Energy Dependence Day

by Christian F. Burton

Two countries, different in almost every way, yet bound by the common thread of oil. What would happen if that thread broke? When the turbulent waters of the Arab Spring reach Saudi Arabia-the birthplace of Islam and home to fifteen of the 9/11 terrorists-the United States will need to balance conflicting ideological goals, and learn how to determine when old friends turn into new enemies. Energy Dependence Day weaves a tale through the political, social, and religious differences of the United States and Saudi Arabia, experienced through the lives of two men, both orphaned as children. One has lived his life in terrorist training camps while the other entered the military and then law enforcement. Each is loyal to the world in which he was saved, moving them on a collision course that will affect the future of the world.

384 pages, Paperback

First published January 21, 2014

About the author

Christian F. Burton is a graduate of the United States Air Force Academy. As a member of the air force intelligence community, his military service included stops in Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, South Korea, Japan, and Germany. He leveraged his experiences overseas in crafting this novel.

Reviews

[Trang Tran · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was amazed by the actions in this book, it was fast-paced, a lot of things happened here and there. The only flaw of this book is the huge amount of characters and a lot of different perceptions I couldn’t follow around. It was only halfway through the book, I started to get the puzzle picture but it was kind of confusing in the beginning. Nonetheless, finishing the book was worth it for it has an outstanding ending!

The theme is out of my comfort zone and I loved that, we get to see some insight of terrorist training, how they operate, where they come from. Of course, it is a work of fiction and maybe none of it is true, we can never know, but I think that is also the purpose of a book. Mystery, mystery! As for the characters, I liked Al-Faruq, a detective with a law enforcement background and he has an amazing character development throughout the story.
The novel also explores the place of women in the traditional form and I find it interesting. It is a touchy subject and I’m glad that our society is trying to fight for the women’s place in the world. We accomplished so much but there are still a lot to do.
I recommend this book to people who like action, suspense, mystery. I find it has a Argo-stress-kind-of-vibe (you know the movie LOL). I loved the suspense in that movie and I have to give the author of Energy Dependence Day the same merit for creating that same vibe, really intriguing but also makes me nervous sometimes hahah.

Big thank you to the author for giving me a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Ful review here : https://bookidote.wordpress.com/2015/...

Trang- Bookidote
Book Blogger and Book Reviewer

[Meena · Rating 3 out of 5]

***This review -although very brief- MAY or MAY NOT contain spoilers. Read at your own risk!***
I received a copy of this book in exchange for a review.

The book started off well, but... it became dull somewhere in the middle, and after that, I simply lost interest. Nevertheless, I continued to read it as I was determined to see what would happen in the end.
The first problem I encountered with this book is the characters. For some unknown reason, I could not bring myself to care about them. They didn't appeal to me at all, except Al-Faruq -- he was the only one of whom I was able to keep track, and the only character about whom I was actually interested in reading.
I liked the premise of the story, the plot -- it is clear that the author knows what he is talking about. It opened up my eyes to a society about which I didn't know a lot, like the Mutawa -- the Islamic Religious Police, and many other religious and cultural things that, being an atheist and an ex-Muslim, I have come to despise.
I was pleased with the ending -- at least it was a happy ending (despite the bombing of that bakery shop). A happy ending for Kalila and Al-Faruq, anyway.

[Divya Mahajan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Energy Dependence Day by Christian F Burton- I received this book through @BookTasters from the author. First the good points
1. fast paced 2 riveting 3 feasible 4 not the always tried tired formula of all terrorists are born evil and America is the only country that can eradicate 5 The characters have depth and reason to do what they do but also are conflicted about their decisions
I really enjoyed this fast paced book . The author neither takes sides nor justifies anybody's action just presents a picture how terrorists are made, what drives them, their regrets, their sorrows as well as how the law agencies work and that their men are also human and not super heroes prone to making mistakes and how like the terrorists follow their instinct. The author also presents the women liberation movement in the middle east and also corruption and the oppression by those in power in the Middle east as well as the Western powers and capitalists
The only flaw in this book is that it has too many stories and characters merging and mingling but I still give the book 5 star as this flaw also lends credibility to the story

[Melissa Rolli · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a fast-paced story that appears over-complicated in the middle but comes together in the end. For a reader that wants an easy to follow riveting tale, this book is not for you. If you’re a reader that doesn’t mind a complicated tale but needs deep characters that you’ll be vested in, this book isn’t likely for you either. There is only one character that is really easy to follow. Part of the reason the plot isn’t easy to follow is because the author changes tenses and viewpoints often.

