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Ivory
A heart-racing thriller from the master of adventure. New novel Vendetta out now."Events proceed at a blistering pace to a masterly conclusion." Publishers Weekly"Ivory has it all - thrills, pirates, guns, high-speed car chases and women." Oberon ReviewThe hunt for Africa's white goldAlex Tremain is a pirate in trouble. The two women in his life - one of them his financial adviser, the other his diesel mechanic - have left him. He's facing a mounting tide of debts and his crew of modern-day buccaneers, a multi-national band of ex-military cut-throats, is getting restless. They don't all share his dream of going legit, but what Alex really wants is to re-open the five-star resort hotel which once belonged to his Portuguese mother and English father on the Island of Dreams, off the coast of Mozambique.A chance raid on a wildlife smuggling ship sets the Chinese triads after him and, to add to his woes, corporate lawyer Jane Humphries lands, literally, in his lap. Another woman is the last thing Captain Tremain needs right now - especially one whose lover is a ruthless shipping magnate backed up by a deadly bunch of contract killers. What Alex really needs is one last big heist - something valuable enough to fulfil his dreams and set him and his men up for life.When the South African government makes a controversial decision to reinstitute the culling of elephants in its national parks, Alex finds the answer to his dilemma - three tonnes of ivory.Fans of David Baldacci, Wilbur Smith and Ken Follett will love Tony Park.PRAISE FOR TONY "Australia's premier adventure writer." Canberra Weekly"Gripping action thrillers...never disappoints as a storyteller" Daily Telegraph"Tony Park is a master storyteller. I love his work." Deon Meyer "Australian author Park knows his subject intimately" The Guardian
428 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 2009
33 people are currently reading
248 people want to read
About the author
Tony Park
37 books299 followersTony Park was born in 1964 and grew up in the western suburbs of Sydney. He has worked as a newspaper reporter in Australia and England, a government press secretary, a public relations consultant, and a freelance writer.
He served 34 years in the Australian Army Reserve, including six months in Afghanistan in 2002.
Tony and his wife, Nicola, split their time between Australia and Africa, where they own a house on the edge of of the Kruger National Park.
His 18th African novel, Last Survivor, went to number 1 in South Africa. His 19th novel, Blood Trail, will be released worldwide on August 1, 2021.
Praise for Tony Park
“Wilbur Smith...fans will not be disappointed to have found a spiritual heir,” The Times, London
“Tony Park is Australia’s premier adventure writer.” Canberra Weekly
“One of our best and most consistent thriller writers.” Sydney Morning Herald
“Since Wilbur Smith in his heyday, no one has written as well about southern Africa than Tony Park.” Crime Review (UK)
The Delta: “Break-neck in pace, with narrow escapes from death on every page, its charm is infectious.” Daily Mail, UK
“Tony Park exudes a love and deep knowledge of southern Africa in every line and character he creates in his books.” The Citizen, South Africa.
Far Horizon “Watch your back, Wilbur,” Qantas, The Australian Way
Zambezi: “a compulsive page turner” Sydney Morning Herald.
African Sky: “Rootin’ tootin reading” Sun-Herald
Safari: “He just gets better and better” Sun-Herald
Silent Predator: “Memorably exciting” Sydney Morning Herald
The Prey: “Another ripping yarn based on realistic scenarios,” Daily Telegraph
An Empty Coast: “Another winner which will keep you turning pages.” Crime Review UK
Red Earth: “One helluva fine thriller.” Booklist (US)
The Cull: “A fascinating insight into a life and death struggle.” Daily Telegraph
Captive: “A compelling and fascinating read.” Sunday Tribune
Scent of Fear: “A first-rate thriller.” Canberra Weekly
Ghosts of the Past: “A fabulous tale of betrayal, greed, intrigue and love.” Drum Magazine, South Africa
Last Survivor: “Sure-footed plotting and regular gunfire makes this one of Park’s best books. Recommended.” Canberra Weekly.
He served 34 years in the Australian Army Reserve, including six months in Afghanistan in 2002.
Tony and his wife, Nicola, split their time between Australia and Africa, where they own a house on the edge of of the Kruger National Park.
His 18th African novel, Last Survivor, went to number 1 in South Africa. His 19th novel, Blood Trail, will be released worldwide on August 1, 2021.
Praise for Tony Park
“Wilbur Smith...fans will not be disappointed to have found a spiritual heir,” The Times, London
“Tony Park is Australia’s premier adventure writer.” Canberra Weekly
“One of our best and most consistent thriller writers.” Sydney Morning Herald
“Since Wilbur Smith in his heyday, no one has written as well about southern Africa than Tony Park.” Crime Review (UK)
The Delta: “Break-neck in pace, with narrow escapes from death on every page, its charm is infectious.” Daily Mail, UK
“Tony Park exudes a love and deep knowledge of southern Africa in every line and character he creates in his books.” The Citizen, South Africa.
Far Horizon “Watch your back, Wilbur,” Qantas, The Australian Way
Zambezi: “a compulsive page turner” Sydney Morning Herald.
African Sky: “Rootin’ tootin reading” Sun-Herald
Safari: “He just gets better and better” Sun-Herald
Silent Predator: “Memorably exciting” Sydney Morning Herald
The Prey: “Another ripping yarn based on realistic scenarios,” Daily Telegraph
An Empty Coast: “Another winner which will keep you turning pages.” Crime Review UK
Red Earth: “One helluva fine thriller.” Booklist (US)
The Cull: “A fascinating insight into a life and death struggle.” Daily Telegraph
Captive: “A compelling and fascinating read.” Sunday Tribune
Scent of Fear: “A first-rate thriller.” Canberra Weekly
Ghosts of the Past: “A fabulous tale of betrayal, greed, intrigue and love.” Drum Magazine, South Africa
Last Survivor: “Sure-footed plotting and regular gunfire makes this one of Park’s best books. Recommended.” Canberra Weekly.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
August 23, 2011
This book's got everything! Thrills, pirates, travel, romance, mystery, guns, high speed car chases, wild animals... I'm thoroughly enjoying it. At the risk of sounding sexist, it's kind of 'blokey'... You know? Crime and ships and guns and women... That being said though, I like the action and adrenalin as a change of pace. Think Pirates of The Carribean meets The Bourne Identity :) LOL
December 3, 2015
This is a crazy good pirate adventure! Alex lives on the shores of Mozambique, building a luxury hotel… with a band of friends who have their own agendas. They are a group of pirates, stealing supplies and construction materials whenever they can, until a bigwig with a secret tries HIS hand at piracy. And then the bigwig’s corporate attorney Jane gets all mixed up in the crossfire. Throw in a Chinese crime lord, some Romancing the Stone meets Oceans Eleven, and you’ve got yourself excitement on the high seas.
I wasn’t sure I’d like this book, but I needed a departure from my usual. I ended up LOVING the characters, the twists, the old-school piracy, the modern criminal aspect, the beachy vibe, the double double cross, and the tiny bit of romance. And I learned quite a bit about the government practice of culling ivory.
Despite the bad guys outnumbering the good guys, Alex and Jane get what they wanted in the end, and I got a happily ever after.
http://randombookmuses.com/2015/12/02...
NetGalley provided an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
July 15, 2014
This adventure thriller was a pure escapism audio book for me that kept me on my walking schedule that I did not even mind being out in the heat and humidity.
This is a fast-paced plot with twists and turns at every corner – and there are bad guys and then again there are bad guys – it just depends on your definition of “bad”. Interesting diverse cast of flawed characters kept me listening. The physical descriptions and the historical background put me into the time and place. And that Jane was such a big part of the story helped to balance off the detailed technical parts for me.
This is a fast-paced plot with twists and turns at every corner – and there are bad guys and then again there are bad guys – it just depends on your definition of “bad”. Interesting diverse cast of flawed characters kept me listening. The physical descriptions and the historical background put me into the time and place. And that Jane was such a big part of the story helped to balance off the detailed technical parts for me.
August 29, 2016
Took a while to get into the story, before piracy, smuggling, murder and elephant culling became the main focus. As with most of Tony Park's books there is an extra half star because he includes towns that I have visited in South Africa. Worth a read even though I am biased.
March 17, 2015
This audio book was on sale for $4.95, so I took a chance. The narrator is excellent, with his British accent. He does a great Afrikaans accent as well. The story was really action packed, from the very beginning. Alex Tremain is a pirate of a different sort. He loves animals. He has a conscience. He's a modern day Robin Hood, of sorts. He loves women... enter Jane. The plot is very "as if" for sure. Lots of shooting, definitely the gratuitous explicit sex and the plot was totally predictable. For animal lovers, there is a very brief scene about culling of elephants, I'm afraid. I had to fast forward through that brief part, as it's too much for me to handle. The story wraps up just like any kind of action movie. I found the story to be entertaining, and I listened to it pretty fast. I'd give this more 3 1/2 stars, as I liked it...but wouldn't say it's the best book I've ever read.
August 27, 2010
Now that I have finished this, I ask myself 'why oh why, did I bother reading another Tony Park book'?? It's not like "Zambezi" was in any shape or form promising, so what on earth possessed me to read another one of his? Sheer hope that this one might be better??
Well, it's not - the plot is so ridiculous (modern day pirates operating off the coast of Mozambique), with all the badies getting killed and all the goodies miraculously managing to survive despite being shot at multiple times, handgranaded, helicopter-crashed, shipwrecked, etc. etc... And what really irritated me to no end was the excessive amount of swearing and unnecessarily explicit sex scenes.
Why did I even finish it??
Well, it's not - the plot is so ridiculous (modern day pirates operating off the coast of Mozambique), with all the badies getting killed and all the goodies miraculously managing to survive despite being shot at multiple times, handgranaded, helicopter-crashed, shipwrecked, etc. etc... And what really irritated me to no end was the excessive amount of swearing and unnecessarily explicit sex scenes.
Why did I even finish it??
October 18, 2015
I was intrigued by the premise (man turns pirate to earn money to refurbish his parents' old hotel on an island off the coast of Mozambique), and I liked the beginning. But by the middle I just didn't really care much. Spoiler: lots of sex, lots of violence. Bad guys die, good guy wins. The end.
March 21, 2019
Good adventure and mystery with loads of twists and turns. Loved reading about South Africa and Mozambique, very descriptive. Well done, Tony Park, you brought the essence of Africa through in this book.
August 31, 2012
Too heavy on the technical detail to fully hold my interest. I did enjoy the storyline though.
March 29, 2021
I recently listened to Ivory written by Tony Park and narrated by Mark Davis.
Alex Tremaine is a bit of a gentleman pirate. Him and his crew have set up on an island off the coast of Mozambique and have taken to hijacking ships for a living. They are nice because Tremaine, oddly enough for a pirate, has a conscience. This can't be said for his entire crew.
Things continue along their merry way until they hijack a ship by George Penfold, a wealthy ship magnate. They were looking for diamonds they thought were transferred to the ship by a Chinese ship they had hijacked previously.
When they didn't find the diamonds they took a girl who, unlucky enough for her, was in the escape boat they were commandeering. Jane, the girl in question, finds herself wooed by Tremaine the pirate. Her heart is torn between the pirate that is escorting her to South Africa and the married ship magnate who has implied he will leave his wife for her.
Narration: Mark Davis does a workaday job of narration here. His diction is clear, however, his performance leaves something wanting.
Conclusion: As the title implies, ivory does come into this eventually. There is a chance to steal a bunch of Ivory from a government approved elephant killing spree. There is a moral discussion had by the characters about this, however, it leaves one scratching their heads about their moral compass.
