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Atomic Gold
When a prospecting team from his company is slaughtered in Sudan, a brilliant young geologist is sent to investigate, uncovering an insidious communist plot that only he can stop.
Logan Bechard had barely graduated from Oxford University when he was hired by his uncle’s world-leading mining company, EMco. CEO Sir James Rochester saw his nephew’s immense potential from an early age, becoming a father figure to him after the tragic death of Logan’s own father in a mining accident. It was clear that the young geologist’s pedigree made him perfect for Rochester’s team of hardened specialists, and Bechard quickly proved his worth, devising highly technical methods for the recovery of lucrative minerals and receiving worldwide recognition for his work. With the help of Pierre Charest – his long-time friend and fearless protector – Logan journeys from the frozen coal mines of Siberia to the treacherous rainforests of Africa, ensuring the planet’s precious resources are harvested safely. But when they are sent to look into the massacre of an EMco prospecting team in Southern Sudan, they uncover an ominous international plot for Russian world dominance and must join forces with local freedom fighters to prevent chaos from ensuing.
Dmitry Kouzminov, the director of the Russian foreign intelligence service and a hard-line communist, has become increasingly disillusioned with the west after the collapse of his beloved soviet union. As the world clamours for precious industrial minerals, he seizes the opportunity to bring it to its knees with deadly aggression. Enlisting the Janjaweed, a murderous band of executioners raiding the killing fields of Darfur, Kouzminov aims to take control of a critical mineral reserve by deadly force. As Bechard and his team are only too aware, the ransacked mining operation is one of the few places on earth producing a rarefied mineral called ‘molybdenum’ and a communist stranglehold on it would mean untold devastation. As Kouzminov’s malevolent designs on this invaluable resource become clear, Logan and his ragtag team of freedom fighters must wage a ferocious battle for survival.
Atomic Gold is the explosive debut by author Cameron Jacks, and introduces a fearless new hero in Logan Bechard. The reader is thrust headlong into Bechard’s perilous exploits, as he must fight not only for his life but to save the world from a terrifying communist campaign for international dominance. Jacks masterfully blends high-stakes action with poignant real world issues like dwindling fossil fuel supplies and the justice and equality movement which is fighting for South Sudan’s independence against Khartoum’s Islamic state. A thrilling debut with a global awareness and a very contemporary conscience, Atomic Gold makes for the perfect 21st century action-adventure novel.
Logan Bechard had barely graduated from Oxford University when he was hired by his uncle’s world-leading mining company, EMco. CEO Sir James Rochester saw his nephew’s immense potential from an early age, becoming a father figure to him after the tragic death of Logan’s own father in a mining accident. It was clear that the young geologist’s pedigree made him perfect for Rochester’s team of hardened specialists, and Bechard quickly proved his worth, devising highly technical methods for the recovery of lucrative minerals and receiving worldwide recognition for his work. With the help of Pierre Charest – his long-time friend and fearless protector – Logan journeys from the frozen coal mines of Siberia to the treacherous rainforests of Africa, ensuring the planet’s precious resources are harvested safely. But when they are sent to look into the massacre of an EMco prospecting team in Southern Sudan, they uncover an ominous international plot for Russian world dominance and must join forces with local freedom fighters to prevent chaos from ensuing.
Dmitry Kouzminov, the director of the Russian foreign intelligence service and a hard-line communist, has become increasingly disillusioned with the west after the collapse of his beloved soviet union. As the world clamours for precious industrial minerals, he seizes the opportunity to bring it to its knees with deadly aggression. Enlisting the Janjaweed, a murderous band of executioners raiding the killing fields of Darfur, Kouzminov aims to take control of a critical mineral reserve by deadly force. As Bechard and his team are only too aware, the ransacked mining operation is one of the few places on earth producing a rarefied mineral called ‘molybdenum’ and a communist stranglehold on it would mean untold devastation. As Kouzminov’s malevolent designs on this invaluable resource become clear, Logan and his ragtag team of freedom fighters must wage a ferocious battle for survival.
Atomic Gold is the explosive debut by author Cameron Jacks, and introduces a fearless new hero in Logan Bechard. The reader is thrust headlong into Bechard’s perilous exploits, as he must fight not only for his life but to save the world from a terrifying communist campaign for international dominance. Jacks masterfully blends high-stakes action with poignant real world issues like dwindling fossil fuel supplies and the justice and equality movement which is fighting for South Sudan’s independence against Khartoum’s Islamic state. A thrilling debut with a global awareness and a very contemporary conscience, Atomic Gold makes for the perfect 21st century action-adventure novel.