For the readers who see this book through, I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised. It offers an unbiased examination of terrorists, what makes them and highlighting the cultural, religious, economical and social differences between the Middle East and America. The most amazing thing about this suspense is that the plot is believable the entire way through.

[Harrison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Minor spoilers ahead!

“Energy Dependence Day” follows a scattered group of fictional people living in the West Bank.
Native to Palestine, these individuals navigate a turbulent world as ideals, politics, business, and religion collide.
As the story unfolds, two characters rise to the front.
One man raised in brutality, poverty, terrorism, and social injustice, he has devoted his life to destruction of “the infidel”. The other serves as a military officer and then as law enforcement, driving toward some sense of justice and truth, truth his superiors often conceal.
All around these two men lie the stories of the restless: young men eager for a chance at something meaningful, young women struggling with their society’s concept of their place in life, and established businessmen and scholars attempting to justify their conflicting values. People fed up with the state of their government, their nation, and their culture.
This complex web of supporting characters, each with their own plotline, serves as the environment in which the main character and the antagonist engage and do battle.
Like every good story, “Energy Dependence Day” isn’t about terrorism or Islam. These subjects simply provide the setting for the story of plausible characters whose differing values bring them into (often-bloody) conflict. It tells the tale of a group of people who strive to fight the evil they see in their country, and another group of people who see their methods as immoral.
It also details ways that an organized attack could take advantage of poor security and a nation’s overdependence on certain commodities (oil and money, in this case.
Woven through it all are personal tales of suspense, loss, a romance, tragedy, and in the end, joy in the midst of turbulence.
---
The book’s single flaw is two-fold: (1) the difficulty of keeping track of its multitude of characters, and (2) identifying the main character.
(1) There are at least a dozen characters with an impact on the plot, and when the story jumps through time, remembering “who’s on first” can be a chore. However, each of these characters serves the purpose of the story: to show personal narratives within the environment of a culture at war. The different characters cover every possible opinion on the subject of “terrorism”, and the story shows how each one’s upbringing, social status, current state of mind, and worldview, affects their actions.
(2) Through the first half of the book, it is unclear who is the main character, and who is the main antagonist. Although they are introduced in the beginning, their names get jumbled in the flurry of activity, and it is only after the minor characters are dead that it becomes clear who is leading the story. In spite of this, the interweaving of plots and people keeps your attention and builds suspense.

Thanks to Christian Burton for the free copy of his book in exchange for an honest review.

[Augustine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Energy Dependence Day tells the story of two men from very different worlds—one raised in terrorist camps and the other in law enforcement—whose lives eventually clash. The book dives into the complicated relationship between the United States and Saudi Arabia, touching on their political, religious, and social differences. There’s a lot of action, suspense, and a look at how both sides operate behind the scenes.

What I enjoyed most about the book is how fast-paced it is. The action keeps you hooked, and I found the ending really satisfying. The character of Al-Faruq stood out for me—his journey was the most interesting, and I appreciated his growth throughout the story.

However, one challenge I had with the book was keeping track of all the different characters and storylines. At times, it felt a bit overwhelming, and it took me a while to really connect with the plot. But as the pieces came together, it became more engaging.

I also liked how the book shed light on topics like terrorism and how law enforcement deals with it. Even though it’s fiction, it made me think about how complex these issues are. The book also touches on the role of women in traditional societies, which I found interesting.

Overall, I’d recommend this book to anyone who enjoys action and suspense. It gives you a lot to think about and has some really intense moments. While it wasn’t always easy to follow, the story is worth sticking with.

[Angel Giacomo · Rating 4 out of 5]

A terrorism thriller is a new topic for me. But not a new concept. I grew up reading Tom Clancy. I have attended several classes on terrorism, a couple in Socorro NM at New Mexico Tech. It is hard to stop a terrorist attack. Now onto the book, it connects to real-world concepts and the two characters, opposites in thought, but the same in perspective as they are tied to the country where they are born.

