Pirates

by Greg Cummings

Derek Strangely, recovering from his Congo ordeal in this Gorillaland sequel, is contacted by Johnny Oceans who disappeared 14 years ago after being abducted by Somali pirates  Derek Strangely is living in Kampala with his dog Rafiki and is still recovering from his time in the Congo jungle where he was rescued by the enigmatic Azziza Nshuti when he is contacted by his old friend, Johnny Oceans. It seems that Johnny had been abducted by Somali pirates more than 14 years ago. On his escape he had converted to Islam, married a Darod woman, and lived a modest life. Now, after years of peace among the Sumis, Johnny's life is again in danger, this time from radical Islamic forces. His only hope of survival, indeed the only hope of all the people of Puntland, lies in the hands of a Somali clan elder, currently in the Kakuma Refugee Camp. Derek and Johnny's trip to the camp involves a highly dangerous illegal border crossing—but this is only the start of their involvement in the political intrigue and power struggles of the region. Just who is pulling the strings, and will Johnny ever be able to return to the arms of his wife? Derek Strangely is the only person in the world able to make it so.

270 pages, Paperback

First published August 31, 2013

About the author

An award-winning wildlife conservationist, Greg Cummings achieved remarkable success protecting gorilla populations in the wild through community-based initiatives in East and Central Africa. During his 17-year tenure as executive director of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, he raised millions of dollars from corporations, foundations and individuals around the world. All that money was invested directly into communities adjacent to habitats and helped ensure the survival of the mountain gorilla.

As a veteran safari guide, Cummings has taken movie producers, heads of industry, ambassadors and celebrities to meet great apes in the wild. Steve McQueen, who recently won the Academy Award for Best Picture, remarked after trekking with him in the Congo jungle, “Basically he’s Dennis Hopper out of Apocalypse Now!”

Cummings has appeared with Tom Brokaw on 'Today' and Daryl Hannah on 'Richard Bang’s Adventures', participated in documentaries for the BBC, NPR, and CBC, and published articles in 'The Guardian' and 'The Ecologists'. He has written two novels: 'Gorillaland' and 'Pirates' (both published by Cutting Edge Press, London).

“His depth of understanding of Africa keeps the action moving and creates plot twists that are plausible yet wholly unexpected,” says his publisher Martin Hay.

Until recently he was living in a canvass tent on the edge of Kidepo Valley National Park in Uganda’s remote Karamoja region, going to sleep each night to the sound of grazing buffalo and hunting lions. Since 2009 he has been a director of WildLIGHT, a registered charity in Uganda.

He is currently in North America to promote gorilla safaris and his novels.

Reviews

[Joseph Spuckler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review is pending release from Author Alliance. In the mean time, a link to the review:

Link to Author Alliance Review

[CALI GAABOOW · Rating 5 out of 5]

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