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Sonja Kurtz #2
An Empty Coast
Sonja Kurtz - former soldier, supposedly retired mercenary - is in Vietnam carrying out a personal revenge mission when her daughter sends a call for help.
Emma is on a dig at the edge of Namibia's Etosha National Park studying archaeology and she's discovered a body that dates back to the country's liberation war of the 1980s.
The remains, identified as Hudson Brand, are a key piece of a puzzle that will reveal the location of a modern-day buried treasure. A find people will kill for.
Sonja returns to the country of her birth to find Emma, but she's missing.
Former CIA agent Hudson Brand is very much alive and is also drawn back to Namibia to finally solve a decades-old mystery whose clues are entombed in an empty corner of the desert.
464 pages, Paperback
Published October 27, 2015
94 people are currently reading
251 people want to read
About the author
Tony Park
37 books296 followersTony Park was born in 1964 and grew up in the western suburbs of Sydney. He has worked as a newspaper reporter in Australia and England, a government press secretary, a public relations consultant, and a freelance writer.
He served 34 years in the Australian Army Reserve, including six months in Afghanistan in 2002.
Tony and his wife, Nicola, split their time between Australia and Africa, where they own a house on the edge of of the Kruger National Park.
His 18th African novel, Last Survivor, went to number 1 in South Africa. His 19th novel, Blood Trail, will be released worldwide on August 1, 2021.
Praise for Tony Park
“Wilbur Smith...fans will not be disappointed to have found a spiritual heir,” The Times, London
“Tony Park is Australia’s premier adventure writer.” Canberra Weekly
“One of our best and most consistent thriller writers.” Sydney Morning Herald
“Since Wilbur Smith in his heyday, no one has written as well about southern Africa than Tony Park.” Crime Review (UK)
The Delta: “Break-neck in pace, with narrow escapes from death on every page, its charm is infectious.” Daily Mail, UK
“Tony Park exudes a love and deep knowledge of southern Africa in every line and character he creates in his books.” The Citizen, South Africa.
Far Horizon “Watch your back, Wilbur,” Qantas, The Australian Way
Zambezi: “a compulsive page turner” Sydney Morning Herald.
African Sky: “Rootin’ tootin reading” Sun-Herald
Safari: “He just gets better and better” Sun-Herald
Silent Predator: “Memorably exciting” Sydney Morning Herald
The Prey: “Another ripping yarn based on realistic scenarios,” Daily Telegraph
An Empty Coast: “Another winner which will keep you turning pages.” Crime Review UK
Red Earth: “One helluva fine thriller.” Booklist (US)
The Cull: “A fascinating insight into a life and death struggle.” Daily Telegraph
Captive: “A compelling and fascinating read.” Sunday Tribune
Scent of Fear: “A first-rate thriller.” Canberra Weekly
Ghosts of the Past: “A fabulous tale of betrayal, greed, intrigue and love.” Drum Magazine, South Africa
Last Survivor: “Sure-footed plotting and regular gunfire makes this one of Park’s best books. Recommended.” Canberra Weekly.
He served 34 years in the Australian Army Reserve, including six months in Afghanistan in 2002.
Tony and his wife, Nicola, split their time between Australia and Africa, where they own a house on the edge of of the Kruger National Park.
His 18th African novel, Last Survivor, went to number 1 in South Africa. His 19th novel, Blood Trail, will be released worldwide on August 1, 2021.
Praise for Tony Park
“Wilbur Smith...fans will not be disappointed to have found a spiritual heir,” The Times, London
“Tony Park is Australia’s premier adventure writer.” Canberra Weekly
“One of our best and most consistent thriller writers.” Sydney Morning Herald
“Since Wilbur Smith in his heyday, no one has written as well about southern Africa than Tony Park.” Crime Review (UK)
The Delta: “Break-neck in pace, with narrow escapes from death on every page, its charm is infectious.” Daily Mail, UK
“Tony Park exudes a love and deep knowledge of southern Africa in every line and character he creates in his books.” The Citizen, South Africa.
Far Horizon “Watch your back, Wilbur,” Qantas, The Australian Way
Zambezi: “a compulsive page turner” Sydney Morning Herald.
African Sky: “Rootin’ tootin reading” Sun-Herald
Safari: “He just gets better and better” Sun-Herald
Silent Predator: “Memorably exciting” Sydney Morning Herald
The Prey: “Another ripping yarn based on realistic scenarios,” Daily Telegraph
An Empty Coast: “Another winner which will keep you turning pages.” Crime Review UK
Red Earth: “One helluva fine thriller.” Booklist (US)
The Cull: “A fascinating insight into a life and death struggle.” Daily Telegraph
Captive: “A compelling and fascinating read.” Sunday Tribune
Scent of Fear: “A first-rate thriller.” Canberra Weekly
Ghosts of the Past: “A fabulous tale of betrayal, greed, intrigue and love.” Drum Magazine, South Africa
Last Survivor: “Sure-footed plotting and regular gunfire makes this one of Park’s best books. Recommended.” Canberra Weekly.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
August 27, 2024
Efficient and cold-blooded, Sonja Kurtz is well suited to her job as a mercenary soldier. She returns in An Empty Coast after the introductory adventure chronicled in The Delta. Although officially retired from her mercenary life, it appears the death of her partner has prompted a return to the life of danger she’s accustomed to.
We pick up the story as she zeroes in on a target in Vietnam. The man she’s after is responsible for the import of rhino horn from Africa. He’s a greedy man who’s only just getting started on the lucrative market and represents a big danger to the welfare of one of the world’s most at risk animals. He was also responsible for the death of the man she loved. It’s a risky op that’s well planned but, predictably, goes wrong giving us a reminder of just what a great operator she is. She hasn’t lost any of her ruthlessness.
Meanwhile, Sonja’s daughter is on an archaeological dig with a team in the Namibian desert. It’s a great opportunity for the young woman who’s fresh out of school. Part of her excavation effort unearths the remains of a soldier from the war that took place in the 1980s. The name tag around the dead soldier’s neck identifies him as H. Brand. The team of archaeologists are intrigued and call in their find, notifying the authorities of who and what they think they’ve found. But the news alerts more than just local officials.
We then catch up with Hudson Brand (The Hunter), a former CIA agent turned safari guide who also operates as a private investigator. He takes on a client trying to find out the fate of his son, a pilot who disappeared during the war. It turns out that Hudson may have some first hand experience about the lead up to his plane crashing in the desert.
Clearly, the three main parties are destined to meet at some point. How they do so, the dire circumstances that unfold along the way and the outcome of that meeting make for an action-packed story. It’s a quality story that’s only spoiled a little by a couple of moments of unrealistic coincidence and the usual distracting sex scenes that have become de rigueur in a T. Park thriller (more on this later).
The little that we found out about Sonja Kurtz through the first book in the series gave us the impression of a tough-minded soldier who prefers to close herself off to others in order to survive. Her maternal instinct, until recently kept very much at a distance, is hitting her far harder than she first expected and is now her primary motivator. When she learns that Emma may have run into trouble there’s absolutely nothing that’ll get in her way as she comes roaring in to save her. Meeting Hudson Brand provides her with a similarly efficient and capable ally.
With numerous tense confrontations, gun battles and ground to air fights An Empty Coast leans right over to the action adventure sub-genre. If you’re looking for a frenetic finale featuring a strong female lead, An Empty Coast delivers in spades.
Okay, and finally, I’m gonna say it. I’ve read, and enjoyed, a lot of Tony Park’s books. They all contain some terrific information about Africa and the dangers found within. But they also all have an aspect in common that’s often just too much. It’s the cringey sex scenes that appear in every single bloody book. Now, I don’t mind characters having sex lives. I’m all for it. But, Tony, mate, so often, the pages long descriptions of sexual encounters are often overblown, over-described and rob the story of its momentum. And so many times the sex scenes add absolutely nothing to the plot of the story apart from being one big cringe-fest. Ugh, it’s got to stop. There, phew, got that out of my system - that’s been building up over the last 3 or 4 T. Park books I’ve read to be honest.
We pick up the story as she zeroes in on a target in Vietnam. The man she’s after is responsible for the import of rhino horn from Africa. He’s a greedy man who’s only just getting started on the lucrative market and represents a big danger to the welfare of one of the world’s most at risk animals. He was also responsible for the death of the man she loved. It’s a risky op that’s well planned but, predictably, goes wrong giving us a reminder of just what a great operator she is. She hasn’t lost any of her ruthlessness.
Meanwhile, Sonja’s daughter is on an archaeological dig with a team in the Namibian desert. It’s a great opportunity for the young woman who’s fresh out of school. Part of her excavation effort unearths the remains of a soldier from the war that took place in the 1980s. The name tag around the dead soldier’s neck identifies him as H. Brand. The team of archaeologists are intrigued and call in their find, notifying the authorities of who and what they think they’ve found. But the news alerts more than just local officials.
We then catch up with Hudson Brand (The Hunter), a former CIA agent turned safari guide who also operates as a private investigator. He takes on a client trying to find out the fate of his son, a pilot who disappeared during the war. It turns out that Hudson may have some first hand experience about the lead up to his plane crashing in the desert.
Clearly, the three main parties are destined to meet at some point. How they do so, the dire circumstances that unfold along the way and the outcome of that meeting make for an action-packed story. It’s a quality story that’s only spoiled a little by a couple of moments of unrealistic coincidence and the usual distracting sex scenes that have become de rigueur in a T. Park thriller (more on this later).
The little that we found out about Sonja Kurtz through the first book in the series gave us the impression of a tough-minded soldier who prefers to close herself off to others in order to survive. Her maternal instinct, until recently kept very much at a distance, is hitting her far harder than she first expected and is now her primary motivator. When she learns that Emma may have run into trouble there’s absolutely nothing that’ll get in her way as she comes roaring in to save her. Meeting Hudson Brand provides her with a similarly efficient and capable ally.
With numerous tense confrontations, gun battles and ground to air fights An Empty Coast leans right over to the action adventure sub-genre. If you’re looking for a frenetic finale featuring a strong female lead, An Empty Coast delivers in spades.
Okay, and finally, I’m gonna say it. I’ve read, and enjoyed, a lot of Tony Park’s books. They all contain some terrific information about Africa and the dangers found within. But they also all have an aspect in common that’s often just too much. It’s the cringey sex scenes that appear in every single bloody book. Now, I don’t mind characters having sex lives. I’m all for it. But, Tony, mate, so often, the pages long descriptions of sexual encounters are often overblown, over-described and rob the story of its momentum. And so many times the sex scenes add absolutely nothing to the plot of the story apart from being one big cringe-fest. Ugh, it’s got to stop. There, phew, got that out of my system - that’s been building up over the last 3 or 4 T. Park books I’ve read to be honest.
November 13, 2020
An Empty Coast is the second book in the Sonja Kurtz series by Australian author, Tony Park. Already on her way to South Africa after a personal mission in Vietnam, Sonja Kurtz is alarmed by text from her daughter Emma, on an archaeological dig in Namibia, asking for help. Not until she illegally crosses the border into Namibia does she discover it’s a false alarm, by which time she resolves to find her daughter anyway.
Emma has uncovered a body, but not one of the mass grave bodies her team is looking for at a proposed mine site. Instead, it appears to be an airman from the armed conflict some thirty years earlier. What was the plane doing there, and where is it now? When the find becomes public, other interested parties converge on the scene, each with their own agenda.
American ex-CIA liaison, now safari guide and part-time PI, Hudson Brand was on that plane, the victim of a set-up, and he hopes that the find will draw in those on whom he’d like to inflict payback. Matthew Allchurch is determined to find the remains of his son, Gareth, the young co-pilot, and to learn why he was there.
As Gareth Allchurch’s temporary squad commander, Andre Horsman has spent years trying to find the plane, but was this on Matthew’s behalf, or does he have another reason? The man in charge of Emma’s dig, Professor Dorset Sutton, seems unusually eager to help Horsman find the plane, enlisting his team to participate.
Also along for the ride are a Namibian student who is unconvinced about Sutton’s motives for the dig; a wildlife researcher more concerned about the fate of the area’s desert lions; Horsman’s young nephew, Sebastian Lord; some Russians; and perhaps someone unhappy with Sonja’s most recent mission.
The story is told from multiple perspectives, and Park manages to pack in quite a bit: illegal trade in rhino horn; conflict archaeology; Chinese and Russian infiltration of African countries; and anti-poaching strategies. Park’s main protagonist is one tough woman, easily able to take care of herself, even when hung-over, and with few qualms about killing when she deems it necessary or deserved.
The plot is all action, including gun-battles and helicopter attacks, a Molotov cocktail, a German-built castle, a bit of sex, quite a lot of violence, and some twists before the thrilling climax, and a pretty high body count by the final pages. It all plays out on the rich and dramatic canvas of the African landscape, and Park’s intimate knowledge of the country is apparent on every page.
Certainly a map would have been appreciated by readers, but fans will be looking forward to the third instalment of Sonja Kurtz, The Cull. A gripping read.
Emma has uncovered a body, but not one of the mass grave bodies her team is looking for at a proposed mine site. Instead, it appears to be an airman from the armed conflict some thirty years earlier. What was the plane doing there, and where is it now? When the find becomes public, other interested parties converge on the scene, each with their own agenda.
American ex-CIA liaison, now safari guide and part-time PI, Hudson Brand was on that plane, the victim of a set-up, and he hopes that the find will draw in those on whom he’d like to inflict payback. Matthew Allchurch is determined to find the remains of his son, Gareth, the young co-pilot, and to learn why he was there.
As Gareth Allchurch’s temporary squad commander, Andre Horsman has spent years trying to find the plane, but was this on Matthew’s behalf, or does he have another reason? The man in charge of Emma’s dig, Professor Dorset Sutton, seems unusually eager to help Horsman find the plane, enlisting his team to participate.
Also along for the ride are a Namibian student who is unconvinced about Sutton’s motives for the dig; a wildlife researcher more concerned about the fate of the area’s desert lions; Horsman’s young nephew, Sebastian Lord; some Russians; and perhaps someone unhappy with Sonja’s most recent mission.
The story is told from multiple perspectives, and Park manages to pack in quite a bit: illegal trade in rhino horn; conflict archaeology; Chinese and Russian infiltration of African countries; and anti-poaching strategies. Park’s main protagonist is one tough woman, easily able to take care of herself, even when hung-over, and with few qualms about killing when she deems it necessary or deserved.
The plot is all action, including gun-battles and helicopter attacks, a Molotov cocktail, a German-built castle, a bit of sex, quite a lot of violence, and some twists before the thrilling climax, and a pretty high body count by the final pages. It all plays out on the rich and dramatic canvas of the African landscape, and Park’s intimate knowledge of the country is apparent on every page.
Certainly a map would have been appreciated by readers, but fans will be looking forward to the third instalment of Sonja Kurtz, The Cull. A gripping read.
December 8, 2015
Tony Park's novels are always page turners, set against an inspiring African backdrop. This one is no different. He uses his tried and true formula found in his novels - a fast moving thriller with deadly outcomes in exotic, yet often, dangerous African locations. This can be read as a standalone, however a couple of characters reappear after roles in previous books.
'An Empty Coast' is set in Namibia and focusses on poaching and illegal international trade in rhino horn. I have read previous Park novels, but was particularly drawn to this one as I have lived in Namibia. So many memories came flooding back. He resounding details the beautiful, yet stark, landscapes of Etosha and Skeleton Coast National Parks. There is always an interesting plot, but I have to admit to being drawn to the lovingly described scenery and wildlife.
"Etosha was starkly beautiful....a complete contrast to the lush bush and web of waterways that made up the Okavango".
These are fast paced reads - lots of action, leading to the ultimate major showdown between goodies and baddies, with a little sexual tension thrown in, making these not only readable, but engaging. Don't cast this aside as lacking substance. Tony Park novels contain much noteworthy commentary on a range of topics: the Asian/Russian involvement in illegal smuggling; Namibian history, the war of independence involving Namibia, Angola and South Africa; and, throwbacks to the original German occupation:
"what we're doing here is confronting the past, not leaving it buried, where some people want it to stay".
It does take a little time for everything to fall into place - however, at about two thirds through, things really start to amp up and get interesting. I do enjoy his books and this was no exception.
"The small screen of the television didn't do justice to the majestic landscapes of Namibia, but all the same it moved something inside her to see the endless skies".
If you are intrigued about Africa and enjoy a well told thriller, then this is the book for you. Perfect mix.
"Namibia has emerged as a beautiful, peaceful country and I'm proud to be here and proud to play a small part".
http://greatreadsandtealeaves.blogspo...
'An Empty Coast' is set in Namibia and focusses on poaching and illegal international trade in rhino horn. I have read previous Park novels, but was particularly drawn to this one as I have lived in Namibia. So many memories came flooding back. He resounding details the beautiful, yet stark, landscapes of Etosha and Skeleton Coast National Parks. There is always an interesting plot, but I have to admit to being drawn to the lovingly described scenery and wildlife.
"Etosha was starkly beautiful....a complete contrast to the lush bush and web of waterways that made up the Okavango".
These are fast paced reads - lots of action, leading to the ultimate major showdown between goodies and baddies, with a little sexual tension thrown in, making these not only readable, but engaging. Don't cast this aside as lacking substance. Tony Park novels contain much noteworthy commentary on a range of topics: the Asian/Russian involvement in illegal smuggling; Namibian history, the war of independence involving Namibia, Angola and South Africa; and, throwbacks to the original German occupation:
"what we're doing here is confronting the past, not leaving it buried, where some people want it to stay".
It does take a little time for everything to fall into place - however, at about two thirds through, things really start to amp up and get interesting. I do enjoy his books and this was no exception.
"The small screen of the television didn't do justice to the majestic landscapes of Namibia, but all the same it moved something inside her to see the endless skies".
If you are intrigued about Africa and enjoy a well told thriller, then this is the book for you. Perfect mix.
"Namibia has emerged as a beautiful, peaceful country and I'm proud to be here and proud to play a small part".
http://greatreadsandtealeaves.blogspo...
July 14, 2017
BOOK REVIEW: THE EMPTY COAST by TONY PARK
I’d read a previous Tony Park novel a long time ago, and while I remember enjoying it, I was not spurred on to read more. I regret that now, because read The Empty Coast on a long flight for an overseas trip I took recent. I quickly found the book engaging and vividly African, and a vast improvement on the earlier works of this prolific Australian author.
The Empty Coast is set in Vietnam, South Africa and Botswana but mostly it focuses on the desert regions of Namibia. Three stories lines are connected from the outset and combine ivory poaching, botched 1980s CIA operations, an archaeological dig, wildlife parks and a military contractor out for revenge to create a mixing pot of action and intrigue.
The main character is Sonja Kurtz, a former solider and all-round emotionally constrained and highly efficient killing machine. She’s interesting because her role is typically assigned to male characters in this type of fiction so there is a nice juxtaposition to some of her civilian and pacifist male counterparts in the story. We first encounter Sonja in Vietnam were she quickly dispatches a crime lord responsible for the death of her lover. The scene plays out like a government sanctioned black ops assassination, but no, she plans and executes the mission all by herself. This is one cool character we are dealing with here.
Meanwhile, Sonja’s just-adult daughter Emma is in the Namibian desert on an archaeological team excavating a site on the edge of Etosha National Park. She unearths the corpse of an airman from the country’s liberation war of the 1980s named Hudson Brand. Emma plays the role of empathic listener to the absent-minded dig-leading professor, his bitter ‘social justice warrior’ apprentice and a young naïve man whose sole focus is on protecting lions, not noticing Emma flirtations. The characters have great dynamics and it was easy to get into the flow of the narrative.
The third main character arc concerns a former CIA agent, a very much alive and active Hudson Brand. He is working as a private investigator in South Africa, but down on his luck and without the funds to properly investigate the people who betrayed him back in the 1980s on a botched illegal CIA operation to transport ivory.
I was very much reminded of the works of Clive Cussler and Wilbur Smith with this one. Tony Park lives and breathes Africa, having spent many years in the continent, and his military past shows through in the descriptions of military procedures.
The middle section of the book is a little slow as the author struggles to bring all the characters together. But the latter third like the first third roll along nicely with some very cool sequences and the violent battles are both realistic and creative. A great read if you long for adventure fiction with an espionage slant in a modern setting.
I’d read a previous Tony Park novel a long time ago, and while I remember enjoying it, I was not spurred on to read more. I regret that now, because read The Empty Coast on a long flight for an overseas trip I took recent. I quickly found the book engaging and vividly African, and a vast improvement on the earlier works of this prolific Australian author.
The Empty Coast is set in Vietnam, South Africa and Botswana but mostly it focuses on the desert regions of Namibia. Three stories lines are connected from the outset and combine ivory poaching, botched 1980s CIA operations, an archaeological dig, wildlife parks and a military contractor out for revenge to create a mixing pot of action and intrigue.
The main character is Sonja Kurtz, a former solider and all-round emotionally constrained and highly efficient killing machine. She’s interesting because her role is typically assigned to male characters in this type of fiction so there is a nice juxtaposition to some of her civilian and pacifist male counterparts in the story. We first encounter Sonja in Vietnam were she quickly dispatches a crime lord responsible for the death of her lover. The scene plays out like a government sanctioned black ops assassination, but no, she plans and executes the mission all by herself. This is one cool character we are dealing with here.
Meanwhile, Sonja’s just-adult daughter Emma is in the Namibian desert on an archaeological team excavating a site on the edge of Etosha National Park. She unearths the corpse of an airman from the country’s liberation war of the 1980s named Hudson Brand. Emma plays the role of empathic listener to the absent-minded dig-leading professor, his bitter ‘social justice warrior’ apprentice and a young naïve man whose sole focus is on protecting lions, not noticing Emma flirtations. The characters have great dynamics and it was easy to get into the flow of the narrative.
The third main character arc concerns a former CIA agent, a very much alive and active Hudson Brand. He is working as a private investigator in South Africa, but down on his luck and without the funds to properly investigate the people who betrayed him back in the 1980s on a botched illegal CIA operation to transport ivory.
I was very much reminded of the works of Clive Cussler and Wilbur Smith with this one. Tony Park lives and breathes Africa, having spent many years in the continent, and his military past shows through in the descriptions of military procedures.
The middle section of the book is a little slow as the author struggles to bring all the characters together. But the latter third like the first third roll along nicely with some very cool sequences and the violent battles are both realistic and creative. A great read if you long for adventure fiction with an espionage slant in a modern setting.
May 16, 2017
This is the first Tony Park novel I have read. I struggled to get into the story in the beginning, but as I persevered I became hooked. I would categorise this story as an adventure novel. The novel is not a classic and I would not keep it in order to re-read it, but it had plenty of adventure in it, the characters were fleshed out enough to be believable and the setting of Namibia was fascinating. All in all I ended up thoroughly enjoying it.
December 4, 2020
I listened to this book on Audible but was so disappointed in the narrator. It was really terrible. If I did not absolute love Tony Park's books I would have stopped listening after only half an hour. Unfortunately this bad narration distracted me from the story and I could only give this book a 3 star rating. This really saddens me because his books are usually worth 5 stars. Hopefully the other books will have different and much better narrators.
October 25, 2015
I've read a few of Tony Park's previous novels many years ago and have enjoyed them but I didn't realise that 'The Empty Coast' features Sonja Kurtz who was also in 'The Delta', which coincidently was the last one I read.
Sonja has retired from being a mercenary but she can't help herself avenging the death of her lover Sam Chapman, a wildlife movie maker. After carrying out this assassination in Vietnam she has arranged to visit her daughter in Africa. Emma is an archaeology student, who is helping on a dig on the edge of Namibia's Etosha National Park but a miss sent txt to Sonja from Emma has her rushing to the dig site. But Emma is not there.
I didn't really enjoy this book as much as I thought I would, maybe my reading tastes have changed in the years since I last read 'The Delta'. I found I had a difficult time trying to follow all the different characters and their involvement. While it did become clear, it was about half way into the book before all the characters fell into place for me and all different nationalities involved as well.
There where a number of car chases and gun fights over extreme terrain and one exciting scene involving a helicopter, I must admit that I could picture these as they unfolded but for me I think it was all a bit much. What I did appreciate was the work that was being done to stop poaching and the tracking of animals in their natural habitat in an non intrusive way.
While I did read the book till the end (I'm one that will abandon a book if I'm not enjoying it), I do think I have out grown these books but that is no way a reflection of Tony Park's writing. It comes across in his books that he is very passionate about Africa and it's wildlife.
Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for a copy to read and review.
Sonja has retired from being a mercenary but she can't help herself avenging the death of her lover Sam Chapman, a wildlife movie maker. After carrying out this assassination in Vietnam she has arranged to visit her daughter in Africa. Emma is an archaeology student, who is helping on a dig on the edge of Namibia's Etosha National Park but a miss sent txt to Sonja from Emma has her rushing to the dig site. But Emma is not there.
I didn't really enjoy this book as much as I thought I would, maybe my reading tastes have changed in the years since I last read 'The Delta'. I found I had a difficult time trying to follow all the different characters and their involvement. While it did become clear, it was about half way into the book before all the characters fell into place for me and all different nationalities involved as well.
There where a number of car chases and gun fights over extreme terrain and one exciting scene involving a helicopter, I must admit that I could picture these as they unfolded but for me I think it was all a bit much. What I did appreciate was the work that was being done to stop poaching and the tracking of animals in their natural habitat in an non intrusive way.
While I did read the book till the end (I'm one that will abandon a book if I'm not enjoying it), I do think I have out grown these books but that is no way a reflection of Tony Park's writing. It comes across in his books that he is very passionate about Africa and it's wildlife.
Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for a copy to read and review.
March 2, 2016
An Empty Coast by Tony Park is my first taste of the author's work, and I admit that I didn't know what to expect when I started reading it. Was it something along the lines of a Wilbur Smith novel? Maybe some Clive Cussler influence? I honestly had no idea what waited. It's probably also a good thing that I didn't read any reviews beforehand, because it would have spoiled the fun, but I wanted to go into this one blind. I mean, it's the type of book I sometimes crave, you know?
Once I started reading An Empty Coast, I couldn't stop. From the first page, all the way to the end, I was enthralled by the story. We have strong, intelligent female characters who compliment their male counterparts, instead of fading into the background. We have the beautiful Namibian scenery, which is not often described as lusciously as Park's descriptions. We have an epic adventure with enough action to give adrenaline junkies a good fix. Then there's also the mystery that keeps you guessing what'll happen next. All in all, it's a gripping novel that'll get your blood pumping and your heart racing!
An Empty Coast is incredibly enjoyable, and will appeal to a wide audience.
What I did hear, after reading the book, is that although An Empty Coast is a standalone novel, its characters do appear in Park's previous works. Keep that in mind when you've finished the book. *winks*
Review originally posted on:
Once I started reading An Empty Coast, I couldn't stop. From the first page, all the way to the end, I was enthralled by the story. We have strong, intelligent female characters who compliment their male counterparts, instead of fading into the background. We have the beautiful Namibian scenery, which is not often described as lusciously as Park's descriptions. We have an epic adventure with enough action to give adrenaline junkies a good fix. Then there's also the mystery that keeps you guessing what'll happen next. All in all, it's a gripping novel that'll get your blood pumping and your heart racing!
An Empty Coast is incredibly enjoyable, and will appeal to a wide audience.
What I did hear, after reading the book, is that although An Empty Coast is a standalone novel, its characters do appear in Park's previous works. Keep that in mind when you've finished the book. *winks*
Review originally posted on:
March 28, 2018
Couldn't finish it... at about 50% I just gave up because I was unable to care for any of the characters anymore which meant there was no point trying to push through it. The main character is a hitwoman who is either drunk, whining, or killing people. Or all three at the same time. Two stars for bringing up the important issue of saving rhinos.
November 19, 2015
Satisfied
Tony Park's novels are always page turners. This is no different. Worth the read. Not his best but not his worst.
Tony Park's novels are always page turners. This is no different. Worth the read. Not his best but not his worst.
Read
January 3, 2021A light read very much in the pattern of a clssic Wilbur Smith. Africa set adventure (South Afraic briefly and Namibia) with the tried and test boy meets girl under threat and romance ensues, with a twist that it's Sonja, the flawed ex-mercenary and her archeologist-in-training daughter, Emma that are the heros saving the men, repeatedly.
The story has some interesting twists in the tale that develop, with betrayal and self interest taking centre stage.
If you aren't seeking a deep book, like strong female leads (stong drinking and talking in this case) and are willing to overlook some of the awkwardness in the use of German and Afrikaans in the book, you should enjoy this romp through the desert and darker consequences of the SA occupation of Namibia and the ongoing slaughter of rhinos and lions in Africa.
The story has some interesting twists in the tale that develop, with betrayal and self interest taking centre stage.
If you aren't seeking a deep book, like strong female leads (stong drinking and talking in this case) and are willing to overlook some of the awkwardness in the use of German and Afrikaans in the book, you should enjoy this romp through the desert and darker consequences of the SA occupation of Namibia and the ongoing slaughter of rhinos and lions in Africa.
April 30, 2023
Enjoyable read. Sort of reminded me of a Wilba Smith book based in Africa.
The story starts in Vietnam when Sonja takes care of a crime lord before moving off to Africa to find her daughter (Emma), who is working on a dig with her university professor looking for possible bodies from the war.
There are major problems with ivory (elephant and rhino tusks), been sold to the Asian market. This story will take you to the heart of one of the groups trying to move the stolen ivory out of Africa and surrounding countries.
The story starts in Vietnam when Sonja takes care of a crime lord before moving off to Africa to find her daughter (Emma), who is working on a dig with her university professor looking for possible bodies from the war.
There are major problems with ivory (elephant and rhino tusks), been sold to the Asian market. This story will take you to the heart of one of the groups trying to move the stolen ivory out of Africa and surrounding countries.
March 20, 2023
So much for me to love in this book, having travelled through Namibia and many of the places depicted in the novel. The history of the Herero genocide and Angolan War and attempts to dam the Okavango all resonate. BUT the plot was just a bit too over-the-top; too many of the characters had been on that plane; too many dramatic moments calling for movie adaptation. I will read more of this author but a little less would be a lot more.
June 14, 2021
Another stellar Sonja Kurtz book, #2 in the series. Wow, nonstop action set in Namibia with links to other countries regarding the illicit rhino horn trade. As we can’t travel internationally safely currently I am getting my fix by diving into Tony Park’s books. Currently have 7 books lined up to devour.
January 19, 2022
Another fantastic Hudson Brand and Sonja K novel!!! Fast paced you'll read it in an afternoon the plot is addicting. Great read great story. Great author.
Transports me to warm sunny Africa where the sun shines and lions roar!
Transports me to warm sunny Africa where the sun shines and lions roar!
November 29, 2023
Loved Namibia when we visited in 1986 - it was still SWA so decided to read this book. In the style of Wilbur Smith but somehow without his pace so at times felt the story stalling.
An easy read but it won’t find a permanent place on my bookshelf
An easy read but it won’t find a permanent place on my bookshelf
September 26, 2021
Something different for me (although I have read some of his books a couple of years ago). Thoroughly enjoyed this book of Tony Parks with lots of adventure, mystery and crime.
Read
October 21, 2021Great read
January 16, 2024
Loved the reference to real places…I’ve been to many! Great suspense over continent s.really a good reading
September 16, 2024
Another terrific story by Park. I now see him as on of my favourite writers
Read
May 22, 2025Excellent. Tony Park at his best
May 24, 2025
Good story but some truly awful accents from the narrator. IF I continue this series, I will opt for print editions.
April 2, 2016
Greed, corruption and illicit trafficking combine to give you a read that is full of action, terror and the wild beauty of the African wilderness, in this case, the dry and isolated plains of Namibia and its Skeleton Coast.
Born in South-West Africa (now Namibia), Sonja Kurtz, a former soldier and now supposedly retired mercenary, finds herself having to make the uncomfortable decision of returning to her homeland after she receives a cryptic message from her daughter Emma who is currently there on an archaeological dig. Much to her dismay, shortly after her arrival, she discovers that Emma, the only thing worth living for in her life, is missing.
Unbeknownst to Sonja, her search for Emma is going to tie up with her time in Vietnam and drag her into a decades old unsolved disappearance and murder at the heart of a depraved scheme, resulting in an explosive situation in which she will find both her and Emma’s lives on the line.
Whenever I read a book set on the Continent in which my homeland resides, it elicits all sorts of emotions within me which are difficult to express to someone who hasn’t lived there. However troubled the Continent of Africa may be, there is still a strong connection between Africa and her children and this comes through fantastically in Tony Park’s writing - so much so that it’s hard to believe he wasn’t born and bred there, considering the vast knowledge he imparts to the reader through his vivid evocations of not only the countryside, its wildlife and its people, but the politics, local language, slang and customs, which are all so familiar to me.
The foundation for this novel revolves around the illegal trafficking of Rhino Horn, specifically in South Africa and its bordering countries, of which Namibia is one. An ongoing issue for many years, and one which continues to grow on a daily basis despite the efforts of both local and multi-national organisations to enforce the reduction of these illegal activities, Tony tackles the subject head on using his characters to convey the immorality and ecological drawbacks sustained by this unnecessary massacring of Africa’s wildlife, never neglecting his characters as they fight against time and circumstance.
The beauty of Africa’s wilderness, whilst at times harsh and unforgiving, is still inspiring and Tony entices his reader to connect with his realistic characters as his sub-plots all merge cohesively, giving the reader a gritty sense of realism in this complex tale of greed, corruption, deceit, power and murder told in a succinctly South African voice.
As an aside, after doing a bit of my own research I discovered that this is not the first of Tony Park’s books to feature the indomitable character of Sonja Kurtz so, if you’re one of those readers who likes to know their characters inside out, please do yourself a favour and read The Delta. Although Tony does give the reader a good feel for Sonja in the amount of back-story that he shares in this one, I felt like I wanted to know that little bit more about her.
That being said, this is thrilling action adventure from the word go as Sonja and Emma try to distinguish the good from the bad in a fight for their lives.
Born in South-West Africa (now Namibia), Sonja Kurtz, a former soldier and now supposedly retired mercenary, finds herself having to make the uncomfortable decision of returning to her homeland after she receives a cryptic message from her daughter Emma who is currently there on an archaeological dig. Much to her dismay, shortly after her arrival, she discovers that Emma, the only thing worth living for in her life, is missing.
Unbeknownst to Sonja, her search for Emma is going to tie up with her time in Vietnam and drag her into a decades old unsolved disappearance and murder at the heart of a depraved scheme, resulting in an explosive situation in which she will find both her and Emma’s lives on the line.
Whenever I read a book set on the Continent in which my homeland resides, it elicits all sorts of emotions within me which are difficult to express to someone who hasn’t lived there. However troubled the Continent of Africa may be, there is still a strong connection between Africa and her children and this comes through fantastically in Tony Park’s writing - so much so that it’s hard to believe he wasn’t born and bred there, considering the vast knowledge he imparts to the reader through his vivid evocations of not only the countryside, its wildlife and its people, but the politics, local language, slang and customs, which are all so familiar to me.
The foundation for this novel revolves around the illegal trafficking of Rhino Horn, specifically in South Africa and its bordering countries, of which Namibia is one. An ongoing issue for many years, and one which continues to grow on a daily basis despite the efforts of both local and multi-national organisations to enforce the reduction of these illegal activities, Tony tackles the subject head on using his characters to convey the immorality and ecological drawbacks sustained by this unnecessary massacring of Africa’s wildlife, never neglecting his characters as they fight against time and circumstance.
The beauty of Africa’s wilderness, whilst at times harsh and unforgiving, is still inspiring and Tony entices his reader to connect with his realistic characters as his sub-plots all merge cohesively, giving the reader a gritty sense of realism in this complex tale of greed, corruption, deceit, power and murder told in a succinctly South African voice.
As an aside, after doing a bit of my own research I discovered that this is not the first of Tony Park’s books to feature the indomitable character of Sonja Kurtz so, if you’re one of those readers who likes to know their characters inside out, please do yourself a favour and read The Delta. Although Tony does give the reader a good feel for Sonja in the amount of back-story that he shares in this one, I felt like I wanted to know that little bit more about her.
That being said, this is thrilling action adventure from the word go as Sonja and Emma try to distinguish the good from the bad in a fight for their lives.
January 24, 2016
So when’s the movie coming out? Lara Croft meets Indiana Jones in Mission Impossible!! Filled with fast moving action and dramatic explosive events I can just see it on the big screen.
The setting is obviously magnificent - South Africa and Namibia areas - locations with great and contrasting scenery and wild life are brought to live as you read. There is also the conflict between Safaris, of seeing wild life in their natural habitat and preventing the extinction of the wild life with poaching for tusks and horns and the illegal killing of the animals. The inclusion of the story of the desert lioness at the start of each of the three parts, adds to this atmosphere but also to the perspective of their fight for survival.
The story is incredible and I could just visualise the unfolding of events with explosive action, vividly portrayed characters who displayed an amazing amount of energy and fortitude to undertake all the adventures that the story throws at the them. Sonja is an ex-mercenary who is looking to coming terms with the death of her partner Sam Chapman by pursuing who she believes is responsible - the people involved in Rhino horn smuggling. Her daughter, Emma, is innocently pursuing her studies as an archeologist but becomes involved in the search for a plane that had gone missing 30 years previously when she finds, at the dig near Namibia’s Etosha National Park, the body of a man associated with the missing plane. Emma texts her mother for help but when Sonja tries to catch up with Emma, she and her archeology team are missing. Sonja ends up joining with 3 other men in the pursuit of her daughter, the missing plane and the source of a lot of Rhino horns. The plot thickens and there is violence and a bit of romance thrown in as well.
This is the first novel of Tony Park’s I have read and I was very impressed. Hopefully the final copy that comes out with include some maps of the areas in the novel as well as a glossary of terms - the lack of these didn’t detract from the story but it could be of some assistance.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher Pan Macmillan Australia for providing me with an ebook copy to read and review.
The setting is obviously magnificent - South Africa and Namibia areas - locations with great and contrasting scenery and wild life are brought to live as you read. There is also the conflict between Safaris, of seeing wild life in their natural habitat and preventing the extinction of the wild life with poaching for tusks and horns and the illegal killing of the animals. The inclusion of the story of the desert lioness at the start of each of the three parts, adds to this atmosphere but also to the perspective of their fight for survival.
The story is incredible and I could just visualise the unfolding of events with explosive action, vividly portrayed characters who displayed an amazing amount of energy and fortitude to undertake all the adventures that the story throws at the them. Sonja is an ex-mercenary who is looking to coming terms with the death of her partner Sam Chapman by pursuing who she believes is responsible - the people involved in Rhino horn smuggling. Her daughter, Emma, is innocently pursuing her studies as an archeologist but becomes involved in the search for a plane that had gone missing 30 years previously when she finds, at the dig near Namibia’s Etosha National Park, the body of a man associated with the missing plane. Emma texts her mother for help but when Sonja tries to catch up with Emma, she and her archeology team are missing. Sonja ends up joining with 3 other men in the pursuit of her daughter, the missing plane and the source of a lot of Rhino horns. The plot thickens and there is violence and a bit of romance thrown in as well.
This is the first novel of Tony Park’s I have read and I was very impressed. Hopefully the final copy that comes out with include some maps of the areas in the novel as well as a glossary of terms - the lack of these didn’t detract from the story but it could be of some assistance.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher Pan Macmillan Australia for providing me with an ebook copy to read and review.
March 9, 2017
It's always refreshing to have a pump of adrenaline while watching action packed movies. To deliver same efficacy in words is not everyone's cup of tea. Tony Park is one writer who is blessed with the capability. The empty coast is an action packed thriller edge-of-the-seat thriller.
The plot takes off when Sonja Kurtz, a former soldier, sets out on a vindictive mission to avenge the murder of her boy friend. The inception of the book is marked with action providing the readers with a supposition of what lays ahead. A parallel plot runs through the initial one when Sonja's daughter Emma, an archaeological student on a dig at the end of Namibia's Etosha National Park discovers a body dating back to country's liberation war of the 1980s. Recognizing the body as that of Hudson Brand, Emma with his team sets out in search of the aircraft wherein Hudson Brand was aboard. The twist in the tale is encountered when Hudson Brand is very much alive and decides to help the deceased's father Mathew Allchurch find his son. Further as the plot develops, several skeletons of the past are revealed. Thenceforth unveils an unputdownable series of events.
The story is fast paced with several action packed scenes. The action sequences are depicted in such a way that the readers get the feel of watching a movie. Detailed effort invested in portraying every action and minor idiosyncrasies of the characters is visible. The character of Sonja is unconventional yet convincing. Every character holds own identity. The back up of history reinforced the mettle of the otherwise fictitious story.
The book is an out and out boys' book with a female protagonist. Nevertheless some of the preset formulas for the thrillers like squeezing in an erotic angle could have been avoided. The relation between Sebastian and Emma stood out like a sore thumb. The unreasonably long climax too served as a drawback. But these are all minor flaws that I would like to overlook since this is one of the few thrillers that excited me recently
This review is in Return of a free book from the publisher
February 20, 2017
I have to say that I thoroughly loved this book.
The story is set in South Africa and beautiful Namibia largely and brings up it's murky past- South West Africa's war for independence coupled with the fighting in Angola involving the Russians and Cubans. Rhino poaching is a hot topic with rhino numbers being pushed aggressively towards extinction and this too is sewn into the story amidst the historical conflict that they reflect on.
I admired the main character Sonja Kurtz, she is really kick-ass and ballsy and although she is a fictional character, I as the reader, got great satisfaction hearing how she takes out the enemy and was just so empowered!
Sonja's story parallels with another character's named Allchurch. Sonja is searching for her daughter Emma, who is on an archaeological dig and is needing her mum's input and Allchurch is searching for his son Gareth, who disappeared 30 years earlier when flying a Dakota under an Apartheid Regime. The plane disappeared and Allchurch wants to find out what has happened to his son.
If you have visited Namibia, Tony Park takes you through a wonderful readers tour of the country. The author is an Australian but he had everything in the book spot on : the way people speak and dress, he describes the contrasts of Namibia beautifully and really spins a unique story around an actual war.
A solid historical-inspired and adventure lovers novel!
The story is set in South Africa and beautiful Namibia largely and brings up it's murky past- South West Africa's war for independence coupled with the fighting in Angola involving the Russians and Cubans. Rhino poaching is a hot topic with rhino numbers being pushed aggressively towards extinction and this too is sewn into the story amidst the historical conflict that they reflect on.
I admired the main character Sonja Kurtz, she is really kick-ass and ballsy and although she is a fictional character, I as the reader, got great satisfaction hearing how she takes out the enemy and was just so empowered!
Sonja's story parallels with another character's named Allchurch. Sonja is searching for her daughter Emma, who is on an archaeological dig and is needing her mum's input and Allchurch is searching for his son Gareth, who disappeared 30 years earlier when flying a Dakota under an Apartheid Regime. The plane disappeared and Allchurch wants to find out what has happened to his son.
If you have visited Namibia, Tony Park takes you through a wonderful readers tour of the country. The author is an Australian but he had everything in the book spot on : the way people speak and dress, he describes the contrasts of Namibia beautifully and really spins a unique story around an actual war.
A solid historical-inspired and adventure lovers novel!
March 17, 2019
I'm reading this series backwards, which is probably a bit silly but oh well.
An Empty Coast is the second Tony Park adventure featuring heroine Sonja Kurtz, an ageing mercenary with a bitter view of the world. In this adventure she's trying to make her way to her daughter, a student archaeologist on a dig in Namibia that uncovers the body of a dead pilot. What unfolds is an action-packed hunt for a missing cargo plane that a number of parties (some unsavoury) want to find.
This is standard Park fair, if you like his work then you'll like this novel. The story is fun and well paced with a good balance of action and connecting scenes. As always he paints a beautiful picture of the African landscape, though in his others I've read so far the majority has been set in South Africa so this was a nice change. He also adds some emotional depth to his characters and creates interesting relationships between them.
I've noticed that Park's books all seem to follow a similar structure, which makes them somewhat predictable after reading a few. I saw most (but not all) of the twists coming. Also some of the romantic subplots felt a little forced.
Once again an enjoyable read. It's not high literature but if you're looking for an exciting read in a great setting then I recommend giving An Empty Coast a go.
An Empty Coast is the second Tony Park adventure featuring heroine Sonja Kurtz, an ageing mercenary with a bitter view of the world. In this adventure she's trying to make her way to her daughter, a student archaeologist on a dig in Namibia that uncovers the body of a dead pilot. What unfolds is an action-packed hunt for a missing cargo plane that a number of parties (some unsavoury) want to find.
This is standard Park fair, if you like his work then you'll like this novel. The story is fun and well paced with a good balance of action and connecting scenes. As always he paints a beautiful picture of the African landscape, though in his others I've read so far the majority has been set in South Africa so this was a nice change. He also adds some emotional depth to his characters and creates interesting relationships between them.
I've noticed that Park's books all seem to follow a similar structure, which makes them somewhat predictable after reading a few. I saw most (but not all) of the twists coming. Also some of the romantic subplots felt a little forced.
Once again an enjoyable read. It's not high literature but if you're looking for an exciting read in a great setting then I recommend giving An Empty Coast a go.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 1, 2016
Great to see Sonja Kurtz' character back in Tony Park's latest novel. I enjoyed the way the story developed as it moved from Asia to Southern Africa and I felt it was a sound strategy to mix in conservation, specifically rhino poaching, but specially extending to the endangered animals of Namibia. It's hard to believe how endangered some are until you read the facts.
This is a very readable book; it's action packed and it holds your attention from page 1 to the final page and clearly reinforces the author's reputation as an exceptional writer who goes to great lengths while describing the country and everything the reader would experience if they were standing next to the characters.
Coincidentally I was concurrently reading a non-fiction book on South Africa's Recce Forces participation in the war fighting in Angola and the then South West Africa of the 1970s to 1990s, so in addition to finding the storyline realistic, I could also relate to the background because it was factual.
I can't wait for his next novel.
This is a very readable book; it's action packed and it holds your attention from page 1 to the final page and clearly reinforces the author's reputation as an exceptional writer who goes to great lengths while describing the country and everything the reader would experience if they were standing next to the characters.
Coincidentally I was concurrently reading a non-fiction book on South Africa's Recce Forces participation in the war fighting in Angola and the then South West Africa of the 1970s to 1990s, so in addition to finding the storyline realistic, I could also relate to the background because it was factual.
I can't wait for his next novel.
November 17, 2024
Sonja Kurtz, by any other name would be a mercenary for hire, receives an alarming text message from her daughter who is on on archeological dig in Namibia. The problem is that the message was cut off before it was complete and was a totally harmless request for some information. Sonja sets off on a race to reach her daughter. But where ever Sonja goes trouble it not far behind. Emma, meanwhile, finds herself in the middle of a 30 year old mystery after finding a body in her dig. She soon realizes that people are still interest in the body and where he came from and are will to kill.
This is set in Namibia where Sonja was born, but later exiled from and no longer welcome. She has to do everything without drawing attention from the police. It's an adventure thriller with lots of interested parties being drawn to a climactic end in a very isolated part of the country. The motivation is money and it all links back to a missing plane that disappeared at the end of the war between South Africa and Angola.
An enjoyable read.
This is set in Namibia where Sonja was born, but later exiled from and no longer welcome. She has to do everything without drawing attention from the police. It's an adventure thriller with lots of interested parties being drawn to a climactic end in a very isolated part of the country. The motivation is money and it all links back to a missing plane that disappeared at the end of the war between South Africa and Angola.
An enjoyable read.
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