Those of us alive in 1979, remember the Iran Hostage Crisis, then later the first Gulf War, 9/11, and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. All those things have a continuing thread that led to today. Oil is the lifeblood of the world.

This is a fast-paced story that will get your heart pumping, ready to turn the page before finishing the last one. But there is a problem as tense changes throw off the reader and the almost “head hopping” between points of view and jumping from 1st to 3rd person and back again, which confuses readers.

The plot is believable since we live in a post-9/11 world. The threat of terrorism is very real. Anyone with a little knowledge, internet access, and burglar skills can make a dirty bomb, capable of killing and wounding millions if placed correctly. The number of characters sometimes makes the plot disappear.

It is apparent the author did a lot of research while writing this novel. All in all, the book was enjoyable.

[Sachin Karnik · Rating 5 out of 5]

Energy Dependence Day is both informative and gripping. It manages to be character-driven while altering your perception of the Middle East. Burton walks a tightrope, and he does it well. Dive in—it’s a thrilling ride with lasting impact.

Energy Dependence Day thrusts readers into a political thriller where the stakes are global. The U.S. faces a terrorist attack generated from Saudi Arabia, and the lives of many characters intersect in this high-stakes drama. From a determined detective to the enigmatic terrorist himself, the narrative dissects the anatomy of an attack, step by step.

Burton avoids the simplistic “good vs. evil” trope. Instead, he crafts a sympathetic portrayal of Middle Eastern characters, even those involved in sinister actions. This nuance adds depth and authenticity.

The motivations of the “enemy” aren’t one-dimensional. We don’t root for them, but we understand their multifaceted reasons. This complexity elevates the tension.

I must say, it was a wonderful read !!

[David Robbins · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really good book; the action in this book was fast-paced with many things happening and many characters. I know the author mentioned shorting the book from the original manuscript, but this could have been a Tom Clancy novel like Executive Orders at almost 900 pages with the large number of characters, perceptions, plots and subplots. At that length it would have been even better. The author would have had the time to explore the characters and details even more. I do understand the shorter version for initial mass consumption. I read about a 3rd in the first setting and completed the book in the second setting. It read well and kept me interested to the end.

The reader gets some insights into terrorist training, motivation, how they operate, where they come from and why. Having worked in the UAE a bit, I like that the book explored the traditions in Islam and of Women in Saudi society.

I recommend this book to people who like politics, religion, action and suspense.

Thank you to the author for the free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Kerstin Vollbrecht · Rating 3 out of 5]

Energy Dependance Day is a very interesting book, highlighting the cultural, religious, economical and social differences between the US and Saudi Arabia. The story is centerd in two characters, Husam and Al-Faruq, both orfans since childhood, who, according to the environment they grew up in, take two very different paths- Husam the one of organized terrorism and Al-Faruq as an law enforcement officer. The plot is well developed, although confusing, because there's too many characters that are being introduced and that in the beginning didn't seem to have major importance for the storyline but the author gets back to them at a later moment. And it is written mostly in third person, but sometimes also in first person, narrating the personal views of random characters, which only adds to the difficulties in understanding what is happening in the story. All that makes out a long, but nonetheless interesting read.

[Rachel Kester · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book by Christian Burton looks into the relationship between the United States and Saudi Arabia. Despite being almost opposites in every way, both countries need each other. In this novel, Burton put a fictional twist on this relationship by telling of two men, both of whom were orphans, who both made very different decisions with their lives. One lives in a terrorist training camp, while another went into law enforcement. Because both are loyal to their background, they end up meeting in a very hostile manner.

If you enjoy political or historical novels, this is one book to check out. It’s filled with interesting information about Middle Eastern culture and history. Burton also writes with a captivating style that will have you quickly flipping through the pages to find out what happens next. The book is 384 pages long, so it’s a bit of a long read, however, the investment is definitely worth it.

[kim dennis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book and would recommend. Fast paced and so interesting....found myself googling stuff all the time and learnt quite a bit! We all have perceptions of what we think happens in the middle East and radicalisation etc but this book tried to show both perspectives and I found myself sympathizing with a few of the characters for the impossible situations they found themselves in. As other reviewers have said there are a lot of characters but this lends more credibility to the story. Obviously written from a well informed view and very well researched. My only real criticism is the ending.......I found it a little corny that Al-Farouq and Kalilla were sooo in love having really only just met but that's probably just me being too cynical! I would definitely read further books featuring Al-Farouq as I think the character could be developed and more adventures could await him. Thank you to the writer for sending me a copy to review.

[I_is_for_me · Rating 5 out of 5]

Through expert writing, Christian Burton sweeps you into this story from the first page and when it's done, the world is less easy to explain.
Burton tells a tale of a larger picture seen through the eyes of two men inside a country many of us have learned to associate with terror and unrest. However, he tells it through human experience in a way that makes it hard to point fingers in any direction. What is good in one setting is evil in another and as a reader, one can not refrain from
reflecting on how people learn what to believe.
This is also a political novel told by someone who has personal insight from serving in Saudi Arabia. Burton's writing anchors in real events which give it a chilling edge and makes you wonder about a lot of "what if's?"
This is a vibrant novel that will not let you remain unaffected.

[Moona · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Energy Dependence Day" by Christian F. Burton is a gripping geopolitical thriller that delves into the intricate dynamics between two nations bound by their reliance on oil. Through the lenses of two orphaned men with contrasting backgrounds, Burton masterfully navigates the complexities of loyalty, ideology, and the consequences of historical decisions. Set against the backdrop of the Arab Spring's upheaval, the novel offers a thought-provoking exploration of how conflicting interests can strain international relations to the breaking point. With its richly drawn characters and compelling narrative, "Energy Dependence Day" is a timely and immersive read that leaves a lasting impact. Burton's ability to blend political intrigue with personal drama makes this novel a must-read for fans of thrillers and geopolitics alike.

[S Tyty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Energy Dependence Day is definitely a one-of-a-kind book, weaving strong topics as politics and religion in the United States and Saudi Arabia.
With plenty of Middle Eastern culture and history, this is author's Burton's debut novel and it definitely proves his on-point writing style. Through the lives of two orphans, he has been able to express how terrorist training camps, the military and law enforcement can shape people’s minds. He has chosen to pen this book in a dialogue-based form and this makes the narrative vivid and easier to follow. It is fast-paced and the vocabulary employed is rich and helps unfold the mystery, suspense, tragedies and even love which are blended in the different chapters. It was a great read.

[Alfredo R · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two worlds collide in this amazing story

Energy Dependence Day, written by Christian Burton, is a quality content novel that tells a saddening but real-life story from two opposing points of views.

Both characters of this book are participants in a war that has them as slaves. These two characters are fighting for something that belongs to no one and only enriches millionaires and politicians.
Two countries, two cultures, and millions of lives clash in a war that we all witness, and that might only get worse.

I loved the tale because these two worlds are perfectly joined together, but still, they are totally apart. The language used creates a melancholic tone.

This is a great story for adults and youngsters to broaden their views and to listen to the other side.

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a very interesting read. It left me thinking about a lot of things we take for granted just because of misconceptions or misunderstandings.

“Energy Dependence Day” is a fictional book but we can connect it to the real world because there are many similarities. But what I think can open people's perspectives and looks on things is two characters that seem to be opposites on so many levels; they have at the same time so much in common and share that patriotic feeling of defending the land that raised them.

It was a very enjoyable read for me, even though it is not a subject I would gravitates towards, but the narrative and the way everything is portrait caught my attention.

[Nela · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Energy Dependence Day” by author Christian Burton is a work of fiction, but reflects the real political, social and religious differences between The United States and Saudi Arabia. Moreover, it tells about the cultural shock between the lives of two men, with the common point that both were orphaned as children.

This is an interesting and difficult to put down novel, not only for its engaging plot but also because it tells a nowadays troubled reality from the inside of life experiences. Characters are very well described and developed, which made me empathize with some of them.

I enjoyed this book so much that I will be keen to read more by this author.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Energy Dependence Day” is a compelling book written by Christian F. Burton. In his reading, Burton highlights the bilateral relations between the Saudi Arabia and the United States, which had begun many years ago. Despite these differences, these two countries have been allies, but what happens when your friend becomes your enemy? Can you go back and leave everything in the past?
I believe that books like this one make me not only enjoy a good read, but also learn about general culture; I found this book very interesting. It is an easy-to-read book but I think it is very long. In spite of everything, I recommend this interesting reading.

[Zea Perez · Rating 5 out of 5]

ENERGY DEPENDENCE DAY by Christian F. Burton
A Book Review by AZP
October 2024


Intricate and gripping!

A fiction book telling the intricacies of the Arab world, its power within and culture; of how different the young and the old generations see things; and how they distinctly find solutions to challenges in the current, modern, digital landscape.

The book showcases the curious, interesting lives and the paths trodden by the two main characters along with the people surrounding them, how each one evolved and how their life choices, beliefs and faith shape them and come into fruition.

An intricate, insightful and gripping read.

[Brandon Blaylock · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone not typically drawn to political thrillers, "Energy Dependence Day" surprised me with its engaging narrative. While I'm not well-versed in real-world politics to judge its accuracy, the book shines in crafting a believable world where personal struggles intertwine with global events. The character motivations are well-shaped.

I give this book a 5 star, because anytime I read a genre that I'm not familiar with or have huge expectations of and still find the story compelling, interesting, and worth my time.. then I can only imagine what someone who has higher appreciation would take from this. That said. I recommend this book.

[Susanne Leist · Rating 4 out of 5]

A historical fiction that depicts the struggles of individuals living in the West Bank. Two men, one who spent his life in the military, and the other a terrorist. The first one believes in truth and justice, while the second lives to kill those he belive are infidels. Around them, other people are struggling with the strict religion, the huge discrepancy between rich and poor, and an unsettling economic and political environment.
The author brings the characters to life. Would two men with opposing ideologies behave this way in real life? I don't know. But it makes an intriguing story.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an entertaining read. I found the chapters to be quite short, so I had to read one, then another, then another, and I was turning the pages quite quickly. I was interested in the characters, and their connections with each other, and it was quite an easy read.

[Matt Holsinger · Rating 4 out of 5]

It wasn’t too bad of a book about over in Europe and Iraq and over there and how it’s a love story/war story at the same time but it was a little hard to get into reading it but overall is pretty good

[Niimah Elyakub · Rating 4 out of 5]

Energy Dependence Day is a great book and I really enjoyed it, even though at the beginning it was kind of complicated and I had a hard time getting the characters but it became more clearer as I read on. The book is my first of its kind to read and I think I may try more of the same genre again

[Aida Flick · Rating 3 out of 5]

ok, but could hâve been better

Lots of action, and a large cast of characters. What is missing was more character development to draw you in, make you care about the outcome. Lots of interesting twists but could have been tied together better.

[Vanessa Moreland-Strange · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two boys are both orphaned at the beginning of the book and taken in by adults in the middle east. The story leaves their childhood here and jumps forward to one of the boys in the military and then the other boy is now a grown man working in the community. Al-Faruq then leaves the military and is working as a police officer in the Saudi community. Meanwhile, Husam has links with extremism and the author makes you realise how much Husam believes in his cause. The story bends and moulds around these two boys whose fates are intertwined bringing in multiple aspects of the socio-political themes associated. I became really invested in the characters and wanted things to travel full circle which they did, but I still wanted to know more at the end which is the sign of a brilliantly constructed story and perhaps an opening for more novels with Al-Faruq as the protagonist. The writing was immersive in style and often written in changing viewpoints such as first to third but was done so well, it enhanced your understanding of the story. The story had a large number of characters but you knew they were integral to the story. I was on the edge of my seat for most of the novel and the author has constructed the chapters in such a way that they frequently leave you hanging at the end and wanting resolution.

This is a fantastic debut novel by Christian F Burton and I thank the author for giving me the chance to review it. I finished this book a few weeks ago but my mind continues to go back to the story and themes which have been explored through the story. This is a novel I wish I could read for the first time again, a thriller with a different spin and utterly though provoking.

[Edward Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book from First Reads.Taken right from today's headlines,this book is a fast paced read.The story is filled with people you like or hate all leading to the same place.Two men,both orphans,one becomes a terrorist ,the other a policeman.Great insight into the making of a terrorist and the way they work.