This tale, despite what's written on the jacket, is primarily about Jane and the two high powered men that are fighting over her. Each is dangerous, both physically and romantically, and this book reflects that.
This steamy adventure novel is not for the squeamish. Some scenes or concepts bandied about in these pages will make the reader uncomfortable. If you are willing to overlook the flaws in these, all too human, characters you might enjoy the steamy romance in this book.
Alex Tremaine is a bit of a gentleman pirate. Him and his crew have set up on an island off the coast of Mozambique and have taken to hijacking ships for a living. They are nice because Tremaine, oddly enough for a pirate, has a conscience. This can't be said for his entire crew.
Things continue along their merry way until they hijack a ship by George Penfold, a wealthy ship magnate. They were looking for diamonds they thought were transferred to the ship by a Chinese ship they had hijacked previously.
When they didn't find the diamonds they took a girl who, unlucky enough for her, was in the escape boat they were commandeering. Jane, the girl in question, finds herself wooed by Tremaine the pirate. Her heart is torn between the pirate that is escorting her to South Africa and the married ship magnate who has implied he will leave his wife for her.
Narration: Mark Davis does a workaday job of narration here. His diction is clear, however, his performance leaves something wanting.
Conclusion: As the title implies, ivory does come into this eventually. There is a chance to steal a bunch of Ivory from a government approved elephant killing spree. There is a moral discussion had by the characters about this, however, it leaves one scratching their heads about their moral compass.
This tale, despite what's written on the jacket, is primarily about Jane and the two high powered men that are fighting over her. Each is dangerous, both physically and romantically, and this book reflects that.
This steamy adventure novel is not for the squeamish. Some scenes or concepts bandied about in these pages will make the reader uncomfortable. If you are willing to overlook the flaws in these, all too human, characters you might enjoy the steamy romance in this book.
January 14, 2024
An enjoyable read.
A group of ex-military personnel led by Alex Tremain and his team, share in a profitable business as pirates raiding ships for specific cargos that will help to rebuild an island resort, but they come up against ruthless business owner with his own agender and is out to stop them at all costs.
Alex and the team soon realise that a boat that they raided is owned by the Chinese triads and they want to also make Alex and his team pay for that mistake.
There is plenty to keep you interested in this book and Tony Park is becoming one of my favorite authors.
A group of ex-military personnel led by Alex Tremain and his team, share in a profitable business as pirates raiding ships for specific cargos that will help to rebuild an island resort, but they come up against ruthless business owner with his own agender and is out to stop them at all costs.
Alex and the team soon realise that a boat that they raided is owned by the Chinese triads and they want to also make Alex and his team pay for that mistake.
There is plenty to keep you interested in this book and Tony Park is becoming one of my favorite authors.
June 18, 2021
The supposed heir to Wilbur Smiths crown. Being a huge fan of Wilbur Smiths early work, I had to eventually try Tony Park out. As much as I fell out of love with the new Smith books, they are big shoes to try fill, but I would say Tony Park does live up to the hype. Much the same formula as the Smith books, with a beautiful woman, 2 powerful men, money and adventure. Hey, it works
August 19, 2022
Super fast paced action story set in places I know and love and around issues that I care about and am interested in. I did wonder about dropping the character, Lesley Engels, into the middle of the book and nothing happening with her…. but, I do love a happy ending! What’s not to like?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 28, 2022
In one word: spectacular!
December 28, 2022
So glad I found Ivory one of Tony Parks earlier novels. Another thrilling page turner that’s full of action.
September 3, 2020
Another good Africa read I was however a bit disappointed with the ending. And they all loved happily ever after.
September 21, 2016
Second Tony Park book published 2 years after Safari in 2009 but available in the UK in 2016 via Quercus books. This is the paperback version not an Audio CD.
No linkage to previous book.
Its actually better than Safari with both Jane and Alex painted sympathetically but the baddies are very stereotyped. There are also lots of twists and turns.
The ending is full of action, tension, excitement and just plausible though Mitch's demise is least believable.
Alex is a multi faceted character with lots of contingency plans and I like his actions re the elephant and the ivory !
The ultimate hotel funding is clearly to make for a happy ending....
Overall though a strong 4 and would read more Tony Park. For an author known for the African scenes he handled the maritime and non African scenes very well indeed.
No linkage to previous book.
Its actually better than Safari with both Jane and Alex painted sympathetically but the baddies are very stereotyped. There are also lots of twists and turns.
The ending is full of action, tension, excitement and just plausible though Mitch's demise is least believable.
Alex is a multi faceted character with lots of contingency plans and I like his actions re the elephant and the ivory !
The ultimate hotel funding is clearly to make for a happy ending....
Overall though a strong 4 and would read more Tony Park. For an author known for the African scenes he handled the maritime and non African scenes very well indeed.
April 19, 2015
This was a new author for me. The story takes place in Africa and is about Alex, a pirate who is pirating to try to rebuild the hotel on the island he grew up on (sounds definitely like paradise!). Unfortunately, he has a conscience, but that does turn out to be a good thing. It's a great story, with a little African history thrown in as well as the elephants. A very edge of your seat, fascinating read!
September 21, 2018
It was good...but it didn't wow me. All the elements were there, so I'm not sure why it fell so flat. Maybe I just wasn't in the mood. But I mean, it's about pirates! And they certainly pull off some daring, near-impossible stunts, and the characters are pretty well fleshed out, and there is an element of suspense...I don't know what the problem was. Too didactic about some things and not explicit enough about others?
October 28, 2016
Well outfitted, pirate with a conscience meets a pretty girl story. Next time I'm in the region on a cruise ship I will hope those inclined to take control of a vessel are not as well equipped. I did keep waiting for Jack Bauer to appear, but alas, he must have been engaged elsewhere. I listened to the Audible version and very much enjoyed the narrator.
May 14, 2012
Park told a "keeps you on the edge of your seat" story where the good guys don't always "wear white." It was an enjoyable book with a touch of mystery, a touch of romance, and a touch of African wildlife. If Park had limited himself and not been so graphic, the book would have been superb.
April 24, 2013
this was a good light read for all the book is quite long. I didn't have to work too hard and it was a nice relaxing read. If you just want to rest and enjoy this book will do it. It wasn't too hard to pick up and put down but still enjoyable.
January 3, 2016
Fun, fast pace book. Intriguing scenarios between main characters, and a few twists. Enjoyed the vivid description of the African game preserves. If you enjoy good guys vs bad guys vs flawed guys, this is your book.
May 20, 2016
It's a fast paced thriller that has adventure, guns, affection, love, animals and vessels. Loved reading this one. It's a story of a pirate, Alex, who posses the courageous heart along with a soft corner for people and animals.
May 20, 2016
Loved this book, especially that it was set between Mozambique & South Africa. I also enjoy anything to do with wildlife and especially elephants. All round excellent combination of pirating, a good plot and bit of a love story all combined. I couldn't put it down
September 15, 2016
Yet another awesome Tony Park book. Alive with rich language, evocative imagery, steamy romance, and the stark realities of Africa - not to mention modern day pirates... this book was a pleasure to read. Highly recommended.
May 7, 2018
I find Tony Park's writing to be spellbinding. - his books are all SUCH good reads. And his research is spot on(I have been to two of the places and he desscibed them perfectly!) Wish his books were easier to find in the United States
August 20, 2012
'Ivory' is an action-charged adventure story that kept me hooked until the very end. The author brings the people and places of southern Africa to life in a way few others have accomplished.
December 29, 2012
Another easy to read action type book that's set in Africa you grab from the library for a bit of holiday reading.
June 6, 2013
He's being compared to Wilbur Smith. Big call - but he's good.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews