The Cobalt Curse

by Joey O'Connor

What readers are saying about The Cobalt Curse...“The Cobalt Curse is a can’t-put-it-down thriller.”

“The Cobalt Curse is like an excellent meal…a combination of well-crafted writing and intelligence.”

“I could hardly put The Cobalt Curse down. It was full of action and intrigue. I enjoyed it very much!”

Every Scar Has A Story

Professor Kai Baldwin, a world-famous human rights lawyer, has endured loss after loss. Preferring a safe college classroom back in the States, he vows never to return to his childhood home in the Congo. Who could fault him? By all accounts, he should be dead. His father died in a plane crash. His fiancée left him. And his mother is dying. The two-inch scar on his right wrist is a nagging reminder of his vow and unresolved grief.

But when his former fiancée mysteriously disappears, Kai jettisons his never-evers and rushes back to the Congo. Launching a desperate search for her, Kai discovers a global conspiracy to control the world’s cobalt resources. He faces the ultimate will he risk all to save the one he loves or sacrifice himself for the good of humanity?

The Cobalt Curse takes readers into the wild world of conflict minerals, cryptocurrency, and artificial intelligence through the streets of Dubai, Washington, D.C., Brussels, Switzerland, and deep into the Congo jungle.

738 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 28, 2024

About the author

Hey there Goodreads Friends!

I have two announcements!

Just in time for 2025, I released my latest book, Cultivating Your Dream: Inspiration & Action for Doing What You Were Made to Do.

Do you have a dream? A desire you've always wanted to pursue? This book is written for dreamers, artists, entrepreneurs, visionaries, creatives...anyone with a dream!

Cultivating Your Dream offers inspiration and practical action steps to help you achieve your dreams!

Cultivating is available on my website and all online retailers...if you'd like a FREE REVIEW copy please message me and I'd be happy to send you one!

Be sure to check out my new romantic thriller, The Cobalt Curse.

The Cobalt Curse is a wild international ride through Dubai, Washington D.C., Brussels, Rwanda, and the Congo.

In visually stunning imagery, you'll follow human rights lawyer Dr. Kai Baldwin launch a daring search to rescue his former fiancée kidnapped in the Congo by a cryptocurrency titan set on controlling the world's cobalt resources.

My story is based on true events and my travels to the Eastern Congo, as well as heavy research into conflict minerals (cobalt), cryptocurrency, and technology.

If you read my previous historical fiction novel (AMONG KINGS), you'll discover mind-blowing information about the Congo, Central Africa, and the conflict minerals trade.

My story is timely and culturally relevant because your cell phones and mine need cobalt mined by children and families in the Congo (much of it illegally).

Here's a bit more about me...

I am an award-winning author and screenwriter of twenty-three books for couples, parents, and young adults. I'm also the founder of The Grove Center for the Arts & Media, an arts organization dedicated to cultivating the spiritual life and creative work of artists. I'm an Ironman athlete and live in San Clemente, California.

For entertaining and inspirational posts for your creative life, you can follow me on...

https://www.instagram.com/joeyoconnor3

https://www.tiktok.com/@joeyoc1

http://www.facebook.com/joeyaoconnor

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKaK...

https://www.x.com/JoeyTheGrove

To see all of my books, visit

https://joeyoc.myshopify.com

Reviews

[Will Cowen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a pure thriller, through and through, with hints of Michael Crichton at his best, dropping quite a lot of meaningful knowledge about real-world horrors alongside the fast-paced, excellently plotted and written story. The writing is fantastic, and while there were a few moments when characters acted somewhat contrary to my expectations, these moments were fleeting. Pacing for this long book was stellar, with short, punchy chapters that let the reader take on small or large sessions and still keep things straight, despite the interwoven threads of the story. Demonstrating great control of craft the book has a lot of excellent exposition (which is normally so hard to do well).

This isn't a life-changing story, and it's got all the cheesy hallmarks of your favorite thriller crossed with a modern Indiana Jones (which comparison is made literally for the reader - the author is clearly self-aware in his genre). But it was a pleasure from beginning to end, and may perhaps give a bit of important context around real global problems - a great example of what a thriller should be.

I received an advance review copy from Voracious Readers Only.

[Juanita Nieuwoudt · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Cobalt Curse by Joey O’Connor is a thrilling ride that dives into the murky world of cobalt mining in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). It’s not just a page-turner; it also shines a light on some serious issues like exploitation and environmental damage, making it a thought-provoking read.
The story revolves around characters caught up in the cobalt supply chain, revealing the harsh realities faced by miners and their communities. O’Connor does a fantastic job of showcasing the resource curse, where countries rich in resources like cobalt often struggle with economic and social challenges instead of thriving.
The characters are relatable and well-developed, each offering a unique perspective on the cobalt industry. O’Connor really brings these people to life, making you care about their stories and the real-world implications behind them.
O’Connor’s writing is engaging and easy to digest, mixing suspense with informative content. The pacing is spot-on, making it hard to put the book down!
In short, The Cobalt Curse is more than just an exciting read; it’s a wake-up call about the actual costs of cobalt mining. It encourages us to think critically about our tech and its impact on the world. If you’re into thrillers that make you think, this book is definitely worth checking out!

[Phil Jourdeuil · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed The Cobalt Curse. I loved the character development, the plot and the premise set in the not so distant future.

O’Connor really paints some gruesome mind pictures about the continued exploitation of the Congolese people by the rich and powerful. Yet at the same time we see the joy, resilience and compassion of these people despite their challenges. Not much change from the Belgian exploitation under King Leopold II.

The character back stories are detailed and nicely intertwined. Each character’s story is rich and explores different choices and consequences and clearly shows their evolution or lack thereof as the story unfolds.

The plot sings the song of unchecked greed and power in the guise of altruism.

I received a review copy of this book from the author as a beta reader.

[ABrahosky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Joey O’Connor delivers a hard hitting and moving fiction set in modern Congo that really explodes the tragedy connected to the exploitation of the region by global industry, at the same time as weaving a suspenseful action story with complex characters and gritty action sequences.

This story drove home the bigger picture of the grim reality of life for native Congolese in a narrative that wove it into the plot without becoming pontificating.

The personal struggles of the characters added poignancy that resonated with the overall theme of how Western nations can and have reacted to the “hidden” consequences of modern life in the high-tech age.

O’Connor’s passion for his subject was infectious, easily leaping from the page to my consciousness. This story really “clicked” on a whole range for me.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Lyndsay Fiorentino · Rating 5 out of 5]

Follow a young Congolese boy, an American peacemaker and a doctor (just to name a few) through their adventures in the Congo while a billionaire tech whiz tries to unify the world with his crazy ideas.
I'm a big fan of author Joey O'Connor, love that he takes real world issues and ideas and turns them into action packed stories!

[Rebecca Faubion · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this is like watching a riveting, soulful movie that you'll want to discuss with your friends!
Thought-provoking and fast-paced, you won't want to put the book down. I love the rare combination of geo-political acumen, dynamic characters, and a life-giving message. For someone who loves words as much as I do, it's a literary gem. Yes, the Cobalt Curse is a cinematic drama transversing complex dilemmas of our global economy. But more importantly, this is a book that invites us to live with greater courage and hope amid the pressing issues of our present age. Highly recommend!

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

He never wants to return home as it was just so full of danger and grieve. He may have no choice when his ex fiancée goes missing and he shoots home to try to find her. He will find a conspiracy with the cobalt mines and danger will soon be found? What is going to happen? What will he find? Can he save her? See how it will all go
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and I want to review

[Christene · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Cobalt Curse is a can’t put it down thriller. The story weaves characters and international locations together with skill and subtlety. The interaction and development of the characters is strong and makes the story compelling to discover who, where and what happens next! The research in technology, science, geology and weaponry is very impressive and makes it believably real.

I definitely recommend this book

[The Bourbon-Sipping Bibliophile · Rating 3 out of 5]

Joey O'Connor's "The Cobalt Curse" throws readers headfirst into a heart-pounding, globe-trotting adventure that blends the high-stakes action of a thriller with a compelling romance, all set against the backdrop of the turbulent Democratic Republic of Congo. Evoking comparisons to Jason Bourne meets Indiana Jones, this novel is a page-turner that entertains while subtly educating, leaving you breathless and perhaps, a little wiser about the world.

Professor Kai Baldwin, a renowned human rights lawyer, is haunted by loss and a vow to stay away from his childhood home in the Congo. Yet, when his former fiancée vanishes in that very place, Kai must break his promise and return. His desperate search for her unravels a vast conspiracy centered on the control of the world's cobalt resources, a mineral essential to modern technology. Enlisting the aid of a former child soldier, Kai plunges into a dangerous world of conflict minerals, cryptocurrency, and artificial intelligence, spanning locations from Dubai to Washington D.C., and deep into the Congolese jungle. Torn between saving the woman he once loved and potentially sacrificing himself for a greater global good, Kai faces impossible choices in this thrilling and thought-provoking adventure.

"The Cobalt Curse" is a masterful blend of thriller and romance that succeeds in being both entertaining and enlightening. Joey O'Connor has crafted a compelling narrative that grips you from the first page and doesn't let go, offering a fast-paced adventure that sheds light on important global issues while delivering a satisfying and emotional story.

Highly recommended for readers who love action-packed thrillers, enjoy stories with international settings and real-world stakes, and appreciate a touch of romance and inspirational themes woven into their suspense. Fans of authors like Michael Crichton, and those who enjoy narratives reminiscent of Jason Bourne or Indiana Jones, will find "The Cobalt Curse" a captivating and rewarding read.

A thrilling and impactful read that earns a solid 3.75 out of 5 stars. "The Cobalt Curse" is a page-turning adventure that entertains, educates, and leaves you pondering the complex realities of our modern world.

My Rating System:
1⭐️: The book didn’t hold my interest and/or had significant issues that overshadowed any redeeming qualities for me, but generally not my cup of tea. Most likely did not finish the book.
2⭐️: The book didn’t quite resonate with me, and while my experience wasn’t remarkable, I did finish it. It had some redeeming qualities and potential but fell short in execution. Recommendable, though with some reservations.
3⭐️: Good read, but didn’t quite stand out. Still worth recommending to others.
4⭐️: Really enjoyed it and stayed engaged throughout. Would read book again. Definitely recommendable.
5⭐️: Incredible writing that made me deeply connect with the characters. I was completely absorbed in the world and didn’t want it to end. This book stayed with me even when I wasn’t reading it. I'd gladly reread it and highly recommend it to everyone!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ganesh Subramanian · Rating 4 out of 5]

The cobalt curse introduces you to the world of Congo in Africa. Kai Baldwin, a native of Congo, goes away from Congo after his father's death, promising never to return. His former love, Brooke is kidnapped amidst mysterious circumstances and he is forced to return to Congo to find her and rescue her. The book lays bare the deplorable conditions of the children who are forced into working in the Cobalt mines and how the mine owners in collusion with people in authority exploit the situation for their greed. It describes beautifully the rich landscape of the country. The description of a volcanic eruption and its aftermath is breathtaking. However, the book takes on a very broad canvas of the fusion of new technologies - quantum computing, internet, blockchain, crypto-currency, ebola, bioweapons, drones and satellites and how one megalomaniac tries to usurp power over the world. This is a bit of a stretch and it hardly does justice to any of the esoteric subjects. Overall the book is gripping and keeps you engrossed and it is a book that leaves a mark on your conscience about the way Congo is exploited for its rich minerals by industrial conglomerates in their quest for rare minerals.

Thank you for providing this book for review consideration via BookSirens. All opinions are my own.

[Lisa Iwata · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Cobalt curse is a masterful work that was ages in the making. Built on research the author garnered over many years and based on a true history of African Congo, this novel brings horror, greed, injustice, technology, morality, shared trauma and even romance together in a breathtaking, page-turner.

O’conner's characters are well fleshed out and give us an insight to generational and specific trauma. Historical injustice, human greed and inhuman behavior, begat victims that perpetrate evils on other victims. This story brings to light a complex scenario where the perfect storm of corruption and terror is created.

The Cobalt Curse is a cautionary tale about misplaced trust, greed, the misuse of technology, ignorance, and evil, and at the same time, love, trust and redemption.

I enjoyed the that way history, geography, and technology were woven together and I often paused to look up the locations, history and scientific facts that were mentioned. It made me want to learn more about the major concerns raised in this novel. I couldn’t help see some possible parallels to real people, events and decisions that we are currently facing as a world society.


This was a fast paced and educational read, I kept thinking how this would make for a great mini-series. Now who to star in each role???

[SM · Rating 5 out of 5]

What makes The Cobalt Curse so intriguing and impactful is that while it is fiction, throughout the story the reader learns the truth about what is happening in the Congo with cobalt mining, child soldiers, government corruption, etc., and we realize that each one of the characters could actually be representative of a real person who is currently living through this modern day crisis. The author's ability to describe scenes and locations along with feelings and thoughts of the characters makes the story jump off the pages and allows the reader to immerse themselves in all of the sites, sounds, and emotions as if they themselves are present in the story. In addition, a message of faith has been woven throughout that gives the story a deeper meaning and brings hope, too. This is not the first book I have read by Mr. O'Connor and I absolutely hope it is not my last as I can't wait to see what adventure he takes us on next.

[Lynne Gibbons · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Cobalt Curse by Joey O’Connor
This is an excellent book and story, loved it, could not put down. Fast paced with many twists and turns, intrigue created with intelligence and knowledge of many places, languages, viruses, peacekeeping, travelling the world, from Dubai to the Congo jungle. I could picture myself there and it opened my eyes to the many issues of conflict materials, human tragedy, abuse and child labour; very sad this goes on today. I would like to see this book in movie form, it would make a blockbuster movie. Kudos to Joey O’Connor. Cannot wait to read another by this author!

[Becca · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew when I started this, it would be tough in some ways. Dante, I knew, would be important at some point. I couldn't even imagine this way. They say there's a lot of truth in fiction, and this is very true. While some things are very clearly fiction, things in Africa and places like the Congo are very true. Dante captured me from first moment and I was very happy this had a 'happy ending'. This is one incredible story. It will pull you all over the emotional roller coaster. I'm glad I picked this one up.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nate · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Cobalt Curse is a fun romp with larger-than-life situations, heroes, and villains set against the backdrop of all-too-real societal issues, emerging technologies, and matters of the human heart.

It contains light faith elements amidst a mashup of the social awareness spotlight of films like Blood Diamond or Hotel Rwanda, the techno thriller components of a Michael Crichton novel, and the fun and adventure of Indiana Jones.

The Cobalt Curse is fast-paced, winding, and heart-felt entertainment that educates readers about the very real issues plaguing one of the most mineral-rich yet poverty-stricken places in the world.

[Verity Boxall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Despite being an avid reader, it is a rare occurrence to find myself utterly captivated within a book’s pages but this was the case with the “Cobalt Curse.” The author has created a riveting and fast-paced story that highlights some of the worst human rights abuses in modern times. I found myself plunged into the shadowy world of conflict minerals within the Democratic Republic of Congo and I emerged at the end a wiser person, gasping to know more.
I urge everyone to buy this novel; for its characters, for its plot and for the truth it speaks about our modern world.

[Cosy Book Cave · Rating 3 out of 5]

𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝘾𝙤𝙗𝙖𝙡𝙩 𝘾𝙪𝙧𝙨𝙚 𝙞𝙨 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙢𝙮 𝙪𝙨𝙪𝙖𝙡 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙙, 𝙗𝙪𝙩 𝙞𝙩'𝙨 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙝 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙖𝙙𝙫𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙚. 𝙏𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙞𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙚𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙙 𝙗𝙤𝙤𝙠 𝙤𝙛 𝙅𝙤𝙚𝙮'𝙨 𝙄'𝙫𝙚 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙙, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙝𝙚 𝙙𝙤𝙚𝙨 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙛𝙖𝙞𝙡 𝙩𝙤 𝙖𝙙𝙙 𝙨𝙪𝙨𝙥𝙚𝙣𝙨𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙖𝙙𝙫𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙚 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙜𝙚𝙩-𝙜𝙤. 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙢𝙖𝙞𝙣 𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙧𝙖𝙘𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙧𝙚𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙣𝙨 𝙩𝙤 𝙖 𝙥𝙡𝙖𝙘𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙮 𝙫𝙤𝙬𝙚𝙙 𝙣𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙩𝙤 𝙜𝙤 𝙗𝙖𝙘𝙠 𝙩𝙤, 𝙙𝙧𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙣 𝙗𝙮 𝙥𝙪𝙧𝙥𝙤𝙨𝙚. 𝘼𝙡𝙤𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙬𝙖𝙮, 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙮 𝙛𝙖𝙘𝙚 𝙤𝙗𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙘𝙡𝙚𝙨, 𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙣𝙜𝙚𝙨, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙗𝙖𝙩𝙩𝙡𝙚 𝙪𝙣𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙤𝙡𝙫𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙪𝙢𝙖.

𝘐 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘺 𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘭𝘴 𝘤𝘶𝘳𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘭𝘥 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘴, 𝘩𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘭𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘳𝘢𝘱𝘪𝘥 𝘥𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘭𝘰𝘱𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘦𝘤𝘩𝘯𝘰𝘭𝘰𝘨𝘺 𝘢𝘴 𝘣𝘰𝘵𝘩 𝘢 𝘣𝘭𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘢 𝘤𝘶𝘳𝘴𝘦, 𝘥𝘦𝘱𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘰𝘯 𝘰𝘯𝘦'𝘴 𝘭𝘰𝘤𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯. 𝘚𝘶𝘱𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵 𝘑𝘰𝘦𝘺 𝘣𝘺 𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘤𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘢𝘮𝘢𝘻𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥, 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘬 𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘭𝘺 𝘪𝘯𝘴𝘱𝘪𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨!

[Wayne Forte · Rating 5 out of 5]

In author Joey O’Conner’s previous novel AMONG KINGS he wrote about the Belgian Congo under the ruinous colonization of King Leopold II. In THE COBALT CURSE he uses his extensive research and obvious passion for the Congo, letting his creative storytelling juices flow. This is about a romance seemingly gone awry between a grieving missionary pilot and the world’s foremost expert in tropical disease. It is definitely a page-turner yet believably anchored in the realities and controversies of our digitally-rattled globalized world. Highly recommended!
Wayne Forte - Visual artist

[Mark Perez · Rating 5 out of 5]

What makes this story special is that it reads like a movie, like an adventure thriller in the image of Indiana Jones or Jack Ryan. You may have trouble putting this one down! It has a little bit of everything: vivid details that engage the reader’s imagination, relevant geo-political drama, bits of humor and Kai’s incurable love for his soulmate, Brooke.

Would love to see this streaming. I highly recommend!

[Julie Rapattoni · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished the book and enjoyed it very much, in fact, I couldn't put it down. It was full of action and intrigue and human redemption. I do believe I learned something about bitcoin, satellites, drones, international peace efforts, ebola, volcanic emissions, child labor/soldiers and how much we rely on our technology! A bit of a kitchen sink, but it was a fun read! Can't wait to see the movie

[Bernie Cummins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Joey O'Connor's latest book gives an exciting and hell damnation of a ride! It is educational on why the mining of cobalt is as much a curse for the Congolese people, as well as a "blessing" for many politicians and many war mongerers using child soldiers. We are nearly all beneficiaries being users of mobile phones, laptops and electric cars!

Cobalt is the new blood diamond of Africa!

Change is desperately needed

[Juanita M · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found The Cobalt Curse like a well-crafted meal. The Cobalt Curse is a combination of well-crafted writing and intelligence. I found the book to be a profound exposure to today's political, social, and economic realities with a twist of fiction. The relationship between politics, families, relationships, romance, and danger was an excellent meal.

[Kat M · Rating 5 out of 5]

this was a strong start to the Kai Baldwin series, it had that romantic thriller concept that I was looking for and thoroughly enjoyed reading this from start to finish. The characters had that element that I was looking for and was engaged with how real they were.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Myra McCulloch · Rating 4 out of 5]

A free book from Voracious Readers thank you

Set in the African Congo this emotive tale of fiction is set against the background of war and child exploitation in the mining of essential and rare minerals.
A race against time with erupting volcanoes, a madman who wants to control the world can Kai find Brooke in time

[Margaret Both · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was another very thought provoking book by Joey O’Connor. It challenges us to rethink our ideas about what is important in life. Excellent book.
Thanks Joey!

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was there within the first two chapters somehow he wrote me into that university lecture and the colbalt mines. And I barely left for 3 days as I read in every available minute. Wow

[Brandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an amazing book, i actually put my sons teacher onto this book and she bought the audio version for her class to listen to as they learn about new things in history class.