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Orinoco
Leaving his Oklahoma ranch behind, Sam Warrender piloted his twin-prop Cessna south, straight into the heart of Proteus Industries' latest tangle — the discovery of rare pre-Columbian artifacts on the site of a rich strike of iron ore. The lanky chairman of Proteus was undaunted by the problem, but he was about to be surprised … and enlightened.
Cerro Calvario, one hundred miles south of the great Orinoco River, was now defended by the passionate vision of Dr. Arquimedeo Laya Lopez, an archaeologist who defied the giant multinational corporation with the courage of a David and the resources of a pauper. Already politically hot, the issue draws media and environmentalist fire, supported by the idealistic stance of film student Jacqueline Lee, the beautiful Eurasian daughter of Proteus' new president. Sam's a seasoned hand at defusing explosive situations, but his attraction to Jacqueline complicates his strategy — especially when terrorist hits on the mining site cause deep concern in Caracas, and fear for Jacqueline's safety.
Before Sam can reach her, Jacqueline is kidnapped from her father's burning yacht by a former executioner for the Medellin cartel and his two accomplices, local Indians skilled in deadly survival arts who can disappear into the steaming jungle without a trace. The ransom demand is five million dollars. The government won't deal. With security police breathing down his neck, Sam plunges into the most challenging and dangerous mission he's ever tackled.
Cerro Calvario, one hundred miles south of the great Orinoco River, was now defended by the passionate vision of Dr. Arquimedeo Laya Lopez, an archaeologist who defied the giant multinational corporation with the courage of a David and the resources of a pauper. Already politically hot, the issue draws media and environmentalist fire, supported by the idealistic stance of film student Jacqueline Lee, the beautiful Eurasian daughter of Proteus' new president. Sam's a seasoned hand at defusing explosive situations, but his attraction to Jacqueline complicates his strategy — especially when terrorist hits on the mining site cause deep concern in Caracas, and fear for Jacqueline's safety.
Before Sam can reach her, Jacqueline is kidnapped from her father's burning yacht by a former executioner for the Medellin cartel and his two accomplices, local Indians skilled in deadly survival arts who can disappear into the steaming jungle without a trace. The ransom demand is five million dollars. The government won't deal. With security police breathing down his neck, Sam plunges into the most challenging and dangerous mission he's ever tackled.
- GenresFiction
436 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 8, 2013
15 people are currently reading
67 people want to read
About the author
Dan Pollock
10 books401 followersDan Pollock was born in New York City to a family of writers and grew up in Laguna Beach, California. A former syndicate editor with the Los Angeles Times, Pollock is the author of five thriller novels--Lair of the Fox, Duel of Assassins, Orinoco (originally published as Pursuit Into Darkness), Countdown to Casablanca and The Running Boy; along with a specially commissioned “logistics” thriller, Precipice.
With his wife, Constance, he has edited and published three literary, inspirational volumes: The Book of Uncommon Prayer; Gospel: The Life of Jesus as Told by the World's Great Writers; and Visions of the Afterlife: Heaven, Hell and Revelation as Viewed by the World's Great Writers.
The Pollocks live in Southern California with their two children.
With his wife, Constance, he has edited and published three literary, inspirational volumes: The Book of Uncommon Prayer; Gospel: The Life of Jesus as Told by the World's Great Writers; and Visions of the Afterlife: Heaven, Hell and Revelation as Viewed by the World's Great Writers.
The Pollocks live in Southern California with their two children.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
August 23, 2013
I’ve never been to South America. Yet, through the medium of good books I have often journeyed there. Gabriel García Márquez has taken me on mystical trips to his native Columbia. Isabel Ellende introduced me to the magic of her Chile. And with Graham Greene I went to a fascinating Panama and drank Scotch whisky with General Torrijos. And now with Dan Pollock as my guide I get to visit Venezuela, and experience good, rousing adventure. Such is the beauty of books.
I love novels like this. Written in a well paced, driving, narrative style it pulls the reader along in its cadence as the plot unfolds. The basic plot is simple: a mountain south of the Orinoco River loaded with high grade iron ore waits ready to be mined. Proteus, a big US mining corporation has greased the necessary palms, got the permissions and is ready to start extraction, when the discovery of ancient artefacts by a team of academics led by an idealistic archaeologist bring a halt to their operations.
The protagonist, Sam Wallender, retiring CEO of Proteus and combative loose cannon, sets out alone to solve the problem flying his twin prop Cessna down to Venezuela and going up into the mountains on horseback to meet the archaeologist, ignoring company protocol and pitting himself against his fellow directors and his own handpicked successor, D.W. Lee who relishes the chance of a boardroom battle to seize the Proteus helm and put his old mentor out to grass. The ensuing conflict brings on a host of fascinating characters, heroes and villains: sub plots develop, agendas clash. Treachery rears its head and the archaeologist is betrayed and arrested, his worksite closed: an old revolutionary sees the opportunity to come out of retirement and create terrorist mayhem. And then high charged romance enters the frame in the form of DW’s lovely Eurasian daughter, Jacqueline, who arrives and takes sides with the archaeologists against her father and Proteus and strikes a blow for her own independence by making a documentary film of the events. With that I’ll say no more, other than the dénouement is climatic and satisfying and the ending has a nice twist. It’s a superb well wrought yarn with an original story and believable people.
In its vibrant descriptive passages the writer reveals a familiarity with the country and its people that comes from close contact or solid research: perhaps both. His vivid description of Sam’s flight over Angel Falls is alone worth the price of admission.
Orinoco is a fine book by any measure and I pay it my highest compliment: I’ll read it again.
I love novels like this. Written in a well paced, driving, narrative style it pulls the reader along in its cadence as the plot unfolds. The basic plot is simple: a mountain south of the Orinoco River loaded with high grade iron ore waits ready to be mined. Proteus, a big US mining corporation has greased the necessary palms, got the permissions and is ready to start extraction, when the discovery of ancient artefacts by a team of academics led by an idealistic archaeologist bring a halt to their operations.
The protagonist, Sam Wallender, retiring CEO of Proteus and combative loose cannon, sets out alone to solve the problem flying his twin prop Cessna down to Venezuela and going up into the mountains on horseback to meet the archaeologist, ignoring company protocol and pitting himself against his fellow directors and his own handpicked successor, D.W. Lee who relishes the chance of a boardroom battle to seize the Proteus helm and put his old mentor out to grass. The ensuing conflict brings on a host of fascinating characters, heroes and villains: sub plots develop, agendas clash. Treachery rears its head and the archaeologist is betrayed and arrested, his worksite closed: an old revolutionary sees the opportunity to come out of retirement and create terrorist mayhem. And then high charged romance enters the frame in the form of DW’s lovely Eurasian daughter, Jacqueline, who arrives and takes sides with the archaeologists against her father and Proteus and strikes a blow for her own independence by making a documentary film of the events. With that I’ll say no more, other than the dénouement is climatic and satisfying and the ending has a nice twist. It’s a superb well wrought yarn with an original story and believable people.
In its vibrant descriptive passages the writer reveals a familiarity with the country and its people that comes from close contact or solid research: perhaps both. His vivid description of Sam’s flight over Angel Falls is alone worth the price of admission.
Orinoco is a fine book by any measure and I pay it my highest compliment: I’ll read it again.
July 27, 2013
I bought Orinoco based on the book blurbs from Nelson DeMille, LenDeighton, Thomas Keneally, etc. This author is obviously well connected in the literary world! In fact, when I looked at another of his books, "Lair of the Fox", I found that he's also been touted by Clive Cussler, The New York Times, and the Los Angeles Times! I don't understand why I haven't heard of Mr. Pollock before but I certainly have now!
The thriller genre is by far, my favorite. I particularly enjoy Clive Cussler, Campbell Armstrong, Tom Clancy, etc. In other words, my bent is very much toward high energy, technological thrillers and action/adventure stories with multiple plot threads culminating in exciting climaxes. If I'm completely honest, Orinoco doesn't really fall into those categories but continuing in my honesty, the author's captivating narrative and superb scene descriptions enticed me to the point where I had no choice but to drink them in.
Orinoco is full of extremely vivid and obviously well researched tapestries of the Venezuelan landscape and culture. From the coastal regions to the cities, from the sabana to the rainforests, the author accurately captures the essence of the country as well as its inhabitants and their struggles. His description of an aerial pass over the Angel Falls area is simply breathtaking.
There is certainly a well woven plot, and some interesting subplots; not the types that normally grab me by the throat but the entrancing narrative and scenes spun by the author, were supreme proxy for the intensity I would normally seek out in a techno thriller. This is a very well written book! I would liken it to a hybrid of a literary work and an action/adventure story. I will be buying Mr. Pollock's, "Lair of the Fox" for my next Amazon purchase. Enjoy!
