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Trace Brandon #2
Diamond Fields
Geologist Trace Brandon has traded mining in Washington State for the sunshine and warm waters of the Cayman Islands. For the past year, his only encounters with crooks have been social, and no one has tried to kill him. But a phone call from Cyrus “the Virus” McSweeny lures Trace into a dangerous new mining project. This time the query is West African alluvial rare and extremely valuable…green diamonds. In the steamy backwater city of Monrovia, Trace and his partner, Will Coffee, team up with expat mining engineer Gordon Watson and an Idaho potato-farmer-turned-diamond-miner known as the “Mormon.” Together, they will make an extraordinary find—what miners call a “First Water Stone.” When rebels attempt a coup, Trace and his partners are caught up in violence and treachery that threaten to engulf them all…
- GenresThriller
327 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 21, 2013
8 people are currently reading
781 people want to read
About the author
Randall Reneau
8 books65 followersRandall Reneau is the author of seven novels, including Diamond Fields, a Royal Dragonfly Book Awards grand prize winner, and The Medinandi License, a Silver Falchion Award winner. He is also a two-time winner of the Pinnacle Book Achievement Award. A former international geologist and Vietnam veteran, he lives with his wife, Lynne, in Austin, Texas.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
July 15, 2013
What can I say about this book, firstly I won it on good reads giveaways in which I am very grateful. I read the blurb of this book and was intrigued as to how the story would unfold, which is why I entered the giveaway. However, on starting to read the book, I couldn't concentrate on the characters and the place references because I was bored. The writing is very flat. I'm not sure how to word it, but if it was speech I would call it monotone. It was all one dimensional, there was nothing that grabbed me and made me want to carry on reading, I was reading out of habit rather than enjoyment. I have read a quater of this book and will try to finish it, but I'm not sure I will. Definitely not for me, sorry
April 11, 2014
Another one that was really good. Can't wait to read the 3rd book!
May 21, 2015
ARC copy received in exchange for an honest review.
Diamonds, diamonds, diamonds. Trace Brandon, a geologist, has just finished relaxing with his fiancée in the Cayman Islands. He gets a call from an old partner, Cyrus "the Virus" and along with his good friend Will Coffee, they embark on a very dangerous diamond expedition in Liberia. Aside from the hard work that goes into diamond mining, Trace and his colleagues are face with in-country turmoil laced with greed and power. The group gets caught right in the middle of an extremely violent coup.. now what?
Randall Reneau writes this story using his expertise in geology. You can really see how the "geologist" side of him takes over many descriptions and technicalities in the book (which was interesting to learn about). The story itself is ok. There are some very repetitive "mottos" and sentences which can get quite annoying. There were a few parts of the book that were boring, and it took me a little while to get through them. The writing didn't seem to get anywhere and it felt like I just wanted to skip some of the chapters. However, I did enjoy both Trace and Will's characters. Although both Trace and Will's luck seemed to be completely on their side 99% of the time. Some parts were fun though. The story brought to light some of the hard facts of what happens in the diamond industry in undeveloped countries. But other than that, the story could have been cut in half and it would've been more enjoyable.
Diamonds, diamonds, diamonds. Trace Brandon, a geologist, has just finished relaxing with his fiancée in the Cayman Islands. He gets a call from an old partner, Cyrus "the Virus" and along with his good friend Will Coffee, they embark on a very dangerous diamond expedition in Liberia. Aside from the hard work that goes into diamond mining, Trace and his colleagues are face with in-country turmoil laced with greed and power. The group gets caught right in the middle of an extremely violent coup.. now what?
Randall Reneau writes this story using his expertise in geology. You can really see how the "geologist" side of him takes over many descriptions and technicalities in the book (which was interesting to learn about). The story itself is ok. There are some very repetitive "mottos" and sentences which can get quite annoying. There were a few parts of the book that were boring, and it took me a little while to get through them. The writing didn't seem to get anywhere and it felt like I just wanted to skip some of the chapters. However, I did enjoy both Trace and Will's characters. Although both Trace and Will's luck seemed to be completely on their side 99% of the time. Some parts were fun though. The story brought to light some of the hard facts of what happens in the diamond industry in undeveloped countries. But other than that, the story could have been cut in half and it would've been more enjoyable.
March 28, 2016
Mr Reneau;
I am hiding this review not because of spoilers, but because of my reasons for only giving you three stars. I received a free copy of this book for review. I am sure you would have appreciated something other than what follows. I cannot write a novel and appreciate the work that goes into one.
1. I loved the plotting of your novel, but the editing was horrendous. Your editor described Trace and the Virus both as "advisories” and “adversaries”. There was at least one other place where a similar error was made. Other errors could have been picked up with the simple use of a grammar checking application. This actually read more like a pre-publication copy rather than a published book.
2. I prefer my murder and mayhem without unnecessary sex. It would have been quite sufficient to skip from Dominique inviting Trace to wash her back and front to everyone meeting an hour later. Again, this type of unneeded “detour” occurred too often for my taste.
A writer who can plot like you does not need to cater to prurient interests of people better served by books labeled “adult content” or, at least, “romance”.
While I suppose it is too late for you to change your already published works, I do hope you will consider these points in future novels.
I am hiding this review not because of spoilers, but because of my reasons for only giving you three stars. I received a free copy of this book for review. I am sure you would have appreciated something other than what follows. I cannot write a novel and appreciate the work that goes into one.
1. I loved the plotting of your novel, but the editing was horrendous. Your editor described Trace and the Virus both as "advisories” and “adversaries”. There was at least one other place where a similar error was made. Other errors could have been picked up with the simple use of a grammar checking application. This actually read more like a pre-publication copy rather than a published book.
2. I prefer my murder and mayhem without unnecessary sex. It would have been quite sufficient to skip from Dominique inviting Trace to wash her back and front to everyone meeting an hour later. Again, this type of unneeded “detour” occurred too often for my taste.
A writer who can plot like you does not need to cater to prurient interests of people better served by books labeled “adult content” or, at least, “romance”.
While I suppose it is too late for you to change your already published works, I do hope you will consider these points in future novels.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 20, 2015
Another winner.
Although not quite as good as the first book, this one builds on the previous storyline and sets up book 3 initial situations.
West Africa is a wild and challenging part of the world. Politically a house of cards and a gathering place for men of evil, extreme wilderness wildlife, and unspeakable beauty to roil at a slow tropical burn as amazing opportunities and deadly situations develop at a maddening quick pace. It is not for the faint hearted or timid. I was glad when my scheduled trip there was cancelled to save some project costs. It is not a place to go uninformed and nieve.
Although not quite as good as the first book, this one builds on the previous storyline and sets up book 3 initial situations.
West Africa is a wild and challenging part of the world. Politically a house of cards and a gathering place for men of evil, extreme wilderness wildlife, and unspeakable beauty to roil at a slow tropical burn as amazing opportunities and deadly situations develop at a maddening quick pace. It is not for the faint hearted or timid. I was glad when my scheduled trip there was cancelled to save some project costs. It is not a place to go uninformed and nieve.
October 6, 2015
I have to say, it's been a while since I've read this genre of book, and I loved it. Fast paced, the characters were strong (literally) and the mystery and intrigue in the search for Diamonds was marvelous. The only negative feedback ... I didn't like how whenever a new character was introduced to the story we were given his height and weight... this got a bit old and could have been done in more of a descriptive way... why was it so important for all (all but one) of the men to be tall and built like bears?? Maybe its a male thing. I couldn't put the book down and finished it in a couple of nights. Thanks Randall Reneau... looking forward to reading South Of Good from you next.
November 21, 2013
When I first received this book I really didn't know what to expect. What I got was a book I could not put down, characters I won't forget, and an exciting story of mining diamonds in West Africa and an edge of your seat escape. I've also discovered a new author to add to my list of favorites. I love Clive Cussler's Dirk Pitt series and I can now add Randall Reneau's Trace Brandon.
I received this book from the author for an honest review and I can honestly say "Read This Book. It's Great!" Now to find the first book.
I received this book from the author for an honest review and I can honestly say "Read This Book. It's Great!" Now to find the first book.
September 28, 2015
I received this book as a giveaway from Goodreads and really enjoyed it. Well written, bigger than life likeable characters and an exciting adventure told against the backdrop of a bloody coup by the rebels to topple the government of the day. Although fiction I would imagine that diamond mining in Africa could face similar problems. Miners in this tale took the risks and did the work while the corrupt 'President for Life' was very eager to relieve them of their diamonds to fund his war to hold onto power at any cost.
December 15, 2014
Diamond fields take place on the African continent in Liberia. Trace and his gang lands smack dab in the turmoil of the country. He and his team encountered many obstacles and dangerous occurrences on their venture to mine diamond in this politically corrupt war troubled land. The description for the books really did it justice as it tells what the story is about. Randall Reneau does a good job of combining a story with the history of the country.
June 22, 2015
I won my copy of Diamond Fields from Goodreads.com from the onset I was intrigued by the story, and the characters. A terrific read that held my interest from start to finish with plenty of excitement, and action. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, and I look forward to reading more from this author.
October 4, 2015
i was lucky enough to win a copy of this book from goodreads. Special thanks goes to the author.
i enjoyed this book. It is not something that i would usually read (more masculine type of book) but i was really suprised at how much i enjoyed it. 5 stars worth of enjoyment.
Very well written and an enjoyable read, well worth the time spent reading it.
i enjoyed this book. It is not something that i would usually read (more masculine type of book) but i was really suprised at how much i enjoyed it. 5 stars worth of enjoyment.
Very well written and an enjoyable read, well worth the time spent reading it.
September 5, 2015
Good reading - especially for those who "dig" geology or a suspenseful adventure with a bit of military know-how. Many thanks for this book courtesy of Goodreads. Greatly appreciated. Read it while you are waiting for your next mission!
April 23, 2016
I received this as a first read. This was a well written book. Definitely a lot of information about the diamond mining industry. This book has many likable characters. A good read that will definitely have you wondering this industry.
June 3, 2013
I won this as a goodreads first-read giveaway. The story was really good and gripping and I wanted to find out what happened. The writing was only mediocre.
Read
April 17, 2015It was a great book; great story line, well researched. Held my interest from start to finish.
June 1, 2015
Diamonds
Good book. Lots of information on mining diamonds but wouldn't want to do it in that part of Africa, some very dangerous characters to deal with.
Good book. Lots of information on mining diamonds but wouldn't want to do it in that part of Africa, some very dangerous characters to deal with.
August 16, 2024
Haven't read the first one in the series, but I think there isn't any need as this reads pretty well as a standalone.
Unfortunately for me, other than some interesting tidbits about mining here and there...this book is kinda of boring.
As some have mentioned, you can kind of tell that nothing too seriously bad will happen to the main characters and if it did, they will somehow miraculously come out unscathed. Therefore, any tension the author tries to build up doesn't really matter because why bother? It's not like anything bad will happen, to the important characters anyway.
And the repeated phrases? Those were super annoying and almost everyone uses them without any regard to who or why and makes the characters even more flat than they already are. I mean, even the author acknowledges it...but doesn't really do anything about it. Finally, the casual racism (or ignorance) peppered throughout the book just leaves a bad taste in my mouth.
Overall, this book feels like a self-published venture that could really use an editor in my opinion. Hopefully, future books will have improved....but I won't be continuing this adventure.
[Disclaimer: Copy received from Giveaway.]
Unfortunately for me, other than some interesting tidbits about mining here and there...this book is kinda of boring.
As some have mentioned, you can kind of tell that nothing too seriously bad will happen to the main characters and if it did, they will somehow miraculously come out unscathed. Therefore, any tension the author tries to build up doesn't really matter because why bother? It's not like anything bad will happen, to the important characters anyway.
And the repeated phrases? Those were super annoying and almost everyone uses them without any regard to who or why and makes the characters even more flat than they already are. I mean, even the author acknowledges it...but doesn't really do anything about it. Finally, the casual racism (or ignorance) peppered throughout the book just leaves a bad taste in my mouth.
Overall, this book feels like a self-published venture that could really use an editor in my opinion. Hopefully, future books will have improved....but I won't be continuing this adventure.
[Disclaimer: Copy received from Giveaway.]
October 6, 2015
Won this Through Goodreads First Read.
Wasn't sure about this book when started it. After a few chapters I really started to get into it. It was easy to read and hard to put down. I'm really glad I got a chance to read this one.
Wasn't sure about this book when started it. After a few chapters I really started to get into it. It was easy to read and hard to put down. I'm really glad I got a chance to read this one.
August 12, 2015
This was first reads from Goodreads. It was easy reading and being the kind of reading and story I was surprised it captured my interest. It was a fun book to read.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews