The Black Lion: Satan's Kingdom

by Anthony Karakai

In a world of terrorism, corruption and violent crime, there exists a covert agency comprised of the world’s most elite intelligence officers—The Black Lions. Recruited in secrecy to attend to matters of international security, they must stop at nothing in order to complete their mission.

Something sinister is happening in Eastern Europe that has seen a new evil arise. An organ harvesting operation in Hungary is causing grave concern—people are being kidnapped at an alarming rate. At the same time, a terrorist cell is planning to blow up iconic European cities.

A connection between the two seemingly unrelated evils is beginning to surface, and in order to eliminate the threat, The Black Lions must go undercover into a dark, deranged and terrifying world.

340 pages, ebook

First published April 30, 2013

About the author

Anthony Michael Karakai was born in Melbourne, Australia.

His father is Hungarian and mother French-Italian. Holding an International Business degree, he is also a qualified percussionist and music producer, having studied music extensively since the age of eight. His articles have been published internationally in various magazines and sites, which is cited as a favourite past time of his.
With an insatiable appetite for travel and an eagerness to explore off the beaten path, Karakai travels at every opportunity- his travels and ongoing commitment to exploring the world are what inspires him to write.

He is signed to New York City's Trident Media Group, with whom he has released three novels. Vagabond, The End of Athens, and The Black Lion: Satan's Kingdom.

To visit his official website, please go to http://www.anthonykarakai.com or http://www.akarakai.com.

Reviews

[Donadee's Corner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anthony Karakai is a Goodreads author and I have had the pleasure of reviewing his book “The Black Lion”. Truly I was blown away. Jackson a hard drinking tough guy still mourning the loss of his girlfriend in the World Trade Center attack was a CIA agent that was drafted into an elite group of international agents that do not exist anywhere! Because of this he has developed a very unyielding moral code; he truly enjoys killing the ones that deserve to die. They attend to the matters of international security and do what no other agents can do because they do not exist. Each of the Black Lions are built and drafted with care and the authors descriptions make them real to the story. Their mission entailed really two missions, the first dealing with a terrorist cell targeting tourist areas with chemical warfare and the other an organ harvesting operation in Hungary with the head being a VERY deranged madman. Our agents have to go deep and dark to infiltrate and complete both missions before more people are murdered; people have been disappearing and turning up dead all over the place. The story line is one that is very difficult to read and I’m quite sure it must have been difficult to write yet is well done without being over the top. I know that I will have a hard time forgetting some of the bloody, violent and horrific deeds and yet I am sure that there are those out there that have done this and most likely some that have done worse. The authors’ descriptions of the locations and the deeds were so descriptive and attentive to the details that it makes this story come alive with the action. Every page will not fail to leave you on the edge, due to the clarity and vividness making it so realistic. It allows you to experience every pain (and I mean a LOT of pain) and triumph the characters have to go through to the last page. This is the kind of story that I wish was true at least on the part of the hero’s. I hope that the human race has these types of “Angels” with maybe a little tarnish on their wings to protect us. I certainly went through a variety of emotions while reading every page on the edge of my seat and most definitely could not put the book down. The one thing that I really, REALLY liked was the ending or part of it. Of course I would never think of giving it away in my reviews, that’s for you to read but this one will be a very emotional one for anyone that does. I can say this for sure; I will be reading more of this author and will be giving this book a 5 star rating. I know that it will not be for everyone so be sure to read the description before you start but for the rest of us…. A truly great read.

[Rosemarie · Rating 2 out of 5]

This novel reminds me of one of the more recent James Bond films, from the modern problems of terrorism, to the stern but maternal female commanding officer and the damaged operative, but not nearly so well written. It has a good plot, but the weakness of the writing, such as the errors in spelling and grammar – the continuous use of ‘site’ when ‘sight’ is meant for instance – let it down.

Written in the first person, from Jackson’s point of view, the action is immediate and well described, but I found a couple of things (other than the terrible spelling and editing) irritating: there is a lot of unnecessary repetition of information and the introduction of the young investigative journalist whose entire purpose seems to be as a vehicle for providing vital information – she’s a plot device not a character. All the characters are fairly one dimensional and most are barely sketched out.

While I liked the novel overall, the flaws in writing irritated me and I didn’t particularly enjoy the process of reading it. That being said, I was glued to it for the last third of the book as events came to a head.

There’s a lot of violence, swearing, and some sex, so probably not for YA audience or anyone of a sensitive disposition. If you want some uncomplicated action with a bit of a plot, then this novel might keep you entertained.

[Moon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is told in first person by 32 year old ex-CIA agent Jackson. He is still in mourning from the loss of his girlfriend in the World Trade Center during 9-11, and he joins a team of super secret agents, that don't officially exist.

The two missions, one dealing with terrorists and the other dealing with an organ harvesting operation, were something straight out of a James Bond movie! It kept me turning page after page wanting to see what would happen next. I didn't even sleep last night!!

The storyline is very original and unique and it sucks you right in, making you want more. The authors' attention to details helps to bring the story alive... I felt like I was right there.. even through the worst scenes that had my heart pounding... gripping my mouse in apprehension... clicking through page after page... going to make a pot of coffee because I didn't want to stop reading long enough to sleep, his descriptive narrative had me captured like a deer in the headlights.

I won't ruin it for you with a spoiler... but that ending? wow! I can't wait for book two to come out (and perhaps the makers of James Bond to realize there is a new sexy spy on the scene and his name is Jackson)!!!!!!!

[Greg · Rating 2 out of 5]

By writing in the first person, the author accomplished 2 things, he eliminated any suspense about the outcome, and he had to leave a huge amount of detail behind the scenes. Both these issues worked against the book in my opinion. Much of the plot seemed too pat--the protagonist had the answers he needed just when he needed them, and provided by some manner hidden from the reader. Again since it's told in the first person, the protagonist cannot be everywhere. The book could have--and perhaps should have--been significantly shorter, but the author has inserted a number of lengthy monologues by the protagonist, and there are some relationships thrown in as filler. Fortunately, you can spot these ramblings and scan right over them to get back to the meat of the plot so the book ends up being a rather quick read.

[Laurie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A team of super-secret agents, that don't officially exist, come together to learn that what had originally seemed like a simple case of a missing civilian has incredibly dark roots as they investigate further into a young woman's disappearance. The story is told from the perspective of one of the agents who has gone undercover and infiltrated the band of thugs thought to be responsible for the girl's abduction.

There are a few editing errors that hardly detract from the plot. Many of the main characters have well developed backgrounds as we learn their history, as the story unfolds. This book is fairly easy to read and makes for a nice distraction from ordinary every day life, especially if you enjoy stories of espionage and spies.

[H.E. Fairbanks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anthony Karakai is a very imaginitive, eclectic writer who knows how to draw the reader's attention. This book was fun, fascinating and an intriguing look into the mind of a fellow writer. I hope to see more of the Black Lions!

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received notification about The Black Lion in an email. This is an action packed thriller that appeals to those who want to see how deep the rabbit hole gets. Layered, dark and full of enough intense battles to rival the best of them, this is a seriously, seriously good spy novel.