267 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2012
254 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
October 11, 2013
Atomic Gold is a fast-paced adventure tale set in various locales including: southern Sudan, a Russian coal mine, and the head office of a British mining company. The story line is strong and believable although somewhat disjointed, shifting sharply between scenes. The villains Mamoun, Shvets, Colonel Kouzminov, and Colonel Koroma are well-developed and easy to hate. The 'good guys', Logan and Pierre, however, are two-dimensional to the point it is difficult to have much concern for their welfare.
The section early in the book dealing with the cave exploration is not pertinent to the story and could have been omitted.
Grammar and punctuation show very few errors and do not interrupt the flow of the narrative. Expressing temperatures in Celsius will probably be confusing to U.S. readers. The geological explanations are clear and well-researched although, as a geologist, I find it difficult to envisage a molybdenum deposit that rich. The descriptions of the Sudanese people and their country are interesting and informative and fit well into the story line.
The descriptions of the torture and murder scenes in the Sudan are vivid, a bit too much so for my taste.
I had the feeling the first thirty-three pages were written by someone other than the author of the rest of the book. The romantic angle between Logan and Robyn could have been expanded to add another dimension to the story.
This was a Goodreads giveaway and, as such, I felt obliged to complete the reading and prepare a review. Otherwise, although it is a good read, it would not have been a personal reading choice.
The section early in the book dealing with the cave exploration is not pertinent to the story and could have been omitted.
Grammar and punctuation show very few errors and do not interrupt the flow of the narrative. Expressing temperatures in Celsius will probably be confusing to U.S. readers. The geological explanations are clear and well-researched although, as a geologist, I find it difficult to envisage a molybdenum deposit that rich. The descriptions of the Sudanese people and their country are interesting and informative and fit well into the story line.
The descriptions of the torture and murder scenes in the Sudan are vivid, a bit too much so for my taste.
I had the feeling the first thirty-three pages were written by someone other than the author of the rest of the book. The romantic angle between Logan and Robyn could have been expanded to add another dimension to the story.
This was a Goodreads giveaway and, as such, I felt obliged to complete the reading and prepare a review. Otherwise, although it is a good read, it would not have been a personal reading choice.
July 24, 2013
Several weeks ago I received a copy of Atomic Gold, the first in a series of adventure novels by Cameron Jacks. The book came at a time when I was extremely busy, and did not have time for casual reading. Alas, once I started the book, the work got put aside. It is a fast-paced thriller featuring Exploration Geologist Logan Bechard; each novel in the series will be based on the extraction of a different element from the Earth, and in the case of Atomic Gold, that element is molybdenum, Mo.
The book has lots of action and intrigue as opposing forces fight for control of a major ore deposit. I highly recommend the book, but suggest you don’t purchase it at a time when you can’t afford to put everything else aside, as that will indeed happen. I look forward to future volumes in the series, and will continue to check the website for new volumes. As a geologist, the book was a double pleasure to read.
The book has lots of action and intrigue as opposing forces fight for control of a major ore deposit. I highly recommend the book, but suggest you don’t purchase it at a time when you can’t afford to put everything else aside, as that will indeed happen. I look forward to future volumes in the series, and will continue to check the website for new volumes. As a geologist, the book was a double pleasure to read.
October 21, 2013
I received a free copy of Atomic Gold by Cameron Jacks from GoodReads.....and i gotta say...what a great book. Especially a first book by the Author.
I must admit i was a little shocked at the beginning as it threw you straight into the the action....and it was quite violent and disturbing action......but actually was well fit to setup the story...and the background for some of the characters...especially their hate and motivations later in the book.
It was a thoroughly enjoyable book....and im actually waiting now for the next installment in the Logan series. The action sequences were great as where the other parts of the story.....i only wish the book was longer.
Thankyou GoodReads for the free book to review....and thankyou Cameron Jacks for what i hope is going to be the start of a fantastic new series.
Id recommend this book to any adult who enjoys action books, and doesnt mind a decent level of violence. This would make a good action movie.
I must admit i was a little shocked at the beginning as it threw you straight into the the action....and it was quite violent and disturbing action......but actually was well fit to setup the story...and the background for some of the characters...especially their hate and motivations later in the book.
It was a thoroughly enjoyable book....and im actually waiting now for the next installment in the Logan series. The action sequences were great as where the other parts of the story.....i only wish the book was longer.
Thankyou GoodReads for the free book to review....and thankyou Cameron Jacks for what i hope is going to be the start of a fantastic new series.
Id recommend this book to any adult who enjoys action books, and doesnt mind a decent level of violence. This would make a good action movie.
March 31, 2013
Cameron Jacks's Atomic Gold is a very factual novel, with loads of information about Sudan and Siberia. The author tells a violent story with action set pieces scattered here and there, just enough not to bore us and still teach us about a disturbing region on the planet. The only weak point I could find, is that being a French-Canadian myself, I think that the character of Pierre Charest sounded and acted too much like a brit. He could have swore in french and peppered his lines with a bit of Quebec references (The Canadiens hockey team, Referendum, our love of poutine)and the fact that he is a Martial arts expert should mean something in the follow-up novels. So if you like the Payne & Jones series by Chris Kuzneski, Clive Cussler, Boyd Morrison with a dash of Andy McDermott, you will find something you like in Atomic Gold.
April 4, 2013
From the moment I picked this book up I became engrossed in its factual, realistic plot. The author avidly describes a thrilling battle for the world's dwindling natural resources, a story with its share of twists and turns. The attention to detail in descriptive passages made it possible to understand what life is like in a developing third-world country - perfectly subsidised with the almost scrutinous depiction of the gadgets, cars and such that the main characters are lucky enough to possess. If you haven't read Atomic Gold yet, I would recommend that you put your life on hold a dedicate your time to doing so! I look forward, with great anticipation, to further novels from Cameron Jacks.
August 4, 2013
Just thought I would let you know that I finished reading your book earlier this morning. I can honestly say it has been a while since I enjoyed a book as much as I did yours, and as my wife (and some of my work colleagues!) would testify, I literally could not put it down over the last few days. Quite where you got your inspiration from, you will have to tell me when we next get together! Unfortunately, having finished the adventures of Logan Bechard, I will have to go back to the mundane world of reading valuation and solicitors reports on the train. So do hurry up and get the next one out!
August 4, 2013
In the pursuit of a powerful resource, governments would go to war. 'Atomic Gold' is an action/adventure novel following Logan Bechard as he enters into the international intrigue surrounding Molybdenum, an element rare and valuable found on only a few places throughout the world. Faced with a race against time and the fate of the world hanging into the balance, Logan must travel all over and thwart the plans as they come. 'Atomic Gold' is a must for those who love international action/adventure thriller collections.
August 15, 2013
A great yarn. Vivid descriptions and attention to detail draws the reader into the world of geo-technics!
Well researched story which touched on a number of issues regarding the earth's natural resources and what lengths corporations will go to, to extract them. The story cracked along at a great pace and kept you on the hook to the end.
Looking forward to the next adventure which will give the opportunity to the author to develop and refine the leading characters.
Well researched story which touched on a number of issues regarding the earth's natural resources and what lengths corporations will go to, to extract them. The story cracked along at a great pace and kept you on the hook to the end.
Looking forward to the next adventure which will give the opportunity to the author to develop and refine the leading characters.
November 13, 2013
I received an ARC from the author and gave it as a gift. The person who received my gift gave me this review...
All together an okay book. The characters were well written and interesting. He wishes the author would have spent more time on the main character. Describing him more. He thought it was a very plausible story and could see it happening without too much of a stretch of the imagination.
All together an okay book. The characters were well written and interesting. He wishes the author would have spent more time on the main character. Describing him more. He thought it was a very plausible story and could see it happening without too much of a stretch of the imagination.
July 29, 2013
Atomic Gold is Cameron Jacks debut novel. It is packed full of adventure, action, conflict and great attention to detail. The story line keeps you hooked making it hard to put down by cleverly blending real world issues and high stake action. It's a must read and I am looking forward to future novels from Cameron Jacks!
September 11, 2013
I would probably rate this more of a 3.5. It has an interesting storyline and is easy to read. Filled with corruption, violence and suspense to keep you hooked. There did seem to be some spelling and grammatical errors in the book and at times it felt like the story was written by two different people in that it felt like it had a different "vibe" at times. All in all an afternoon well spent.
October 13, 2013
Not being an avid reader myself, I was surprised to find that I couldn't put this book down. The interesting plot and fast paced nature of the novel kept me both engaged and gripped from start to finish. I would like to congratulate (and thank!) Cameron Jacks on his first novel, and I look forward to reading more of Logan Bechard's adventures in the future!
July 31, 2013
Just finished Atomic Gold didn't take long as I spent most of the night reading it, once started it was difficult to put down. Great characters, exciting action and gripping tension. When does Logan ride again?
October 27, 2013
An exciting adventure that takes the good guys from England to Russia and then to the Sudan while being chased by very evil, amoral bad guys. It is fast paced but a very great read. Thanks for Goodreads Firstreads contest for picking me to win this book!
July 28, 2013
A good page-turner and a genuinely interesting storyline. Eagerly awaiting the second in the series.
August 4, 2013
It grabs you from the first sentence. Heart breaking . . . inspirational writing . . . compelling! Great characters instantly alive for the reader.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews