back from her forehead and frowned. 6) Selena brushed hair back from her forehead. 7) Selena brushed a lock of hair from her forehead. 8) Selena brushed back a loose strand of hair. 9) Selena brushed a strand of hair from her forehead. 10) She cleared her throat and brushed hair from her forehead. 11) Selena brushed a wisp of hair away from her forehead with her left hand and drank from her cup. *NOW FOR HARKER AND HER PEN* 1) a silver pen that had belonged to FDR 2) Harker tapped her pen against her lip. 3) Harker set down her pen. 4) Harker twirled her pen. 5) Harker tapped her pen on the desk. 6) She tapped her pen. 7) Harker tapped FDR's pen on her desk 8) The Director tapped her pen. 9) Harker's pen was going full speed on the desk. She realized what she was doing and set it aside. 10) The Director tapped her pen. 11) The Director tapped FDR's pen on her desk, 12) Harker was toying with her pen again. 13) Harker's pen drummed away on her desk. 14) The Director set her pen to the side. 15) Harker picked up her pen. 16) Harker tapped her upper lip with her pen. 17) She twirled her pen. 18) Harker tapped her pen on her desk, 19) Elizabeth picked up her pen.
May 21, 2018
How often have you read an editor's blurb that that this is a book that once you start reading it, you can't put it down. I've lost track of the number of times I've read that. There are only two reasons you can't put a book down once you start reading it. One reason is that the book is so bad that you don't want to have to pick it up again. You just want to finish it so you can get rid of it. The second reason is because the story has so in its grip that you absolutely have to keep on reading to find out what happens next. White Jade (The Project, #1) falls into the latter category of "can't put down" books.
Alex Lukeman has hit a home run with this book, the first book in what promises to be a very exciting new thriller series. The very first thing that jumped right out at me as I started reading this book was the name given the main protagonist, Nick Carter. Whether by accident or design, Lukeman gave his character the name of a very famous private detective of yesteryear--Nick Carter. That Nick Carter was a two fisted, .45 packing hero just as this Nick Carter promised to be. My first thoughts were that Lukeman gave his character some mighty big shoe to fill. That hooked me. I had to read on to find out if he could fill those shoes. He did and then went on to top the Nick in every way.
All the character are either easy to like or equally easy to hate. You'll find yourself rooting for Mike, and his team and booing the Chinese trying to take them out. I wont say much more because I don't want to spoil this story for you. This is a book and an author you must read today! You'll be glad you did.
March 18, 2017
Multimillionaire banker William Connor is tortured and dies in the process of a heart attack. Before his untimely death, he revealed bank numbers making it possible to transfer two hundred million dollars. The numbers aren’t the only thing wanted by the attackers. They also wanted to acquire an ancient book Connor had found years before. The book, known as The Golden Garuda, and is written in an arcuate language and elegant calligraphy, describing a recipe for an elixir of immortality. Suspecting possible danger, Connor left a cryptic message for his niece, describing his suspensions and revealing the whereabouts of the book.
Dr. Selena Connor is an expert in ancient languages. She is paired up with a government agent, Nicholas (Nick) Carter. The two proceed to investigate the book with a secret Chinese group known as The White Jade Society. In Chinese society, white jade symbolizes immortality. Nick Carter is a smart and talented agent, with faults and limitations like most men. Selena and Nick have a subdued romantic and sexual relationship as they embark on a crusade to save the United States and China from political and social destruction. They make an excursion into the Himalayas that proves to be especially interesting.
White Jade is the first book in The Project Series and is a fast-paced thriller that takes the reader all over the world, like Ponce de Leon, in a search for immortality. Imagine an Indiana Jones story without the slouched hat and bullwhip. Although the story, as a whole, can’t stand up to close scrutiny, however, if you read it in the spirit in which it is written, read it as an entertaining story, I’m sure you will appreciate it.
Dr. Selena Connor is an expert in ancient languages. She is paired up with a government agent, Nicholas (Nick) Carter. The two proceed to investigate the book with a secret Chinese group known as The White Jade Society. In Chinese society, white jade symbolizes immortality. Nick Carter is a smart and talented agent, with faults and limitations like most men. Selena and Nick have a subdued romantic and sexual relationship as they embark on a crusade to save the United States and China from political and social destruction. They make an excursion into the Himalayas that proves to be especially interesting.
White Jade is the first book in The Project Series and is a fast-paced thriller that takes the reader all over the world, like Ponce de Leon, in a search for immortality. Imagine an Indiana Jones story without the slouched hat and bullwhip. Although the story, as a whole, can’t stand up to close scrutiny, however, if you read it in the spirit in which it is written, read it as an entertaining story, I’m sure you will appreciate it.
July 1, 2017
One writer complained about the speed of the book. I was thrilled by the speed. Some writers either insecure about setting up their scenes or think their audience stupid; take forever to lay out a scene or plot and the story reads like abc and is too slow. This writer wrote crisp prose because he was comfortable about what he was writing about and so the plot moved along at a great pace. It certainly kept my interest.
I enjoyed the combination of history,being taken away to new places and blend of historical/current tales and of course the essential ingredient of any thriller " "action " Enough truth to may be plausible but enough story telling that you know the author might be just spinning you a tale . So at the end of a satisfying tale you are frantically googling all references to see what could have been true in story and dare I say fiction.
I enjoyed the combination of history,being taken away to new places and blend of historical/current tales and of course the essential ingredient of any thriller " "action " Enough truth to may be plausible but enough story telling that you know the author might be just spinning you a tale . So at the end of a satisfying tale you are frantically googling all references to see what could have been true in story and dare I say fiction.
July 5, 2017
When Nick Carter, a former Marine Recon expert now working for the PROJECT, a special agency that reports directly to the President, is assigned to provide security to Selena Connor, niece of a wealthy man who was slain for his money and an unsuccessful attempt to acquire an ancient text supposedly containing the secret to immortality, he didn’t know what he was getting into.
When attempts are made by armed Chinese to abduct Selena, the stakes suddenly get higher, and Nick finds himself at the epicenter of a plot that could lead to war with China.
White Jade by Alex Lukeman is a riveting thriller of international intrigue and violence that will keep you turning pages until the chilling climax. This story of unbridled lust for power will also keep you awake long after you’ve finished reading it.
When attempts are made by armed Chinese to abduct Selena, the stakes suddenly get higher, and Nick finds himself at the epicenter of a plot that could lead to war with China.
White Jade by Alex Lukeman is a riveting thriller of international intrigue and violence that will keep you turning pages until the chilling climax. This story of unbridled lust for power will also keep you awake long after you’ve finished reading it.
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