The thriller genre is by far, my favorite. I particularly enjoy Clive Cussler, Campbell Armstrong, Tom Clancy, etc. In other words, my bent is very much toward high energy, technological thrillers and action/adventure stories with multiple plot threads culminating in exciting climaxes. If I'm completely honest, Orinoco doesn't really fall into those categories but continuing in my honesty, the author's captivating narrative and superb scene descriptions enticed me to the point where I had no choice but to drink them in.
Orinoco is full of extremely vivid and obviously well researched tapestries of the Venezuelan landscape and culture. From the coastal regions to the cities, from the sabana to the rainforests, the author accurately captures the essence of the country as well as its inhabitants and their struggles. His description of an aerial pass over the Angel Falls area is simply breathtaking.
There is certainly a well woven plot, and some interesting subplots; not the types that normally grab me by the throat but the entrancing narrative and scenes spun by the author, were supreme proxy for the intensity I would normally seek out in a techno thriller. This is a very well written book! I would liken it to a hybrid of a literary work and an action/adventure story. I will be buying Mr. Pollock's, "Lair of the Fox" for my next Amazon purchase. Enjoy!
July 2, 2022
I had to do a bit of research to confirm the original publication date of Orinoco was 1994, as most of the recent editions were published around 2013-14. Knowing that this was written in 1994 helps put some things into perspective. I enjoyed the read, and it would make a great 90s action movie, but I have mixed feelings on various elements.
Mild spoilers ahead, but nothing drastic.
What I liked:
The descriptions of the Venezuelan countryside. Stories which take place in “exotic” (to me) locales, and/or places I haven’t visited myself, always fascinate me. Even more so when the author weaves real locations and bits of local regional history into the mix. I love books which make me pause to look up a certain town or area or natural feature to find out more info about it. I was completely satisfied with this story in that respect.
The action, suspense, and intrigue are top notch. As I said before, this would make a great movie. For the first 85% of the story, I couldn’t wait to see what happened next.
The characters were decent, though I had some issues with them as well. But they were all memorable, they all elicited some emotion (whether it was to like them, or dislike them) and none are one-dimensional.
What I didn’t like (or had problems with):
I’m still not sure what to feel about the Sam/Jake(Jacqueline) romance thing. I’ve read it described as a “May/December romance” which sounds over the top romantic to me. I mean, yeah, their interactions themselves ARE romantically written, and it’s clear the characters definitely want each other. But I’m kind of torn over whether I really think the whole “early 20s Eurasian sassy artsy NYC girl has the hots for a grizzled white-haired CEO/cowboy” is kosher or not. It’s not MY kind of romance, and so my first reaction is that it sounds like the fantasy of a horny old straight dude, so then I tried hypothetically to see what I’d think about a twenty something Eurasian sassy artsy GUY in that role. It still didn’t seem kosher to me. One character is so young, the other so old. In fact, I kept having to ignore certain descriptions of Sam as old, weathered, bony, white-haired, etc, and picture him more as a silver fox in his early 50s just to get through the more intimate scenes. Otherwise it was kind of gross.
The plot itself, while thrilling and exciting, meandered a lot. We start out with a corporate ethics story which somewhere along the way morphs into a romance which culminates with the damsel in distress getting kidnapped and needing to be rescued. Now yeah, Jake wasn’t totally helpless and put up a good fight, as we saw more in the 90s as this tired trope thankfully mostly on its way out…but it still makes the story seem dated, now. Where I’d kept right along with the story all the way through until I realized the end was just going to be “kidnapped girl is rescued by her dad and her lover” and then I did lose most of my interest. We started out with a corporate board ousting Sam, an ethical debate about the discovery of artifacts in a Venezuelan mining site, and it all turns into attractive exotic girl wants a guy old enough to be her grandfather and he has to rescue her from the “bad guys.”
And speaking of the bad guys. It all seemed tangential, kind of tacked-on at the last moment. It was just a random series of events that led Oscar to kidnapping Jake, but it seemed too loosely connected to me. And other scenes, like the lengthy descriptions of Sam’s daughter and his visit to her, did not advance the plot at all and just further unbalanced the story.
Despite my misgivings, would I read it again? Yes, definitely. It’s a wild ride, and those have entertainment value, despite plot threads which may get a bit snarled. The description of the natural beauty of Venezuela is awesome and left me wanting more.
Mild spoilers ahead, but nothing drastic.
What I liked:
The descriptions of the Venezuelan countryside. Stories which take place in “exotic” (to me) locales, and/or places I haven’t visited myself, always fascinate me. Even more so when the author weaves real locations and bits of local regional history into the mix. I love books which make me pause to look up a certain town or area or natural feature to find out more info about it. I was completely satisfied with this story in that respect.
The action, suspense, and intrigue are top notch. As I said before, this would make a great movie. For the first 85% of the story, I couldn’t wait to see what happened next.
The characters were decent, though I had some issues with them as well. But they were all memorable, they all elicited some emotion (whether it was to like them, or dislike them) and none are one-dimensional.
What I didn’t like (or had problems with):
I’m still not sure what to feel about the Sam/Jake(Jacqueline) romance thing. I’ve read it described as a “May/December romance” which sounds over the top romantic to me. I mean, yeah, their interactions themselves ARE romantically written, and it’s clear the characters definitely want each other. But I’m kind of torn over whether I really think the whole “early 20s Eurasian sassy artsy NYC girl has the hots for a grizzled white-haired CEO/cowboy” is kosher or not. It’s not MY kind of romance, and so my first reaction is that it sounds like the fantasy of a horny old straight dude, so then I tried hypothetically to see what I’d think about a twenty something Eurasian sassy artsy GUY in that role. It still didn’t seem kosher to me. One character is so young, the other so old. In fact, I kept having to ignore certain descriptions of Sam as old, weathered, bony, white-haired, etc, and picture him more as a silver fox in his early 50s just to get through the more intimate scenes. Otherwise it was kind of gross.
The plot itself, while thrilling and exciting, meandered a lot. We start out with a corporate ethics story which somewhere along the way morphs into a romance which culminates with the damsel in distress getting kidnapped and needing to be rescued. Now yeah, Jake wasn’t totally helpless and put up a good fight, as we saw more in the 90s as this tired trope thankfully mostly on its way out…but it still makes the story seem dated, now. Where I’d kept right along with the story all the way through until I realized the end was just going to be “kidnapped girl is rescued by her dad and her lover” and then I did lose most of my interest. We started out with a corporate board ousting Sam, an ethical debate about the discovery of artifacts in a Venezuelan mining site, and it all turns into attractive exotic girl wants a guy old enough to be her grandfather and he has to rescue her from the “bad guys.”
And speaking of the bad guys. It all seemed tangential, kind of tacked-on at the last moment. It was just a random series of events that led Oscar to kidnapping Jake, but it seemed too loosely connected to me. And other scenes, like the lengthy descriptions of Sam’s daughter and his visit to her, did not advance the plot at all and just further unbalanced the story.
Despite my misgivings, would I read it again? Yes, definitely. It’s a wild ride, and those have entertainment value, despite plot threads which may get a bit snarled. The description of the natural beauty of Venezuela is awesome and left me wanting more.
January 25, 2019
The title comes from the Orinoco River in South America, but the story doesn't have much to do with that river. It's a story of greed, pride, curiosity and money. The author spends many pages on descriptions, although they are beautiful, of mountains, forests and waterfalls in Venezuela. He also spends many pages on describing mechanical workings of ships and excavation equipment. We are convinced he is an expert on his subjects, but that doesn't push the story forward.
This is a story for those who like the details and don't mind that they slow the action just a tad. And there is a lot of action.
This is a story for those who like the details and don't mind that they slow the action just a tad. And there is a lot of action.
December 11, 2014
I found the book a little slow to start with, but I persisted and was rewarded with a very interesting novel that started with intrigue between big business and politics. I thought that the discovery of ancient artefacts would be central to the development of the story, but it took a different direction, leading to an enterprising plot. I learnt a great deal about Venezuela and the Orinoco River in the process of enjoying quite a lot of suspense and excitement. A rewarding read.
March 16, 2015
Accurate in some, questionable in others
Having lived in Venezuela for years the detailed description of both the people and geographical lay of the country were quite good.Did not like the May/December romance- she was younger than his two adult children, already had all that money could buy and he was her fathers boss and mentor. The million dollar ransom ending was both strange and weak.
Having lived in Venezuela for years the detailed description of both the people and geographical lay of the country were quite good.Did not like the May/December romance- she was younger than his two adult children, already had all that money could buy and he was her fathers boss and mentor. The million dollar ransom ending was both strange and weak.
March 21, 2016
A element too many
Ok story with some rather hard to believe relationships...better if a son kidnapped than so daughter. Good nature descriptions about central Venezuela.
Ok story with some rather hard to believe relationships...better if a son kidnapped than so daughter. Good nature descriptions about central Venezuela.
May 10, 2016
Fun read...not quite Dan Brown, but a great adventure.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews