The Misunderstood Ally

by Faraz Inam

Year 2010-11 and the world is in the grip of a "War on Terror". Reprisal threats from indigenous forces resisting foreign presence in Afghanistan have made the developed countries wary of extremism in the Muslim world; creating a clash between Islam and the West. The USA, the sole super power and leader of the free world, and Pakistan, the sole Muslim nuclear power and teetering citadel of Islam, are two countries on different sides of this conundrum; but their intertwined interests have brought them into an uneasy alliance against the radical forces rising from Afghanistan. As fanatics threaten revenge attacks on American soil, a gutsy and determined Special Agent, Samantha Albright, lands in the hornet's nest. As violent suicide bombings increase in Pakistan, a brave and patriotic Army Officer, Lt. Col. Dhilawar Jahangiri, grapples between his personal challenges and the call of duty. As the CIA initiates independent anti-terror operations on the Afghanistan/Pakistan border, a ruthless and belligerent militant commander, Baaz Jan, fights back for what he feels is right. In a volatile environment where all forces fight for supremacy, three individuals persevere in their beliefs, embarking on a dauntless journey of valour, sacrifice and self-discovery.

378 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 2011

Reviews

[Bryan Ward · Rating 4 out of 5]

Upon reading this book, I felt that some parts of it were written like a screenplay which is partly good because I could truly visualize what was going on. I also liked how he describe the scenes and characters. The author seemed to be very knowledgeable and I learned a lot of things while reading this book. A lot of it has to do with perspective. There are so many reasons to like this story. For one it is different from the other books I’ve read and two, I found it very exciting and emotional as well.

[Joe · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great book that was able to integrate three different perspectives within the main characters of the book and the author did well to combine their stories into one. While the "American" perspective could have used a little bit of editing for both accuracy and realism, the author's main point in the story is not hindered. The characters are well developed and although the ending is somewhat predictable, the story remains entertaining and meaningful throughout.

[Oliver Brooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one story that portrays the war on terrorism. The characters the author created are very rich and complex. You can truly sympathize with them. I felt like I was right there with them and not just reading the book. The book is very exciting and filled with thrilling spots that I sometimes had to second guess what was going to happen next. I like books like this that aren’t predictable. Great story, intriguing plot and good characterization equals to a wonderful book worth reading.

[Scarlett Miles · Rating 5 out of 5]

My cousin lent me this book and I must say I was hooked from the minute I read it. This is not my specific genre of choice, but what’s there not to love when you hear about an American woman being sent to Pakistan for a mission. You root for her hoping she will be okay. You get to experience her trials and follow her journey. There are lots of details that got me flipping the pages of my Kindle. I like the ending and hope to read more books like this. Great story.

[Aayan Mirza · Rating 3 out of 5]

Faraz Inam’s debut novel, The Misunderstood Ally, is, at the core of it, a story of valour, varying perspectives, and the three lives making an honest deliverance to their beliefs.

In the midst of an overwhelming amount of literature available on the stereotypical American perspective on the ‘War on terrorism,’ Inam’s story felt like music in the noise. It presented an excellent counter-narrative on the war centrally being fought in Afghanistan and Pakistan. A strong picture of how Pakistan comprehends this war, and more importantly, how its military might does.

A Pakistani perspective it is, but never in this geopolitical thriller would you ever feel reading any propaganda.... (Read the complete review at https://thebooklice.wordpress.com/201...)