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Jaspar's War
Greenwich, Connecticut socialite Jaspar Moran has it all-a magnificent estate, two beautiful children and a loving husband, Trevor, serving as the Secretary of the Treasury. Protected, admired and living in the lap of luxury, Jaspar is reeling from the news that his government jet has crashed just as her children vanish without a trace. An ominous message warns her to keep silent about her husband's role in the President's economic plan. Or else. Determined to save her children, she'll go to hell and back, form alliances with assassins, traitors and Mafioso, and commit unspeakable acts-if that's what it takes. With alarms sounding around the world, hunted from all sides, and unsure of who to trust, she finds herself depending on a mysterious figure without an identity. Jaspar journeys from the Australian outback to the palazzos of Rome, the Monte Carlo Grand Prix, and to the magnificence of the Vatican, in her quest. Can she rescue her children before the plot to crash the global economy is unleashed?
352 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 2014
7 people are currently reading
1342 people want to read
About the author
Cym Lowell
2 books23 followersI am a novelist who has lived a lifetime in the world of international finance. As a tax lawyer, I have been intimately involved in the operations and financing of global business. I use this expertise to craft stories about endearing people caught-up in world changing events.
When I am not traveling the globe on business matters, I can be found writing stories by the ocean in Rosemary Beach, Florida.
When I am not traveling the globe on business matters, I can be found writing stories by the ocean in Rosemary Beach, Florida.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
May 12, 2014
Jaspar Moran and her two children, Theo and Chrissy were having a wonderful time with friends and neighbours – the laughter and delight of the children was especially poignant. Jaspar had been feeling a little uneasy when her husband Trevor, Secretary of the Treasury, had left for his latest overseas trip – his assurance that they would discuss it when he returned home had kept her worries slightly at bay. But when she was notified that afternoon that her husband’s government jet had plunged into the sea in a highly inaccessible area, she was devastated. Then when trying to find her children, the sudden realization that they had vanished, seemingly without trace created unimaginable panic in her – her life had changed irrevocably in an instant. With a threatening message to keep silent about her husband’s role in the latest plan of the President, then her discovery of the memory stick with Chief Bearstrike’s name attached, her plans gradually began to formulate.
With the help of Father Michael, Jaspar escaped to outback Australia where she was persuaded to train with the mysterious and enigmatic Nul and his faithful companion Alice. The three of them would become a team to find her children, but also keep one step ahead of those searching for her. Her death was assured if she was found, and other than Nul she had no idea who she could trust.
From Australia to Rome, her quest was a race against time. With Nul and Alice, their battle was against corruption within the government, the Mafia and much more – the collapse of the global economy was on the agenda by the terrorists – the lives of Jaspar, her children and Nul were unimportant. With Jaspar’s determination to save her children at all costs, she found her heart hardened against those who would kill her and her children.
This thriller started and continued at a rocketing pace – full on action all the way. But somewhere toward the middle of the book my enjoyment began to sour; I also began to find many events completely stretched the imagination. It’s fiction – I get that! But I found Jaspar’s actions completely unbelievable – I don’t want to say more because of spoilers. This could have been a brilliant thriller – it certainly started off that way – but I was disappointed in certain parts of the novel. It also needs the services of a good editor with a number of spelling and other issues.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my copy to read and review.
With the help of Father Michael, Jaspar escaped to outback Australia where she was persuaded to train with the mysterious and enigmatic Nul and his faithful companion Alice. The three of them would become a team to find her children, but also keep one step ahead of those searching for her. Her death was assured if she was found, and other than Nul she had no idea who she could trust.
From Australia to Rome, her quest was a race against time. With Nul and Alice, their battle was against corruption within the government, the Mafia and much more – the collapse of the global economy was on the agenda by the terrorists – the lives of Jaspar, her children and Nul were unimportant. With Jaspar’s determination to save her children at all costs, she found her heart hardened against those who would kill her and her children.
This thriller started and continued at a rocketing pace – full on action all the way. But somewhere toward the middle of the book my enjoyment began to sour; I also began to find many events completely stretched the imagination. It’s fiction – I get that! But I found Jaspar’s actions completely unbelievable – I don’t want to say more because of spoilers. This could have been a brilliant thriller – it certainly started off that way – but I was disappointed in certain parts of the novel. It also needs the services of a good editor with a number of spelling and other issues.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my copy to read and review.
April 2, 2014
Review Copy
Jaspar Moran, the wife of the U. S. Treasury Secretary, is thrust into a desperate attempt to save her two children, kidnapped, after the apparent murder of her husband.
Someone is manipulating the world's financial markets, taking advantage of the President's economic stimulus plans for their personal gain. One more push and they'll reach their goal and plummet the world into financial chaos.
Jaspar is promised she'll be reunited with her children, Theo and Chrissy, providing she remains quiet about anything she might know, instead she is united with the definition of an anti-hero in Nulandi, an assassin who trains Jaspar in his killing ways. Together they set off on an international hunt for those responsible for the disappearance of her young children.
As much as I love the concept of Jaspar's War, I felt the overall piece was just too unbelievable. Harsh criticism from someone who enjoys a good zombie story. But that's just it, with a well executed zombie story, you only need to suspend your disbelief for the zombies. For example, on The Walking Dead, once you get past the zombies, everything else is totally believable. In Jaspar's War, I found the premise to be believable, but most everything else, not so much.
As exciting as the climax was from a story perspective, I found it's execution to be contrived and to easily accomplished. Plus, the surprise ending seemed to pander to the reader and wasn't really necessary.
Overall, Jaspar's War was OK, but not something I'd readily recommend.
Jaspar's War is published by Rosemary Beach Press and is available now fromAmazon.com in both Paperback and for the Kindle. If you're an Amazon Prime member, you may borrow this title for FREE through the Kindle Lending Library.
In addition, all book sales go to support wounded soldiers goo.gl/9xySgq
Jaspar Moran, the wife of the U. S. Treasury Secretary, is thrust into a desperate attempt to save her two children, kidnapped, after the apparent murder of her husband.
Someone is manipulating the world's financial markets, taking advantage of the President's economic stimulus plans for their personal gain. One more push and they'll reach their goal and plummet the world into financial chaos.
Jaspar is promised she'll be reunited with her children, Theo and Chrissy, providing she remains quiet about anything she might know, instead she is united with the definition of an anti-hero in Nulandi, an assassin who trains Jaspar in his killing ways. Together they set off on an international hunt for those responsible for the disappearance of her young children.
As much as I love the concept of Jaspar's War, I felt the overall piece was just too unbelievable. Harsh criticism from someone who enjoys a good zombie story. But that's just it, with a well executed zombie story, you only need to suspend your disbelief for the zombies. For example, on The Walking Dead, once you get past the zombies, everything else is totally believable. In Jaspar's War, I found the premise to be believable, but most everything else, not so much.
As exciting as the climax was from a story perspective, I found it's execution to be contrived and to easily accomplished. Plus, the surprise ending seemed to pander to the reader and wasn't really necessary.
Overall, Jaspar's War was OK, but not something I'd readily recommend.
Jaspar's War is published by Rosemary Beach Press and is available now fromAmazon.com in both Paperback and for the Kindle. If you're an Amazon Prime member, you may borrow this title for FREE through the Kindle Lending Library.
In addition, all book sales go to support wounded soldiers goo.gl/9xySgq
March 23, 2014
1 1/2 stars. This one was pretty weak. The story is convoluted and almost totally off the wall. The author has a good knowledge of some foreign cities where he describes interesting attacks upon our leading lady and her indestructible assassin sidekick. We do have a wonderful dog and the richest, wisest Indian chief on the planet for comic relief. Lowell cannot decide if he wants this to be a Christian based book or not and it is annoying. I hope his second effort is a litttle stronger.
April 19, 2014
Is the glamor of power and social status worth the lives of your family? When Jaspar learns that her husband’s plane has crashed and he is nowhere to be found, she thought her world had turned upside down. When her children disappear without a trace and contacting the authorities is out of the question, the widow of the Secretary of the Treasury refuses to standby in agony waiting to learn the fate of her children. Jaspar throws caution, morals and the safety of her comfort zone to the wind as she recreates the woman she is into a cold-hearted killing machine who will stop at nothing to find her children. Aided by connections to some of the most lethal creatures to hide in the shadows of the underbelly of life, Jaspar trains to become a deadly weapon herself as she starts a global race against the clock, to save her children. As it is revealed that the connection is her husband’s position, she discovers she may also be saving the global economy. With a quiet and secretive mercenary/assassin by her side every bloody step of the way, tension and emotion runs full throttle. Will it be too little, too late? The clock is ticking in this brutally savage game of cat and mouse.
Very dark, very edgy, and truly full of grit, Jaspar’s War by Cym Lowell is a bold thriller, mystery that stands out for its creative plot, intriguing characters and frighteningly realistic scenes of torture. These cringe worthy scenes are not for the weak of stomach, because the depth Mr. Lowell goes to portray the graphic action puts the reader front and center and almost pins one’s mental eyes open in disbelief. Very well written, able to wring every emotion dry, Cym Lowell’s Jaspar’s War reveals a nightmare in print, especially for high profile power players. Frightening to think this all revolves around the lust for money and the desire for power, with human life as the pawn.
I received this copy from Rosemary Beach Press in exchange for my honest review.
Publication Date: March 5, 2014
Publisher: Rosemary Beach Press
ISBN: 9780991491308
Genre: Adult Mystery/Thriller/Suspense
Number of Pages: 352
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Very dark, very edgy, and truly full of grit, Jaspar’s War by Cym Lowell is a bold thriller, mystery that stands out for its creative plot, intriguing characters and frighteningly realistic scenes of torture. These cringe worthy scenes are not for the weak of stomach, because the depth Mr. Lowell goes to portray the graphic action puts the reader front and center and almost pins one’s mental eyes open in disbelief. Very well written, able to wring every emotion dry, Cym Lowell’s Jaspar’s War reveals a nightmare in print, especially for high profile power players. Frightening to think this all revolves around the lust for money and the desire for power, with human life as the pawn.
I received this copy from Rosemary Beach Press in exchange for my honest review.
Publication Date: March 5, 2014
Publisher: Rosemary Beach Press
ISBN: 9780991491308
Genre: Adult Mystery/Thriller/Suspense
Number of Pages: 352
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
April 16, 2014
I received this book free in exchange for an honest review from Net Galley.
What a ride this book was, one that I truly did not want to end!!
I had a little trouble getting into it at the beginning as it seemed to give too many details that weren't actually necessary. However, once the story got going it did not stop. In one day, Jaspar's husband, the Secretary of the Treasury is killed in a plane crash and her children are kidnapped from a highly secure fortress in which they live.
In a plot line that resonates from the TV series, Crisis, as to "What would you do in order to save your children", the story takes off and the ride is a thrilling one which will keep your heart beating and your pulse racing. There are elements involved that may be a little far fetched, but it's fiction.
You could definitely tell this was a debut novel, but one that I would definitely recommend. I anxiously await more from this author!!!
What a ride this book was, one that I truly did not want to end!!
I had a little trouble getting into it at the beginning as it seemed to give too many details that weren't actually necessary. However, once the story got going it did not stop. In one day, Jaspar's husband, the Secretary of the Treasury is killed in a plane crash and her children are kidnapped from a highly secure fortress in which they live.
In a plot line that resonates from the TV series, Crisis, as to "What would you do in order to save your children", the story takes off and the ride is a thrilling one which will keep your heart beating and your pulse racing. There are elements involved that may be a little far fetched, but it's fiction.
You could definitely tell this was a debut novel, but one that I would definitely recommend. I anxiously await more from this author!!!
February 25, 2015
There are no words to describe this amazing read!! Mr. Lowell did a wonderful job on this book!! You are going to be hooked on this book from the very beginning, and not want to put it down until you finish it!! There is quite a story put in between the covers, and the ride takes you places you won't believe!! I loved the book, and am passing my copy on to close friends to read. To others I plan on telling them to read it!! Don't miss your chance!! I'm thrilled to have had the chance to win my copy from Goodreads, and it had no bearing on my review!! I don't pass out 5 stars unless I mean it!!
February 4, 2019
Action-packed from the beginning this intriguing thriller kept me guessing throughout. This is a complex story involving high finance, government, mafia links and at its heart a mother’s quest to recover her kidnapped children. I think author Cym Lowell did a good job of juggling the various threads to lead readers to the eventual conclusion. The further I read the more engrossed I became, eventually reaching the point where I couldn’t stop reading until I had finished the book. I thoroughly enjoyed this story.
April 3, 2014
Cym Lowell’s outlandish novel “Jasper’s War” is close to being foolish in its concept. The actions of the protagonists are so unrealistic in their depiction that I was tempted many times to close the book, throw it on my discard pile, and move along to something more believable. But I didn’t, staying the course to the end.
First, let’s discuss the people created by Lowell. There’s Jaspar, a lovely woman raised in genteel surroundings, engaged in an idyllic lifestyle with beautiful children and a successful husband. Her despair at the death of her husband and the kidnapping of her children transforms her into an instant warrior, capable of committing violent murder and mayhem, willing to engage in frenetic lovemaking with despicable men, and subject to explosive rages or sobbing breakdowns, depending on the time of day.
Her guiding angel, an enigmatic man of superhuman strength and mysterious talents, who can subdue a constant parade of trained gunmen with a flick of his wrist, jump off a cliff with the woman, a dog, and a massive armory of heavy weapons in a sack hanging on him as he maneuvers a piece of canvas like a sail plane, and torture with indifference as he stabs kidneys, cuts throats, and breaks limbs. His periodic breakdowns into a blubbering and clinging wimp are so out of character it tempts one to laugh.
The remaining characters we encounter are stereotypes of slick and brilliant criminals who are ruthless, self indulgent, and willing to commit any act that will protect their interests. And then there’s the dog, a wondrous creature that thinks and acts like a robot, can anticipate danger of any kind that threatens his master, and even knows to walk in water and on surfaces that will leave no tracks to evade detection. This dog, believe it or not, is astute enough to tear into a bag of money and scatter the bills around to create a diversion. And there is an Indian chief bestowed with more mystical aura and sagaciousness than all you’ve ever known—combined
Why, you ask, did I waste my time finishing a book I so disliked? Well, the thing is I didn’t dislike it. I considered it to be a farce, a comic book, that was so full of action and unbelievable happenings that I had to know where the author was going with his nonsense. I was riveted to his outlandish imagination. And the writing was good, solid adventure stuff. So, while I can’t give the book high ratings, I’ll give it enough of a thumbs up to salute Cym Lowell’s audacity in bringing his vision to light.
First, let’s discuss the people created by Lowell. There’s Jaspar, a lovely woman raised in genteel surroundings, engaged in an idyllic lifestyle with beautiful children and a successful husband. Her despair at the death of her husband and the kidnapping of her children transforms her into an instant warrior, capable of committing violent murder and mayhem, willing to engage in frenetic lovemaking with despicable men, and subject to explosive rages or sobbing breakdowns, depending on the time of day.
Her guiding angel, an enigmatic man of superhuman strength and mysterious talents, who can subdue a constant parade of trained gunmen with a flick of his wrist, jump off a cliff with the woman, a dog, and a massive armory of heavy weapons in a sack hanging on him as he maneuvers a piece of canvas like a sail plane, and torture with indifference as he stabs kidneys, cuts throats, and breaks limbs. His periodic breakdowns into a blubbering and clinging wimp are so out of character it tempts one to laugh.
The remaining characters we encounter are stereotypes of slick and brilliant criminals who are ruthless, self indulgent, and willing to commit any act that will protect their interests. And then there’s the dog, a wondrous creature that thinks and acts like a robot, can anticipate danger of any kind that threatens his master, and even knows to walk in water and on surfaces that will leave no tracks to evade detection. This dog, believe it or not, is astute enough to tear into a bag of money and scatter the bills around to create a diversion. And there is an Indian chief bestowed with more mystical aura and sagaciousness than all you’ve ever known—combined
Why, you ask, did I waste my time finishing a book I so disliked? Well, the thing is I didn’t dislike it. I considered it to be a farce, a comic book, that was so full of action and unbelievable happenings that I had to know where the author was going with his nonsense. I was riveted to his outlandish imagination. And the writing was good, solid adventure stuff. So, while I can’t give the book high ratings, I’ll give it enough of a thumbs up to salute Cym Lowell’s audacity in bringing his vision to light.
May 8, 2014
“Jaspar’s War” published in 2014 was written by Cym Lowell (http://www.cymlowell.com). This is Cym’s second novel.
Socialite Jaspar Moran is suddenly thrust into a different world when the plane carrying her husband Trevor, the Secretary of the Treasury, is lost over the North Atlantic. Only minutes after being informed about her husband, she discovers that both of her children are missing. Then she receives a strange call telling her to keep silent about her husband’s involvement in the President’s economic stimulus plan if she ever wants to see her children again.
She is helped to disappear by close friends in the Catholic church, and escorted to Australia by Nul, an Aborigine assassin. Jaspar is trained by Nul, then they go on the offensive in an attempt to rescue Jaspar’s children.
Before she had left the US, Jaspar found a thumb drive with documents and notes her husband Trevor had been gathering on the pending financial recovery plan. She was able to sneak it to long time friend and financial wizard Chief Bearstrike. After he analyzes the data, his fear that an unknown group is carefully attacking the financial system of the US is substantiated.
As days tick by those responsible for kidnapping the Moran children are confronted by Jaspar and Nul, and they respond with lethal force. With Nul supporting her, Jaspar is willing to do anything to find her children. Simultaneously, Chief Bearstrike attempts to thwart the attack on the financial system through the US government.
I felt that this was an engaging, well written story, though at times it felt rough and unpolished in places. I enjoyed reading it and would recommend it.
Socialite Jaspar Moran is suddenly thrust into a different world when the plane carrying her husband Trevor, the Secretary of the Treasury, is lost over the North Atlantic. Only minutes after being informed about her husband, she discovers that both of her children are missing. Then she receives a strange call telling her to keep silent about her husband’s involvement in the President’s economic stimulus plan if she ever wants to see her children again.
She is helped to disappear by close friends in the Catholic church, and escorted to Australia by Nul, an Aborigine assassin. Jaspar is trained by Nul, then they go on the offensive in an attempt to rescue Jaspar’s children.
Before she had left the US, Jaspar found a thumb drive with documents and notes her husband Trevor had been gathering on the pending financial recovery plan. She was able to sneak it to long time friend and financial wizard Chief Bearstrike. After he analyzes the data, his fear that an unknown group is carefully attacking the financial system of the US is substantiated.
As days tick by those responsible for kidnapping the Moran children are confronted by Jaspar and Nul, and they respond with lethal force. With Nul supporting her, Jaspar is willing to do anything to find her children. Simultaneously, Chief Bearstrike attempts to thwart the attack on the financial system through the US government.
I felt that this was an engaging, well written story, though at times it felt rough and unpolished in places. I enjoyed reading it and would recommend it.
July 11, 2016
My chest tightened as I read about the disappearance of Jaspar’s children in Jaspar’s War. For the rest of Cym Lowell’s novel, my thoughts were that of a mother molding herself into someone who would find her kidnapped kids.
For readers looking for action and adventure, Jaspar’s War has that bursting from its seams, but I found myself focusing on the lengths to which Jas would go to save her children. Seeing an intelligent, fit mother turn into a human weapon works for an action story, but I was more interested in the mental transformation she undergoes.
I would have loved to see Lowell explore the link between her Catholic faith, her innate morality and her desperate desire to bring her children back to her. Those themes are touched upon throughout the book, but they get a little lost in the game surrounding world finances, political maneuvering and copious amounts of bullets.
Read the rest of my review at Playing with Words
For readers looking for action and adventure, Jaspar’s War has that bursting from its seams, but I found myself focusing on the lengths to which Jas would go to save her children. Seeing an intelligent, fit mother turn into a human weapon works for an action story, but I was more interested in the mental transformation she undergoes.
I would have loved to see Lowell explore the link between her Catholic faith, her innate morality and her desperate desire to bring her children back to her. Those themes are touched upon throughout the book, but they get a little lost in the game surrounding world finances, political maneuvering and copious amounts of bullets.
Read the rest of my review at Playing with Words
March 21, 2014
Jaspar’s War is a story of a socialite mother and political wife whose disappears in an air crash and who then finds herself in an extraordinary chase to save her kidnapped children. She is put in touch with Nulandi, a trained assassin and Alice, his faithful trained guard dog. Jaspar learns the ways of an assassin and on her journey, suffused with Christian overtones, she has to learn to cross all her moral boundaries in order to save her children. All this takes place across several continents in order to foil a plot designed to bring the western world to its financial knees.
I didn't find the characters believable nor well drawn, and the plot, though interesting in synopsis, never really delivers on its promise.
I didn't find the characters believable nor well drawn, and the plot, though interesting in synopsis, never really delivers on its promise.
April 8, 2015
After a socialite Jaspar Moran's husband, the Secretary of the Treasury, goes down in a plane crash, and her children are kidnapped, Jaspar is warned to keep silent. Jaspar disappears and undergoes some serious combat training; she comes back a warrior. An interesting read as Jaspar takes her war from Australia to Italy. If you like non stop action with a female hero, this is the book for you!
October 24, 2014
This is one of my free books from Goodreads. It was exciting all the way through. Since I am not a technical person I tended to get lost in all the goings on in the financial realm. It realistically showed the love of a mother and all she was willing to do to get her children back.
November 7, 2014
This book is a thriller, mystery, and a ..mess. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed reading it, but once I finished it I felt it was like any other thriller I've read. I will reread this next year to see if I feel any different...
March 27, 2015
This was one extremely crazy political thriller that leaves you hanging.
October 24, 2015
What more of a thriller could you want? It is awesomely detailed and very gripping. I won this book through the giveaways.
August 21, 2014
Jaspar’s War: Cym Lowell
How far would you go to avenge the death of your husband? Would you kill? Would you become a warrior and seek out those that not only killed your husband but separated you from your children too. When Jaspar Moran learns of the death of her husband Trevor, the Secretary of the Treasury, her mind and body take a huge hit. Lost over the North Atlantic, Trevor’s body is shark bait. But, minutes pass as she learns that the same people behind his death just kidnapped her two children. What is her first move? What can she do to get them back? Simple enough! Keep silent about her husband’s work with the President’s economic stimulus plan. Say nothing! Do not comment and she will see her son and daughter again. Numb, lost and feeling alone she contacts the Attorney General hoping for some answers.
What happens when it finally sets in that he is gone? At a birthday party on the grounds of her own home in Connecticut, security in place, how could her two children disappear right in front of her. The scene is quite compelling and the message a blunt and harsh warning not to dare divulge anything concerning the President’s economic plan or her children’s lives will end.
Unsure of what to do yet still somewhat focused Jaspar begins searching through her husband’s documents and finds a memory stick with encrypted information that might hold the key to why he was killed. Holding on to it would be the wrong move instead she manages to send this stick to a friend’s dad who whose financial skills are equal to that of many working in Wall Street today. Chief Bearstrike of an Indian Tribe in Oklahoma is her only hope. Understanding the international market and an investor, Trevor placed his name on a post it on the memory stick. This is just the tip of the cold iceberg as Jaspar learns that her husband was the subject of an investigation and she herself has now become a prime target too. Seeking help from Father Michael to find her children she dons the costume of a nun in order to save her life and find her children. Aiding her out of the country she meets a trusted man named Nulandi whose past will touch her heart, whose knowledge of combat and war will aid her in becoming a warrior, soldier and assassin in order to fight a battle that only she can win. Nulandi was saved as a child soldier and assassin and is rich and has the resources to help her. Hearing his story and meeting Alice his dog and a Sister, we begin to understand why he’s agreed to help Jaspar. Training her in martial arts, combat and then teaching her the definition of Lures, we learn just what part she will play to bait those who have her children. Learning to kill, not feeling any remorse, guilt or pain she begins will slaughter some innocent Kangaroos. But, how far will she go to get those that have taken her children? Will she sleep with the enemy to gain information? How does she justify her actions and what happens when things between her and the killer heat up?
From a warm and loving mother and wife Jasper becomes a coldhearted killer who will fight to the death to find her children no matter what it takes or whose lives she takes. But, second but equally paramount is the financial aspect of this novel, the economic stimulus plan as outlined by her husbands predecessor Copper Starr and the race to save the economy and her children. Is she connected to her husband’s job? With the training that she is provided by Nulandi, can she handle the bloodshed, the deaths and the murder before time runs out?
Can a rich woman, a female Asian Commando, Native American Indian Chief and Nulandi a man without an identity and an assassin find a dangerous killer and end the plot to ruin the global economy? Security in place but who are the men guarding her children and pretending to protect them as we meet Chrissy and Theo two innocent victims in this diabolical plot.
Thinking that her husband was involved in the economic collapse of our economy, not believing that to be true and hoping to find her children, Jaspar along with Nulandi, Alice a special dog with acute senses, Anloc and Jason Brontus a US Attorney Journal plus one financial wizard and Indian Chief uncover a plot that travels all the way to the White House. Scenes that are graphic, violent, bombs explode near the Vatican, Monte Carlo Grand Prix and race car driver Tremont, the mafia and an actor/artist named Paulo, all lend to the suspense, fire and explosive plot that will keep you on edge. Did Trevor manipulate the financial market? Did he hope to gain from the President’s economic stimulus plans? Why would someone want to create a world financial disaster?
Risking her own life, putting everything she has on the line including her faith in herself as the author shares her inner most thoughts, feelings, questioning herself and her ability to handle what she must face, Jaspar is not the only one fighting a private and public war. As Nulandi shares his past and Chief Bearstrike explains his connection to Jaspar each one is fighting something from his/her own past and each one must fight his own war in order to succeed. Will Jason understand the documents placed in front of him by the Chief? Will he figure out what he’s being shown before it’s too late? What about Chrissy and Theo? Why is one powerful mafia don holding them and what does he hope to gain? Will they wind up dead?
Enter the room with the Chief and the Attorney General and hear their voices echoing the plan that they think has unfolded. What would happen if the truth comes out and is the sovereign trust of the Queen of England really behind the financial collapse?
When Jason brings the information in black and white to the President of the United States what they put in motion will change lives, the dynamics of the government’s financial stimulus plan and explain why Chief Bearstrike is on board. Financial security for his tribe is at risk due to the conspiracy that has been brought to light. Added it threatened the collective security of both the U.S. and his tribe. A company that was run by Trevor Moran and made to look corrupt. West Mad business exploded, Moran needed to be disposed of and one memory stick that was entrusted to the Chief to get the ball rolling. A Catholic priest contacted his sister getting Jaspar to safety and the rest you will learn when you read the startling information, the plan that Jason comes to understand and the reality behind what someone is planning when you read Chapters 27-30.
Greed, power, lust, hate and just to prove he is right was one man’s goal to take down the President’s stimulus plan and make it his own. With Nulandi and Jaspar fighting a ground war, Jason dealing with those in the government that are involved and the Chief making contact with the Queen’s Sovereign Trust the main players are there but just who is pulling the strings, why and how does this link to a racecar driver, the mafia, someone connected to the Queen and corruption in the police department, author Cym Lowell takes us deep inside the minds of criminals that are hiding right in plain sight, a woman fearing for the life of her children, an Aborigine assassin holding her life in the balance and many others leading to an ending that you won’t see coming, a conclusion that will surprise you as the death of the Secretary of Treasury, the role of someone close to him, her disappearance of two innocent children will give readers in total darkness until the veil is lifted but not until you learn the final fate of so many, whose wars are won, whose are lost and what might happen if Jaspar does not win hers.
Traitors, double crosses, betrayals at all levels, going up against a woman that has become a dangerous commando warrior, an Aborigine, a Wall Street prosecutor, an Indian Chief and a dog that can outsmart them all: Alice. Bump up your adrenaline, get ready to take the curves, turns, twists and runs along the racecar track, be there at the explosive end and read the surprise twist at the end. Author Cym Lowell created and crafted an ending so dramatic, so filled with emotions and emotional upheavals that the reader will wonder just what he has in store for Jaspar, will her life be with her children or will she continue to wage war against those who deem to bring down our country. Jaspar: Peace or War: What will she decide?
Fran Lewis: Reviewer
How far would you go to avenge the death of your husband? Would you kill? Would you become a warrior and seek out those that not only killed your husband but separated you from your children too. When Jaspar Moran learns of the death of her husband Trevor, the Secretary of the Treasury, her mind and body take a huge hit. Lost over the North Atlantic, Trevor’s body is shark bait. But, minutes pass as she learns that the same people behind his death just kidnapped her two children. What is her first move? What can she do to get them back? Simple enough! Keep silent about her husband’s work with the President’s economic stimulus plan. Say nothing! Do not comment and she will see her son and daughter again. Numb, lost and feeling alone she contacts the Attorney General hoping for some answers.
What happens when it finally sets in that he is gone? At a birthday party on the grounds of her own home in Connecticut, security in place, how could her two children disappear right in front of her. The scene is quite compelling and the message a blunt and harsh warning not to dare divulge anything concerning the President’s economic plan or her children’s lives will end.
Unsure of what to do yet still somewhat focused Jaspar begins searching through her husband’s documents and finds a memory stick with encrypted information that might hold the key to why he was killed. Holding on to it would be the wrong move instead she manages to send this stick to a friend’s dad who whose financial skills are equal to that of many working in Wall Street today. Chief Bearstrike of an Indian Tribe in Oklahoma is her only hope. Understanding the international market and an investor, Trevor placed his name on a post it on the memory stick. This is just the tip of the cold iceberg as Jaspar learns that her husband was the subject of an investigation and she herself has now become a prime target too. Seeking help from Father Michael to find her children she dons the costume of a nun in order to save her life and find her children. Aiding her out of the country she meets a trusted man named Nulandi whose past will touch her heart, whose knowledge of combat and war will aid her in becoming a warrior, soldier and assassin in order to fight a battle that only she can win. Nulandi was saved as a child soldier and assassin and is rich and has the resources to help her. Hearing his story and meeting Alice his dog and a Sister, we begin to understand why he’s agreed to help Jaspar. Training her in martial arts, combat and then teaching her the definition of Lures, we learn just what part she will play to bait those who have her children. Learning to kill, not feeling any remorse, guilt or pain she begins will slaughter some innocent Kangaroos. But, how far will she go to get those that have taken her children? Will she sleep with the enemy to gain information? How does she justify her actions and what happens when things between her and the killer heat up?
From a warm and loving mother and wife Jasper becomes a coldhearted killer who will fight to the death to find her children no matter what it takes or whose lives she takes. But, second but equally paramount is the financial aspect of this novel, the economic stimulus plan as outlined by her husbands predecessor Copper Starr and the race to save the economy and her children. Is she connected to her husband’s job? With the training that she is provided by Nulandi, can she handle the bloodshed, the deaths and the murder before time runs out?
Can a rich woman, a female Asian Commando, Native American Indian Chief and Nulandi a man without an identity and an assassin find a dangerous killer and end the plot to ruin the global economy? Security in place but who are the men guarding her children and pretending to protect them as we meet Chrissy and Theo two innocent victims in this diabolical plot.
Thinking that her husband was involved in the economic collapse of our economy, not believing that to be true and hoping to find her children, Jaspar along with Nulandi, Alice a special dog with acute senses, Anloc and Jason Brontus a US Attorney Journal plus one financial wizard and Indian Chief uncover a plot that travels all the way to the White House. Scenes that are graphic, violent, bombs explode near the Vatican, Monte Carlo Grand Prix and race car driver Tremont, the mafia and an actor/artist named Paulo, all lend to the suspense, fire and explosive plot that will keep you on edge. Did Trevor manipulate the financial market? Did he hope to gain from the President’s economic stimulus plans? Why would someone want to create a world financial disaster?
Risking her own life, putting everything she has on the line including her faith in herself as the author shares her inner most thoughts, feelings, questioning herself and her ability to handle what she must face, Jaspar is not the only one fighting a private and public war. As Nulandi shares his past and Chief Bearstrike explains his connection to Jaspar each one is fighting something from his/her own past and each one must fight his own war in order to succeed. Will Jason understand the documents placed in front of him by the Chief? Will he figure out what he’s being shown before it’s too late? What about Chrissy and Theo? Why is one powerful mafia don holding them and what does he hope to gain? Will they wind up dead?
Enter the room with the Chief and the Attorney General and hear their voices echoing the plan that they think has unfolded. What would happen if the truth comes out and is the sovereign trust of the Queen of England really behind the financial collapse?
When Jason brings the information in black and white to the President of the United States what they put in motion will change lives, the dynamics of the government’s financial stimulus plan and explain why Chief Bearstrike is on board. Financial security for his tribe is at risk due to the conspiracy that has been brought to light. Added it threatened the collective security of both the U.S. and his tribe. A company that was run by Trevor Moran and made to look corrupt. West Mad business exploded, Moran needed to be disposed of and one memory stick that was entrusted to the Chief to get the ball rolling. A Catholic priest contacted his sister getting Jaspar to safety and the rest you will learn when you read the startling information, the plan that Jason comes to understand and the reality behind what someone is planning when you read Chapters 27-30.
Greed, power, lust, hate and just to prove he is right was one man’s goal to take down the President’s stimulus plan and make it his own. With Nulandi and Jaspar fighting a ground war, Jason dealing with those in the government that are involved and the Chief making contact with the Queen’s Sovereign Trust the main players are there but just who is pulling the strings, why and how does this link to a racecar driver, the mafia, someone connected to the Queen and corruption in the police department, author Cym Lowell takes us deep inside the minds of criminals that are hiding right in plain sight, a woman fearing for the life of her children, an Aborigine assassin holding her life in the balance and many others leading to an ending that you won’t see coming, a conclusion that will surprise you as the death of the Secretary of Treasury, the role of someone close to him, her disappearance of two innocent children will give readers in total darkness until the veil is lifted but not until you learn the final fate of so many, whose wars are won, whose are lost and what might happen if Jaspar does not win hers.
Traitors, double crosses, betrayals at all levels, going up against a woman that has become a dangerous commando warrior, an Aborigine, a Wall Street prosecutor, an Indian Chief and a dog that can outsmart them all: Alice. Bump up your adrenaline, get ready to take the curves, turns, twists and runs along the racecar track, be there at the explosive end and read the surprise twist at the end. Author Cym Lowell created and crafted an ending so dramatic, so filled with emotions and emotional upheavals that the reader will wonder just what he has in store for Jaspar, will her life be with her children or will she continue to wage war against those who deem to bring down our country. Jaspar: Peace or War: What will she decide?
Fran Lewis: Reviewer
May 22, 2021
THREE OUT OF FIVE STARS!!! 4.85 CAWPILE.
I’ve had this book on my shelves FOREVER. I was intimated to read a political fiction so I would never pick it up. This book was not enjoyable for me. Most of the book I was dragging trying to get through it. This being said, the action scenes in this book were very captivating and well-described.
I would not recommend this book and I probably will be taking a break from political fiction books for a while.
I do believe there are people out there that would find this book very interesting so I will be donating this!
Best part of the book was Alice 🐶
I’ve had this book on my shelves FOREVER. I was intimated to read a political fiction so I would never pick it up. This book was not enjoyable for me. Most of the book I was dragging trying to get through it. This being said, the action scenes in this book were very captivating and well-described.
I would not recommend this book and I probably will be taking a break from political fiction books for a while.
I do believe there are people out there that would find this book very interesting so I will be donating this!
Best part of the book was Alice 🐶
July 24, 2022
I received a free copy from NetGalley. Husband dead and children kidnapped, she runs away to protect her husband's secret and children's lives. Totally action packed from start to finish this ready like a movie script at the cost of underdeveloped characters that are hard to relate to.
June 19, 2014
This is a Political Thriller. It is about the Economic stimulus in the United States. However, the battle between those who would destroy America during President Heinrich's ideal plan to stimulate the economy by shooting money into the system is threatened by people not in America. So, the novel begins in Connecticut, and soon ends up in Rome, Italy. This is a novel about one woman's battle to save her children after they are kidnapped. First, she receives word of her husband's death in an airplane crash. He acted as Secretary of the Treasury. It is amazing how all this bad news does not knock this woman off her feet. Therefore, I think this is a novel about how to continue to fight for life and love when all hell has broken loose to take what is so important from you.
Nul becomes the man who will lead her through strategies of warfare in urban areas. Nul is wise beyond his years and fights for the right in any situation. He is well known by the Vietnamese. He is a hero to those who meet him. I would love to see he and Jaspar's relationship grow in another novel. In Jaspar's War by Cym Lowell, a small bit about prayer is mentioned. This made me think of it as a Christian Political Thriller. However, there is an abundance of violence. The novel would not seem real without this element because there are true terrorists fighting against our government and against Jaspar Moran and Nulandi. The terrorists do not wish for an Economic stimulus to work. Holding Theo and Chrissy, the children of Jaspar is part of the plan. She must not ever see her children again until the stimulus destroys America.
My adrenalin rose as Jaspar and Nul and "Alice" fight against guns, bombs, whatever you can think of to get closer to the children and stalemate the plan of the terrorists. I did enjoy the parts of the novel where Jaspar and/or Nul disguised themselves as nuns or other people. Nul can really think fast on his feet. In the end, I am left with the words love and courage and sacrifice. Jaspar proved that she would do anything to anyone to get her children back in her arms.
The novel is powerfully written. It is like sitting in a movie theater watching a fast paced run and chase and hide or blow up movie. Cym Lowell is magnificent at writing descriptive passages. I could not wait to turn each page. I am grateful to him for a small lesson in Economics. I am more grateful to him for the questions he raised in my mind. What would I do to save my family? How do I and would I react to very, very bad news about my loved ones? Cym Lowell in Jaspar's War does not preach or tell how to handle situations. He just puts this woman's life out there for the reader to observe. To me, Jaspar is a representation of courage and love. I will not forget her. However, I am now asking myself a question. Did Jaspar come across as too strong? This woman has led a life without violence. Is it feasible that she would not say no to such violence at least once before taking action, or at least for one moment become too scared to react? I'll have to think about my answer. I do think readers deserve a warning about the violence within the pages. http://www.amazon.com/Cym-Lowell/e/B0...
Nul becomes the man who will lead her through strategies of warfare in urban areas. Nul is wise beyond his years and fights for the right in any situation. He is well known by the Vietnamese. He is a hero to those who meet him. I would love to see he and Jaspar's relationship grow in another novel. In Jaspar's War by Cym Lowell, a small bit about prayer is mentioned. This made me think of it as a Christian Political Thriller. However, there is an abundance of violence. The novel would not seem real without this element because there are true terrorists fighting against our government and against Jaspar Moran and Nulandi. The terrorists do not wish for an Economic stimulus to work. Holding Theo and Chrissy, the children of Jaspar is part of the plan. She must not ever see her children again until the stimulus destroys America.
My adrenalin rose as Jaspar and Nul and "Alice" fight against guns, bombs, whatever you can think of to get closer to the children and stalemate the plan of the terrorists. I did enjoy the parts of the novel where Jaspar and/or Nul disguised themselves as nuns or other people. Nul can really think fast on his feet. In the end, I am left with the words love and courage and sacrifice. Jaspar proved that she would do anything to anyone to get her children back in her arms.
The novel is powerfully written. It is like sitting in a movie theater watching a fast paced run and chase and hide or blow up movie. Cym Lowell is magnificent at writing descriptive passages. I could not wait to turn each page. I am grateful to him for a small lesson in Economics. I am more grateful to him for the questions he raised in my mind. What would I do to save my family? How do I and would I react to very, very bad news about my loved ones? Cym Lowell in Jaspar's War does not preach or tell how to handle situations. He just puts this woman's life out there for the reader to observe. To me, Jaspar is a representation of courage and love. I will not forget her. However, I am now asking myself a question. Did Jaspar come across as too strong? This woman has led a life without violence. Is it feasible that she would not say no to such violence at least once before taking action, or at least for one moment become too scared to react? I'll have to think about my answer. I do think readers deserve a warning about the violence within the pages. http://www.amazon.com/Cym-Lowell/e/B0...
August 12, 2016
Jaspar's War is an action packed saga of a female Jack Ryan-type character as envisioned by author Cym Lowell. Jaspar Moran is the wife of the US Secretary of the Treasury and the mother of two young children. She and her husband were college sweethearts and remain deeply in love, so of course she is devastated when the government jet he is on is lost at sea. At almost the same time her children turn up missing from a birthday party on the grounds of her own home, an estate in Connecticut, which is amply covered by security officers. Shortly thereafter she gets a cryptic text message warning her not to reveal any information her husband has shared with her concerning his role in the President's economic plan if she ever wants to see her children alive again.
Not knowing what secret information she is supposed to have, she begins a search of her husband Trevor's papers and discovers some encrypted information and a memory stick that may be the key to all the intrigue. Jaspar conveniently has a friend whose dad is the financial guru of an Indian tribe in Oklahoma (think Warren Buffett). A shrewd observer and investor in the international market, Chief Bearstrike's name is on the sticky note attached to the memory stick.
Before long Jaspar realizes Trevor is being investigated, and she herself is coming under suspicion. She enlists her old friend, a Catholic priest to help her find her children, and this is where the plot stretches a little too thin for me. The priest has her cut her hair and masquerade as a nun. He helps secret her out of the country and puts her in touch with a trusted friend of his, Nulandi, who happens to have been a rescued child soldier/assassin who is now wealthy enough to choose his own battles. He agrees to help Jaspar if she is willing to train with him and follow his lead in all things. In a little less than two months she can kill without remorse, have sex with bad guys as a means to gather information, and not just participate but really enjoy the experience. She justifies the actions she takes because it will perhaps lead her to her children. In the meantime she is also falling for the assassin. During all this, he is asking her to help him find faith and spiritual peace. Yes, there is a lot going on here...
There is lots of action, and maybe this will be a movie some day. You might enjoy it if you don't over-think it. I received an e-copy of the book through NetGalley. The book is newly published (March 2014) and is also available on Amazon.
Not knowing what secret information she is supposed to have, she begins a search of her husband Trevor's papers and discovers some encrypted information and a memory stick that may be the key to all the intrigue. Jaspar conveniently has a friend whose dad is the financial guru of an Indian tribe in Oklahoma (think Warren Buffett). A shrewd observer and investor in the international market, Chief Bearstrike's name is on the sticky note attached to the memory stick.
Before long Jaspar realizes Trevor is being investigated, and she herself is coming under suspicion. She enlists her old friend, a Catholic priest to help her find her children, and this is where the plot stretches a little too thin for me. The priest has her cut her hair and masquerade as a nun. He helps secret her out of the country and puts her in touch with a trusted friend of his, Nulandi, who happens to have been a rescued child soldier/assassin who is now wealthy enough to choose his own battles. He agrees to help Jaspar if she is willing to train with him and follow his lead in all things. In a little less than two months she can kill without remorse, have sex with bad guys as a means to gather information, and not just participate but really enjoy the experience. She justifies the actions she takes because it will perhaps lead her to her children. In the meantime she is also falling for the assassin. During all this, he is asking her to help him find faith and spiritual peace. Yes, there is a lot going on here...
There is lots of action, and maybe this will be a movie some day. You might enjoy it if you don't over-think it. I received an e-copy of the book through NetGalley. The book is newly published (March 2014) and is also available on Amazon.
October 17, 2014
Stepping out of my comfort zone of genres, intrigued by the plot of Jaspar’s War by Cym Lowell, thoughts of this complex yet fascinating thriller was anything but boring. For me personally, there wasn’t that instant hook to reel me in the beginning but when it did, it felt like it could leap straight to the big screen. Led by a fierce protagonist that is pushed to her limits to do what she never could’ve imagined, she faces the ultimate question to be answered, how far would you go to save your children?
Well, the book begins with your typical social prominent family. There is Jaspar Moran, who is married to the Secretary of Treasury, Trevor Moran. They have two children and live in a beautiful home fulfilled in a life to be admired. One day after playing ball, getting ready for postgame entertainment, she noticed that her kids were gone for longer than usual. Trying not to panic, her security detail tried to ease her concerns but as it got dark, she started to worry. Things turned upside when news came that the plane her husband was on suspiciously crashed, shortly after, she received an ominous text from his phone that informed her that her children were gone and her silence on information her husband knew was key to their survival. From there, we experience Jaspar’s thrilling action packed quest abroad to save her children at all costs.
Overall, the book was a good read for the concept of the book. The storyline involving the action put you right in the middle of it all but then others aspects of the plot that I felt sort of stretched the imagination. I never would’ve anticipated the story going into the direction that it did but it was exciting seeing Jaspar’s character transform in a way that made the story feel as if you were watching a movie. Watching her mentally deal with the moral backlash of her actions versus the will to do what needed to be done to save her children made her an interesting character to read. There is no other way to describe it other than being her sidekick, Nulandi, was a nice subplot that developed between the two of them in the book.
My only criticism was with the end of the book. As I was approaching the end of the book, I felt like that the momentum built as the book was coming to a close just came to an abrupt halt. I wish the book had ended differently despite it being a cliffhanger because I am left with unanswered questions that hopefully will be answered in a succeeding book. Other than that, it was fun and entertaining and are curious to see where this leads to.
Well, the book begins with your typical social prominent family. There is Jaspar Moran, who is married to the Secretary of Treasury, Trevor Moran. They have two children and live in a beautiful home fulfilled in a life to be admired. One day after playing ball, getting ready for postgame entertainment, she noticed that her kids were gone for longer than usual. Trying not to panic, her security detail tried to ease her concerns but as it got dark, she started to worry. Things turned upside when news came that the plane her husband was on suspiciously crashed, shortly after, she received an ominous text from his phone that informed her that her children were gone and her silence on information her husband knew was key to their survival. From there, we experience Jaspar’s thrilling action packed quest abroad to save her children at all costs.
Overall, the book was a good read for the concept of the book. The storyline involving the action put you right in the middle of it all but then others aspects of the plot that I felt sort of stretched the imagination. I never would’ve anticipated the story going into the direction that it did but it was exciting seeing Jaspar’s character transform in a way that made the story feel as if you were watching a movie. Watching her mentally deal with the moral backlash of her actions versus the will to do what needed to be done to save her children made her an interesting character to read. There is no other way to describe it other than being her sidekick, Nulandi, was a nice subplot that developed between the two of them in the book.
My only criticism was with the end of the book. As I was approaching the end of the book, I felt like that the momentum built as the book was coming to a close just came to an abrupt halt. I wish the book had ended differently despite it being a cliffhanger because I am left with unanswered questions that hopefully will be answered in a succeeding book. Other than that, it was fun and entertaining and are curious to see where this leads to.
August 5, 2014
Review Courtesy of April Hollingworth
I found Jaspar’s War to be a bit of a mixture to be honest. Fast paced but slow and plodding. The story line was excellent. But, when it slowed there was excessive praying. A strange comment to make but at one stage Gaspar and Nul left the church, only to kneel in the grass and pray. This baffled me a lot, and I felt it slowed down the pace of the book. But in saying that I found it to be well worth reading. I can imagine a mother going to the extremes Jaspar did, to rescue her children.
Opening Scene:
“POCK!” The distinctive sound of a plastic bat driving a Wiffle ball into the outfield triggered shrieks from children as they ran and played.
The Review:
Jaspar’s life is tumbling down around her ears. Her husband has been killed in a plane crash, the same night her children are kidnapped. With the help of assassin Nulandi, and his faithful warrior dog Alice, Jaspar will disappear and go on a rampage attack. As the body count rises, Jaspar comes one step closer to finding her children, and uncovering the plot to crash the global economy.
Notable Scene:
“Ma’am, I understand that war has been declared on you. Enemies murdered your husband, stole your children, and threatened certain death for them and yourself if you speak,” he said. It felt like Trevor explaining strategic choices.
“And?”
“You have a choice. Stay here and passively let life evolve as it will.”
“Or?”
“Put your oppressors on the defensive when you disappear, becoming a warrior on attack to find their weak spot.”
Who is this man? Why is he here? I wondered looking at Father, who simply nodded.
“Warrior?” “Me?” I asked placing my hands in his still outstretched grasp. “I am a mother and housewife. How can I go on the attack?” I looked ay Father who had used the same word to describe what I must become.
“Do you want to hold your children alive again?” he asked.
I nodded.
“Then, we can help. Alice and I are commandos. We can teach you to hunt, kill, extract information, live on nothing, deceive, and confuse. You will be the keystone of our team. Without you, it all falls down. You are bait for these sharks.”
My heart went cold, as did my ability to speak. Our eyes locked. I numbly nodded again.
FTC Advisory: AuthorBuzz through Net Galley provided me with a copy of Jaspar’s War by Cym Lowell. Published through Rosemary Beach Press. Kindle Edition. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.
I found Jaspar’s War to be a bit of a mixture to be honest. Fast paced but slow and plodding. The story line was excellent. But, when it slowed there was excessive praying. A strange comment to make but at one stage Gaspar and Nul left the church, only to kneel in the grass and pray. This baffled me a lot, and I felt it slowed down the pace of the book. But in saying that I found it to be well worth reading. I can imagine a mother going to the extremes Jaspar did, to rescue her children.
Opening Scene:
“POCK!” The distinctive sound of a plastic bat driving a Wiffle ball into the outfield triggered shrieks from children as they ran and played.
The Review:
Jaspar’s life is tumbling down around her ears. Her husband has been killed in a plane crash, the same night her children are kidnapped. With the help of assassin Nulandi, and his faithful warrior dog Alice, Jaspar will disappear and go on a rampage attack. As the body count rises, Jaspar comes one step closer to finding her children, and uncovering the plot to crash the global economy.
Notable Scene:
“Ma’am, I understand that war has been declared on you. Enemies murdered your husband, stole your children, and threatened certain death for them and yourself if you speak,” he said. It felt like Trevor explaining strategic choices.
“And?”
“You have a choice. Stay here and passively let life evolve as it will.”
“Or?”
“Put your oppressors on the defensive when you disappear, becoming a warrior on attack to find their weak spot.”
Who is this man? Why is he here? I wondered looking at Father, who simply nodded.
“Warrior?” “Me?” I asked placing my hands in his still outstretched grasp. “I am a mother and housewife. How can I go on the attack?” I looked ay Father who had used the same word to describe what I must become.
“Do you want to hold your children alive again?” he asked.
I nodded.
“Then, we can help. Alice and I are commandos. We can teach you to hunt, kill, extract information, live on nothing, deceive, and confuse. You will be the keystone of our team. Without you, it all falls down. You are bait for these sharks.”
My heart went cold, as did my ability to speak. Our eyes locked. I numbly nodded again.
FTC Advisory: AuthorBuzz through Net Galley provided me with a copy of Jaspar’s War by Cym Lowell. Published through Rosemary Beach Press. Kindle Edition. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.
April 1, 2015
I received this book from a goodreads giveaway.
I generally like adventure/thriller stories, which this one sounded like in the description.
If you can suspend your sense of reality, then you might like this book. I did not like this book, though I tried very hard to like it and did read it all the way to the end.
The plot line was truly unbelievable, to the point of distraction. I could not keep track of the pace of the story as far as the timing of events. Connections between characters were very convoluted and hard to follow as well.
Numerous grammatical errors, spelling errors, punctuation errors throughout which just took away from the entire story for me. One line described the characters being watched by mountain and bears – the word lions I am assuming was left out (mountain lions were later mentioned). Use of the word freight instead of fright, loses instead of losses, of instead of off – all words that affected the meaning of what was being said caused further distraction. Use of possessive when not appropriate and no use of possessive when appropriate. Taken individually, these would seem petty to point out, but I couldn’t go more than a few pages without encountering something like these examples.
The author attempted to develop the characters, but never really succeeded. If anything, the characters became more unbelievable and less realistic. Use of religious themes was confusing/distracting. At times way too detailed and at others not enough explanation of what was happening to keep the reader engaged.
The story is told at times from a first person standpoint and at other times from a third person position. Transitions between the two were handled poorly and clunky. I was often having to re-read sections to try to figure out what was going on. Similar issues with dialogue between the characters. It was difficult to follow which characters were talking as at times characters would ask questions and then answer their own questions. Use of quotes to indicate dialogue was inconsistent.
The ending was simply awful. It felt like the author just got to a point where he didn’t want to write anymore. What little building plot intrigue between the characters was totally unresolved.
I generally like adventure/thriller stories, which this one sounded like in the description.
If you can suspend your sense of reality, then you might like this book. I did not like this book, though I tried very hard to like it and did read it all the way to the end.
The plot line was truly unbelievable, to the point of distraction. I could not keep track of the pace of the story as far as the timing of events. Connections between characters were very convoluted and hard to follow as well.
Numerous grammatical errors, spelling errors, punctuation errors throughout which just took away from the entire story for me. One line described the characters being watched by mountain and bears – the word lions I am assuming was left out (mountain lions were later mentioned). Use of the word freight instead of fright, loses instead of losses, of instead of off – all words that affected the meaning of what was being said caused further distraction. Use of possessive when not appropriate and no use of possessive when appropriate. Taken individually, these would seem petty to point out, but I couldn’t go more than a few pages without encountering something like these examples.
The author attempted to develop the characters, but never really succeeded. If anything, the characters became more unbelievable and less realistic. Use of religious themes was confusing/distracting. At times way too detailed and at others not enough explanation of what was happening to keep the reader engaged.
The story is told at times from a first person standpoint and at other times from a third person position. Transitions between the two were handled poorly and clunky. I was often having to re-read sections to try to figure out what was going on. Similar issues with dialogue between the characters. It was difficult to follow which characters were talking as at times characters would ask questions and then answer their own questions. Use of quotes to indicate dialogue was inconsistent.
The ending was simply awful. It felt like the author just got to a point where he didn’t want to write anymore. What little building plot intrigue between the characters was totally unresolved.
April 11, 2014
If women dressed as nuns disrobing and then running through the streets in order to detract attention from the bad guys whets your appetite, then Cym Lowell's Jaspar's War is the novel for you. This manly man's thriller topped with some testosterone and a side of C 19 H 28 O 2 has male written all over it with characters such as Henre Tremont, "world-famous grand prix driver . . . who moved like a leopard, the result, perhaps, of Olympic quality gymnastics routines" (40-41), Nulandi, whose "life as a commando started at about age 12" (37), and Jason Brontus, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York and "active Tae-Kwon-Do black-belt" (19). Hey, no complaints here. Even Lowell's visual imagery in the form of simile definitely connotes a male perspective, "In the silence the burp of a mouse would have sounded like a lion's roar in the jungle" (223). Kudos for originality . ..
The problems for me lie in the feminine presence in this read; Jaspar, an upper class housewife and mother in a short amount of time is transformed into a physically agile killer with an insatiable sexual appetite for the purposes of the mission despite the misfortunes surrounding her husband and children. I have difficulty believing this scenario despite my hub's objections. Furthermore, I feel she was too slow in her connecting the pieces of the metaphorical puzzle.
In regards to grammatical errors, a comma splice on page 40, a split infinitive on page 136 missing the "to," and awkward wording, "though with a new a cold set" (161) makes my toes curl and not in a good way.
For the purposes of book club, a visit to Chief Bearstrike through gustatory perception with roasted trout filets, baked cornbread, "sliced vegetables, hummus, and pita" (194) are sure to be a crowd pleaser.
Book Giveaway: Interested in a FREE copy of Cym Lowell's Jaspar's War? Describe your ideal macho man in the comments section below. The hunkiest description wins. Post by April 13, 2014.
The problems for me lie in the feminine presence in this read; Jaspar, an upper class housewife and mother in a short amount of time is transformed into a physically agile killer with an insatiable sexual appetite for the purposes of the mission despite the misfortunes surrounding her husband and children. I have difficulty believing this scenario despite my hub's objections. Furthermore, I feel she was too slow in her connecting the pieces of the metaphorical puzzle.
In regards to grammatical errors, a comma splice on page 40, a split infinitive on page 136 missing the "to," and awkward wording, "though with a new a cold set" (161) makes my toes curl and not in a good way.
For the purposes of book club, a visit to Chief Bearstrike through gustatory perception with roasted trout filets, baked cornbread, "sliced vegetables, hummus, and pita" (194) are sure to be a crowd pleaser.
Book Giveaway: Interested in a FREE copy of Cym Lowell's Jaspar's War? Describe your ideal macho man in the comments section below. The hunkiest description wins. Post by April 13, 2014.
March 18, 2016
Io credo fermamente nel principio di realtà, cioè nel fatto che, una volta stabilito il sistema di valori entro il quale la storia si svolge, a quel sistema di valori il romanzo si deve attenere, sempre.
Questo significa che se del sistema di valori fa parte il concetto che gli asini volano, ci troveremo probabilmente di fronte a un fantasy, e gli asini voleranno senza in alcun modo ledere il principio di realtà.
Il sistema di valori a contorno di questo romanzo è quello nostro di tutti i giorni, non ci sono alterazioni per quanto riguarda la fisica o la chimica dei corpi, magie, illusioni e quant'altro, e questo fa sì che dopo le prime pagine la storia diventi a poco a poco sempre meno credibile (che non è la stessa cosa di "più incredibile").
Questo libro potrà forse piacere a un lettore di bocca buona, che vuole una storia adrenalinica senza porsi domande sulla storia stessa, a chi invece vuole un buon romanzo d'azione, sicuramente no.
Ringrazio Rosemary Beach Press e Netgalley per avermi fornito una copia gratuita in cambio di una recensione onesta.
I firmly believe in the principle of reality, which is that, once made the system of values within which the story takes place, this system of values must be observed at all times.
This means that if the system of values includes the concept that the donkeys fly, we will probably face a fantasy, and the donkeys will fly without in any way undermine the principle of reality.
The system of values surrounding this novel is the one of our own word, without alterations regarding the physics or chemistry of the bodies, spells, illusions and more, and this means that after the first few pages the history becomes gradually less and less credible.
This book will probably appeal to a reader easily satisfied, one who wants a fast-paced story without asking questions about the story itself, but certainly not to those who want a good action novel.
I thank Rosemary Beach Press and Netgalley for providing me with a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
Questo significa che se del sistema di valori fa parte il concetto che gli asini volano, ci troveremo probabilmente di fronte a un fantasy, e gli asini voleranno senza in alcun modo ledere il principio di realtà.
Il sistema di valori a contorno di questo romanzo è quello nostro di tutti i giorni, non ci sono alterazioni per quanto riguarda la fisica o la chimica dei corpi, magie, illusioni e quant'altro, e questo fa sì che dopo le prime pagine la storia diventi a poco a poco sempre meno credibile (che non è la stessa cosa di "più incredibile").
Questo libro potrà forse piacere a un lettore di bocca buona, che vuole una storia adrenalinica senza porsi domande sulla storia stessa, a chi invece vuole un buon romanzo d'azione, sicuramente no.
Ringrazio Rosemary Beach Press e Netgalley per avermi fornito una copia gratuita in cambio di una recensione onesta.
I firmly believe in the principle of reality, which is that, once made the system of values within which the story takes place, this system of values must be observed at all times.
This means that if the system of values includes the concept that the donkeys fly, we will probably face a fantasy, and the donkeys will fly without in any way undermine the principle of reality.
The system of values surrounding this novel is the one of our own word, without alterations regarding the physics or chemistry of the bodies, spells, illusions and more, and this means that after the first few pages the history becomes gradually less and less credible.
This book will probably appeal to a reader easily satisfied, one who wants a fast-paced story without asking questions about the story itself, but certainly not to those who want a good action novel.
I thank Rosemary Beach Press and Netgalley for providing me with a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
April 16, 2014
A tremendous book. Pure entertainment. One that refuses to let you put it down. It is very difficult to believe that this is a debut novel. An American author and an American setting. It reminds me of the work of British author, Dan Brown in so much as the premise of the story is based on actual fact and this gives it that believable edge. You find yourself wondering if perhaps this really did happen this way. But many of the episodes and adventures within the book are frequently so far fetched as to make you need to suspend belief. But still I was compelled to keep reading.
The Jasper in the title is an intelligent socialite wife of the current Secretary of State to the U S Treasury and mother of two young children. Her husband tells her that he has discovered a plot that is truly shocking, but will tell her all when he returns from his latest trip abroad. His plane crashes into the sea, the children are kidnapped and Jasper’s privileged comfortable world explodes. The story that then unfolds takes place against the world financial recession, which had its origins in America a few years ago. Jasper is put under the protection of Nulandi, an Aboriginal fighter, a mercenary of seemingly boundless physical prowess and ingenuity. He takes her to Australia to train her in physical combat. They then move to Italy where some of the most bizarre adventures take place. These settings are obviously aimed at pleasing the American market. The ending is inconclusive, which for once I like. Is this leaving it open for more adventures for these characters ?
Good writing this isn’t but highly entertaining, although I found the violence a little too graphic and much too widespread. I had the feeling that the author was having fun creating this story. Should there be a sequel, I will certainly want to read it.
The Jasper in the title is an intelligent socialite wife of the current Secretary of State to the U S Treasury and mother of two young children. Her husband tells her that he has discovered a plot that is truly shocking, but will tell her all when he returns from his latest trip abroad. His plane crashes into the sea, the children are kidnapped and Jasper’s privileged comfortable world explodes. The story that then unfolds takes place against the world financial recession, which had its origins in America a few years ago. Jasper is put under the protection of Nulandi, an Aboriginal fighter, a mercenary of seemingly boundless physical prowess and ingenuity. He takes her to Australia to train her in physical combat. They then move to Italy where some of the most bizarre adventures take place. These settings are obviously aimed at pleasing the American market. The ending is inconclusive, which for once I like. Is this leaving it open for more adventures for these characters ?
Good writing this isn’t but highly entertaining, although I found the violence a little too graphic and much too widespread. I had the feeling that the author was having fun creating this story. Should there be a sequel, I will certainly want to read it.
May 28, 2014
Jaspars War.
Read from May 18-26th
Thanks to NetGalley and the Publishers for this ARC.
*Contains spoilers*
First up, I have to say that for me, this story is seriously hindered by a need for some genuine quality editing work, this is an arc so I expect some errors, but not quite this bad.
I was only at chapter 8 and really struggling, not just with the poor editing...which I don't entirely blame the author for...but also with the erratic flow of an incredible storyline.
It seems to lack direction, as well as any of the expected levels of emotion (throughout) that one would think essential to any of the given sets of circumstances being introduced at any given time...which in turn gives in to a lack of credibility.
Ok, it does pick up pace at around the half way mark, and has the potential for a really good thriller... but then it - just - gets - so incredible that it beggars belief!
Seriously??...this is more like comic book stuff with the addition of gross sex scenes and wannabe superheroes etc.
Some of the choices of actions involving killings, fantastical superhuman exploits, and just plain weird sex scenes, left me wondering, what was the author thinking?
In my opinion, Jaspar's decisions and behavior were in direct contradiction to her original character profile, giving the whole story a sense of the ridiculous.
I think the author's decision to "assume" the role of a woman failed badly here, especially her being the lead character, Jaspar.
This book has all the ingredients for a great action packed story but somehow they seem to get lost in the fantastical.
Lacking in credibility, I gave it 2.5★s for its unrealized potential.
Read from May 18-26th
Thanks to NetGalley and the Publishers for this ARC.
*Contains spoilers*
First up, I have to say that for me, this story is seriously hindered by a need for some genuine quality editing work, this is an arc so I expect some errors, but not quite this bad.
I was only at chapter 8 and really struggling, not just with the poor editing...which I don't entirely blame the author for...but also with the erratic flow of an incredible storyline.
It seems to lack direction, as well as any of the expected levels of emotion (throughout) that one would think essential to any of the given sets of circumstances being introduced at any given time...which in turn gives in to a lack of credibility.
Ok, it does pick up pace at around the half way mark, and has the potential for a really good thriller... but then it - just - gets - so incredible that it beggars belief!
Seriously??...this is more like comic book stuff with the addition of gross sex scenes and wannabe superheroes etc.
Some of the choices of actions involving killings, fantastical superhuman exploits, and just plain weird sex scenes, left me wondering, what was the author thinking?
In my opinion, Jaspar's decisions and behavior were in direct contradiction to her original character profile, giving the whole story a sense of the ridiculous.
I think the author's decision to "assume" the role of a woman failed badly here, especially her being the lead character, Jaspar.
This book has all the ingredients for a great action packed story but somehow they seem to get lost in the fantastical.
Lacking in credibility, I gave it 2.5★s for its unrealized potential.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 12, 2014
Although this is Mr. Lowell’s debut novel you can bet he will be an author talked about and not forgotten. I compare him to David Balducci with his knowledge of government, violence, murder, and kidnapping to name a few.
We are introduced to Jaspar Moran whose husband Trevor is the Secretary of the Treasury and is killed in a plane crash. If that is not upsetting enough we learn that on the same day her two young children Theo and Chrissy are kidnapped.
Before Trevor left he had confided in Jasper that he had found treachery and not just around him but also at the White House. That is the last thing Trevor said to Jaspar before he left.
The story is a little difficult to get into at first as we are going back and forth from different settings that involve many new characters. Once we start to know the characters we cannot believe what Jaspar is willing to do to get her kidnapped children back.
To say it is a roller coaster ride would be an understatement as she is trained to kill, form relationships with traitors and the Mafioso and even use her body and sex to help get them out of difficult situations. She is lucky to have a mentor, Nul who leads her thru this difficult and very dangerous journey.
Be prepared for lot of violence and deaths of innocent people on their mission to find her children. We learn about a plot to destroy the world economy while trying to figure out who planned this and just how much Jasper really knew.
The pace is very fast once you get into it and will find it hard to put down. Would not be surprised if this book gets made into an action motion picture.
We are introduced to Jaspar Moran whose husband Trevor is the Secretary of the Treasury and is killed in a plane crash. If that is not upsetting enough we learn that on the same day her two young children Theo and Chrissy are kidnapped.
Before Trevor left he had confided in Jasper that he had found treachery and not just around him but also at the White House. That is the last thing Trevor said to Jaspar before he left.
The story is a little difficult to get into at first as we are going back and forth from different settings that involve many new characters. Once we start to know the characters we cannot believe what Jaspar is willing to do to get her kidnapped children back.
To say it is a roller coaster ride would be an understatement as she is trained to kill, form relationships with traitors and the Mafioso and even use her body and sex to help get them out of difficult situations. She is lucky to have a mentor, Nul who leads her thru this difficult and very dangerous journey.
Be prepared for lot of violence and deaths of innocent people on their mission to find her children. We learn about a plot to destroy the world economy while trying to figure out who planned this and just how much Jasper really knew.
The pace is very fast once you get into it and will find it hard to put down. Would not be surprised if this book gets made into an action motion picture.
September 2, 2014
Jaspar’s War by Cym Lowell
Rating: ***. 3.25/5
The synopsis of an action packed thriller grabbed my attention. Jaspar’s War had all the elements to make it on to my list of favorite novels. A young mother of two children and wife of a successful politician, Jaspar Moran is leading the ideal life. That is until she receives news of her husband’s death in his government jet, followed by the kidnapping of her children. Contacted by the kidnappers she is warned not to reveal her husband’s role in the President’s economic plan.
Despite having concerns about who to trust, Jaspar is helped by friends, including the well-connected Father Michael O’Rourke and Sister Ismerelda. She is introduced to Nul and Alice and quickly smuggled out of the USA to Australia. Nul is the enigmatic, albeit sometimes emotional, ex-soldier and brother of Sister Ismerelda.
Under Nul’s tuition, Jaspar quickly learns the art of self defense and self preservation, in order to save her children. Jaspar and Nul set off on a perilous journey, which takes them over the world and into many dangerous situations and involvement with a number of perfidious, sinister characters.
Jaspar’s War started with fast paced action but, unfortunately, lost ground as some of the timings and plot developments were a tad unbelievable. Also some of the characters just did not ring true and were twee. That being said, I quite enjoyed the novel with some parts being very well written if a bit inconsistent.
I was given an ARC by NetGalley for an honest review, which I have given. Thank you.
Rating: ***. 3.25/5
The synopsis of an action packed thriller grabbed my attention. Jaspar’s War had all the elements to make it on to my list of favorite novels. A young mother of two children and wife of a successful politician, Jaspar Moran is leading the ideal life. That is until she receives news of her husband’s death in his government jet, followed by the kidnapping of her children. Contacted by the kidnappers she is warned not to reveal her husband’s role in the President’s economic plan.
Despite having concerns about who to trust, Jaspar is helped by friends, including the well-connected Father Michael O’Rourke and Sister Ismerelda. She is introduced to Nul and Alice and quickly smuggled out of the USA to Australia. Nul is the enigmatic, albeit sometimes emotional, ex-soldier and brother of Sister Ismerelda.
Under Nul’s tuition, Jaspar quickly learns the art of self defense and self preservation, in order to save her children. Jaspar and Nul set off on a perilous journey, which takes them over the world and into many dangerous situations and involvement with a number of perfidious, sinister characters.
Jaspar’s War started with fast paced action but, unfortunately, lost ground as some of the timings and plot developments were a tad unbelievable. Also some of the characters just did not ring true and were twee. That being said, I quite enjoyed the novel with some parts being very well written if a bit inconsistent.
I was given an ARC by NetGalley for an honest review, which I have given. Thank you.
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