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The Price of Innocence
In the decade since their younger sister's death, James and Ian Lawrence have drifted apart - James to pursue a steady but humdrum career as a CPA in Kansas City, Ian to go adventuring off to Leipzig, Germany, for his doctorate in economics. But when Ian mysteriously disappears while researching the economics of organized crime, James must take a leave of absence to look for him. Risking everything, he embarks on a perilous journey across Europe, digging deeply into the business affairs of some very private, very dangerous people. But in the search for Ian, he discovers a brewing revolution that will shock the world - and change what he sees as his own place in it. "A first-rate suspense thriller...delivers gripping action, well-rounded characters, and a tantalizing plot...The Price of Innocence is a complete package of entertainment...Devore skillfully immerses his readers in German and Czech cultures, adding rich international flavors...As if an exciting, precise plot weren't enough, the author also fills his story with subtle but powerful themes, including respect for women, eternal optimism in the face of defeat, and the strength of brotherly love...Fans of John Grisham's legal thrillers or Robert Ludlum's intricate action scenes are going to be pleased with Devore's contribution...Readers of all ages will enjoy this intelligent novel." -ForeWord Clarion Review (5 Stars) "The narrative boasts a distinctly cinematic impression...every scene is made memorable by chilling descriptions and dialogue...An enticing plotline, lifelike characters, high octane prose and penetrating visualizations combine to create a compelling, hair-raising story that may not be as far from reality as readers may think." -Kirkus Reviews "A fun thriller...By the time the book climaxes (in its final chapters), the action is relentless, with a satisfying denouement." -BlueInk Review "After about 20 pages, The Price of Innocence takes an irresistible hold. Devore has a big imagination and the writing skills to match...The story is immediate, personal, and riveting--a page turner, in the very best way...will keep you captivated until the very last paragraph." -Pacific Book Review
404 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 1, 2013
449 people are currently reading
1036 people want to read
About the author
Bryan Devore
4 books37 followersBryan Devore was born and raised in Manhattan, Kansas. He received his Bachelor's and Master's in Accountancy from Kansas State University. He also completed an exchange semester at the Leipzig Graduate School of Management in Leipzig, Germany. He lives in Denver, Colorado.
He welcomes comments and feedback, and can be contacted at www.bryandevore.com.
He welcomes comments and feedback, and can be contacted at www.bryandevore.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
June 8, 2014
This is an entertaining read if you don't take it too seriously. It's fiction after all, and it's fun to see a couple of accountants having an exciting adventure for a change. We've been told that librarians can have fun; why not accountants? The writing isn't great, but it's acceptable.
Unfortunately, there is much that is so unrealistic in the story that it's almost humorous. Can you really imagine the daughter of the Chancellor of Germany running around in some of the most dangerous situations imaginable with no body guards! It's not clear that her father even knew where she was, and if he did, he's more concerned about two crazy American accountants than his daughter. Even if he and his daughter are alienated and he really doesn't care about her, he would still be very concerned about the possible damage to Germany and his term in office by having her kidnapped or killed.
There is a fundamental assumption in the plot that horrible things wouldn't go on in the world if people just knew about how horrible they are. Really? The facts are that most human beings choose evil, and if there is a sufficient market for any product, someone will supply it. Each and every one of us vote for the kind of world we want to live in every time we spend a dollar. Would the documentary film that Ian was willing to die for actually receive an enormous number of hits on the Internet? Yes, I'm confident that it would. Some people would just be curious; others would be satisfying their own prurient interests; some would actually be learning how they could go about accessing that same commodity. The film might even increase sales through providing free advertising, but would there be a hue and cry sufficient to put an end to violent organized crime? Absolutely not. Enough people have already demonstrated their desire for evil products to make them available on the market, and learning the conditions under which those products are supplied would have little or no impact on their availability. Even if good concerned people were able to bring down one organized group of criminals, it would simply be replaced by another, possibly an even worse one.
So, enjoy the excitement of the book, but read it like a fairy tale. There are few viable ideas here to improve our evil, fallen world. But, I actually enjoyed it, and it encouraged me to improve my knowledge of Eastern Europe. The book itself has relatively high moral standards. There's a lot of blood and gore, but the language is clean and the sex isn't explicit. Those reasons alone make it a worthwhile read.
