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Currency
It is said that if you don’t know history, you are doomed to repeat it. Currency, combines multiple historical strands that converge on the number one issue of our time, the geographic location of economic and military power in the 21st century. Economic Thriller! An incredible story of power, romance, revenge and international finance spanning three centuries. The issues could not be more timely!
"Currency combines history, finance, romance and action into a timely and entertaining read on a subject that has serious economic and national security implications. My wife and I both enjoyed reading it." Hon. David M. Walker Former U.S. Comptroller General.
In Currency, Wood has pulled off a first novel that captures the reader with a page-turning adventure, while it addresses head-on the most pressing and intense global economic, military and political issues of our very challenging current times.
Wood's real world experience on both Wall Street and at the center of the US Military Special Operations world, combine with his love of history and command of current global issues, to create a story that is as intense and gripping as it is timely.
Currency weaves the historical adventures of our US Founding Fathers who built the country's early economic structure, with current day hero Connor Murray. Connor unexpectedly finds himself thrust into a world shaped as much by greed, betrayal and violence as it by heroism, loyalty, love and the quest for personal peace.
Fate forces Murray to navigate events that play out on the world stage. The United States' current economic weakness collides with its international rival's very real drive for economic, political and military influence. This collision produces an intense drama and adventure that is as scary as it is possible amidst the world's current state of affairs and balance of power.
If you love a good adventure story on both the personal and international level - Currency is a must read. If you're concerned about how the United State's current economic challenges could play out for the country in a very real way - Currency is a must read. And if you want to be an early reader of a new author who has tremendous promise - Currency is definitely a must read.
"Currency combines history, finance, romance and action into a timely and entertaining read on a subject that has serious economic and national security implications. My wife and I both enjoyed reading it." Hon. David M. Walker Former U.S. Comptroller General.
In Currency, Wood has pulled off a first novel that captures the reader with a page-turning adventure, while it addresses head-on the most pressing and intense global economic, military and political issues of our very challenging current times.
Wood's real world experience on both Wall Street and at the center of the US Military Special Operations world, combine with his love of history and command of current global issues, to create a story that is as intense and gripping as it is timely.
Currency weaves the historical adventures of our US Founding Fathers who built the country's early economic structure, with current day hero Connor Murray. Connor unexpectedly finds himself thrust into a world shaped as much by greed, betrayal and violence as it by heroism, loyalty, love and the quest for personal peace.
Fate forces Murray to navigate events that play out on the world stage. The United States' current economic weakness collides with its international rival's very real drive for economic, political and military influence. This collision produces an intense drama and adventure that is as scary as it is possible amidst the world's current state of affairs and balance of power.
If you love a good adventure story on both the personal and international level - Currency is a must read. If you're concerned about how the United State's current economic challenges could play out for the country in a very real way - Currency is a must read. And if you want to be an early reader of a new author who has tremendous promise - Currency is definitely a must read.
- GenresFiction
320 pages, Paperback
First published December 18, 2011
53 people are currently reading
153 people want to read
About the author
L. Todd Wood
11 books50 followersL. Todd Wood graduated from U.S. Air Force Academy in 1986 and chose helicopter flight training. An assignment to the 20th Special Operations Squadron flying MH-53J Pave Low helicopters saw him deployed globally in support of counter terrorism. His customers included SEAL Team 6 and Delta Force under control of the National Command Authority. In 1994, he left the Air Force as a Captain and joined an investment bank which eventually brought him to Wall Street trading emerging market debt. He has conducted business in over forty countries. His first novel, " Currency", was published in December of 2011. Although historical fiction, it jumps to the future to deal with the national debt and its security implications. " Currency" has been endorsed by the Hon. David M. Walker, former Comptroller General of the U.S. The book has received national press and extraordinary reviews.
He is a national security columnist for the Washington Times and has contributed to Fox Business, NY Post, The Moscow Times, Zero Hedge, Breitbart, Jerusalem Post, and others.
He is a national security columnist for the Washington Times and has contributed to Fox Business, NY Post, The Moscow Times, Zero Hedge, Breitbart, Jerusalem Post, and others.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
October 4, 2012
Todd Wood, I must tell you how much I enjoyed your book, Currency. I received it on a Wednesday, read a little on Thurs, worked in little on Friday, spent weekend until I finished! Could not put it down until the last page. Your writing skill of "sandwiching" historical facts between the chapters of fact and fiction left me spellbound. Now let me say---I do not read a lot of fiction, but your writing style mesmerzied me. I found the stomach-wrentching content a current and powerful connection with today's world events. A story of world finance, gold market, romance and powerful suspense made for a powerful journey. It should be on each bookstore's table for customers to see, buy and read! I look forward to your next book! Thank you for my "great weekend"---your novel in hand!
JB
JB
December 2, 2019
Just got around to reading Currency, by L. Todd Wood. I must say, after reading the high praise of so many 5-star ratings here on Goodreads, those readers must have gotten hold of copies that were quite different from the one I bought. Mine was an amateurish data dump of facts and well-worn trivia — even a quote or two from Wikipedia, of all places. So much for research. I was hoping for better. The story-telling was hardly thrilling. More on the mediocre middle grade level. Sorely disappointed. Where can I get the edition that everybody else did?
April 26, 2013
Currency is an economic thriller by L. Todd Wood. Once you start reading this book, you actually embark on a page-turning journey which ends only when you finish the book! The author has proved that he has the ability to merge events of the past with modern issues. The story spans over three centuries and the mystery is revealed in 2015. I really loved reading this gripping novel which is vengeance, romance, finance and history - all rolled into one. The hero, Connor Murray, unravels the mystery of this thriller after a determined hunt in a world packed with nothing but treachery, violence and greed. This book throws light on United States’ economic status of the past, the present and the unthinkable future. The chief characters-Aaron Burr and Alexander Hamilton have made the book more entertaining. Fantastic sequencing! I enjoyed reading this book and recommend others to read it. I really look forward to see Connor Murray back in action in ‘Sugar’. Currency
August 21, 2020
I read to p. 116 and had to stop. The standard of writing is awful ("the blazing sun was taking its toll"...two pages later "the sun had taken its toll". Furthermore, the author has a very superficial understanding of the concept of currency itself. The notion that gold, a yellow metal, has inherent value is fallacious (apart from medical or electronic purposes). Gold's value is socially constructed - like any other currency or precious stone. Finally when I saw that the proposed 'Obamacare' was projected to bring about the demise of the US economy I know something was fishy...I should have read the author's biography first.
August 8, 2015
Well written novel by someone who is an expert on the subject matter. From hunting pirate treasure to modern day political intrigue. Covering 3 centuries, it is one gasp after the other. It is always a bonus when an author can not only entertain you with their writing, but also educate you in the process. I promise you that if you read this novel, you will learn things that you will never forget and as for me, it has put me on a more pro-active stance on what is going on locally and globally. A must read. Please make this one into a movie!
May 26, 2013
I want to echo prior reviews. I am not a reader of fiction often, but I loved this novel. This work blends the author's knowledge of economic power and tells a story that provokes the reader into imagination and speculation over the future. The second book is coming out, and I will grab it as soon as I can; you should too.
June 26, 2013
Currency is a lovely economic thriller. I enjoyed reading it. Conor Murray is really heroic! A MUST READ. Well done, L. Todd Wood!Currency
October 7, 2012
Be Careful Reading This Book, You Might Learn Something
Currency begins with a fascinating little romp through history on a search for missing pirate treasure then explodes into a thrilling tale of political intrigue and modern warfare. Connor Murray is a normal enough man, a bond trader by profession, when he learns that he is the sole inheritor of a trust connected to Aaron Burr. As he researches the details of the trust, events begin to unfold, setting him on a dangerous path. Not only is his life in danger, his county’s economy is going down the tubes. America’s constant borrowing to fix immediate problems has only delayed an inevitable economic catastrophe, one that is knocking at their door. As Connor comes closer to unraveling the mystery surrounding the long-lost treasure, the United States may very well be on the precipice of losing its dominance as a global superpower. As if that weren’t enough to deal with, he gets a second chance at love with a beautiful woman that he meets along the way.
Mr. Wood expertly weaves the title theme through three historical periods to create a captivating story. The historical accuracy in this novel is flawless. (I did extensive fact checking and learned a lot in the process!) The reader can be rest assured that even minor details are authentic. Mr. Wood has a solid grasp of real world economics as well as military hardware and operations. He also does a good job of capturing the essence of each time period and the feel of the varied locations in the book. The political/economic scenario presented in this story is not too far from the situation in which the US finds itself now. This is definitely a book to read very carefully or more than once to get the most out of it.
Mr. Wood’s writing style is enjoyable but could use some improvement. A few of the explanations temporarily pluck you out of the story. Editing errors (most notably comma and semicolon use) are a slight distraction.
**WARNING: Potential Spoilers Ahead**
*I found it interesting that Mr. Wood has a recurring theme throughout the book that it isn’t necessarily the people of a country that are bad, but it is the corrupt government officials who are usually the problem.
*I thought it was a nice touch to have Connor’s life mildly mirror Aaron Burr’s tragic one.
*My favorite quote: “…[foreign leaders] need to be scared of the United States, of her power and her will to use it.”
Here is a list of some of the interesting history and other neat stuff found in Currency:
Pirate treasure, Captain Kidd, The Burr-Hamilton Duel,
Aaron Burr, Bahamas, Nassau, Fort Montagu, Blennerhassett, Blackbeard, Captain Henry Morgan, Robert Culliford, Spanish Gold, The Campbell Apartment, Fort Fincastle, Conchy Joe, Lord Bellomont, The Exumas, Bahamian sand, Alexander Hamilton, Captain Kidd’s trial and execution, gibbet,
Alexander Hamilton’s affair, US Treasury Bonds, debt, bearer trusts, HY-4, Aaron Burr’s tragic life, Bushehr, Billy Mitchell (but not this Billy Mitchell), U.S. Fifth Fleet, USS Vincennes, Machiavelli, Moscow’s Seven Sisters, Jamaican bauxite, Resolute Desk, FSB, Situation Room, Tax Havens, IBCs, OECD, SEALs, CV-22 Osprey, C-17, fast attack boats,
This image doesn't quite match the novel, but it's close and it's awesome!
blue police lights in Moscow, US Dues to the UN, Pieces of Eight, Reserve Currency, IMF, Special Drawing Rights (SDRs), death mask, CUSIP Number, War Powers Act, Stuxnet,
Click on the image below to see video:
Bunker Busters,
Click on the image below to see video:
S-300, B-2,
radar evading skin, brinkmanship, Isle of Hope, Wormsloe Plantation, J.P. Morgan, The Corner, Wall Street, Bank of New York, Bank of the United States, Coast Guard, Winston Churchill, Special Relationship
Currency begins with a fascinating little romp through history on a search for missing pirate treasure then explodes into a thrilling tale of political intrigue and modern warfare. Connor Murray is a normal enough man, a bond trader by profession, when he learns that he is the sole inheritor of a trust connected to Aaron Burr. As he researches the details of the trust, events begin to unfold, setting him on a dangerous path. Not only is his life in danger, his county’s economy is going down the tubes. America’s constant borrowing to fix immediate problems has only delayed an inevitable economic catastrophe, one that is knocking at their door. As Connor comes closer to unraveling the mystery surrounding the long-lost treasure, the United States may very well be on the precipice of losing its dominance as a global superpower. As if that weren’t enough to deal with, he gets a second chance at love with a beautiful woman that he meets along the way.
Mr. Wood expertly weaves the title theme through three historical periods to create a captivating story. The historical accuracy in this novel is flawless. (I did extensive fact checking and learned a lot in the process!) The reader can be rest assured that even minor details are authentic. Mr. Wood has a solid grasp of real world economics as well as military hardware and operations. He also does a good job of capturing the essence of each time period and the feel of the varied locations in the book. The political/economic scenario presented in this story is not too far from the situation in which the US finds itself now. This is definitely a book to read very carefully or more than once to get the most out of it.
Mr. Wood’s writing style is enjoyable but could use some improvement. A few of the explanations temporarily pluck you out of the story. Editing errors (most notably comma and semicolon use) are a slight distraction.
**WARNING: Potential Spoilers Ahead**
*I found it interesting that Mr. Wood has a recurring theme throughout the book that it isn’t necessarily the people of a country that are bad, but it is the corrupt government officials who are usually the problem.
*I thought it was a nice touch to have Connor’s life mildly mirror Aaron Burr’s tragic one.
*My favorite quote: “…[foreign leaders] need to be scared of the United States, of her power and her will to use it.”
Here is a list of some of the interesting history and other neat stuff found in Currency:
Pirate treasure, Captain Kidd, The Burr-Hamilton Duel,
Aaron Burr, Bahamas, Nassau, Fort Montagu, Blennerhassett, Blackbeard, Captain Henry Morgan, Robert Culliford, Spanish Gold, The Campbell Apartment, Fort Fincastle, Conchy Joe, Lord Bellomont, The Exumas, Bahamian sand, Alexander Hamilton, Captain Kidd’s trial and execution, gibbet,
Alexander Hamilton’s affair, US Treasury Bonds, debt, bearer trusts, HY-4, Aaron Burr’s tragic life, Bushehr, Billy Mitchell (but not this Billy Mitchell), U.S. Fifth Fleet, USS Vincennes, Machiavelli, Moscow’s Seven Sisters, Jamaican bauxite, Resolute Desk, FSB, Situation Room, Tax Havens, IBCs, OECD, SEALs, CV-22 Osprey, C-17, fast attack boats,
This image doesn't quite match the novel, but it's close and it's awesome!
blue police lights in Moscow, US Dues to the UN, Pieces of Eight, Reserve Currency, IMF, Special Drawing Rights (SDRs), death mask, CUSIP Number, War Powers Act, Stuxnet,
Click on the image below to see video:
Bunker Busters,
Click on the image below to see video:
S-300, B-2,
radar evading skin, brinkmanship, Isle of Hope, Wormsloe Plantation, J.P. Morgan, The Corner, Wall Street, Bank of New York, Bank of the United States, Coast Guard, Winston Churchill, Special Relationship
March 22, 2024
Todd Wood's remarkably prescient debut novel leveraged his unique experience as an aeronautical engineer, Air Force special operations warrior and international bond trader to create a fascinating novel that weaves a gripping tale of century-spanning intrigue. Although it's fiction, the financial meltdown of America and the devastating aftermath depicted in this book could easily manifest today. To envision how contemporary real-world economic crises could play out, read "Currency"--and be worried. Very worried.
October 23, 2024
L. Todd Wood's "Currency" is one of those novels I could not finish. The story's constant shifting timelines between those of Captain Kidd, Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr with that of the contemporary Connor Murray is irritating to the point of inducing a migraine.
I will give Wood another chance with "Sugar."
I will give Wood another chance with "Sugar."
December 19, 2016
Great read! Loved the historical facts interspersed with the story. And I liked the concept of combining an ancient treasure hunt with currency issues today and the impact globally-really quite clever.
January 27, 2020
This is partly an historical novel and well researched in that regard. But make no mistake, the author is not a literary great. He often forgets the fiction writer's maxim, "show don't tell." The story is a good one and it is worth the read.
August 15, 2022
Part treasure hunt, part thriller, part historical novel. I wish we had a president like Walker, as the attacks against us in this novel have almost all come to pass. Unfortunately, now our government works with our enemies. Finished in two days. Read it.
April 4, 2020
Many typographical errors in this book. Weak plot and character development. Easy read but not fulfilling.
March 20, 2017
An interesting, at times frightening, book by L Todd Wood. I wouldn't commend his writing style, which is rather simplistic but easy to read, but his background comes through in this book and gives credibility to the subject matter and current events.
April 13, 2021
Understanding our money struggle
It made me realize even more the happenings of today's turmoils. This was a very different book for me to read. It was so informative, easy to follow. Answered many questions many of us have wondered how our money started and how it should be.
I will recommend this book to all my friends.
It made me realize even more the happenings of today's turmoils. This was a very different book for me to read. It was so informative, easy to follow. Answered many questions many of us have wondered how our money started and how it should be.
I will recommend this book to all my friends.
May 1, 2014
'Currency' is the highly enjoyable first book of a rising novelist with intriguing and solid professional background in extremely risky and challenging environments. With this in mind it comes to no surprise that L. Todd Wood offers a dynamic thriller spun around insightful reminiscences of the exciting piracy past of the Caribbean and its ever present link to modern day banking. The well told story spans from the early days of laying the financial foundations of the young American nation to the contemporary challenges in global finance. 'Currency' offers a marvelous mix of entertaining monetary history, beautifully depicted Caribbean landscapes, rapid action thriller and a dash of passion. I am looking forward to dive into the next story of this promising author.
June 12, 2016
Just finished reading “Currency” by L. Todd Wood. I bought it not really knowing what to expect, and was hooked from the beginning. Connor Murray is a stand up kind of guy, and I look forward to reading more of his adventures.
I also enjoy history, and mysteries/thrillers, and this book combined them. I like a subject that inspires me to read further works by the same author, as well as inspiring me to delve deeper into the subject matter. This book did that for me. I’m looking forward to reading more books by this author!
I also enjoy history, and mysteries/thrillers, and this book combined them. I like a subject that inspires me to read further works by the same author, as well as inspiring me to delve deeper into the subject matter. This book did that for me. I’m looking forward to reading more books by this author!
November 5, 2016
A thriller combining history, finance and romance that will keep you in suspense. The author has created a story that weaves serious economic and national security issues that are all too frighteningly possible.
The main character, Connor, Murray, a modern day hero, must face impossible situations and at the same time face great loss in his personal life. This story was intense especially during this political time in history for the USA's presidential election so close.
This economic thriller was an enjoyable read.
The main character, Connor, Murray, a modern day hero, must face impossible situations and at the same time face great loss in his personal life. This story was intense especially during this political time in history for the USA's presidential election so close.
This economic thriller was an enjoyable read.
April 12, 2013
This first novel by L. Todd Wood is riveting in the author's ability to blend past historical events with current issues of today into accurate predictions for our future. It is an accurate warning to our government that we do not change the course we are on, our Country may cease to exist in the near future.
Catch his interview on Southern Sense talk radio:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/southern...
Catch his interview on Southern Sense talk radio:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/southern...
June 10, 2014
Currency is well-written by someone who has Wall Street knowledge and the experience to match it. Todd has merged events of the past with the modern issues facing all of us today. The story covers a period of 3 centuries, combining the Founding Fathers' economic structure with a hero today, Connor Murray. The book has vengeance, romance, suspense, world finance, and history. I am ready for novel number two with a return of the hero Connor Murray in “Sugar".
October 17, 2012
Todd Wood masterfully weaves history with fiction. Once I picked up the book and began reading I couldn't put it down. Taking a page from current history, Mr. Wood warns us of the fate of our economy and our very country if we do not curtail our debt. Timely message given our current economic situation. Everyone should take time for this fun and informative story before casting their ballot.
February 18, 2014
Currency is a Cussleresque adventure that leads the reader on a search for treasure, sex and international intrigue. Todd Wood has used his vast knowledge of financial markets and America’s growing debt crisis to create an intense backdrop for his adventure. There is no doubt that Wood is an up-and-comer that is poised to take his place in the upper echelon of the thriller genre.
December 17, 2015
As a typical read goes, the fictional back story is okay. I enjoyed the experience. As a prescient piece of economic and political fiction. presaging real-world events the book is amazing. If you wnat to improve your understanding of SOME of the things which motivate international players, this book must be in your library.
December 13, 2015
Great work of historical fiction!
I received a recommendation to read this book directly from the author, and I appreciate the top. The book especially appeals to conservatives with a love of history. I'm looking forward to Mr. Todd's next book.
I received a recommendation to read this book directly from the author, and I appreciate the top. The book especially appeals to conservatives with a love of history. I'm looking forward to Mr. Todd's next book.
May 27, 2020
Very Interesting
This book had it all--intrigue, romance, action. I enjoyed it thoroughly. A good find for readers everywhere. I hope Connor has a more prolific role in the next novel.
This book had it all--intrigue, romance, action. I enjoyed it thoroughly. A good find for readers everywhere. I hope Connor has a more prolific role in the next novel.
January 23, 2021
An interesting tale involving history and historical figures with a fictional link between the projectional paths of them. I did find in a little difficult with constantly changing the perspective and chronological dates; but in the end I understand the plan with the build of the story.
April 2, 2013
Everyone should read this book !
April 18, 2015
A good read that keeps the suspense moving along and is scarily realistic pegging the dangers of our economy and how easy it can be to destroy it.
August 24, 2015
I enjoyed the historical storyline; however the timeline had me confused. Loved the whole concept! Looking forward reading Sugar.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews