Amie and the Child of Africa

Amie #2

by Lucinda E. Clarke

Amie has no idea of the dangers she’ll face as she sets out to find the child she lost in Togodo when the civil war erupted. She finds herself alone in the bush with only her wits to protect her against Africa’s wildlife and a terrorist organization with international connections.

She meets up with friends old and new but, who can she trust? One of them is not telling her the truth. The witch doctor predicts her future but can Amie believe what she says?

A fast paced adventure story set against the background of the Dark Continent.

Genres: Fiction, Africa

287 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 16, 2015

About the author

Born in Dublin, matured in England, wanted to follow grandfather into Fleet Street, family not wildly enthusiastic - unfeminine, unreliable and dangerous. Went to dockland Liverpool - safe, respectable and pensionable. Returned south with teaching qualifications, extremely good at self defence. Went crofting in Scotland, bred Cairn Terriers among other things. Moved to Kenya with 7 week old daughter, abandoned in the bush. On to Libya, surviving riots, public hangings, imprisoned husband and eventual deportation. Queued with the unemployed millions in UK. Moved to Botswana - still teaching - opened and ran the worst riding school in the world,- with ‘How to...’ book in hand.
Moved south to South Africa taught for four years, then in 1986 became a full time freelance writer, for major corporations, UNESCO, UNICEF and the South African Broadcasting Corporation for both radio and television. Moving into video production in 1986, received over 20 awards, specializing in education, documentaries, municipal and government, one script for National Geographic.
Returned UK Jan 1994, back to SA before April elections.
Taught in 7 countries, including Britain, Kenya, France, Libya, Botswana, Swaziland and South Africa. Also found time to breed animals for pet shops, write a newspaper column, publish two books, Heinneman & Macmillan, and work for several years as a radio announcer. Married with two daughters, a stepson and stepdaughter, moved to Spain in 2008. I now write a monthly column and have published two more books, a memoir and an adventure story set in Africa.

Reviews

[Kata Mlek · Rating 4 out of 5]

I reached for Amy and the Child of Africa, despite the fact that it’s a sequel and I wasn't sure whether I should start with the first book. To be honest: I didn’t even notice this was a sequel until pretty late—the book is very well-constructed, and you can get right into it without knowing Amy from the previous book.

Maybe the reason I had such an easy time entering to the world of the novel was the fact that Amy is simply likable. And so are the other characters—I instantly got to like them and was able to follow their stories, despite the book containing a huge variety of characters with complex backgrounds. But, as I said, they are introduced in such a way you will just accept them, as if you were meeting them at a cafe in the city and talking to them. This is a big positive quality of the book.

How would I describe Amy? She’s cute and so easy to imagine. At the beginning I thought she was a bit like some other famous female characters, who stumble at the slightest obstacles and are generally funny. Yes, she is funny. But she can also act as a strong, independent woman. Sometimes her courage gets pretty close to recklessness, but she’s got a goal—she has to save a child. And this is why, although she’s not a superwoman, she does her best to cope with that difficult task using any means available, while dealing with the troubled political situation in Africa. Amy is a perfect main character. I enjoyed watching her steal the spotlight from her husband, a spy, who has to move aside to make room for Amy's character. Amy is what kept me reading this book.

Do I have any complaints? Maybe one. I wish there were more parts related to Africa and the setting—the descriptions the author included are really good, full of details: colors, smells and emotions, and I wish there were more of them so that I could devour the writing. The ability to beam the reader to the place she’s writing about is definitely one of Lucinda E Clarke's strengths.

Enjoy!

[Iva Kenaz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is very adventurous, surprising novel and a real page-turner! The main heroine is very relatable and I enjoyed setting on the journey with her. The story is heart-breaking and keeps you on your toes. The twists result in an ending that makes you want to turn to another page, which is a wonderful setting for the other novel. I think the author has a gift of creating a special atmosphere, and for keeping the reader entertained as well as emotionally satisfied. I look forward to read on.

[Ian Hunter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m new to travel lit, having just discovered a fondness for it a few years ago. I’ve been, on the other hand, a long-time fan of action-adventure tales and fast-paced thrillers. Just my luck this book (and this series) is all three combined. And in none of the dimensions does it disappoint.

Amie, back in Africa once again, this time to rescue a young girl she dearly loves, must subject herself to international armed forces, spies, and the intrigue and tumult that is Africa during a civil war. And that’s on top of trying to figure out how to survive the wilds of the African savannah, rife with deadly creatures aplenty. To add insult to injury, her husband casually informs her that he is a spy, and therefore, in all likeliness, his doings will attract danger to them better than a magnet attracts iron shards. Amie is not some hopped up superhero, though. In many ways she’s just like you and I, an average person with a big heart trying to survive a situation that is well outside of her coping skills. This gives the reader an in to the story that seems not so farfetched. Sadly, we live in a world of refugees crossing borders, and if we’re not privileged to live in a first world country, we are increasingly subject to petty dictators that have a way of catching everyone up in their maw. Anyone who has worked stateside for a corporation knows that their psy-ops games will likely make the average person even in a first world country feel no less under the gun. So as escapist fun as this story might feel on the surface, it takes on an uncanny sense of realness and immediacy for just about anyone who might pick it up.

As with its predecessor, the book is a story very well told. But my favorite part of this series is that it’s impossible to read any of the installments and not feel the call to activism yourself. In a world with so many worthwhile causes desperately calling out for help, I consider that not only a good thing, but a lofty goal perhaps all writers should strive for, even if few will succeed; namely, the transmogrification of the reader from pacifist to activist.

[Valerie Poore · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a storyteller Lucinda E Clarke is! I see others reviewers have said the same and I can only confirm and endorse it. Amie and the Child of Africa is a terrific page turner from the start and I was completely swept along by the action and the adventure. In fact, I could hardly put it down and finished it in just a few evenings.

The story follows that of Book 1 and I would definitely recommend reading that first to understand why this book begins with Amie and her husband and friends camping out in the African Bush. Having survived a violent coup in Apatu, Togodo, a period of isolation in the African bush where she had to fend for herself and the realisation that her husband has been working as a spy, Amie now discovers that Angelina, the little African girl of whom she became so fond at an AIDS orphanage, has been kidnapped by fundamentalist terrorists of the Boco Haram persuasion. Amie and the Child of Africa follows Amie's attempts to rescue the child and her husband from the terrorists. During the adventures, she has to cope with Shalima, a feisty, somewhat loud-mouthed and annoying teenager from Birmingham, a real foil to Amie's decency. She also meets up with characters from the first book: Ben, her former film production assistant and the charming teacher of the AIDS orphanage, Mrs Motzwezi , who are also very much involved in the crazy races across the African bushveld.

Amie is no typical heroine in that she is really reluctant to put herself in so much danger, but her love for Angelina and her husband spur her on. This is a great action adventure story and Ms Clarke describes the African setting beautifully. I lived in S. Africa myself for many years and find her descriptions of the towns and the people completely authentic. If one occasionally has to suspend belief at times, well that is all part of an action adventure novel and in this case, with this book, it is quite easy to do. Topical, insightful and beautifully in context, I enjoyed this book even more than the first. Highly recommended!

[Grant Leishman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amie and the Child of Africa by Lucinda E Clarke is the sequel to Amie and is every bit as exciting and fast-paced as the original. I'd read the first book and the sequel pretty much takes up where the first book left off. In this story, we follow Amie's exploits as she tries to rescue her husband from a band of cut-throat ISIS terrorists in deepest central Africa.

This was a very enjoyable read and I would highly recommend it to anyone who likes fast-paced adventures, especially in foreign climes. A very good book.

[Alison]

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[Billy Buttons · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was entered in The Wishing Shelf Book Awards. This is what our readers thought:
Title: Amie and the Child of Africa
Author: Lucinda E Clarke
Star Rating: 4 Stars
Number of Readers: 15
Stats
Editing: 8/10
Writing Style: 8/10
Content: 7/10
Cover: 7/10
Of the 15 readers:
12 would read another book by this author.
10 thought the cover was good or excellent.
13 felt it was easy to follow.
12 would recommend this story to another reader to try.
8 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘plotting a story’.
7 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘developing the characters’.
14 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
12 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.

Readers’ Comments
‘This is pretty exciting. The setting, of course, is very interesting, and the author’s knowledge of this brings depth. The thriller element was not so much for me; in fact, I thought the plot was rather silly. But the writing style is excellent, and the pacing is superb.’ Female reader, aged 42
‘Unrealistic in parts. It’s almost as if the author is not 100% sure what she wants the story to be: a thriller or an insight into African culture. Perhaps it is an attempt at both. If so, there is much to commend. The characters develop well, the description of setting is vivid and colourful, and the plot is fast-paced (mostly) and realistic (also, mostly). I did enjoy it, but I would recommend a reader try book one first. I did. I actually thought the first book was better with a much better ending.’ Male reader, aged 67
‘Plenty of twists with a strong hero.’ Male reader, aged 47
‘The strongest element of this book is Amie. She’s a wonderful hero to cheer on. Vulnerable but often strong, and very, very determined. I enjoyed this very much.’ Female reader, aged 55
‘Unusual storyline. Rather enjoyable reading. I passed a very happy afternoon with this book on my Kindle. I think I will find more by this author.’ Female reader, aged 76

To Sum It Up:
‘A pacey thriller with a fascinating setting. A Red Ribbon winner and highly recommended.’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards

[Alex Craigie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in a series and, to avoid spoilers, I'd recommend reading them in order, despite each working well as standalone stories.
Suspense and tension remain high throughout, although there’s humour that adds a wonderful lightness, and some quite lyrical and honest descriptions of the land and the animals that roam it. At the start, Amie and her husband are in danger and living off the land as they hide from rebel troops. Amie describes the death of a kudu in a way that makes it real, necessary and emotional. There are also plenty of signs throughout the book that this is a land that the author knows and understands. There’s a combination of beauty and realism that gives it an edge that works really well. When the men are kidnapped by an IS group, Amie is left on her own. Her fight to find and free them is exhilarating, terrifying and touched with tragedy.
There’s a progression from the naïve young woman in the first book that is encapsulated by one of her friends who tells her she can never go back to who she was and Amie’s reply “ I’ve changed beyond recognition” but that fighting, independent spirit has always been there along with the risk-taking, stubbornness and bravery.
The context is very well presented. Amie is horrified by the tribal warfare and the killing of children to prevent them growing into dangerous adults, but Ben from the Kawa tribe refers to the wars he’s read about in Europe and the millions killed by them.
This second book in the series has fundamentalism at its core and Amie’s search for her husband and the little girl, Angelina, who she'd taken under her wing and is trapped with the men. There are new, well-rounded characters such as the hard-edged Shamina who Amie finds irritating but resourceful, and the older and more stoic Mrs Motswezi. An added tension comes from not knowing who to trust. Some people are not as they seem – including her own husband, Jonathan.

[Tom Benson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Apart from being an avid reader I have always had an interest in natural history. When I discover a writer who is capable of combining adventure with accurate information of the natural world, I’m impressed and happy. Add to this a liberal mix of topical international terrorism and the realism is increased.
When you read this author’s work relating to Africa it is immediately apparent that the research was not done by browsing the web or thumbing through a few textbooks. We have here an author who has experienced the hot, dry, suffocating sensation of the dark continent’s version of a ‘nice day’. She understands the politics, and mindset of the people who inhabit many of the countries. She also knows only too well how easy it is to insult somebody with an innocent gesture, or when a compliment was intended.
Amie, the central character has grown in stature since her first outing (Amie: An African Adventure), but at heart, she’s an Englishwoman in a foreign land. Okay, it’s a foreign land for which she holds a passion, but it is a place of wide-ranging contradictions, and nothing, including life, may be taken for granted. Male readers will admire the heroine, and female readers will envy her antics and acquired skills.
In this story, you feel the heat of day, chill of night, and raw fear of the unexpected. There are a lot of bad guys, not too many good guys, and an environment constantly fraught with danger. The pace is relentless, the action skilfully described, and the imagery painted by somebody who has seen it.
Take a bow, Lucinda.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a page turner! Once again Lucinda E. Clarke has written a real action thriller. It’s a genuine page turner and I read it in a few sittings. This book picks up on the events of the first book in the series. It finds Amie, her husband Jonathon and other companions living in the African Bush. The situation in Togodo is volatile following the Government being overthrown.
Amie learns that Angelina a child she had become fond of had been captured by a militant group similar to IS. When her husband is also taken by the same group Amie determines to find them and free them. She is a very resourceful young woman but also headstrong and willing to put herself in danger. At times I realised I was holding my breath as I was reading such is the author’s skill in building tension.
It’s a rollercoaster of a book, filled with action and details about the reality of life in Africa and the often horrifying events that happen there. It’s also very topical as although this is a fictional tale, events like this are playing out in Africa. The character of Shalima is an interesting one showing the effects of radicalisation. It was fascinating to watch the relationship between her and Amie unfold. The story builds to a thrilling climax when I almost breathed a sigh of relief. But what a cliffhanger of an ending… I didn’t expect that at all. I can’t wait to read the next book.

[Linda Hawkswell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Storytelling at its Best, action-packed sequel.

After reading Amie an African Adventure, I had to continue with her story and read book 2, another real page-turner and as is to be expected from Lucinda, this is just as well written and spellbinding, I am hooked and wanted to find out more of Amie's life in Africa.

Amie has grown in confidence and stature, at heart she is still an Englishwoman but she holds a real passion for her adopted home, Africa. We follow Amie's travels to rescue children and her husband from terrorists, are the other rescuers who they should be or are they working against Amie? Shalima is an interesting character showing the effects of radicalisation and I loved watching her and Amie's relationship unfold.

Once again we meet with Ben along with Mrs Motzwezi, teacher of the AIDS orphanage, together the three of them are involved in the race across the African bush-veld. We feel the chill of the night after the heat of the day along with her very raw fear and trepidation, fear of the unknown and unexpected, her survival in a world fraught with danger.

This is a real roller-coaster of a book that is filled with action along with the reality of life in Africa and the horrifying events that happen. Thank you, Lucinda, on to book 3 now...

[Joyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the sequel to Amie: African Adventure and it was just as fascinating as the first novel was.
Although Amie manages to escape dangerous people and survive in the Africa wilderness, she is not presented as a 'superwoman' but rather an ordinary woman with no special talents or skills who has grown to love Africa. In this novel, she suffers debilitating grief after the death of a person who was precious to her and she and her husband, Jonathan, return to Africa. The ISIS terrorists are woven into the action of this novel and Jonathan is kidnapped. Amy gets involved and this was one of many times she wondered how she got herself into the mess she is in. However, she always perseveres and is willing to do anything to try to save her husband.
Many others have written a far better summary of the plot than I could ever do so I won't go on. I thoroughly enjoy Clarke's writing style---not only for the plot but how she weaves African life & history into the story. Amie is a memorable character and once again, I found myself really drawn to her.
I look forward to reading the next novel in this series.

[Lucretia · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading the first part, I knew I would be reading this as soon as I had a free day. You really need a whole day because once to start this, it is impossible to put down. It is so fast paced and totally griping. I flipped pages furiously as I needed to know what was happening.

This story picks up where we left off with Aime. She returns to Africa with her husband, who I’m still not convinced is good enough for her. There was a lot revealed about him in this book that added to my back and forth on how I feel about him. Aime remains absolutely brilliant, brave, and truly a heroine. In the midst of civil unrest with seriously dangerous terrorists her heart pushes into situations that would have a lessor heroine cowering in the corner. Not Aime. I’m being deliberately obtuse because the unfolding of this story is perfectly done and I don’t want to ruin that for anyone.

That ending! Powerful. So emotional.

You don’t need to read part one to enjoy this, though I personally recommend them both with enthusiasm. On to the next part for me.

[Holly Barbo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked up this book without having read the first in the series. Though it would have filled in the story some if I’d had read the first book, this one flowed well without it. Amie is an expat living in Africa. Her family still lives in England but Amis would live no other place than Africa. She loves it with an intrepid naiveté. That is the best way I can describe it. She has courage to step into dangerous situations…where angels fear to tread. There were times I felt she was foolish but the author walked the story in Amie’s shoes …so I, as the reader, followed along.

It became clear, the author was intimately familiar with Africa. No amount of research could fill in the vivid detail that sucks you into the story which centers around the conflict points that make life dangerous for Africans: Territorial tribal struggles and the fanatics IS clashes for religious ideology. Into that fray strides Amie, in search for a little orphan child.

[Jk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 2 is as superior an adventure as book one But prepare for heartfelt dismay and disappointment. I don't want to ruin the story in any way so I won't comment on the ending any further except to say that it reflects the horror and unrelenting pain of real life.

The main part of the story was everything one would expect from a first class writer that knows her stuff and writes with explicit authenticity. Also very timely. I have closely followed the battles with ISIS in real time. Looking back. I find that the author had quite a grip on their ideology without getting preachy, political or, god forbid, politically correct.

And again, as someone who has traveled to Africa three times, the author has it dead on. Once Africa grips you, it does not let go. One to book three and the superb, Amie.

[Maxie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amie and the Child of Africa by Lucinda Clarke is an awesome read, loaded with many twists and turns. Amie and the Child of Africa is part of a series of narratives that take place in Africa during a period of civil unrest.
Amie and the Child of Africa is an exhilarating page-turner as a stand-alone.
The vivid characters are relatable. As the reader follows the storyline as the characters move about the vast country, undercover seeking information about a beloved member of the family. Who on earth would not look for a child you love regardless of the dangers? The visuals painted by Ms. Clarke's magnificent word choices takes the reader through a journey that often may take one's breath away. I found myself wiping the perspiration from my brow occasionally from the description of the environment or the excitement.
This book was gifted by Netgalley for an honest review

[Phillip and Stella Lemarque · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book number two in the Amie series. Politics and war mix to give enough tension all around. Amie who sets off to find the child she was fostering before the shit hit the fan.
She finds herself against a terrorist organization that has ties all over the world. Who to trust? Especially when her husband casually informs her that he is a spy, and therefore, in all likeliness, the danger will be all around them.
Tension a plenty to make the reader want to turn the pages as soon as possible. Very well written work of fiction where Africa is brought to life as a participant to the story. You can't start the reading and expect to take a break for lunch once you start to read no way Charlie can't put it down.
Well, paced and spellbinding. You'll see yourself flipping furiously pages. When you think that everything is finally coming to a resolve

[J. A. Lewis · Rating 2 out of 5]

I failed to read the first Amie book, so was off on the story line from the beginning. This is the first of Lucinda's fiction novels I've read even though I've read several of her memoirs. Amie is the female heroine in the story saving captured females from terrorists, rescuing an orphan child, and leading others to safety. Descriptions of the African scenery and wildlife are beautiful and enjoyable. Having skipped the first book, I was a bit confused as to why she was in the middle of Africa living in the wild with her husband and friends so that faux pas may have taken away from the story. I'll have to go back and read the first book, which I did have on my Kindle, so that things are clearer. Overall, a decent read, just make sure to read them in order.

[Ju Ephraime · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lucinda Clarke has written the female version of Rambo in Amie. Amie has an unassuming personality which hides an otherwise adventurous spirit. I was gasping audibly as I read the escapades Amie went into with little thought to her safety. Then I had to take my hat off to Shalima because I couldn’t decide who the badest badass was, Shamila or Amie. What a pair.
The author has a good grasp on the African village in which this story is set, even down to the dialogue. Amie and The Child of Africa is a gripping story, full of vivid characters and suspenseful action. The ending is quite unexpected and sad. I enjoyed it tremendously. Highly recommended.

[Quanita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Child lost and found

Although fiction, I was finally able to learn the difference between Sunni and Shia Muslims. (Sunni believe the leader should be voted in, Shia believe the leader should be a direct descendant of Mohammed. ) Amie returns to Africa with her husband. Both are captured by terrorists and the story follows how they escape. Like book 1, great descriptions of the people and the land.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excitement and intrigue from start to finish. The deeper in trouble Amie got, the more I had difficulty putting the story down. She gets loved ones back only to lose them and she has to fight to get the back again. There are several plot twists I didn't see coming. The book will keep you on a roller coaster ride, wondering what is going to happen next and how it all will end. And you're in store for a chilling ending to this exciting book.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amie continues on!

This second book of the series is awesome! Having been through so much in her Adventure, Amie continues on for more! I loved and hated how I was so completely immersed in the book. It actually took a minute or two to 'return home' whenever I had to absolutely put the book down. Wish I could rate this higher.

[Regina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent




I read non stop. Mrs Clark is a wonderful story teller. Very real. Very modern. I recommend this thrilling book

[Julie Haigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic adventure ride through Africa.

I had just finished Lucinda E Clarke's Amie Book 1 when she very kindly sent me a pre-publication copy of her newest offering in her Amie fiction series. I was straight in-it was another quick, easy, action-packed start. I was soon likening Lucinda to 'sort of like a female Wilbur Smith'! Having never ventured to Africa before, I loved learning new things; there's creatures mentioned in here that I've never even heard of so I was absolutely loving all the interesting info about them. I loved this survival story-e.g. ideas like sweeping the area clean and tidy with branches-and the reasons why they do this. It made for amazing and really interesting reading how they do things. This is a very intelligently written book; many of these creatures and their characteristics, outdoor cooking methods etc. and reasons for doing things I've seen on the TV programme QI and this book developed further what I remembered from there. This is an entertaining book but it also makes you think, you learn something and get more out of it. This really is a fascinating book with a mine of information about the local trees, plants, wildlife etc. Excellent for someone who has never been to this part of the world, I loved learning about all this. I was so impressed with this! The writing is so knowledgeable. This is a brilliant book with lots of rich knowledge about the animals and creatures. Such a vivid, clear picture was created in this book with amazing facts about the wildlife. It really was a book to be savoured for me! It was absolutely fascinating-my partner must have been totally fed up with me while I was reading this! He's a bit of a mine of information and I kept saying to him: "Here's another-have you heard of this animal or this type of tree?" etc-I was just so bursting with pleasure at finding out about all these new things and discussing them with him. A real reading EXPERIENCE-not just a book. How absolutely charming reading about the elephants and baby elephants. 'Africa in splendour'-a great quote from the book and it seems to fit this book as a whole. It was exciting and suspenseful and kept me guessing. The descriptions are brilliant and there are great word choices. You can see exactly what's happening in your mind's eye. There are plenty of unexpected happenings, action and adventure and it runs at a cracking pace. A real rollercoaster of a read with some gritty and powerful scenes. This was FANTASTIC! There are many action-packed chapters, real edge-of-your-seat stuff. I think it would make a great movie (the two Amie books together perhaps?). This is a rich and colourful tapestry of the land and is absolutely filled with animals-there are mentions of lions, zebra, giraffe, antelope, hippopotamus, crocodile and much more-it's just so fascinating learning all about the different animals and their different characteristics. Some really tense moments and the excitement continues throughout the book. It builds to a breathtaking conclusion. There have been many ups, downs and unexpected twists. Wow, five stars from me, no question at all. Has it left room for another book? I think so. It has ended and resolved things, tied up loose ends but there can be more and I do hope there is. Pure excellence.

[Angela Lockwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

It has been a while since I read the first book in this series, but after a few pages I was back in Africa with Amie. This is not a stand-alone book if you have not read the first book in the series you’re going to be a bit lost, but Lucinda puts a couple of reminders in to help us back on track in the Child of Africa. At first I was a bit puzzled as to why Amie wanted to stay in such a dangerous place as Togodo, but it soon became clear that not only had the orphan Angelina taken a hold of Amie’s heart; but Africa itself too. I think Amie is also secretly an adrenalin junkie that thrives on adventure. I shouted a few times at the book in the early stages when Amie took some unnecessary risks and rash decisions, but gradually I was swept up in the adventure she had blundered into. The character of Shalima, brings an unexpected flavour of Birmingham and a few comic moments to the mixture. A powerful reminder that a lot of recent world events (such as the rise of IS) can start right in our back yard. The story is written in a style that keeps the reader engaged and on the edge of their seats. The adventure moves at a fast pace and it is clear from the descriptions an insight that the writer has lived in Africa for a long time. What bothered me a little in the first book was that Togodo and its civil war were fictional, but here Lucinda has cleverly interwoven some very current real world events and I found I was getting a much clearer view of Amie’s environment. The book ended on a cliff hanger and I’m pleased to see part three(Amie, Stolen Future) is already available.

[Gordon Bickerstaff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommended page turner for fans of thriller/action/suspense.

This is the second book in the Amie series and I've not read the first book. The book stands perfectly well on its own though I suspect reading the first book might have added to the enjoyment. The book is set in Africa and the author has done a brilliant job in taking the reader feel the wild presence of Africa. It's a thriller with plenty of suspense and action in a civil war situation. Amie is not a soldier, she is an ordinary woman who has keen survival instincts. She needs them to deal with all forms of danger and threat to her and the group of ex-pats she leads away from the conflict area. Add in Amie's need to find a missing child in the midst of the conflict, and the tension becomes even more gripping. The story is well plotted, written intelligently with nice touches of humour to lighten the mood at times. The pace is very well matched to the unfolding of the story which makes the read very satisfying. I thoroughly enjoyed Amie's adventure and will pick up the first book in the series. Highly recommended page turner for fans of thriller/action/suspense.

[Diana Febry · Rating 5 out of 5]

An African adventure with wide appeal. I'd especially recommend it to lovers of adventure/suspense, readers who enjoy books about other countries and cultures and readers interested in contemporary issues.
This book works perfectly as a stand alone but I suggest reading Amie:An African Adventure first if only for the wonderful character arc as Amie leaves her family in England and arrives in Africa for the first time.
In this book Amie again courts great danger as she becomes caught up in the unrest of civil war. I won't ruined the story but Amie joins with an unlikely group of people as she uses great ingenuity to save one little girl.
The sights and sounds of Africa are the highlight of this book, both the beauty and brutality in the natural world and the people of Africa. Suspense is maintain throughout and there are some wonderful characters. Despite the seriousness of the situation there are lighter moments of humour at the situations Amie gets herself into.
An enjoyable fast paced read

[Paulette Mahurin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh how I love this book and Lucinda E Clarke’s storytelling. Where the first book left off, with the mystery of whether her husband is a, oh never mind – I don’t want to spoil the story. From the ending of that first book, which by the way was a very satisfying ending, I wanted to know more. I was compelled to buy the second book, not because the first was left incomplete, but because there was more to read about this wonderful story and Amie’s adventure. And so off I went, back to the bushes, the sounds, the other simpler way, and more dangerous, of living, relishing every word, every page, every nuance from the characters driven forward in lush scenes. There was no lack to tension to glue and propel me. This is a smartly written work of fiction where Africa is brought to life as if another character in the telling of the narrative. I don’t want to recount the story, suffice it to say it did not disappoint and I look forward to more from the very talented Lucinda E Clarke

[Mary Yarde · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Amie series, which I didn't know until I bought it! The author advices, at the beginning of the book, to start with book 1 and I, though, oh no, I am so going to get lost in this book and not know what on earth is going on. However, I have to disagree with the author big time. There was no need to write that at the beginning of the book because I didn't get lost once. I felt that I didn't need to know the whole back story to understand what was going on now.

This book is an outstanding work of fiction. This book breathes Africa. There is no other way to describe. I could feel the heat on my skin, and I could hear the sounds of the wildlife. It was incredible.

The story is fast paced, so much happens and it isn't at all predictable. I loved it, and I flew through the pages. I can not recommend this book enough. This book is worth is far more than five stars. If you don't believe me, check it out for yourself.

[Kat Drennan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another 5 star read from Lucinda Clarke. In this second of the Amie sagas, Amie learns that her husband is a spy and that the orphan girl she had let herself love had been captured by insurgents. When she and her husband are separated in his efforts to keep tabs on IS Muslim groups attempting to entrench themselves, she sets off to find the girl and her husband. Forming a rag tag group of refugees, they make it back to the expat compound only to find that her husband is still missing and may be captured.
Amie, a English housewife who knows something about making films is the fish out of water, but faced with adversity and peril, she proves to be crafty and strong, especially when teams with the cunning Shalima. But all is not as it seems in this fast paced story of rescue and survival.
Amie and The Child of Africa is a compelling story full of colorful characters and page turning suspense set in the wild bush of Africa with a surprise ending that took my breath away.