Unfortunately, there is much that is so unrealistic in the story that it's almost humorous. Can you really imagine the daughter of the Chancellor of Germany running around in some of the most dangerous situations imaginable with no body guards! It's not clear that her father even knew where she was, and if he did, he's more concerned about two crazy American accountants than his daughter. Even if he and his daughter are alienated and he really doesn't care about her, he would still be very concerned about the possible damage to Germany and his term in office by having her kidnapped or killed.
There is a fundamental assumption in the plot that horrible things wouldn't go on in the world if people just knew about how horrible they are. Really? The facts are that most human beings choose evil, and if there is a sufficient market for any product, someone will supply it. Each and every one of us vote for the kind of world we want to live in every time we spend a dollar. Would the documentary film that Ian was willing to die for actually receive an enormous number of hits on the Internet? Yes, I'm confident that it would. Some people would just be curious; others would be satisfying their own prurient interests; some would actually be learning how they could go about accessing that same commodity. The film might even increase sales through providing free advertising, but would there be a hue and cry sufficient to put an end to violent organized crime? Absolutely not. Enough people have already demonstrated their desire for evil products to make them available on the market, and learning the conditions under which those products are supplied would have little or no impact on their availability. Even if good concerned people were able to bring down one organized group of criminals, it would simply be replaced by another, possibly an even worse one.
So, enjoy the excitement of the book, but read it like a fairy tale. There are few viable ideas here to improve our evil, fallen world. But, I actually enjoyed it, and it encouraged me to improve my knowledge of Eastern Europe. The book itself has relatively high moral standards. There's a lot of blood and gore, but the language is clean and the sex isn't explicit. Those reasons alone make it a worthwhile read.
June 13, 2013
I was not disappointed by this book even though I did have my doubts at first. The characters are superiorly written, you really get to know each one personally. It's a twist of a plot that the author put together beautifully. I found it admirable the drive the brother has to find his missing brother, who disappeared while on an exchange student program in Eastern Europe.
This book is immersed in suspense and a sense of darkness, some great action scenes, and a bit of romance to tie it all together. The way the author brings out her brilliant way of achieving a great organized crime spree. I would recommend this book to all my friends who are interested in a plot with a large amount of crime and thrill. I give this book 5/5
This book is immersed in suspense and a sense of darkness, some great action scenes, and a bit of romance to tie it all together. The way the author brings out her brilliant way of achieving a great organized crime spree. I would recommend this book to all my friends who are interested in a plot with a large amount of crime and thrill. I give this book 5/5
January 15, 2016
This is the. Most intelligent novel I have read in a long time. The characters were we'll developed. The exciting action throughout the s has excetory kept me reading and the plot was inspiring.
This was the most intelligent novel I have read in a long time. The characters are very likeable and we'll developed. The story has exciting action to keep you reading and the plot was inspiring.
This was the most intelligent novel I have read in a long time. The characters are very likeable and we'll developed. The story has exciting action to keep you reading and the plot was inspiring.
January 14, 2016
Great book.
Another excellent book by Mr. Devore. Theme in this book is all around us, we hear and read about it daily. Millions are waiting for the "White Rose".
Another excellent book by Mr. Devore. Theme in this book is all around us, we hear and read about it daily. Millions are waiting for the "White Rose".
February 8, 2016
I've discovered a new author. This is an excellent read; it has strong and well-developed characters, complex and clearly-structured plot, and a highly enjoyable and polished writing style.
July 10, 2019
Brief synopsis from the book cover:
In the decade since their younger sister's death, James and Ian Lawrence have drifted apart - James to pursue a steady but humdrum career as a CPA in Kansas City, Ian to go adventuring off to Leipzig, Germany, for his doctorate in economics. But when Ian mysteriously disappears while researching the economics of organized crime, James must take a leave of absence to look for him. Risking everything, he embarks on a perilous journey across Europe, digging deeply into the business affairs of some very private, very dangerous people. But in the search for Ian, he discovers a brewing revolution that will shock the world - and change what he sees as his own place in it.
My rating:
Story: 3 out of 5 stars
Writing: 3 out of 5 stars
Character development: 3 out of 5 stars
Overall: 3 out of 5 stars
Review:
This book was an entertaining and captivating read. It is your typical action and adventure story with an unlikely hero who succeeds against all odds to save the day. The writing was suspenseful and the story flowed well. The plot was a little bit unrealistic at times but overall the story was interesting and enjoyable. If you like action and adventure stories this book is worth a try.
In the decade since their younger sister's death, James and Ian Lawrence have drifted apart - James to pursue a steady but humdrum career as a CPA in Kansas City, Ian to go adventuring off to Leipzig, Germany, for his doctorate in economics. But when Ian mysteriously disappears while researching the economics of organized crime, James must take a leave of absence to look for him. Risking everything, he embarks on a perilous journey across Europe, digging deeply into the business affairs of some very private, very dangerous people. But in the search for Ian, he discovers a brewing revolution that will shock the world - and change what he sees as his own place in it.
My rating:
Story: 3 out of 5 stars
Writing: 3 out of 5 stars
Character development: 3 out of 5 stars
Overall: 3 out of 5 stars
Review:
This book was an entertaining and captivating read. It is your typical action and adventure story with an unlikely hero who succeeds against all odds to save the day. The writing was suspenseful and the story flowed well. The plot was a little bit unrealistic at times but overall the story was interesting and enjoyable. If you like action and adventure stories this book is worth a try.
March 3, 2023
I liked that so many of the chapters were short, making it easy to read for just a bit between tasks. The story line was detailed and became more and more exciting with each chapter. I have to admit though, I was very disappointed with the story ending. I felt the two female characters in the story line were dropped at the end. James did comment that he spoke with Zoe and delivered a message from her to Ian, but that was all. With the rescue of her sister Miska such a large part of the factory attack, I felt the ending should have provided more closure of the relationship between Ian and Zoe. The same applies to James and Hanna's story. There was no mention of Hanna after she was rescued with the others at the factory. Not even how her father reacted to her involvement with the White Rose. I feel these storylines should have received the closure other characters in the story received.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 15, 2025
This is an exciting thriller about Ian, a researcher working on a doctorate in economics who tests a theory for destroying criminal organizations. His older brother James, a tax accountant in Kansas, and his parents haven't heard from him in some time and become worried. James heads for Prague to try to find him and has the adventure of a lifetime - if he finishes it alive.
It probably isn't a good idea to really examine the premise closely, but the story is a lot of fun.
It probably isn't a good idea to really examine the premise closely, but the story is a lot of fun.
December 30, 2017
Good book
This was a good book and had a lot of truths about legal prostitution in Europe. Very sad situation and should be stopped.
This was a good book and had a lot of truths about legal prostitution in Europe. Very sad situation and should be stopped.
April 9, 2019
Decent story
This was a decent story. Some of the chapters were a little basic. The idea of the book was good. I won’t be reading the next one.
This was a decent story. Some of the chapters were a little basic. The idea of the book was good. I won’t be reading the next one.
August 8, 2019
Nice one :)
December 21, 2019
Great
It was fast paced and entertaining. Enjoyed the characters. Would recommend it to others and would love to see more about these people
It was fast paced and entertaining. Enjoyed the characters. Would recommend it to others and would love to see more about these people
June 4, 2020
Absolutely Riveting
Full of action and intrigue. A plot with twists and turns that make it difficult to put down. Great book.
Full of action and intrigue. A plot with twists and turns that make it difficult to put down. Great book.
July 30, 2020
I had some trouble getting into this book, but then it hit its pace and I was hooked. I'm not sure if I "buy" the characters, but it made for an entertaining read.
June 20, 2022
Wow!!!
Amazing book from beginning to end!. I couldn't put it down once I started reading. Every page is full of twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat.
Amazing book from beginning to end!. I couldn't put it down once I started reading. Every page is full of twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat.
November 21, 2022
Wasn't sure I'd like this book; however, the more I got into it, the more it kept my attention. When James' brother goes missing, he travels to Europe to try and locate him. His younger brother's college paper on organized crime puts both brothers in danger as they find themselves in dangerous and life threatening situations.
December 27, 2016
I am happy that I can finish this book at last because I have delayed it for some time. As expected from Mr. Devore, his books were always delighted to be read. I really love it. I love the characters. I love the story.
I love James, Ian, Thomas, Wolfgang, etc even the bad guys. Mr. Devore really make their characters alive. I feel sorry for Vlastos. He is a bad guy and doing many bad things. He deserved what's coming to him. But at last he managed to redeem himself at the expense of killing his "father". And the last shakespeare quote is quite sweet. It really shows his feeling. I love when the story have bad guy I sympathized, no matter how bad he is. Honestly, it takes skill and guts to create sympathetic bad guy that have lasting impression.
The story itself is a little unbelievable though. But as long as it was not "stupid", I can get pass that. The idea that you can destroy organized crime via economy is an interesting one. Unfortunately, it doesn't explore about that deeply. Realistically I don't think it was possible unless through economy sanction or heavy regulation. Still it was an enjoyable and engaging story. The ending is a little ambiguous. It open the path for sequel but I doubt that's gonna happen. Overall, it was great story. But, the action is a little too fast for my liking. I cannot help but skimming most of the actions. I love the epilogue though. Redemption story always leave good and lasting impression in my heart. I really recommend this story for people who want to read light but interesting and enjoyable action thriller.
Rating : 4.5 of 5
www.sharing55tories.blogspot.com
I love James, Ian, Thomas, Wolfgang, etc even the bad guys. Mr. Devore really make their characters alive. I feel sorry for Vlastos. He is a bad guy and doing many bad things. He deserved what's coming to him. But at last he managed to redeem himself at the expense of killing his "father". And the last shakespeare quote is quite sweet. It really shows his feeling. I love when the story have bad guy I sympathized, no matter how bad he is. Honestly, it takes skill and guts to create sympathetic bad guy that have lasting impression.
The story itself is a little unbelievable though. But as long as it was not "stupid", I can get pass that. The idea that you can destroy organized crime via economy is an interesting one. Unfortunately, it doesn't explore about that deeply. Realistically I don't think it was possible unless through economy sanction or heavy regulation. Still it was an enjoyable and engaging story. The ending is a little ambiguous. It open the path for sequel but I doubt that's gonna happen. Overall, it was great story. But, the action is a little too fast for my liking. I cannot help but skimming most of the actions. I love the epilogue though. Redemption story always leave good and lasting impression in my heart. I really recommend this story for people who want to read light but interesting and enjoyable action thriller.
Rating : 4.5 of 5
www.sharing55tories.blogspot.com
January 22, 2014
Another book that gets more stars than it probably deserves. The premise is interesting, the characters memorable, the action and the plot twists kept me reading obsessively. The themes of family, faith, redemption, living life to the fullest, standing up for what's right- all my favorites. The main idea of the fight for truth and freedom never being over is just plain awesome and very relevant to our times.
My biggest problem is the author taking each point, each theme, and pounding it into your head with a hammer. A prolonged anti-corporate rant in the middle of a tense scene almost made me put the book down, and more than once I just wanted to scream, OK, I GET IT!!! (I know, I'm a Rand and Goodkind fan, but not everyone can get away with that style of writing). I am giving it 4 stars because of my high level of enjoyment of the book as a whole, but I hope that in the future the author gets himself an editor who knows how to trim the fat.
My biggest problem is the author taking each point, each theme, and pounding it into your head with a hammer. A prolonged anti-corporate rant in the middle of a tense scene almost made me put the book down, and more than once I just wanted to scream, OK, I GET IT!!! (I know, I'm a Rand and Goodkind fan, but not everyone can get away with that style of writing). I am giving it 4 stars because of my high level of enjoyment of the book as a whole, but I hope that in the future the author gets himself an editor who knows how to trim the fat.
February 10, 2015
Ian and James are brothers from Kansas, Ian is a college student working on his dissertation and James is a CPA and doing quite well. James gets a call from his Mom stating that Ian is missing. After some research James is sure that Ian is now in Russia. He fears he is in danger; he gets on a plane to bring his brother home. Little does he know just what Ian is involved in.
The things that can happen in such a short period of time is amazing. Bullets fly, kidnappings happen, drugs are sold, money laundered and people die. Ian is working to.complete his dissertation and to show the world what corruption is all about. Now that James is with him will they make it out of the Mofia world? Will Ian be able to save hIs girlfriend and the lives of those he works with?
This book is very enthralling. The suspense, action and excitement is never ending. This book gives you a glimpse of a world you may not want to know. It's a dark, ugly world; more than you ever could imagine.
The things that can happen in such a short period of time is amazing. Bullets fly, kidnappings happen, drugs are sold, money laundered and people die. Ian is working to.complete his dissertation and to show the world what corruption is all about. Now that James is with him will they make it out of the Mofia world? Will Ian be able to save hIs girlfriend and the lives of those he works with?
This book is very enthralling. The suspense, action and excitement is never ending. This book gives you a glimpse of a world you may not want to know. It's a dark, ugly world; more than you ever could imagine.
April 27, 2014
It’s a clever setup. An American grad student in Berlin, Ian, has a plan to use game theory and other economic tools to stop and destroy organized crime organizations. When he goes missing, his brother James flies to Europe to find him. He impersonates Ian to track him within crime circles, with unhappy results. He gets out of it, find CNN and the secret organization he’s linked to. This plenty of action and tension, some good characters, a good read, weakened by the author’s tendency to provide blocks of information in dialogue or narrative. Fascinating, about crime’s business. Both brothers developed love interest. Will James after such excitement really returned to Kansas City is a CPA?
May 23, 2013
This is not the typical genre I read, but the description of the book had me intrigued, so I picked it up and wasn't disappointed. The characters, plot, and sideline stories were well thought-out and written. The inside look and the author's perspective on organized crime is quite an interesting take. It will draw you in and keep you interested. I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
January 16, 2014
I enjoyed many things about this book! This was my first time to read anything by Bryan Devore. He is a very good writer. It was easy to follow the plot, even with the good number of characters that were in the book and it never lacked for a good pace- no dull or slow spots. I would definitely read another book by him.
March 30, 2014
Thought provoking n good for late n
compassion. killing ...
saving nations
one at a time .....best part was that it brought IAN and James back together as good brothers..it was a well put together. novel. I would recommend to a friend to read. the characters were part of the family.
compassion. killing ...
saving nations
one at a time .....best part was that it brought IAN and James back together as good brothers..it was a well put together. novel. I would recommend to a friend to read. the characters were part of the family.
January 22, 2016
This book may be the exception to the universal truth that the movie is never as good as the book. The whole time I was reading it, I kept thinking I could see it a hit action thriller. I didn't love it as a read and since I'm not too big on action movies, I probably wouldn't go see it. It was a free read from Amazon prime so it was the right price for a 2 day diversion.
January 25, 2016
I could not finish this book. I tried but it seem to drag. I got to 39% where it stated it was "Part 2", but it really just continued - so not sure what "part 2" was or could have grown into. It just couldn't keep my attention. I found myself really pausing between chapters, putting it down, so it was really a struggle for me. Story just didn't move enough for me to keep on reading.
March 14, 2016
A true page turner!
"The Price of Innocence" is the first book I've read that was written by Bryan Devore, but it won't be the last! He developed a fast-moving plot, and solid characters. His scenes were described so well, I could imagine myself actually in them. I also learned a !of about how organized crime works and how it's able to continue.
"The Price of Innocence" is the first book I've read that was written by Bryan Devore, but it won't be the last! He developed a fast-moving plot, and solid characters. His scenes were described so well, I could imagine myself actually in them. I also learned a !of about how organized crime works and how it's able to continue.
May 3, 2016
Slow Starter
The Price of Innocence was a very slow starter. I even considered not finishing the book. However it picked up and caught my interest. It turned out to be a pretty good book although I thought it left too much unfinished business. I assume that will be continued in the next novel.
The Price of Innocence was a very slow starter. I even considered not finishing the book. However it picked up and caught my interest. It turned out to be a pretty good book although I thought it left too much unfinished business. I assume that will be continued in the next novel.
March 4, 2014
To a large extent, the characters and events are not believable. The author tries hard to add some credibility to the story line by "justifying" events again and again, but with no success given the whole construct is not solid. On the good side, it's quite an easy read.
September 1, 2015
When Ian disappears in Germany James the boring accountant goes to look for him and discovers a web of intrigue that will require James to put his life on the line if he wants to get his brother home alive.
September 6, 2016
Great read!
I love the European sites described in the book. They brought back great memories of my times there but also had me wondering how close I may have been to the darker side of things without even knowing. Great book!
I love the European sites described in the book. They brought back great memories of my times there but also had me wondering how close I may have been to the darker side of things without even knowing. Great book!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews