Shadows of Tehran: Forged in Conflict—From Iranian Rebel to American Soldier

by Nick Berg

"Berg has earned entrance to this genre club—readers will hope for further adventures."
- Kirkus Review
“Shadows of Tehran is more than just another story of a war.”
-Midwest Review
"Balancing intimate storytelling with high-stakes tension, Shadows of Tehran is as much about identity as it is about war."
- Independent Book Review

“When you find yourself at the gates of Hell, keep walking.” —Churchill

Raised in Tehran but torn between two worlds, Ricardo’s young life is thrown into chaos when his American father abandons the family just as the Islamic Revolution of 1979 breaks out. As fundamental human rights are washed away in a tide of religious, anti-Western fanaticism, Ricardo’s mother remarries, introducing a stepfather with a dark secret.

At only 14 years old, Ricardo vows to take back what was stolen under the oppressive, authoritarian rule. He quickly becomes a rebel leader, earning himself renown as the Shadow Rider of Tehran. When his name is leaked and an execution order issued, he must flee the only country he has called home. But the fight is not over. Blessed with an indomitable will and unbreakable spirit, Ricardo becomes a US Special Forces soldier and, in a surprising turn of events, lands right back where he started.

Spanning continents and infused with heart-pounding action, Shadows of Tehran is more than just a story of war. It’s an exploration of one man’s refusal to break under abuse, abandonment, and loss—an affirmation that we, not the events in our lives, determine whether to be a victim or survivor. Based on a true story, this is an astonishing tale of resilience, rebellion, and the enduring human spirit—one that will inspire anyone facing their own shadows to keep pushing forward.

300 pages, Hardcover

First published April 22, 2025

About the author

Nick Berg is an American author whose life is marked by tragedy and resilience. Born in Tehran to an Iranian mother and American father, he experienced Iran’s vibrant culture and violent political upheavals. These events deeply influenced his worldview and literary voice. In his novel, “Shadows of Tehran,” Nick mirrors his life through the protagonist, Ricardo, reflecting struggles with identity, betrayal, and redemption.

Nick moved to the U.S., served in Special Operations, and transitioned to a successful tech executive career after an injury. Post-military, Nick focuses on writing, speaking, and coaching on diversity and servant Leadership. He is also a music enthusiast, finding creativity and renewal in producing electronic music. Nick is also an instructor for AI fundamentals at UCLA.

Reviews

[Veronica ⭐️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shadows of Tehran would have to be the most amazing and terrifying story I've read for a long time.

Shadows of Tehran is a fictional tale inspired by true events from the author's lived experiences. Nick Berg uses creative license with dialogue and thoughts of real characters.

Shadows of Tehran is an astonishing tale of one man's will not to be broken. I'm not sure how much Nick Berg fictionalised Ricardo's story or if Ricardo is a combination of people. Either way it is a truly harrowing story of survival and the fight for a better life.

Berg's writing shows the strength of courage and the power of hope that keeps people fighting for freedom against insurmountable odds.

Shadows of Tehran is a must read. It's a story that will stay with you long after you turn the last page.

Read my full review here: https://theburgeoningbookshelf.blogsp...

[Roz Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a story that will stay with me for a long time. Beautifully written with emotion, honesty and frankness. I found the entire story incredibly powerful and I rooted for Ricardo throughout. His strength of character was testament to his love of his family and drive to protect them.

That this is based on the author's life, I feel privileged that I had the opportunity to read it. Life starts out idyllic for the family, but soon life takes a dark turn and Ricardo can either wither and let life burden him or he can come out fighting. I loved his speech to Reza I was cheering from the sidelines.

This book will have you feeling a wealth of emotions as you read all that Ricardo endures in his life. I really loved learning more about the history and culture of Iran. I also loved that Ricardo found solace in his uncle's bookshop and how the knowledge he discovered within the pages gave him the strength to fight back.

A truly thought-provoking, powerful read with an ending that has me wanting to see what comes next.

A huge thank you to the author, publisher and Love Books Tours for providing a copy of the book to review.

[Kristina Chomick · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a beautiful book. I was drawn into the story and characters quickly, and felt like I lived through the fear and heartbreak of their experiences with them throughout the whole story. We are living through such chaotic circumstances and being reminded of how our current times are reflections of the past and the lessons we haven’t learned is both heartbreaking and terrifying. Being able to read this story from the perspective of perseverance and hopefulness is something I think we all need to hold onto now. Everyone should read books about different places and people with different backgrounds from them as this is how we learn, grow, accept, and realize how similar we all are and how deep down those of us with good hearts all want the same thing. Thank you to @smithpublicity and @nick.berg3 for sharing this book and your story with me and the #arc! I truly hope that I get to find out what happens next.

[Myles Bryant · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Shadows of Tehran by Nick Berg is a masterfully written debut that delivers both suspense and emotional depth. Set in contemporary Iran, this novel follows a young man caught in the crosshairs of a brutal regime, forced to make impossible choices in a world where trust can be fatal.
The pacing is sharp, the stakes are high, and the setting is incredibly vivid. You can tell Berg did his research, but he never lets the details weigh the story down. Instead, they add authenticity to a novel that already hits hard emotionally.
If you like intelligent thrillers with a strong sense of place and a beating heart beneath the action, this one is for you! A nail biter and intriguing story and an absolute page turner. Incredible novel through and through

[Sandra M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shadows of Tehran offers a fascinating and emotional perspective on Iranian history and its lasting impact on those who’ve lived it. Told through the eyes of an American-Iranian child, the story traces an unforgettable journey—from growing up under a repressive regime to becoming a soldier in the U.S. Army. 🇮🇷➡️🇺🇸

It’s raw, deeply human, and full of the complex layers that shape identity and purpose. Highly recommend for readers who are drawn to memoirs, history, and stories of resilience. 🙌📖

[Bianca Duthie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a dark and twisty thriller that ends with so many questions you will be desperate to know more.
A large portion of the book spans Ricardo's childhood and teenage years in Tehran. During this time, young Ricardo witnesses and experiences terrible acts that shape his adulthood.
I found so much of this incredibly difficult to read because it was so real and heartbreaking. It discussed events that I was vaguely aware of from my childhood but in a way that detailed them much more than the sheltered version given to children in the UK of ongoing worldwide events. It also brought back some tough memories, we had a girl join our primary school whose family had fled Kuwait, a school friend I'd known from infancy was killed in Afghanistan as part of the war discussed in a section of this. All of this took me back to that time, but with an adult view now of the heartbreak that so many faced. Not only did I find this difficult, but there was also so much death, war, abuse, torture, persecution, mental health, substance misuse, and suicide. I had to stop reading a number of times and think of more light-hearted topics. Despite all of this, it did keep me gripped, and I raced through the story, eager to learn more.
There are many characters you don't know enough about to know who to trust completely. I really hope that this is cleared up in the sequel. I am.also hopeful that there might be a reunion of some sorts for Ricardo with various members of his family and that we see resolutions for them, or at least explanations of their lives in the intervening years Ricardo has been gone.
I'm looking forward to seeing what else comes of this series and would recommend this to all fans of dark action thrillers.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is nothing short of a literary masterpiece! It takes you on an unforgettable journey through the life of its deeply complex protagonist, weaving a tale that is as thought-provoking as it is heart-wrenching. Berg’s storytelling is so vivid and immersive that you’ll find yourself utterly captivated, eager to uncover every detail about the character’s life, choices, and the forces that shape their destiny.

What makes this book truly extraordinary is the haunting realization that much of the story, though fictional, is rooted in truth. This blurring of fiction and reality forces you to reflect on your own life in ways you never imagined. The narrative is rich with historical and cultural depth, offering a rare glimpse into a world that feels both foreign and intimately familiar.

”Shadows of Tehran” is more than just a book—it’s an experience. It challenges you to question your assumptions, confront your own choices, and see the world through a different lens. Nick Berg has crafted a story that lingers long after the final page, leaving you with a profound sense of connection to the characters and their struggles. This is, without a doubt, one of the most amazing books I’ve ever read!

[Dani :) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. From the very first page, it pulled me in so completely that I felt like I had fallen into a time warp—I looked up, and suddenly, I was finished, desperate to know what happens next. The storytelling is immersive, weaving stories within the story that make you pause, take a deep breath and truly appreciate the present. It offers a powerful perspective: no matter the challenges you face, if you pick yourself up, you can persevere through anything.

As a mother, I couldn’t help but put myself in Ricardo’s mother’s shoes and the many mothers in this book whose stories shattered my heart. But through it all, I was in absolute awe of Ricardo’s resilience. One quote that stuck with me, something I think about almost daily, is: " the decision to be a survivor, not a victim."

No matter what life throws my way, this book gave me hope—to push through the trials, lift my head, and embrace each day as a gift. If you’re looking for a story that will move, inspire, and stay with you long after the last page, this is it.

[Teresa Brock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shadows of Tehran delivers a searing, unforgettable account of survival and transformation, drawn from the author’s own extraordinary life. Nick Berg’s debut follows Ricardo Rosen, a teenager caught in the violent grip of Iran’s revolution who evolves from rebel fighter to elite U.S. soldier. The story pulses with tension and heart, written with the authority of someone who lived its essence. More than just a political thriller, this is a deeply human tale of identity, sacrifice, and the search for belonging.

Few novels carry such emotional weight while maintaining relentless momentum. Rather than glorifying conflict, Berg offers an unfiltered look into the cost of resilience and the scars left behind. Ricardo’s dual existence—caught between two cultures, two wars, two selves—feels both epic and intimate. Based on a true story, Shadows of Tehran doesn’t ask for sympathy; it earns respect. Bold, cinematic, and soul-stirring, this is a debut that deserves attention far beyond the battlefield.

[Lee Woodruff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Based on the author’s life story, this book is told from the point of view of Ricardo, born and raised in Tehran to an American father and Iranian mother. Just as the revolution breaks out in 1979, his father abandons the family and his mother travels to the US to find him. He eludes them at every turn, and the family returns to life in a vastly changing Iran, where human rights are washed away in a tide of religious, anti-western fanaticism. When Ricardo’s mother remarries, his new step-Dad harbors a dark secret. Fourteen-year old Ricardo vows to take back what has been taken from them in the repressive regime. Moving from a fugitive to a U.S. Special Forces soldier, the story follows the transformation of a young man forged by his unbroken will and spirit. Amidst the backdrop of war, vivid action, tension, abuse and abandonment, this book is ultimately about the choices we make to be a victim, or a triumphant survivor.

[Nicola Doyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

My gosh this book was an eye opener. Not only about growing up in Tehran and being in the military but also the level of human cruelty and depravity.

The cover is simple and understated. The colours just make me think of heat and the desert. It's visually pleasing. Great job with the design!

The book is so well written and flows nicely. The descriptions and visuals just broke me at times. Why someone can do this to others is horrifying.

The characters were good and they slotted into the story nicely. I really liked Ricardo. I felt so sad for him at times. He went through so much and we still have more to come! Wonderful work with the characters, Nick.

The setting was good. I learned lots about a few countries. I also learnt even more about the evil sides of war.

I really recommend this and I am looking forward to more from Ricardo and Nick in the future.

[Kate Edmondson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love reading and I had put off starting this as i thought I would find it hard to read but no I didn’t! I couldn’t put it down!

This is an autobiographic novel, and as I read it I felt so much pain for the author in so many ways.

In the about the author section it says Nick emphasises resilience and hope, I don’t know how one person can be so resilient and have this life and still have hope!

His father was controlling from behind the scenes and I read it as if his dad fathered him to support him
Being undercover and this is even more heartbreaking when you realise it’s based on a true story.

This is a modern day story, these events are happening in our life time and I am so glad I read this book.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an intense read full of violence and unimaginable events that is also filled with resilience and hope. Ricardo is a character full of determination, grit, and resilience that even when faced with torture found a way to be true to himself, survive, and thrive. I liked that he is a thoughtful scholar determined to live his beliefs as well as a warrior and that his uncle’s bookstore played such an important role in his life. The book was well-written and engaging with chapters that flowed and kept me reading. The book left me with many thoughts and things to consider and I wonder what is next for Ricardo.

Thanks to Love Book Tours and the author for the gifted copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Naturalbri (Bri Wignall) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was drawn to this book from the very beginning and even though I tried to spread thwbr adding out over the month, I could not help it and read the whole things in just a few days. The gripping and somewhat gritty nature of this tale, based on a true story, grabs you and really thrusts you into the dark journey of doing everything in your power to fight to take back your country. If you cannot win from the inside, find another way in.
I loved the main character and his never be beaten attitude. It was brilliant to have such a strong person, who would not give up on fighting for what he and his people really deserve and to get back what he lost. I like that he never took no for a true answer, if he wanted me.
This was an epic journey and one that unfolds in such an exciting way.

[Tami Wylie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ricardo was born and raised in Tehran. His mother was Iranian, father American. When his father abandons them, his mother takes him to the US in search of him. However, a reunion never happens. Returning to Iran, Ricardo turns to rebellion in a turbulent period in the country’s history. Eventually, this leads to him working on special missions as a US special forces soldier. Ricardo was a fantastic character. No matter what life threw his way he stayed strong and loyal. The story is gripping, tense and a fascinating read. It was made even more interesting as it was based on a true story. If you love stories about spies and espionage, then this one is perfect for you.

[Lauren Flewett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was not expecting to be drawn into this book as much as I was. My knowledge of Iranian history is minimal but this book has taught me so much. As soon as I started reading I didn’t wasn’t to put the book down.

Knowing this book is based on a true story makes it hit even harder and makes it more poignant.

The descriptions of Tehran were great, I could picture in my mind all that Ricardo was seeing - even the unpleasant stuff - which is a sign of a great writer.

The character of Ricardo is very well built up and I could feel all his emotions right alongside him. Such a strong and resilient character.

I cannot wait to read more by this author.

[AmesChicReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nick Berg weaves a raw, thrilling, and emotionally resonant tale drawn from his own extraordinary life.
This one gripped me from the beginning, reading like fiction, but is grounded in truth—and that authenticity charges every page with urgency and heart.
We follow Ricardo, who goes through so many emotional trials, political and cultural issues, all while showing compassion and empathy for others in his life.
As he completes missions in foreign countries, Ricardo also battles internal struggles - survivor’s guilt and a fractured identity. His will to survive defines his journey! I definitely recommend picking this up. Once you do, you won’t want to put it down!

[Judith Muijsers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shadows of Tehran is a deeply moving and powerful story of survival, resilience, and courage. From the first page, I was completely drawn in, experiencing both smiles at moments of triumph and tears at the sheer adversity faced. The protagonist’s bold response to unthinkable situations is nothing short of inspiring, showcasing an unbreakable and true warrior spirit.

This book is not just a story—it’s a testament to strength, perseverance, and the will to overcome. A must-read for anyone who appreciates true accounts of bravery and determination.

[Darken Library · Rating 5 out of 5]

Our club was completely absorbed by Shadows of Tehran: Forged in Conflict—From Iranian Rebel to American Soldier by Nick Berg. This gripping and deeply human story goes far beyond the battlefield, it’s a powerful testament to courage, survival, and the unyielding spirit of hope. Berg masterfully blends history, emotion, and suspense, following Ricardo’s extraordinary journey from revolutionary youth to American soldier. Every chapter resonates with heart-pounding tension and raw authenticity. Shadows of Tehran is an unforgettable read that left our club both moved and inspired.

[Adeleke Inioluwa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an engaging and thought provoking read that captures attention from the very first page. The author does a wonderful job of weaving together interesting ideas, relatable characters, and a strong sense of purpose. The writing is clear, the pacing is smooth, and the themes are meaningful, leaving readers with plenty to reflect on.

Whether you’re reading for entertainment, inspiration, or knowledge, this book offers something valuable. It’s well crafted and enjoyable, making it a great addition to any reader’s collection.

[Gram · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shadows of Tehran is a gripping and powerful read. I was completely drawn into the life of the young man. Each chapter left me eager to find out what obstacle he would face next and how he would overcome it. The book sheds a revealing light on the harsh realities of living in a deeply restrictive society, yet it’s ultimately a story of resilience. It reminded me how determination and courage can help someone rise above even the most difficult circumstances. I couldn’t put it down.

[Matt Chaika · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book as a free giveaway on Goodreads, and I’m really glad that I did. I think that the writing maybe wasn’t the smoothest but it was easy for me to overlook that. The story was engaging, the main characters were interesting, and I genuinely want to see where this goes next. I didn’t realize it was the first book in a series, but apparently that’s the case. Looking forward to reading the next book.

[Sue Wallace · Rating 4 out of 5]

Readalong for
Shadows of Tehran by Nick Berg.
I really did enjoy this book. Full of action. I got into it straight away. I did like Ricardo. I was rooting for him all through the book. I liked the cover and blurb. I read this through the month as a readalong. I did enjoy reading it this way. I was hooked from page one. I love a good story when you feel like you are there watching everything happen. It had emotion and honesty. Very well written. Definitely recommend.

[Aurora · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nick, Shadows of Tehran gripped me from the first page, your blend of raw conflict, cultural transformation, and personal reckoning is nothing short of powerful. 🌍 The journey from Iranian rebel to American soldier felt authentically lived, and left me pondering identity and sacrifice long after I finished. I can’t wait to see what you’re exploring next.

[Jummy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I discovered Shadows of Tehran through our book club and was completely captivated. Nick Berg tells an extraordinary true story of survival, courage, and identity set against the backdrop of revolution and war. It’s raw, inspiring, and deeply human, a powerful reminder that strength comes from resilience, not circumstance. One of those rare reads that stays with you long after the last page.

[Kathleen McElroy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is profoundly one of the most powerful books I have read. Coming from the point of view of someone who lived these horrible atrocities and the way he wrote it made it hard to put down. He had me in tears in many places as he painted the evil of humans. I don’t usually give 5 stars, but this book deserves it.

[Nicole Watson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the story and it made it better knowing it is a true story. My favorite movies and books are those that relate to being truthful. Even though this was a hard thing to go through this storyline was awesome.

[Soha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book very quickly because I was so absorbed in it. The author made it so easy for me to picture the events and feel about them step-by-step along side the main character. I am looking forward to reading more.

[Mohammed Roshan · Rating 5 out of 5]

fascinating and gripping

I was totally engrossed reading this book from start to end , Ricardo’s experiences were gripping and fascinating , Nick has been able to relate his experiences very well and I am eagerly awaiting for the sequel.
Mohammed Roshan

[Arleen S. Plutner · Rating 1 out of 5]

Puff Piece

It was like a script of a super hero movie, and to me not very believable.

It is the first novel I have read whose last words are:
“To be continued “.

Very unsatisfying, to say the least.